My Favourite Escapes in Vietnam

Vietnam had been on my radar for decades. I still remember when my dad travelled there in 1995, just as the country was opening up to tourism. He came back with videos, photos and souvenirs that left a lasting impression. Later, one of my best friends at uni, whose family is from Vietnam, told me more about the country and introduced me to the food, which I quickly fell in love with. I always knew I’d go one day.

We finally made it happen over Easter 2025, choosing Vietnam as a last-minute destination while I was recovering from a knee surgery. It was the perfect mix of culture, history and nature – rich in experiences without being too physically demanding. Of course, the country has changed a lot since my dad’s first visit, and some places are now firmly on the mass tourism trail. Still, we had a great time and managed to find some quieter “hidden” gems.

With beautiful beaches right on our doorstep in Australia, we skipped the coast and focused on the mountains, cities and cultural sites. Below you’ll find all the articles from that trip, including practical tips, destination highlights and our full itinerary.

Check out my travel tips to plan your trip to Vietnam

Where do you want to travel in Vietnam?

Vietnam vs Thailand: which destination is better for your trip?

Is the Ha Giang Loop dangerous? My honest experience

Coffee in Vietnam: the best drinks to order on your trip

North or south of Vietnam: which is better?

Why travel to Vietnam? Here’s why we chose it for our holiday

Hoi An lanterns – beautiful tradition or tourist trap?

Don’t go to Halong Bay! (Try Bai Tu Long Bay instead)

Two days in Sapa: How to make the most of your short stay

Two days in Hoi An: What to do, what we loved and what we’d skip

Is Sapa worth visiting? Things to know before you go

How many days in Hue? Why one day from Hoi An wasn’t enough

Places to avoid in Vietnam for nature lovers seeking authenticity

My War Remnants Museum review: is it worth visiting?

Are Cu Chi Tunnels worth visiting? What I expected vs what I found

Hanoi vs Ho Chi Minh City: which city is better?

Ninh Binh vs Sapa? What we recommend after visiting both

Sapa vs Ha Giang Loop: Which one did I prefer?

Climbing the Mua Cave stairs to Lying Dragon Mountain in Ninh Binh

Hoi An vs Hue: Our tips to pick the right stop for your Vietnam trip

Two weeks in Vietnam (or three): Our itinerary from north to south

Halong Bay vs Ninh Binh: how to choose and what I loved most

Our Ha Giang Loop 3-day itinerary: What it was really like

Ha Giang Loop on a motorbike: Is it the right adventure for you?

Are Pu Luong Nature Reserve and Don Village worth visiting?

Hoa Lu Old Town: A peaceful lantern-lit evening in Ninh Binh

Sapa vs Mai Chau: How we chose our mountain destination in Vietnam