Travel across Vietnam, a journey to discover Vietnam completely 'once and forever'
With a journey of more than 2,500km from Hanoi to Ca Mau, the cross-Vietnam tour is not only an adventure but also a journey of learning and exploring the roots.
Traveling across Vietnam is the dream of many people who love to explore, bringing the opportunity to experience the diverse beauty of the country from the rice fields of the North, through the coastal routes of the Central region, to the fertile land of the South.
This article provides detailed plans, travel schedules, practical experiences and cost-saving tips, suitable for both beginners and experienced "backpackers".
- Why should you travel across Vietnam?
- Prepare before the cross-country trip
- Detailed itinerary for cross-country trip
- Day 1-2: Hanoi – Mai Chau – Son La (about 400km)
- Day 3-4: Son La – Dien Bien – Sa Pa (about 500km)
- Day 5-7: Sa Pa – Ha Giang – Cao Bang (about 600km)
- October 8: Cao Bang – Hanoi – Hue (about 800km)
- Day 11-13: Hue – Da Nang – Hoi An – Quy Nhon (about 600km)
- Day 14-16: Quy Nhon – Nha Trang – Da Lat (about 500km)
- Day 17-20: Da Lat – Ho Chi Minh City – Ca Mau (about 900km)
- Compare motorbike and car travel
- Tips to save money when backpacking across Vietnam
- Frequently asked questions when backpacking across Vietnam
Why should you travel across Vietnam?
Traveling across Vietnam is a great way to experience the beauty of the country. From the breathtaking passes in the Northwest, the clear blue beaches in the Central region, to the bustling floating markets in the West, each region offers unique experiences.
This journey not only helps you explore the landscape but also connects you with the local stories, people and culture. With a motorbike or car, you are free to stop anywhere, enjoy every moment without being bound by a fixed schedule.
Is backpacking across Vietnam difficult? Not at all, if you prepare carefully and have a clear plan. Let's explore the detailed itinerary below to start your journey!
Prepare before the cross-country trip
A successful cross-country trip requires careful preparation in terms of transportation, finances, and health. Here are the steps to take:
- Ideal timing:February to April and September to November are the best times to travel across Vietnam, when the weather is cool and there is little rain. Avoid the stormy season (May to August in the North and October to December in the Central and South).
- Vehicle:Motorbikes (Wave, Exciter, Winner) or cars (4-7 seats) are two popular options. Carefully check the tires, brakes, engine oil, gas tank and bring spare tires and repair kits. Motorbike rental costs about 100,000-200,000 VND/day, cars from 800,000-1,500,000 VND/day.
- Finance:Estimated cost is 10-15 million VND/person for 15-20 days (motorbike) or 20-30 million VND/person (car), including gas, food, accommodation, entrance tickets and incidental expenses.
- Documents:Bring your ID, driver's license, vehicle registration, and insurance. Keep copies of your documents on your phone or email in case of loss.
- Luggage:Light clothing, raincoat, standard helmet, sports shoes, first aid kit, personal medicine, spare battery and cash (about 5 million VND/person).
- Supported applications:Use Google Maps, Vietmap to locate. Download Foody, Traveloka to find restaurants and accommodations.
Detailed itinerary for cross-country trip
The journey across Vietnam from Hanoi to Ca Mau is about 2,500-3,000km long, depending on the route. To ensure your health and enjoy the trip, you should divide the journey into 15-20 days, traveling 150-250km each day. Below is a suggested itinerary for the trip by motorbike or car.
Day 1-2: Hanoi – Mai Chau – Son La (about 400km)
Day 1: Hanoi – Mai Chau (150km)
Depart Hanoi at 6:00 am, follow Highway 6 to Mai Chau (Hoa Binh). This route is quite easy, takes about 4-5 hours. Stop atThung Khe Passto admire the majestic mountains and take photos. Come to Mai Chau, stay at the stilt house in Lac village, enjoy bamboo rice, grilled pork (price about 100,000 VND/person). In the evening, join the bamboo dance with the Thai people (ticket price about 50,000 VND).
