I’m planning and organizing a wonderful trip to Vietnam from mid-March to mid-April 2026, traveling independently for a month with my wife to enjoy her new retirement.
Here’s a summary of our itinerary:
We arrive in Ho Chi Minh City on the morning of Wednesday, March 18, and depart from Hanoi on the evening of Thursday, April 16.
First, I’d like to head to Ho Chi Minh City because the temperatures are high in that region in mid-March. After that, we’ll visit Phu Quoc Island and then the Mekong Delta.
We’ll return to Ho Chi Minh City and take a flight to Hue for 2 days, then Tam Coc / Ninh Binh (2-3 days), and Cat Ba Island with a visit to Lan Ha Bay (4 days).
We’ll spend a few days in Hanoi, followed by 3-4 days in Sapa with some hikes, and then the Ha Giang loop (4 days). (I’m a motorcyclist—I ride a BMW trail bike and have taken care of renewing my international license.) We’re considering renting a motorcycle or bicycles when needed, except in Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi. The weather in northern Vietnam in early April should theoretically be decent. Finally, we’ll return to Hanoi before heading back to Paris and the Pays de la Loire.
Unfortunately, I’m skipping Angkor in Cambodia.
I’d like to have a guide for 1 or 2 days in Sapa (which typical agency would you recommend?), and I’m wondering if I should book an agency for the 4 days in Ha Giang. I prefer my independence and don’t really like the "group" aspect of agencies. I’ll rent a 150cc motorcycle, and my wife will ride with me.
Other questions: What are some good, typical accommodations to book in the places we’ve identified? Thanks for any info.
Did I forget anything, or should we adjust our itinerary?
Thanks for your help and advice.
Pimarguibou
Hi Philippe,
A fabulous trip I had the chance to take in 2018 (it’s starting to feel like ages ago...), you’re in for a treat!
My (little) tips for your journey:
- If it’s not too late, consider doing it in the opposite direction. The only downside of my trip (in January) was the bad weather we had from Hanoi all the way to Hue, which really dampened our experience in the north. We even cut it short to spend more time in Phu Quoc. Start with Hanoi, the north, Cat Ba, Ninh Binh (magical—take the train from Hanoi), then head down to Hue (don’t miss a stop in Hoi An), followed by Ho Chi Minh City, and finish in the delta (exhausted!) on the island.
If bad weather hits the north, you’ll handle it better knowing the sun is waiting for you...
- I’d avoid combining Sapa (I assume that’s what you meant by "Sarpa") and Ha Giang. The landscapes are (pretty) similar, and you’ll be rushing. Free up time for other places. The Ha Giang loop was little-known back then but doesn’t require an agency. You rent in Ha Giang, and they provide maps and places to discover.
- Lan Ha Bay is a great alternative to the crowds in Halong Bay. If you have the budget, plan for 3 days/2 nights on a junk boat to really enjoy it (they pick you up at noon and drop you off at 3 PM).
For accommodations, COVID and time have passed, so I wouldn’t risk giving recommendations.
Happy planning—you still have a little time left! 😉
I haven’t booked my flight tickets yet. Initially, I was starting in Hanoi, but after reading different travel stories, I saw that the heat is really intense in the South at this time of year and that the landscapes are prettier in the North in April—that’s why I reversed my route to start in HCM, but I could just as easily start in Hanoi.
Best,
Pimarguibou
Maybe April would be better—my experience was in December/January.
Plus, I prefer ending with the beach part, to relax before heading home.
It’s up to you, though!
This is a pretty classic itinerary, similar to what I did this year during the same period (mid-March to mid-April).
I didn’t visit the Mekong Delta or Phu Quoc, though.
A few notes:
* Even though it’s extremely touristy, it’s hard to skip Hoi An—it might just be the prettiest city in the country.
* Cat Ba is still a good gateway to the southern part of Halong Bay, but keep in mind that the town itself is under major construction (they’re concreting the waterfront). Don’t stay more than one night—it’s dusty and noisy.
