Nadia Halfway
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3 Months in Vietnam: A Solo Journey to Find My Way

by Nadia Halfway0168

Last Updated on October 15, 2026 by Nadia Halfway

📜 Introduction.

I have already been to Vietnam years ago, between my short trip to Malaysia after spending 2 months across Thailand and before moving to Indonesia.

However, my short 5-day trip to this beautiful country wasn’t enough to deeply explore its soul, breathtaking landscapes, and immense Vietnamese culture. Moreover, the brief time I spent in Vietnam was just in Hanoi and Da Nang, and I mostly stayed at the hostel because I wasn’t feeling quite well.

As my blog grew and so did my project on Diabetes and Travels, alongside many other things happening in my life right now, I had the desire to embark on a new solo adventure. That is why I chose to spend 90 days in Vietnam on a solo journey to find my way.

3-months-in-vietnam-a-solo-journey-to-find-my-way

⚠️Disclaimer: Some of the websites below are affiliate links or require a promo code for receiving a discount. If you book through them or use my personal promo code at the time of subscription or reservation, I’ll earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you), and you’ll get a discount or a special promotion too. It’s a win–win!

Please be aware that affiliate links may expire and promo codes may reach their usage limit. If you find that a link or code no longer works, kindly let me know. I’ll be happy to share an updated one (if available) directly with you.

🤔 Why Vietnam?

If you asked me why Vietnam, I couldn’t give you an answer. I love all Asian countries: some intrigue me more, some less. After spending 2 months in Thailand and 1 month in China, I decided to explore Vietnam deeply, as I have this sort of regret that I haven’t invested enough effort and time the first time I came here.

I would like this journey to be as meaningful as the one in Thailand, less rushed than China, and as relaxing as Indonesia, without missing out on the adventurous part and even some tourist activities.

For this reason, I’ve fitted volunteer weeks into the itinerary, chosen to stay mainly in guesthouses, and decided to book most of the experiences directly with local businesses.

💗 Be Part of My Journey.

As you can see from the rest of the article, this is a very intense, demanding, and even expensive itinerary.

Even though I’ve already booked (and will book) most of the accommodation, transport and activities with my own money, I still have a long way to go. Backpacking with a one-way ticket is risky, but doing so with a chronic illness such as Type 1 Diabetes, and its unpredictable moods, is even more dangerous.

Nevertheless, I am undertaking this long journey to prove to myself that I can do such experiences despite my age, my gender, and especially my disease.

That is why I have decided to open a fundraiser to have a resources for any emergency that might happen to me during the trip, especially because, to date, there is no travel insurance that truly covers diabetes and mishaps related to it during long trips (at least not for Italian citizens).

Part of what you give will be then donated to a Diabetes Foundation. Contributions are voluntary, so feel free to donate whatever you feel like.

I want to clarify that I am not asking you to pay for my trip: as I said, some things have already been booked and any leisure activity will be paid with my own funds. The money you eventually donate will be used as an emergency and safety fund, to help local communities, and especially to donate to a reliable Diabetes Association in the hope of finding a cure.

If you prefer not to donate to this specific cause but still want to support my project, you can consider offering me a virtual coffee by clicking the button below.

Buy me a coffee

🌡️ Vietnam Weather Zones: Understanding the Microclimates.

My trip to Vietnam was imagined long ago. I had been dreaming of another backpacking trip for ages, but I only planned everything in less than two months. So I will land in Hanoi soon.

