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Scottish Sun
17 hours ago
- Scottish Sun
I visited one of the world's cheapest countries that feels like going back hundreds of years – you can find beers for £1
This was paradise. If this destination isn't already on your bucket list, it sure should be BACK IN TIME I visited one of the world's cheapest countries that feels like going back hundreds of years – you can find beers for £1 THE sun warmed my face as we soared through the emerald waters on a traditional junk boat, its large sails steering the way. Drifting closer to Unesco World Heritage Site Ha Long Bay, the landscape unfolded like something out of a dream. Advertisement 6 Arriving in Hoi An felt like a love letter, thanks to its lantern-lit streets, ancient architecture and riverside charm Credit: Shutterstock 6 For thrill-seekers like myself, an optional motorbike excursion is an absolute must - like this in Ho Chi Minh City Credit: Getty 6 Train Street in Hanoi offers a thrilling close-up as trains speed past tiny cafés just inches from your seat Credit: Shutterstock In front of me, nearly 2,000 limestone karsts and islets soared from the jade-green waters, their rugged silhouettes softened by tropical vegetation. This was paradise. If Vietnam isn't already on your bucket list, it sure should be. Ha Long Bay was just the beginning for me. A kayaking excursion was also on the horizon and an evening of cold beers in a local bar — along with the promise of adventure, shared with 12 other keen explorers and crammed into a jam-packed ten-day itinerary. Advertisement This is the unique and brilliant thing about a G Adventures holiday: after just a few days a set of total strangers, from all age ranges and with a love for travel, leave as pals. We were led by a local guide who went above and beyond in recommending the best sights and their expertise made navigating such a vibrant and complex country feel effortless. From the moment I touched down in Hanoi, Vietnam's capital, I knew my trip would be unforgettable. The city doesn't just welcome you — it wraps you in its embrace with the hum of motorbikes, the aroma of street food, and a culture so vibrant you can't help but fall in love. Advertisement One of the most powerful places to visit in this region is Hoa Lò Prison, also called the 'Hanoi Hilton.' Built by the French to hold Vietnamese revolutionaries, the building later became known for imprisoning American soldiers during the Vietnam War. Abandoned Ho Thuy Tien water park in Vietnam And don't miss the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum — a grand memorial and the resting place for Vietnam's beloved former leader, Ho Chi Minh, after whom the city is named, his body preserved inside a Soviet-style building. My favourite memories of Hanoi, however, were on Train Street. Advertisement This narrow alley is famed for its railway, which runs straight through the centre, so close to the tiny cafés flanking the street that you can feel the rush of air when the carriages whoosh past. Arriving in Hue was nothing short of magical. Strolling through the Imperial Citadel felt like stepping back in time to the days of emperors and dynasties. I sat on a small stool with a Hanoi Beer, waiting for the magic moment. Then, as the train roared towards me, the whole street sprung into action — people moved aside, cameras clicked, and for a few thrilling seconds, it was pure excitement. The next stop on my epic adventure was the coastal city of Hue, a place where history comes alive. Advertisement I'm not usually a fan of overnight trains and the idea of spending 13 hours onboard had me feeling a little anxious. Emperors and dynasties But, much to my surprise, the experience was a lot of fun. My cosy compartment, which I shared with tour group members, came with four flat beds and I slept like a baby after a few beers in the buffet car. Arriving in Hue was nothing short of magical. Advertisement Strolling through the Imperial Citadel felt like stepping back in time to the days of emperors and dynasties. Exploring the Royal Tombs and the tranquil Thien Mu Pagoda gave me a sense of the city's rich history. For thrill-seekers like myself, an optional motorbike excursion is an absolute must. I zoomed through the lush countryside, taking in stunning views of the Perfume River. Advertisement Along the way, I had the chance to try my hand at making incense sticks and learn first-hand how the locals sow their rice fields using traditional methods. The adventure ended on a high note with a refreshing Huda beer, crispy fried spring rolls, and a mouth-watering stir-fried rice noodle dish — all for less than £8. In fact, you'd be hard-pressed to find a place that charges more than £1 for a beer. The same goes for the city of Hoi An — except it's the food that captivated me most here. Advertisement After a scenic private coach ride through the breathtaking mountain pass of Hai Van, arriving in Hoi An felt like a love letter, thanks to its lantern-lit streets, ancient architecture and riverside charm. If you're craving a break from spring rolls, noodles, and rice, a visit