This post contains affiliate links to things like tours and hotels. These help me earn a small commission at no additional charge to you. Every affiliate link is marked with a *.

Overview the Irish Whiskey tasting holiday – one week

• Day 1-4 Long Weekend Itinerary
• Day 5 – Tullamore & Tullamore D.E.W
• Day 6 – Galway & Cliffs of Moher
• Day 7 – Galway & Departure

Day 5 – Tullamore

In the morning some bacon loaded French Toast is calling your name at The Foxy Bean in Tullamore. Their Latte is also delicious!

Afterwards the hotel can help you book a taxi for the roughly 5km to the Tullamore Distillery (and organise the transfer back, after the tour) where you can visit the newly reopened visitors centre. The earliest tour starts at 11am!

The tour starts with an Irish coffee, includes visiting the still house, the distillery and the warehouse where you can try a whiskey straight from the barrel. At the end you get a taste of three Tullamore D.E.W. Whiskeys. Make sure you have non-carry-on luggage if you want to bring a bottle home with you!

When you look for tours to visit Tullamore Distillery from Dublin the prices are astronomic. Which is odd, since you can see how easily you can do the same thing by yourself, for a fraction of the cost. I linked their official booking site above.

After the tour you still have more than enough time to get from Tullamore to Galway, again by intercity train and check in to The Victoria Hotel* or to Four Seasons B&B* when you’re a solo traveller.

If you can, stop on the way at Athlone and visit Sean’s Bar. Allegedly the oldest bar in the country (1000+ years old!).

Day 6 – Galway

Your first day in Galway starts by leaving the city (I listed breakfast options under Day 7 if you don’t have breakfast included). The city is the ideal starting point to explore the “Wild Atlantic Way” and this full day tour is the most comprehensive one.

It includes a guided tour through the alien-planet-looking Burren landscape, as well as a two hour stop at the Cliffs of Moher, with several medieval castles and historic places as stops on the way.

The Cliffs of Moher are a must-see while in Ireland, in my opinion. Of course that means that there will always be many people there to see them, but when you’re here outside of the main season people spread out over the area.

If you have the energy for it I recommend an evening food and drink tour of Galway. More than that, you get a good overview of Irish and specifically Galway history and culture. And you actually get decent sizes of food and drinks! Perfect after a full day on the road.

Day 7 – Galway & Departure

Your last day on this itinerary has surprisingly little alcohol: Start with a good breakfast either at your chosen hotel or Ard Bia at Nimmos for pancakes, WYLDE for pastries or fruit bowls and last but not least The Pear Tree Café & Wine Bar for a full (or mini) Irish Breakfast.

If your chosen accommodation doesn’t let you leave the luggage there, you can bring it to Radical Storage Galway*! They have several locations across the city and it’s super easy to book and to use. One is directly at Galway Bus Station*.

Take a walk through the city and learn more about Galway inside the Galway City Museum, one of the best curated and designed city museums I have been in across the world.

Galway to Dublin

From Galway back to Dublin I recommend taking the 761 bus, instead of a train, since the bus will take you from Galway coach station directly to Terminal 1 of Dublin airport and only takes a little over 3 hours. The train and then a connecting bus at least 3,5 to 4+ hours.

Are you looking for a different length for your holiday? I have similar itineraries for two more Irish Whiskey tasting holidays:

Der Beitrag The ultimate Irish Whiskey tasting holiday – one week erschien zuerst auf Kaya Wanderlust.

This post contains affiliate links to things like tours and hotels. These help me earn a small commission at no additional charge to you. Every affiliate link is marked with a *.

Overview of the ultimate Irish Whiskey tasting holiday – long weekend

• Day 1 – Arrival in Dublin & First Tasting
• Day 2 – Museum, Jameson Distillery & Temple Bar
• Day 3 – Irish history & Whiskey Cocktail Workshop or Guinness Beer
• Day 4 – Trinity College, Teeling Distillery & Departure

Day 1 – Arrival in Dublin & First Tastings

On the way from the airport to the inner city you can stop at the National Botanical Gardens of Ireland about half way. Admission is free and the paths are paved and flat, so you can bring your luggage.

Check in at Castle Hotel

Under 100€ per night is a small miracle in Dublin, but for a little more (the earlier you book, the more affordable it will be) is the Castle Hotel*. Breakfast is included and they offer single rooms for solo travellers!

Irish Whiskey Museum

The Irish Whiskey Museum* was founded by an Irish family in 2014 and operates independendly from any one distillery. Over the years they have amassed a varied selection if Irish Whiskeys from all over the country. The tour starts with an hour long introduction to Irish Whiskeys history in general, the rise – the fall – the revival. Then a whiskey tasting follows, the kind and amount depends on which tour was chosen. The one I have linked has options for three (the one I did) or a more premium one. The whiskeys are selected for you, but you can ask about specific ones, or tell them which you have already tried or are included later in the itinerary (e.g. Bushmills & Hinch from Northern Ireland) to maximise your tasting experience!

Afterwards you can eat dinner at Masa. Tacos and a drink for under 15€! In Dublin, you can find good international food!

Day 2 – Museum, Jameson Distillery & Temple Bar

Day 2 begins with a hearty breakfast at Castle Hotel, then you can take the green line from Parnell to Dawson to visit the:

Little Museum of Dublin

The Little Museum of Dublin is located in a former residential house and filled with all kinds of knick-knacks from the past, most of which were donated to the museum. Every wall is filled with pictures, paintings, posters, newspaper articles and much more. Not many of the artefacts have an explanation written down anywhere (since most people don’t read them anyway), but the tour guides there will happily answer all the questions you have.

The museums tour is short, sweet, to the point and very interactive. It was obvious that the guide was passionate about his job, as well as the rich history of his city and country.

After the visit to the museum you can cross the Ha’Penny Bridge and take a leisurely walk along the Liffey river until you reach the Four Courts (the old domed building houses the main courts of Ireland). From there you walk past it, turn towards the city and walk another 500m to the Jameson Distillery.

Jameson Distillery

At the Jameson Distillery* you have two choices (and no, you can’t do both in one day).

A 45 minute tour* about John Jameson and how the Distillery at Bow Street started the company off in 1780 as one of the six main Dublin Whiskeys, followed by a tasting (maybe 10 – 20 ml) of three Whiskeys. This is not a distillery tour – the Jameson Whiskey today is distilled in Cork.

Or the Jameson Distillery Secret Whiskey Tasting Experience* with four premium Jameson Whiskeys. What makes this special is the setting in John Jameson’s secret office where they present the seasonal Marker’s Choice Whiskey.

Lunch at Han Sung Restaurant

13 minutes away on foot is the Han Sung Restaurant where you get good Korean food. Again, international food in Dublin is good and affordable.

Temple Bar – the most famous part of Dublin

At the edge of the Temple Bar quarter the Ha’Penny Bridge (you’ve seen it before) crosses the Liffey river. This pedestrian bridge is named after the half penny it cost once upon a time to cross it. Today you can cross it for free on the way from lunch to the next tour. Your way will also take your through Temple Bar, a colourful quarter of Dublin with many pubs, most famously the the red The Temple Bar (I don’t recommend it for a drink though, you pay for the name and it’s always packed).

Whiskey Tasting Tour with food pairings

Instead go for a tasting tour of five Irish Whiskeys* with food pairings of Irish Cheeses and chocolates that starts at Lincolns Inn and ends at the Palace Bar (that’s a total of 800 meters walking during this two hour tour). With a tour like this you are not confined to only one brand of Whiskey.

If you are like me: You will be hungry after this tour. The pairings are delicious and well chosen, but a rich, satisfying meal was calling my name after this much alcohol in one day.

Irish Pub dinner

From an Irish Bar to an Irish Pub, this time for food! At Darkey Kelly’s you can get some drinks, of course, but more importantly a DELICIOUS fried chicken (and other meals, but I had fried chicken)!

Day 3 – Irish history & Cocktail Workshop or Guinness Beer

Day 3 begins once again with a hearty breakfast at Castle Hotel, then you can take the 13 Bus from Parnell Square East, stop 261 to Inchicore Library to visit the:

Kilmainham Gaol Jail

The Kilmainham Gaol Jail is a former prison where many Irish revolutionaries, including leaders of the Easter Rising in 1916, were imprisoned and later executed. But the oldest cells date back much further than that.

The prison was built in the 17-hundreds and some of the very old cells serve as a reminder of the horrible conditions prisoners faced back then. The Kilmainham Gaol Jail Museum offers student discounts to any student with a valid ID.

Lunch at URBAN8

I often don’t trust restaurants with a very diverse menu. If there are many different dishes it often means none of them are great. However at URBAN8 neither me, nor the people I met during the tour of the jail and had lunch with had any complaints and we had very different food (burger, pasta, waffles). I had a “dessert” for lunch, the waffle.

Roe and Co Distillery Cocktail Workshop Experience

There are two workshops offered at Roe and Co Distillery*: Whiskey cocktail creation or Whiskey blend creation. Both workshops start with a tour of the Roe and Co Distillery (which has been located inside the old Guinness Powerhouse! since 2017) and end with a cocktail in their own industrial-chic Power House Bar.

The cocktail workshop seeks to explore the different pillars of flavour (like sweet, sour, etc.) and create your perfect flavour profile for your own signature Whiskey cocktail.

Meanwhile the Whiskey blend workshop starts with a tasting of three of their Whiskeys, paired with chocolates, then you can blend your own Whiskey, according to your tastes.

or visit Guinness Beer

If you had enough Whiskey and want to break things up a bit, visit the Guinness Storehouse* instead! It was once the old fermentation plant of the beer brewery. Today it is a visitor centre & museum about the history and production of Ireland’s most well known beer. Even the air around it smells like beer (The more direct sunlight, the stronger the smell)!

Personally, I don’t like beer. But the museum is incredibly well done, modern, interactive and -for those who care- very instagrammable.

After the self guided tour you can drink a freshly poured Guinness beer at their Gravity Bar, included in your ticket. The view from the bar is usually amazing, especially during sunset (second picture in the gallery below).**

or National Museums – Archaeology

The third option is for those who need a break from drinking. The Archeology Museum has a unique building, which gives you the opportunity to travel back in time over a century to when it was built. The artifacts are sorted time period and the audio guide is very pleasant to listen to as you follow the numbers through the exhibitions.

Drunk-food dinner

At Mad Yolks you can get burgers, bowls and sandwiches. In short: Everything you might want after a (or a few) drink(s). As the name suggests the restaurant specialises in egg-dishes. Try the Huevos Rancheros bowl or the bacon sandwich.

Day 4 – Trinity College & Teeling Distillery

One last breakfast at Castle Hotel and then it’s already time to check out!

Where to leave your luggage in Dublin?

