Vietnam
There’s nothing quite as miserable as that post-Christmas slump, is there? After weeks of hosting, partying, and consuming our body weight in cheese, January always feels like the perfect time to escape. Work is quiet, the weather is miserable, and—let’s be honest—we’re always chasing the sun. This year, we finally ticked Vietnam off our bucket list, and let me tell you, it did not disappoint.
We love an adventure, and Vietnam was made for exploring. Over three weeks, we made our way from Hanoi in the north to Ho Chi Minh in the south, soaking up everything in between. From amazing landscapes to life-changing food, here’s where we went, what we learnt, and all the places you need to know about. Let’s go!
Itinerary
For us, the time we spent in each place felt just right. Of course, Vietnam has SO much to see, and if we had more time, we would have loved to visit Hoi An. But with our focus on balancing the city with beach time, we had to make some choices – and the coast won!
Here’s where we went:
· Hanoi – 2 nights
· Halong Bay – 2 nights
· Hanoi – 1 night
· Ninh Van Bay – 4 nights
· Ho Chi Minh City – 1 night
· Pho Quoc – 5 nights
· Ho Chi Minh City – 2 nights
Weather
We were blessed with balmy temperatures throughout our trip, around 20 - 25°C in the north and 25-30°C in the south.
Cost
Vietnam is insanely cheap, especially compared to London. We spent around £200 each per week, covering everything – food, drinks, taxis, trips, spa visits, you name it (excluding accommodation and flights). You could do it cheaper, but we treated ourselves to a lot of nice bars, restaurants, and all the trips we fancied.
Flights
We flew with British Airways and Qatar Airways:
· Outbound: London – Doha – Hanoi
· Return: Ho Chi Minh – Doha – London
With the layovers, total travel time was around 16 hours.
Top Tips
These handy tips can make your trip even smoother (and cheaper!). Here are our must-know travel hacks to help you make the most of your time!
1. Get the GRAB App
GRAB is like Uber meets Deliveroo and is a game-changer. As soon as you land, use it to book a cab rather than getting an airport taxi – the price difference? Around £30! GRAB rides are sooo cheap – an hour-long taxi costs as little as £5-8. Wild.
2. Fly Vietnam Airlines for Internal Travel
They were amazing. Their Flex seats (which cost an extra couple of quid) allow you to change your flight in minutes – a lifesaver when doing multiple stops and wanting to switch things up last minutes. Out of our four internal flights, only one was delayed (by just 20 minutes!). I don’t remember the last time my flight was on time leaving the UK?! Pre-booking cost us around £40 per flight, which was so much quicker than coaches and car journeys. Great if you have limited time to travel.
3. Fast-Track Immigration
When you land from the UK, pre-book a fast pass through immigration. We didn’t – and ended up queuing for over an hour in the sweltering heat. Our friends arrived a day later and took our advice and were only waiting 10 minutes! So, it’s well worth it. BTW, you don’t need it for the internal flights as you don’t go through immigration.
4. Cash
Take it! We took £250 each for 3 weeks which was sufficient. We used it mainly to pay for street food and for tips.
5. Use your iPhone as a Currency Converter
If you have an iPhone, did you know in the Calculator app there’s a currency converter?! Open the Calculator, in the bottom left, turn on Convert, and select your currency. This was soooo handy and we used it multiple times a day.
6. Sim cards
Talking of phones, when you arrive, get yourself a sim card. These cost about £10 total for four weeks. Your number stays the same, but you don’t use any of your data roaming. In Vietnam, without the sim, this would cost you between £25-£50 a week, depending on your provider. We thought it was too good to be true, but it worked perfectly. Just make sure you keep your UK sim somewhere safe.
7. Eat ALL the Street Food
Vietnam's food culture is unbelievable. The love and care that go into every dish, whether served from a bowl on the pavement or in a Michelin-starred restaurant, is second to none. The best part? It’s so cheap – you can eat like a queen for a couple of pounds! One thing to note: Don’t drink the tap water. Always carry bottled water with you!
