How to plan a one-month trip from North to South Vietnam
Spend 30 days traveling by train and sleeper bus from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City. Prioritize regional hubs like Ninh Binh, Hoi An, and Da Lat to avoid burnout while moving steadily south.
- Map your route by rail and bus. Use the Reunification Express train for longer hauls between Hanoi, Hue, and Da Nang. Use local sleeper buses or private minivans for shorter gaps like Da Lat to Ho Chi Minh City.
- Apply for your E-visa early. Apply for the 90-day multiple-entry e-visa on the official government portal at least 14 days before departure. Don't use third-party agencies; they charge unnecessary markups.
- Book your first 48 hours. Book your arrival accommodation in Hanoi and a pre-arranged airport transfer. Everything else can be booked via apps like 12GoAsia or Grab as you go.
- Use Grab for all ground transport. Download the Grab app. It prevents haggling with taxi drivers and ensures you pay the local price for motorbike taxis and cars.
- Do I need to book my domestic trains in advance?
- Book 3-5 days in advance for popular routes like Hanoi to Da Nang, especially during Tet or summer holidays.
- Is it safe to drive a motorbike in Vietnam?
- Only if you are an experienced rider. Traffic is chaotic; stick to Grab motorbikes for city transport.