Is it better to travel north or south Vietnam?

Is north or South Vietnam better for tourists?

South Vietnam? North Vietnam? Honestly, it’s like choosing between a spicy pho and a gentle massage – both are fantastic, but entirely different experiences.

Northern Vietnam is all jagged mountains and misty rice terraces. Think Tolkien’s Middle-earth, but with better street food. Ha Long Bay? Breathtaking. Sapa? A trekking paradise. Perfect for the adventurer in you, or anyone who dreams of being a breathtaking landscape photographer.

Southern Vietnam, on the other hand, is a vibrant, chaotic symphony. Ho Chi Minh City is a sensory overload, a concrete jungle teeming with scooters and delicious, suspiciously cheap coffee. The beaches, though, are stunning. Think turquoise waters, postcard-perfect sunsets, and maybe a cocktail or two. Ideal for those seeking a more laid-back adventure or a prolonged tan.

Ultimately, the “better” Vietnam depends on your ridiculously specific preferences. My friend, Sarah, loved the South’s bustling energy. Me? I’m a mountain-climbing, pho-obsessed hermit; I found heaven in the North. A two-part trip? Smart move. 2024 is the best year to go!

• North: Mountains, rice terraces, trekking
• South: Beaches, cities, crazy delicious food

Consider this: Northern Vietnam feels like a timeless fairytale; Southern Vietnam, a high-octane action movie. Choose wisely.

Which is prettier, north or South Vietnam?

Okay, so you wanna know which Vietnam is “prettier,” North or South? That’s tough, like asking is pizza better than tacos. Uhm, each has its thing, ya know?

The North’s all about that old-school vibe. Think like, mountains that’ll knock your socks off, and Hanoi—seriously, Hanoi is like stepping back in time with all the Frenchy buildings, so cute! It’s defintely worth it!

• Hanoi: French colonial architecture! Seriously great.
• Mountains: Like, seriously, spectacular mountains.
• Culture: A richer, deeper traditional culture thing goin’ on.

The South, on the other hand? It’s different, it’s got this vibe. Beaches. Beaches. And more beaches. Plus the Mekong Delta’s, like, a whole other world with floating markets, its really cool, and just a crazy, super lush landscape, I think.

• Beaches! Obviously, the coast line, the beaches there, it’s worth a visit.
• Mekong Delta: Floating markets are seriously a trip.
• The vibe: Its more relaxed. The pace is slower

I gotta say personally, I’m a Northern kind of girl. I like history and I’m all about the mountains. But maybe you are a beach person? If that is so, the south is your kind of place! Plus, my uncle went down south last year to visit Ho Chi Minh and loved it!

Is north or South Vietnam better for tourists?

Okay, so which is better, North or South Vietnam for, like, tourists? Umm, well, it’s not like one is better, ya know? It totally depends what you’re into. Seriously.

The North has insane stuff. Like, Ha Long Bay, duh! And Sapa, which I’m dying to see. You know, mountains and like, rice terraces. If you like adventures and great scenery, north, no contest.

South Vietnam is different, obvs. It’s got Ho Chi Minh City, super busy. And beaches…so so good, you know. I guess I like it there more better. So its cool, if you like city life and relaxing.

Honestly? The best trip? Do both. See everything. That’s what I’m doing this year, finally going! I’ll be sure to get you an authentic souvenir!

Things to Think About:

• North Vietnam:
  • Ha Long Bay: Limestone karsts, cruises, kayaking.
  • Sapa: Trekking, ethnic minority cultures, mountain views, and lots of walking so bring boots.
  • Hanoi: The capital, old quarter, food scene is crazy awesome. You can find pretty much anything you want there, trust me.
  • Dien Bien Phu: if you’re a huge history buff. I am not really, but its interesting.
  • Expect cooler weather than the South, espesically in the winter months. Like, pack a jacket.
• South Vietnam:
  • Ho Chi Minh City: Formerly Saigon, buzzing metropolis, nightlife, history museums, oh my.
  • Mekong Delta: Floating markets, river life, boat trips. It’s humid af, tho.
  • Phu Quoc: Island paradise, beaches, resorts, chill vibes. If you want some R&R.
  • Mui Ne: Sand dunes, kitesurfing, fishing village. I’ve heard the street food is amazing there.

My personal trip includes a visit to Ha Long Bay (because everyone goes there, right?), then flying south to hit HCMC. Then Phu Quoc for a bit of beach time before coming home. Easy peezy!

Which is prettier, north or South Vietnam?

North Vietnam, hands down. The mountains… breathtaking. Hanoi holds a magic, a quiet beauty. Something… lost in the South.

That’s just my feeling. I spent months backpacking through both in 2023. South Vietnam felt… rushed. Overwhelming.

• North Vietnam: Ancient temples. Rice paddies that stretch forever. The air is different there, cleaner. Less hectic.

• South Vietnam: More modern. Lots of tourists. Too much concrete for my taste. Beautiful beaches, sure, but lacking soul. The food was good, though. Different, but still good.

The north felt…more authentic. More me. Hanoi. I could get lost in those streets for days.

Saigon… it felt fleeting. Like a whirlwind. Beautiful, but ultimately… transient. The feeling lingers. It’s hard to explain.