If your chosen accommodation doesn’t let your leave your luggage with them, I recommend Radical Storage Dublin*. They have 41! possible locations all over the city and it’s super easy to book online and store your luggage.

Trinity College and The National Library

To visit Trinity College, The National Library and the Book of Kells Experience I recommend booking a tour. I recommend the “Book of Kells Experience & Trinity Trails Campus Tour”. First you get a guided tour of the campus of Trinity College (about 45 minutes), then you get access to a self guided tour of the National Library and Book of Kells, which takes about 90 minutes to complete, but you can stay in the Library for longer.

If you only want to visit and have a look around, both the College itself and the Library are free of charge!

Lunch with a view

Half way between the College and the next Distillery (15 minutes on foot) – go to Sophie’s. They describe themselves as “European Cuisine” so make of that what you will. It was good food, although a bit expensive in my opinion. However you definitely partly also pay for the amazing view.

Only a small detour on the way to the distillery you can also stop and admire St. Patrick’s Cathedral and its surrounding park. Admission to the church is 8€. It is gorgeous inside, but it is something to consider spending elsewhere, you might also not have the time.

Tour & Tasting at Teeling Whiskey Distillery

The first and only actual Distillery Tour* of this itinerary. The Teeling Disitllery of today is located in the former “Whiskey Triangle of Dublin” and is still used to produce the Teeling Whiskey you get in stores, pubs and restaurants. After a tour of their facility, including a small company history exhibition and the distillation rooms you get to try three Teeling Whiskeys (more ml than at Jameson). After the tasting you get exclusive access to the Teeling Bar above the Distillery where you can enjoy another cocktail if you want to. I went with an Irish Coffee, with Teeling Whiskey of course

Then you will have to head back home – or stay for longer?

Are you looking for a longer holiday? I have similar itineraries for two more Irish Whiskey tasting holidays that build on this one:

**View from the Gravity Bar and the Ha’Penny Bridge pictures are from Renata Moraes, not from me. I only took them years back and the quality is atrocious.

Der Beitrag The ultimate Irish Whiskey tasting holiday – long weekend erschien zuerst auf Kaya Wanderlust.

Timeline

This itinerary can be done as listed or the other way around, depending on flight costs. There are international airports in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.

This is an overview about the timeline:

• Day 1-2 Sapa
  Sleeper Train from Hanoi, Hike the rice fields & Climb Mount Fansipan
• Day 3-5 Cat Ba
  Kayak with glowing plankton, Rock Climbing, National Park Hiking & Caves (+ Lan Ha Bay Cruise)
• Day 6 – From Cat Ba over Hanoi to Hue
• Day 7 – Hai Van Pass on a Motorbike
  or Day 7 – 9 Ho-Chi-Minh-Trail by Motorbike
• Day 8 – 10 Da Nang
  Paragliding, Snorkeling & Surfing
• Day 10 – 12 Da Lat
  Canyoning & Alpine Rollercoaster & Cloud Hunting
• Day 13 – Mui Ne: Sand Dune Surfing or Quad
• Day 14 – Ho Chi Minh City: Crawl through Cu Chi tunnels

Day 1 – Arrival and Train to Sapa

Arrive in Hanoi, eat the de facto national dish of Vietnam at Pho 10 Ly Quoc Su for a late lunch, pack a Banh Mi from Bánh My Paté for dinner later (my favourite Banh Mi in all of Vietnam), then go to the train station to catch your overnight train to Sapa.

How to get to Sapa from Hanoi

Overnight trains from Hanoi range from 55$ to 90$ for a bed in a four person cabin. They depart the station from 7 PM to 11:30 PM and arrive at the station in Lao Cai between 6 AM and 11 AM. Of course you can also book a sleeper bus, but I am going for adventure here, not death.

-> More on my experience with this here: How to get from Hanoi to Sapa

When you arrive in Lao Cai, you can be picked up by the tour, if you choose to hike up Mount Fansipan.

If you choose to climb Fansipan from the top station of the Cable Car, ask your homestay (I’d pick SaPa Farmer House*) instead to help you arrange a Taxi from Lao Cai to them, or take the local bus from Lao Cai to Sapa for 50k VND, the take a taxi from Sapa City.

Join them for breakfast and put away your stuff, take a shower, then take one of the rice field treks offered by the family. Being out in nature will wake you up for sure! When you have a clear view you can see the stacked fields, the ethnic minority villages in between and the mountains as a backdrop. You’ll be back just in time for dinner.

Day 2 – Climb Mount Fansipan

Fansipan is the highest mountain peak in Vietnam and is often called the “Roof of Indochina”. From Hoang Lien Station in Sapa a funicular takes you along the mountain, afterwards a cable car (that holds two Guinness World Records: The longest three-wire cable car = 6,282 km and the highest ascent by a cable car = 1410m) takes you to the base of the peak, then you can climb the roughly 630 steps to the peak.

At the end of the day take the bus back to Lao Cai (make sure you know when the last bus leaves, or you will have to take a taxi), then take an overnight train to Hanoi.

Day 3 – Hanoi to Cat Ba and Glowing Plankton

In the morning go from Hanoi to Cat Ba. There are lots of different operators who organise bus transports and ferry tickets from Hanoi to Cat Ba and back again. Then there are three main tour companies (that I know of) who offer transportation from Hanoi to Cat Ba (and back again) with their own buses and speedboats. The good thing about that is that you are guaranteed a spot on the speedboat after getting off your bus, with the ferry you’re leaving it up to luck.

It can take anywhere from three to five hours to go between the two destinations and you usually get water on board, as well as one toilet break in the middle. I went with Good Morning Cat Ba* both ways.

Check in at An Homestay

For me, there is only one choice on Cat Ba: An Homestay. This small family homestay has two rooms: One bigger one with a breathtaking view of the mountains from the bed and a private bathroom down the hall and a smaller one without a view, with a directly accessible private bathroom. The rooms are super clean, smell nice and the bed is HUGE and incredibly comfortable, with two blankets in the colder months and several pillows.

Tam, who owns the homestay with her husband Quynh, is a phenomenal cook and you’ll get to taste her cooking every morning with a delicious Vietnamese breakfast.

Kayaking and glowing Plankton

A unique adventure on Cat Ba I can recommend is seeing the glowing plankton of Lan Ha Bay by Kayak at night. If you stay at An Homestay ask Quynh about it. If not, I have linked a tour down below!

The glowing plankton looked way more intense in reality than anything a phone could capture!

Day 4 – Rock Climbing and/or National Park hiking

On Cat Ba you can go rock climbing on the limestone islands of the bay, directly over the water. For the climbing you have three choices. Deep water soloing* (free climbing over water), Rock Climbing* (scaling the limestone cliffs with safety equipment, different paths are available with varying difficulty) or Abseiling* (rapelling down from the top of the cliff).

I have never been rock climbing before, but there were many people who looked like they might have just travelled here to go climbing, so these three options are a very good idea to offer a good experience to everyone.

National Park hiking

You can do this with a tour or on your own – if you want to do it on your own you have to be able to ride and rent a scooter.

When you drive from the city centre towards the national park you can stop at the Hospital Cave, which served as a shelter and medical facility for Northern Vietnamese soldiers during the Vietnam War, on the way. You pay 40k VND admission to the lady in front of the cave to park your bike and enter the cave itself. When I went there two guides showed people around at random intervals, just when people showed up they would be shown around in English. You only need about 30 Minutes for the entire cave, including the tour.

Cat Ba National Park is one of the prettiest in Vietnam and is the heart of the UNESCO Cat Ba Archipelago Biosphere Reserve. So the National Park is much bigger than just the “park” you can visit on the main island Cat Ba. Admission to the park is 80k VND. Keep your ticket to see both Trung Trang Cave and climb to the top of Ngự Lâm Peak. And to park in front of the entrance to the park you have to pay 5k VND, but honestly to keep the scooter from overheating that is a price I will happily pay.

Inside the park you can also visit Trung Trang Cave with many stalactites and stalagmites.

The round trip trek through the national park and up the highest mountain on Cat Ba island: Ngự Lâm Peak, is only about 1,5 km long, but also over 550 m elevation one way. It took me 45 minutes to go up. And then after spending almost an hour at the peak about 15 minutes to go down. Some parts of the trail have steps or stone plates, while others are left wild.

They offer dinner menus at An Homestay where you can pick one of four menus for a set price. For a relaxed arrival after a long travel day I recommend you to book one. I have not found any better food on Cat Ba. Especially her grilled oysters are to die for.

Day 5 – Lan Ha Bay Cruise

After a day of hiking and walking you can relax on a cruise! Of course you start with a breakfast at the homestay. There are many to choose from, but the one I did with Serenity Cruises* was the best value for money I found. The pace was relaxed, but not slow, the food was plenty and delicious and the guides try to make sure not to be where everyone else is.

Visiting Lan Ha Bay is one of the things you should do with a tour since you most likely don’t own a cruise ship. You might have heard more about Ha Long Bay, but I preferred Lan Ha Bay: There are fewer ships, fewer people and fewer tours operating in this area. So if everyone tells everyone to come here instead of Ha Long Bay it’s not going to stay like this for much longer.

-> More of my experience on this cruise here: Lan Ha Bay Cruise from Cat Ba

Day 6 – Cat Ba to Hue

One last breakfast on Cat Ba, enjoy it, you’ll miss it! Depending on when your train departs from Hanoi I would recommend taking the earliest bus possible, just to make sure you’ll be on time for your train.

Tam can and will stay in contact with the bus company to make sure you’ll be ready in time.

Train to Hue

There are several overnight trains departing from Hanoi to Hue between 7 PM and 9:30 PM every day. The cost for a ticket ranges from 55$ to 90$ for a bed in a four person cabin.

Depending on your departure time you will arrive between 9 AM and 11 AM in Hue. Book a train that will be there in time for you to get on the motorbike for your next adventure!

You can book your tickets on 12Go* for secure payment and instant confirmation.

Use code “TP12GO” for 5% off.

Day 7 Option 1
Hue to Da Nang by Motorbike via Hai Van Pass

The best way to get from Hue to Da Nang is on a motorbike via the Hai Van Pass. There are many different tours you can book where you can sit on the back of a motorbike and enjoy the views and security of an experienced driver.

This route is well known to some people from the TV show Top Gear.

Up the serpentine road, the world becomes foggy. The Hải Vân Pass is called the “ocean cloud pass” for a reason. You can see the clouds floating over the street and down the mountain towards the ocean in the picture.

When you reach the Hai Van Pass on the other side you’ll have a breathtaking view of Da Nang Bay, even when the view is limited at the top of the mountain. The bay is beautiful, nearly untouched, with only a handful of fishing boats on it.

