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4 weeks in Vietnam

  • Writer: Ruth Carlisle
    Ruth Carlisle
  • Dec 4, 2025
  • 4 min read

In May 2023, we packed our backpacks and set off on a four-week adventure through Vietnam—an unforgettable journey that took us from the misty mountains of Sapa in the far North all the way down to the buzzing streets of Ho Chi Minh City in the South. Over the course of a month, we experienced a country overflowing with contrasts: peaceful rice terraces and chaotic city traffic, lantern-lit ancient towns and modern skylines, quiet cafes and lively markets. Each region offered something completely unique, and together they created one of the most memorable trips we’ve ever taken.


THE ITINERARY:

WEEK 1

  • Hanoi - a beautiful city with a historic Old Quarter which will make you test your reflexes when crossing a road. We explored:

    • The old quarter

    • Train Street

    • St Joseph's cathedral

    • Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum (make sure to bring trousers or a long skirt!)

    • Haon Kiem Lake

    • West Lake

    • Tran Quoc Pagoda

    • Went to water puppet show

    • Saw the street murals

    • Favourite eats: Bun Bo Hue, Met Vietnamese Restaurant, tried an egg coffee on train street, the Note Coffee, Bahn Mi 25,

    • Where we stayed: 'Hanoi Charming House'

  • Sapa - although we didn't get the best weather we enjoyed walking round this colourful town and seeing the rice terraces from a distance (there was no point trekking as it was so wet!). We also got the cable car to the top of Mt Fansipan which took us above the clouds! Its a little pricey for Vietnam so ensure you are getting good weather before you go.

    • Where we stayed: 'Go Sapa Hostel'

  • Halong Bay - one of the 7 nature wonders of the world. We went on a 3 day 2 night cruise which I would totally recommend if you are deciding to go on a cruise as on day 2 you get away from the tourists! All the cruises stop at the famous similar spots and includes kayaking. What I would say is be prepared for a LOT of people and got an unfortunate amount of plastic in the water which does really take away from the beauty of Halong bay.

    • We booked with: 'Victory Star Cruise' - see all details of the trip here


WEEK 2

  • Tam Coc - we loved our time here, a really lovely town where we explored:

    • Tam Coc boat ride

    • Cycled through the rice fields

    • Visited the Mua Caves (where we saw an epic view point)

    • Visited the bird sanctuary and Bich Dong Pagoda

    • Thung Nham

    • Cycled to Trang An, Nihn Bihn

    • Where we stayed: 'Tam Coc Paradise Homestay'

  • Hue - we got a night train to spend a day in this historic city which has the imperial citadel. It was really interesting to walk round but it was 38C so we probably didn't take in as much as we should have. We also enjoyed seeing the bridge lit up at night and walking round the walking streets (Pho Di Bo) at night.

    • Favourite eats: Nook Eatery, Cong coffee

    • Where we stayed: 'Kha Hostel'

  • Hai Van Pass - a beautiful scenic coastal drive between Hue and Da Nang which warrants a day to do! You can do it by car, motorbike, train or jeep. We rented a scooter (in which Aaron drove and I rode on the back!)

  • Da Nang - a built up city with lots of cool bridges (Danang Bridge and Love Bridge were our favourites), street murals (Danang Fresco Village) and an amazing My Khe beach!

    • Favourite eats: Khong Vegan Kitchen

    • Where we stayed: 'Palazzo Da Nang Beach Hotel'


WEEK 3

  • Hoi An - Honestly my favourite place in Vietnam, it is so pretty with lanterns and yellow buildings. You don't need a whole week here, but we were taking this half of the trip a bit slower - particularly as we were halfway into out 6 months of travel. We explored:

    • The old quarter where there were traditional temples and communal houses as well

    • Went shopping at amazing leather and tailor shops which we got tailor made outfits and accessories.

    • Took a lantern boat cruise

    • Visited the coconut village and got a boat ride there!

    • Spent an afternoon at An Bang beach.

  • Favourite eats: The Bahn Mi Queen, Street food market (we loved the stuffed rice paper and coconut cake), Veggie Cau Lao, Bahn Mi Phuong, coconut ice cream (served in an actual coconut!)

  • Where we stayed: Hoianation Villas Hotel - our hotel was 2km outside the old quarter so we cycled everywhere everyday which was a really easy way of getting around!


WEEK 4

  • Phu Quoc Island - I managed to get one good photo on our first day but all I'll say - is check the weather before you go! We didn't manage to explore much of the island due to storms but we were based near Duong Dong where we loved the food at the night market each night!

    • Favourite eats: Phu Quoc Night Market, Hi Coffee Phu Quoc (we tried the salt coffee!)

    • Where we stayed: 'Miana Resort Phu Quoc'

  • Ho Chi Minh City - A big city where we visited:

    • The famous Post office

    • Book Street

    • Ben Thanh markets

    • Bui vien walking street

    • Tau dan park

    • Apartment cafes (we went to Meraki Cafe)

    • The pink church

    • The war Remnant's museum

    • Ben Nghe Street food markets

    • Tao Dan Park

    • Did a half day trip to the cu chi tunnels!

    • Favourite Eats: Food markets mentioned about, Tous Les Jours, Hakkaido Baked Cheese Tarts

    • Where we stayed: 'INDO serviced apartments'


Happy Travelling!

Ruth xxx

 
 
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