* For the Sapa area, I highly recommend https://sapa-decouverte.com/. This small family-run agency is run by Nhu, a dynamic, friendly, and perfectly francophone young woman. She took us through the rice terraces and nearby villages, and we even stayed at her place. They offer several itineraries; we chose the Trek Sapa Alternative.
* The Ha Giang Loop is also worth it—the landscapes are pretty spectacular. We traveled by car, but we saw lots of groups of young motorbike riders (easy riders). If you can do the loop independently, I think you’ll enjoy it more.
* In the north, we also visited Cao Bang, which is much less touristy than Sapa and Ha Giang, so it feels a lot more authentic. There are several interesting sites in the area, like God's Eye Mountain.
For accommodations, I booked as I went along on Booking.com. It works really well in Vietnam.
Hello,
At this time of year, I personally find it more interesting to start from Saigon and head north. In the South, the weather is still pleasant, including on Phu Quoc, but in the North, the sun is more present (between 21 and 28°C), though there’s a risk of evening thunderstorms now and then. The landscapes are much more beautiful—often with green rice fields after transplanting—and Ha Long Bay is less foggy. For central Vietnam, March or April are good months... in theory.
For me too, even if the town of Sa Pa is less interesting in 2025, the surrounding terraced rice fields are stunning, and the ethnic markets are amazing—Coc Ly, Bac Ha, Can Cau, etc. Ha Giang offers different but fantastic landscapes. If you're passionate about motorbikes, why not? Though these days, it’s crowded, noisy, and full of exhaust fumes. I prefer hiking along the river or farmers' trails, so I hire a translator/guide.
I’ve often seen bikers leave in the morning without visiting the villages or markets near where they stayed. Everyone has their own passions—I get it.
Ha Long or Lan Ha—it’s not an easy choice! I visited Lan Ha before Covid, and it was really pretty. I’d been to Ha Long in 1993, 1994, and 2003. I preferred Lan Ha by comparison. But Ha Long is more visited because it’s more impressive—it’s one of those must-sees. Going to the north and not seeing this bay is like visiting Paris without seeing Notre Dame but going to Sainte-Chapelle instead (which is very pretty). It’s a personal choice.
Take the advice you’ve been given about Cat Ba into account.
For accommodations, use Booking.com if you can afford it—the prices include their commission, which you avoid when booking directly. But it’s more convenient.
Cao Bang is a dream spot, especially the famous RC4 road all the way to Lang Son. But you can’t do everything, so I’m already planning my 12th trip to this country.
Eric, thanks so much for these details. A month-long itinerary at this time will give us a great first taste.
Do you know of a good agency or an authentic guide for half-day trips in Sapa?
Best,
Pimarguibou
Hi Philippe,
Yes, I know a good agency for Northern Vietnam, VietnamEvasion, especially for its selection of great guides. Worth checking out.
OldPlatypus mentioned one to you—there’s another that used to come up often on this forum: Sapa O'Chaud. At one point, Olivier near Sapa was either highly praised or heavily criticized. Others trust the H’mong women who offer their services. The first time, I went through EASIA.
Once you're there, you’ll have plenty of choices and can really express what you’re looking for in this trek: pure nature, nature and villages, elevation changes, descending along the river and going back up on foot or by car, staying with a "local host," a true local, or in a hostel—even up to the two 5-star hotels in Sa Pa.
Happy planning!
Eric
I work for a small local agency based in Da Nang, and this is THE question I get asked the most about the northern part of a trip. I’m sharing what we see on the ground here—no sugarcoating—because the answer isn’t always Lan Ha.
Geologically, it’s the same limestone massif. Lan Ha is its southern extension, off Cat Ba Island. The difference is the crowds.
Halong Bay: hundreds of junks on a few marked routes. The landscape is iconic, access from Hanoi is shorter (about 2.5 hours by highway), and there’s a much wider choice of boats, from comfortable to luxurious.
Lan Ha Bay: only a few dozen boats over a comparable area. Result: around a hundred small beaches where you can swim—which is very limited in most of Halong Bay—and free kayaking between islets and caves, instead of guided kayaking in restricted zones. The floating villages are still active, not just visited.
