Vietnam
Vietnam is full of contrasts — chaotic streets, peaceful countryside, built up cities and remote mountainous regions. I write about the journeys I’ve taken, the detours worth taking, and the tips I’ve picked up along the way.
How to Get to Ha Giang from Hanoi (& Sapa): Everything You Need to Know
If you’re planning the Ha Giang Loop, one of the first questions you’ll find yourself googling is how to actually get there. Ha Giang is in the far north of Vietnam, about 300km from Hanoi, and there are no flights and no direct trains — which means your only option is by road. The good…
How Much Does the Ha Giang Loop Cost? A Backpacker’s Breakdown
If you’re planning the Ha Giang Loop in Vietnam, chances are budget is somewhere in your thinking. It’s one of those experiences that sounds like it could cost a lot — four days, accommodation, transport, a guide — but the reality is that it’s one of the most affordable multi-day adventures you’ll do in Southeast…
Onward Travel for Southeast Asia: Proof of Onward Ticket for Thailand, Vietnam & More
If you’re planning a backpacking trip through Southeast Asia, one of the first things you’ll run into at airports or border checkpoints is the requirement for proof of onward travel. Even if you’re a British passport holder entering visa-exempt countries like Thailand or Vietnam, airlines and immigration officers may ask to see that you plan to leave…
Is the Ha Giang Loop Dangerous? What Backpackers Need to Know Before You Ride
The Ha Giang Loop is hyped up as the best thing you’ll do in Vietnam. And honestly? It for me it was the highlight of my entire backpacking trip and up there with one of the highlights of my entire life so far. Four days of misty mountain passes, limestone cliffs that don’t look real,…
Vietnam North to South Itinerary (One Month Backpacking Route)
Vietnam is one of those countries where the route almost plans itself. There’s a natural north-to-south flow, a well-worn backpacker trail, and transport that makes long distances far less intimidating than they look on a map. I spent one full month travelling Vietnam, moving entirely overland by bus, starting in Hanoi and finishing in Ho Chi Minh…
How to Book Transport When Travelling Across Vietnam
Travelling Vietnam from north to south sounds complicated on paper, long distances, overnight journeys, different transport options, but in reality, it’s one of the easiest countries in Southeast Asia to get around. If this is your first long backpacking trip, Vietnam is actually a brilliant place to start. Getting around is simple, affordable, and very geared…
Does World Nomads Travel Insurance Cover the Ha Giang Loop?
This page contains affiliate links. If you’re planning the legendary Ha Giang Loop in northern Vietnam, think winding, jaw-dropping motorbike route through vast mountain passes, chances are you’re also asking one of the most important questions for your trip: will World Nomads travel insurance actually cover me if something goes wrong? I spent a lot of…
Travel Insurance for the Ha Giang Loop: What You Need to Know Before You Ride
If you’re doing the Ha Giang Loop (and yes, you absolutely should), travel insurance is one of those things you might think you can skip… until you need it. For my backpacking trip to Southeast Asia I did a lot of research (and had a few panics). My answer to What Travel Insurance is Best for…
How to Get a Local SIM Card in Vietnam
Staying connected in Vietnam, and anywhere else in the world for that matter, makes travelling so much easier—from ordering a Grab taxi in Hanoi to finding the best cafés in Ho Chi Minh City. Luckily, getting a local SIM card in Vietnam is straightforward and affordable. Here’s everything you need to know. Where to Buy…
The Best Vegan Food I Ate in Vietnam And Where to Find It
Vietnam is an absolute dream for backpackers: vibrant cities, dramatic landscapes, and some of the cheapest travel in Southeast Asia. But what’s it like travelling the country as a vegan? Spoiler: it’s totally doable—but not always effortless. During my backpacking trip through Vietnam, I managed to eat incredibly well (most of the time), found a…
An Unforgettable Homestay in Sapa, Vietnam & The TikTok That Changed a Family’s Life
There’s a reason we travel that goes beyond the sights. We might book a flight to tick another country off our list — but the moments that stay with us are almost always about people. That’s exactly what I was reminded of during my time in a small homestay in Muong Hoa Valley, near Sapa Town,…
The Ha Giang Loop : The Ultimate 4-Day Adventure in Northern Vietnam
*Pai Adventure kindly offered for Alex & I to go on their 4 day 3 night Ha Giang Experience Tour at a discounted rate, so this was a partly gifted experience. The Ha Giang Loop is one of the most popular activities to do when in Vietnam. This iconic motorbike route takes you through the…