Hi there,

In January 2026, I’m planning a motorbike trip through northern Vietnam for 3–4 weeks.

Must-dos: Hanoi, RC4, Dien Bien Phu, and of course the must-see landscapes.

I’m looking for any great tips, ideas… and maybe even a riding partner.

Cheers

Hi there,

The question’s in the title—should I buy a map locally or bring a detailed one from France? If so, which one?

Thanks! 😉

Still on the same Ngo Van So street, but now at No. 18 (instead of 19) in a stunning, huge French-style house, with a garden, small dining rooms, and an open kitchen. Still just as delicious!

Hello,

We’re planning our trip for October 2017!! (Yes, it’s still far off—but planning it is already like a vacation.) We’re interested in the Ban Gioc Waterfalls, but I can’t quite make up my mind about them. Will there still be water in October? Is this stop worth it? (Even if there’s no water?) Thanks for your replies! Happy travels to everyone, Eric

Hello,

I’m planning a trip of about three months in Vietnam starting in September 2026. I’ll arrive in Hanoi, where I plan to stay for around two to three weeks to explore the city at a relaxed pace, as well as several nearby spots: historical heritage, museums, traditional neighborhoods, markets, and craft villages.

After that, I’d like to gradually make my way toward the center and south of the country, depending on the people I meet, the weather, and opportunities along the way. I’m particularly looking forward to another longer stop in Ho Chi Minh City—probably two to three weeks—to discover the city’s modern history, Cholon, the markets, Southern cuisine, and take a few day trips, like to the Mekong Delta or natural areas accessible from the city. The rest of the itinerary is intentionally flexible: I’d rather linger in an interesting place than stick to a rigid schedule.

I’m especially interested in culture and history, museums, markets, local food, craft villages, and slightly less touristy spots. I also enjoy walking around a city, observing daily life, chatting over coffee, or occasionally going out in the evening. That said, I’m not looking for a very active trip or one focused mainly on nightlife.

I’m a calm, curious, and fairly independent person. I can be a bit reserved at first, but I’m sociable once I feel comfortable. I’m particularly interested in IT, artistic creation, and personal projects, and I enjoy quiet conversations about a variety of topics.

I’ll be traveling on a fairly budget-friendly basis: youth hostels, local transport, street food, and small restaurants, with the occasional splurge on an activity or slightly more comfortable accommodation. Of course, everyone would keep their own budget and independence, while sharing certain expenses when it makes sense.

The idea would be to start by meeting in Hanoi for a visit, a meal, or a few days together, then simply see if our paces and interests align. There’s no need to travel together for the full three months—it could be a day, a few days, a few weeks, or longer, depending on how well we get along. I like sharing parts of the journey and activities while still having the freedom to take time alone or do some sightseeing separately.

I’m open to meeting people, with a preference for a female travel companion. My approach is mainly friendly, without any particular expectations, though I’m open to a connection developing naturally.

Feel free to message me to share your dates, itinerary, and travel style.

Hi there, We’re heading to Vietnam as a family on July 8th for a little over 3 weeks (north and center). We’ve only booked the first 3 nights in Hanoi, and nothing else after that. We like to decide things on the spot and go with the flow, without rushing everywhere. But I’m still a bit unsure: when heading down to the center (Hue), is it better to book the overnight trains in advance? We don’t want to take any flights while we’re there—just use the overnight train for the long trips. But I’m worried we won’t get seats if we buy the tickets on the spot, say, 2 days before. What do the experts here think? And which website can we use to book the tickets? Thanks in advance for your tips!

Hi everyone, I have a Visa card with international option. How do I pay in Vietnam? Hotels booked on Booking—do hotel owners charge a commission? How do I withdraw money? ATM fees? Where can I exchange euros at the lowest cost? Thanks in advance for your tips! Larri

I'm looking to rent a scooter in Saigon and be able to return it in Hoi An. If anyone knows an agency that does this

Hi there!

I’m heading to Vietnam and Laos with a buddy next week for a month. We’re thinking of renting motorbikes, especially to do the Ha Giang Loop. We don’t have an international license, just our Belgian one. Is that enough? If not, is it risky?

Thanks for the info! !

Hi there, Planning a trip in January to the Mekong Delta. Question: I’m stopping at Gieng Island—are there public buses from Ho Chi Minh City or Sa Dec that go near the ferry dock for this little island? Question: How do you get to Tram Chim National Park (the bird sanctuary) by bus? Finally, is there an app for public transport in southern Vietnam? Maybe some of you have been there before 🙂 Thanks for your tips!

