VIETNAM IS One country very near and dear to our hearts. We have returned + traveled multiple times to this wonderful place, so picking just one favorite is a tough, BUT WE WOULD…
TAKE MOTORBIKES ON
THE HA GIANG LOOP
Transportation:
Best way to get around-
Rent a motorbike! Bus transportation including overnight sleeper buses is also easy but we recommend the much more comfortable option of traveling via train. If you are motorbiking you can even send your bike on many trains to get you quickly overnight from one area of the country to the next saving you a week of motorbike travel!
Safety:
Money scamming is popular in Vietnam because it is easy to trick tourists into paying more if they aren't familiar with the currency. Vietnam is a cheap place to travel to for most foreign backpackers, but it is easy to end up paying more if you aren't aware of the schemes. Always count back your change so you're sure people aren't giving you less back than they owe you and just like anywhere you travel to, be aware of your surroundings and judge situations before you get too far into them. Especially with transportation, make sure you are traveling with a reliable guide before going on an excursion. Travel Insurance is a good idea if you're traveling anywhere for a long period of time. If you plan on renting a vehicle such as a motorbike (which we recommend) then Vietnamese travel insurance is necessary.
Budget:
- backpacker avg. $30
- comfortable avg. $50
- luxury avg. $100+
Language:
Vietnamese is the language spoken in Vietnam.
Hello - Xin chào [Zin Chao]
Thank you - cảm ơn [cahm oon]
Mot - one
Hai - two
Ga - Chicken
Bo - Beef
Hai pho ga - Two chicken pho’s
Mot pho bo - One beef pho
When To Visit:
South: Dry season (December-May) is best for travel but temperatures can get crazy high! Opt for the later months of the year (September-December) when it isn't too hot and the rainy season is over.
North: The best time to visit the Northern part of Vietnam is best in the warmer months (March - September). While Vietnam is beautiful to visit all times of the year, some places like Sapa can even get snow!
What To Eat:
If you’re a coffee lover, you’re in luck! Vietnamese coffee is offered almost everywhere and is the richest we’ve ever tried. Try it hot, iced or even with egg or coconut! Pho is the food you must try in Vietnam! Food is inexpensive in Vietnam so try it all!
Resources
Agoda is a great resource all over South East Asia and where we plan most of our travel. Airbnb can also be great if you’re looking for downtime in Hanoi or Saigon. Vietnam has many different accommodations to choose from depending on your budget. You'll be able to find just about anything to fit your needs!
What to Pack:
If you’re heading out on a motorbike adventure, don’t miss our “What to pack for Vietnam motorbike” video here. No SIM card necessary for Vietnam! We had better wifi connection in Vietnam than we did in most places during our North American RV tour. We recommend using a universal power adapter because it's a better bang for your buck if you plan on doing other traveling. Compression cubes are also a great option if you plan on doing a motorbike tour because they make packing in a backpack MUCH easier. Check them out at Tripped Travel Gear!