8. Tips on Tipping!
Tipping practices varied – sometimes it was already included in the bill, and sometimes it wasn’t. We tended to leave 10-20% as the service was so good everywhere. There were moments when we went all out with our tips, and it was heartwarming to see how much joy a little extra could bring someone. Remember, wages are low in Vietnam, so a good tip to someone who deserves it is so worth it.
9. Google Reviews
Ok, so it seems like Google Reviews are extremely important in Vietnam. Sometimes a little too much as you are occasionally pressured into leaving a review immediately after your experience. I don’t mind that if the experience was good, but don’t be afraid to say no or, ‘I’ll do it later’, if that is your preference.
10. Traffic
The traffic within cities was INTENSE. The beeping, the speed… we found the key was to just cross because ain’t nobody stopping for you, even on the zebra crossings! You’ll get used to it. Remember to stay alert, put your phone away when crossing the street and be as safe as possible!
11. Don’t pack your snorkel…
Low-key we did because I am obsessed with snorkelling. Perhaps it was the time of year, but the sea was nowhere near as clear as we expected. And the snorkelling was non-existent. Now, we could have gone on some snorkelling tours, but after speaking to a few people, apparently it wasn’t worth it. We found this different from Thailand, where you can see tropical fish at pretty much every cove. The beaches we went to were still stunning, but the sea, not so much!
Coffee!
Ok, coffee gets its own special shoutout – would you expect anything less?! You’ve probably heard how famous Vietnamese coffee is, but you’ve got to taste it to believe it. The three key ones are as follows:
· Egg Coffee: A frothy coffee made with beaten egg yolk and condensed milk poured over black coffee. It's kind of like Tiramisu and was invented in Hanoi in the 1940s.
· Coconut Coffee: A tropical coffee made with coconut milk, fresh milk, condensed milk, and ice. It's often served with whipped cream and a coconut slice.
· Salt Coffee: Crafted by adding sweetened condensed milk to Vietnamese coffee and topping it with salty cream.
It’s so hard to pick a favourite but honestly the coconut coffee was something special. Have it iced. Unreal.
Spas
Guys. OMG. The spas were incredible! It felt like there were hundreds of them in the cities, so I felt so lucky to have some amazing recommendations from you all before going.
Overall, the massages were all excellent. But let’s not beat around the bush here, the real stars of the show were the 12-step hair washes. If I could have one of these weekly, I would (and did in Vietnam!). It’s hard to explain how good these are, but imagine a deep clean on your house but for your head! My psoriasis completely disappeared over our trio which has never happened to me before. And the best thing about them? They were just £10! I know you’re probably dying to get one. Some spas in the UK do offer them, setting you back £80 – £150. Not quite something you can do weekly, hey?!
Another wonderful thing about the spas was that they typically had treatment packages which give you more for your money. For example, you could have a 1-hour massage, facial and head spa (three hours of pampering!) for about £60. Take me back, please!
My favourite spa was Glow Spa, in Ho Chi Minh. It was tucked away in an alleyway on one of the busiest streets. When in the spa, you were surrounded by trees and relaxing vibes which makes it the perfect way to escape the chaos a few yards away. The team were incredibly professional and skilled. We loved it so much that we went back twice! Another favourite in Hanoi was the ILY Beauty Salon. It wasn’t quite as chic as Glow but the staff were lovely, services were great and it cost us a mere £23 for an hour massage and an hour head spa!
Details About Each Place
Ok, so I wanted to give you some details about each of the places we went to. I’ll try to keep it brief but there is honestly so much to say and recommend.
Hanoi
Hanoi, Vietnam’s capital, is a city that perfectly blends old-world charm with modern vibrancy. With its centuries-old temples, colonial architecture, and bustling street life, it’s a place that feels alive at every turn. As the heart of Northern Vietnam, Hanoi has seen a rich and complex history—from its origins as the capital of ancient dynasties to its role in the Vietnam War.
