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Trip Report
Discover different landscapes in Vietnam
One week exploring southern Vietnamese culture and beauty.
+ 6
Highs & Lows
Banh mi and Pho everywhere you go!
Language barrier, so learn some key phrases!
Itinerary Overview
2 weeks exploring beaches, mountain and historical towns, rice fields, sand dunes and cultural places of interest.
Vietnam has a rich culture and famous for its coffee and fresh healthy food.
It has a lot to offer at cheap prices and is a must visit. It has a variety of climates and so best to time ventures to the south from October to April and the north April to October.
I loved my trip here and would go back in a heartbeat there is so much more to explore.
I have lived and worked in Vietnam in the past, so to come back was high on the list and it didn't disappoint, the food and coffee is just as good and I explored some towns I was yet to visit.
The weather is different in the north and the south so there is always a perfect time to visit the country. Id say European autumn spring and winter suits the south, and spring and summer for the north.
Dalat Scenic views and activities.
2+Da Lat is a beautiful mountain town that has a mild temperature year round. So an ideal destination for summer.or winter trips.
There is a lot to see and we could've stayed longer!
I reccomend hiring scooters or using Grab bike (Vietnamese Uber) and explore the many surrounding waterfalls and experience the scenic windy mountain roads from the moped drives.
We visited the Crazy house (a must), designed by a Vietnamese artist who wanted to express herself through architecture, and directed the construction process of this dreamlike construct. You can also stay here, it's known as Hang Nha guesthouse.
On our third day we visited the mountain coaster (a track ride winding through the mountain) which was a cool experience. Here you can also partake in Canyoning I regret not doing this as it looks amazing (however at £80 it was out of budget).
Our 3 days were embellished with wonderful coffee,food, hospitality of the Viets, and fun nights out at 'The Maze Bar'.
Mũi Né To relax on the beach and explore the sand dunes
1+From the hustle and bustle of Ho Chi Minh City or known more locally as Saigon -, we took a 5 hour bus to the beach town of Mui Ne. Famous for its windsurfing and laid back vibe we relaxed for 3 days and visited the epic sand dunes.
You can visit both red and gold sand dunes as well as go on the fairy walk down a beautiful stream all in one day by hiring bikes or organising a mini van direct through Hills Backpacker Hostel. This leaves the rest of the time to relax on the beach and try windsurfing at the local schools.
Mui ne is very touristic and was around 32 degrees in February but with a lovely breeze, therefore it's great for winter and sprint trips. From June it my be too hot and rainy!
Q & A
What would you have changed?
I would've learned more Vietnamese to help with ordering vegetarian food.
Anything go wrong during the trip?
No travel is easy, flexible and convenient in Vietnam.
Restaurant recommendations?
Street food all the way!
Tips you would give a friend?
Travel via sleeper buses, choose hostels that run tours or if you stay in a hotel go into hostels to book and meet more travellers.
Packing tips?
Lots of light breathable clothing, a jumper for Da Lat, a scarf for temples.
Transportation Tips?
Use 12go to book online trains and buses. grab app (like Uber) is cheap !
Any surprises?
Only good ones! Coffee is very strong so if you don't tolerate a lot of caffeine watch out.
Booking details?
Hostel worked and it shows guest numbers at time of booking.
Lodging
Da Lat family hostel. A lovely fun Hostel who also support with booking busses and trains and organising trips including canyoning.
Mui Ne hills backpackers, a beautiful hostel and guesthouse. The private rooms were great and has 2 pools for use. Was quiet and not much happening however. So if you want to relax it's ideal if you want to party go elsewhere.