Day 2: Mai Chau – Son La (250km)
Continue the journey to Son La viaPha Din Pass, one of the "four great mountain passes" with beautiful scenery. Stop for lunch at Muong La with dishes such as pa pinh top and sticky rice. Coming to Son La, visitSon La prisonorTa Xua tea hill. Stay overnight at a motel or hotel (price from 200,000-400,000 VND/night).
Day 3-4: Son La – Dien Bien – Sa Pa (about 500km)
Day 3: Son La – Dien Bien (200km)
Travel from Son La to Dien Bien via Highway 6 and 279. Stop atMuong Thanh fieldsto see the vast rice fields. SightseeingDien Bien Phu historical site(ticket price 50,000 VND/person) and have lunch with dishes such as grilled chicken with mac khen, dried buffalo meat. Stay overnight at Muong Thanh hotel (price from 500,000 VND/night).
Day 4: Dien Bien – Sa Pa (300km)
Journey to Sa Pa viaO Quy Ho Pass, the most beautiful mountain pass in the Northwest. Stop atSilver Waterfallto take photos. Arrive in Sa Pa, check in at a hotel or homestay (prices from 300,000-600,000 VND/night). Enjoy salmon hotpot and grilled pork at restaurants like A Phu (prices around 150,000 VND/person). In the evening, stroll aroundSapa night market.
Day 5-7: Sa Pa – Ha Giang – Cao Bang (about 600km)
Day 5: Sa Pa – Ha Giang (250km)
Travel from Sa Pa to Ha Giang via Highway 4D. Stop atQuan Bato see the gate of heaven and the twin mountains. Come to Ha Giang, visitLung Cu cultural villageandLung Cu flagpole(ticket price 25,000 VND/person). Overnight at homestay in Dong Van (price from 150,000 VND/person).
Day 6: Ha Giang – Cao Bang (200km)
DiscoverMa Pi Leng PassandNho Que Riverbefore continuing to Cao Bang. Stop for lunch in Meo Vac with egg rolls and tam duong pork. Arrive in Cao Bang, stay overnight at a motel (price from 200,000 VND/night).
Day 7: Cao Bang – Ban Gioc Waterfall
SightseeingBan Gioc Waterfall, one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Vietnam (ticket price 50,000 VND/person), andNguom Ngao Cave. Have lunch with Cao Bang roasted duck. Return to Cao Bang for the night.
October 8: Cao Bang – Hanoi – Hue (about 800km)
Day 8: Cao Bang – Hanoi (280km)
Return to Hanoi via Highway 3. Stop atBa Be Lake(Bac Kan) to relax. Arrive in Hanoi, stay overnight at a hotel (from 300,000 VND/night) and have dinner with pho or bun cha.
Day 9: Hanoi – Vinh (300km)
Travel from Hanoi to Vinh (Nghe An) via National Highway 1A. Stop atCua Lo beachto swim in the sea. Enjoy eel porridge and wet rice cake at Ba Lan restaurant (about 80,000 VND/person). Stay overnight in Vinh.
Day 10: Vinh – Hue (250km)
Continue to Hue viaHai Van PassStop atLang Coto eat seafood. Come to Hue, visitHue Imperial City(ticket price 150,000 VND/person) and dinner with Hue beef noodle soup, banh beo (price about 100,000 VND/person). Stay overnight at hotel (price from 400,000 VND/night).
Day 11-13: Hue – Da Nang – Hoi An – Quy Nhon (about 600km)
Day 11: Hue – Da Nang (100km)
Move to Da Nang, stop atMy Khe beachandDragon BridgeEnjoy Quang noodles and rice paper rolls with pork (about 100,000 VND/person). Stay overnight in Da Nang (from 500,000 VND/night).
Day 12: Da Nang – Hoi An – Quy Nhon (100km + 300km)
Morning, sightseeingHoi An ancient town(ticket price 120,000 VND/person) and eat Cao Lau and chicken rice. In the afternoon, continue to Quy Nhon via Highway 1A. Stay overnight in Quy Nhon (price from 400,000 VND/night).
