r/Vietnam_Tourism

Hanoi was disappointing

It’s supposed to be a megacity with like 9 million people, but when it comes to places worth actually going to, it doesn’t have much to do something.

The Old Quarter and the area around Hoan Kiem Lake are basically all there is to see, and you can walk around the whole thing in like 30 minutes.

And all they sell is the same cheap, fake shit every stalls and shops.

I didn’t like the aggressive touting on Beer Street either. Instead of having exciting energy, it felt shady and uncomfortable, especially if you were walking through there with your family and partner. Train Street was worth seeing, although the drinks were pretty expensive

When I asked where I could go when it was raining, rocals recommended Lotte Mall.

So I went to what’s supposed to be one of the biggest malls in Hanoi, and there was no interesting Vietnamese restaurants, local shopping, random local goods.

I visited several museums too, but they weren’t well put together. Some were decent, but most didn’t have many actual exhibits and weren’t well maintained.

A lot of the displays were just photos or pamphlets instead of real, and the air conditioning barely worked.

People say Hanoi feels more traditional than Ho Chi Minh City, but I didn’t get that impression. The north and south definitely do feel different though. Anyway, I don’t think I’d visit again.

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u/Senior-One-8898 — 2 days ago

What’s a spot you love that isn’t obvious/touristy? (Hanoi)

I’ll visit Hanoi soon and already went through YouTube, blogs and instagram recs.
So I am quite aware of the nearby cities, boat tours and most well known old quarter gems.
However, I’m not finding spots that are not obvious and extremely touristic in all of these recommendations.
What is a non-viral place in Hanoi that you love going to? Any rec is welcomed ✨

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u/Snoo-13265 — 1 day ago

30 Days in Vietnam

Hi everyone, I am currently in Vietnam (solo/male/30) and would love to get everyone's tips for my visit. I don't need any tips regarding accommodation or transport, more about your favourite eats and drinks, your considered hidden gems, suggested places to see, people to meet. Essentially anything that interests you, I'm happy to hear and learn about! Safe, NSFW, dangerous, adventurous, slow - anything. Below is my rough itinerary. Please don't bother questioning my itinerary like why this or why I've chosen that, it is what it is, I'm looking for your suggestions beyond it only!

HCMC for 10 days.

Overnight Train to Hoi An.

Hoi An for 3-4 days.

Overnight Train to Ha Long.

Ha Long for ~15 days.

Ha Noi for 4-5 days.

For example, I know Sa Pa is supposed to be incredible, so I'm happy to add it into my itinerary where it fits best.

Thanks in advance ☺️

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u/ZoneyMiles — 1 day ago
▲ 2 r/Vietnam_Tourism+1 crossposts

Would appreciate thoughts on my September itinerary

As the title suggests, I'd appreciate thoughts on my September itinerary.

I'm a fairly easy-going person who enjoys walking around and just soaking in the atmosphere.

Would like to know if I'm leaving anything out that I'd later regret not seeing/doing ?

Thanks.

Friday 11th (Arrive 6.30am)

Sim Card in Airport (bought via Klook)

L'Hotel du Lac

Jetlag Sleep

Money from VP ATM (no fees)

Walk around Hoan Kiem Lake

Ngoc Son Temple

St Josephs Cathedral

Ho Guom Walking Street - pedestrian after 7pm

Saturday 12th

Vietnam Military History Museum

Hỏa Lò Prison

Train Street & Mural Street (Phong Hung)

Ta Hein/Beer Street

Night Market

Sunday 13th

Tran Quoc Pagoda in Tay Ho (Early)

Imperial Citadel of Thang Long

B-52 wreckage in Huu Tiep Lake

Temple of literature

Dong Xuan market

Monday 14th

Hạ Long Bay & Overnight Stay

Genesis Luxury Regal Cruises 8am Hotel pickup

Tuesday 15th

Hạ Long Bay return 4pm

Food Tour

Wednesday 16th

Water Puppet Theatre

Nothing planned for remainder of day

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u/JustFedUpWithIt — 1 day ago

Is Phu Quoc worth visiting for 5 days with a toddler? Looking for recent experiences

Hi everyone,

Planning a trip to Phu Quoc in early/mid October with family and friends. There will be 2 families, each with 2 adults + 1 toddler.