If you book the tour I linked (which I highly recommend, it was an amazing experience, the pace was just right and the lunch was amazing) you will see the Marble Mountains on the way, one of the most interesting and beautiful cultural sights of the region.

or Day 7-9 Option 2 – Hue to Da Nang
3D / 2N Ho Chi Minh Trail Motorbike Tour

For the Ho Chi Minh Trail in Central Vietnam you should plan at least 2 days and 1 night, but 3 days and two nights will give you the oportunity to see more! I booked this one: Ho Chi Minh Trail Loop – Explore rural Central Vietnam*

From Hue to Da Nang the motorbike tour will stop near Hue at one of the many mountain springs and near Lap An Lagoon, then you’ll be taken take you through Sao La Nature Reserve to the mountain village Prao (where you will spend a night), on the second day after a market breakfast you’ll drive to several minority villages, then along the Laotian border and past past My Son Sanctuary.

Make sure to pick a reliable driver you feel comfortable being alone with. During our drive through this area (apart from the mountain villages and mountain spring) we saw 10 people. For the entire drive.

-> Here is my post about my experience on this trip: Ho Chi Minh Trail – Motorbike Tour along the Laotian border

Day 8 (or 10) – Da Nang

Da Nang is the biggest city in Central Vietnam and one of the most modern cities in the country, with a high human development index and has been voted Vietnams most livable city. Since it mixes traditional food and architecture with modern technology and education I was excited to visit. Stay at the Golden Lotus Grand Da Nang* for an affordable stay in a modern hotel with a Panoramic Rooftop Bar and Pool!

Da Nang has the Marble Mountains, museums and pagodas for culture lovers and sprawling beaches for nature enthusiasts. Monkey Mountain, a mountain which is inhabited by lots of monkeys, is one of the nature highlights of the city. It is also the meeting point for the first possible adventure in Da Nang: Paragliding*.

If heights are not your thing, you might want to go for water-fun instead. At a 2,5km long river you are paired up with a person, then you’ll race down the river on a rafting* adventure!

Day 9 (or 11) – Cham Islands Snorkling

Taking a Cham Islands Snorkeling Tour is one of the more popular day tours in the province.

The Cham Islands are a group of 8 islands about 20 kilometres off the coast of Hoi An. They are part of the Cu Lao Cham Marine Park, which was declared a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve in 2009. Roughly 3000 people are estimated to live on the islands, with most of them living on the main island Hòn Lao (Pearl Island).

They are very popular for snorkeling, diving and “sea walks”.

-> More on my experiences on the Cham Islands here: Cham Islands Snorkeling Tour from Hoi An

Day 10 (or 12) – Surfing & Da Nang to Da Lat

In the morning of Day 10 you can go SUP (stand up paddling) at Man Thai Beach, even if it’s your first time on a board this experience is for you! It’s a lot calmer than surfing, but still a great water activity.

Da Nang to Da Lat

The easiest and fastest way to get from Da Nang to Da Lat is by plane. You can book affordable national flights with Vietnam Airlines. A sleeper bus is again possible, but so far I haven’t heard a single positive experience on this journey.

Da Lat is located in the southern parts of the central highlands of Vietnam and one of the most important areas for agriculture, while at the same time being an important university town and one of the favourite vacation spots for local tourists.

You can take a taxi directly from the airport to your hotel and should arrive around lunchtime. The Da Lat Stram Hotel* is a small family run hotel with clean and quiet rooms and a lovely host family. They can help you arrange transport as well.

Da Lat specialty and Lam Vien Square

Baked rice paper (banh trang nuong): This is a savory snack made by grilling a thin rice paper topped with a variety of ingredients, including minced meat, dried shrimp, sausage, scallions, and herbs. This crispy, savory, and slightly sweet snack is perfect for enjoying on the go.

Lam Vien Square is a well loved picture spot in the city, with two illuminated modern glass buildings on the banks of Xuan Huong Lake.

Day 11 (or 13) – Canyoning

The very day that made me think of doing this itinerary in the first place!

In Da Lat at the Datanla Waterfalls you can find a 2,4 km long alpine coaster that takes you from the parking lot to the main area.

After this small morning adventure you can go canyoning (including rappelling, abseiling and using a waterfall with a raging current as as water slide) within the same waterfall system!

Both are thrilling experiences that will get your blood rushing. But along the way, you also get to see breathtaking nature and bond with the other people in the group. And the included lunch afterwards (prepared by the wife of our instructor) was absolutely delicious and exactly what we needed to replenish our energy.

-> More on my experiences with them here: Canyoning in Da Lat – Vietnam

Bao Dai Summer Palace

In the afternoon you should visit one of three palaces in Da Lat city and the one where you can learn more about the same emperor you’ve started learning about in Hue. But where An Dinh palace in Hue was more traditionally Vietnamese, the summer palace in Da Lat is built in the art deco style.

This Summer Palace was used by King Bao Dai and his family to live in and work in when visiting Da Lat.

Hot Pot or Home Style Meal

If you want to try hot pot (careful, it will be too much food if you’re here by yourself) you can do that here, or you can go for a home style Vietnamese meal. For that you pay 2-3€ and get a variety of dishes that are unique to the day and the region. Cơm Tiệm A Vũ is in walking distance from the hotel.

Day 12 (or 14) – Cloud Hunting & Da Lat to Ho Chi Minh City

Cloud hunting* is the best activity you can do in the morning on a travel day. You get picked up at 4AM to climb one of the hills around Da Lat to catch the clouds at sunrise. After the sunrise the tour stops at the green tea hill and a former French colonial wine factory, as well as the tea museum. Finally you’ll get a morning coffee (or tea), before returning to your accommodation for a quick shower.

The entire tour is 4 to 5 hour long, so even if you catch the long one, you’ll still be in time to check out and get to the airport.

The easiest and fastest way to get from Da Lat to Ho Chi Minh City is by plane. You can book affordable national flights with Vietnam Airlines. A sleeper bus is again possible, but so far I haven’t heard a single positive experience on this journey.

Day 13 (or 15) – Mui Ne

From Ho Chi Minh City it takes about 3 – 3,5 hours to Mũi Né and at the end of the day another 3 – 3,5 hours back again. This 12 hour long tour takes care of transport, lunch and lets you stop at the most scenic spots (like the Fairy stream) on the way, as well as letting you experience the sand dunes of Mũi Né in an adventurous way: Either by four-wheeler-quad or by sand surfing.

Day 14 (or 16) – Cu Chi Tunnels & Last Day

From Ho-Chi-Minh City it’s roughly 1,5 hours to the Cu Chi Tunnels, a tunnel system dating back to the French Colonization period, but heavily used and expanded during the US-Vietnam war. At the site that’s open to visitors you can see traps used in the war, learn about the storage areas and weaponry and even crawl through the military supply tunnels yourself.

I had to go in the afternoon, since there wasn’t anyone else interesting in the tour in the morning. Afterwards I would still advise you to go in the early morning (8am to 3pm)! Especially when you are flying back home in the evening.

-> More on my experience there: Cu Chi Tunnels – Tunnel systems of the Viet Cong

In the evening / at night you fly out from Ho Chi Minh City and you might even be tired enough to sleep the entire way.

Other Vietnam Itineraries

Der Beitrag Vietnam for adventure enthusiasts erschien zuerst auf Kaya Wanderlust.

This post contains affiliate links to things like tours and hotels. These help me earn a small commission at no additional charge to you. Every affiliate link is marked with a *.

Timeline

This itinerary should be done from the North to the South, but you can also reverse it. There is an international airport in Hanoi, however there is also an international airport in Ho Chi Minh City. This is an overview about the timeline:

• Hanoi – Day 1 and 2
• Hue – Day 3 and 4
• Hue to Hoi An – Daytour on Day 5
• Hoi An – Day 6 to 8
• Da Lat – Day 9 and 10

Every city includes the best Café(s) to drink, the local coffee speciality, the ideal place to stay, things to do besides drinking coffee and what to eat for the perfect 10 day journey.

Vietnamese Coffee Culture

Vietnam has a very strong and diversified coffee culture. Both Arabica and Robusta Beans are grown in the country and many small and bigger roasteries have been established in the last years.

Vietnamese Coffee is traditionally made with 100% Robusta in a small metal drip pot called the Phin that is placed on top of a cup.

Hanoi – Vietnamese Coffee and Egg Coffee

Hanoi is not only the capital of Vietnam, but also the home of egg coffee. Here you can find many cafés to drink Vietnamese Coffee and different variations of the famous egg coffee.

Day 1 – Arrival Day

Download the Grab App at the Airport with the help of the free airport Wifi, then book a transport directly to your accommodation.

The ideal place to stay in Hanoi is a room at Wecozy Noi Mieu*. My favourite location of theirs is linked below. The rooms are spacious, safe and most importantly clean, while located in the centre of the Old Quarter, making the entire neighbourhood and everything linked walkable.

Cafe Giang

Cafe Giang is supposedly the birthplace of egg coffee when it was invented in 1946 by Mr. Nguyen Van Giang, the father of the current owner of this Cafe Giang. Egg coffee is made from egg yolk, sugar, coco powder and Vietnamese Phin Coffee.

Inventor of the egg coffee or not; their egg coffee is amazing and the café feels like you’re stepping back in time.

You can also try egg-beer here, which is made in a similar fashion, but without the coco and with beer instead of coffee.

Vietnam Museum of Ethnology

To get a comprehensive overview about Vietnam and it’s people, as well as the different minority groups and the origin of traditions all in one place visit the Museum of Ethnology. You’ll need 3 – 5 hours for this museum, it has an amazing audio guide, two buildings and an outdoor living-museum area.

Bánh mì

A Banh Mi is the perfect sandwich. Nothing more. Nothing less. A crispy baguette with fillings like liver paté, fried pork, cucumber, carrots, coriander, chilli and soy sauce. It’s a great option for a quick snack, for breakfast, lunch or dinner.

Massage at Dao’s Care

To end a day on a relaxing note treat yourself to a massage or spa package at Dao’s care. Near the West Lake you can take a medical herbal bath, based on the herbal baths of the Dao tribe or get a massage by one of their visually impaired massage therapists.

Day 2 – Full Day

Xôi xéo

Xoi Xeo is sticky rice with shaved mung bean, chicken fat, crunchy fried onions and pork floss. It’s the most delicious breakfast and fills you up for the entire day without making you feel stuffed. My favourite breakfast in Hanoi!

Eggyolk Coffee

The most “instagrammable” version of egg coffee is undoubtedly served at the two establishments of eggyolk coffee. Both are located in the Old Quarter of Hanoi, but I preferred the one in a backalley of X.

Temple of Literature

The Temple of Literature was the first university in the country, founded in the year 1070. Now it is a must-see for everyone who wants to learn about history, education or the history of education in Vietnam.

I was lucky to go here with a guide who was able to tell me about the history of the building and the traditions people still follow today, but you can also get an audio guide on site. I spend half a day on the grounds of the Temple of Literature, it’s a nice escape from the heat and bustle of the city.

