Vietnam
Famous ha giang loop, amazing food and so much to discover
Vietnam is one of the best countries in Southeast Asia for a backpacking trip because the experience changes dramatically as you travel north to south.
You get chaotic cities, huge mountain landscapes, rice terraces, limestone bays, caves, historic towns and beaches, all connected by a well established backpacker route.
It is especially good for travellers who want adventure, culture and scenery with plenty of other backpackers around.
short
10-21 days
The northern route packs some of Vietnam's best scenery into a smaller area, from Hanoi's street life to the Ha Giang mountains, Sapa's rice terraces, Lan Ha Bay and Ninh Binh's limestone countryside.
Best for: seeing Vietnam's biggest landscapes without spending most of your trip travelling between destinations.
Hanoi → Ha Giang → Sapa → Cat Ba → Ninh Binh
classic
The classic route follows Vietnam's main backpacker trail from the northern mountains through caves, imperial history and Hoi An before finishing in Ho Chi Minh City.
Best for: a first Vietnam trip that gives you the strongest mix of adventure, culture, scenery and cities.
Hanoi → Ha Giang → Sapa → Cat Ba → Ninh Binh → Phong Nha → Hue → Hoi An → Ho Chi Minh City
21-20 days
Long
The full route adds Vietnam's central highlands and southern coast, giving you more time to experience the country rather than constantly moving between highlights.
Best for: travellers with a month who want the complete north-to-south Vietnam backpacking experience.
Hanoi → Ha Giang → Sapa → Cat Ba → Ninh Binh → Phong Nha → Hue → Hoi An → Da Lat → Mui Ne → Ho Chi Minh City