Trendy Tourist

Travel in Style

  • Travel Fashion
    • Packing
  • Style
    • Trends
    • Outfits
    • Key Pieces
  • Beauty
    • Hair
    • Makeup
    • Skincare
  • Travel
    • Travel Tips
    • Travel Guides
      • Asia
      • Europe
      • North America
      • Oceania
  • Lifestyle
    • Health and Wellness
    • Relationships
    • Stories
  • About
    • Our Story
    • Advertise
    • Guest Posting
    • Contact
  • Shop
    • SS22 Favourites
    • Travel Fashion
    • Travel Beauty
    • Travel Accessories

Explore

  • About
  • Advertise
  • Guest Posting
  • Shop
  • Contact

Connect

Asia, Travel Guides · September 27, 2014

The Best Places to Visit in Vietnam

Vietnam is a Southeast Asian country that’s popular with budget backpackers and luxury holidaymakers alike.

From its golden beaches to its buzzing cities, there are many reasons why Vietnam is a must-visit in your lifetime.

Personally, I liked that the country isn’t as commercialised as parts of Thailand, which makes it feel much more laid-back, untouched and serene.

Although I didn’t have the opportunity to travel the entire country, here are my recommendations for the best places to visit in Vietnam. Thank me later.

The Best Places to Visit in Vietnam

1. Hanoi

The best places to visit in Vietnam 101: the capital city of Hanoi. It’s especially known for its historic architecture and unique culture, which is a fusion of Southeast Asian, Chinese and French influences.

In addition to the temples dotted around the city, there’s the Old Quarter that has super narrow streets full of stalls and trinkets. Nearby, there’s also Hoàn Kiếm Lake which is exceptionally pretty to stroll around and take some photos.

Do you like museum-hopping? National Historical Museum and Vietnam Fine Arts Museum make for a very interesting afternoon.

You can also find some amazing cafes and eateries in the centre of Hanoi, like Joma Cafe (which makes one of the best vanilla lattes I’ve ever had!).

The Best Places to Visit in Vietnam

Pro tip: If you’re on a budget, stay in Central Backpackers hostel in Hoàn Kiếm. There’s a free beer hour in the evening – and nothing brings people together quite like free beer.

2. Ha Long Bay

Ha Long Bay, for those who don’t know, is a series of rocks, islets and islands in the middle of the sea off the North East coast of Vietnam. And it’s somewhere that everybody should see if they get the chance because it’s gorgeous!

There are many travel companies that offer overnight junk boat trips for tourists for a reasonable price, so we decided to hop on board.

The first day of our trip we went to the caves and then kayaking around a fishing village in the middle of the bay. This was only my third time kayaking so it took me a while to get into the flow of it but it was still enjoyable. On the second day, our group were all a bit hungover from the party on the boat the night before. Therefore, only a couple of people did the rock climbing that was on the schedule. Then we travelled to a private island just across from Cat Ba where we stayed overnight in a beachfront bungalow before heading back to Hanoi.

The whole area was honestly so stunning that I can’t even put it into words!

Junk Boat

Pro tip: If you have time after your Ha Long Bay adventure, head to Sapa. It’s a French-built village in the mountains which is supposed to make for an incredible trip.

3. Hue

From Hanoi, you can travel down the East Coast of Vietnam to Hue on a 13-hour train.

Sure, it’s such a long trip but it’s impossible to complain when you’re sat next to the window watching the beautiful Vietnamese countryside fly past right before your eyes!

After being in the hustle and bustle of the capital city for so long, Hue was quite a refreshing change as there were less people, less traffic and less going on.

Head to the Citadel first, the palace where the Royals used to live. You can then mooch around the town, pop in the stalls and check out the cool bars and restaurants.

CitiDel Hue

Pro tip: Go to the DMZ bar where you can sign the wall and play Jenga amongst other tourists! Oh, and be careful when you’re crossing the road. Yes, there are motorbikes everywhere and it feels quite chaotic – but it’s Vietnam. You can’t expect anything less.

4. Hoi An

The absolute best of the best places to visit in Vietnam is Hoi An.

From Hue, you can get to this charming little town via a half day bus tour where you travel through Hai Van Pass. This road is famous for it’s views of mountains and beaches and I have to say – it didn’t disappoint!

