Vietnam
COUNTRY GUIDE

Vietnam

Motorbike adventures through rice terraces and bustling cities

Vietnam hits different. One day you're weaving through Ha Long Bay's limestone karsts on a junk boat, the next you're dodging motorbikes in Ho Chi Minh City while chasing down the best banh mi. This is a country that rewards the curious — where $2 gets you a bowl of pho that'll ruin you for life, and where ancient temples sit next to glass towers like it's the most natural thing in the world.

The best part? Vietnam doesn't try to be anything other than itself. Sure, tourism has changed some places (looking at you, Sapa), but step off the main drag in Hoi An or venture into the Mekong Delta, and you'll find a country that's moving fast but hasn't forgotten where it came from. The coffee is strong, the history runs deep, and the motorbike rental costs about $5 a day.

Explore the Region

Map showing 26 destinations
Districts
Cities
Subregions
26 destinations
Ho Chi Minh City's District 1 puts you in the thick of things — street food on every corner, rooftop bars with skyline views, and you can walk to the Reunification Palace. But it's loud. Like, really loud. The motorbikes never stop. District 3 gives you breathing room while keeping you close to the action. Hanoi's Old Quarter is tourist central for good reason. The 36 Streets area buzzes with energy, and you're walking distance from Hoan Kiem Lake. Just know you'll be sharing narrow sidewalks with about a million other people. For something quieter, try the French Quarter — wider streets, colonial architecture, and cafes where you can actually hear yourself think. Hoi An's Ancient Town is magical at night when the lanterns come out, but book early. Everyone wants to stay here. The rice paddies outside town offer homestays where you wake up to roosters instead of tour groups. Can Tho in the Mekong Delta puts you right on the water — perfect for floating market trips that start at 5 AM.

Money-Saving Tips

  • 1.Street food costs $1-3 per dish and beats restaurant versions — look for places packed with locals
  • 2.Motorbike rentals run $5-7 daily, way cheaper than taxis and infinitely more fun
  • 3.Bia hoi (fresh beer) costs 50 cents at local joints vs $3+ at tourist bars
  • 4.Train sleeper berths cost half the price of flights for overnight routes
  • 5.Homestays in rice paddies run $15-25/night vs $50+ for hotels in tourist areas
  • 6.Grab rides cost almost nothing — a 20-minute city trip runs about $2
  • 7.Local markets sell the same souvenirs as tourist shops for 1/3 the price
  • 8.Coffee at local cafes costs $1 vs $4 at Western chains

Travel Tips

  • •Rent a motorbike with an international driving permit — enforcement varies but better safe than sorry
  • •Pack layers even for southern Vietnam — air conditioning runs arctic-cold indoors
  • •Learn basic Vietnamese numbers for market haggling — vendors appreciate the effort
  • •Carry small bills — street vendors rarely have change for large notes
  • •Download offline maps — GPS works but data can be spotty in rural areas
  • •Book Ha Long Bay cruises directly with operators, not through hotel concierges
  • •Eat where locals eat at breakfast time — tourist restaurants don't open until 8 AM
  • •Bring a good rain jacket — umbrellas are useless on motorbikes during downpours

Frequently Asked Questions

Most nationalities need a visa or e-visa for Vietnam. US citizens can get a single-entry e-visa online for $25 that's valid for 30 days. Processing takes 3 business days, so apply before you travel.

Explore Vietnam

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