V I E T N A M
Stretching over 1,650 km from north to south, Vietnam is home to over 100 million people.
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Renowned for its culinary specialties, hills lined with rice paddies, magnificent landscapes and bustling cities, Vietnam is an ideal destination for those seeking a change of scenery and a rich, deep cultural immersion.
My 1-month itinerary
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Ho Chi Minh City
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Mekong Delta
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Hoi An
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Huế
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Ninh Binh
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Mu Cang Chai
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Sa Pa
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Hanoï
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Ha Long Bay
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Cao Bang
Ho Chi Minh
Commonly known as Saigon, it is a city rich in history, closely linked to the stories of the French colonial era.
We visited some beautiful French colonial buildings: the Central Post Office and Notre-Dame de Saigon Cathedral.
The Ben Thanh market, the largest historic covered market in the city, is also a place to visit if you're looking for souvenirs or local culinary specialties.
3 days
Mekong Delta
3 days
Located in the south of Vietnam, the Mekong Delta is a veritable labyrinth of rivers, islands and swamps.
Renowned for its floating markets and traditional villages on the water, we spent three days exploring it in the company of a local guide.
Practical information
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The 3n/2d excursion to the Mekong Delta cost 134 euros per person.
Hoi An
The city of lanterns
After a long night on the bus, we arrived in a charming little town lined with canals.
You can visit it by bike or on foot, making for a particularly pleasant stroll. In the evening, a gigantic night market comes to life, with an area dedicated to street food and another to souvenirs.
3 days
We took a day trip to the Mỹ Sơn Sanctuary, one of the first Champa sites built in Vietnam, which has stood the test of time and war.
Practical information
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The sanctuary is about 50 km from Hoi An, so we got there easily by scooter.
Huế
2 days
A 3 to 4-hour drive from Hoi An, Huế is a city rich in history. It is home to an imposing citadel dating from the XIXᵉ century, which includes the Imperial City, the Forbidden Purple City and a replica of the Royal Theatre.
We also visited the tomb of Khai Dinh, a fascinating blend of Eastern and Western architecture. Inside, you can even admire Limoges porcelain.
Ninh Binh
Located in the north of Vietnam, Halong Bay on land is one of my favourites. We stayed in Tam Coc, 6 km from Ninh Binh, which I recommend doing.
It's a very pleasant little village nestling at the foot of karst cliffs and caves. We spent 4 days there, between bike rides, viewpoints and boat trips. An exceptional place!
4 days
Mu Cang Chai
With very few tourists, this village is surrounded by rice fields, each more beautiful than the last.
It's an ideal destination for hiking and local immersion.
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Accessible by bus, Mu Cang Chai offers a limited choice of accommodation and restaurants. We stayed with locals and ate in small restaurants in the centre, at ridiculously low prices.
For example, Bun Cha, a traditional Vietnamese dish from Hanoi consisting of grilled pork, noodles and salad, costs just 30,000 dong, or around 1.15 euros.
3 days
Sa Pa
Famous for its rice terraces and hiking, Sa Pa is a popular destination for tourists all year round. I recommend going in September, when the golden rice fields have not yet been harvested.
3 days
The Sa Pa local market is a unique experience, rich in emotions and scents. You'll discover a wide variety of products: spices, vegetables, fish, poultry, buffalo meat and even dog meat.
The capital of Vietnam, Hanoi is a city rich in culture and history.
We spent 5 days exploring its wonders, from the Old Quarter to the Temple of Literature and the Tran Quoc Pagoda.
5 days
Hanoi is also where we sampled some of Vietnam's best food, with delicious Bun Cha and the famous Phở noodle soups.
Phở
Bun Cha
Halong Bay
A true natural spectacle, Ha Long Bay is famous for its thousands of islands covered in tropical forests.
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We booked a day trip aboard a luxury boat, departing from Cat Ba, to sail between the bay's majestic rock formations.
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An exceptional experience!
A jacuzzi on the boat, yes yes!
3 days
Practical information
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The full-day boat cruise, with activities and lunch included, cost €27 per person.
Cao Bang
4 days
Located in the far north-east of Vietnam, this region offers breathtaking scenery.
We spent 4 days exploring its wonders by scooter, travelling winding roads lined with rice paddies and spectacular mountains. Highlights include the majestic Mat Than mountain, also known as “God's Head Mountain”, and the impressive Ban Gioc waterfalls, which mark the border with China. An unforgettable adventure in the heart of Vietnamese nature!
