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Why Global Tourists Obsessed with Backpacking in Vietnam?

Owing to the length of the country, Vietnam calls for great regional diversity. Whether you are looking for a summer beach holiday, planning to explore the world’s biggest cave, travel multiple UNESCO world heritage sites, and get lost in the hustle of metropolis like Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi - Vietnam stands strong to welcome you with all its warmth.   

Sounds much incredible, right? Although the length of Vietnam means varied geography, the seasons are difficult to comprehend. So, if you are backpacking in Vietnam, pack accordingly!

If you are gifted with unrestricted dates, the ideal to visit the place is between February and April or November to December.

If you go by Wikipedia, backpacking is “a form of low-cost, independent international travel. It includes the use of a backpack or other luggage that is easily carried for long distances or long periods of time.” Generally, when you are backpacking in Vietnam, you are intended to stay for a more extended period than the other tourists do. This means you have to have comprehensive knowledge about the country.

Backpacker in Vietnam
Backpacker in Vietnam
Rice Paddies and Waterways, Vietnam
Rice Paddies and Waterways, Vietnam


Travel Highlight of Backpacking in Vietnam

From the fascinating ethnic groups of the north to the soaring mountains and the Mekong Delta in the south, there's a lot to explore in the country. You can see the stretches that paves through the endless rice paddies and vibrant waterways.  With more than 3000km of splendid coastline along way, it is nothing less than magical journey.

• Where should I go?

If you're early in the planning process where you've decided what to see in Vietnam, start with either in Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City. That is what most backpackers start and then work their way south or north accordingly, halting along the way. Vietnam's layout makes it rather easy for backpackers.

• Where should I stay?

Like any other backpacking destination, Vietnam also has many hostels that can be an affordable yet convenient option. As an early bird, you can also get the boutique hotels in the metropolis.  Choosing Airbnb is also a great option.

• Can I go to Vietnam if I don't speak Vietnamese?

Of course! One of the top reasons why backpacking in Vietnam has seen a dramatic rise is because the locals are all set to help you guide through the trails of the mountains and rocks.  There is, however, no harm in learning a few basic phrases before you go.

Mountain Road
Vietnam Mountain Road
Natural Scenery in the Mountains, Sapa
Natural Scenery in the Mountains


Vietnam will always remain a loved backpackers’ destination. Here’s why.

• It is cheap

Vietnam is of the best budget destinations globally. Generally speaking, if you spend some dollars there are lots of private hotel room option available. In fact, there are many decent options without paying even half of that you have to pay to the other touristy regions. Spend a couple of bucks, and you can get the meals at street food stalls or markets.

That being said, this has been one of the top targeted destinations for students, solo travellers and as always, the backpackers as very fewer places in the world map offers this myriad of beauty at the said cost.

• Always ready to welcome you

Hospitality of South-East Asian countries has always been very warm. The country has seen the influx of tourists for long now and is not as crowded as other counterparts of Southeast Asian destinations such as Myanmar, Cambodia, and Laos. With the passage of time, the urban Vietnamese are getting more acquainted with the culture and choices of the Western tourists along with being more proficient in speaking English. In fact, you will find the local folks always ready to help the backpackers even when there is some lingual barrier. Vietnamese are amicable people, and they can get your answer in slow but clear English. Simple phrases such as cámơn ('thank you', pronounced 'kaamuhn') and xinchào ('hello', pronounced 'seen chow') can go a long way.

Catering to every niche travellers, Vietnam’s warm welcome is what makes your backpacking in Vietnam a better experience. Even if you are not the adventurous backpacker, you can always opt for a relaxing vacation alongside the beaches. And, Vietnam is perfect for that. So, indulge in the scopes to enjoy a late night musical trip or get up lazy and opt for spas if you feel like doing nothing but lying on the beach for a few days.

Boat in Halong Bay
Exploring the Ha Long Bay

Sapa Terrace Rice Fields
Trekking in Sapa


More importantly, though, Vietnam is a culturally vibrant and a fascinating country abundant of incredible sites, the entire rhythm of the country is pretty much laid back. The struggling faces of the fishermen or the paddy field workers might initially seem to be telling a different story, but as you unravel the entire country, you will see their smile dominates all the strains. Backpacking is more about memories and experience than the Instagram-worthy albums. What you can always take back from the Vietnamese folks is how to carry on with life with a smile even with the painful tales of the war.

• Plenty of places to see

The country has been known for some of the most beautiful places in the world such as Ha Long Bay.  Whether you love to kayak, go rising or explore the beautiful nature, Vietnam is your one-stop wonder.

The sleepy rice paddies of Sapa (which is another great option for hiking for the adventure travellers), spectacularly novel spots like the technicolour Cao Dai Temple of Tay Ninh and the tranquillity of the Mekong River are some of the best places to explore. The country’s many interesting and vibrant markets, heritages such as the Ho Chi Minh mausoleum, War Remnants Museum and Chu Chi Tunnels are some of the must visit destinations.

So, whether you’re after relaxation, nature, sightseeing, temples, or partying, Vietnam has you covered.

While international credit and debit cards are accepted at all notable hotels, restaurants and travel agencies, but cash is still the king in Vietnam for day-to-day transactions. ATMs are widely accessible, and currency can be exchanged at the government banks.

And then there’s the food. For backpackers, Vietnam’s got the best cuisine anywhere in the world. It’s healthy, delicious, varied and making your backpacking in Vietnam indeed a phenomenal experience.


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7 Reasons to Visit Vietnam

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The Ultimate List for Adventure Tourism in Vietnam

Explore the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Vietnam