Vietnam: A Tapestry of 63 Stories

Three months zigzagging Vietnam from Ha Giang’s rugged peaks to Ca Mau’s southern tip left me speechless. This S-shaped land, home to 54 ethnic groups, blends ancient temples with buzzing cities. Every corner—from Hanoi’s chaotic alleys to the Mekong’s floating markets—feels like a new chapter in a story I never wanted to end.

How Much Does Vietnam Cost?

Vietnam is a budget traveler’s dream, with Nomads 2024 ranking it among Asia’s cheapest destinations at $800-1,000/month.

• Budget: Dorm beds are about $5-15/night. A street pho costs just $2, and a bus ride is only $0.50. With $20-30 a day, you can eat your heart out and get around with ease on public transport or a rented motorbike.
• Mid-range: Expect to pay $25-50/night for a 3-star hotel. Local restaurant meals are $5-10. You should budget around $50-80/day.
• Luxury: A 4-5 star resort costs $100-300+/night. A fancy dinner can be $20 or more. With a budget of $150-300+/day, you can enjoy private transfers and luxury cruises.
• Tips: Rent a bike for $1/day in Hoi An, eat at local markets, and book your tours in advance on travelgui.com.

My Journey Through Vietnam’s 63 Provinces: My Personal Stories

I’ve wandered through every province, and each one left a unique mark on my soul. Here’s what made each place unforgettable:

• An Giang: Cruising through Tra Su Cajuput Forest, I was serenaded by a chorus of birds. At Long Xuyen Floating Market, a vendor taught me to haggle, and I snagged the sweetest mangoes.
• Ba Ria – Vung Tau: The sunsets at Back Beach were perfect for a dip, and I devoured crispy banh khot from a seaside stall.
• Bac Lieu: The giant wind turbines here felt like something out of a sci-fi movie. I got some amazing photos and ate some spicy crabs right by the ocean.
• Bac Giang: In Tho Ha Village, I was mesmerized watching artisans fire clay rice crackers over hot coals, a craft unchanged for centuries.
• Bac Kan: The emerald waters of Ba Be Lake are a kayaker’s paradise. I spent a night listening to Tay ethnic stories over sticky rice.
• Bac Ninh: Quan Ho folk songs echoed at Phat Tich Pagoda, where I lit incense under an ancient banyan tree.
• Ben Tre: Biking through endless coconut groves, I snacked on warm, fresh-made coconut candy.
• Binh Duong: I tried my hand at pottery in Tan Phuoc village—my pot was a disaster, but the experience was a blast.
• Binh Dinh: The beaches in Quy Nhon took my breath away, and the ancient Cham Towers whispered stories of old. Don’t miss the fish cake noodle soup here!
• Binh Phuoc: The vast rubber plantations offered a peaceful spot for a walk, and I enjoyed the most delicious local cashews.
• Binh Thuan: Sandboarding down the dunes in Mui Ne was an absolute thrill. A fresh seafood dinner was the perfect end to an epic day.
• Ca Mau: At the southernmost tip of Vietnam, I stood in awe where the sea and sky meet, grilling fresh shrimp.
• Can Tho: Cai Rang Floating Market was a chaotic symphony of boats. A vendor taught me to haggle, and I bought some pineapples for a steal.
• Cao Bang: The scenery here is straight out of a painting, and I spent a whole day just admiring the Ban Gioc waterfall.
• Da Nang: I spent many afternoons relaxing on My Khe beach and then stood in awe watching the Dragon Bridge breathe fire and water on a weekend night.
• Dak Lak: Buon Ma Thuot’s untamed beauty made me want to explore forever.
• Dak Nong: Trekking through the Dak Nong Global Geopark, I saw a labyrinth of lava rock and an ancient, untouched forest.
• Dien Bien: Standing on Hill A1, I felt the echoes of history.
• Dong Nai: I wandered through Cat Tien National Park and spotted wild animals.
• Dong Thap: Drifting on a boat through the endless lotus fields of Thap Muoi was like a dream.
• Gia Lai: I got to learn about the culture of ethnic minorities and enjoy a delicious grilled chicken with bamboo rice.
• Ha Giang: I rode the treacherous twists of the Ma Pi Leng Pass, captivated by the mind-bending terraced rice fields.
• Ha Nam: Stepping into Tam Chuc Pagoda, I couldn’t believe my eyes at the grandeur of Vietnam’s largest temple.
• Ha Noi: I got gloriously lost in the Old Quarter’s maze of alleys, but it led me to the best bowl of pho of my life. I also went to see a traditional water puppet show at the Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre.
• Ha Tinh: Visiting Huong Tich Pagoda, I heard tales of Princess Ba and explored the mysterious caves.
• Hai Duong: For the first time, I saw artisans making to he, small figurines made of rice flour, in Xuan La Village.
• Hai Phong: I spent a day exploring the mangrove forests of Cat Ba, a much more peaceful alternative to Halong Bay.
• Hau Giang: I visited the bustling Nga Bay Floating Market and enjoyed a lunch on the boat.
• Hoa Binh: I stayed in a stilt house with a Muong family in Mai Chau and learned to weave.
• Hung Yen: I enjoyed the sweet, fresh longans and visited Xich Dang Temple of Literature.
• Khanh Hoa: Nha Trang’s long beaches and beautiful small islands made me want to stay forever.
• Kien Giang: I spent a few days on Phu Quoc Island, exploring untouched beaches and eating fresh seafood.
• Kon Tum: I visited the wooden Kon Tum Cathedral and learned about the local culture of the Central Highlands.
• Lai Chau: I trekked through rice paddies and ethnic villages in Sin Ho, a place untouched by tourism.
• Lam Dong: Da Lat has a wonderfully cool climate, and I was in awe of the beautiful flower fields.
• Lang Son: Visiting Huu Nghi border gate, I experienced the connection of different cultures.
• Lao Cai: Trekking through the stunning terraced rice fields in Sapa, I learned how to make cakes with a H’mong family.
• Long An: I rowed a boat through the Tan Lap Cajuput Forest, famous for its lush green scenery and fresh air.
• Nam Dinh: I visited Co Le Pagoda, a temple with unique architecture that combines both Eastern and Western styles.
• Nghe An: I visited the hometown of Uncle Ho and heard touching stories about his childhood.
• Ninh Binh: Dubbed the “Halong Bay on Land,” I was taken by boat through majestic caves and past towering limestone karsts in Tam Coc.
• Ninh Thuan: I visited the vast grape fields and enjoyed some delicious local wines.
• Phu Tho: At Hung Temple, I learned about the history and origins of the Vietnamese people.
• Phu Yen: I was captivated by the beauty of Ganh Da Dia, a rare geological masterpiece. I also ate a delicious fish cake here.
• Quang Binh: I explored the caves in Phong Nha-Ke Bang, including the world’s largest cave, Son Doong.
• Quang Nam: Hoi An is my favorite city in Vietnam. I spent nights walking through the lantern-lit streets and taking a cooking class.
• Quang Ngai: I visited Ly Son Island, a small but vibrant island formed from extinct volcanoes.
• Quang Ninh: Halong Bay is one of the most beautiful places I have ever been. I spent a night on a cruise ship and watched a breathtaking sunrise over the bay.
• Quang Tri: I visited the Vinh Moc tunnels and Hien Luong Bridge, which left a deep impression of a tragic history.
• Soc Trang: I admired the stunning architecture of Khmer pagodas and attended the famous Ngo Boat Race Festival.
• Son La: I found a paradise for “cloud-hunting” in Ta Xua and enjoyed some ancient Shan Tuyet tea in Moc Chau.
• Tay Ninh: I visited the unique and impressive Tay Ninh Holy See.
• Thai Binh: I visited Thai Binh Cathedral, one of the most beautiful cathedrals in the North.
• Thai Nguyen: This province is famous for its lush green tea hills, and I spent an afternoon learning about the tea-making process.
• Thanh Hoa: I visited the Citadel of the Ho Dynasty and Sam Son beach, once a very popular destination.
• Thua Thien Hue: Imperial City Hue has a quiet and ancient beauty, where I explored the tombs of ancient kings and a local taught me how to fold lotus cakes.
• Tien Giang: I took a boat trip on the canals of My Tho and visited lush fruit orchards.
• Can Tho City: A hub of the Mekong Delta, where a vendor at the Cai Rang Floating Market taught me to haggle.
• Da Nang City: I spent many afternoons relaxing on My Khe beach and then stood in awe watching the Dragon Bridge breathe fire and water on a weekend night.
• Hanoi City: I got gloriously lost in the Old Quarter’s maze of alleys, but it led me to the best bowl of pho of my life. I also went to see a traditional water puppet show at the Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre.
• Hai Phong City: I spent a day exploring the mangrove forests of Cat Ba, a much more peaceful alternative to Halong Bay.
• Ho Chi Minh City: Saigon is a bustling city with a constant stream of motorbikes. I enjoyed a delicious bun bo nam bo and explored the Cu Chi Tunnels.
• Hue City: The ancient capital of Hue has a serene beauty, where I explored the royal tombs and a local taught me how to make lotus leaf cakes.
• Long An City: I rowed a boat through the Tan Lap Cajuput Forest, famous for its lush green scenery and fresh air.
• Nha Trang City: With its long beaches and beautiful small islands, this place made me want to stay forever.
• Phan Rang – Thap Cham City: I strolled on the beach and enjoyed fresh seafood.
• Vung Tau City: The sunsets at Back Beach were perfect for a dip, and I devoured crispy banh khot from a seaside stall.
• Tra Vinh: I visited the ancient Khmer pagodas and enjoyed a delicious bun nuoc leo.
• Tuyen Quang: I visited the Pac Bo Cave and heard historical stories about Uncle Ho.
• Vinh Long: I took a boat trip on the Tien River and enjoyed fresh fruits from the orchards.
• Vinh Phuc: I visited Tam Dao, a place with cool weather all year round and beautiful scenery.
• Yen Bai: I spent a day exploring the terraced rice fields of Mu Cang Chai, which is known as one of Vietnam’s wonders.