National Fine Arts Museum of Vietnam

The National Fine Arts Museum of Vietnam in Hanoi is one of the best curated fine arts Museums you will ever see. It also has a super modern audio guide that works directly on your own phone, with a pair of headphones you can lend for free (and also fast and reliable free Wifi).

Phở

Pho is Vietnam’s de facto national dish, a delicious soup with savoury broth, rice vermicelli, herbs, and beef strips. It’s delicious, it fills you up, it hydrates and especially when it’s cold (or raining) outside it’s the perfect meal. Known for good Pho by locals for years Pho 10 Ly Quoc Su even got a Michelin Star in 2023.

Maison Centrale – Hoa Lo Prison

Hoa Lo Prison was used for Vietnamese prisoners during French colonialism and for American soldiers during the Vietnam War. This prison complex was mostly torn down in the 90s and the remains have been turned into a museum. I recommend this for everyone who wants to learn from history so the horrors of the past may not be repeated.

All Day Coffee

At All Day Coffee, a modern cafe in an industrial style you can try different modern takes on egg coffee, with one version made with salted egg. This Café also has strong and stable free WiFi as well as good aircon. Take a different Banh Mi from the same Banh Mi streetfood cart as before for the train journey.

Hanoi to Hue

There are several overnight trains departing from Hanoi to Hue between 7 PM and 9:30 PM every day. The cost for a ticket ranges from 55$ to 90$ for a bed in a four person cabin.

Depending on your departure time you will arrive between 9 AM and 11 AM in Hue, both are too early to check in, but the hotel I linked below stores your luggage and if possible lets you check in early.

You can book your tickets on 12Go for secure payment and instant confirmation.

Use code “TP12GO” for 5% off.

Hue – Home of Salt Coffee

Hue is the former capital of Vietnam, during the reign of the Nguyễn dynasty, It has a lot to offer in terms of historically important places, but it is also the home of salt coffee.

An important tip I wish I had known before I got to Hue: There are combo tickets available for the imperial city and some tombs. They are considerably cheaper than buying all the tickets by themselves.

Day 3 – Arrival Day

Close enough to the nightlife district to be walkable, but far enough away to be quiet, the Pisces Hotel Huế* on the other side of the Perfume River is the ideal place to stay in Hue. It’s a clean, well maintained and picturesque hotel. Pick a room with windows to the outside!

Museum of Royal Antiquities

This museum is one of the oldest museums in Vietnam. It contains artefacts from the royal family and their court, from furniture to clothes to pottery, jewellery and even games from a time long gone.

It’s well taken care of and you learn a lot about the royal family and customs in the country during the Nguyens reign. The museum is housed inside Long An Palace, which was built in a traditional style and is a sight to see in itself. Even though it doesn’t have AC it’s pleasantly cool inside and it feels like a quiet break from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Salt Coffee

Cà Phê Muối or salt coffee is the only special coffee on my list for Hue. It has taken the country by storm, as it has become a food trend. I’ve been obsessed with salt coffee ever since I had it for the first time in 2022. It’s the perfect mix between bitter coffee, sweet condensed milk and lightly salty cream. Cà phê Muối – Đặc sản Huế has my favourite salt coffee in the city.

An Dinh Palace

This villa was built as a palace, mixing Gothic European and Vietnamese architectural styles. However, it was never used as a palace, instead, the royal family received foreign delegations there.

Today the main hall and front yard have largely been restored, but most of the building is still in varying stages of decay. Inside the restored parts of the building, you can see intricately carved wooden arches, portraits of former emperors and landscape paintings from all over the province.

Dinner at Hanh Pancake

At Hanh Pancake you can try many of the traditional Hue foods: Nem Lụi Huế, grilled pork skewers with minced meat wrapped around lemon grass with Bánh Xèo, crunchy, savoury rice pancakes with shrimp and pork, served with a peanut dipping sauce, young banana and papaya and green, as well as Bánh bèo, small steamed rice tapioca cakes, topped with dried shrimp, crispy pork skin, scallion oil and chilli to taste. Their Banh-Xeo were my favourite in all of Vietnam.

Day 4 – Full Day

Something non-Hue-specific, but still delicious, are the French pastries at La Boulangerie Française Huê. Since 1999 they have been training French bakery students who make all the baked goods sold at the adjacent cafe. Their pains au chocolat and cafe au lait make a great breakfast to start a day of exploring Hue!

Imperial City

From 1802-1945 the imperial city was home to 13 emperors of the Nguyễn dynasty, the last monarchy of Vietnam, their families and their royal court, so it was literally the city of emperors within Hue. The Forbidden City is located inside Hue Citadel where the families of court members lived. The Imperial Citadel has been recognised as a part of the Hue Monuments Complex by UNESCO as a world cultural heritage site!

The Imperial City* combines traditional Vietnamese architectural rules, Chinese influences such as feng shui, yin-yang, the five elements theory and Western military architecture.

The Meridian Gate, officially called Ngọ Môn (Noon Gate) is the main entrance of the Imperial city, facing south. It is considered to be one of the most valuable architectures among the Nguyen dynasty’s monuments complex in Hue.

Another Salt Coffee

The Cà Phê Muối (at 142 Đặng Thái Thân, Thuận Hoà, Huế, Thành phố Huế, Vietnam) cafe claims to have invented the salt coffee, so of course you should at least stop by and try “the original”. Be careful with salt coffee. I was sceptical at first, now I can’t get enough.

Banh Mi Hue

Every place has their own Banh Mi, at this “restaurant” (it feels more like a street vendor still) you can try Banh Mi with a thick meaty sauce and fried egg. Delicious!

Mausoleums of former Emperors

You can take a dragon boat from the city to the mausoleum of Gia Long, the first Emperor of the Nguyen dynasty. It has been restored in the past years, so it is one of the most beautiful mausoleums around Hue.

Gia Long also built the Imperial Citadel, considering the same influences from feng shui, yin-yang, the five elements theory, traditional Vietnamese architectural rules, Chinese influences and Western military architecture. Take a dragonboat* down the perfume river for an immersive visit to the tomb.

The tomb of Khai Dinh, the 12th emperor of the Nguyen dynasty, blends Vietnamese architecture with Western styles. Since he was close to the French colonial government it also features more „modern“ materials such as concrete, iron and steel, as well as coloured glass, directly imported from France and a bronze statue of the emperor, which was made in Marseille.

It also has the largest ceiling painting in the country called Cuu long an van “nine dragons amidst fleeting clouds”. The tomb, officially called Ung Mausoleum, was recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1993.

Bún Bò Huế

This soup is named after the city. It is a beef noodle soup with blood pudding, fermented shrimp sauce, lemongrass and pork knuckle. The broth is savoury and delicious, the noodles nicely chewy and the fermented shrimp paste gives it a tangy flavour. Bun Bo Hue is as important as Pho for Vietnamese cuisine. My favourite in the city was at Quán Bún Bò Huế Bà Tuyết- Nem lụi bà Tùng.

Day 5 – Hai Van Pass

The best way to get from Hue to Hoi An is on a motorbike via the Hai Van Pass. There are many different tours* you can book where you can sit on the back of a motorbike and enjoy the views and security of an experienced driver.

This route is well known to some people from the TV show top gear.

If you book the tour I linked (which I highly recommend, it was an amazing experience, the pace was just right and the lunch was amazing) you will see the Marble Mountains on the way between Da Nang and Hoi An, one of the most interesting and beautiful cultural sights of the region.

The second best way is by train along the most beautiful route in Vietnam. Sit on the left side!

You can book your tickets on 12Go for secure payment and instant confirmation.

Hoi An – Coconut Coffee and other specialities

With its rich history Hoi An offers a lot to see. From its past glory days as a port and merchant town, the surrounding crafting villages and the ethnic groups living to this day in the Quang Nam province, there is much to learn, many different coffees to drink and many delicious foods to eat.

Day 5 – Arrival from Hue

The H Boutique Hotel Hoi An* is an affordable boutique hotel with a chic interior, away from the noise and crowds of the old town. Below the hotel is a cafe and they have a pool in the backyard as well. They have beautifully designed rooms with a great value for money.

Mê Coffee

Your first coffee in Hoi An should be a coconut coffee. You can explore the picturesque ancient town with it’s yellow houses and many colourful lanterns on foot and stop at Mê Hoi An to have a wonderful view from their rooftop while sipping on a delicious and pretty coconut coffee.

Get clothes tailored

Hoi An is the city of lanterns and tailors. If you are looking for something unique that you can’t find off the rack at home and you can’t see yourself, this is the perfect place to get it made. You should go in on your first day to give the most time for your things to get made and allow for more than one fitting.

For simple copies visit Hoi An market were tailors have set up small boots, like Sewing Bee.

For high-end designs with high-end fabrics, go to one of the big tailor shops like Yaly Couture.

For drawing-to-clothing items go to one of the smaller tailor shops like Two Ladies Tailors. I had a jersey dress, two dress pants, a neckholder top and a three piece suit made by them (over three years), which I really love. Their customer service is impeccable and the value for money is incredible.

Day 6 – Full Day

FeFe Roastery

In the heart of the beautiful old town, right across from the entrance gate to a temple than no longer stands today you find FeFe Roastery. Here you can get delicious breakfast and coffee. I recommend the cold brew mocktail with lemon and the French toast with local fruits.

Hoi An Ancient Town

As of now there is no charge to enter the ancient town, however if you want to visit the sights you have to buy a ticket for 120k VND / 4,7€ . With this ticket to the ancient town you can visit five places of your choice, these are the ones I recommend after having been to ten over two years:

1. Fujian Assembly Hall
2. Japanese Bridge Temple (reopened in 2024)
3. Cantonese Assembly Hall
4. Museum of Folk Culture
5. Tan Ky Ancient House

While you’re already in the ancient town, check out these two free to visit spots: Cổng Chùa Bà Mụ – This is the gate of a former temple, the only remaining part of it. It is surrounded by great cafés and offers a peaceful view and a great backdrop for pictures and the Precious Heritage Museum where you can find beautiful photography of portraits and landscape, as well as costumes and traditional garb of the 54 ethnic groups of Vietnam and their subgroups.

Coffee Making Class

By the time you are in Hoi An and are taking this class* you will have tried many different coffees already. Now it is time to learn more about them and how to make them,

The coffee workshop* starts with some background info about the coffee and coffee plantations in Vietnam. Then you start by making the most famous Vietnamese coffee Ca Phe Phin, followed by white coffee, egg coffee, salt coffee and coconut coffee.

Day 7 – Full Day

Rosie’s Cafe

If you are craving European food I can recommend Rosie’s Cafe. They do some very European dishes, but some with a Vietnamese twist. I went there several times for breakfast. Their full Irish Breakfast is a big portion, the poached eggs on toasted sourdough bread with avocado and red beet puree are refreshing, but my favourite was their french toast with fresh local fruits.

