10 Days in Vietnam 2024 - A Travel Documentary

Vietnam. Imagine discovering Vietnam for the very first time, 10 days, 6 incredible destinations. From the chaotic charm of Hanoi through the breathtaking peaks of Sa Pa. The serene beauty of Ha Long Bay and Ninh Binh, to the sun-soaked shores of Da Nang and the ancient streets of Hoi An. Let me show you how to travel Vietnam. Our journey begins in the heart of the capital, the Old Quarter. Wandering through the narrow lively streets of the Old Quarter, you'll be surrounded by the sights, sounds, and smells of traditional Hanoi. We took a break at Cafe Giang, a local favorite, and tried Hanoi's famous egg coffee, creamy, sweet, and uniquely Vietnamese. Next, we strolled around Hon Kiem Lake, an oasis of calm in the middle of the bustling city. For lunch, the best Banh Mi Hanoi has to offer. Crispy on the outside, soft and flavorful on the inside, this Vietnamese sandwich is a must-try. After the delicious Banh Mi, we heading to Train Street, where you can watch as trains pass by just inches away from homes and cafes. The train schedule changes often, but the cafe owners always know when the train will go through. A thrilling experience you can only find in Hanoi. In the late afternoon, we head to Tran Quoc Pagoda on the shores of West Lake, the oldest Buddhist temple in Hanoi. When the sunset approaches, you will find everyone who has a camera lining up to get the best shot of the pagoda with the sunset in the background. The pagoda is located at the West Lake, one of the most picturesque areas in the city. The calm waters and laid-back vibe offer a contrast to the bustling Old Quarter. Starting the day as always with a coffee. After a peaceful morning, we head out for a day trip to Ha Long Bay. Sailing through towering limestone casts and emerald waters, exploring one of Vietnam's World Heritage Natural Wonders, and soak in the serenity of this otherworldly landscape. Back in Hanoi, we ending the day with the lively atmosphere of Beer Street, where locals and travelers gather for cheap drinks, great food, and a vibrant nightlife scene. The perfect way to unwind after a long day. Kicking off our morning at Loading Tea Cafe, a cozy cafe known for its beautifully brewed coffee and vintage charm. Next, we are heading over to the Bat Trang Pottery Museum to get a glimpse of Vietnam's rich pottery traditions. Exploring the craftsmanship and artistry that have been passed down for generations and maybe even try our hands at creating something ourselves. Time for lunch with a steaming bowl of Pho at one of Hanoi's famous local restaurants. This is a Michelin star true taste of Vietnam that you can't miss. After lunch, we dive into Vietnam's rich history at the Temple of Literature, the country's first university. Wandering through its peaceful courtyards and learning about the country's academic history. For the sunset, we are hopping on a bus tour to explore the city in comfort. It's a great way to see more of Hanoi's landmarks and get a deeper understanding of its vibrant history and culture. Ending the day with a peaceful evening stroll around Hoan Kiem Lake. As night falls, the lake becomes illuminated by soft lights offering a magical atmosphere. You should enter the Ngoc Son Temple, located on an island in the middle of the lake and soak in the peaceful atmosphere. On day four, we are heading for a day trip exploring the stunning landscapes of Ninh Binh, often called Ha Long Bay on land. This day trip as the Ha Long Bay trip can be organized by any hotel you stay at in Hanoi. Explore the beauty of Tam Coc, wander through its picturesque landscapes and charming villages at your own pace, whether by zipping through on a motorbike or leisurely pedaling on a bicycle. After returning to Hanoi, we dive into the vibrant night market in the Old Quarter. While waiting for our bus to supper, we treated ourselves to a sweet snack at King Roti Pastry, famous for its freshly baked buns with a soft, flavorful filling. Wrapping up Hanoi by catching an overnight bus to supper. Not only will you save on accommodation, but you'll wake up to the misty mountains of northern Vietnam. You will arrive at the bus office in supper, and you will be changing to a smaller vehicle to take you to your hotel. After the check-in, we wasted no time and went for our first adventure to Phan Thi Phan Mountain. To get there, we're taking the monorail from Sapa Station to the cable car station, which is a unique experience itself. From here, you will be taking the cable car to Phan Thi Phan Mountain. This cable car service holds two Guinness World Records for the longest non-stop, three-rope cable car in the world. The ride offers stunning panoramic views of the Hoang Linh Sun Mountain Range and the lush valleys below. Arriving at the top, we were greeted with clouds, which gave the place a unique surreal vibe. Phan Thi Phan Mountain is the highest mountain in Indochina, which includes Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam. After