Culture and People

The Vietnamese people are known for their friendliness, perseverance, and strong sense of community. They always greet visitors with bright smiles and are willing to help, even with language barriers. A street vendor in Hue kindly gave me directions and recommended delicious food without asking for anything in return.

Family is a core value in Vietnamese culture. Ancestors are highly respected, and ancestor worship is an integral part of daily life. I was invited into a local family’s home in the countryside for tea, and they told me stories about their family, making me feel like an old friend.

Must-Try Food Highlights

• Pho: The national dish of Vietnam. I spent hours wandering through Hanoi’s Old Quarter to find the perfect bowl of beef pho and was not disappointed.
• Bun Cha: A Hanoi specialty with grilled pork served with noodles and a sweet and sour fish sauce.
• Bun Bo Hue: A much richer and spicier noodle soup than pho, with a strong lemongrass flavor.
• Banh Mi: A delicious and satisfying sandwich. In Saigon, I bought a fantastic banh mi from a small stall for only $1.50.
• Egg coffee: A unique coffee specialty from Hanoi.
• Banh Xeo: A savory pancake filled with shrimp, pork, and bean sprouts, served with fresh herbs and a dipping sauce. I tried this in Can Tho, and it was so good I ordered another one.

Unmissable Experiences

• Free: Stroll through Hanoi’s Old Quarter or watch the sunset over the Hoai River in Hoi An.
• Budget: Rent a motorbike in Hue for $5/day and explore the city on your own.
• Splurge: A 5-star cruise on Halong Bay costs about $100/night, but the views are worth every penny.
• Unique: Take a cooking class in Hoi An for $25, or go “cloud-hunting” in Ta Xua, Son La.

Vietnam Awaits Your Story

Vietnam’s 63 provinces are 63 love letters, from Sapa’s misty peaks to Can Tho’s river songs. Pack your bags and let this country steal your heart. Plan your adventure at travelgui.com!