Which direction should I travel in Vietnam?

When should I go to North Vietnam?

Dude, North Vietnam? Go in spring, March-April, or fall, September-November. Summer’s a total scorcher, May to August, way too hot and sticky, you’ll melt. Seriously, trust me on this one. I went last year, in October, amazing weather. Crisp air, sun shiney. Perfect for hiking Sapa, which btw was incredible. Seriously, breathtaking views.

• Spring: pleasant temps, fewer crowds.
• Autumn: gorgeous colours, still warm.
• Avoid summer: it’s brutal.

I spent, like, three weeks there, most of it in the north. Hanoi was cool, but Sapa was the highlight. Beautiful rice paddies, amazing food, met some awesome peeps. Though the mosquitos were awful in some areas but, eh, whatever. You should also check out Halong Bay, heard it’s stunning. Need to go back sometime. This year maybe. Maybe I’ll go in October again. It was so good. Yeah, October was definetly the best.

How to travel between North and South Vietnam?

Trains in Vietnam? Oh, you mean the scenic snails of Southeast Asia? Yes, they do connect North and South.

Think of it: a 2,600km-long metal serpent. Managed, allegedly, by Vietnam Railways. It slithers all the way! From Saigon to China. Intriguing, no?

• Trains: For those who enjoy a slow-motion postcard. Like watching paint dry, but with rice paddies.
• Speed: A brisk 40km/h. Perfect for contemplating existence, or regretting your life choices.
• Insight: You will gain insight. Mostly into the patience of the Vietnamese people.

I once rode a train in Vietnam. It was a…character-building experience. Let’s leave it at that! My aunt Agnes would have loved it. She collected thimbles. I guess this is the same type of souvenir?

When should I go to North Vietnam?

March. Spring. Oh, the whispers of spring in North Vietnam. A gentle caress, warm sun on my skin. Those days, long and languid, stretching out like silk. The rice paddies shimmering, emerald green.

Autumn too. September. Crisp air, a different kind of beauty. The scent of woodsmoke, distant mountains painted purple and gold. A quiet intensity, a reflective time. My heart remembers it, feels it still.

Avoid May to August. The heat, a thick blanket, suffocating. Sweat clings, uncomfortable. No, not the best time. The vibrant energy of spring, the serene calm of autumn – far superior.

• Spring (March-April): Ideal temperatures, lush landscapes. Think terraced rice paddies, vibrant colors. My favorite.

• Autumn (September-November): Clear skies, cooler temperatures, harvesting season. Less crowded, quieter beauty. Tranquil.

• Summer (May-August): Oppressive heat and humidity. Steer clear. Honestly, unbearable. I’d rather stay home.

This year, 2024, I’m planning my return to Sapa in October. The memory calls me. That mountain air… I breathe it deep even now, years later. The vibrant energy of the markets, the friendly faces… It’s magical.

How many days should I spend in North Vietnam?

Seven days felt rushed, you know? Too little time. Twelve felt…right. But maybe that’s just me.

Five days is crazy short. Seriously. You’ll miss so much. The food alone deserves longer. Sapa, though, was amazing. I was there in 2023.

Two weeks, though? That’s perfect, if you have it. You can go everywhere then. You have time to soak it all in. I wish I did.

• Halong Bay: A must, even for a short trip. Absolutely stunning. Go.
• Sapa: Trekking. Rice paddies. Amazing views. Spend at least 2 days.
• Ninh Binh: Boats. Temples. A lot less crowded than Halong.
• Mai Chau: More relaxed. Homestays. Beautiful countryside.

This is my opinion, and I spent 12 days in 2023. It was a blur, honestly. But a good blur. I regret nothing. Except maybe not seeing enough of Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park. That’s for next time.

How to travel from North to South Vietnam?

North to South Vietnam? Flights. Fastest. Trains. Scenic, agonizingly slow. Buses. Cheap, interminable.

Flights: Major cities, direct. Done.

Trains: Reunification Express. 2024 schedule? Check online. Breathtaking, yes. But slow.

Buses: Budget. Expect delays. My friend took one last year. Nightmare.

Pro Tip: My 2023 trip? Flight Hanoi to Da Nang, then train south. Efficient.

Other options: Domestic airlines. VietJet Air, Bamboo Airways. Check prices. Book early. Avoid peak season, especially Tet.

• Flight: Fastest, most expensive.
• Train: Scenic, but lengthy. Consider sleeper cars.
• Bus: Cheapest, but least comfortable. Often overcrowded.

My preferred route: Fly to central Vietnam, then train.

Is there a train from North to South Vietnam?

Reunification Line. North to South. Vietnam united by rail. 1976. French built it first, though.

• Hanoi to Saigon.
• Was broken.
• Now fixed. Go ride. Do it.

Rail is history. Country mended. Travel it. Feel it. I did. Never forget the smell of diesel.

• 1,726 km.
• My journey: three days.
• Eat pho, okay?

How to travel between cities in Vietnam?

Vietnam? Travelin’ there’s like herdin’ cats… by bus, naturally!

Yeah, buses. Open Tour, Open Ticket, whatever floats your boat. Think of it as a sweaty, slightly chaotic, but mostly reliable metal tube connecting Hanoi and HCMC…and everything in between! It’s a real rolling party – sometimes.

Hop on, hop off? Sure thing! Major cities only though. Don’t expect a stop in Great Aunt Mildred’s goat farm. Unless Mildred’s goat farm is now a tourist attraction.

