First Solo Trip to Vietnam travel advise.
I’m a 22M from heading out in a couple of days for my first solo trip to vietnam. I was initially planning on doing North to South, but realized 10 days is way too short to see all three regions, so I've completely cut out Ho Chi Minh City.
I really wanted to experience the food, get to experience with local culture, see some landscapes, maybe hit some fun nightlife spots, and meet fellow backpackers at social hostels. And also, I really like DOING stuff more then just SEEING stuff.
Here is my rough game plan:
Day 1: Land in Hanoi (explore Old Quarter)
Day 2: Hanoi culture/street food, take the overnight sleeper bus to Ha Giang
Day 3-5: 3D/2N Ha Giang Loop Tour with an Easy Rider
Day 5 night: Bus back to Hanoi
Day 6: flight to Da Nang (My Khe beach, Dragon Bridge)
Day 7: Da Nang - (any recommendations here)
Day 8-9: Transfer to Hoi An
Day 10: Head back to Da Nang airport and fly home.
I had a few questions::
- Weather check: It seems that late July is hot/humid and really rainy in the North. Will the Ha Giang loop still be doable with an Easy Rider right now? Is the trip worth doing in this month, (I dont see myself getting another break soon though)
- Transportation: I cannot drive a two-wheeler myself. For getting around Da Nang and Hoi An, is relying entirely on Grab bikes/taxis easy, safe, and reliable?
- Hostel Recs: Any specific social hostel recommendations for Hanoi, Da Nang, and Hoi An where it's super easy to make friends as a solo traveler?
- Food: What are the absolute must-try local dishes unique to Da Nang/Hoi An compared to the standard Pho/Bun Cha in Hanoi?
- Is there any changes you'd recommend me making to the itinerary? Should I visit HCMC instead of Hanoi or Da Nang?
Any other general advice would be amazing, thank you!