I’ve been reading through the Vietnam travel subreddit and getting quite mixed reviews about Phu Quoc. A lot of people mention ongoing construction and development, so I’m a bit confused about how much it actually affects tourists.

For people who have visited recently:

Is Phu Quoc still worth doing for 5 days, especially with toddlers?

How bad is the construction in reality? Does it actually affect the holiday or is it mostly limited to certain areas?

Are there any areas/resorts we should avoid because of construction, noise, dust, etc.?

What did you genuinely enjoy, and what would you skip if you went again?

Are the usual attractions like Safari, cable car/Sunset Town and island hopping actually worth it with toddlers?

Any particular area you’d recommend staying in for a relaxed family holiday?

We’re not really looking to pack every day with sightseeing. Mostly want a nice resort, beaches, good food, some sightseeing and a relaxed holiday.

Would really appreciate recent 2026 experiences, especially from families who travelled with young kids.

If you had 5 days in Phu Quoc right now, would you still go? 😊

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u/ElectronicAccount937 — 2 days ago

Where should I stay in North Vietnam in September?

My boyfriend and I are visiting the north of Vietnam for 1 week at the end of September, our flights arrive at Hanoi and also leave from Hanoi at the end of our stay.

Could you recommend an itinerary of where we should visit/stay? We’ve never been to Vietnam before and I know a week isn’t long so want to make sure we go to the main recommended areas. I think maybe staying in 3 places max would be good so we get a couple of nights in each.

Would love recommendations please! Definitely would like one of the stays to be somewhere more beachy if possible.

I’m also vegan but I’m pretty sure the majority of Vietnam caters for vegan food, but just mentioning in case that isn’t the case for any areas.

Thanks :)

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u/Tessmargot — 1 day ago

Travel Recommendation Ha Jiang and Cao Bang loops

Hi,

I’m planning to go to Northern Vietnam on Nov 11, 2026 for 11 days. 2 travellers including me.

I’m thinking of doing both Ha Jiang and Cao Bang loops and when I checked with a few tour operators. I was presented a 5 day itenary in a jeep which seemed to be well thought of. I also want to spend time in Ninh Binh, Ha long bay and Cat ba island for ngu lam peak trek.

  1. Would it be too cramped to do all these in 11 days? If so, which are must do which can I skip?

  2. If anyone has done both Hagiang and Cao bang loops, is it worth doing both in a 5 day tour? Any recommendations on which tour operators to go with is appreciated.

  3. Bike vs Jeep tours and which to take?

Thanks in advance!!

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Thoughts on my 12-night Vietnam itinerary — Hanoi, Lan Ha Cruise, Ninh Binh, Da Nang/Hoi An?

First time visiting Vietnam with my girlfriend. We want a mix of adventure, beaches, food, nice hotels/pools, sightseeing and relaxing, without constantly rushing around.

Dates are 26th September- 8th October

This is what I'm currently thinking:

Day 1 — Hanoi

Day 2 — Hanoi

Day 3 — Hanoi → Lan Ha Bay (1 night cruise)

Day 4 — Lan Ha Bay → Ninh Binh

Day 5 — Ninh Binh

Day 6 — Ninh Binh → Da Nang

Day 7 — Da Nang

Day 8 — Da Nang → Hoi An

Day 9 — Hoi An/Da Nang

Day 10 — Da Nang/Hoi An

Day 11 — Da Nang/Hoi An

Day 12 — Da Nang → Hanoi

Day 13 — Hanoi → Home

A few qurstions:

Any suggestions on any changes?
Or General advice on places to go to
Does anyone have a good Lan Ha Bay cruise they'd recommend?

Do you think da nang is too risky because of rain?

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u/CarrotCakePls — 2 days ago

Understanding Vietnam

Hey folks!

We’ll be 4 boys visiting Da Nang, Ho Chi Minh and Phu Quoc for 5 days.

Arrival - Da Nang
Departure- Phu Quoc

Da Nang - 1 night 2 days
Ho Chi Minh - 2 nights 1 day
Phu Quoc - 1 night 2 day (2nd day till afternoon)

We’ve decided to stay in hostels for Da Nang and Phu Quoc and hotel in Ho Chi Minh.

Please suggest us some important and must visit places to be

Thanks!

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u/NegativeShower1359 — 3 days ago
▲ 1 r/Vietnam_Tourism+1 crossposts

Itinerary suggestions!