Rosie’s Café is on the way from the Hotel to the beach, you can walk here and then take a Grab motorcycle taxi to the beach.

Spend time at the beach

An Bang Beach with it’s 4km of fine sand, many beach beds and bars and restaurants close by is probably the most well known beach of Hoi An. Being roughly 6km away from the ancient town you will need a bike, scooter or mobile data connection to catch a Grab motorbike taxi to get to the beach and back. The morning is the best time to enjoy this beach.

Seafood lunch

Hoi An might be best known for Cao Lau, but don’t sleep on seafood while you’re there. With several fish markets and its location between the sea, Cửa Đại Bay and Thu Bồn River the seafood in the region is diverse and delicious.

You can get superb clams, mussels, fish and other seafood dishes, freshly caught, right on the beach or just a few meters away, like at Phương Beach Restaurant only 150 meters from An Bang Beach. Try the grilled mussels and seafood spring rolls.

Make or buy a lantern

At several lantern workshops* in Hoi An you can make one of their iconic lanterns and bring it home with you. You can pick your fabric, the shape and size of your lantern and even the colour of your tassel. And don’t worry about fitting it inside your suitcase, they can be folded!

The Espresso Station

One of my favourite cafes in Vietnam is The Espresso Station. Right on the edge of the ancient town you can get coffee specialities like Espresso Macchiato and Coconut Coffee, Bac Xiu, Black Charcoal Lattee, Cold Brew Ice Cube Coffee, as well as colour changing butterfly-pea-tea and many more delicious drinks! The Cold Brew Ice Cube Coffee is my favourite drink here.

Dinner on the riverbank

Cao lầu is Hoi Ans trademark dish and something you have to try while you’re there. This dish has two typed of rice noodles, one chewy and one crispy, which can only be made in the region. Next to the noodles you’ll also find thin pork slices and lots of greens. Compare prices though! The restaurants directly facing the river are more expensive than those in side streets.

Day 8 – Half Day

On this day you will have to take a taxi or a shuttle bus to Da Nang to board your plane to Da Lat. In the morning you can eat breakfast on your way to the old town at

Go shopping for souvenirs

Spend the last hours in Hoi An in the beautiful old town in the morning and shop for some souvenirs for your trip. Here are some stores I can recommend with no haggling required:

Hợp Handi – Handmade Notebook, Embroidery & Gifts – Everything hand embroidered

Hart Hoi An – Upcycled Home Decor – Upcylced and handmade objects for sustainable shopping

OCOP House – Đặc sản & Quà tặng Hội An – Hoi An Gift & Specialty & Craft – A store with many handcrafted items from different small artisans.

Da Lat – Coffee Farms and Speciality Coffee

Da Lat is located in the southern parts of the central highlands of Vietnam and one of the most important areas for coffee farming. 

Day 8 – Arrival from Hoi An

You can take a taxi directly from the airport to your hotel and should arrive around lunchtime. The Da Lat Stram Hotel* is a small family run hotel with clean and quiet rooms and a lovely host family. Choose a balcony room for more natural airflow, Da Lat has high humidity all year long and ACs are not common.

Hot Pot or Home Style Meal

If you want to try hot pot (careful, it will be too much food if you’re by yourself) you can do that here, or you can go for a home style Vietnamese meal at Cơm Tiệm A Vũ. For that you pay 2-3€ and get a variety of dishes that are unique to the day and the region. Even if you don’t know what you’ll get, it’ll be delicious! It is in walking distance from the hotel.

Bao Dai Summer Palace

In the  afternoon you should visit one of three palaces in Da Lat city and the one where you can learn more about the same emperor you’ve started learning about in Hue. But where An Dinh palace in Hue was more traditionally Vietnamese, the summer palace in Da Lat is built in the art deco style.

This Summer Palace was used by King Bao Dai and his family to live in and work in when visiting Da Lat. It gives a closer look at the every life and family life of Vietnams last emperor.

La Viet Coffee

A ways away from the palace, but at the same time an unmissable coffee experience in Da Lat is La Viet Coffee.

In 2010 the founders of La Viet Coffee began “planting, processing and trying to sell the green coffee beans”, but quickly noticed that it wasn’t a viable business for them.

Roasting their beans in-house, this Da Lat based Coffee Roastery and Café now sells speciality coffee all over the world and has five locations all over the country.

At the original location of La Viet you can try different coffee blends with different brewing methods, or choose from their menu of cold brew cocktails (coffee instead of alcohol) or innovative coffee drinks. Try the Mulberry Lemon Cold Brew and Lavender Milk Coffee.

Da Lat specialties for dinner

Banh Can are small rounded rice pancakes with different savoury fillings and different sauces, Bánh căn Nhà Chung restaurant has a pineapple based sauce and an onion and meatball based sauce made from a family recipe. Try the Banh Can with chicken egg and beef!

Baked rice paper (banh trang nuong): This is a savory snack made by grilling a thin rice paper topped with a variety of ingredients, including minced meat, dried shrimp, sausage, scallions, and herbs. This crispy, savory, and slightly sweet snack is perfect for enjoying on the go. Go for Beef and cheese at Bánh tráng nướng Cô Mai Nhà Chung.

Explore Lam Vien Square

Lam Vien Square is a well loved picture spot in the city, with two illuminated modern glass buildings on the banks of Xuan Huong Lake.

Day 9 – Full Day

Elon Farm* is located in the Gia Lâm Commune, Lâm Hà District about an hour drive from Da Lat. This area is well known for both tea and coffee farming. Elon Farm grows and produces high-quality Robusta coffee. They offer an immersive coffee experience to visitors of the region.

Book an overnight stay with them. The stay includes a full day of experiencing of the full process of growing coffee, processing the coffee beans, roasting coffee and making several delicious cups of coffee as well as accommodation for a night, all meals and a driver from Da Lat city to the farm and on the following day from the farm to the airport.

After half a day of everything about coffee you can also explore the village on bicycles with the family. During the afternoon you can see a silkworm farm and silk factory, as well as the nearby Linh Ẩn Pagoda and get an up close view of the normally closed to tourists Elephant Waterfall.

Day 10 – Last Day

Start your last day with a home-grown coffee on the balcony and a hearty Vietnamese breakfast at Elon Farm, take a walk through the village or relax with more coffee before eventually being picked up by a driver to make your way to the airport.

Other Vietnam Itineraries

Der Beitrag Vietnam for coffee lovers – 10 day detailed Itinerary erschien zuerst auf Kaya Wanderlust.

This post contains affiliate links to things like tours and hotels. These help me earn a small commission at no additional charge to you. Every affiliate link is marked with a *.

Overview of 7 day in Ireland on a Budget

• How to get to Ireland on a budget
• Where to stay in Ireland on a budget
• What to do in Ireland on a budget
• Where to eat in Ireland on a budget
• TLDR just show me the budget and the map

How to get to Ireland on a Budget:

Now your first thought might be “Ryanair”, but with Ryanair the prices are tricky. Especially when carrying a lot of luggage. And when you are visiting Ireland in November you will need a lot of luggage.

My advice is to book your plane ticket with Aer Lingus, they’re the national airline of Ireland. When flying from Germany they have a basic price of 30,51€ for most airports to go to Dublin. You can take a carry-on-sized bag for free, but you will have to check it in. A small carry-on, like a purse, a small backpack or a laptop bag are also included in the ticket price.

Transport in Ireland on a Budget

In the smaller cities, you can honestly just walk everywhere. I know that sounds like the most basic cheapskate thing to say and do, but the distances you have to walk between attractions, restaurants and cafés are super short. (You’ll still end up walking a lot, but it feels less when you only walk shorter distances at a time.)

To get around Dublin you want to consider getting a leap visitor card. With the leap card, you can use the Dublin Bus, Luas (tram), DART (Dublin Area Rapid Transit) and the Commuter Rail. It costs depending on how long you will use it, the best deal is the 72 hours one for 16,00€ (in comparison the 24-hour one is 8€).

You can get the leap visitor card directly at the airport, so you don’t have to pay any extra charge to get from the airport into the city.

Getting from A to B

Railway connections between some Irish Towns are great, they’re reliable, fast and cheap. A student ticket from Dublin to Galway or from Limerick to Dublin is only 11,49€ (even normal tickets start at 14,99€). When you book online on the Irish Rail Website you can get the tickets for cheaper than on the ticket machine at the train station.

From Galway to Limerick a student ticket is 4,49€ (the normal tickets start from 7,49€).

Where to stay in Ireland on a Budget

Your first thought here might be AirBnB, but I am here to tell you: Not everywhere in Ireland are AirBnB’s the cheapest option. I also want to say: You might not want to pick the cheapest-cheapest option, because without a good night’s sleep or with a disgustingly dirty shower, it might ruin your holiday altogether.

Dublin

There’s one AirBnB I can recommend for young female travellers in Dublin Blanchardstown, it’s a little outside of the city centre (okay, like an hour by bus outside the city centre), but it’s quiet, safe, clean, inexpensive (39€ / night) and the host Paola is lovely.

If you are looking for something more central and don’t mind a Hostel I can recommend the Abbey Court Hostel*. At 30,33€ a night for a bed in a 12 bed-dorm it is a little less expensive and breakfast is included, but the smaller the dorms, the more expensive it becomes.

Auf Airbnb ansehen GIRLS ONLY comfy single room North of Dublin

Galway

In Galway, there are some good Hostel options. The Nest Boutique Hostel* is the cheapest option for a 6-bed-dorm at 34,25€ / night. There are cheaper options (in 12-bed-dorms), but they are rated worse and the location of the Hostel I linked is excellent. On top of that it is modern and has a really cool interior.

When you plan well ahead and prefer your own room the Black Cat* in Galway has a single bed room for 70€ / night. It is close to the centre and has excellent reviews.

When I was in Galway in November of 2021, I stayed at The Western Hotel. There weren’t many options, and while still on the more inexpensive side it was way less expensive (80€/night) than it is today. It looks very old from the outside, but some of the rooms have already been refurbished. The rooms were clean and the wifi held up as well. Their Irish breakfast was also the best I’ve had while in the country (and I had LOTS).

Limerick

In Limerick in 2021 I didn’t really have good cheap accommodation. There are some which are more inexpensive than others, but considering I didn’t call the one in Galway cheap I can’t call any of the options I had back then cheap either.

By far the cheapest I’ve found in 2024 (that isn’t too far out of the city) is the Woodfield House Hotel* for 100€ / night. For 140€ a night (92,50€ / night in 2021) you can get a room at the George Limerick Hotel* right in the city centre, next to a pub-street.

