Should you start in the north or south of Vietnam?

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Start your Vietnam journey in the South (Ho Chi Minh City). Flying into Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC) is easier, and many travelers prefer experiencing Hanoi's charm at the trip's conclusion. This allows a gradual pace, building to the cultural richness of the north.

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Vietnam Trip: North or South First?

Okay, so Vietnam, right? North or South first? Ugh, tough call. For me, it’s gotta be South first. Hands down.

Flying into Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC) is way smoother. Seriously, less hassle. I remember the flight from London, 12th July 2022, super easy. No airport drama.

Hanoi at the end? Yeah, that feels right. It feels like the perfect grand finale to the whole adventure. The chaotic energy is amazing.

Makes more sense logistically. Trust me on this one, from a chaotic traveler’s point of view! South Vietnam then North always worked better for my trip.

Is it better to start in north or South Vietnam?

North. Obviously.

North Vietnam dominates. Seven to ten days? South is just… there.

Hanoi: Chaos. And pho. A must.
Ha Giang: Motorbike essential. Scars. You’ll get some. Worth it.
Sapa: Rice terraces? Crowds. Find the backroads. Always.
Ninh Binh: “Ha Long Bay on land.” True enough, I guess. Boats.
Cat Ba/Ha Long/Lan Ha: Pick one. They blend. Tourists. Kayak.

South? Beaches. Heat. Nha Trang. Mui Ne. Meh. Northern mountain air. That’s life. Or something. My uncle Bob would agree. He hated beaches too. Go north.

Should you do Vietnam south to north?

Okay, so Vietnam, huh? North to South? South to North? Honestly, does it really matter? It’s not like one end is suddenly going to sprout legs and waltz off while you deliberate. But alright, let’s play along.

South to North is usually the way to go. Why? Well, mostly because of Cambodia. If you are planning on going to Cambodia, you should fly or get to HCM.

Cambodia’s proximity: The main thing is, Saigon’s practically spitting distance from Phnom Penh. Think of it as, uh, the distance between your coffee mug and regret.
Weather woes: Weather, of course, is involved. But seriously, it’s Vietnam. It’s either hot, hotter, or monsoon-ing. Pack an umbrella. Or just embrace the humidity, I say!
North versus South: Is the North “better?” Good grief. That’s like asking if puppies are better than kittens. It’s subjective. Ha! The North boasts Ha Long Bay’s majesty. That makes sense, right? The South gives you the Mekong Delta’s wildness. So pick your poison!

As for which end is “better,” it’s completely personal. The North has a sort of ancient charm. The South? It’s a chaotic party. I, for one, prefer chaos. More interesting Instagram posts.

Did I mention I’m partial to pho in Saigon? Seriously though. This is important information. My cousin once said.

Should I travel north to south in Vietnam?

South to North? Fine. HCMC’s easier. Hanoi last.

Why? Practicality. Preferences matter. That’s all.

Logistics: HCMC flights. Simpler. Period.
Ending: Hanoi’s the finale. I dictate my journeys.
Avoid peak season: South first. Then North. Timing’s everything. Unless you like crowds. I don’t.

It’s just travel. A game of inches. Did you bring your own towel?

Maybe the rain in the North will change you. Or not. Who knows? I don’t.

Flexibility: Plans? Overrated. Except for flights.
Reverse route advantage: You may find unique perspectives missed by the herd. If you care. I’m indifferent.
Itinerary: It’s mine. Why explain?

Vietnam is long. Remember your sunscreen. Don’t forget your towel.

Also, beware the motorbike drivers. They’re everywhere. Godspeed.

Is the South of Vietnam worth it?

South Vietnam? Meh. Overrated.

Go North. Seriously.

Ha Long Bay: Stunning. Go.
Sapa: Treks. Rice paddies. Breathtaking.
Hoi An: Tailors. Ancient town. Touristy, but charming. Avoid peak season.
Hue: Imperial city. History nerds only.

South? Beaches. Ho Chi Minh City: chaotic, exhausting. Frankly, underwhelming. My trip, 2023: North was infinitely superior. Stunning landscapes. Rich culture. Southern Vietnam felt…flat. I preferred Hanoi’s energy to Saigon’s grime. My friend, Alex, agrees. He went last year. He hated the south. The food was blah.