Day 13: Quy Nhon – Eo Gio, Ky Co
SightseeingEo GioandKy Co beach, two of the most beautiful beach destinations in Quy Nhon (tour price 500,000 VND/person). Enjoy fresh seafood (price about 150,000 VND/person). Stay overnight in Quy Nhon.
Day 14-16: Quy Nhon – Nha Trang – Da Lat (about 500km)
Day 14: Quy Nhon – Nha Trang (250km)
Move to Nha Trang, stop atDoc Let beach. SightseeingVinpearl Nha Trang(ticket price 800,000 VND/person) or free swimming. Enjoy jellyfish noodles, Ninh Hoa grilled spring rolls (price about 100,000 VND/person). Overnight in Nha Trang.
Day 15: Nha Trang – Da Lat (150km)
Continue to Da Lat viaNgoan Muc Pass. SightseeingXuan Huong Lake,Dalat night marketand enjoy grilled rice paper, hot soy milk (price about 50,000 VND/person). Stay overnight at homestay (price from 300,000 VND/night).
Day 16: Da Lat
DiscoverTruc Lam Zen Monastery,andCau Dat tea hillOvernight in Dalat.
Day 17-20: Da Lat – Ho Chi Minh City – Ca Mau (about 900km)
Day 17: Da Lat – Ho Chi Minh City (300km)
Travel to Ho Chi Minh City via Highway 20. SightseeingIndependence PalaceorBen Thanh MarketEnjoy bread and Nam Vang noodles (about 100,000 VND/person). Stay overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.
Day 18: Ho Chi Minh City – Can Tho (200km)
Continue to Can Tho, sightseeingCai Rang floating marketand enjoy banh xeo, hotpot with fish sauce (price about 100,000 VND/person). Stay overnight in Can Tho.
Day 19-20: Can Tho – Ca Mau (250km)
Move to Ca Mau, stop atCape Cay, the southernmost point of the country. Visit the mangrove forest and eat Ca Mau crab, snakehead fish hotpot (about 150,000 VND/person). End the trip in Ca Mau or return to Ho Chi Minh City.
Compare motorbike and car travel
To choose the right vehicle, here is a comparison table between motorbikes and cars:
| Criteria | Motorbike | Car |
|---|---|---|
| Expense | 10-15 million VND/person (gas, food, accommodation) | 20-30 million VND/person (gas, road fees, accommodation) |
| Flexible | High, easy to move on small roads and passes | Low, difficult on narrow roads |
| Experience | Close to nature, sense of adventure | More comfortable, safer |
| Suitable for | Young, healthy, adventurous people | Family, group, priority amenities |
Motorbikes are suitable for those who want to experience freedom and have experience in long-distance travel. Cars are a good choice for families or groups of friends who want comfort and safety.
Tips to save money when backpacking across Vietnam
To reduce costs, you can apply the following tips:
- Detailed planning:Calculate your route and stops to save gas. A motorbike needs about 150-200 liters of gas (4-5 million VND), a car needs 300-400 liters (8-10 million VND).
- Choose cheap accommodation:Prioritize homestays and motels (150,000-300,000 VND/night) instead of luxury hotels.
- Local food:Choose a cheap restaurant to enjoy specialties such as Hue beef noodle soup, Quang noodles (price 50,000-100,000 VND/meal).
- Go in groups:Share the cost of gas, accommodation and food to reduce costs by about 30-40%.
Frequently asked questions when backpacking across Vietnam
1. How long does it take to travel across Vietnam?
Typically 15-30 days, depending on travel speed and stopovers. A 20-day itinerary is optimal for full exploration.
2. Is it safe for beginners?
It is safe if you check your vehicle carefully, obey traffic laws and drive in groups. Avoid driving at night or when tired.
3. How much money should I bring?
10-15 million VND/person for motorbike, 20-30 million VND/person for car, not including additional costs.
4. What to do if the car breaks down?
Bring the phone number of a reputable auto repair shop in a major city. Save the traffic rescue hotline (113) for assistance.
Cross-country backpacking is a memorable journey, taking you through beautiful roads, culturally rich destinations and unforgettable specialties.
With detailed plans, tips and shared itineraries, you will be ready to conquer your dream of exploring Vietnam. Check your car, plan and start your trip today!