Hi there,

I’d like to get some information about the upcoming changes to the law on Vietnamese naturalization. My grandmother and my mother were born in Saigon, and I’ve managed to get a 5-year visa exemption as a Việt Kiều, but I’d like to know if I can obtain a Vietnamese passport. I travel to Vietnam very often and plan to move there permanently as a Việt Kiều.

Hi there,

We’re a family of bike-travelers. Our long journey came to a halt in March 2020 in Ho Chi Minh City due to Covid. We’d been on the road for 8 months—2 in Thailand, 1 in Cambodia, and 1 in Vietnam (from the Mekong Delta up to Ho Chi Minh, where we got stopped). We’re heading back to Vietnam in July-August for 5 weeks to finish what we couldn’t in 2020 (introducing my kids to the country of my roots). We’d originally planned to backpack, figuring it’d be tough to cover the country by bike in such a short time... But the urge to pedal is strong for both parents and kids alike.

We’re thinking of keeping 10 days to explore the North by backpack (since the elevation changes are steep) and saving 3 solid weeks for biking—but we’re not sure where (ideally with minimal elevation gain). We’d love to return to Tam Coc (we visited in 2009 without the kids, thanks to Larsay’s great tips—still so grateful for all the valuable advice!). Logistically, we shipped our bikes 5 years ago, but that seems less doable now. We’re considering either renting (though 5 bikes for 3 weeks would get pricey fast) or buying locally to resell or donate afterward.

Is biking in August unrealistic? Thanks in advance for your insights! !

We’re heading to Vietnam for 3 weeks from January 17th to February 6th. In addition to the Mekong Delta and the central region, we’d like to spend some time by the sea. We’re torn between visiting the islands of Hon Son/Nam Du/(+Phu Quoc?) or choosing Con Dao Island. We’re hesitant because we’ve read that the sea around Con Dao can be rough and not great for swimming at this time of year (and that boats might be canceled). Could you share your thoughts? Thanks

For centuries, until its capture by the Vietnamese in 1407, Quy Nhon was Asia’s busiest port. Marco Polo stopped here on his way back from China to Venice. It was the port of Viraja, capital of the Champa kingdom, which explains the many Cham towers found all over the place, including right in the city center. Today, it’s a lovely beach resort, less crowded than others. There’s a gigantic seaside esplanade lined with alternating gardens and hotel towers, with not a single tree (not on the beach either), except at the café-restaurant-terrace of the 4-star hotel Hoang Yen and another one to the right of it. I was lucky to find a brand-new, spotless little hotel run by a very friendly family, the Ngoc Linh, on a quiet little street just 50 meters from the beach. $12 for a single room and $14 for a double. There’s a terrace restaurant. No bikes, but motorbike rentals are available ($10 per day). 6 Tran Van On 0563 54 66 99 or nearby on the esplanade (19 Xuan Dieu).

Beautiful beach establishments north of the city.

That said, it allowed me to indulge my passion for history with the beautiful Cham towers, especially those at Banh It, 20 km north of Quy Nhon on the Mandarin Road (you can see them in the distance as they sit atop a hill, offering a magnificent view of the entire region). Four well-preserved towers (the largest has been very well restored), built in the late 11th to early 12th century. At the foot of the mountain, you’ll find a beautiful 14th-century pagoda and the ruins of Viraja. Right in the middle of the city on Tran Hung Dao, there are also the two beautiful towers of Thap Doi.

Hi,

I'm currently in Ho Chi Minh City and was wondering if any ATMs don’t charge fees with a Visa card.

Thanks in advance!

Hi there, we’re currently in Mai Chau and tomorrow we’re hitting the road back to Hanoi to head up toward Bac Ha and Sapa. We haven’t really had a set plan since we arrived—we’ve already done the Halong Bay on land and by sea. I’ve got 2 free days before heading to Bac Ha and Sapa. Any tips? Thanks, and looking forward to hearing from you.

Hi everyone,

With a tourist visa, is it still tolerated in 2026 to buy and sell a small motorbike or scooter (with the green card in the previous owner’s name)?

Thanks for any recent first-hand experience! V

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.

Does the GRAB app make it easy to find vehicles for a group of 6 people in Vietnam?

Here’s a little clip we filmed in November–December 2019 (just before Covid) of a trip from Hanoi to Cat Ba Bay and then on to Xishuangbanna via Luang Namtha.

https://youtu.be/suZYN3LvgkQ

Good evening,

Exceptional floods occurred last week in central Vietnam, in the Hoi An and Hue regions. These areas get a lot of rain every year, but this time it's historically devastating.

The images are striking, horrifying, and surreal for those of us—like me—who walked these beautiful streets not long ago: the old town of Hoi An completely submerged, water up to the rooftops, the Japanese Bridge barely peeking out of the water... In Hue, the flag monument in front of the Imperial City entrance was nothing more than an island...

