This capital city of Vietnam, influenced by Chinese and French cultures, is the perfect place to either kickstart or end your Vietnam trip.  

3 Days in Hanoi, Vietnam

Welcome, how amazing that you are planning to visit the northern part of Vietnam! 

In November 2023 I visited Vietnam for the first time and directly fell in love with it. I would love to share my journey to make your first time visiting Vietnam as easy and unforgettable as possible. 

If you like my guide and want to support me be sure to; share my guide with friends, check out my other guides, and save this guide!

Hanoi, Vietnam

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North Vietnam - Easy Guide for First-Timers

Vietnam: 1 month North to South

Planning:
• Organize the bare minimum and leave room for spontaneity
• Research other travelers' blogs and read travel guides
• Talk to fellow travelers and locals for advice during your trip
Communication:
• English isn't widely spoken, use Google Translate
• Get a local SIM card for internet access (Gigago)
Transportation:
• Use the Grab app for city travel (like Uber)
• Rent scooters to explore rural areas
• Book trains and buses in advance for long journeys (12GoAsia)
Culture:
• Mingling with locals is the best way to experience the country
• Try cooking classes or traditional craft workshops
• Visit authentic villages, avoiding overly touristy ones

Vietnam: 1 month North to South

Hey! This Vietnam Odyssey itinerary isn't merely a list of destinations and attractions—it's a carefully curated compilation of my own personal experiences and unforgettable moments from traveling through this amazing country.

I'll share where I've been and offer some helpful tips for when you're there. Plus, I'll introduce you to several must-try local dishes :)

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Vietnam

6-days trip experiencing Vietnam Odyssey

Vietnam is an incredible backpacking destination. It's varied landscapes, friendly locals, delicious food scene, and affordability make it ideal for budget travellers. In this three-week itinerary I'll share my top destinations, attractions, transport options, and my personal favourite places to stay and eat. 

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This 11-day itinerary covers travel across Northern Vietnam, including the following destinations: Hanoi (Old Quarter), SaPa, Ninh Binh, and a 3-day cruise through Halong Bay. Included in the itinerary is an interactive map with recommendations for hotels, restaurants, means of transportation, and sights to see. In addition, tips and tricks to help you out during your stay in Vietnam, including things we wish we had done or items that we wish we had brought along with us. This was by far our favorite trip that we have taken; Vietnam is an incredibly beautiful, safe, and affordable country rich in culture and with hard-working and resilient people. I would recommend this trip to anyone looking to learn more about Vietnam and the Northern Vietnamese people, eat delicious food, and see unforgettable natural sights. 

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11 days in Northern Vietnam in Early November

This is a free guide to what there is to see and do in Hanoi and a peek into what our paid guides offer. 

We would recommend visiting these places over 4 days!

Vietnam 30-day DETAILED itinerary COMING SOON...

12 Things to See and Do in HANOI, Vietnam

Tran Quoc Pagoda

Feel free to explore the temple grounds and learn about its rich history and significance in Vietnamese Buddhism. Take photos respectfully and follow any guidelines provided by the staff or signage.

Don't disturb worshippers or engage in loud or disruptive behavior. Show respect for the religious site by dressing modestly and refraining from inappropriate attire or behavior. 

Avoid climbing on or touching religious statues or structures without permission

The lake and surroundings give a peaceful escape from the busy city. The Tran Quoc Pagoda is the oldest temple in Hanoi. The West Lake area has many cafes where you can relax and enjoy the serene surroundings. We walked from the Old Quarter to this place via the Long Bien Bridge and the Ceramic Mosaic Mural.

Tran Quoc Pagoda is a beautiful complex situated on the edge of Truc Bach Lake. From walking along the riverside towards the gated entrance to the glossy golden statue to the Bodhi tree, the whole experience is memorable. 

A beautiful pagoda that's worth the taxi ride up to this side of town!

Tran Quoc Pagoda

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