to Madam Khanh's – The Bánh Mì Queen is a must. Bánh mì is a national sandwich, now known across the world, that blends French and Vietnamese flavours. The much-loved dish is made from a crispy baguette filled with savoury meats such as pork, chicken, or pâté, along with pickled vegetables, fresh herbs, cucumber, and a tangy sauce — an irresistible fusion of textures and tastes. Advertisement The stunning Saigon Central Post Office came after, with its intricate design making it a photographer's dream. Several hearty mouthfuls were enough to fuel us on a bike ride through lush rice paddies, relaxing on the golden sands of An Bang Beach, before witnessing the incredible skill of local tailors, who crafted two custom suits for me in just a few hours, all for only $250 USD. It was hard to tear ourselves away, but the electrifying energy of Ho Chi Minh City was calling — a sharp contrast to the peaceful calm of Hoi An. A tour in a Cyclo (a bit like a rickshaw, but with riders sitting at the front) is the perfect way to experience this vibrant city's pulse and rich history. We passed the Reunification Palace, where the Vietnam War came to a dramatic end in 1975. Advertisement Next, we saw the Landing Zone, the apartment building where US government workers were evacuated by helicopter during the Fall of Saigon. 6 The harrowing Cu Chi Tunnels, an underground network of supply routes once used by Viet Cong soldiers Credit: Supplied 6 James enjoys a boat trip to Ha Long Bay Credit: Supplied 6 Along the way, I had the chance to try my hand at making incense sticks and learn first-hand how the locals sow their rice fields using traditional methods Credit: Getty Advertisement The stunning Saigon Central Post Office came after, with its intricate design making it a photographer's dream. Then came my highlight: House 287/70 on Nguyen Dinh Chieu Street, home to a secret bunker that once hid nearly two tonnes of Viet Cong weapons during the 1968 Tet Offensive. Of course, none of this quite compared to the harrowing Cu Chi Tunnels, an underground network of supply routes once used by Viet Cong soldiers. The experience gave a sobering look at the resilience of the Vietnamese people during the war. Advertisement If you're claustrophobic, though, you might want to skip crawling along the restored tunnels. Why not kick back with a beer instead? It'll only cost you £1, after all.
The Irish Sun
17 hours ago
- The Irish Sun
I visited one of the world's cheapest countries that feels like going back hundreds of years – you can find beers for £1
THE sun warmed my face as we soared through the emerald waters on a traditional junk boat, its large sails steering the way. Drifting closer to Unesco World Heritage Site Ha Long Bay, the landscape unfolded like something out of a dream. Advertisement 6 Arriving in Hoi An felt like a love letter, thanks to its lantern-lit streets, ancient architecture and riverside charm Credit: Shutterstock 6 For thrill-seekers like myself, an optional motorbike excursion is an absolute must - like this in Ho Chi Minh City Credit: Getty 6 Train Street in Hanoi offers a thrilling close-up as trains speed past tiny cafés just inches from your seat Credit: Shutterstock In front of me, nearly 2,000 limestone karsts and islets soared from the jade-green waters, their rugged silhouettes softened by tropical vegetation. This was paradise. If Vietnam isn't already on your bucket list, it sure should be. Ha Long Bay was just the beginning for me. A kayaking excursion was also on the horizon and an evening of cold beers in a local bar — along with the promise of adventure, shared with 12 other keen explorers and crammed into a jam-packed ten-day itinerary. Advertisement READ MORE TRAVEL DESTINATIONS This is the unique and brilliant thing about a G Adventures holiday: after just a few days a set of total strangers, from all age ranges and with a love for travel, leave as pals. We were led by a local guide who went above and beyond in recommending the best sights and their expertise made navigating such a vibrant and complex country feel effortless. From the moment I touched down in Hanoi, Vietnam's capital, I knew my trip would be unforgettable. The city doesn't just welcome you — it wraps you in its embrace with the hum of motorbikes, the aroma of street food, and a culture so vibrant you can't help but fall in love. Advertisement Most read in News Travel One of the most powerful places to visit in this region is Hoa Lò Prison, also called the 'Hanoi Hilton.' Built by the French to hold Vietnamese revolutionaries, the building later became known for imprisoning American soldiers during the Vietnam War. Abandoned Ho Thuy Tien water park in Vietnam And don't miss the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum — a grand memorial and the resting place for Vietnam's beloved former leader, Ho Chi Minh, after whom the city is named, his body preserved inside a Soviet-style building. My favourite memories of Hanoi, however, were on Train Street. Advertisement This narrow alley is famed for its railway, which runs straight through the centre, so close to the tiny cafés