I’m not posting any links, but anyone can find them online if they wish.

Stay strong to our Vietnamese friends. And a strong warning to all tourists: avoid these regions. The water levels are receding, but more rain is on the way...

Hi there, I just booked a round-trip flight from Brussels to Da Nang on eDreams, with a layover in Hong Kong on Cathay Pacific. Does anyone know the check-in procedure for these flights? 1) For flight CX294 BXL-HKG, I’ll need to check in on the Cathay Pacific website, 2) For the next flight CX5552 HKG-DAD, what should I do? I only have a 2h25 layover. Will I need to collect my luggage, go through immigration, and then recheck in at the airport counter, etc.? I’m pretty worried about this layover—I thought check-in could be done on the airline’s website and that my luggage would be transferred automatically during the layover, like with most other airlines... Thanks so much for any help from those who’ve been in this situation!

Hello everyone, We’re heading to Vietnam for 14 nights over the Christmas holidays as a family of four—I haven’t booked anything yet. I’d love your insights on Halong Bay (or Lan Ha Bay). We’re torn between going or not and spending an extra night in Ninh Binh (or somewhere else you’d recommend! Somewhere with a more picturesque vibe) given the late-December weather and cost (which agency do you recommend?). The upside might be that we’ll be there during the low season, so maybe fewer tourists? (Even though it’d be New Year’s Eve night.) Here’s our itinerary: Arrival in Ho Chi Minh City around 1 p.m. 2nd night in HCMC (no time for the Mekong Delta ☹️) Flight to Da Nang 3 nights in Hoi An Bus to Hue, 1 night in Hue City visit, overnight train to Ninh Binh 2 or 3 nights in Ninh Binh? Halong Bay or Lan Ha Bay? 2 nights in Hanoi Departure Thank you so much in advance for your invaluable tips!

Hello, I’ve been to Thailand three times a long time ago, and I’d love to visit neighboring countries too: Laos, Vietnam, Cambodia (while returning to Thailand 😛). The catch is that I’d like to go at the beginning of the year, but I’ve heard that’s peak tourist season for these countries. Ideally, I’d prefer to avoid peak season to save money (I’m not exactly rolling in it) and to be able to travel without reservations—without being forced to take a room in the local "palace" that still has availability because of its exorbitant prices.

From my distant memories of Thailand, I usually paid around the equivalent of 20 € per night (with a hearty breakfast) for a hotel room with a mini-bar.

What are the average prices for this type of accommodation in Thailand and its neighbors during "peak" season these days? Do prices fluctuate a lot depending on the season, or is tourist demand not that different from one season to another, keeping prices relatively stable? Are the chances of finding a "budget" room without a reservation still high, no matter the season, in this part of the world? 😇

Hello everyone, we’re planning a trip to Vietnam at the end of June 2026 for at least two weeks. Our goal is to avoid rushing around too much and take our time, focusing on nature, hiking, and getting to know the locals. Here’s my first draft itinerary: Arrival and departure from Hanoi Sapa and its surrounding area Tam Coc – the "land Halong Bay" and Ninh Binh... Halong Bay (maritime) Cat Ba Island... I’d love to hear your thoughts, advice, and feedback. Looking forward to reading your replies. Cédric

Not sure if I’ve already posted this, so here it is again!

https://hiddenhoian.com/travel/tam-thanh-mural-village/

Imagine a peaceful coastal fishing village completely transformed by artists who worked their magic on the walls of 100 residential houses. That’s the remarkable story of the Tam Thanh mural village in Quang Nam province. Once similar to many other coastal villages in the area, it now firmly stands out on the tourist map for day trips from Hoi An. In the summer of 2016, Tam Thanh was selected by a joint Korean-Vietnamese project called “Art For A Better Community.” The village was chosen to be their blank canvas, inspired by the success of mural villages in Korea. The project aimed to make Tam Thanh the first painted village of its kind in Vietnam. The team included five Korean artists and seven Vietnamese artists, along with local volunteers. Their goal was to show Vietnamese people that art could be part of everyday life, no matter their place in society. The effort began with about three weeks of wall washing, followed by painting the walls of over 100 residents’ homes. The project was a success, and the village came alive with the paintings. The entire village is now a breathtaking gallery just waiting to be explored. The murals capture the life and soul of the village, from young children playing to fishermen in the ocean. A mix of fantastic pieces offers stunning backdrops for photos. The painted art around the town hasn’t just had a visual impact—it’s also had a social one. The village was chosen not only for the layout of the houses but also to contribute to economic development opportunities in Tam Thanh. Tourists now visit the once-overlooked village, creating more income for locals and making it a successful “art for a cause” project. For example, one entrepreneurial resident who owned a small local café invested 000,000 VND (390 USD) in a sugarcane press a week before the paintings were completed. Sugarcane juice vendors then multiplied with the growth of tourism (5,000 VND - 0.20 USD). Walking down the village’s single street, it’s common to find locals selling refreshments and handmade crafts. In one house in particular, a tailor and his family are painted on an outer wall with incredible detail. The family started selling tote bags decorated by their young daughter. The price for the bags is 100,000 VND (4 USD). If you’re looking for a way to support the village’s economy, this is it. Since there’s no middleman here, you can be sure your money goes directly to the community. You can have lunch at a house with a terrace right by the beach at the edge of the village.