Now, what else can I say about Hoi An apart from it’s absolutely wonderful?

Built on the river and made up of little streets and back alleys, this location is so quaint and got a really cutesy feel to it.

There are tons of cute independent shops, including hundreds of custom made tailors.

You can also head to the beach, which is an absolute spectacle. There’s white sand that stretches out at each side as far as the eye can see – and then beautiful turquoise water that sparkles in the sun.

My favourite part of Hoi An though? The bridge over the river, particularly at night when it features lit-up lanterns. When you walk on it, it’s like starring in your very own real-life version of Tangled.

Hoi An

Pro tip: Even though I enjoyed visiting the nearby city of Da Nang, give it a miss if you’re short on time. Other than a breathtaking beach, it has limited restaurants and shops. That said, don’t miss out on Highlands Coffee. This is one of my top coffee chain recommendations around the globe. Try the “Jelly Freeze” Frappuccino if you want to make your tastebuds do a little happy dance.

5. Ho Chi Minh City

Finally, I’m told that Ho Chi Minh City is one of the best places to visit in Vietnam. But I can’t really comment as I haven’t had the chance to go there yet.

Formerly Saigon, Ho Chi Minh City is known for its French colonial landmarks and Vietnamese War history museums. You can also crawl through the Củ Chi tunnels, which were once used by Viet Cong soldiers.

I hope to go one day in the future to soak up more of the Vietnamese culture and check out the history of the city. Watch this space!

Best Places to Visit in Vietnam

Planning the Best Places to Visit in Vietnam

Situated on the South China Sea, Vietnam is one of the most beautiful countries I’ve ever visited and I felt sad to leave after my 10-day trip.

I would have especially liked to have done Sapa in the North and then Ho Chi Minh City before flying onwards, but I ran out of time. It’s a good excuse to go back though!

Make sure you learn from my mistake and plan to be in the country at least two weeks to make the most of everything on offer.

Ha Long Bay

Have you visited this Southeast Asian country before? What would you say the best places to visit in Vietnam are? Let me know in the comments!

Katie Davies

Katie Davies is the Yorkshire-based freelance writer who founded Trendy Tourist. Since 2017, she has written for over 100 companies on a range of subjects, from fashion to marketing. When she’s not producing content, you can find her shopping, exploring a new place or sitting somewhere having a cup of builder’s tea.

  • Katie Davies
    https://www.trendytourist.co.uk/author/katie/
    7 Reasons Why Stray New Zealand Changed My Life
  • Katie Davies
    https://www.trendytourist.co.uk/author/katie/
    East Coast Australia Road Trip: The Ultimate Guide
  • Katie Davies
    https://www.trendytourist.co.uk/author/katie/
    Top Things to Do in Wilmington NC
  • Katie Davies
    https://www.trendytourist.co.uk/author/katie/
    Top Things to Do in Boston in Winter

Posted By: Katie Davies · In: Asia, Travel Guides

7 Reasons Why Stray New Zealand Changed My Life

You’ll Also Love

Smathers Beach OceanUnique Things to Do in Key West: A Travel Guide
God's Own Country10 Things to Do in the Yorkshire Golden Triangle
Orrest Head ViewpointThe Best Lake District Road Trip for Beginners

Sign Up to Our Mailing List to Get the FREE “Prep Like a Pro” Travel Checklist for Your Next Trip!