Hi! I am backpacking SE Asia starting in January. I'm looking at 4 weeks in Vietnam going south to north and would love a rough itinerary with time for the ha giang loop at the end (places to skip - places that are a must go - etc!). I’ve done a lot of research and the places I want to stop at keep growing but I know I don’t have time to go to all the places so I’m just looking for people’s top destinations and places they could have gone without stopping at. Thanks!

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u/elyse1111 — 2 days ago

Travel advice needed!

Hi all,

I’ll be in Da Nang for 2 full days in late August and I’m trying to decide how best to spend them.

For people who actually know Da Nang: what would you choose for 2 days?
The three things I’m considering are Ba Na Hills, Marble Mountains and Son Tra Peninsula.
I wanted to go to bana hills mainly coz of the bridge and Alpine Coaster but it shows rainy weather. But I am open to suggestions too!
One more question: How do you do the son tra region, im not looking for the full day thing, more like just
Linh Ung + Lady Buddha to Vong Canh / coastal viewpoints to Ban Co Peak to other scenic stops / banyan tree if route permits. what would be the best way to do this? Private cab? Or some tour? (We are 3 people)

Would appreciate any advice

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u/u_scare_me — 2 days ago
▲ 4 r/Vietnam_Tourism+1 crossposts

Thinking of doing the Ha Giang Loop solo in September – any tips?

I'm thinking of doing the Ha Giang Loop in early September, probably around Sept 6–8 for 2 nights/3 days.

Has anyone done it solo? I'm still deciding whether to just do it myself or join a group. I like the idea of having some flexibility, but it'd also be nice to meet other travellers along the way.

If you go solo, is it easy to meet people once you get to Ha Giang? Are there hostels or places where solo travellers tend to meet up and do the Loop together?

Would love to hear any tips or recommendations, especially from anyone who's done the 3D/2N route or gone in September!

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u/Sensitive-Ad-2707 — 3 days ago
▲ 5 r/Vietnam_Tourism+1 crossposts

Vietnam: Which hotel in Da Nang and Hoi An for a week?

I am looking for opinions on these two hotels: NHAAN Resort Hoi An and Da Nang Hilton (links below). Is staying 5 nights in Hoi An a good idea? I've read that it's a small town, so people have recommended just homebase out of Da Nang. I've been to Da Nang before but not Hoi An. I believe the NHAAN is only a month old, so that's my only draw to that particular hotel. The Hilton is almost 8 years old. I'm a diamond, and lounge access is a plus but not a deal breaker. The NHAAN doesn't have a lounge. TIA.

NHAAN Resort & Spa Hoi An, Tapestry Collection by Hilton

Da Nang Hotel - Hilton Da Nang - Vietnam

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u/pojang1 — 3 days ago
▲ 2 r/Vietnam_Tourism+1 crossposts

Initial Planning for Vietnam

We are starting to plan a 16 day trip to Vietnam.

What’s the best way to get around. Rent a car or use public transportation/ ride share?

Would we be better off with a tour company or plan our own trip. For reference, I planned 2 weeks in Thailand (2025) and 2 weeks in Costa Rica (2026) and it worked out well. Both places we had a rental car.

Thanks all.

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u/Pretty_Surround_5372 — 3 days ago

Ha giang your recommendations?

I’m 36 male so don’t really want the party vibes that most tours seem to cater to. Also saw that this loop is getting packed but there are alternative routes with less people. Anyone have good tour companies to recommend for a more mature experience? And maybe one that goes a bit more off the beaten path? Thanks all!

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u/AverageGuyTraveller — 3 days ago

Phu quoc

This place is full of people who follow SOPs and Policy. Especially the hotel guest.

Had an expensive with M hotel and it was not pleasant at all.

Intend to keep my passport as a “hostage” because they couldn’t take photo of my credit card in my apple wallet as my phone battery was dead? Have to charge my phone in the lobby and show them before they would release the key card to me. What on earth. They said it’s the policy and was chatting on WhatsApp on their company computer to their manager.

Booked the night before but Agoda had some glitch and booked the previous day. No changes allowed. Only way is to upgrade the room to the highest tier. Booked this place for 5m plus an extra 1.5m.

What are your views on the people here.

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u/NoSignificance7707 — 3 days ago