Hanoi is easily one of our favourite cities we’ve ever visited. It’s buzzing. One of the best things about this city? You never know what’s down the next alleyway. A dull-looking side street can lead you straight to an absolute hidden gem. A perfect example is the Hidden Gem Café, a quirky, colourful spot made entirely of recycled materials, giving it an artsy, mismatched charm. The menu is small, with just five traditional Vietnamese dishes, so we ordered them all (naturally). Every bite was delicious, and this is also where we had the best iced coconut coffee of our trip. You’ve gotta go!
You’ve probably seen the famous train street on social media and I can tell you it's worth the hype. We were lucky to see it decorated in all its glory ahead of New Year. The key is to get there a good 45 minutes before the train arrives. You will be able to find the train times on Google nearer the time of your visit. Ignore the cafe owners trying to get you on their tables. Some tell you you can’t get onto the street without going with them. This isn’t true. Just walk on up and find a spot that suits you. The train is WAY bigger than you think, so stay safe and listen to the instructions of the train guards. It is such a cool sight. Make sure you explore the street afterwards as there are lots of little shops packed with the work of local artisans.
The key with Hanoi is to take it all in. Walk around, stop at spots that are jam-packed with locals and enjoy. We stayed in the Old Quarter, and I’d highly recommend this area as you can walk everywhere. Whilst I wouldn’t recommend the AirBnb we stayed in – because it wasn’t great – but it was so cheap that we kept it booked while we went to Halong Bay meaning we could leave our suitcases behind and just take hand luggage to the boat. A very smart move!
Halong Bay
Halong Bay is one of Vietnam’s most iconic landscapes known for its towering limestone islands, emerald waters and caves. It’s a place that looks straight out of a postcard, making it a bucket-list destination. So naturally, we thought it would be the perfect spot to ring in the New Year.
We booked the Nostalgia Cruise, and on paper, it sounded dreamy. The boat itself was beautiful – we even had a bath in our room (on a boat?!). The service, food and views were great. Would we do it again? No. Here’s why. We are lucky enough to have seen a lot of the world, and I would say that the likes of Thailand and St Lucia are way more beautiful. The amount of rubbish in the water was shocking. When we asked the crew about it, they explained that it was leftover debris from a typhoon five years ago that still hadn’t been cleaned up. It was heartbreaking to see and probably explained why there was no visible wildlife in the bay.
Then came the entertainment. A little bit of karaoke? Fun. But six hours of nonstop, ear-piercing singing? Not so much. It completely killed the atmosphere and ruined the night for us.
On top of that, Halong Bay was packed with cruise boats, making every excursion feel crowded and overly touristy, something we usually try to avoid. Thankfully, we met some great people on board, which saved the experience for us. But if you’re planning on booking this, I would say save your money. It’s also ridiculously expensive on board compared to the mainland (think London prices).
Nimh Van Bay
Tucked away on Vietnam’s central coast, Ninh Van Bay is paradise. A mix of jungle, mountains, and pristine beaches. The moment we arrived at our hotel, The Anlam Resort, we finally felt like we were on holiday (despite landing in a torrential downpour but luckily, it only lasted an hour!).
This was our most expensive stay of the trip, but WOW, was it worth it. We booked a treehouse room, and it was genuinely one of the most beautiful places we’ve ever stayed—imagine waking up to the sound of waves, surrounded by jungle.
The service was unreal. Each guest is assigned a dedicated staff member, and we had the lovely Trang, she was so kind, helpful, and always there when we needed her—without ever being intrusive. This was our proper chill-out stop, where we spent days hiking, lounging by the pool, playing cards, reading, and eating ridiculously good food. If you’re planning a trip, 2–4 nights is perfect. We stayed for four, which was ideal after a few hectic days of traveling. Such a wonderful part of our trip!
Pho Quoc
Our final stop was Phu Quoc, Vietnam’s southernmost island, known for its stunning beaches, warm weather, and markets. The heat here was next level—absolute bliss.