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Get on the List

Shop My Picks

  • Travel Fashion
  • SS22 Favourites
  • Travel Accessories
MORE AIRPORT LOOKS ✨ …that are comfy yet styl MORE AIRPORT LOOKS ✨
…that are comfy yet stylish!
1. Jumpsuit Queen
(For those who want to feel like they can breathe and move comfortably on the go while looking super chic for summer)
2. Cute and Cool
(Featuring an on-trend co-ord for sleek airplane style that you can effortlessly throw together)
3. Modern Simplicity
(A contemporary update on the jeans-and-a-tee classic clothing uniform ideal for travelling, with key pieces like the shacket and jeggings) 
Which one would you wear? 1, 2 or 3?
All products shown are in stock right now! I’ve linked them via my LTK shop but I’ll also link them in my Story for you guys. 🔗
Copy and paste this @shop.ltk in your browser: https://liketk.it/3Im8t 💕
#virtualstyling #virtualstyle #virtualstylists #virtualstylist #travelcapsule #travelthursday #travelcapsulewardrobe #airportoutfit #airportstyle #airportfashion #airportlook #airportlooks #travellook #traveloutfit #traveloutfits #millennialfashion #outfitideas4you #trendytourist #midsizegals #midsizegirl #midsizestyle #midsizefashion #midsizeblogger #ltkstyle #ltkfashion #ltkeurope #ltktravel #ltkunder50 #ltkunder100
Current bottomless brunch uniform: an oversized sh Current bottomless brunch uniform: an oversized shirt, high-waisted jeans and square-toed strappy heels. 💃🏼
This is basically the 2022 version of “jeans and a nice top” — comfortable and practical for a long day/evening out but still contemporary and stylish.
I went for a soft colour palette for Saturday’s brunch in York because I thought it would look fresher for the summer season. 👀 
I also usually add a light jacket to tackle the pesky British elements but I didn’t need one last weekend. 🥵
The gorgeous mint green satin shirt is from @zara and my straight-leg jeans are @topshop (old), adding some nineties nostalgia to the mix.
I’ll link all pieces in my Story. 💕 
#bottomlessbrunch #goingoutoutfit #zarashirt #zarastyle #springlooks #springlook #oversizedshirt #straightjeans #topshopstyle #topshopgirls #jeansandanicetop #millennialfashion #sheingb #outfitblog #outfitblogger #outfitbloggers #outfitideas4you #outfitideasforyou #outfitdiary #outfit4real #outfitsoftheday #styleonabudget #highstreetfashion #highstreetstyle #trendytourist #midsizegals #midsizegirl #midsizestyle #midsizefashion #midsizeblogger
Seeing all these news headlines about airport queu Seeing all these news headlines about airport queues is so frustrating. 😖
A trip abroad starts at the airport, and it breaks my heart that people who haven’t been able to travel or go on holiday for years and have worked so hard to save up are now experiencing delays and cancellations when it’s finally time for their trip to begin.
Speaking from experience, these queues stress you out before you’ve even got to your final destination. ✈️
I’ve flown from Leeds Bradford airport three times in the last nine months and Manchester airport once in the last few weeks. Each trip to the airport has taught me something different.
That said, I wanted to share a few things you can do to speed up your time at the airport so that you can make your flight and have the much-needed holiday you deserve. 🤗
Above all, follow your specific airline or airport recommendations. (These usually come in the form of an email or text message a couple of days before your flight.)
To read more about my recent airport experiences, check out the full article either via the link in bio or my Story.
Hope this helps. 💕
#airportdiaries #airportsecurity #traveltip #traveltipsandtricks #traveltiptuesday #traveltipstuesday #traveltips101 #traveltuesday #traveltuesdays #tblogger #tbloggers #tblogs #tbloggersuk #travelbloggervibes #travelblogs #travelbloggerslife #yorkshireblogger #yorkshirebloggers #leedsbradfordairport #leedsbradford #manchesterairport #tripplanning #tripprep #holidayprep
“…Eyes of the bluest skies.” 🎶⛅️ (Wi “…Eyes of the bluest skies.” 🎶⛅️
(With a shirt to match!)
I went for a bronzed, natural makeup look last weekend for drinks with the girls.
I’m really enjoying makeup more now that I’m older - it’s just so fun to play around with when you’ve got the time. 