When to choose Halong? In two cases: you have less than three days in the North (boarding for Lan Ha is in Cat Ba, which adds a connection and about 40 minutes each way), or you’re looking for a specific boat—the Lan Ha fleet is smaller and often fully booked two to three months in advance during peak season.
When to choose Lan Ha? Nine times out of ten, for everything else: first cruise, family trip, honeymoon, or if you just want fewer boats around you at sunrise.
Season-wise: March to May and September to November are the best windows—clear skies, calm sea. From December to February, it’s 15 to 18 °C with dense fog: no swimming, but an atmosphere many travelers prefer to full sun. One night on board is enough in most cases: the bay is best experienced in 24 hours, from sunset on deck to morning kayaking.
For boats in the same price range, the cost difference between the two bays is negligible—the real difference comes down to the boat you choose, not the destination.
I’ve broken down the comparison point by point (landscape, swimming, kayaking, floating villages, access, boat options) and the seasons here: full details
Which bay did you choose—and why? I’d love to hear your feedback, especially if you’ve done both.
I don’t know about you, but I’m a huge fan of markets. No matter where I go, in every country or city I visit, I won’t leave without having seen one. I’m mostly talking about food markets. I love the smells, the colors, and watching people from all walks of life stroll around. It’s like a mirror of a country’s culture, and I love soaking it all in.
Thai markets are particularly appealing to me. In my province, there are so many. Maybe more than elsewhere—I’m not sure—but every day, you can find a "Talat Nat." These are traveling markets that set up in specific places on specific days. They only stay open for a few hours. Some attract more shoppers than others because they have more stalls and a wider variety of products. Sometimes, they’re set up in pretty unusual spots: temples, roadside, even on train tracks...
On top of these, there are also markets in the city that stay open all day.
I’d love for you to share your photos of markets, local product stalls, and why not, let’s talk about gastronomy and cuisine too!
I’ll start with my favorite market—it’s 8 kilometers from my place and happens every Tuesday from 2 PM to 5 PM. I never miss a Tuesday unless there’s a downpour... 😉 It’s located in the countryside, in a village famous for its coffee (ThamSing), and inside the grounds of a slightly unusual temple. It’s easy to get to—over the past 10 years, the roads have been paved, which wasn’t the case before and made the trip a bit risky when it rained...
In the first two photos, you’ll see the temple courtyard on a normal day, without the market.
I’m planning an 18-day trip to Bali between June 12th and 30th. I’ve been to Bali twice before, in 1981 and 1982, but I know it’s changed a lot since then. I have a rough itinerary in mind but I’m open to tweaking it based on any advice I can get:
- Arriving the evening of June 12th, 2 nights in Sanur. Not because I’m particularly attached to Sanur, but just to rest a bit before heading further;
- 3 nights in Lovina;
- 3 nights in Ubud;
- 2 nights in Kintamani (I remember being blown away by the view of the giant caldera!);
- 2 nights in Besakih;
- 1 night in Sidemen;
- 3 nights in Candi Dasa;
- 2 nights back in Ubud to wrap up, in case we’ve made any purchases or have shopping plans. By shopping, I mean handicrafts (fabrics, batik, etc.), and I think Ubud is the perfect place for that.
I’m a bit unsure about public transport, especially for getting from Kintamani down to Candi Dasa via Besakih and Sidemen.
We’re traveling as a couple—I forgot to mention that! We’re seasoned travelers and used to packing light. Also, I speak pretty good Bahasa Indonesia, having lived in Indonesia a long time ago!
Hi,
We're planning to visit this region as a couple for a few days during our trip to Vietnam.
What should we do with 3 to 4 days there, and how can we get around to the different spots?
Should we return to Sapa every day or stay in different places each night?
Any tips on accommodations, dining, and must-see sites?
Also, advice on traveling from Hanoi to Sapa.
Thanks so much for helping us prepare for this autumn 2027 trip!
Hello everyone!
It’s been a while since I last posted here.
My partner and I are seasoned travelers, and we’re planning a one-month road trip in Thailand between mid-February and mid-March.
Here are a few details:
- There will be three of us, including our 3-year-old child,
- We hate mass tourism (but love the Land of Smiles, which we already know a little),
- We’ll start from Bangkok (without visiting it) heading south to drop off the rental car in Phuket (without visiting Phuket) and fly out from there.
