VIETNAM
A 14 days adventure
Embark on a 14-day odyssey through Vietnam, from the dynamic streets of Ho Chi Minh to the awe-inspiring beauty of Ha Long Bay. Delve into the magical and full of light Hoi An, savor renowned street food, and traverse the picturesque mountains of Sa Pa. Join me in unraveling the diverse tapestry of Vietnam – a journey celebrating vibrant markets, historical treasures, and warm hospitality.
- Insurance
- Luggage checklist & weather
- Upon arrival:
- Communication
- Money
- Transportation
- Day 1 – Ho Chi Mihn (full day)
- Day 2, 3, 4 – Da Nang / Hoi An
- Day 4 (Night arrival), 5 (night departure) – Đồng Hới / Phong Nha
- Day 6 (morning arrival), 7, 8 – Ninh Binh
- Day 8, 9 early morning leaving – Hanoi
- Day 9 (morning arrival), 10 (night departure) – Sapa
- Day 11 (early morning arrival), 12, 13 (morning departure) – Cat Ba / Haiphong
- Day 13 – Hiaphong / Ho Chi Minh
INSURANCE
I chose Chapka insurance for its user-friendly interface and extensive coverage. The smooth online purchase process further simplified my selection. Specifically, I opted for the “Cap Trip Plus” plan, priced at around 60€ with the cancellation coverage included. The insurance is incredibly comprehensive, and their customer service proved to be excellent during my inquiries. Discover all the coverage included by visiting this link! And as a reader of The Wild Coconut, get a sweet 7% discount on your purchase. By doing so, you’ll not only secure your trip with comprehensive protection, but you’ll also be helping us continue to grow and improve 🤍 »Take me to Chapka »
For those considering alternatives, based on my own comparison, I’ve previously used Iati backpacker insurance on my recent trips. However, choosing between insurance providers is a personal decision. I recommend reviewing the guarantee tables of both Chapka and Iati to make an informed decision that aligns with your preferences.
CLOTHES
Packing Essentials
Taking into account that the trip took place at the end of September – beginning of October, a period when the weather in Vietnam can be a bit unpredictable and the rainy season is starting, I packed my luggage with various “just in case” items to be ready for any weather condition.
Before we start with the list, here you have two crucial points to highlight:
- No need to bring an adapter.
- And most importantly, when packing your backpack: DON’T FORGET YOUR PASSPORT.
CLOTHES
- Short sleeve t-shirts and shorts
- Long & light dress/skirt + linen shirt
- light rain jacket & sweatshirt
- Comfy sportswear
- A cap and sunglasses
- Swimsuits
- Pyjama, towel, underwear, travel sheet
- Mid-rise socks (a tool against mosquitos)
- Teva sandals, trainers & flip-flops
- Small backpack and tumbler
- Sleep mask, travel pillow & earplugs
TOILETRIES & MEDICINES
- Toothpaste, toothbrush & hairbrush
- Hand sanitizer & wet wipes.
- Shampoo/gel, creams & sunscreen
- Deodorant, perfume
- Personal medication (if needed), ibuprofeno, paracetamol
- Band-aid, Afterbite & Repellent
DOCS & ELECTRONICS
- Passport, ID, Inter. driving license
- Chargers & power bank
- Camera or GoPro
- A book, notebook and headphones
- Wallet and some cash for 1st day
WEATHER
Late September and early October can bring variable weather. The rainy season kicks in, and guess what? I got the full typhoon experience throughout my trip. That meant heavy rains messing with my plans almost every day. Surprisingly, though, I kind of enjoyed it. I’m usually on turbo mode when I travel, but the rain forced me to take it easy and chill a bit more.
So, pro tip: expect the unexpected, pack some versatile clothes, and if you’re not ready for the weather curveballs, don’t worry. There are plenty of local shops where you can buy some ‘made in Vietnam’ North Face gear and other brands. Funny fact: local people won’t tell you if they are fake or not… but they are “made in Vietnam” 😉 After all, Vietnam is all about fabrics and fashion!
UPON ARRIVAL
📲 SIM CARD & MONEY💰
– Upon arrival at the airport, consider purchasing a SIM card for local connectivity. My trip included different areas around Vietnam so I chose Viettel for its price and perfect network coverage even in the mountains. You can find stands before passport control but I found a slightly cheaper option outside the control area.
– My advice is to exchange a little amount into Vietnamese dong at the airport to cover the initial and basic needs (e.g. take the first bus to the city center…). Once you are in the city, go to a jewellery store, since they have the best rates of exchange so far.
– Public transportation, like buses, can be an option. Keep in mind that English may not be widely spoken, so be patient.
🚌 NAVIGATING THE CITY
– To reach the city center from the airport, options include public buses, taxis, or ride-sharing services like Gojek (a.k.a. our Uber).
– I took a public bus, even though communication might seem a bit challenging initially, since the person who sold me the ticket didn’t speak English. Use Google Maps to show them the destination where you want to go and confirm with them that it’s the correct transportation route.
The tickets are sold on the bus itself, without needing to go to any counter.
Remember, they prioritize your safety, and language barriers can make communication seem curt.
– I arrived at the city center and made my way to the hostel independently. Alternatively, you can explore taxi or ride-sharing options for convenience.
Pack your sense of wonder, curiosity, and openness, and prepare for a journey that promises to broaden your horizons and leave you with memories to cherish for a lifetime. Vietnam awaits – are you ready to embark on this extraordinary adventure?
By the way, if Vietnam still isn’t the destination you feel like right now, and you’re not sure where to travel to, following these tips will help you with the decision!