Here are the products I used: 🤗
Primer - @nyxcosmetics_uk Pore Filler
Tinted Moisturiser - @tartecosmetics Skin Treat in shade “Medium”
Concealer - @esteelauderuk Double Wear Stay in Place in shade “Light Medium (Cool)”
Blush - NYX Sweet Cheeks in shade “Bang Bang”
Setting Spray - @urbandecayuki All Nighter
Eyeshadow - @toofacedlovestheuk “Teddy Bare” Palette
Mascara - Tarte Cosmetics “Big Ego”
Eyeliner - @kvdbeauty Tattoo Eyeliner
Brushes - @realtechniques Essential Eye Brushes
Eyebrows - @anastasiabeverlyhills Brow Wiz in “Medium Brown”
Lipstick - Tarte Cosmetics Lip Paint in shade “Bestie”
Shirt - @targetstyle 
All products (or similar) linked via my @shop.ltk app (find it in my bio or latest Stories). 💕
#liketkit #LTKbeauty #LTKunder100 #ltkeurope #ltkunder50 #nyxcosmetics_uk #realtechniques #abhbrows #targetfinds #targetrun #targetstyle #beautybloggeruk #beautyblogging #beautybloggersuk #naturalmakeuplook #naturalmakeuplooks #makeupbloggeruk #makeupbloggers #makeupblogs #makeupcommunity #bbloggersuk #bbloggeruk #makeupproducts #makeupessentials #bronzedmakeup #holidaymakeup #vacationmakeup
Mentally I’m still here… 💭 I wish I could Mentally I’m still here… 💭
I wish I could say that one of the yachts in the background is mine but I think I’ve got a fair few more articles to write first. 😩
Anyone else loving sixties-inspired prints for Spring/Summer? 🌞
This cute little shirt dress is ideal for those warmer evenings on holiday when you want to flash your tan and feel comfortable but still look like you’ve made an effort. 💁🏼‍♀️ 
Entire outfit is @shein_gb and will link all products via @shop.ltk app (head over to my Stories for the dress link - currently 41% off!).
Ltk shop link: https://liketk.it/3G3Yb 💕 
#liketkit #LTKunder50 #LTKstyletip #ltkeurope #ltkunder100 #ltkfashion #ltkstyle #holidaystyle #holidayfashion #vacationstyle #trendytouristuk #travelfashion #travelstyle #vacaystyle #sheingb #sheinforall #vacationdress #holidaydress #summerdresses #anotheroutfitpost #outfitblog #outfitbloggers #outfitblogger #fbloggeruk #fbloggersuk #bloggerstyle #fbloggerstyle #fashionbloggeruk #ukfashionblogger #styleblogging
Courtyard strollin’… (Looking for my next cup Courtyard strollin’…
(Looking for my next cup of coffee or glass of sangria — it all depends on the time of day!) 😉☕️🍹
This cute courtyard was in the middle of Palma city. The architecture and restaurants huddled in the square with al fresco drinking and dining instantly transported me back to Italy.
It reminded me of past cruise ship holidays with my parents where we visited the likes of Naples, Capri, Rome, Florence and Pisa and we would be in awe of the charm and beauty of these places.
But this post is about Palma in Majorca. 🇪🇸
Palma itself is a delight!
There’s so much going on in the centre, so much life and hustle and bustle, which is refreshing to experience after over two years of lockdowns and travel restrictions. 😅
I enjoyed our leisurely peruse of the city, soaking up the sun and seeing historic sights such as The Cathedral of Santa Maria, which dates back to 1601.
We even spent some time getting lost amongst the cobbled backstreets, popping in and out of shops before we regained our bearings once again. 😍
Our day in Palma reminded me how much I love exploring and how much travelling makes me feel fulfilled.
You just can’t beat it, right? ❤️
I already can’t wait for my next European city break (which hasn’t even been booked yet!).
What are some of your fave European cities? 👇🏻
#palmamallorca #trendytouristuk #palmacity #europetravels #exploreeurope #spaintravel  #travelblogging #travelbloggervibes #tbloggers #tbloggersuk #travelbloggersofig #travelbloggeruk #uktravelblogger #uktravelbloggers #visitpalma #travelgram #travelsquad #visitmallorca #mallorcaisland #mallorcagram #balearicisland #balearicislands
Happiest when I’m by the seaside. 🌊 One of Happiest when I’m by the seaside. 🌊 
One of my all-time favourite travel fashion pieces is the blue denim “mom-style” shorts.
You know, the relaxed-fit and high-waisted type that go with just about anything? 😉
You can pair them with a strappy top and sandals or flip flops for those warm summer days.
Or you can take them from day to night by swapping the strappy top for a chic blouse or cropped shirt and the flat sandals or flip flops for heels.
