{"id":61604,"date":"2018-03-29T12:18:40","date_gmt":"2018-03-29T12:18:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.hostelworld.com\/blog\/?p=61604"},"modified":"2025-08-12T08:09:38","modified_gmt":"2025-08-12T08:09:38","slug":"backpacking-vietnam","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.hostelworld.com\/blog\/backpacking-vietnam\/","title":{"rendered":"The Only Guide You’ll Ever Need For Backpacking Vietnam"},"content":{"rendered":"

Vietnam is one of the most popular destinations among backpackers, and for good reason! It can be hard to find all the info you need while planning a backpacking break, so we’ve put it all together in one place – you’re welcome! From the lowdown on where to stay, the visa requirements, and even a 2 week itinerary, we’ve covered all the bases for anyone backpacking Vietnam.<\/p>\n

    \n
  1. The Best Time to Visit Vietnam<\/a><\/li>\n
  2. Vietnamese New Year<\/a><\/li>\n
  3. Do I Need a Visa for Vietnam?<\/a><\/li>\n
  4. Travelling around Vietnam<\/a><\/li>\n
  5. Vietnam Travel Costs<\/a><\/li>\n
  6. Where to Stay in Vietnam<\/a><\/li>\n
  7. Vietnam Itinerary<\/a><\/li>\n
  8. Vietnamese Food<\/a><\/li>\n
  9. Vietnamese Culture<\/a><\/li>\n
  10. Is Vietnam Safe?<\/a><\/li>\n
  11. Vietnam Travel Tips<\/a><\/li>\n
  12. Vietnam Packing List<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    The Best Time to Visit Vietnam<\/h2>\n

    Recommended by Sophie Spencer<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
    \n

    Best time to visit Vietnam<\/strong><\/h4>\n<\/th>\n

    		\n

    Regions in Vietnam<\/h4>\n<\/th>\n

    		\n

    Places in Vietnam<\/h4>\n<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n

    March – May<\/td>\nNorthern region<\/td>\nSapa, Hanoi, Halong Bay<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    February – May<\/td>\nCentral coast<\/td>\nHue, Hoi An, Danang<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    December – March<\/td>\nSouthern region<\/td>\nNha Trang, Ho Chi Minh City, Mekong River<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Being such a long country, Vietnam also calls for great regional diversity. You can have a summer beach holiday, go caving in the world\u2019s biggest cave, explore multiple UNESCO world heritage sites, get lost in the hustle of Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi or do it all together! Sounds pretty incredible right? Although the length of Vietnam means beaches here, there and everywhere, it does make the seasons difficult to comprehend. It\u2019s definitely not as easy as just having Summer, Spring, Winter and Autumn but don’t worry, we’re here to help! We’ve\u00a0 done the research to help you determine the best time to visit Vietnam.<\/p>\n

    The general rule of thumb is that if you want to travel the entire length of Vietnam and have the gift of unrestricted dates, then go in between February and April or November to December.<\/p>\n

    Weather in Vietnam in the different regions<\/h3>\n

    The best time to visit the Northern Region: Sapa, Hanoi and Halong Bay<\/h3>\n

    You really get the best of both worlds in the North. Not only are you blessed with the beauty of Halong Bay, but if you venture inland to Sapa you will find rice paddies as far as the eye can see. Typically speaking, Northern Vietnam is the only region where there is a distinct summer and winter season.<\/p>\n

    Best time to visit: March \u2013 May. <\/strong>Winter temperatures average about 18-22 degrees in the peak of the season (January\/February) and there is very little rain around. Make sure you pack yourself a cardigan and scarf though, temperatures can get down to 15 degrees.<\/p>\n

    Worst time to visit: Late May \u2013 August. <\/strong>Summer lasts from May to October and what comes with it isn\u2019t idyllic. At the end of June, the humidity rises and there is whole lot of rain making it an unfavourable time to visit, especially to Halong Bay. It is very possible for tours to the UNESCO World Heritage site to get rained out and you really don\u2019t want to risk missing out. Come on Vietnam, don’t rain on my parade!<\/p>\n

    \"Backpacking<\/p>\n

    \u00a0Hanoi\u00a0\ud83d\udcf7: @coast_to_costans<\/a><\/p>\n

    The best time to visit the Central Coast: Hue, Hoi An, Danang<\/h3>\n

    If you are looking for the perfect balance of culture and beach, the Central Coast will have you hooked. Hoi An is known for its lantern lined, World Heritage streets, Hue for its impressive temples and Danang for some of the best beaches on the coast. It\u2019s an incredible area but it\u2019s important that you visit at the right time as the beach and rain don\u2019t always go hand in hand.<\/p>\n

