Backpacker’s Guide to Vietnam: Top Cities and Experiences

By isa_m

Location: Hoi An, Da Nang City, Vietnam

Practical, backpacker-friendly guide for Vietnam’s hotspots: Hanoi, Sapa, Ha Giang, Hoi An, Ho Chi Minh City. Explore sights, experiences, and where to stay.

Intro

I’ve always found Vietnam’s blend of lively streets, rugged mountains, and warm locals perfect for backpacking. This guide is for travellers eager to dive into five key spots: Hanoi, Sapa, Ha Giang, Hoi An, and Ho Chi Minh City, covering both city life and mountain escapes. A typical trip to these five places stretches from two to three weeks. You’ll mainly use buses, trains, and some internal flights for smooth travel. Vietnam’s public transport is quite backpacker-friendly, but expect some hustle on buses and motorbikes. For safety, I always recommend wearing a helmet when on motorbikes, avoiding unboiled tap water, and picking street food stalls busy with locals to reduce health risks. This guide includes practical sections on how to get around, where to find top budget stays, and tips for safe and fun nightlife. It’s designed to help you navigate Vietnam’s backpacker trails with ease and confidence.

Major Destinations

I arrived in Hanoi and immediately exchanged some cash at a local ATM to get Vietnamese đồng. For getting around the city on a budget, I found three options that worked well: public buses, Grab (a ride-hailing app), and walking. The buses are cheap and cover most areas, Grab is convenient for short trips, and walking is perfect for exploring the Old Quarter's narrow streets. For street food, I made sure to try pho, banh mi, and egg coffee. To navigate the night markets, I went early to avoid crowds and focused on stalls selling local specialties. I also kept an eye out for vendors offering fresh fruit and snacks to keep me energized. I enjoyed several budget-friendly activities, such as walking along Hoan Kiem Lake, visiting the Temple of Literature (which had a low entrance fee), and exploring the Old Quarter's hidden alleys. These activities gave me a taste of Hanoi's culture without spending much. When considering local tours like Hanoi Backstreet Tours, I made sure to read reviews, check their website for details, and contacted them directly to ask about their offerings and prices. This helped me choose experiences that fit my interests and budget.

• Hanoi
• Sapa
• Hà Giang
• Hội An

Riding the Ha Giang Loop was a highlight of my trip. The loop is a scenic route through northern Vietnam's mountains, offering breathtaking views and a glimpse into local life. I allocated four days for the journey, which allowed me to ride at a comfortable pace and enjoy the surroundings. Before setting off, I ensured my motorbike was in good condition by checking the brakes, tires, and oil. I also packed light, bringing only essentials like clothes for varying weather, a first aid kit, and a rain jacket. Wearing a helmet and appropriate gear was a must for safety. I planned my route carefully, noting fuel stations along the way to avoid running out in remote areas. I also learned a few Vietnamese phrases to communicate with locals and show respect for their culture. During the ride, I took regular breaks to rest and hydrate, especially after long stretches of riding. I also made sure to ride cautiously, especially on sharp turns and steep descents, and avoided riding at night due to limited visibility.

• Ho Chi Minh
• Hanoi Backstreet Tours - Hanoi Jeep Tours - Hanoi Vespa Tours - Hanoi Motorbike Tours
• Le Gecko Café

Sapa

Reach Sapa mainly by an overnight train from Hanoi to Lao Cai, then catch a local bus or motorbike ride up the mountain road. Buses leave early morning for smoother travel after the train arrival. Booking train or shuttle tickets is safest in Lao Cai town from reputable counters, avoid last-minute street deals for reliability. The best trekking seasons are from late spring to early autumn when mountain views are clearer and rain lighter. Expect fog and heavier rain from late autumn through winter, which can reduce visibility and chill the air. - Pack layers for unpredictable mountain weather—warm mornings and chilly nights. - Bring sturdy hiking shoes for steep, often slippery trails. - Carry rain gear and waterproof bags for gear protection. One safety tip: acclimatize your body to Sapa’s altitude to avoid headaches or dizziness, especially on tough hikes. Also, motorbike rides need careful, cautious driving on winding passes.