More Vietnam Travel Hacks (because why not?):

• Motorbikes: Feeling adventurous? Rent a motorbike! Just remember, Vietnamese traffic is…spirited. Driving is less “Zen garden” and more “Mad Max: Fury Road.”
• Trains: Comfy-ish, scenic. Great for long hauls when you wanna watch rice paddies blur by for, oh, 12 hours straight.
• Planes: Short hops between major cities? Fastest, duh. Pricey? Yep. Is it worth it to avoid a bus ride with questionable restroom facilities? Absolutely.
• Flying Carpet: Still waiting for this to become a viable option. Last I checked, it’s still just in the realm of Disney movies. Sigh.
• Cyclo: For short distances, if you want to feel like royalty or are feeling really lazy. Just haggle hard! Seriously, haggle like your life depends on it.
• Boats: River trips are cool! Especially in the Mekong Delta. Watch out for the water snakes though! Okay, I’ve never seen one but better safe than sorry.
• The “Grab” App: It’s like Uber but Vietnamese. Super useful for getting around cities. Download it. Thank me later.
• Taxis: Know the rates or insist on using the meter, or risk getting taken for a ride.
• Walking: Free, and you can see so much. Just be prepared to sweat and dodge motorbikes on the sidewalk.
• Bargaining: Be prepared to bargain. It’s part of the culture.

Oh, and pro-tip: Pack wet wipes. You’ll thank me later! Especially if you take the bus. Or eat street food. Or, you know, just exist in Vietnam.

How do I plan a Vietnam itinerary?

So you wanna go to Vietnam, huh? Fourteen days? Awesome! Okay, listen up.

First, Hanoi. Land, get your bearings. See the Old Quarter, it’s a madhouse, but fun. Eat pho till you explode. Seriously, so much good pho. Day two, maybe a cyclo tour? Those are fun, even if they’re kinda touristy.

Ha Long Bay, next! Three days there is perfect. Gorgeous. Book a cruise, the junk boat ones are the best, you know, the big wooden ones. Stunning scenery, kayaking, total relaxation. Get back to Hanoi, that’s day four.

Sapa’s up next; a long bus ride, but worth it. Seriously stunning rice terraces. Day five, settle in. Day six, trek to those villages, Lao Chai and Ta Van. Hire a guide, don’t even think about going alone. It’s amazing but kinda challenging. Day seven, Fansipan! That mountain’s a beast. Prepare to sweat. Then back to Hanoi, it’s a long day eight.

Hanoi: Old Quarter, cyclo tour, pho! Ha Long Bay: Cruise (junk boat!), kayaking. Sapa: Rice terraces, trekking (guide!), Fansipan (hard!).

That’s it, really. But remember, I went in 2023, so things might have changed a little, maybe prices and stuff. You should also book flights and accommodation in advance, especially if you’re traveling during peak season, which is generally from October to April. Plus, get a visa, obviously. And pack light, seriously, you’ll regret it if you don’t. Oh, and learn a few basic Vietnamese phrases, people really appreciate it. Don’t forget travel insurance either! You’ll thank me later.

Is it easy to fly domestically in Vietnam?

Flying within Vietnam. A breeze, really. So easy. The booking? Effortless. Websites hum with options. Travel agents, a smiling face, a whispered promise of smooth travels. Directly from the airlines, too. My last trip, booked it all on my phone, sipping mango smoothie in Nha Trang. Bliss.

Online, a tapestry of choices unfolds. Websites glow, tickets beckon. Quick, efficient. Seamless. No fuss. A whisper of a click, and you’re soaring.

Vietnam’s domestic airlines—Vietjet, Vietnam Airlines— their websites are intuitive. User-friendly. A simple process. Payment? Straightforward. I use my credit card, always. No problems.

• Websites: User-friendly interfaces
• Agencies: Personalized service
• Direct booking: Control, my friend, control.

This ease, this simplicity… it’s a comfort. It feels like floating. A weightless journey, beginning long before the plane takes off. The anticipation itself, a delicious taste of freedom. The thought of soaring over rice paddies, emerald carpets stretching to the horizon… pure magic. The scent of the ocean, a familiar embrace as the plane descends.

I recall my flight last April. Da Nang to Ho Chi Minh City. Sunshine streamed through the window. Golden light. Tranquil. Peaceful. Everything flowed, effortlessly.

Convenience reigns supreme. This is not a struggle. It’s a joy. A delightful experience, start to finish. I’ll be booking my next flight soon. Can’t wait. Ha Long Bay, here I come!

Can you do a road trip in Vietnam?

Ugh, Cao Bang to Ban Gioc… that trip, wow. Did it last summer, August. Heat was insane, right?

Ma Phuc Pass, seven turns felt like seventy. My old motorbike almost gave out at every single curve.

Remember thinking, “Is this even worth it?” Sweaty, dusty, miserable. But then BAM!

Rice terraces appeared! Completely mind-blowing views. Seriously, photos don’t do justice.

That feeling, pure awe. Forgot all about the heat and the bumpy ride.

Ban Gioc Waterfall itself was epic. Bigger than I thought. Tourists everywhere, though.

Got completely drenched taking pictures. Didn’t even care, felt so alive.

I’d do it again? Maybe. But with a better bike this time. Haha.

Important things I learned:

• Take plenty of water. Seriously, underestimate the heat at your own peril.
• Check your motorbike beforehand. Or you’ll be pushing it up hills like me.
• Go early to Ban Gioc to beat the crowds and the tour buses.
• Bargain hard for accommodation. Prices fluctuate wildly.
• Learn basic Vietnamese phrases. It helps. A lot.