    Best time to visit: February \u2013 May. <\/strong>Spring time on the Central Coast is the weather you are really chasing \u2013 not too warm that you\u2019ll melt away but not too cold that it\u2019ll stop you from swimming in the sea. Temperatures average in the mid 20\u2019s, the sunshine is warm and the rain tends to stay away so no need for that umbrella-ella-ella!<\/p>\n

    Worst time to visit:<\/strong> August \u2013 December.<\/strong> Further north (Hue), the monsoon starts in September and continues til February, whereas in Danang it only spans between November and December. The central coast is greatly affected by typhoons and hurricane-force winds between August and December.<\/p>\n

    \"Backpacking<\/p>\n

    Hoi An City\u00a0\ud83d\udcf7: @leftietraveler<\/a><\/p>\n

    The best time to visit the South: Nha Trang, Ho Chi Minh City and Mekong River<\/h3>\n

    Southern Vietnam is both loaded with history and is the best place to truly grasp what local life in the villages looks like. Most travellers will come to this region for a few days to have an authentic homestay along the Mekong River and to be totally tantalised by the sounds and smells of Ho Chi Minh City. The weather systems in the south aren\u2019t as complex as the north and can be simply divided into a wet and dry season.<\/p>\n

    Best time to visit: December \u2013 March: <\/strong>The dry season stretches to early May, but temperature wise, December to March is most suitable. Although it\u2019s still hot and humid, the temperatures don\u2019t usually sky-rocket to the extreme and you can enjoy your time a lot more. If you are staying along the Southern coastline the crisp sea-breeze will keep you cool, not to mention the gorgeous water you can dip in to freshen up.<\/p>\n

    Worst time to visit: May \u2013 November: <\/strong>The rainy season doesn\u2019t necessarily hit hard for the 6 months, but it is does linger, bringing rainfall almost every afternoon. The worst of it hits between June and August so we would definitely advise to work your way around it if possible.<\/p>\n

    \"Backpacking<\/p>\n

    Nha Trang\u00a0\ud83d\udcf7: @badgalkarii<\/a><\/p>\n

    Vietnamese New Year<\/h2>\n

    Vietnamese New Year, commonly known as TET holiday is the most important calendar event for the Vietnamese people. It\u2019s similar to that of Christmas and New Year\u2019s Day, where families come together, businesses close and a whole lot of celebrations occur.<\/p>\n

    When is Vietnamese New Year?<\/h3>\n

    TET takes place from the first day of the first month of the Lunar Calendar. This is usually around the last week of January or the first week of February.<\/p>\n

    TET dates<\/h3>\n

    2019: February 5th<\/sup><\/p>\n

    2020: January 25th<\/sup><\/p>\n

    Travelling before, during and after Vietnamese New Year<\/h3>\n

    If you have the flexibility to plan around the TET holiday, I would advise you do so. If this isn\u2019t possible, I can still guarantee you will have a great time \u2013 just go with an open mind.<\/p>\n

    What to expect during Vietnamese New Year<\/h3>\n

    Transport:<\/strong> As the Vietnamese people travel back to their hometowns for TET celebrations, it\u2019s definitely fair to say that the transportation situation can get a little bit sticky. Trains tend to become overbooked and loaded with families. Our 6 bed overnight train berth had four people crammed into the one bed. On top of this, prices become inflated, making it more expensive than usual. Tip: Book tickets in advance if you are travelling around TET.<\/p>\n

    Accommodation: <\/strong>There isn\u2019t a big issue with finding hostels during TET, nor will it usually exceed a typical South East Asian budget. Unlike Christmas and New Year\u2019s, TET isn\u2019t a leisure holiday, so you don\u2019t have to worry about the locals filling up hostels.<\/p>\n

    Tours: <\/strong>It\u2019s not uncommon for tour providers to stop their tours over the TET period, but this is particularly important for Halong Bay. Most boats won\u2019t go out during TET so it\u2019s very important to plan your itinerary around this. However, if you do happen to find a company that does, use it to your advantage as it\u2019ll feel like you have the bay to yourself.<\/p>\n

