Vietnam needs time. A week isn’t enough – you’ll barely scratch the surface and leave feeling like you missed it. Two weeks can work. A month to do it properly.

If you’re short on time, stay north. The north is where the best of Vietnam lives- Sapa and the Ha Giang Loop are incredibly scenic and are both must sees.

Heading south, Phong Nha is worth the detour, with its stunning, massive caves. Hội An is touristy but still my favorite part of the south, it’s charming and a lot of fun. Đà Lạt and Mui Ne are good stops if you’re doing the full length.

My content covers the length of Vietnam, with a focus on doing it independently and getting off the beaten path. seeing the bright green rice fields, hiking the towering mountains up north, and kayaking around the cliffs of Cát Bà.