VIETNAM TRAVEL GUIDE

Vietnam is a country full of natural beauty and scenery. The fresh and tasty food of is absolutely delicious and is a popular worldwide cuisine. There’s a lo to see and do in Vietnam, from the tourist things like sailing on a junk boat in Halong bay, to discovering small towns in off the beaten path villages, set amongst the beautiful rice paddies

If arriving in Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh (Saigon) then be prepared for the motorbikes. There are more bikes then are cars and crossing the road takes on a whole new experience! As long as you walk at a steady pace, they will just weave round you (eek!).

Sapa is another popular place on the Vietnam trail in the Northeast of the country. The rolling lush green hills go on for miles, the mountains making a stunning backdrop against the rice fields. You can also kayak through the turquoise waters in the caves of Phong Nha-Ke Bang or stroll along the romantic paths in Hoi An, admiring the colourful lanterns.

If you can ride a moped or motorbike, then Vietnam has some incredible mountain trails and it’s a great way to get around. If not, then why not go on a motorbike tour (which is what I did). They take you around the rice fields and to different temples and monasteries- such a fun day trip.

Whether it’s relaxing on a beautiful beach or trekking through the jungle, Vietnam is an adventure waiting to be had.

Vietnam is a great country for solo female travel. Its easy to get around, there are plenty of other backpackers to make friends with and the country is geared up for tourists. Serious crime is rare but do watch out for pretty crime, such as bag snatching. Always carry your bag away from the roadside when walking down the street.

Vietnam is quite a conservative country and while you may see tourists dressed in rather skimpy outfits, it’s probably best if you cover your shoulders and thighs if travelling solo. This particularly applies to visiting more off the beaten path places.

Other than that, there’s really no need to worry about travelling alone in Vietnam. Just be cautious, as always, but more importantly have fun!

Vietnam’s weather varies from North to South which is great as it means you can visit at any time. If you are travelling in the rainy season, the scenery will be lush green and great for photography.

North (Halong Bay, Sapa, Hanoi): March to April and September to November are the best times to visit the northern regions. The weather will be warm and sunny. May to August will be hot but humid and December to February dry, but it can get quite cold in the mountains.

Central (Hoi An, Que, Phong Nha-Ke Bang): February to August usually has dry and sunny weather with July and August being the best months. August to November will be monsoon season, with unpredictable rains.

South (Nha Trang, Ho Chi Minh): This is a good year-round destination. December to May is dry season, but March to May will be quite hot. There are monsoons from June to November which usually are just for a short time.