Backpacking in Vietnam is one of the best value, most diverse trips you can do—epic landscapes, incredible food, and a super well-trodden backpacker route from north to south.
Here’s a clear, real-world guide 👇
Planning your trip?
For a detailed route, accommodation suggestions, transport tips and day-by-day itinerary, see:
Vietnam Backpacking — 21 Day Itinerary
Available on Google Play Books.
🇻🇳 Why Backpack Vietnam?
- 💰 Very cheap (one of the best budget countries)
- 🍜 Top-tier street food
- 🛵 Motorbike culture (iconic!)
- 🌄 Huge variety: mountains, beaches, cities
- 🎒 Easy backpacking route (north → south)
🗺️ Classic Backpacking Route (2–4 weeks)
1. Hanoi + Ha Giang (North) (4–6 days)
📍 Hanoi
- Explore Old Quarter + street food
- Base for trips north
🏍️ Do the legendary Ha Giang Loop
- 3–4 day motorbike adventure
- One of the best rides in Southeast Asia
💡 No experience? Go with an “easy rider” (local driver).
2. Ha Long Bay / Lan Ha Bay (2 days)
📍 Ha Long Bay
- Limestone karsts + emerald water
- Overnight boat cruise (kayak, swim)
💡 Lan Ha Bay = quieter alternative.
3. Phong Nha (2–3 days)
📍 Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park
- Massive caves (some of the biggest in the world)
- Jungle + river scenery
4. Hoi An + Da Nang (3–4 days)
📍 Hoi An
- Lantern-lit old town ✨
- Beaches nearby (An Bang)
- Tailor-made clothes
📍 Da Nang
- Marble Mountains
- Famous Golden Bridge
5. Nha Trang or Da Lat (2–3 days)
🌊 Nha Trang (beach vibes)
📍 Nha Trang
⛰️ OR Da Lat (cool mountains)
📍 Da Lat
6. Ho Chi Minh City + Mekong Delta (3–4 days)
📍 Ho Chi Minh City
- War history (Cu Chi tunnels)
- Crazy traffic + nightlife
- Mekong Delta day trip
💰 Budget (per day)
- Hostel: €5–15
- Food: €5–10
- Transport: €5–20
👉 Total: ~€20–40/day
🚄 Getting Around
- 🚌 Sleeper buses (cheap, long distances)
- 🚆 Trains (scenic, more comfortable)
- ✈️ Domestic flights (cheap if booked early)
- 🛵 Motorbike rental (very popular)
🍜 Must-Try Food
- Pho 🍜
- Banh mi 🥖
- Bun cha (Hanoi specialty)
- Fresh spring rolls
⚠️ Things to Know
- Traffic is chaotic (cross slowly, confidently)
- Scams exist (book tours via hostels or trusted providers)
- Weather varies a LOT north vs south
⏱️ Best Time to Go
- 🇻🇳 Whole country: March–May or Sept–Nov
- North: cooler winters
- South: tropical, warm year-round
🔥 Backpacking Tips
- Book Ha Long Bay tours carefully (quality varies a lot)
- Use Grab app (like Uber)
- Pack light if doing motorbike trips
- Always negotiate prices at markets
🧭 North → South or South → North?
- North → South = most popular (better scenery progression)
- South → North = fewer crowds