we came back, we decided to try a local barbecue spot. We had an array of grilled meats, vegetables, and some delicious dipping sauces. On our second day, we went to explore the city of Sapa. Walking around is the best way to soak in the atmosphere and discover hidden gems. Next, we went to the Kong Cafe. The decor is fascinating, with old Vietnamese memorabilia with a vibe so unique that gives you a real sense of history. After the coffee, we took a nighttime stroll through the town. Sapa transforms at night with colorful lights and a lively atmosphere. We're starting our third day with a hike to Cat Cat Village. The views along the way are like something out of a fairy tale. The lush greenery and distant mountains make for a truly magical experience. Arriving in Cat Cat Village feels like stepping back in time. This traditional Hmong village is full of charm. Take a walk around and you'll see traditional weaving, local food stalls, and the warm hospitality of the villagers. The village has a wonderful atmosphere and you can really sense the rich cultural heritage. After a full day exploring Cat Cat Village, we're heading back to Sapa. Once we're back in town, we're off to the Sapa Night Market. The night market is a great place to pick up some delicious food and enjoy the lively atmosphere. After the delicious food, we're heading to a cozy cafe for a final drink. The next morning we caught an early bus from Sapa back to Hanoi Airport. After a quick flight, arriving in Da Nang, a vibrant coastal city with much to offer. After checking into our hotel, we picked up our motorbike to explore the city with freedom and flexibility. Da Nang is best seen on two wheels. First thing first, some coffee at 43 Factory Coffee Roaster, known for its beautiful design and excellent coffee. This specialty cafe offers some of the best brews in the city, with a focus on high quality, ethically sourced beans. Next, we heading to the Marble Mountains, a stunning cluster of limestone hills, pagodas and caves. Hike to the top for panoramic views of Da Nang and the coastline. Back to the city, we enjoyed a casual dinner by the beach with some wood-fired pizza from the herbal food truck. Take a leisurely night walk along Da Nang's promenade and beach, where the city's coastline comes alive with lights and activity. Before calling it a night and still having some space left, we grabbed the best banh mi in Da Nang for a late night snack. It's the perfect way to end the day. Starting our day with a cup of expertly hand-brewed coffee at Brewing Hood. This spot is a hidden gem in Da Nang, known for its dedication to the art of coffee making. After the coffee, we heading for a day trip to Hoi An. First stop, Madam Khan, the banh mi queen, one of the best banh mis in Vietnam. It's the perfect breakfast for the day ahead. Next, we went to explore the ancient town. You can explore the town by walking around or rent a bike if you prefer a leisurely ride. While exploring, we stopped by 92 Station Cafe. Located in the middle of town, it offers the best views of Hoi An. Just a few steps away is the Museum of Trade Ceramics. This museum provides fascinating insights into Hoi An's trading history and showcases beautiful ceramic artifacts. A few more steps and you'll find yourself in the bustling day market. From fresh produce to local handicrafts, it's a vibrant place to experience local culture. Continue your journey to the old house of Thanh Khai. This well-preserved home offers a glimpse into traditional Vietnamese architecture and the life of a wealthy merchant family. While waiting for the night lanterns, you can go to An Bang Beach. Just five minutes from Hoi An, it's a perfect place to relax and enjoy the sun. As night approaches, head to Sakura Restaurant for dinner. Enjoy delicious food and the best view of the river as the lantern starts to light up. After dinner, take a magical boat ride on the river. Surrounded by lanterns and sparkling lights, it's a truly unforgettable experience. Next I went to the night market to get more delicious food, shop for souvenirs and soak in the lively atmosphere. Then stroll through the ancient streets, beautifully lit up at night. You might discover this hidden gem. Here I enjoyed the serene yet vibrant ambience and called it a night. At our final day, we made a trip to the famous Banner Hills theme park. It offers cooler weather, beautiful gardens and attractions like the famous Golden Bridge supported by giant stone hands. After our adventure at Banner Hills, we are heading to the beach to unwind. Caribou Food Truck Cafe is perfect for a refreshing drink while taking in the beach vibes. As the sun sets, we visit the impressive Dragon Bridge. You will catch the fire-breathing display in the evening, a must-see spectacle in Da Nang. End the day by exploring Son Tra Night Market, where you can enjoy street food, shop for souvenirs and immerse yourself in Da Nang's lively night scene. And here, how much a 10-day trip to Vietnam can cost you.