Top Accommodation Picks

Categorize accommodations into budget hostels, budget hotels, and homestays to cover the backpacker spectrum. Hostels often offer social spaces ideal for meeting other travelers, while budget hotels focus more on private, basic comforts. Homestays provide a local cultural experience. Evaluate each stay by considering location—proximity to transport hubs or key attractions matters for saving travel time. Also weigh the quality and cleanliness of rooms. Lastly, note the booking options including refund policies and whether advance booking is recommended to avoid last-minute scarcity. Select 2–3 concrete examples per city to illustrate these categories without listing every option. Provide practical insights on booking tips like the best times to secure a room and when refundable or non-refundable choices make sense.

• Mamas homestay
• iHome Hoi An
• Sapa Central House
• Vy Da Backpackers Hostel
• Hanoi High Five Hostel

Hoi An offers a laid-back vibe perfect for slowing down and soaking in atmosphere. The easy walkability and relaxed pace suit backpackers wanting downtime between busier stops. Consider these areas for stays: the Old Town's edge for quick access to historic sites, An Hoi Island if you prefer a quieter riverside feel, and Cam Pho for authentic local life. Each has its own charm and practical benefits. - Check accommodation proximity to the Old Town to maximize ease of exploring on foot. - Prioritize places with easy access to motorbike rentals or shuttle services for day trips. - Choose homestays to immerse in local culture and daily life or hostels to meet fellow travelers and enjoy a social atmosphere. Balancing these factors will help you decide between quiet immersion and social buzz, tailored to your travel style and schedule.

Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh City buzzes with raw energy that pulls me in every time. I always set aside a good chunk of my trip here because the city offers a whirlwind of street-food adventures, vibrant nightlife, and cultural gems that fit tight budgets perfectly. For street food, I focus on three iconic items: pho from a busy roadside stall, banh mi sandwiches crafted fresh on buzzing corners, and a bowl of com tam (broken rice) that locals swear by. It’s practical to ask for recommendations from fellow diners and to keep an eye on where locals gather. Watching preparation and ensuring the stall looks clean are key. - Bui Vien Street is backpacker central with a lively, eclectic vibe late into the night. Keep your belongings safe and avoid flashy displays of valuables here. - Ben Thanh Market area offers a more laid-back night scene with night markets and casual beer spots. It’s great for meeting other travelers, just stay aware of your drinks and surroundings. For a compact budget day, I start with a free stroll around the city’s central post office and nearby Notre Dame Cathedral, appreciating the architecture. For lunch, I follow a street-food route in District 1 hitting pho, fresh spring rolls, and a vibrant fruit shake stand. Post-lunch, the backpacker-friendly alleyways offer a chance to relax in cafes or street-side hammocks before evening buzz starts.

When it comes to experiences, I find balancing DIY exploration and booking small local tours works best. Sometimes local guides provide insights I’d miss solo, while other times I enjoy wandering off the map. - Short motorbike day trips around Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh outskirts for real local vibes. - Eco basket boat rides combined with bike tours in smaller towns or the Mekong Delta. - Walking street-food tours in major cities to sample dishes with a knowledgeable guide. - Multi-day budget trekking in Sapa or Ha Giang for immersive mountain culture. - Craft village visits like Bat Trang ceramics or local markets. To vet operators, I always check recent reviews on reliable sites and ask about group sizes to avoid overcrowding. I prefer small groups for better immersion. When negotiating, I use simple phrases like “Giá bao nhiêu?” (How much?) and “Có thể giảm giá không?” (Can you reduce the price?). Being polite and clear goes a long way in Vietnam.

• Ben Thanh Market
• Bui Vien Walking Street
• Mekong-delta