VIETNAM TRIP TRAVEL GUIDE

This blog is about my travel to Vietnam in April/May 2024. For all latest travel updates, follow me on INSTAGRAM @beingatarveler

VIETNAM E-VISA:

Being a Pakistani passport holder, we are allowed to apply E-Visa for Vietnam. You can watch detail video guide on how to apply Vietnam Visa and what small mistake delayed my visa

Vietnam Visa fees = 25 USD (i.e, 7600 Rs as of April 2024)

Official e-visa link: https://evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn/trang-chu-ttdt

VIDEO GUIDE – HOW TO APPLY VISA

PREPARATIONS FOR VIETNAM BIKE TOUR

List of my all Travel vlogging and equipment are mentioned HERE

HOW I BOOKED MY AIR TICKETS AND HOSTELS FOR VIETNAM

I got Thai Air return ticket for my selective dates in 212,000 Rs

ARRIVAL IN VIETNAM – HO CHI MINH CITY

Took Thai Airways Return Air Ticket = 212,000 Rs

After arrival took a local Bus # 152 outside airport that dropped me in District #1 (Fare = 5000 Dong)

Hostel selected in Ho Chi Minh City = Vy Da Backpackers Hostel (Near Halal Food Street)

Hostel rent was = 3.5 USD including Breakfast

RENTING A MOTORBIKE IN VIETNAM (HO CHI MINH CITY)

Vietnam is very Bike Friendly country. You can easily buy and sell bikes as foreigner and also rent out per day. Normal charges for a motorbike rental varies from 80,000 to 120,000 Dong (in every city).

Initially my plan was to buy a motor bike from Facebook group (which are the right source to buy motorcycles from travellers who are ending their trip). However i got a good deal from SAIGON HAPPY BIKERS company and rented out Honda Future 125cc Semi Automatic bike. Why I selected that bike? Watch the video

SAIGON HAPPY BIKERS is run by Mr. BAO, who is a very professional guy and have lot of good condition bikes. Give my reference to get a special discount.

BAO Whatsapp Number: # +84 90 917 52 90

PLACES TO VISIT ON HO CHI MINH CITY

Ho Chi Minh City, formerly Saigon, is a vibrant metropolis in southern Vietnam. It’s a city that blends French colonial architecture with bustling markets, delicious street food, and a rich history. Here are some of the top places to visit in Ho Chi Minh City:

Cu Chi Tunnels
Notre Dame Cathedral
War Remnants Museum
Ben Thanh Market
Independence Palace
Nguyen Hue Walking Street
Bui Vien Walking Street
Saigon Central Post Office
Cu Lao Cham Island

CU-CHI WAR TUNNELS

The Cu Chi Tunnels were a vast underground network built by Viet Cong fighters during the Vietnam War. Used for shelter, storage, and surprise attacks, these tunnels played a key role in the war effort. Today, they’re a popular tourist destination offering a glimpse into this unique aspect of Vietnamese history.

There are 2 sites to visit Cu Chi tunnels: 1) BEN DINH and 2) BEN DUOC

I visited the BEN DINH site because it hat more attractions to cover.

Then entrance ticket was 125,000 Dong (in April 2024)

HALAL FOOD IN HO CHI MINH CITY

Vietnam has very few Muslims, hence Halal options are very few. However there is a dedicated street in Ho Chi Minh where you can find 5 to 6 Halal food restaurants (run by Malaysians mostly).