    Food: <\/strong>Unfortunately, a lot of the restaurants and street vendors will shut their doors during TET so they can spend time with their family. Learn from my mistakes and plan ahead. Buy snacks from the markets beforehand and do some research into places that will be open to avoid hours of aimlessly walking around getting hangry.<\/p>\n

    Do I Need a Visa for Vietnam?<\/h2>\n

    Vietnam Visa requirements for US Citizens<\/h3>\n

    As a citizen of the United States you are required to have a visa to enter Vietnam. To apply for a Vietnam travel visa you need to visit\u00a0www.vietnamvisa.govt.vn<\/a>\u00a0submit an application form and wait for approval. A travel visa for Vietnam will cost you less than $20.<\/p>\n

    Vietnam Visa requirements for UK Citizens<\/h3>\n

    British Citizen passport holders can enter Vietnam without a Visa until June 30th 2018 for a maximum of 15 days. For visits of up to 30 days you can get an e-visa online<\/a>.\u00a0For visits of over 30 days you are required to get a visa from the Vietnamese embassy before travel.<\/p>\n

    Vietnam Visa requirements for AU Citizens<\/h3>\n

    For entry to Vietnam Australian Citizens must have an appropriate visa. Australian Citizens are eligible to apply for an online single entry visa, valid for a maximum of 30 days here<\/a>.<\/p>\n

    \"Backpacking<\/p>\n

    \ud83d\udcf7: @helenbldwn<\/a><\/p>\n

    Travelling around Vietnam<\/h2>\n

    Driving in Vietnam<\/h3>\n

    Riding a motorbike through the streets of Vietnam is one of the best ways to experience the country in an authentic way. Having said this, driving in Vietnam can be very hectic and is not recommended for those who scare easily, or those who doubt their driving abilities.<\/p>\n

    As well as motorbikes, Vietnam’s city streets are filled with bicycles, small cars and carts zooming every direction. Although driving in Vietnam is typically not as crazy as driving in other Asian countries, a great deal of care is still recommended.<\/p>\n

    \"Backpacking<\/p>\n

    \ud83d\udcf7: @sofiajulieg<\/a><\/p>\n

    Vietnam Travel Costs<\/h2>\n

    Vietnamese Currency<\/h3>\n

    The currency in Vietnam is the Vietnamese Dong (VND) however United States Dollars (USD) and Great British Pounds (GBP) are widely accepted across the country.<\/p>\n

    Exchange Rate<\/h3>\n

    As of March 2018, the Vietnamese Dong is very weak compared to USD or GBP. 1 VND is equivalent to 0.000032 GBP or 0.000044 USD.<\/p>\n

    Average Costs<\/h3>\n

    The current exchange rates and value of the VND make travelling around Vietnam very affordable for the most part. The average cost of a beer is only 0.33 USD and a three-course meal for two at a mid-range restaurant will set you back just a tasty 15 USD.<\/p>\n

    Tipping is not customary in Vietnam, especially in bars or restaurants in which locals do not tip. Some tour guides or taxi drivers may expect a small tip if the service is particularly good.<\/p>\n

    Where to Stay in Vietnam<\/h2>\n

    The way to get the most out of your accommodation on your trip to Vietnam is to stay in hostels, and boy, you are in for a treat! The hostels in Vietnam<\/a> are some of the best in the world. Think rooftop bars, luxury private rooms, quirky swimming pools, and free beers and breakfast every day. Vietnam is a long country and we have hostels all over in the hottest places to visit.<\/p>\n

    Vietnam Itinerary<\/h2>\n

    Recommended by Hannah Logan<\/em><\/p>\n

    I spent a month exploring Vietnam and completely fell in love. To be honest, I didn\u2019t think I would. I expected the traffic and crowds to be intimidating. I was daunted by the lengthy travel times between cities and worried about the language barrier. But in the end, none of that mattered. Crossing the chaotic streets became a game, the travel times were worth it, and the locals won me over with their warmth.<\/p>\n

    From the food to the historical cities to its eight UNESCO World Heritage sites, Vietnam has plenty to see and do. This two-week itinerary highlights a little bit of everything. This route uses Hanoi as both the start and end point as it\u2019s the most convenient for a lot of travelers, however, it also involves a bit of backtracking so you may also want to consider reversing the trip by arriving in Hoi An.<\/p>\n