We’re thinking of an itinerary like Bangkok - Khao Sam Roi Yot - Khao Sok, and maybe exploring in a loop toward Surat Thani, Khanom Beach, and Khao Tong / Phang Nga Bay (if there are parts still untouched by mass tourism).
Do you have any recommendations for places to discover? We love meeting locals and don’t have any preconceived ideas, except avoiding crowds—I know it’s possible!
Thanks for your valuable tips!
Best regards,
Claire
Hi,
We're heading out at the end of the year to join family in Cebu. We're planning to spend a week in the area but are struggling to choose between these 3 islands... Ideally, we'd like to have 2 bases to explore two of them. Have any of you visited all three, and which would you recommend? We're into snorkeling, beautiful excursions, and would also love to connect with locals. And ideally, do all that without too much logistical hassle 😅
Thanks for your experiences/tips!
Hi,
Is it useful to rent a car from Puerto Princesa to get to El Nido? Are there any nice stops along the way?
I read that once you arrive in El Nido, most of the beaches and sights are accessed by boat, so I'm wondering if this rental is really worth it...
Thanks for your help
Hi there,
We’re planning a backpacking trip to Northern Malaysia and northern Sumatra in February/March 2027. It’ll be our first time in these areas (we’re pretty familiar with the rest of Asia). Thanks in advance for your favorite spots and diving recommendations! It’s still very open-ended—we haven’t set anything in stone yet.
Thanks,
Hi there,
We’re thinking of spending a month in the Philippines at the end of February and the beginning of March. What’s the tourist crowd like during that time—is it super busy? We’re not really used to booking accommodations, transport, etc., in advance.
Thanks in advance!
I’m starting a discussion about guides in the Mekong Delta because we’ve just finished our trip in this region and had a hard time finding a French-speaking guide. We had Thanh—she speaks French really well and travels all over the delta region, including Ho Chi Minh City. She’s super friendly and flexible. I recommend her wholeheartedly. If it can help someone...
Feel free to contact us for her number.
I’m planning to go to Koh Lipe.
Do you know a good site to book a boat ticket from Phuket?
And if you’ve visited any nice islands around Koh Lipe, I’d love to hear about them.
I’d like to go diving.
Thanks
Hi, I’ve read that these two volcanoes are super popular and that there are *tons* of people for sunrise, especially in July. I’m looking for firsthand accounts from anyone who’s done it later, around 9–10 a.m.
Thanks for your help!
Laëtitia
We’re planning to spend two full days in Phnom Penh next January.
We really love markets, and I’d love to know which one you think is the most interesting in the capital? The Central Market (Psar Thmei) and the Russian Market are often mentioned.
Thanks in advance for your tips.
Have a great day,
I’m planning our summer vacation for August 2027.
We’re a family of 4, and here’s what I had in mind:
- Arrival in Surabaya (one or two stops, including Jakarta). 6 nights on Java Island (private driver, nights split between Bromo and Yogyakarta)
Budget airline.
- 7 nights in Bali: 4 in Ubud, 3 in Amed (with a rental car)
- And a 3-night stopover in Singapore.
During my trip to Thailand, I’ll be spending 2 nights at Tonsai Beach, near Ao Nang Beach, close to Krabi. Tonsai Beach is only accessible by boat, so I was wondering where I could safely leave my car at Ao Nang Beach for 48 hours?
Alternatively, at Ao Nam Mao Beach (on the other side), if there are shuttles to Tonsai Beach.
We’re planning a two-week trip to the Philippines in August (unfortunately, we don’t have a choice on the dates...) and we’ve seen, especially through many posts here, that a large part of the Philippines is advised against visiting. However, some areas might still be okay for this month.
Based on that, we’re considering the following itinerary:
• D1–D2: Flight from France to Manila, overnight transit in Manila.
