Touring Vietnam on your own
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Traveling to Vietnam is quite an experience, which is why it is known as one of the most fascinating countries in Southeast Asia. This country is a must-see in Asia, included in all tours around this continent. An unbridled culture and rhythm with great cities, routes and destinations to discover.
With its many remarkable cities, Vietnam is a beautiful place to be visited and toured from end to end. That is why our recommendation is a 15-day itinerary, which although it may not be long enough to cover all of Vietnam, it is just enough time to be enchanted by its culture, atmosphere and tourist attractions.
A first stop could be in the north of Vietnam, and what better way to start than the capital of Vietnam. First of all, because it is the first destination where international flights usually arrive, and also, being the capital is an excellent starting point for the tour.
Located in the north of the country and on the banks of the Red River, it is characterized by its charming mix of old French colonialism and Vietnamese character. It is a very touristic city with an interesting historical and cultural legacy, tourist attractions and despite being chaotic and busy, it enchants with its wonders.
What to do in Vietnam 15 days
We start our trip in the capital of Vietnam. After arriving from the airport, it is best to rest from the long flight and take it easy the first day. For this we recommend staying in the Old Quarter and get used to the chaotic hustle and bustle of the crowded streets and traffic, while you drink a Bia Hoi, the cheapest beer in the world (5000 dong, about 0.18 cents).
In this area you can enjoy a bit of tranquility strolling along the shores of Hoan Kiem Lake, a true oasis of peace in the middle of the bustling capital. Stroll under its trees, visit the temple on its island and be amazed by the number of couples who choose this place for their wedding photo shoot.
Be impressed by the size of the square and the mausoleum of Ho Chi Minh, an example of communist architecture. If you are interested in the past of this country, you might want to take a tour of the One Pillar Pagoda, the Stilt House or the Temple of Literature.
Following our route through Vietnam towards the south, Hoian is an essential stop: for many it is the most beautiful city in the whole country, due to its well-kept old area of buildings with Chinese and Japanese influences, vestiges of its past as a commercial port and which has earned it the recognition of World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
Itinerary vietnam
Those of you who follow us know that we are addicted to traveling in Asia, and that we have recently traveled to Indonesia, Laos and Malaysia, in addition to having visited China, Japan, Singapore and Thailand, so we were a bit expectant about what we would find when traveling in Vietnam.
The normal way to visit Vietnam is to arrive to the country either by its capital, Hanoi, located in the north of the country, or by Ho Chi Minh, the old Saigon, which is in the south, so almost any route through Vietnam will be from north to south, or vice versa.
To enter Vietnam you need a visa, if you are going to stay more than 15 days. We processed the eVisa, an online visa that is very convenient, fast and the cheapest, so we recommend it, take a look at our article on How to process the e Visa Vietnam.
The Vietnamese government is starting to lift access restrictions from November 2021. In addition, since mid-March, they have announced a relaxation of the measures, even resuming the Visa Waiver if you travel less than 15 days and resuming the processing of electronic visas.
Travel to Vietnam 2022
A 15-day tour to Vietnam is perfect to get to know the country in depth. If you do not want to stay only with the center and north or the south, two weeks will allow you to live an authentic Vietnamese experience, knowing the cultural differences between its different areas.
Vietnam also stands out for its hospitality. We are talking about a destination where you will feel at home from the first time you step on the streets of Hanoi. An exotic destination but at the same time close, economical and offering everything we can look for in a trip.
However, it is equally possible and we have other options to change this part in Ho Chi Minh City and My Tho for a visit to Sa Pa in the north. Or, simply substitute only the Delta but still end up in Ho Chi Minh.
At the same time, there are a number of places that must be included in a 15-day route to Vietnam. At least, if it is the first time you travel to the country. If you have already been on other occasions, you may want to know new things, but often these places leave you so dazzled that you want to see them again.