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Backpacking Vietnam in 2025

A complete guide for backpacking in Vietnam with best places to go, best time to visit, what to bring and safety advice.

Welcome to Vietnam, a captivating tapestry of rich history, vibrant culture, and diverse landscapes that beckons backpackers with open arms. Pros? Immerse in bustling markets, explore ancient temples, and trek through stunning rice terraces—all on a backpacker-friendly budget. The local cuisine is a delight for adventurous taste buds. However, be prepared for crowded tourist spots and occasional language barriers. Vietnam offers a perfect blend of affordability and cultural richness, making it a standout destination for backpackers seeking an authentic Southeast Asian adventure, where every street corner tells a story and each encounter leaves an indelible mark.
Best known for:Known for: scenery | backpackers | food
Best time to visit: February-April, August-October

Why to go?
Why backpacking in Vietnam

Scenery

Vietnam offers a diverse range of stunning landscapes and sceneries that are worth exploring.

One of the most iconic sceneries in Vietnam is Ha Long Bay, known for its emerald waters and towering limestone karsts. Taking a cruise through the bay



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Backpackers

The backpacker scene in Vietnam is vibrant and thriving. It is a popular destination for backpackers from all around the world due to its affordability, natural beauty, rich history, and delicious cuisine.




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Food

The food in Vietnam is so good because of its fresh and vibrant ingredients, complex flavors, and rich culinary history. Vietnamese cuisine is known for its use of herbs, vegetables, and spices, which create a diverse and balanced range of flavors.



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Cheap

The average costs for backpacking in Vietnam can vary depending on various factors such as the duration of the trip, the type of accommodation chosen, the mode of transportation, and the activities undertaken. On average, budget travelers can expect



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People

Vietnamese people are known for their warm and welcoming nature. They often invite guests into their homes with open arms and treat them like family. It is common for Vietnamese people to offer food and drinks to visitors, making sure they are well



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Architecture

Vietnam is home to a number of ancient ruins and interesting architecture, including the ancient city of Hue, which served as the imperial capital of the Nguyen Dynasty. The city is known for its impressive citadel, royal tombs, and pagodas, all of



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Beach life

Vietnam is great for beach life and snorkeling because of its stunning coastline with over 3,000 kilometers of beautiful beaches. The warm, clear waters of the South China Sea and Gulf of Thailand provide ideal conditions for snorkeling, with an



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💡 Highlights
Top-5 things to do in Vietnam

  1. Ha Long Bay: This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a must-visit in Vietnam. Its stunning limestone karsts and emerald waters create a breathtaking landscape that can be explored by boat or kayak.
  2. Hoi An Ancient Town: Known for its well-preserved architecture, Hoi An is a charming town that offers a glimpse into Vietnam’s rich history. Its narrow streets, traditional houses, and lantern-lit alleys make it a perfect place for a leisurely stroll.
  3. Sapa: Located in the northern highlands, Sapa is famous for its terraced rice fields and ethnic minority villages. Trekking through the picturesque landscapes and interacting with the local communities is a unique and enriching experience.
  4. Ho Chi Minh City: Formerly known as Saigon, Ho Chi Minh City is a bustling metropolis that showcases the country’s modern side. From the historic landmarks like the Reunification Palace to the vibrant markets and delicious street food, this city has something for everyone.
  5. Mekong Delta: Exploring the Mekong Delta is like stepping into a different world. This region is known for its lush greenery, floating markets, and traditional villages. Taking a boat tour along the river and tasting fresh tropical fruits are highlights of a visit to the Mekong Delta.

Traveled route: Hanoi, Halong Bay, Son La, Sa Pa, Ninh Binh

🌤️ When to go?
Best time to go backpacking Vietnam

The best time to visit Vietnam for backpacking is during the spring season, from February to April, and the autumn season, from August to October. During these months, the weather is generally pleasant with less rainfall and moderate temperatures. Additionally, these periods are less crowded with tourists compared to the peak summer season, allowing for a more authentic and immersive backpacking experience.JAN
FEBWhy visit in February?
MARWhy visit in March?
APRWhy visit in April?
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AUGWhy visit in August?
SEPWhy visit in September?
OCTWhy visit in October?
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Risk level: low (17%)
Safety advice for Vietnam


  • The impacts of Typhoon Yagi continue across the north of Vietnam. Storms, flooding and the risk of landslides remain. Further impacts to local infrastructure and disruptions to transportation and services could still occur. If you're in the affected area, check the media and follow instructions from local authorities (see 'Safety').

