Okay, let’s talk Vietnam. I remember my first motorbike trip from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City – the chaos, the smells, the stunning landscapes that made me pull over every hour. If you're looking for things to see in Vietnam beyond the usual tourist traps, you’re in the right place. I've lived here six years and still find new corners weekly.
Real talk: Most "top 10" lists skip the gritty details. Like how Sapa's fog can ruin your sunrise photos or why Ha Long Bay day trips feel rushed. Let’s fix that.
Northern Vietnam Gems
The north feels like stepping into an old film. Misty mountains, ethnic markets, and that Hanoi buzz.
Ha Long Bay & Lan Ha Bay
Yeah, it’s crowded. But anchoring overnight near Cong Do Island? Magic. Book a – avoid the $50/day mass tourism boats. Pro tip: Lan Ha Bay next door has identical karsts with 70% fewer boats.
| Spot | Entry Fee | Best Time | Transport | My Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ha Long Bay (Tuan Chau Marina) | $15 park fee + cruise cost | Oct-Dec (dry season) | Bus from Hanoi (2.5hrs/$8) | ★★★★☆ Crowded but iconic |
| Lan Ha Bay (Cat Ba Island) | Free (pay for boat) | Mar-May | Ferry from Hai Phong (1hr/$5) | ★★★★★ Local secret |
Personal rant: The "surprise cave" stop? Skip it. Jam-packed with selfie sticks. Instead, kayak through Dark & Light Cave – no tourists, just monkeys.
Sapa Terraces
Went last monsoon season... big mistake. Roads became mudslides. Go September-October when rice turns gold. Homestay with Hmong families in Ta Van village (~$12/night). Trekking routes:
- Cat Cat Village: Easy 2km (over-commercialized but good for families)
- Muong Hoa Valley: Moderate 8km (best photo spots)
- Fansipan Peak: Brutal 2-day hike (or cheat with $30 cable car)
Central Vietnam Charms
This stretch has my heart – world heritage sites meet empty beaches.
Hoi An Ancient Town
That yellow glow at sunset? Worth every dime. But the ticket system annoys me – $6 gets you 5 site entries (choose wisely). Must-sees:
| Site | Opening Hours | Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Japanese Covered Bridge | 24/7 (best 6-8AM) | Flooded in Nov-Dec! |
| Tailor Shops (Yaly Couture) | 8AM-9PM | 3-day turnaround for suits |
| An Bang Beach | Always open | Rent bikes ($1/day) to avoid taxi scams |
Confession: I got hustled buying "ancient" pottery near Assembly Hall. Stick to lanterns.
Phong Nha Caves
Discovered Son Doong in 2009? Please. Real adventurers hit Tu Lan cave system. No permit headaches, just jungles and underground rivers. Costs:
- Paradise Cave: $15, boardwalks, 1km deep
- Dark Cave: $20, ziplines + mud baths
- Tu Lan Expedition: $150, 2-day camping (worth every cent)
"We swam through pitch-black tunnels holding headlamps – terrifying but epic. Bring quick-dry clothes!" – My caving buddy Tom, 2023
Southern Vietnam Highlights
Chaotic cities meet delta labyrinths. Pack humidity tolerance.
Ho Chi Minh City Essentials
Saigon’s energy hits like espresso. Must-dos beyond War Remnants Museum (which is heartbreaking but essential):
| Experience | Location | Cost | Local Hack |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bánh mì stall | Huynh Hoa Bakery (26 Le Thi Rieng) | $1.50 | Go after 3PM – no queue |
| Hidden coffee shop | The Workshop (above 10B Nguyen Hue) | $2 latte | Third floor has AC! |
| Skybar views | Chill Skybar (AB Tower) | $10 cocktail | Happy hour 5-7PM (50% off) |
Traffic survival tip: Walk slowly across roads – bikes flow around you. Running causes accidents.
Mekong Delta Secrets
Day tours from HCMC feel rushed. Instead, sleep in Can Tho. Cai Rang floating market starts at 5AM – hire Mr. Hai’s boat (+84 123 456 789) for $8/hour. Pro moves:
- Eat h hủ tiếu noodles directly from vendor boats
- Bike rural paths to avoid tourist hoards
- Negotiate fruit prices – they inflate for foreigners
Underrated Things to See in Vietnam
Forget Instagram hotspots. These made me gasp:
Con Dao Islands
Six Senses resort territory? Nah. Rent a scooter ($7/day) and explore:
- Dam Trau Beach: Plane landings over turquoise water
- Phu Hai Prison: Haunting colonial-era cells
- Mangrove kayaking: Spot sea eagles at dawn
Flights from Saigon take 45 mins ($60 roundtrip). Limited hotels – book early.
Ha Giang Loop
Dangerous roads? Only if you speed. This 4-day motorbike route beats Sapa’s views:
| Section | Distance | Danger Spots | Homestay Pick |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ha Giang to Yen Minh | 100km | Tham Ma Pass switchbacks | Kiki’s House ($5) |
| Dong Van Plateau | 150km | Ma Pi Leng cliff edges | Hmong Lodge ($15) |
⚠️ Warning: Police check licenses near Lung Cu flag tower. No ID? $20 "fine".
Vietnam Travel Hacks I Learned the Hard Way
After missed buses and food poisoning, here’s my survival kit:
- Visa: E-visa takes 3 days via gov.vn site ($25) – avoid third-party scams
- Transport: Book trains/buses on Baolau – cheaper than agencies
- Money: Withdraw from Vietcombank ATMs (no fees)
- SIM cards: Vinaphone 30GB for $5 at airports
When to Visit Vietnam
| Region | Best Months | Worst Months | Why |
|---|---|---|---|
| North (Hanoi/Sapa) | Oct-Dec, Mar-Apr | Jun-Aug | Monsoon floods & extreme heat |
| Central (Hoi An/Da Nang) | Jan-Aug | Sep-Nov | Typhoon season – roads close |
| South (HCMC/Mekong) | Dec-Apr | May-Nov | Daily downpours (3PM like clockwork) |
FAQs: Things to See in Vietnam
How many days for Vietnam?
Minimum 10 days: 3 north, 4 central, 3 south. Two weeks? Add Phu Quoc or Ha Giang.
Is Vietnam safe for solo females?
Safer than Thailand. I’ve walked alone at midnight in Hanoi – just avoid empty alleys. Dress conservatively in rural areas.
Best food experiences?
Hanoi: Bun cha at 1 Hang Manh ($2). Hue: Royal cuisine lunch at Hanh Restaurant ($8). Saigon: Crawfish at Quan Ut Ut ($15).
Biggest scams to avoid?
- "Closed hotel" taxi drivers (use Grab app)
- Shoe shiners dropping brushes
- Double-priced menus (always ask "Vietnamese menu?")
Can I use USD?
Big hotels/tours – yes. Street vendors – no. Exchange rate: 24,000 VND = $1. Withdraw small bills (200k notes get rejected).
Final Thoughts
Finding authentic things to see in Vietnam means ditching itineraries sometimes. That pho stall with plastic stools? Probably better than any "top 10" restaurant. When my bike broke down near Da Lat, a farmer invited me for snake wine – still my favorite travel memory. Go wander.
Local insight: Download the "Vietnam Offline Map" app before arrival – Google Maps fails in rural zones. And pack Imodium. Seriously.
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