    Backpacking 2 weeks in Vietnam<\/h3>\n

     <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
    \n

    2 week itinerary days<\/strong><\/h4>\n<\/th>\n

    		\n

    Places to visit in Vietnam<\/h4>\n<\/th>\n

    		\n

    Things to do and see in Vietnam<\/h4>\n<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n

    1-2<\/td>\nHanoi<\/td>\nThe Old Quarter, Vietnamese coffee in\u00a0Caf\u00e9 Dinh, the water puppet show, street markets and\u00a0Lily’s or Flipside Hostel<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    3-5<\/td>\nSapa<\/td>\ntrekking, rice paddies, Tavan village and Ta Van Hostel<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    6-8<\/td>\nHalon Bay<\/td>\n2 day cruises, Cat Ba Island<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    9<\/td>\nHue<\/td>\nHue’s Imperial City,\u00a0the tombs of Emperor Khai Dinh, Emperor Tu Duc, and Emperor Minh Mang, Amy Hostel Hue<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    10<\/td>\nThe Hai Van Pass<\/td>\nmotorbike tour,\u00a0Elephant Springs, Tribee Kinh hostel<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    11-13<\/td>\nHoi An<\/td>\ncustom clothing with Bebe Tailors, the historic old town,\u00a0the Japanese Covered Bridge and the Central market, the night market and bars, Hoi An’s beach, My Son Ruins<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    14<\/td>\nHanoi<\/td>\nGetting ready to fly back home<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

    <\/h4>\n

    Days 1-2: Hanoi<\/strong><\/h4>\n

    Navigating Hanoi’s bustling streets can be an adventure in itself. The city offers plenty to discover, from museums to the vibrant Old Quarter, where you can easily spend hours getting lost.<\/p>\n

    The Old Quarter is known for its French-Colonial architecture, temples, and unique streets named after historic trades, such as Hang Dau (shoes), Hang Bac (silverware), and Hang Quat (fans). Each street is perfect for souvenir hunting.<\/p>\n

    Don\u2019t miss trying bun cha<\/strong>, a local grilled pork noodle dish with a sweet and spicy sauce, often found near St. Joseph’s Cathedral<\/strong>. Hanoi is also famous for its Vietnamese coffee<\/strong>. For an authentic experience, visit the hidden Caf\u00e9 Dinh<\/strong> in a small alley on Dinh Tien Hoang.<\/p>\n

    For a break, relax at one of the peaceful caf\u00e9s in the Old Quarter, like Nola<\/strong>. Hanoi also offers the famous water puppet show<\/strong> and lively weekend markets with food, music, and games at the Old Quarter Walking Street<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

    After exploring Hanoi, take the bus or overnight train to Sapa<\/strong> (note that the train stops before reaching Sapa, and you’ll need a shuttle van for the final leg). Hostels like See you at Lily’s<\/strong> and Flipside Hostel<\/strong> are great places to stay.<\/p>\n

    \n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tFind more hostels in Hanoi<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \"\"<\/p>\n

    @alxschtmtzlr<\/a><\/p>\n

    Days 3-5: Sapa<\/strong><\/h4>\n

    Sapa is famous for its trekking and rice paddies, however, I found that Sapa itself looked too touristy and opted instead to head into the valley to Tavan Village. It’s small, with a few homestays, a couple of restaurants, and a small spa perfect for post-hike massages. The views encompass Sapa\u2019s famous hills and mountains, shrouded in clouds, and lush, green rice paddies. Plus, there are plenty of hiking trails of different lengths and difficulty levels that are easy enough to do on your own – no need to hire a guide.<\/p>\n

    The women from the hill tribes can be found selling their crafts at the local primary school and they will also often offer to guide you. Most of the homestays and hostels offer a family dinner experience which is a definite must.<\/p>\n

    If you want a break from hiking through the rice paddies, you can rent a motorbike and explore northern Vietnam. You can even go up as far as the border to China if you are feeling adventurous. It\u2019s best if you have experience driving a motorbike though as you will have to take several busy roads with heavy traffic.<\/p>\n

    Keep in mind, while central Vietnam may be very warm, Sapa is in the mountains and can be quite cool, especially at night. Make sure you have long pants, a sweater, and a raincoat, even in the warmer months.<\/p>\n

    At the end of your final day in Sapa (or Tavan) take the night bus or train back to Hanoi. From here you can carry on to you next destination, Halong Bay. You can take a bus or a cruise to Halong Bay. It is possible to take a bus from Sapa all the way to Halong Bay but just a word of caution: it\u2019s a long, rough ride that will take around 12 hours.<\/p>\n

