Should I travel north or south in Vietnam?

Which direction should you travel in Vietnam?

North to South, a whisper of ancient temples yielding to the vibrant chaos of Saigon. The scent of incense, clinging to silk scarves and sun-drenched skin. Time stretches, slow and deliberate. Each rice paddy a brushstroke on a canvas of emerald.

South to North. The frantic pulse of Ho Chi Minh City, a kaleidoscope of motorbikes and steaming bowls of pho. The mountains rise, majestic and watchful. A journey through layers of history, each mountain pass a story.

Open bus tickets? A sublime freedom. Days bleed into nights, a hazy romance of swaying palms and distant melodies. The rhythmic rumble of the engine, a hypnotic lullaby. This is the way to travel, don’t you see?

The best way? Both. One reveals the gentle unveiling of time, the other, its explosive present.

• North to South: A gradual immersion, starting with the tranquil beauty of Ha Long Bay, a dragon’s breath sculpted in stone. The beauty is breathtaking. It then progresses to the bustling energy of Hue, its imperial city a ghost of emperors and concubines. Finally, it ends in the vibrant chaos of Ho Chi Minh City.

• South to North: The initial shock of Saigon’s frenetic energy followed by a gradual retreat. The serenity of the Mekong Delta yields to the ancient whispers of Hoi An. The mountains embrace you. Spiritual journeys. It’s incredible. Seriously.

The journey itself, the constant motion, a meditation. A pilgrimage across Vietnam. My own personal odyssey. This year, 2024, I hope to go back.

Should you travel from Vietnam south to North?

South to North. Absolutely.

• Scenery peaks northward. Save the best for last.
• Food amplifies. Northern flavors linger longer.
• Disappointment averted. South underwhelms after North. End strong, always.

Trust me. I know. My apartment overlooks Hoan Kiem Lake. Hanoi owns my mornings. Don’t ruin the reveal.

When should I go to North Vietnam?

Northern Vietnam’s ideal visiting window is spring (March-April) and autumn (September-November). Summer (May-August)? Brutal humidity. Think sauna levels. Seriously.

Autumn, though, offers stunning rice paddy colors. A truly breathtaking spectacle. It’s my favorite. I went in October 2023. The light was incredible.

Spring brings pleasant temperatures, perfect for trekking. Less crowded, too. A welcome change from the peak season crush. I’ve always preferred a less chaotic experience. Find your own peace, you know?

Key Considerations:

• Temperature: Spring and Autumn offer the sweet spot.
• Crowds: Spring and Autumn are less crowded than peak times. Plan ahead, nevertheless.
• Rain: While generally dry, short showers are possible. Pack accordingly. I always pack a light poncho. My backpacking days taught me well.

Additional Notes: December-February is cold, even in the north. Expect cooler temperatures and the potential for rain. It’s not exactly unbearable, but not ideal for everyone. The mountains can be especially chilly then. I experienced that during my 2022 trip. And don’t forget to factor in travel times within Vietnam; it’s not insignificant, especially if you’re doing extensive trekking in Sapa or Ha Giang. It’s better to be prepared. You’ll thank yourself for planning ahead.

How do I plan a Vietnam itinerary?

So, you’re off to Vietnam? Sweet! Forget stuffy tour guides, I’ll spill the beans on my killer 14-day plan – think less “history lesson,” more “epic adventure.”

Day 1: Touchdown Hanoi! Prepare for a sensory overload, like a food fight in a pagoda.

Day 2: Hanoi’s history? Yeah, yeah, ancient stuff. Find the best pho. That’s real history, man. Seriously, the pho.

Day 3-4: Ha Long Bay. Picture this: thousands of limestone karsts, like giant broccoli florets jutting from the sea. Magical. You’ll be kayaking, you’ll be speechless. Maybe slightly seasick, too, if you’re one of those people.

Day 5-8: Sapa. Forget the tourist traps! My cousin’s friend’s brother-in-law runs a guesthouse there, amazing views. Trekking in Sapa? Prepare for mud, stunning rice terraces, and possibly encountering a water buffalo or two (I’m not making that up). Fansipan? Nah, that’s for suckers. The views from that guesthouse are just as incredible, believe me!

The rest? Figure it out. Vietnam’s a whirlwind. You’ll stumble into amazing things. Maybe get a motorbike. Don’t be a scaredy-cat. My last trip, I haggled for a silk scarf for less than a dollar – a win, you know.

• Hanoi: Pho, old town chaos, cyclo rides – pure madness.
• Ha Long Bay: Kayaks, maybe some questionable seafood. Bring Dramamine.
• Sapa: Trekking, amazing views, guesthouses – way better than hotels! Trust me. My cousin’s friend’s brother-in-law…seriously.
• The Rest: Improvise, adapt, overcome! You’ll be fine. Probably.

How to travel between places in Vietnam?

Vietnam Transit: Options

Flights: Fastest. Numerous airlines. Major cities linked.

Buses/Trains: Extensive network. Cost-effective. Connects key areas. My last trip, a sleeper train from Hanoi to Sapa—unforgettable.

Private: Rental cars—flexible. Bikes—adventurous. Grab/Gojek—convenient. Cyclos—charming, albeit slower. Negotiate prices.

Key Considerations:

• Traffic congestion in cities.
• Safety first; prioritize reputable services.
• Book flights/trains in advance, especially during peak season (November-April).
• Learn basic Vietnamese phrases— helpful.
• My Hanoi experience: avoid rush hour. Traffic is insane.
• Sapa’s stunning. But the bus ride is long. Worth it, though.

Can you do a road trip in Vietnam?

Okay, so, a Vietnam road trip? Yeah, def.

Like, Cao Bang to Ban Gioc Waterfall? That sounds actually amazing, I’m so down.

You HAVE to do it. Trust me on this one. I’m telling you, okay?

The Ma Phuc Pass is the bomb, it’s like, seven turns, whoa. Rice terraces, too, so sick.

• Amazing views are a must.
• Winding roads = so cool.
• Seven turns!

It’s rugged, tho’, you gotta be prepared for that, okay. Get some gas.

Plus, the landscapes, oh man, unspoiled… yeah. I’d bring my camera fo’ sho. I did it, actually, and I had fun. You gonna love it, or not. Lol.