Vietnam was less about staying in one place and more about movement.

Compared to Bali, where I settled into a rhythm quite quickly, Vietnam felt more dynamic. Each stop had a different energy, and getting between them was part of the experience.

My original plan also changed along the way. I had intended to include central Vietnam, but severe floods made that impossible. Instead, I adjusted my route as I went, which ended up shaping the trip more that any fixed plan ever could.

Here’s exactly where I went, how long I stayed, and what each place felt like.

Hanoi (5 nights)

I started my time in Vietnam in Hanoi.

The city felt intense at first, but quickly became familiar. The contrast between the calm lake and the chaotic Old Quater gave it a rhythm that I actually enjoyed more that expected.

I stayed at the Legend Hanoi Hotel, which was a great introduction to the city. The staff were incredibly friendly, check-in was smooth, and I was welcomed with tea. Breakfast had plenty of vegan options, which made settling in easy.

My accommodation: Legend Hanoi Hotel (€ 280 for 5 nights).

My recommendation: 4-5 nights is a good starting point if you want to explore properly and ease into the country.

Sa Pa (2 nights)

From Hanoi, I took the bus to Sa Pa.

The landscape shifted completely. Cooler air, mist, and a much slower atmosphere compared to the city.

I stayed at the Cherry Hotel Sa Pa, which was simple but comfortable (maybe a bit cold during the night) and well-located for exploring the town.

The weather during my stay was mostly cloudy and foggy, which meant I didn’t get the iconic views Sa Pa is known for, but it still had a quiet, atmospheric charm.

My accommodation: Cherry Hotel Sa Pa (€ 20 for 2 nights).

My recommendation: 2-3 nights depending on the weather, it can make a big difference here. Obviously, if you are into hiking and want to explore some treks, then longer.

Cát Bà (1 night)

After Sa Pa, I continued to Cát Bà Island.

I stayed at the Moon Hotel, which was a simple stopover before heading out onto the water.

This felt less like a destination on its own and more like a transition point into Ha Long Bay.

My accommodation: The Moon Boutique Hotel (€ 38, I got a discount because of the boat trip through Cat Ba Ventures).

My recommendation: 1 night is enough if you’re doing a cruise. Stay longer if you want to explore the island itself.

Ha Long Bay (1 night)

From Cát Bà, I joined an overnight cruise with Cat Ba Ventures, which turned out to be one of my absolute highlights of Vietnam.

Spending a night on the water, surrounded by limestone formations, felt completely different from everything else on the trip. Calm, surreal, and almost still in a way that’s hard to describe.

Waking up on the boat in the middle of the bay is something I won’t forget.

My accommodation: Cat Ba Ventures cruise (US$ 142 for one night on the boat).

My recommendation: Do the overnight cruise. A day trip would not do it justice. There are also 2-night-options, but for me one night was enough.

Ninh Binh (2 nights)

After Ha Long Bay, I continued to Ninh Binh.

This was one of the most peaceful stops on the route. Limestone cliffs, rivers, and a much slower pace compared to both cities and the coast.

I stayed at the Tam Coc Condelux Boutique Hotel, which was a great base for exploring the area.

It felt like a natural pause in the middle of a very moving itinerary.

My accommodation: Tam Coc Condelux Boutique Hotel (€ 27,50 for 2 nights).

My recommendation: 2-3 nights is ideal, 2 nights were good for me, but I would have also enjoyed staying there for another night.

Hanoi (another 3 nights)

Because central Vietnam was affected by flood, I returned to Hanoi.

I stayed at the Ambery Hanoi Boutique Hotel, which was a much simpler stay then my first hotel in Hanoi (I had to keep an eye on the budget).

Coming back to Hanoi felt grounding. I already knew the city, so it became less about exploring (there was also light rain almost every day) and more about simply being there.

Sometimes returning to a place gives you a completely different perspective than arriving for the first time.

My accommodation: The Ambory Hotel (€ 120 for 3 nights).

Cần Tho (2 nights)

From Hanoi, I flew south to Can Tho in the Mekong Delta.

I stayed at the Sheraton Can Tho, which was a big contrast to previous accommodations. Modern, comfortable, and a good base for exploring the region.

This stop was mainly about the floating markets, which meant early mornings and a completely different rhythm compared to the rest of Vietnam.

My accommodation: Sheraton Can Tho (€ 160 for 2 nights).

My recommendation: 2 nights is enough if the floating markets are your main focus.

Ho Chi Minh City (4 nights)

My final stop was Ho Chi Minh City.

I stayed at the Nicecy Hotel Truong Quyen, which was well located for exploring the city.

Compared to Hanoi, HCMC felt more intense. More traffic, more noise, and motorbikes everywhere, even on sidewalks.

It was interesting to experience, but I personally preferred the atmosphere in the north.

My accommodation: Nicecy Hotel (€ 100 for 4 nights).

My recommendation: 3-4 nights is enough.

Looking back, this route felt like a constant shift in energy and pace.

From the chaos of Hanoi, to the misty calm of Sa Pa, the transition through Cát Bà, the stillness of Ha Long Bay, the quiet landscapes of Ninh Binh, the return to familiarity in Hanoi, and the intensity of the south.

Not everything went according to plan, especially with having to skip central Vietnam, but adjusting along the way became part of the experience itself.

And if anything, it gave me a reason to come back one day and see the parts I missed.

Where I Stayed & How Long