How to travel Central & South Vietnam in 12 days
Desperate for an adventure, but limited on time? Here’s how to travel Central & South Vietnam in 12 days.
Encouraged by my travel-loving sister, I totted up my leftover holiday allowance and took a deep breath as I booked a solo trip to Vietnam last year. However, it didn’t take long for the word to spread. Next thing I knew, there were three of us packed into an Uber at 5am!
With return flights booked to Ho Chi Minh City and limited time, we opted to only go as far north as Central Vietnam. 12 days is certainly not enough time to fully explore all this beautiful country has to offer, but it’ll give you a taste and have you coming back for more. Here’s our itinerary and how to travel Central & South Vietnam in 12 days.
Day 1: Arrive in Ho Chi Minh & War Museum
After a 15 hour journey from London, via Paris, we arrived in Ho Chi Minh, already perspiring from the humidity. Visiting Vietnam in October means the temperature stays at around 30 degrees. Costing only 20k VDN (70p), the hour-long bus journey will take you into the centre of the city. We spent the journey ogling at the sea of mopeds and traffic that enveloped not only the roads, but pavements too.
Arriving too early to check in to our pre-booked accommodation, The Like Hostel & Café, we left our heavy rucksacks and made the 15-minute walk to the War Remnants Museum. Although a harrowing, yet informative beginning to the trip, it’s certainly worth a visit. The museum explores a moment in time vital to the history of the country and the tragic aftermath of war.
That evening, we headed out to catch up with a friend currently living in Vietnam. We met at Indika Saigon, a hidden gem of a restaurant for beer and pizza. What more could you want to aid jet lag?
Day 2: Mekong Delta day trip
Day 2 saw us up bright and early for a trip to the Mekong Delta with VIP Adventure Tours. A 1.5-hour journey, including a coffee rest stop, took us to the Delta. The day was filled with traditional Vietnamese cuisine, river cruises and insightful facts. Not forgetting the non-stop karaoke courtesy of our entertaining tour guide, Lockie.
Back in the city, we were dropped off at a local food market where we enjoyed our noodle dinner among the hustle and bustle.
For the full low down on our Ho Chi Minh experience, read my post Ho Chi Minh City in 3 days
Day 3: Cu Chi tunnels & fly to Hue
Costing roughly £20pp, we made the 1.5 – 2 hour journey to the Cu Chi Tunnels with VIP Adventure Tours. The day tour is full of fascinating information on the daily life of these war-time underground communities. With 3 levels, up to 10m deep, these tunnels were a vital network to allow the Vietnamese to stay hidden, communicate and survive.
The tour had us experiencing the “western” size of the tunnels, which are certainly not for the claustrophobically faint-hearted. Thankfully, there’s the option to take shorter routes or even not go inside, if preferred.
Learn more about our Cu Chi Tunnels experience here
Ho Chi Minh City in 3 days
Later, our evening flight to Hue in Central Vietnam was sadly delayed. Nothing a few card games and a joint full body massage experience can’t do to help to pass the time. Check out the airport spa if you’re in need of some pre-flight pampering.
Day 4: Travelling from Hue to Hoi An via the Hai Van Pass
One of my favourite days during our travel to central and south Vietnam was the jeep tour from Hue to Hoi An via the Hai Van Pass. It’s a beautiful stretch of scenic coastline along the east of the country. It was a great opportunity to experience a more rural side to Vietnam, away from the depths of the city.
Lunch at the secluded Canh DuOng Bay had us paddling in warm ocean water with a side of karaoke from an adjacent party.
Beaming smiles and a touch of sunburned shoulders; driving the rolling hills of the Hai Van Pass is an experience not to be missed!
Read my post Hai Van Pass: Driving from Hue to Hoi An for the full low down on the journey and why I’d highly recommend you experience it.
Arriving on Springroll-class night, the Tribee Bana Hostel in Hoi An hosts a range of activities to aid travellers to bond. Well fed from a glorious first taste of a Bahn Mi (a Vietnamese baguette)– a must when visiting Hoi An, we then tucked into endless spring rolls.
Post dinner, spend the evening watching the twinkling, floating tealights that adorn the Hoi An river. Something you’ll have to witness yourself as no photo can ever do it justice.
Day 5: Exploring Hoi An
We started day 5 with late brunch, trying a variety of iced coffees before making our way to Violet’s, one of the many tailors in the town. We then parked ourselves at No.11 Coffee House for an afternoon of more iced coffees, card games, people watching and a touch of holiday reading.
A night out to the Mr Bean Bar and Hair of the Dog Bar ensued for birthday celebrations, both of which will ensure hilarity, and hangovers.
