Travel diaries: My trip to Vietnam 🇻🇳
Hey friends! 👋 Earlier this year I went on a 6-day to Vietnam, sponsored by Jetstar Australia - we specifically visited Ho Chi Minh City and Phu Quoc, so this blog will take you through some of my favourite things we did on the trip, plus a few handy travel tips if you’re thinking of visiting Vietnam soon!
p.s. if you want to spend less on your flights to Vietnam so you can spend more on the activities while you’re there, Jetstar Australia has currently got direct flights from Melbourne starting from $259.
Travelling to Vietnam
Handy travel tips for your trip to Vietnam!
Why should I travel to Vietnam?
Vietnam is known for it’s rich history and culture, beautiful scenery and delicious cuisine (one of my favourites!!). It’s also a really fun and affordable destination to visit - offering both the bustling city experience, to a tranquil countryside ecsape.
Which cities should I travel to and how long should I stay there?
If you’re travelling to Vietnam for the first time, here are some of the cities you should check-out.
Ho Chi Minh City (2-3 days): Previously known as Saigon, this bustling city is home to vibrant street life, lots of historical landmarks, delicious cuisine and vibrant nightlife. I’ve left some of my must-visit spots below!
Hanoi (3-4 days): The capital city features French colonial architecture, ancient temples, and an epic street food scene. Must-visits include a trip to the Old Quarter, Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, and a day trip to Halong Bay.
Hoi An (2-3 days): It’s an ancient town that’s been classified as a National Cultural Heritage Site by UNESCO and is renowed for being a well-preseved ancient town with plenty of beautiful canals, and local stores around the local trading port.
Phu Quoc (2-3 days): If you’re after something a little bit quieter, Phu Quoc is Vietnam’s largest island and has stunning beaches, beautiful landscapes and plenty opportunities to explore the island’s surrounding waters and simply relax.
What does the Visa process look like for Australians?
One of the most convenient ways to organise your visa is applying for a Vietnam e-visa online before your trip.
Complete an e-visa application with details like name, date of birth, passport number, entry/exit dates.
Pay the e-visa fee online (around $35-40 AUD for 30 day single entry).
Receive the e-visa approval letter via email within 3 working days.
Present the approval letter and entry requirements at the airport in Vietnam to get the visa stamped on arrival.
The e-visa allows you to enter Vietnam once on the approved entry date and stay for up to 30 days (single entry) or 90 days (multiple entry).
How much should I budget for a trip to Vietnam?
Your total budget will ultimately vary based on personal travelling preference, but generally a reasonable budget range for an Aussie traveller visiting Vietnam for 5 days would be around $1,500-$2,000 AUD per person - including affordable flights, budget accomodation, meals at local activities and some activities / transport costs.
Ho Chi Minh City: Best Things To Do
If you’re travelling to Ho Chi Minh City for the first time, here are a few things to do on your trip:
Cu Chi Tunnels & Mekong Delta Day Tour - spend a day learning about Vietnam’s history and local culture and exploring islands on this iconic day tour. We booked our day trip with Klook and they organised the entire day for us!
Cafe Apartments - this place used to be an old apartment building, but today it’s a collection of little stores, cafes and restaurants spread across nine floors.
Iconic landmarks - check out some of Ho Chi Minh City’s iconic stops across the city including the Tan Dinh Church, Book Street and Saigon Central Post Office.
Blank Sky Lounge - this is the tallest sky lounge in Vietnam where you can enjoy a drink with stunning views of the city. The best time to go here is at sunset.
Vietnamese Cooking Class - the best way to experience a city is through it’s food, so we took the Hoa Tuc Cooking Class which included a market tour and we cooked so many delicious vietnamese dishes. The staff here were also really friendly.
Phu Quoc: Best Things To Do
Some of the things we did on our trip to Phu Quoc included:
Movenpick Resort Waverly Phu Quoc - We stayed
Phu Quoc’s Cable Car - Take a ride on the world’s longest sea-crossing cable car spanning 8kms long, the panoramic views here are incredible and you’ll be able to see all the smaller islands and fishing villages below.
Sun World Hon Thom Nature Park - On the other side of the world’s longest cable car, you’ll find an Aqua Water Park featuring over 20 water rides, perfect for a family-friendly day out.
Phu Quoc National Park - It’s a national park that covers half the island and is filled with lush forests, hiking trails, waterfalls and the chance to see some wildlife too!
Grand World Phu Quoc - It’s Vietnam’s first sleepless city modelled off the architectural styles of famous cities and countries from around the world such as Venice, Shanghai and Mallorca - you can take a Gondola Ride, see a Teddy Bear Museum, explore plenty of shops and dining options, as well as watch the epic light show they have on at night.
Phu Quoc Night Market - Check out Dinh Cau Night Market in Duong Dong town, where you can find street food stalls and souvenirs, all in a bustling market environment.