In 2021 I stayed at the Old Quarter Townhouse*. their rooms are currently between 119€ and 169€ per night, depending on the dates. The noise at night is… a lot. After you book they send you an e-mail, informing you about the noise level and giving you the opportunity to either confirm your booking anyway or to reverse it without cost. I thought with earplugs I would be fine, but when the walls vibrate, not even earplugs will help.

What to do in Ireland on a Budget

Some museums in Ireland are free, while others range from cheap, to affordable, to expensive.

Along the free ones is the National Museum of Ireland in Dublin (all four locations: Decorative Arts & History, Country Life, Natural History, Archaeology), the National Gallery of Ireland, the National Library of Ireland and The National Photographic Archive in the Temple Bar distric in Dublin, as well as the Galway City Museum and the Limerick Museum.

Most museums and attractions offer a student discount as well. For example the Dublin Castle, the Kilmainham Gaol Jail in Dublin and King Johns Castle in Limerick.

Of course, visiting museums isn’t the only way to pass your time while in Ireland on a budget. But they are definitely worth it since this country has a long and eventful history, of which parts are hidden in every corner and sometimes in plain sight. Examples here include the Treaty Stone on the shore of the Shannon River and the Milk Market in Limerick, the Latin Quarter in Galway and the National Botanical Gardens of Ireland and Trinity College in Dublin.

Or maybe a tour of a whiskey distillery? The Teeling Whiskey Distillery offers tours of their facility, including a tasting of three of their whiskeys for 25€ (17€ in 2021) or a tour with a tasting of one Whiskey and a Whiskey Cocktail for 20€*.

Where to eat in Ireland on a Budget

I linked all of the mentioned foods in the map at the end of the blogpost.

In Dublin, you can find good international food for a low price (under 15€ with a drink). For example Han Sung Asian Market in the city centre where you can find Han Sung Korean Restaurant in the back of the store and get good Korean food for a low price. Or Masa Tacos where you can get Mexican Tacos near Dublin Castle.

You can find Cafés where you pay 10-12€ for french toast and a cappuccino, or eggs benedict and a latte macchiato, it just tasks a bit of digging or walking around. For your convenience here are some:

• The Art of Coffee – Dublin
• Coffee Works – Dublin
• Java’s Café – Galway

When choosing where to stay during your travels you should pay close attention if it includes breakfast, because that can save you a lot of money when you don’t have to worry about one meal of the day. If you can save a lot of money by not booking accommodation including breakfast you can always grab a sandwich at Tesco or Dunnes.

What 7 days in Ireland on a budget can look like (actual budget)

The accommodations I would stay at today (the OQT is the same I stayed at in 2021!), the attractions I went to (both free and paid for, with updated prices). Train tickets have stayed the same and plane tickets have only gotten 1€ more expensive!

Map of 7 days in Ireland on a Budget

How to read the map: Accommodations are burgundy, attractions and places are light blue, restaurants light green and cafés dark green. The transport routes aren’t on the map, because you can’t add public transport to those maps. I took the train from Dublin to Galway, then from Galway to Limerick and finally from Limerick to Dublin and a bus from the Dublin train-station to the airport.

Der Beitrag Ireland on a Budget – A Student travels in 2024 erschien zuerst auf Kaya Wanderlust.

Of course there is always more to see! Sapa, Ha Ging, Phong Na, Mui Ne, Da Lat and Can Tho are all great destinations within Vietnam as well, but when you only have a certain amount of time you can’t go everywhere.

This post contains affiliate links to things like tours and hotels. These help me earn a small commission at no additional charge to you. Every affiliate link is marked with a *.

Three weeks in Vietnam – Overview

Here is an overview of everything in this post, for convenience everything is linked to the part of the page where you can find it.

• Detailed itinerary for a three week trip to Vietnam
  • Hanoi
  • Ha Long Bay
  • Ninh Binh
  • Hue
  • Hai Van Pass
  • Da Nang
  • Hoi An
  • Saigon / Ho Chi Minh City
• Bucket List Experiences in Vietnam
• Trip preparations for spending three weeks in Vietnam
  • Vaccinations and common sense
  • Visa
  • SIM Card
  • Travel Insurance
  • Grab App
• Packing List for your Vietnam Trip
  • Travel essentials
  • Travel medications
  • Packing list for clothes
• Best travel time to visit Vietnam
• Map for three weeks in Vietnam

Three Weeks in Vietnam – The perfect itinerary

Try to find a one way flight with a stopover in Dubai (when flying from Europe), it is about half way to Hanoi and a long stopover is ideal to explore the city. For the way back, the perfect flight route will lead over Singapore, with a long stopover again to make the most of your trip. From Europe and America you will loose two days to transportation anyway, might as well make it count.

!! Remember that you need to show your ticket for the flight back to get through customs in some of the countries mentioned in this itinerary. !!

Stopover Dubai

During a stopover in Dubai over 8 hours you are allowed to leave the airport. While in Dubai it is implicit to visit the highest building in the world, the Burj Khalifa and the Dubai Mall below. Some beaches are connected to Hotels, but most beaches are public and have changing rooms and showers you can use, which is ideal to spend a few hours relaxing during a travel day.

If you don’t want to carry your luggage all day you can store it at Radicalstorage* on the way from the airport into the city for about 6,50€ per day.

Read more on a stopover in Dubai: 21-hour-long stopover in Dubai

Hanoi

As Vietnam’s capital Hanoi has a lot to offer, from delectable food and a great coffee culture, a fascinating history and interesting architecture, there is something for everyone. Only the traffic is hard to manage, but you will get used to it. The Old Quarter* is the best district to stay in, in Hanoi, since it is walkable, most sights and attractions are there, as well as great food and delicious coffee.

Must see places in Hanoi:

• Temple of Literature – first university in the country from 1070
• Vietnamese Women’s Museum
• Maison Centrale / Hoa Lo Prison
• Ancient house – in the style of a Hanoian house from the 19th century
• Thang Long Cathedral – a UNESCO World Heritage Site of the former imperial city of northern Vietnam
• Bunker D67⁠ – military headquarters of the People’s Army of Vietnam during the war between 1954 and 1975
• Vietnamese Military History Museum⁠, both Hanoi and Ho Chi Min City have big military history museums, its interesting to see the differences in how the war is shown in either museum
• Trấn Quốc Pagoda – the oldest Buddhist Temple in Hanoi
• Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre
• Indigo Store Hanoi – shop traditionally indigo dyed clothes and accessories
• Daos Care – get a herbal bath from the traditional recipe of the Dao people or a massage by a blind masseuse (they will find every little knot in your body)

Free things to do in Hanoi:

• Explore the maze like roads and ancient charm of the bustling Old Quarter
• Gardens around the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum⁠
• Hoàn Kiếm Lake, with the jade temple and red bridge⁠
• Train Street
• St. Joseph’s Cathedral – the oldest church in the city⁠
• Long Biên Bridge – an old railroad bridge⁠

Must try foods in Hanoi:

• Xôi xéo – sticky rice with shaved mung bean, liquid chicken fat, crunchy fried onions and pork floss. The perfect breakfast!
• Phở – Vietnam’s de facto national dish. A delicious soup consisting of savoury broth, rice noodles, herbs, and beef strips
• Bánh Rán – stuffed Vietnamese sticky rice doughnuts
• Bánh mì – crispy Baguette bun with different fillings
• Bún chả – Grilled pork belly, rice vermicelli, pickled carrot and papaya, dipping sauce or broth, served with greens, herbs, garlic and chilli

Drinks and Cafés in Hanoi:

• Vietnamese Coffee – traditional black coffee made in a Phin dripping pot at LE BERET (also try their London Fog tea and rose milk tea!)
• Egg Coffee – black coffee on foamy, sugared egg yolks at Cafe Phố Cổ
• Egg beer – the same egg mix, topped with a Saigon Special at Cafe Giảng
• Coconut Coffee – coconut slush ice with Vietnamese coffee on top at Cộng Cà Phê locations

The perfect day in Hanoi: Begin your day in Hanoi at sunrise with Xôi xéo from a street vendor in Hanoi, watch the commotion around Hoan Kiem lake while sipping on an egg coffee, before strolling through the Old Quarter from Hoa Lu Prison to the Train Street, to the Temple of Literature, to the Vietnamese Women Museum. In between have a Phở for lunch and finish your day with a Bánh mì Ha Noi (or two) and visit the evening show at Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre.

Read more on Hanoi: A perfect trip to Hanoi

Hanoi to Ha Long

Ha Long Bay; the Bay of the Descending Dragon, a UNESCO world heritage site, internationally well known from National Geographic. The over 2000 limestone mountains and green islands in the turquoise and emerald water are breathtaking, more so in person than in pictures.

To really enjoy the bay I recommend a two day / one night cruise. And maybe also don’t go to Ha Long Bay, but rather Bai Tu Long Bay, north of Ha Long Bay. It is less crowded, less tourists, but equally as beautiful and more tranquil.

Read more on Ha Long: Ha Long Bay Daytour – Is it worth it?

Ha Long to Ninh Binh

Ninh Binh really is a hidden gem of Vietnam. With Hoa Lu, the ancient capital of northern Vietnam, the Buddhist Bai Dinh Pagoda and Tam Cốc (sometimes called “dry Ha Long Bay“), the vastness of the lush green fields, surrounded by limestone mountains and without a soul nearby, it feels very peaceful. This is the least crowded place you will find in this itinerary for three weeks in Vietnam and it is refreshing to take a breather and imagine what life was like when this province was the heart of the country.

To really appreciate the natural beauty of Ninh Binh, take a sampan ride from Di sản Tràng An and visit the viewpoint Đầm sen Hang múa.

Read more on Ninh Binh: Hidden Gem – Ninh Binh Province Vietnam

Ninh Binh to Hue by train or night bus

From Ninh Binh you can catch a night sleeping bus, or book a bunk on a train over night to get to Hue. This is an experience in and of itself, not like a travel day, but its own adventure.

Huế

As the former capital of south Vietnam during the reign of the Nguyễn dynasty, Huế has a lot to offer in terms of historically important places. But whenever I heard someone in Vietnam talk about Hue – the city of emperors, they were always raving about the food.