  • Road accidents are a major cause of injury. Be alert at all times on the roads. 

  • Petty theft, including bag slashing, is common in tourist areas and crowded places, especially during holiday times. Snatch-and-grab theft by thieves on motorcycles is also common. Hold bags and backpacks in front of you or on the opposite side to the traffic to make them harder to steal. Be aware of motorbikes approaching as you walk. Carry the minimum amount of valuables. Be prepared to surrender your valuables rather than risk being injured in a struggle.

  • Aggravated theft, sexual assault and assault happen. Travellers have been assaulted after having their food or drinks spiked. Pay attention when your drinks are being mixed. Get urgent medical help if you suspect drink spiking.

  • Personal or commercial disputes sometimes lead to threats of physical violence or death. Have a clear agreement on the expected level of service. Report any threats to police.

  • Travellers have been robbed withdrawing money from ATMs. Credit and debit card fraud and card skimming happen across Vietnam. Taxi and gambling scams are also common. Only use ATMs in banks and shopping centres. Always keep your credit card in sight. Use metered or prearranged taxis, especially at airports. Report gambling scams to police.

  • During the rainy season (June to November), floods, typhoons and severe weather can disrupt essential services. Follow the advice of local officials.


Vietnam
My tips to get you on the way!
Does Vietnam sound like your next backpacking destination? Use these steps to get you on the way.

Get inspiration 📚
While guidebooks used to be the backpacker’s holy grail for finding accomodation, nowadays that’s more conveniently accomplished online. However, guidebooks remain an excellent resource for familiarizing oneself with the country, gaining inspiration, and discovering itineraries. I enjoy reading them before my travels and then leaving them behind at home when I embark on my journey.

Prepare your trip ✅
Before embarking on your journey, several essential checks are crucial: passport, visa, vaccinations and insurance. Some countries mandate that your passport remains valid for 3 to 6 months post your return. Additionally, it is important to verify the specific visa requirements for Vietnam. These differ per country of origin. While you can handle visa arrangements independently, online visa services streamline the process as they know exactly what’s needed for each country. Vietnam may require certain vaccinations. Make sure to timely check which ones you still need. Lastly, if you don’t have a travel insurance yet, Safety Wing is a good choice as they are tailored for backpackers.

Book your flight ✈️
The flight may be the most expensive part of your trip. Therefore it’s worth spending a bit of time finding the right one. Flight search engines like Skyscanner and Kayak are the best to compare all possible options. A good tip is to be flexible with your exact travel dates. Traveling one or two days earlier/later may save you some bucks. Also booking about three months in advance can help making the best deal for you (though I’m not the best one myself to follow this advice as I tend to decide last-minute). A final tip would be to check airports in neighbouring countries. Not necessarily for cost saving but it can be intriguing to journey into Vietnam, travel overland to one of its neighbours and fly back home from there.

Book your first night(s) 🛌
Depending on your travel style, you can either plan a detailed day-to-day route and pre-book your accommodations, providing peace of mind, or opt to book them spontaneously, offering greater flexibility to adjust your plan. Personally, I am a big fan of the latter approach, but I always ensure to book the first night(s) in advance.

My personal packing list 🎒
authorOver the years, I’ve learned the importance of packing minimally. It’s so much easier to jump on the back of a truck or squeeze yourself into the last spot of a minibus without that supersized backpack. If you’re headed to a warm destination, leave your winter jacket at home; for colder regions, opt for thin thermal underlayers. Instead of packing your entire wardrobe, bring just three sets of clothes, as laundry facilities are available everywhere.


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last page update: 21 September 2024

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