The street is opposite to Gate # 7 of famous Ben Than shoping market

Google Map location of Street is HERE

I personally loved the NATIONAL DISH of Vietnam i.e PHO

Sharing my experience in below video

HOCHI MINH TO CAT TIEN NATIONAL PARK

ARRIVAL IN DALAT MOUNTAINS

1.Trying Poop Coffee in Dalat

2. Adventure Activities in Dalat

NHA TRANG – THE BEAUTIFUL BEACH CITY

Riding motorbike from Dalat Mountains to Nha Trang Beach

2. Sea Walking activity in Nha Trang Island Hoping Tour

3. I WAS ABOUT TO SCAMMED

HOI AN – THE MAGICAL CITY OF VIETNAM

DANANG – THE BEST CITY OF VIETNAM

MARBLE MOUNTAINS IN DANANG

2. BANA HILLS – FRENCH VILLAGE IN VIETNAM

3. PARAGLIDING AT DANANG BEACH

Companies who offer paragliding in Danang are:

1) DANANG PARAGLIDING COMPANY (i used this one) whatsapp # +84988248804

2) SKY ADVENTURE DANANG whatsapp # +84905339185

Paragliding cost = 65 USD

CROSSING FAMOUS HAI-VAN PASS AND ARRIVING IN PHONG NHA VILLAGE

PHONG NHA CAVES

NINH BINH VILLAGE – MUA CAVES – DRAGON MOUNTAIN

CAT BA ISLANG – LAN HA BAY

Although most of the people choose visiting Halong Bay by booking a 30 USD cruise trip from HANOI however i decided to do it in a budget way and that too with 4 times better experience.

I want to Cat Ba island by taking my bike on Ferry (Ticket = 38,000 Dong)

The ferry terminal is at Bến phà Đồng Bài

I booked a tour of Lan Ha Bay (which is a similar region of Halong Bay) in only 15 USD

Watch the video for detail experience

FAMOUS HAGIANG LOOP (NORTHERN VIETNAM)

Ha Giang loop is one of the most favourite TO-DO thing for backpackers visiting Vietnam. You will have a chance to discover the raw beauty of Vietnam’s far north on a 320km journey through towering mountains, valleys, and villages, where tradition and nature unfold in every twist and turn.

OPTION-1: Take a Sleeper bus from Hanoi to Ha Giang, rent a motorbike and then explore the loop by self riding (must have IDP i.e; International Driving Permit )

OPTION-2: If you do not have IDP, then take a Sleeper bus from Hanoi to Ha Giang, rent a motorbike along with a local rider and explore the loop as a pillion rider

Since I had rented my bike already for a month so i started the journey from Cat Ba Island and ended at Ha Giang City

This was my loop: Cat Ba >> Cao Bang >> Ban Gioc >> Bao Lac >> Meo Vac >> Lung Cu >> Yenh Minh >> Quan Ba Heaven Gate >> Ha Giang City

CAT BA >> CAO BANG >> BAN GIOC WATERFALL (China Border)

2. BAN GIOC WATERFALL >> BAO LAC >> MEO VAC

3. MEO VAC >> LUNG CU (BORDER) >> YENH MINH

4. YENH MINH >> QUAN BA (HEAVEN GATE) >> HA GIANG CITY

HANOI (CAPITAL OF VIETNAM)

Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam, offers a rich blend of history, culture, and entertainment. Here are some top places to visit in Hanoi:

1. Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum: Pay respects to Vietnam’s founding father.
2. Old Quarter (Hanoi Ancient Town): Explore narrow streets, shops, and local life.
3. Ha Long Bay: A stunning natural wonder with emerald waters and limestone karsts (a short drive away).
4. Temple of Literature (Van Mieu): Dedicated to Confucius and Vietnam’s rich educational heritage.
5. Hoan Kiem Lake: A serene spot for walking and people-watching.
6. Imperial Citadel of Thăng Long: A historic fortress and former imperial palace.
7. Dong Xuan Market: Shop for souvenirs, clothing, and local goods.
8. Museum of Ethnology: Learn about Vietnam’s diverse ethnic cultures.
9. St. Joseph’s Cathedral (Hanoi Cathedral): A beautiful French-colonial church.
10. Bat Trang Pottery Village: Discover traditional ceramics and handicrafts.

HANOI – TRAIN STREET CAFE IN OLD QUARTER