    Hostel recommendation for Tavan Village: Ta Van Hostel<\/a><\/p>\n

    \n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tFind more hostels in Sapa<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \"\"<\/p>\n

    \ud83d\udcf7: @wowpicturephoto<\/a><\/p>\n

    Days 6-8: Halong Bay <\/strong><\/h4>\n

    Halong Bay is a World Heritage site featuring over 1600 islands or islets rising precariously from the sea. Yes, it can be busy and touristy, but it is a must for any traveler to Vietnam.<\/p>\n

    The most popular way to experience it is on an overnight cruise. Cruises can be one or two nights. I definitely recommend the two-night option as one was very rushed and left me feeling like I had missed out.<\/p>\n

    Cruises come at all different levels of comfort and price points. Party cruises with drinking games and hangovers are common but there are also dozens of relaxed cruises and luxury cruises.<\/p>\n

    Alternatively you can also base yourself on Cat Ba Island and do a day cruise. Staying on Cat Ba is a cheaper option with the added bonus of being able to get off the water and to explore the island. Most people love this, however some are left wishing they\u2019d taken the overnight cruise to get the full experience. Take the time to fully compare both options before you decide.<\/p>\n

    Accommodation and spaces on the cruises book up quickly, even during low season. Book your trip in advance through your hostel in Hanoi.<\/p>\n

    After your cruise ends, head back to Hanoi to take either the overnight bus (16 hours) or fly to Hue. Night buses are cheaper and have the added bonus of also covering accommodation costs. However, they are long, and can be very noisy, and uncomfortable. The night buses are often very rough for travelers who suffer from motion sickness. Flights, on the other hand, will be more expensive, but much faster and more comfortable. The earlier you book your flights, the better the deal. A one-way ticket costs around $45CAD.<\/p>\n

    \n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tFind more hostels in Ha Long<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \"Backpacking<\/p>\n

    \ud83d\udcf7: @gabescalise<\/a><\/p>\n

    Day 9: Hue<\/strong><\/h4>\n

    Start your day early to explore the city and the surrounding temples and mausoleums. Hue’s Imperial City, the historical walled palace located within the citadel, is the highlight. The entrances are incredibly ornate with lots of bright, bold colours. Much of it has been destroyed however leaving little of the original buildings.<\/p>\n

    For me, the highlight of Hue is the imperial tombs and mausoleums. Hue was, at one time, the capital of Vietnam and many ancient rulers are buried in tombs surrounding the city. You probably won’t have time to visit them all in one day, so I recommend seeing three: the tombs of Emperor Khai Dinh, Emperor Tu Duc, and Emperor Minh Mang. These are the most impressive. Make sure to ask for the combined ticket at the first temple you visit and hold onto it for the rest of your day.<\/p>\n

    Rent a motorbike or hire a driver to take you to the tombs as they are outside of the city centre. If your hostel doesn\u2019t advertise this as an available option, just ask one of the staff; they will know of a driver who is happy to take you.<\/p>\n

    Hostel recommendation for Hue: Amy Hostel Hue<\/a><\/p>\n

    \n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tFind more hostels in Hue<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \"Backpacking<\/p>\n

    @alxschtzlr<\/a><\/p>\n

    Day 10: The Hai Van Pass<\/strong><\/h4>\n

    The Hai Van Pass day trip was probably my favourite experience in Vietnam. Hai Van means \u2018sea clouds\u2019 and is a 127km long route from Hue to Hoi An that will take you past hills and distant mountains, ocean views, lush green fields, and cityscapes.<\/p>\n

    Hai Van Pass was made famous in the 2009 Top Gear Vietnam motorbike special and is considered one of the most spectacular road trips in the country.<\/p>\n

    You can do your own motorbike tour or use an easy rider program, where you ride on the back of motorbike while someone else drives.<\/p>\n

    Be sure to look for The Elephant Springs where you can swim if the weather is good, viewpoints along the Hai Van Pass (the 19km of road through the mountains), the Marble Mountains, and the Dragon Bridge of Da Nang. If you need a rest stop, just before the Hai Van Pass are a few fishing villages with great seafood restaurants.<\/p>\n

    Hostel recommendation for Hoi An: Tribee Kinh<\/a><\/p>\n

    Days 11-13: Hoi An<\/strong><\/h4>\n

    Hoi An is a charming city known for its historic old town, tailor shops, and vibrant culture. Three days is the perfect amount of time to explore.<\/p>\n

