Vietnam Travel Guides: Hanoi, Hoi An, Da Nang & More

A woman in a blue skirt and tank top sits on a large rock overlooking sweeping views of forested hills and the ocean — a must-visit viewpoint in any Hai Van Pass guide.

Salt coffee, lantern-lit nights, mountain passes — here’s why Vietnam keeps pulling me back

Vietnam isn’t just another stop in Southeast Asia — it’s a country where everyday life feels like part of the adventure.

This is a place where you can spend an afternoon in a rice-field café watching buffalo wander by, ride a motorbike over cloud-wrapped mountain passes, or sip salt coffee in a seaside city that’s as laid-back as it is lively. Where tailor-made clothes cost less than a dinner back home, and a slow train through the countryside feels like stepping into another time.

I didn’t come here just for the lanterns of Hoi An or the Instagram-famous Golden Bridge — I came to understand Vietnam through its food, its history, and its small daily rituals. And after months of living, traveling, and returning again and again, I’ve learned this is a country that rewards you when you go beyond the obvious.

Whether you’re planning your first trip through Hanoi, Hoi An, and Hue — or you’re already hooked and coming back for the mountain air in Sapa, the temples of Ninh Binh, or the endless café culture of Da Nang — this page will help you explore Vietnam slowly, meaningfully, and with a little insider perspective from someone who’s been there, taken the sleeper trains, and even got a dress or two stitched along the way.

Where Vietnam Comes Alive: Hanoi, Da Nang & Hoi An

Em wearing sunglasses, a sleeveless top, and denim shorts stands in front of an ornate, golden-yellow temple gate in Vietnam. The gate features intricate details, curved roof edges with dragon motifs, and Chinese calligraphy on vertical banners. The bright blue sky and lush green trees frame the scene.

Hanoi

Hanoi blends chaos and charm — ancient temples, buzzing street food, hidden cafés, and lakeside strolls in Vietnam’s capital.

A charming white stucco building with vivid blue doors, windows, and a small balcony stands under a blue sky. Decorative lights hang overhead, and palm leaves and nautical-themed decor add to the Mediterranean-inspired vibe.

Da Nang

Discover Da Nang beyond the beach: quirky cafés, hidden temples, salt coffee, Lady Buddha, and unforgettable local adventures.

Hoi An

Hoi An glows with lanterns, tailor shops, riverside cafés, and timeless streets — the perfect mix of history and charm.

Beyond the Cities: Vietnam’s Landscapes & Adventures

Dozens of green rowboats are docked along the peaceful Tam Cốc river, framed by leafy branches overhead. The backdrop features limestone karst mountains, traditional buildings, and tourists paddling on the water under a bright blue sky.

Ninh Binh

Sail through limestone karsts, cycle past rice fields, and explore temples — Ninh Binh is Vietnam’s most breathtaking countryside escape.

A majestic bronze statue stands on a mountaintop platform, surrounded by clouds. A long red pathway and staircases lead up to the monument, offering breathtaking views of the mountain range below.

Sapa

Explore misty mountains, meet ethnic minority communities, and ride the cable car to Fansipan — Sapa is Vietnam at its peak.

Em poses with arms raised beside a packed red motorbike on the Hai Van Pass, Vietnam. Behind her, the curving mountain road and lush green hills stretch under a bright blue sky.

Hai Van Pass

Ride Vietnam’s most scenic road: sweeping coastal views, winding mountain bends, and an unforgettable motorbike or jeep adventure.

How to Plan the Perfect Vietnam Adventure

Central Vietnam itinerary

Explore Hoi An, Da Nang, and Hue — the ultimate Central Vietnam itinerary blending culture, coastlines, and hidden gems.

A cozy train cabin with two parallel beds covered in red and yellow bedding, a small table in between with bottled water and a lotus flower, and soft lighting illuminating the space.

Guide to Vietnam’s trains

Practical tips for Vietnam’s sleeper trains: routes, cabins, booking, and what to expect on overnight journeys across the country.

Woman in a blue dress standing confidently at the decorated entrance of the Imperial Palace, showcasing the grandeur of the Nguyen Dynasty architecture during 2 days in Hue.

2 Day in Hue

Discover Vietnam’s imperial past in Hue: citadel, ornate tombs, pagodas, and even an atmospheric abandoned waterpark.

Cafes

A small cafe called 'Alo Cafe' has Vietnamese-style small deckchairs and tables outside. There is a small caravan-style coffee cart behind the chairs, and sun umbrellas above them. In the foreground are bright red Vietnamese and hammer and sickle bunting.

Da Nang Cafes

From sea-view spots to hidden salt-coffee gems, Da Nang’s café culture is vibrant, creative, and endlessly worth exploring.

A cozy outdoor café by a calm river features wooden tables shaded by large white umbrellas, surrounded by tropical plants and bright red flowers, all under a clear blue sky.

Rice field cafes

Escape the crowds in Hoi An’s rice fields: peaceful cafés surrounded by greenery, buffalo paths, and local countryside charm.

A beachfront cafe table in An Bang overlooks the sea, with blue umbrellas and thatched roofs dotting the sandy beach. A bowl of napkins, chili sauce, and table number '01' add to the casual charm of seaside cafes in An Bang.

An Bang cafes

Sip coffee by the sea in An Bang — relaxed beachfront cafés mixing ocean views, salty breezes, and laid-back vibes.

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