Must see places in Huế:

• Hue Museum of Royal Antiquities in the former Long An Palace
• Imperial City Huê inside Hue Citadel, with the impressive Meridian Gate at the entrance. Visit it at night, too!
• Thiên Mụ Pagoda with the 7 storey Phuoc Duyen Tower
• Thomb of Gia Long – the last resting place of the Nguyen dynasties first emperor
  • You can take a dragon boat down the perfume river to get to the Pagoda and then to the Thomb!
• Tomb of Tự Đức / Khiêm Mausoleum – a huge, lush complex that was so much more than a thomb
• Tomb of Khải Định / Ứng Mausoleum – the most different thomb, because of French influence
• An Dinh Palace

Must try foods and drinks in Hue:

• Bánh bèo – Steamed rice-tapioca-cakes topped with dried shrimps, crispy pork skin, scallion oil and chili
• Bún bò Huế – Beef Noodle Soup with Blood Pudding and Shrimp-Ricecake
• Chè – “Sweet Soup” with choosable ingredients (like red bean, lotus, mung bean, coconut, etc.)
• Bánh Canh Nam Phổ – a thick, almost gelatinous broth from shrimp and pork, with chewy almost see-through noodles
• Nem Lụi Huế – Pork skewers with the minced meat wrapped around lemon grass
• Bún thịt nướng – Rice Noodles with grilled pork and peanut sauce
• Cà Phê Muối – Salt coffee (careful, it’s addicting ^^)

The perfect day in Hue: A hot, steaming bowl of Bún bò Huế is the perfect breakfast for an eventful day. Followed by a Cà Phê Muối (salt coffee) and a visit to the Imperial City Huê inside Hue Citadel. The Hue Museum of Royal Antiquities is a quick, but must see stop before a lunch of Bánh bèo, where you can eat as many of the small bowls as you like. For the afternoon you can either visit the Tombs of Tự Đức and Khải Định via motorbike, or the Tomb of Gia Long and Thiên Mụ Pagoda via dragonboat. For dinner a bowl of Bánh Canh Nam Phổ and for desert, while taking a walk along the illuminated Perfume River, a glass of Chè.

Read more on Hue: Hue – City of emperors. Food capital of Vietnam?

Hue to Da Nang by Motorbike via the Hai Van Pass

While there are several ways to get from Da Nang to Hue (the Highway with a tunnel through the mountains, the train again, which takes you along the coast with amazing views) I recommend driving across the Hai Van Pass on a Motorbike. I opted to take a motorbike tour with an experienced driver, as I am not one. The views are spectacular, the food on the way is delicious and when you are driving with a local you get to see places you couldn’t find on your own.

Read more on the Hai Van Pass: Da Nang to Hue via Hai Van Pass

Da Nang

Da Nang is the biggest city in Central Vietnam and one of the most modern cities in the country, with a high human development index and has been voted Vietnams most livable city. Since it mixes traditional food and architecture with modern technology and education I was excited to visit.

Must see places in Da Nang:

• Dragon Bridge – the iconic bridge crosses the Hàn River and breathes fire every Saturday and Sunday night at 9 PM
• Da Nang Fine Arts Museum – Huge collection of art, both pictures and crafted items
• Da Nang Fresco Village – Graffiti filled streets
• Đà Nẵng Museum – Mix of modern and old-timey museum exhibits about the history of the city from thousands of years ago to today
• Marble Mountains – Five mountains at the edge of the city, with caves and pagodas you can visit. From the top you also have a great view over the city
• My Khe Beach – Voted to be one of the Top 10 beaches worldwide (please don’t ask me by who, I don’t remember)

Must try foods and drinks in Da Nang:

• Bánh Khọt – tiny savoury pancakes wit shrimp
• Bò Lá Lốt– minced meat, wrapped in betel leaves and grilled
• Bánh mì at Bánh mì Cô Tiên, just as the cuisine changes throughout the country, the standart Banh Mi in Da Nang is very different from Hanoi or Saigon
• Bánh Xèo – crispy, savoury Vietnamese pancake with shrimp and pork, dipped in peanut sauce, at Bánh Xèo Bà Dưỡng
• Bánh Nâm, Banh bôt loc and Bánh ram it at Tâm (at 291 Nguyễn Chí Thanh)

Great drinks in Da Nang:

• Cafeholic – Loved the coffees, teas and pastries here
• ARROW Coffee and Foods – Try their lemon lemonade
• Cá Nóc Café – wonderful place to meet locals and have good and affordable drinks
• Goc Nha Tui Minh Teahouse – A traditional teahouse with an amazing selection of tea

The perfect day in Da Nang: Start your day with a Bánh mì while walking along the Han River towards the dragon bridge. Grab an iced Vietnamese coffee to go and walk through the colourful alleys of the Da Nang Fresco Village. Visit the Da Nang Fine Arts Museum and admire the artwork, before stopping at Tâm to try Bánh Nâm, Banh bôt loc and Bánh ram it. After lunch explore the caves and pagodas of the Marble Mountains. End your day with Bánh Xèo at Bánh Xèo Bà Dưỡng, then watch the sunset at My Khe Beach.

Read more on Da Nang: The two sides of Da Nang – Where to go

Hoi An

Hoi An is one of the first cities you will see when you are looking for a destination in Vietnam. The yellow houses, the colourful lanterns and it’s location near the ocean make it a very popular travel destination. Due to gaining international attention in recent years Hoi An has already changed a lot and is continuing to change with the increasing influx of tourists. Some of these changes are positive, some negative, but it remains to be seen if tourism will be more of a blessing or a curse for this historic town.

Must see places in Hoi An:

• Hoi An Ancient Town – you can enter the ancient town for free, but you have to buy a ticket to get admission the sights. One ticket is good for five admissions, I recommend these:
  • Fujian Assembly Hall / Hoi Quan Phuoc Kien
  • Tan Ky Ancient House
  • Japanese Bridge / Chùa Cầu
  • Cantonese Assembly Hall / Quang Trieu Pagoda
  • Museum of Folk Culture
• Precious Heritage Museum – portraits, costumes and traditional garb of the 54 ethnic groups of Vietnam
• My Son Sanctuary – originally a Cham temple site, today a UNESCO World Heritage Site, about 40km from Hoi An
• An Bang Beach

Must try foods and drinks in Hoi An:

• Cao lầu – Cao Lầu noodles, chewy and crunchy, barbecue pork, greens
• Bánh xèo – Crispy rice flour pancake with shrimp and pork
• Bánh mì – Vietnamese sandwich with filling of your choice
• Mì Quảng – Rice noodles in a strong broth with chicken, crispy rice cracker and greens
• Cơm Gà – Chicken rice
• Mango Cake – Chewy sticky rice cake (similar to Mochi) filled with candied peanuts
• Seafood – Clams, mussels, fish and other seafood dishes, directly on the beach

Cafés and drinks in Hoi An:

• Mót – herbal tea with lime, lemongrass, jasmine, lotus leaf, ginger and more
• Salted roasted Oolong at 92 Station Café – with an amazing view over the rooftops of Hoi An
• The Espresso Station – try their coffees, but also the butterfly-pea-tea
• Reaching out Teahouse – take a break from the noise and crowds and enjoy some calming tea
• Brown Sugar Boba Milk, Iced Matcha Latte or Vietnamese Coffees at 1989 Cafe

Experiences in Hoi An:

• Hidden Hoi An Tour at 4:30 AM – To see what people usually don’t see you have to get up at a time most people aren’t awake yet.
• Coffee Workshop – Learn how to make different coffee specialties
• Lantern Boat Ride on the Thu Bon River
• Bamboo Workshop – Make your own bamboo lamp, glasses case, box, tankard, etc.
• Basketboat Tour & Cooking Class
• Lantern Workshop – Make your own Hoi An Lantern
• Leather Workshop – Make your own leather wallet, handbag, etc.
• Getting clothes tailored – It’s fast, affordable and high quality (Go in on your first day. While it is fast, you still want to give enough time to allow for adjustments!)

The perfect day in Hoi An: A bowl of Mì Quảng, followed by a coffee at The Espresso Station is the perfect start to a day. Buy a ticket to the ancient town and visit five of the sights (the ones I recommend are listed above) to immerse yourself in Hoi An history and culture. Grab a Mót tea in between. For lunch you can try more than one Bánh mì at more and less famous places. In the afternoon opt for a workshop, tour or cooking class. For dinner try the famous Cao lầu and end your day with a Lantern Boat Ride on the Thu Bon River.

Read more on Hoi An: Hoi An – Vietnams most charming city? 

Da Nang to Saigon by plane

Of course you can take a night bus or the train again to get from Da Nang to Saigon, but that will take you over 12 hours and there are cheap local flights for less than 25€.

Saigon / Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh City has won several awards over the last years, the last ones in 2023, as one of the top travel destinations in Asia in general and Vietnam in particular. Ho Chi Minh City, previously called Saigon or Sài Gòn, had a name change after the end of the US-Vietnam war in 1976. With Saigon having been the seat of the south Vietnamese government the US influence is very obvious here and the city is very different to other big cities in Vietnam like Hanoi and Da Nang.

Must see places in HCMC:

• Museum of Ho Chi Minh City in the former Gia Long Palace
• History Museum of Ho Chi Minh City
• Independence Palace – the site has seen French occupation (twice), Japanese occupation, the “Republic of Vietnam”, a coup d’état and not one but two wars that were decided right on its doorstep
• War Remnants Museum – permanent and temporary exhibitions range from the First Indochina War, up until the end of the Vietnam War in 1975
• Tan Dinh Church – the pink church
• Củ Chi Tunnels – built during the French occupation and later enlarged and used more extensively during the Vietnam war

Free things to do in HCMC:

• Ten Thousand Buddha Temple
• Cafe Apartments – built in the mid-1960s as an apartment block, today it’s filled with many small cafes and shops
• Saigon Central Post Office – A remainder of the French colonial period of southern Vietnam / Indochina
• Cà Phê Đỗ Phủ – this cafés basement was used as a hideout and shelter for the Viet Cong operating within South Vietnam’s capital during the war
• Nguyen Thien Thuat apartment blocks – built in the late 1800s, during French occupation

Must eat food in HCMC:

• Bò Né – beef, sausage, pate and an egg, served on a sizzling hot cast iron pan, served with banh mi bread, veggies and greens
• Bún thịt nướng, rice vermicelli, spring rolls, sliced veggies, peanut sauce, pig skin crackers
• Sticky rice with different toppings
• Chuối Nếp Nướng – banana, wrapped in sticky rice, grilled, then topped with coconut sauce and sweet sesame
• Bánh Mì – this time the south Vietnamese versions
• Bò Lá Lốt – minced beef, wrapped in Betel leaves and grilled

Drinks and Cafés in HCMC:

• Sugarcane juice – with ice and kumquats
• Lemon ice tea at a cafe with immaculate vibes at S’mores Saigon
• Salt Coffee and Golden Boba Crepe Cake at Cheese Coffee – 15 Pasteur

The perfect day in Ho Chi Minh City: Begin your day in Ho Chi Minh City in the early morning with Bò Né, then visit the Ten Thousand Buddha Temple close by, before heading to Saigon Central Post Office right as it opens to avoid the crowds, afterwards have a coffee at Cà Phê Đỗ Phủ and see the hidden basement. After a lunch of Chuối Nếp Nướng, visit the Independence Palace to explore south Vietnamese history. While unpacking all of that in the late afternoon you can stroll along Nguyễn Huệ street to see (and have coffee at) the Cafe Apartments. End your day with a visit to the Nguyen Thien Thuat apartment bloc and eat Bò Lá Lốt.