flanking the street that you can feel the rush of air when the carriages whoosh past. Arriving in Hue was nothing short of magical. Strolling through the Imperial Citadel felt like stepping back in time to the days of emperors and dynasties. I sat on a small stool with a Hanoi Beer, waiting for the magic moment. Then, as the train roared towards me, the whole street sprung into action — people moved aside, cameras clicked, and for a few thrilling seconds, it was pure excitement. The next stop on my epic adventure was the coastal city of Hue, a place where history comes alive. Advertisement I'm not usually a fan of overnight trains and the idea of spending 13 hours onboard had me feeling a little anxious. Emperors and dynasties But, much to my surprise, the experience was a lot of fun. My cosy compartment, which I shared with tour group members, came with four flat beds and I slept like a baby after a few beers in the buffet car. Arriving in Hue was nothing short of magical. Advertisement Strolling through the Imperial Citadel felt like stepping back in time to the days of emperors and dynasties. Exploring the Royal Tombs and the tranquil Thien Mu Pagoda gave me a sense of the city's rich history. For thrill-seekers like myself, an optional motorbike excursion is an absolute must. I zoomed through the lush countryside, taking in stunning views of the Perfume River. Advertisement Along the way, I had the chance to try my hand at making incense sticks and learn first-hand how the locals sow their rice fields using traditional methods. The adventure ended on a high note with a refreshing Huda beer, crispy fried spring rolls, and a mouth-watering stir-fried rice noodle dish — all for less than £8. In fact, you'd be hard-pressed to find a place that charges more than £1 for a beer. The same goes for the city of Hoi An — except it's the food that captivated me most here. Advertisement After a scenic private coach ride through the breathtaking mountain pass of Hai Van, arriving in Hoi An felt like a love letter, thanks to its lantern-lit streets, ancient architecture and riverside charm. If you're craving a break from spring rolls, noodles, and rice, a visit to Madam Khanh's – The Bánh Mì Queen is a must. Bánh mì is a national sandwich, now known across the world, that blends French and Vietnamese flavours. The much-loved dish is made from a crispy baguette filled with savoury meats such as pork, chicken, or pâté, along with pickled vegetables, fresh herbs, cucumber, and a tangy sauce — an irresistible fusion of textures and tastes. Advertisement The stunning Saigon Central Post Office came after, with its intricate design making it a photographer's dream. Several hearty mouthfuls were enough to fuel us on a bike ride through lush rice paddies, relaxing on the golden sands of An Bang Beach, before witnessing the incredible skill of local tailors, who crafted two custom suits for me in just a few hours, all for only $250 USD. It was hard to tear ourselves away, but the electrifying energy of Ho Chi Minh City was calling — a sharp contrast to the peaceful calm of Hoi An. A tour in a Cyclo (a bit like a rickshaw, but with riders sitting at the front) is the perfect way to experience this vibrant city's pulse and rich history. We passed the Reunification Palace, where the Vietnam War came to a dramatic end in 1975. Advertisement Next, we saw the Landing Zone, the apartment building where US government workers were evacuated by helicopter during the Fall of Saigon. 6 The harrowing Cu Chi Tunnels, an underground network of supply routes once used by Viet Cong soldiers Credit: Supplied 6 James enjoys a boat trip to Ha Long Bay Credit: Supplied 6 Along the way, I had the chance to try my hand at making incense sticks and learn first-hand how the locals sow their rice fields using traditional methods Credit: Getty Advertisement The stunning Saigon Central Post Office came after, with its intricate design making it a photographer's dream. Then came my highlight: House 287/70 on Nguyen Dinh Chieu Street, home to a secret bunker that once hid nearly two tonnes of Viet Cong weapons during the 1968 Tet Offensive. Of course, none of this quite compared to the harrowing Cu Chi Tunnels, an underground network of supply routes once used by Viet Cong soldiers. The experience gave a sobering look at the resilience of the Vietnamese people during the war. Advertisement If you're claustrophobic, though, you might want to skip crawling along the restored tunnels. Why not kick back with a beer instead? It'll only cost you £1, after all. GO: VIETNAM GETTING THERE: Vietnam Airlines flies from Heathrow to Hanoi, daily, and to Ho Chi Minh City three times a week, with fares from £376 each way (£755 return). See TOUR WITH: G Adventures Classic Vietnam ten- day tour from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City, via Ha Long Bay, Hue and Hoi An costs from £705pp when booking directly at or via
The Print
02-06-2025
- The Print
Planning a Trip to Vietnam? Here's An Itinerary You Can't Miss