For the full guide to this little town, including all the info you need to have bespoke clothes made too, read my travel guide to Hoi An.
Day 6: Ba Na Hills & Golden Bridge
On a mission to witness the famous Golden Bridge, we ventured towards Da Nang. At 750 VDN (roughly £25), you will gain access to the Ba Na Hills Resort. What I can only describe as the most bizarre experience I’ve had travelling, this “French themed theme park” is an interesting day out. However, I’d highly recommend you take one of the toboggans for a spin!
Due to the micro-climate of the location, the clouds can quickly encapsulate the hills and result in the foggiest of views. However, we were determined to cross the bridge despite being pelted by rain and being blown in all directions. Although a hilarious experience, I wouldn’t add the Ba Na Hills Resort to your itinerary when you travel to central and south Vietnam!
Back in Hoi An, we re-visited Violet’s for the first fitting of our bespoke clothes. We then ventured out for dinner at one of the many riverside restaurants in the floods of the evening rain.
Read my tips for getting bespoke clothes made in Hoi An here
Day 7: Hoi An & Sleeper train to Nha Trang via Da Nang
A day of rain resulted in us hopping from café to bar to café throughout the day. Wet weather is common in Central Vietnam during the autumn months. I’d highly recommend a visit to Rosie’s café; a quaint spot in the north of the town, idyllic for brunch.
Another spring roll class saw us well stuffed for our 10-hour night train to Nha Trang. Although apprehensive at first, the journey proved to be a hilarious experience of playing Dobble in a confined space with fellow travellers!
Day 8: Nha Trang & mud baths
A 25 minute walk from Nha Trang train station, we arrived at Vector Hostel. Hungry and tired from our travels, we enjoyed a dreamy brunch at the Alpaca Homestyle Café before a day of pampering ahead.
We spent most of the day at the Thap Ba Mud Baths where we steamed, sloshed, baked and bathed, with occasional car wash sensations, before emerging as much cleaner versions of our previous selves. As the baths took up most of our day, we didn’t explore much of Nha Trang. Instead, opted for a pizza and early night ready for the next day’s travel south.
Day 9: Train from Nha Trang to Mui Ne
A 4 hour train from Nha Trang to Mui Ne had us poolside at Mui Ne Hills Backpacker Hostel by the afternoon. With cheap food, beer pong tournaments and daily happy hour, it’s certainly traveller friendly and a welcome relaxation point.
Day 10: Mui Ne & Sand dunes sunset tour
The beach is a short walk downhill from the hostel. Although the strong offshore winds make for ideal kite-surfing conditions, prepare yourself for some serious skin exfoliation from the constant aggressive brush of sand. However, you can take shelter in one of the many beach-side cafés while spectating the water sports.
A popular Mui Ne activity is a trip to the local sand dunes by jeep. There’s options of a sunrise or sunset tour (we opted for the latter as we didn’t fancy the 4am wake up). As part of the tour, you wander along the Fairy Stream and overlook a nearby fishing village, before arriving at the base of the white dunes.
At 1,200,000 VDN (£40) you can rent a quadbike for 2 people for 30 mins to explore the dunes and take those classic Insta pics. This is something we opted not to do, to the shock of our driver, as we felt it wasn’t worth the price. Finally, you’re taken to the base of the Red Dunes to enjoy the picturesque view of the rising/setting sun. (Trainers are ideal for the climb). Overall, I wouldn’t say this is a must-see activity for your travel to Central & South Vietnam. The combination of underwhelming dunes and additional prices give a classic tourist scam feel.
Day 11: Mui Ne to Ho Chi Minh
Our final full day had us lounging by the hostel pool for the morning before the 5-hous bus journey from Mui Ne to HCMC. Quite the comfortable ride in luge-like reclining seats, despite the traffic we encountered upon entering the city.
Day 12: Fly home
Our final accommodation for Vietnam was at the ND Luxury Apartment. Ideally situated a 3 minute drive from HCMC’s airport, it includes a well hosted breakfast spread and a free transfer. I’d highly recommend staying there for ease of access to the airport. The 18 hour journey saw us home by 9pm, in need of some fresh clothes.
This much needed trip surpassed my expectations as it was the perfect combination of culture, relaxation and adventure. I’d highly recommend a trip to Central and South Vietnam as it’s ideal for those starting out their travel adventures.
We met so many like-minded fellow travellers along the way who only added to our experience. Although, they did make us envious of their unlimited exploring opportunities. It’s safe to say another trip to Vietnam is definitely in order to explore the north of the country.
Els x
Fingers crossed we get to travel again soon. In the meantime, check out my Vietnam highlights on @ellielwilliams_ to immerse yourself in our trip and for all your wanderlust needs.