How to Get There Route No. 1: Cross the large Cua Đai bridge. Once you’ve crossed it, continue toward Duong 129/Duong Ven Bien. Stay on this road for 33 kilometers. Upside: this route has light traffic, no traffic lights, and no trucks or buses. It’s a great direct route to the village but offers little to see along the way. You’ll eventually reach a crossroads. Turn right toward Tam Ky town, while the left will take you toward the Tam Thanh mural village. Stay on Route 608 as it turns twice before reaching a bridge. Cross the bridge, and you’ll arrive at Thanh Nien Road. Finally, turn right to reach the village. This route takes about an hour. Use your best judgment. For reference, it costs about 5,000 VND (0.20 USD) to park a motorbike.

Route #2: Cross the large Cua Đai bridge. Once you’ve crossed it, continue toward Duong 129/Duong Ven Bien. Stay on this road for 12 kilometers, then turn left onto Route 613, where you’ll continue for 1.5 kilometers until you reach Thanh Nien Road. Finally, turn right and drive 23 kilometers to the painted village. For most of the trip, taking Thanh Nien Road will take you through a much more local part of the region. The journey takes about an hour and a half.

Hello, Jean Pierre from Lille, a 70-year-old retiree in good health with an athletic build. I’d like to spend 3 weeks in Réunion where my son lives, then head to Vietnam for 2 months where I have friends in the north, and finish with 1 to 2 months in New Zealand where I don’t know anyone! I often travel as a laid-back adventurer—no stress, but still organized. Since I don’t like groups, I’m only looking for one person, man or woman, who’s used to traveling off the beaten path. That’s pretty much it! Hope to hear from you soon

Hey everyone, I’m prepping for a long trip (3 months between Asia and Eastern Europe), and I’m looking for a backpack that can go everywhere with me while properly protecting my laptop (15 inches).

The goal isn’t a big 70L backpack, but rather a secondary bag I can keep with me in the cabin, to carry my laptop, documents, a change of clothes or two, chargers, etc. I work remotely as a freelancer, so I’ll be opening it often in cafés, co-working spaces, and airports.

Any recommendations? What do you take with you when you need to work while traveling? Any reliable brands or models to suggest?

Thanks in advance for your tips—it’ll help me avoid a bad purchase right before my departure!

I really loved Thailand, but it was too touristy for my taste. So I'm hesitating about going back and wondering if Cambodia or Vietnam would be less crowded with tourists...

Hi there,

I’m currently in Hoi An—I hadn’t set foot here for 8 years. The city has already changed a lot, with lots of construction, and even in the old town, along one side of the riverbank, there are huge residential buildings going up that take away some of the charm of this place. But the worst part is the overtourism—it’s impossible to walk across the famous bridge in the middle of the canal in the evening because it’s so packed with people. There’s also a new trend: massage parlors have opened in the old town and around the city. I was shocked—people call out to you or even grab your arm on the sidewalk, and it’s everywhere. Bangkok and Phuket might start shaking—Hanoi’s the same way.

Anyway, let’s talk about the dual pricing specifically for non-Vietnamese tourists. We went to a restaurant near our hotel last night, and they gave us an English menu—okay, fine! But I noticed the table next to us, where Vietnamese tourists had a different menu. Weird! I asked to see the same menu as my neighbors, but the waitress refused, saying it was in Vietnamese and we wouldn’t understand. I insisted, and she finally agreed. Surprise!!! The prices on the two menus were different, with the English one up to 50% more expensive. I asked why, and she got flustered, telling me to just order from the Vietnamese menu, which I translated with my phone to see the local prices. I mentioned this to the hotel this morning, and the receptionist told me to go to restaurants where prices are displayed at the entrance to avoid getting ripped off. I just bought fresh bread this morning, and it was the same thing—the little loaf costs 4000 dong for Vietnamese people and 5000 dong for non-Vietnamese. It’s not a huge difference, but this way of doing things isn’t right. At supermarkets like VinMart+, prices are displayed, so there’s no surprise or dual pricing there.