Read more on Saigon: Ho Chi Minh City – Top travel destination in Asia

!! If possible fly back home with a stopover in Singapore to explore Jewel Airport. !!

Stopover Singapore

The Jewel at Changi Airport in Singapore is worth a visit alone, even if you don’t have enough time to see the city itself. However, to enter the Jewel you still have to go through customs, which is only possible if your stopover is longer than 6 hours.

Inside the Jewel you can see the Rain Vortex, the worlds highest indoor waterfall, as well as over 200 shops, cafes and restaurants and many attractions. I spend most of my time sitting among the trees, watching the rain vortex and sipping on different drinks (I recommend the milk teas at Chun Yang and The Alley).

Read more on a stopover in Singapore: 8 hour stopover at Changi Airport Singapore

Bucket List Experiences in Vietnam

Begin your day in Hanoi at sunrise with Xôi xéo from a street vendor in Hanoi, watch the commotion around Hoan Kiem lake while sipping on an egg coffee, before strolling through the Old Quarter from Hoa Lu Prison to the Train Street, to the Temple of Literature, to the Vietnamese Women Museum. In between have a Phở for lunch and finish your day with a Bánh mì Ha Noi (or two) and visit the evening show at Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre.

Stay overnight on a cruise through Ha Long Bay and marvel at the emerald water and limestone islands.

Explore the peaceful and vast nature of Ninh Binh, first high up from the viewpoint at Đầm sen Hang múa, then by water on a sampan ride through Tam Cốc.

A hot, steaming bowl of Bún bò Huế is the perfect breakfast for an eventful day in Huế. Followed by a Cà Phê Muối (salt coffee) and a visit to the Imperial City Huế inside Huế Citadel. The Hue Museum of Royal Antiquities is a quick, but must see stop before a lunch of Bánh bèo, where you can eat as many of the small bowls as you like. For the afternoon you can either visit the Tombs of Tự Đức and Khải Định via motorbike, or the Tomb of Gia Long and Thiên Mụ Pagoda via dragonboat. For dinner a bowl of Bánh Canh Nam Phổ and for desert, while taking a walk along the illuminated Perfume River, a glass of Chè.

Drive through the clouds on a motorbike across the Hai Van Pass, enjoy a delicious seafood lunch and cool off in one of the natural springs on the way from Hue to Da Nang.

Start your day in Da Nang with a Bánh mì while walking along the Han River towards the dragon bridge. Grab an iced Vietnamese coffee to go and walk through the colourful alleys of the Da Nang Fresco Village. Visit the Da Nang Fine Arts Museum and admire the artwork, before stopping at Tâm to try Bánh Nâm, Banh bôt loc and Bánh ram it. After lunch explore the caves and pagodas of the Marble Mountains. End your day with Bánh Xèo at Bánh Xèo Bà Dưỡng, then watch the sunset at My Khe Beach.

A bowl of Mì Quảng, followed by a coffee at The Espresso Station is the perfect start to a day in Hoi An. Buy a ticket to the ancient town and visit five of the sights (the ones I recommend are listed above) to immerse yourself in Hoi An history and culture. Grab a Mót tea in between. For lunch you can try more than one Bánh mì at more and less famous places. In the afternoon opt for a workshop, tour or cooking class. For dinner try the famous Cao lầu and end your day with a Lantern Boat Ride on the Thu Bon River.

Begin your day in Ho Chi Minh City in the early morning with Bò Né, then visit the Ten Thousand Buddha Temple close by, before heading to Saigon Central Post Office right as it opens to avoid the crowds, afterwards have a coffee at Cà Phê Đỗ Phủ and see the hidden basement. After a lunch of Chuối Nếp Nướng, visit the Independence Palace to explore south Vietnamese history. While unpacking all of that in the late afternoon you can stroll along Nguyễn Huệ street to see (and have coffee at) the Cafe Apartments. End your day with a visit to the Nguyen Thien Thuat apartment bloc and eat Bò Lá Lốt.

Preparations for spending three weeks in Vietnam

There are some things you should take care of before departing on your trip. Of course, booking places to stay and tickets for transportation as well as the main tours you want to do is part of it, but there are more things you should consider before embarking on your trip:

Vaccinations and common sense

Advised vaccines for a trip to Vietnam are:

• Tetanus (It is advised generally, I’m just mentioning it to cover everything)
• Hepatitis A
• Hepatitis B
• Diphtheria
• Pertussis (whooping cough)
• Measles
• Polio
• Dengue
• If you are over 60 years old, also consider getting a pneumococci vaccination

As a person who grew up in Germany and lived their formative years in the 90s and 00s I was already vaccinated against Polio, Tetanus and Measles. Before my first Vietnam trip I got a refresher of Tetanus, as well as the vaccinations against Diphtheria and Pertussis. The second trip required three Covid vaccinations. Before the third trip, which included south Vietnam, I also got the vaccine against Dengue. However, I never got the Hepatitis vaccinations as they take several weeks to build up immunity and I never planned far enough in advance.

That’s where common sense comes in: You can only get vaccinated against Hepatitis A and B, which are most likely acquired by eating something infected or close body contact. You can avoid that by only eating something you saw die, you saw being peeled, something that has been boiled, fried or grilled thoroughly. And of course by not sharing bodily fluids with strangers. Hepatitis C is often transmitted via infected blood transfusions, but in a situation where you’ll need a blood transfusion you won’t be conscious enough to refuse it anyway.

E-Visa

Individuals from several countries can enter Vietnam without a visa for 15 to 45 days as a tourist. For three weeks you can get an e-visa, which is valid for 90 days for tourists. There is ONE official website and you can apply and pay directly on it: https://evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn/web/guest/trang-chu-ttdt

!! If you have a VPN enabled you might get a white page instead of the payment portal, turn your VPN off during the process and it should work fine. !!

Get a Vietnamese SIM Card or eSIM

Even though you can find free wifi everywhere in Vietnam, a Vietnamese SIM or an eSIM still make sense, especially for navigation and translations purposes. Also it is much easier to stay in contact with people, since almost everyone uses WhatsApp. I got a SIM card directly at the airport from vinaphone, which is cheap, although not the cheapest (12€ for 10 GB of mobile data every day).

You can get cheaper versions in stores of every bigger city, but not all of them will work in every phone. Especially European and phone from the USA might reject the “foreign” SIM card.

If you want to arrive fully prepared and keep your current SIM in your phone, look into getting an eSIM*. It works like a virtual SIM card on your phone:

Travel Insurance

Having travel insurance in case of sickness, accidents or even death is always a good idea. Depending on where you’re from and where you’re going there are many different options. My advice is to go for the most affordable one, that still covers at least 50k in liability.

If you are from Germany, look into the travel insurance options of the ADAC. Although they are called the “General Automobile Club Germany” they offer much more. That is NOT an affiliate link by the way, but I have had nothing but positive experiences in insurance cases with them.

And bring a copy of the declaration of the amount of your travel insurance with you, you can get asked for it at the immigration counter. I got asked once in three trips.

Download the Grab VN App

I am not sponsored by them or even affiliated with them, but I want to share what was most helpful for me during my trips and Grab works so much better than Uber and any other ride-booking plattform.

Upon arriving in Vietnam you’ll quickly realize that the best way to discover the ins and outs of this countries bustling cities (and also the countryside) is on the back of a motorbike or scooter with a local. It’s also the best way to get from point A to point B. To avoid scams, simply download the Grab VN App to your phone, set up a profile and add a payment method. Now you can book rides wherever and whenever and always see upfront what your ride will cost you. It also works for food deliveries!

Packing list for three weeks in Vietnam

General travel advice I will give time and time again is to invest in suitcase dividers. You can sort your stuff much easier and you can fit more into the same space. You can also keep your laundry and shoes separate and by that your other clothes clean and tidy.

Important and helpful stuff to pack:

• Sunscreen!!! You cannot buy the ones you are used to here. The only ones I found also had bleach in them.
• Bamboo Travel towel* (Bamboo dries fast)
• High quality Mosquito Net (you can often get one at accomodations, but not all of them are free of holes or mould and most are tiny)
• Insect repellent containing DEET, Icaridin, or IR3535 (to protect against the mosquitoes that transfer Malaria, Zika and/or Dengue)
• Adapter to charge your electronics if necessary. In Vietnam C is standard (also A and B in some regions), but you can also use plug type F and type E is also fully compatible. Check the Website Worldstandards.eu to see weather your countries plug is compatible.
• You don’t need a water filter. Buy bottled water, it is cheap and you save on luggage space

Travel medications

In my experience these are most important:

• Ibuprofen (paid meds that also reduce fever and inflammation)
• Loperamide (against diarrhea)
• Electrolyte medication like HYDRAlyte (after the diarrhea)

Also bring a list (business card sized) in English and Vietnamese of any and all medications you regularly take and your allergies. Take it with you everywhere you go.

Clothes to bring for three weeks Vietnam

For my planning, I knew I could wash my stuff the first day I arrived in Hoi An. This is what I brought with me. It fit, with room to spare, into a carry on luggage.

• 14 pairs of underpants and socks (Can you wear sandals? Yes. Do I advise against it? Strongly.)
• 4 short sleeved T-Shirts
• 6 sleeveless Tops
• 2 long sleeved linen Button-Downs
• 2 Dresses
• 2 pairs of knee long Jeans
• 1 pair of long linen Trousers
• 1 sun-proof and UV proof jacket (I bought it in Vietnam, if you don’t have one you can do the same)
• 1 pair of comfortable shoes in your luggage (one on your feet)
  • You WILL need two, your feet will get wet.
  • Don’t worry about slippers, all accomodations provided them so far

Best travel time for a Vietnam trip

The best time for a trip to Hanoi, in my opinion, is from March to May, just at the end of the rainy season and before the main travel season. The weather is hot and humid, but that’s always the case. While I was there the temperatures during the day averaged 28 in northern Vietnam, Da Nang and Hoi An and 38 in Hue and southern Vietnam.

Map for your trip – three weeks in Vietnam

Every one of the 92 dots is a place (house), something to see or do (camera), a street vendor or restaurant (fork and knife), a cafe (coffee mug) or something special about the city (star).

Red is everything in and around Hanoi
Orange is everything in and around Ha Long
Yellow is everything in and around Ninh Binh
Green is everything in and around Hue
Dark blue is everything in and around Da Nang
Light blue is everything in and around Hoi An
Purple is everything in and around Ho Chi Minh City / Saigon

You can also download this map into your own Google Maps App by clicking here.

Other Vietnam Itineraries – by interest

Der Beitrag Three weeks in Vietnam – Everything you need to know erschien zuerst auf Kaya Wanderlust.