• D3–D5: Camiguin — beaches, Mantigue, White Island, and a volcanic tour (staying at Balai sa Baibai)
• D6–D9: Anda — beach, snorkeling, rice terraces, Can-Umantad Falls, Chocolate Hills, tarsiers, waterfalls, and adventure activities (staying at Anda White Beach Resort)
• D10–D14: Siquijor — snorkeling, whale shark excursion in Oslob if possible, Apo Island, and sunset fishing (staying at Coco Grove Beach Resort)
• D15–D16: Return via Cebu and Manila, then international flight back to France.
We’ll be two families of four with kids over 20...
I’d love to hear your thoughts on whether this itinerary is feasible, and I’m open to suggestions for other islands or activities from those who know the destination well.
Thanks for your help! :slight_smile:
Hi everyone.
I’m heading to Malaysia for five weeks over the holiday season.
I just found out that tourists can pay by QR code like locals (street food, small shops) to avoid using cash.
This works with apps like Wise or TNG eWallet.
Has anyone tried this system before?
Hi,
On September 1st, we're heading to Kalimantan for six weeks, probably from Pontianak to the Derawan Islands.
I've scoured this site, which is usually my go-to 😉, and others like VoyageForum, but recent info is pretty scarce.
I'd love any tips on places you've visited—our itinerary is still a work in progress.
We're two couples traveling with backpacks, using buses, boats, guesthouses, and homestays.
Thanks in advance!
Hello fellow travelers, and thanks to everyone for keeping this blog alive!
It’s my turn to ask a question.
For our trip to Laos next year, I’m torn between using a local agency or organizing everything myself with the Lonely Planet guide and tips from VoyageForum.
If I plan it myself, will I still be able to find French-speaking guides on the spot or book excursions in advance?
Thanks for sharing your experiences, and if you have any recommendations for local agencies—just for excursions or even transportation—that’d be great!
Sylvie
Cinefil67
Hello,
I’m planning a trip to Vietnam with my partner, and we’re considering Ha Giang in October-November for 4 days on-site to do the loop by bus, since we’re not old enough to ride motorbikes.
I see there are sleeper buses—how does that work for sleeping at night, meals, etc.? And what are the rates per person for these 4 days and nights?
Then there’s Sapa—what’s the most practical way to travel between the two, or should we return to Hanoi?
I’d love recommendations for simple but decent hotels and any other tips you have.
Thanks so much! !
We’re 49 years old, love beautiful landscapes, meeting locals, discovering local food and traditions, and we avoid overly touristy places.
We enjoy hiking, cycling, running, and diving.
This is our first time in Thailand (my husband knows Bangkok).
We arrive on Friday, November 13th in Bangkok (city visit) and return on Friday, November 27th.
We’re considering heading south (possibly toward Krabi) from the 14th to the 18th to enjoy the beautiful beaches, go diving, and see Khao Sok...
Then back to Bangkok and on to Kanchanaburi to see the Sai Yok Noi waterfalls, followed by a bike visit to Ayutthaya.
From there, we’d take an overnight train to the north: Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, and the Lantern Festival from November 21st to 25th.
On the 26th, we’d take a flight from Chiang Mai to Bangkok (city visit), and on the 27th, we have our flight back to France.
Does this itinerary seem too packed?
Should we remove some things to avoid feeling rushed and fully enjoy the trip?
Do you recommend anything other than Krabi?
Hello.
We’re joining our daughter in Ho Chi Minh City for Christmas—she’s studying there. There’ll be five of us adults, and we couldn’t choose our travel dates, so some flights are fixed. I’ve sketched out the following route, but I’m not sure if it all makes sense. This is our fourth trip to Asia (Thailand twice, Lombok, Kuala Lumpur, and Singapore). We often travel on a budget, love authentic spots, and enjoy meeting locals (we’ve done volunteer work and homestays).
18/12: Two of us arrive in HCMC
20/12: Head to Hanoi, where the boys land
20/12 to 23 or 24: Hanoi and day trips around—still deciding
23 or 24 to 26: Phu Quoc, so we can head south and spend Christmas by the beach (one son is crazy about the sea and fishing)
27 to 30: Mekong Delta, stopping in Ha Tien, Chau Doc, and another spot to get back to Ho Chi Minh City
1/1: Return flight to France.