The length of your stay will influence how much you can explore. Here's a rough idea: : Check visa guidelines on the official Vietnamese immigration website : Vietnamese is the official language, but English is spoken in major tourist areas : March to April and September to November Before you book flights or accommodation, get a feel for the country and its regions. Vietnam is long and narrow, with distinct cultures, climates, and experiences in the north, central, and south. Planning a trip to Vietnam can be incredibly exciting, but without a well-structured itinerary, it may become overwhelming. From the bustling streets of Ho Chi Minh City to the tranquil beauty of Ha Long Bay, there's a lot to explore. This guide will help you create a balanced itinerary that ensures you see the best of Vietnam while leaving room for flexibility and spontaneity. 5–7 days : Choose either the north, central, or south 10–14 days : Cover two regions comfortably More than 15 days : Explore all three regions at a relaxed pace More days allow you to slow down, discover hidden gems, try local food, and enjoy less-explored places. Choose Your Entry and Exit Points Major international airports are located in Hanoi (North), Da Nang (Central), and Ho Chi Minh City (South). Depending on your itinerary: North to South Route : Land in Hanoi, depart from Ho Chi Minh City South to North Route : Start in Ho Chi Minh City and end in Hanoi Alternative Option : Enter and exit from the same city if flights are more economical Sample Itinerary for 14 Days in Vietnam Here's a sample that balances culture, nature, food, and relaxation. Day 1–3: Hanoi Explore the Old Quarter and its maze-like streets Visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and Presidential Palace Watch a traditional water puppet show Try egg coffee and bún chả Day 4–5: Ha Long Bay Book an overnight cruise Go kayaking, explore caves, and enjoy fresh seafood Join a cooking demonstration on board Day 6–7: Ninh Binh or Sapa Ninh Binh : Visit Tràng An for a boat ride through limestone caves Climb the steps at Hang Múa for panoramic views Sapa : Trek through rice terraces and stay in a homestay Interact with ethnic minority communities Day 8–10: Hoi An (via Da Nang) Stroll around the lantern-lit Ancient Town (UNESCO site) Visit the Japanese Covered Bridge and local art galleries Take a Vietnamese cooking class Day 11–13: Ho Chi Minh City Explore French colonial landmarks like Notre-Dame Cathedral Visit the War Remnants Museum and Củ Chi Tunnels Try local dishes like bánh xèo and hủ tiếu Explore the nightlife in District 1 Day 14: Mekong Delta Day Trip Take a boat tour through narrow canals and coconut groves Visit local workshops and floating markets Enjoy a traditional lunch in a local home Plan Local Travel Smartly Flights : Quick and convenient for long distances (e.g., Hanoi to Da Nang) Trains : The Reunification Express offers a scenic way to travel Sleeper Buses : Affordable and common for intercity travel Ride Apps : Use ride-hailing apps instead of flagging down random taxis Always check the current transportation schedules and book in advance during peak seasons. Book Accommodation Based On Location Homestays : Great for local interaction and cultural immersion Boutique Hotels : Offer comfort and aesthetics within budget Budget Hostels : Ideal for backpackers or solo travellers Don't Forget Your Travel Essentials Being prepared will make your trip smoother and safer. Carry multiple photocopies of your passport and visa Keep a small medicine kit handy Get necessary vaccinations based on health recommendations Bring a power bank, plug adapters, and a reusable water bottle Why You Shouldn't Skip Travel Insurance When travelling internationally, especially to a country with a different healthcare system, international travel insurance is essential. It covers emergency medical expenses, trip cancellations, lost baggage, or misplaced passports. Specifically, obtaining travel insurance for Vietnam ensures financial protection against unexpected illnesses, accidents, or other disruptions during your trip. Most policies also provide emergency evacuation and 24/7 support services, offering peace of mind while you explore. Be Mindful Of Cultural Etiquette Respect local customs and behave responsibly while travelling. Dress modestly when visiting temples and religious places Remove shoes before entering homes and sacred spaces Use both hands when giving or receiving money or gifts Learn a few Vietnamese phrases like 'Xin chào' (Hello) and 'Cảm ơn' (Thank you) Designing your Vietnam itinerary doesn't have to be stressful. A little planning, combined with some flexibility, goes a long way. Ensure you have all essential documents, pre-book your accommodations and activities, and don't forget to purchase international travel insurance. Vietnam is diverse, rich in history, and full of friendly faces. Whether you're drawn to nature, history, or cuisine—or are just looking to unwind—it offers something for every traveller. With travel insurance for Vietnam, you can explore worry-free and make the most of your adventure. ThePrint BrandIt content is a paid-for, sponsored article. Journalists of ThePrint are not involved in reporting or writing it.