During my research, I learned that Vietnam has 3 microclimates:

  • North (Hanoi, Ninh Binh, Ha Giang, Sapa, Ha Long Bay, Cat Ba). Luckily, October is by far the best month: the dry season has only just begun, the skies are clear and temperatures are mild (16 to 28°C). Buckwheat flowers are in bloom in Ha Giang and the second golden rice harvest is underway in Sa Pa. The risk of typhoons is virtually nil (the peak season in the north is June to August). I will focus more time on the capital this time, and then I want to deeply explore the north.
  • Central Vietnam (Phong Nha, Hoi An, Da Nang, Hue). This is the area of the country most at risk between October and November, the absolute peak of typhoons and torrential rain, especially in Da Nang, Hoi An and Hue. As I have already been to Da Nang and Hoi An, I decided not to stay long here, and I may skip them altogether depending on the weather once I get there (including the volunteering project I have in mind). However, I will dedicate at least 3 to 4 days to exploring Hue, and I will reach Da Nang via the Hải Vân mountain pass train.
  • South (Da Lat, Ho Chi Minh City, Mekong Delta, Phu Quoc). Virtually no risk of typhoons throughout the year. November marks the start of the dry season, ideal for rounding off the trip with a relaxing beach holiday in Phu Quoc. As the weather should be good, I want to enjoy both the city life and the beach vibes.

🗺️ My Map of Vietnam.

In this map, which you can download, take inspiration from, and share, I have pinned places in the following way:

  • Grey flag: indicates the day, such as Day 1, Day 2, Day 3, etc., for each destination
  • Blue marker: list of places to visit (temples, landmarks, national parks, museums, etc.)
  • Brown coffee cup: nice cafés
  • Green cutlery: restaurants and dining spots
  • Green bus: bus and coach stops
  • Yellow train: train stations
  • Pink house: volunteering project locations
  • Orange star: special places
  • Blue bed: general accommodation (hotels, hostels, guest houses)
  • Red heart: beauty salons, spas, studios, and various shops
  • Purple check: meeting point for tours

Since Google My Maps only allows 10 layers, I have divided the macro areas of this itinerary as follows:

  1. Hanoi, Ha Long Bay and Lan Ha Bay
  2. Cao Bang
  3. Ha Giang Loop
  4. Ta Phin, Sapa, Cat Cat Village and Lao Cai
  5. Mu Cang Chai, Ta Xua, Moc Chau, Mai Chau and Pu Luong
  6. Tam Coc, Hoa Lu and Ninh Binh
  7. Hue, Da Nang, Hoi An and Quang Nam
  8. Da Lat and Mui Ne
  9. Ho Chi Minh and Can Tho
  10. Con Dao and Phu Quoc islands

The map is still under construction, so for now I have only pinned general locations and focused more on Hanoi and the North of Vietnam. As I travel, I will add more pins and organise them by day and by category.

📅 The Complete Day-By-Day Programme.

Since I am still planning my trip while writing this article, I’ve decided this time to slow down and not plan every single hour obsessively. Moreover, since I am going to stay 3 months, I’ve chosen to leave free spots, spend more time in each place to avoid getting exhausted, and not overload every single day. The itinerary I am still building is indeed organised day by day, with the city and the main landmarks I want to see. Perhaps, when I write a proper itinerary for each destination, I will provide a full suggested programme based on my experience in the field.

I have also decided, since the weather can be unpredictable, to only plan and book accommodation, transport and activities for the first 20-25 days, as I am still figuring out how to reach certain destinations, and it will probably be better if I ask locals and hotel staff directly, or even Facebook groups, to arrange a shared car.

Furthermore, I am still waiting for some hosts to confirm if I can join their volunteer projects, and I am keeping an eye on the platform in case something nice comes up. For these reasons, I will wait at least 2 to 3 weeks in advance before contacting each host, just in case my plans suddenly change.

If you need help planning this sort of long, detailed itinerary, you can book either a 1:1 consultation or request a personalised itinerary though my Travel Service page. If you like DIY and solo travel, have a read of my How to Plan the Perfect Trip guide for practical guidance on creating your own packed itinerary.

Nevertheless, Vietnam is a vast and incredibly rich country, and one lifetime wouldn’t be enough to explore it all. With patience, solid planning, and plenty of energy, I am sure I will manage to cover a great amount of ground and immerse myself in Vietnamese culture at every turn.

Below, you can find a draft itinerary of my 90 days in Vietnam.