    Hoi An\u2019s tailors are famous for custom clothing, including dresses, suits, and shoes. While there are many tailors, I recommend BeBe Tailors<\/strong><\/a> for its high-quality materials and craftsmanship. Be sure to place your order early to allow time for fittings and alterations.<\/p>\n

    The highlight of Hoi An is its 15th-century old town, a UNESCO World Heritage site. You\u2019ll need an old-town entrance ticket to visit museums and historic buildings like merchant houses and assembly halls. Don\u2019t miss the Japanese Covered Bridge<\/strong> and the Central Market<\/strong>, where you can try cao lau<\/strong>, a local pork and noodle dish.<\/p>\n

    At night, head to the night market<\/strong> for colorful silk lanterns and street food. Another must-try is the bahn-mi<\/strong> sandwich, filled with meat, mayonnaise, and veggies.<\/p>\n

    For nightlife, Tiger Tiger<\/strong><\/a> offers cheap drinks.\u00a0Spend the day at Hoi An Beach<\/strong>, a 20-minute bike ride away, or rent a motorbike to visit the My Son Ruins<\/strong>, a fascinating Champa Kingdom temple complex.<\/p>\n

    This should provide a great mix of shopping, history, food, and relaxation during your time in Hoi An.<\/p>\n

    Day 14<\/strong><\/h4>\n

    Fly back to Hanoi to catch your flight on the 14th<\/sup> day of your trip.<\/p>\n

    Vietnam is an incredible country, and while you can definitely spend longer, two weeks is a good amount of time to experience some of the country’s best highlights.<\/p>\n

    Vietnamese Food<\/h2>\n

    Recommended by Marina Nazario<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

    A trip to Vietnam means the opportunity to taste some of the most exotic and diverse food on the planet. Since wayyyy back when, Vietnam had a rich culinary culture, but in the late 1800s the French colonized Indochina, and since then, Vietnamese cuisine holds a major French influence.<\/p>\n

    Despite being a freakin\u2019 massive country, Vietnam\u2019s cuisine shares a common theme from north to south, which is balance<\/em>. That means they can make food taste sour, sweet and spicy all at the same time (don\u2019t ask us how). The Vietnamese love their coffee, produce *arguably* better bread than the French and chow down on heaps of noodles. The best part? The food is insanely cheap. Expect to pay about 10,000-60,000 VND ($1-3 USD) for street food and about 113,000-160,000 VND ($5-7 USD) for a proper meal at a restaurant (we aren\u2019t kidding).<\/p>\n

    If you\u2019re heading to this beautiful Southeast Asian country bring your appetite and an open mind. You might not know what you\u2019re eating half the time and that\u2019s why we\u2019re here to help! We created a guide of 17 foods you should definitely<\/em> try in Vietnam. Remember, looks can be deceiving. So just shrug your shoulders and go with it.<\/p>\n

    Egg Coffee or <\/strong>C\u00e0 Ph\u00ea Tr\u00fang<\/strong><\/h3>\n

    Vietnam has a major obsession with coffee, but they do it differently in Hanoi. They drink egg coffee, which was invented in the 1940s due to a shortage of milk. It\u2019s egg yolk, coffee beans, condensed milk and sugar whisked together and heated with a layer of egg foam on top. It\u2019s thick, rich, sweet and creamy and you can\u2019t leave Vietnam without trying it. You\u2019ll find it in coffee shops for about one-two dollars.<\/p>\n

    \"Backpacking<\/p>\n

    Egg Coffee\u00a0\ud83d\udcf7: @mabuhaymiles<\/a><\/p>\n

    Marinated Octopus or B\u1ea1ch Tu\u1ed9c N\u01b0\u1edbng Sa T\u1ebf<\/strong><\/h3>\n

    If you see a bunch of thick octopus tentacles marinating on a grill at a street vendor, order it. This isn\u2019t your average, overpriced seafood appetizer. It\u2019s a popular and cheap street food that you\u2019ll notice on the plates of many locals. It\u2019s tender and marinated grilled octopus served with a slightly tangy, satay dipping sauce that makes the dish so tasty. If you\u2019re in Ho Chi Minh City, head to Vinh Khanh Street, which is known to be the place to snag some seafood.<\/p>\n

