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Hanoi, Vietnam
Start in the chaotic and charming Old Quarter — explore Hoan Kiem Lake, grab bun cha for lunch, and sip bia hoi on the corner streets. Book a night train or bus south from here. Don't miss the Temple of Literature and a street food tour.
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Hà Giang, Vietnam
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Sapa, Vietnam
Head northwest for stunning rice terrace trekking and hill tribe villages — Fansipan summit is worth the effort. Stay in a homestay in Cat Cat or Ta Van village for an authentic experience. Overnight sleeper train from Hanoi makes it budget-friendly.
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Hạ Long Bay, Vietnam
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Ninh Binh, Vietnam
Known as 'Halong Bay on land', rent a bicycle and explore Tam Coc by rowing boat through dramatic limestone karsts. Trang An is a UNESCO site and a must-do half-day trip. Budget guesthouses are plentiful and the area is very backpacker-friendly.
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Phong Nha, Vietnam
Home to some of the world's largest caves including Phong Nha and the epic Dark Cave adventure experience. Rent a motorbike to explore the jungle roads and stop at the Pub With Cold Beer for a legendary backpacker vibe. A sleeper bus connects Ninh Binh and Phong Nha overnight.
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Da Nang, Vietnam
Use Da Nang as a base for the Marble Mountains and the famous Dragon Bridge — stay to watch it breathe fire on weekend nights. My Khe Beach is long, clean, and free. Great transport hub with cheap buses and trains heading north or south.
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Hoi An, Vietnam
The lantern-lit Ancient Town is UNESCO-listed and endlessly photogenic — walk across the Japanese Covered Bridge and browse the tailor shops. Rent a bike to reach An Bang Beach for a lazy afternoon. Try cao lau and white rose dumplings at the local market.
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Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
End the trip in the buzzing megacity — visit the War Remnants Museum, Cu Chi Tunnels, and the Ben Thanh Market area. Pham Ngu Lao is the backpacker district with cheap hostels, street food, and buzzing nightlife. A great city to decompress, splurge on a farewell meal, and fly home from.