Vietnam Travel Tips: Halong Bay, Hoi An, Mekong – Round Trip

Why Vietnam?

Full disclosure: I haven't been to Vietnam myself yet. But hardly any country gets recommended to me by friends as often – and always with the same route: Hanoi and its Old Quarter, two days on a junk in Halong Bay, then by plane or night train to Hue and Hoi An, and finally Saigon and the Mekong Delta.

What everyone stresses: the country is cheap, the food is superb (pho, banh mi, fresh spring rolls), and the people are friendly. The distances are big – 1,700 kilometres from north to south – so a domestic flight or two is worth it. Hoi An with its lanterns and tailors is everyone's favourite place.

For a first trip I recommend an organised tour: the operators on TourRadar combine Halong Bay, Hoi An and the Mekong in two weeks with a guide and hotels – and value for money is especially good in Vietnam.

Tips from my friends for Vietnam

Halong Bay: two nights on the boat rather than a day trip – the bay is at its most beautiful in the morning and evening.
Hoi An: have clothes tailor-made in 24 hours, cycle through the rice paddies to An Bang Beach.
Visa: Swiss citizens need an e-visa, done online in three days – apply before you fly.

Book excursions

Tours & TicketsViator – guided tours, day trips and admission tickets in Vietnam; usually free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

Where to stay?

Hanoi: Old Quarter. Hoi An: on the edge of the old town or at An Bang Beach. Saigon: District 1.

Find accommodation in Vietnam

I almost always compare hotels, apartments and guesthouses on Booking.com – with genuine reviews and usually free cancellation.

View accommodation in Vietnam Compare on Hotels.com Holiday rental on Vrbo

Affiliate links: if you book I earn a small commission – the price stays the same for you, and sometimes you even get an extra discount. Hotels.com is worth it for comparing prices and for the loyalty programme (every tenth night free), Vrbo for holiday homes and apartments.

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