    Che Dumpling<\/strong><\/h3>\n

    This is a sweet Vietnamese dessert that\u2019s served in a variety of forms (as a cold beverage, pudding or dumpling-type of thing). We\u2019re going to talk about the dumpling version (real name ch\u00e8 b\u00e1nh x\u1ebfp, aka “folded cake dessert”). It’s green bean wrapped in a tapioca\/sticky rice dumpling and sprinkled with sesame and coconut. You can get it from food markets or restaurants throughout the country. Beware, it\u2019s addictive!<\/p>\n

    Vietnamese Pork Meatball and Noodle Salad or Bun Cha <\/strong><\/h3>\n

    Think of this as an undone salad. Usually, the ingredients come out in separate bowls and you place what you want into your own dish and dig in. It comes with cold noodles, tangy dipping sauce, greens and perfectly grilled pork meatballs (which you can smell from a mile away). Hey, it was enough to catch Barack Obama\u2019s eye<\/a>, who ordered this at a restaurant in Hanoi with Anthony Bourdain!<\/p>\n

    \"Backpacking<\/p>\n

    Bun Cha\u00a0\ud83d\udcf7: @hellenbeen<\/a><\/p>\n

    Water Fern Cake or B\u00e1nh B\u00e8<\/strong><\/h3>\n

    You\u2019re probably thinking \u201cwhat the heck is water fern cake?!\u201d Welp, this is another deceiving food, because it\u2019s not cake. It\u2019s a savoury dish that\u2019s basically a steamed rice patty topped with minced shrimp, pork rinds, fish sauce, fried shallots and scallions. It\u2019s popular in central Vietnam, so if you\u2019re travelling through Hoi An, head to Phan Dinh Phung Street and order it at a food cart or a restaurant for less than a dollar.<\/p>\n

    Black Sesame Sweet Soup or Xi Ma<\/strong><\/h3>\n

    Remember when we said to shrug your shoulders and just go with it? This is one of those foods where you should do that. We won\u2019t lie, this \u201csoup\u201d doesn\u2019t look appealing, but it\u2019s a sweet dessert that will leave you dumbfounded after you take a bite (it happened to us).<\/p>\n

    It\u2019s made from black sesame, sugar, coconut and pennywort (a secret ingredient found in Chinese herbal medicine) and comes in a small bowl and served warm. This sweet and nutty dessert is popular in Hoi An. You can find it for about fifty cents at street vendors in old town. We double dog dare you to try it!<\/p>\n

    Vietnamese Spring Rolls or Guo Cuon<\/strong><\/h3>\n

    You\u2019ve probably seen these before! It\u2019s shrimp or pork, plus vegetables and vermicelli noodles rolled tightly in rice paper and served with that famous (mouth-watering) peanut dipping sauce. YUM. You\u2019ll find this light snack for a dollar at restaurants throughout Vietnam. Grab a napkin! These can be messy after you take a bite.<\/p>\n

    Mango Cake or B\u00e1nh Xo\u00e0i <\/strong><\/h3>\n

    This dessert is seriously deceiving as it contains no mangos and it\u2019s technically not a cake. It\u2019s a powdered ball of sticky rice filled with peanuts and sugar\u2026 bet you weren\u2019t expecting that! Apparently, it gets its name because it looks like a mango seed. You can find it for less than a dollar at street vendors in Hoi An. You can also find in packaged in 7-11 or convenience stores. Careful, you\u2019ll get a sugar rush if you scarf down too many!<\/p>\n

    \"Backpacking<\/p>\n

    \ud83d\udcf7: @tinytruc_art<\/a><\/p>\n

    Snails or \u1ed0c <\/strong><\/h3>\n

    We know what you\u2019re thinking. You didn\u2019t come all the way to Vietnam to eat snails! But this is a popular delicacy in Vietnam. Oc is a less fancy, way cheaper version of escargot. It\u2019s served differently throughout the country, but if you can find it prepared in a drool-worthy coconut curry sauce on Vinh Khanh Street in Saigon, GO FOR IT. Wash it down with a beer and keep crackin\u2019. You tell us which is better, escargot or Vietnamese oc?<\/p>\n

    Steamed Sticky Rice or X\u00f4i<\/strong><\/h3>\n

    Wondering what the Vietnamese eat for breakfast? In addition to their beloved coffee, they\u2019re chowing down on sweet sticky rice. Grab some xoi and top it with something savoury (mung beans, shallots, pork, chicken) or sweet (white sugar, coconut, crushed peanuts). What a hearty breakfast to start the day! You can find it for less than a dollar at street vendors or markets throughout the country.<\/p>\n