They’re just so comfy and cute! J’adore. ❤️
These ones are from @marksandspencerfashionpr which I’ll link via the @shop.LTK app along with some similar options.
(Check out the post here: https://liketk.it/3F1wG)
I lived in mine for my most recent trip to Majorca - even throwing them on over a bikini with a kaftan for those lazy pool days. ✌🏻 
Who else is a fan of denim shorts for summer holidays? ☀️
#liketkit #LTKswim #LTKunder50 #ltkunder100 #ltkstyle #ltkfashion #ltkstyletip #ltkstyle #ltkeurope 
#swimwearfashion #bikinistyle #bikinifashion #denimshorts #denimshort #jeanshorts #holidaystyle #holidayfashion #vacationstyle #trendytouristuk #travelfashion #travelstyle #vacaystyle #poolfashion #poolstyle #beachlook #beachfashion #beachstyle #beachoutfit #momshorts
That post-holiday feeling! You know, when you lan That post-holiday feeling!
You know, when you land after a few days in the sun and you feel refreshed, recharged and ready to take on the world again. 🙌🏻
And it helps if you travel in comfy clothes.
Plane, train and bus rides can be time-consuming (and stressful when things go wrong) so comfy travel gear makes the journey that little bit more bearable. ✈️ 
I’m currently loving lounge sets to travel in, such as this “Bon Voyage” lemon number from @lornaluxe x @inthestyle . 🍋
You can still get your hands on the shorts but, unfortunately, the sweatshirt is out of stock.
Not to worry though - I’ve linked some more pretty lounge sets to travel in via my shop on the @shop.LTK app. 
Shop this post and get my exclusive app-only content by visiting: https://liketk.it/3EAx9.
#liketkit #LTKstyletip #LTKeurope #ltktravel #ltkstyle #ltkfashion #ltkunder50 #ltkunder100 #trendytourist #airportoutfit #airportstyle #airportlook #airportfashion #airportvibes #travelfashion #travelstyles #traveloutfit #traveloutfits #travelfashionista #travellook #travelclothes #travelclothing #inthestyle #travelista #ukfashionbloggers #ukfashionblogger #fbloggerstyle #fbloggeruk #fbloggersuk
One of the best feelings in the world is those nig One of the best feelings in the world is those night-before-the-airport butterflies. 🦋
You know, when the suitcase is finally packed, the plane outfit is laid out and there’s nothing left to do other than get a good night’s sleep before you head to your new destination ✨ tomorrow ✨!
(But then you’re so excited that you end up not having the best sleep! 🤦🏼‍♀️)
Are you one of those travellers who gets to the airport super early or one of those super last minute people? ✈️ 
(I’m the former!)
#travelquote #travelquotes #travelquotestoliveby #travelquoteoftheday #travelthursday #travelthoughts #travelblogging #travelbloggervibes #travelinspirations #travelpassion #lifeinspiration #lifeinspo #quoteofday #quoteoflife #quoteoftoday #trendytourist #tbloggers #tbloggersuk 
#travelsquad #travelgirlsgo #travelgirlshub #planelife #airportlife
I’m blue da ba dee da ba di. 🎶 Okay so I uni I’m blue da ba dee da ba di. 🎶
Okay so I unintentionally wore blue, white and black all weekend.
Outfit one was for a Betty’s brunch for the hubby’s birthday and exploring Thirsk. 👀
The blue denim dress and checked shacket combo felt a bit sixties inspired and sassy teamed with black tights and white boots.
Then outfit two was for a pub lunch and drinks with the family (hubby’s birthday celebrations part two).
I went for a blue floral top, comfy black jeggings, a blue denim shearling jacket and those white boots again. 👢
This felt more seventies rocker vibes so naturally I had to wear it with attitude!
Which outfit is your fave? Details below. ✌🏻
Denim dress, shacket, tights, boots: all @marksandspencerfashionpr
Bag: @coach
Floral top and boots as before: @marksandspencerfashionpr
Jeggings: @uniqlo_uk 
Jacket: @levis_uk 
Sunglasses: vintage
Bag: @nastygal 
#outfitblog #outfitblogger #outfitbloggers #outfitlook #outfitselfie #outfitshot #outfitideas4you #outfitideasforyou #outfitdiary #outfit4real #outfitsoftheday #outfitrepeater #denimdress #denimdresses #denimjackets #denimjacketstyle #fashionblogging #ootddetails #ootdbloggers #styleonabudget #highstreetfashion #highstreetstyle #trendytourist #midsizegals #midsizegirl #midsizestyle #midsizefashion #midsizeblogger
  • Privacy Policy

Copyright © 2022 Trendy Tourist · Theme by 17th Avenue