Asia
Vietnam travel guide for backpackers
Vietnam: quick facts, a map and notes from my own trips in 2022.
My route in Vietnam
My experience
In 2022 I spent time in northern Vietnam: a night bus to Sapa, a rented motorbike, tea fields and landslide-damaged mountain roads. One evening a family with no shared language gave me a bed, and we talked through a voice translator on my phone.
Near Ha Giang I met a tea master, picked tea leaves in an old forest and learned how tea is roasted. I ended the northern part of the trip on Cat Ba island with a kayaking tour among the limestone islands.
Check visa rules shortly before you fly. Vietnam changed its visa policy days before my original flight in 2022, and I had to rebook.
Places I went in Vietnam
- Sapa
- Ha Giang
- Cat Ba
- Hanoi
Guides for Vietnam
Frequently asked questions
What is the capital of Vietnam?
The capital of Vietnam is Hanoi.
What currency is used in Vietnam?
Vietnam uses the Vietnamese dong (VND).
When is the best time to visit Vietnam?
September to November and March to April for the northern mountains. This is general guidance, so check current conditions before you travel.
When did Francis travel in Vietnam?
Francis travelled in Vietnam in 2022.