    Pho<\/strong><\/h3>\n

    This is probably the most world-renowned food of Vietnam and we\u2019re totally pho realz (had to). Pho is rice noodles, basil, cilantro, mint, lime, bean sprouts, chicken or beef stirred into a flavourful broth. It\u2019s popular throughout the country, but you\u2019ll find different variations in the North and the South.<\/p>\n

    Northern Vietnam pho dishes are heavy on the green onions and use a wider noodle. Southern Vietnam pho includes more herbs, bean sprouts and uses a slightly sweeter broth. Wherever you decide to try it, this dish deserves your attention. So find a restaurant to sit down and slurp your noodles in peace.<\/p>\n

    Cau Lau<\/strong><\/h3>\n

    Cau lau is a dry noodle dish that you\u2019ll only find in Hoi An. Legend has it that it\u2019s made using water from an ancient Cham well and it\u2019s to be eaten upstairs. Yup, if you want to eat cau lau you\u2019ll have to head to the second floor of the restaurant. This dry noodle dish is made with sliced pork, vegetables and topped with pork rinds or rice crackers *drooling*. You can\u2019t skip out on cau lau if you\u2019re making your way through Hoi An! Hope you like heights!<\/p>\n

    \"Backpacking<\/p>\n

    \ud83d\udcf7: @fartliketheresnotomorrow<\/a><\/p>\n

    Vietnamese Pork Roll or Banh Mi Thit <\/strong><\/h3>\n

    Looking for something other than a hot bowl of noodles? Feast on banh mi thit \u2014 the most epic Asian sandwich! They split a Vietnamese baguette, spread chicken liver p\u00e2t\u00e9 on either side, load it with fresh and pickled vegetables, cilantro and pork, then drizzle it with different condiments or sauces. You can find banh mi throughout the country for about 30,000 VND. Go crazy and try it with different meats and sauces. We bet you\u2019ll be ordering this more than once in Vietnam.<\/p>\n

    Vietnamese Crepe or B\u00e1nh X\u00e8o<\/strong><\/h3>\n

    Banh xeo means \u201csizzling cake\u201d and nope it\u2019s not a cake (they love to tease us!). It\u2019s Vietnam\u2019s version of a crepe named after the crackling sound that the pancake batter makes when it\u2019s poured over the hot skillet. It\u2019s usually stuffed with slices of meat (pork or chicken), veggies and garnished with bean sprouts, cilantro and mung bean paste. You\u2019ll find this drool-worthy Goliath of a crepe throughout Vietnam, but it\u2019s especially popular in Ho Chi Minh City.<\/p>\n

    Beef and Vegetable Stew or Bo Kho<\/strong><\/h3>\n

    If it happens to rain during your stay in Vietnam (most likely during wet season, May-October), bunker down in a cozy restaurant and order bo kho. It\u2019s a slow-cooked stew made with beef and vegetables and served with a toasted baguette. Mmmm. It\u2019s incredibly flavourful and will warm you right up. You\u2019ll find it on menus throughout Vietnam and expect to shell out about 65,000 VND for a bowl.<\/p>\n

    Egg Breakfast or Op La<\/strong><\/h3>\n

    Hungry for brekky? Wake up early, navigate your way through whichever Vietnam city you\u2019re in and slide into a restaurant to order a hearty meal of op la. It\u2019s eggs sunny side up, grilled veggies, slices of ham and chunks of sausage all served in a personal pan, accompanied with a Vietnamese baguette.<\/p>\n

    Spicy Beef Soup or Bun Bo Hue <\/strong><\/h3>\n

    Venture over to the Imperial City of Vietnam, Hue, and order a HUGE bowl of the most random ingredient soup for just a dollar. It\u2019s made with noodles, pork and beef bones, sliced brisket, crab, shrimp paste, lemongrass and… cubes of congealed pig\u2019s blood (which looks like brown tofu). It seems like they just threw a bunch of ingredients into a pot and said, \u201cHere you go!\u201d But it actually has a nice taste of spicy, sour and sweet all in one bowl *shrugs shoulders*. Worth it.<\/p>\n

    \"Backpacking<\/p>\n

    \ud83d\udcf7: @meocuckytanac<\/a><\/p>\n

    Vietnamese Culture<\/h2>\n

    Facts about Vietnam<\/h3>\n