What do you think of this plan—is it doable or totally unrealistic? Any recommendations for a one- or two-day trip from Hanoi (Phu Long, Mai Chau), or is it better to stick around the city?
Thanks in advance for your insights.
I’m planning a 28-day trip to the Philippines starting in the second half of April, and I’m skipping all the super touristy spots.
I’ve got some ideas, but they’re still a bit vague and scattered, and I’d love your help and tips to finalize my itinerary.
For this trip, I’m mostly looking for architecture, ancestral homes, cultural discoveries, local crafts, exceptional natural sites, and islands with beautiful, less crowded beaches—especially avoiding international tourists.
So here are my ideas, and I’d really appreciate your advice:
1- Surigao del Sur, if security allows: the Enchanted River in Hinatuan and Tinuy-an Falls in Bislig City.
2- Iloilo City, Bacolod, Silay
3- The Heritage Town of Taal
4- Banaue and Batad
5- Romblon Island (Bonbon Beach and the marble workshops in Romblon town)
6- Bolinao Falls and Hundred Islands in Pangasinan
7- Baguio, Vigan, Laoag, and Pagudpud (Saud Beach and/or Blue Lagoon)
8- Guimaras Island, Samal Island, and Dinagat Island
I know logistically it’s impossible to cover all the spots I’ve listed in 28 days, which is why I’m counting on your advice to drop a few destinations that might not be worth the detour and highlight the must-sees.
Thanks in advance
Hi there,
We're planning a little trip along the west side, visiting KL, Malacca, then heading up to Penang and ending with a few days at the beach.
The most common option would be to finish the stay in Langkawi. My question: are there other spots with beautiful beaches on this coast where we could spend 4 to 5 days?
Thanks in advance for your replies.
hi everyone,
I want to travel in the north for 3 weeks in September-October 2026 to meet ethnic minorities, photograph mountain rice terraces and their harvest, and revisit Halong Bay—but maybe Lan Ha Bay instead. Can you recommend one or more local agencies?
Thanks, and happy holidays!
I’d like to know if it’s possible (and reasonable) to travel directly between Battambang and Kampot?
From what I’ve gathered, all the buses between these two destinations go back through Phnom Penh, which means we’d have to spend an extra night there in the middle of our trip. That’s not ideal for us.
Hello, South Sulawesi loop: Makassar-Ramang Ramang-Rantepao-Sengkang-Lake Tempe-Bira. Which direction should I take for this loop, starting and ending in Makassar?
Public transport preferred, and about 3 weeks in total.
Any nice homestays? And tips for solo travel?
Thanks, Françoise
Hi there,
I’ve found so many tips and reviews on this forum, so it’s my turn to contribute a little.
We spent just over two weeks with our family, with the following itinerary:
- Hanoi: 5 days
- Halong Bay: 3 days and 2 nights
- Tam Coc: 3 days
- Mai Chau: 2 days
- Sapa: 3 days
We got around by bike, scooter, Grab, and bus.
Our main accommodations were homestays and hotels in Hanoi.
We visited lots of museums, temples, and neighborhoods in Hanoi.
We did a 2-day, 1-night trek in Sapa with May, a Hmong local, without going through an agency.
A few small regrets: the weather was overcast, and we couldn’t make it to Fansipan, but nothing major 😅. We also couldn’t find transport to get from Sapa to Mu Cang Chai.
Other than that, this trip will stay in our memories for the kindness of the Vietnamese people, the connections we made, the food (street food, homestays...), the coffee 😋, the landscapes, and how easy it was to get around...
Our goal was to take our time and focus only on a small part of northern Vietnam.
If you need any tips or recommendations, don’t hesitate to ask.
Looking forward to hearing from you.
Cédric.
Hi there,
After a stay in Hua Hin and before another in Chiang Mai, I’d like to break up the trip from Bangkok to Chiang Mai into several stops. I’ve found bus and train routes on Maps, but I’m stuck on the connection between Ban Rai / Uthai Thani and then Nakhon Sawan (bus for the latter).
Does anyone have any idea where I could find info, maybe via Route 333?
I know my question isn’t super general or exciting, but if you can help, thanks!