We stayed at New World Resort, which was a bit of a wild card for us since we don’t usually do big resorts. But the price was great, and our villa was amazing. If we went again, though, we’d stay in the north near Ong Lang Beach—we took a day trip there and loved it. It’s beautiful, lively, and home to the best night markets and street food spots.
New World had great service, a lovely beach, and gorgeous pools, but it was definitely more family-oriented than we’d prefer.
Pho Quoc has an area called Sunset Town which is probably one of the most bizarre places we’ve ever been. You have to see it to believe it. It’s designed like an Italian city, complete with a fake coliseum (which, fun fact, is actually a cable car station lol). They have a fireworks show 365 days a year – yes, really! It’s like Disney on crack without the rides. It kinda blows your mind, so it’s def worth a visit! And if you’re into theme parks, Phu Quoc has some unique options.
· VinWonders – Imagine Disney (again), but with fewer rides and zero queues. It’s a bit random, but the attached waterpark makes it worth visiting.
· Hon Thom Waterpark & Cable Car – Who knew we were going to go to two waterparks as part of this trip? I was thrilled because I LOVE a waterparks. Getting there was an adventure in itself; we had to take the world’s longest cable car, soaring over the ocean from Sunset Town (yep, from the fake coliseum) to a remote island. Absolutely epic (unless you’re scared of heights, which Dawn and Theo definitely were).
Anyway, it was worth the ride as the waterpark had some of the best rides ever. And the best bit was that, once again, there were hardly any queues. I’m talking five minutes max. So, we were able to go on each ride time and time again. The best bit? I discovered my new favourite Dawny. I have never heard screaming like it. There were quite a few rides where the three of us could go on together and when I tell you I was crying with laughter. One point she was screaming, laughing and dribbling - haaa! All in all, a brilliant day out.
Ho Chi Minh
Formerly known as Saigon, Ho Chi Minh City (HCM) is Vietnam’s largest city. A fascinating blend of French colonial architecture, street markets, and skyscrapers, it has a more modern feel than Hanoi but has a rich history, incredible food, and non-stop energy. While it’s a little more laid-back than the capital, there’s still so much to see, do, and (most importantly) eat.
One absolute must-do in HCM? A food tour and the one we did was sensational. This all-female-led tour lasted about five hours and took us deep into the backstreets of the city, where we ate like true locals. From Pho and Bun Bo Hue to grilled oysters, every stop was a delight. We also visited the 24-hour flower market – which was a flower lover’s dream! Beyond the food, the ladies shared incredible insights into Vietnamese history, culture, and daily life, making it as educational as it was delicious. Oh, and did I mention we did it all on the back of mopeds? We felt completely safe the entire time. Hands down, one of the best afternoons of the trip!
Ok, whatever you do, BOOK THIS PLACE. Not only is the building an experience itself, thanks to its amazing architecture, but the food was also ridiculously good. We booked the main restaurant (they also have a veggie one!). The service was magic – an example is that we ordered prawns, and our waiter came back and said the chef wasn’t happy with the prawns and suggested something else instead. The cocktails were also incredible. Order everything! And don’t forget to check out their amazing gift shop before you leave. Get the basil salt and the honey. We haven’t stopped using them since we got home.
This baby was another hidden gem up an old alleyway and four flights of stairs. The cocktails? Some of the best we’ve had – not just in Vietnam, but anywhere. The bar was cool AF. Such an epic vibe. We went back twice.
Wow. Writing this has reminded me of such a beautiful trip and the best time. For us, the food was the standout diamond of the trip. We didn’t have a bad meal. Would we rush back to Vietnam? I’m not sure… simply because I would say I preferred the beauty of Thailand, but that being said, the less touristy, cultural story of Vietnam was amazing. It was a place I’m so happy we visited and I’m sure there are SO many more areas worth visiting, so do let me know below!
Thanks for reading,
Love,
Lisa xx