I have already added some hostels and hotels as reference so I don’t have to navigate booking platforms to search of the best accommodation at the last minute. I’ve also already included links to purchase bus and train tickets for the routes I’ve chosen, plus reference and info to book tours and activities to do in Vietnam.

Click on the city names to view the full, detailed itinerary.

(work in progress!)

📍 Ha Noi (20/10/2026 – 26/10/2026)

Logistic and Bookings.

  • Accommodation (booked). 7 Nights (but I will spend there only 6) at Hanoi Re Hostel via Booking.com = €83 (single room, shared bathroom, breakfast included).
  • Activities:
  • Transport.

Daily Programme.

  • Day 1: Arrival, hotel check in, coffee at COC, manipedicure, lunch at Coffee – Wine Tapas (view on the cathedral), visit to Ngoc Son Temple and to Làng Vòng (Green Rice Village), dinner
  • Day 2: Breakfast at Giao Mùa (croissant and cappuccino), Vạn Phúc (Silk Village), lunch at Bancông Cafe & Restaurant 12.45, coffee at Hidden Gem Cafe Hanoi, if I have time walk to see Ceramic mosaic mural road, or go to French Quarter Free Tour 14.00 – 16.45, then break at the note coffee, Ba Da Pagoda, Train Street Trần Phú and Phùng Hưng, Phố Hàng Gai Street, Ta Hien Beer Street, dinner somewhere
  • Day 3: Cruise in Ha Long Bay and Lan Ha Bay, pick up from Hanoi at 08.00
  • Day 4: Cruise and back to Hanoi, coffee at Nosan coffee & Tea, Food Tour 18.00-20.30 for dinner
  • Day 5: Craft Villages Tour to Chuong (Conical Hat Crafting Village) and Quảng Phú Cầu (Incense Village). Lunch at Cơm Hiền, Grab to Làng nghề sơn mài Hạ Thái (Lacquer Village), Grab and ferry from Bến Phà Vạn Phúc Pier to Bát Tràng (Pottery Village), Grab to Grand World Hưng Yên and dinner at any Korean restaurant, then bus back to old quarter (Hanoi Opera House)
  • Day 6: Bus 74 to Ba Vi National Park, Ba Vi Church Ruins, Cốt 1100m, Uncle Ho Temple, taxi back with stop in Quạt Chàng Sơn (Fan Village). Still unsure.
  • Day 7: Sightsee the rest of the city (the other Train Street Lê Duẩn, Temple of Literature, Vietnam National Fine Arts, lunch at Tam Vi 12.30, Citadelle imperiale Thăng Lo, One Pillar Pagoda, Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, Presidential Palace of Vietnam, Quan Thanh Temple, Tran Quoc Pagoda, Ngu Xa village hall, Đồng Xuân Market, and night bus to Cao Bang

📍 Cao Bang (27/10/2026 – 29/10/2026)

Logistic and Bookings.

  • Accommodation (confirmed). 2 Nights at Cốm Homestay Cao Bằng via Booking.com = €26 (double bed with private bathroom, no breakfast).
  • Camping Package (confirmed). 27/10/2026 – 29/10/2026 = €102 / 2.950.000 đ (half deposit paid: 1.475.000 đ )
  • Transport.

Daily Programme.

  • Day 8: Arrival 04.30. Tour to Ban Gioc Waterfalls and camping at God’s Eye Mountain
  • Day 9: God’s Eye Mountain and back to Cao Bang
  • Day 10: Daily bus to Ha Giang

📍 Ha Giang (29/10/2026 – 03/11/2026)

Logistic and Bookings.

Daily Programme.

Places not included in the Ha Giang Loop: Bản Du lịch Lô Lô Chải, Làng Lô Lô Chải, Dong Van Ancient Street, Hẻm vực Khâu Vai (between valley), Quan Ba Heaven Gate (day 4, not specified)

  • Day 10: Daily bus to Ha Giang
  • Day 11: Ha Giang Loop (Day 1): Ha Giang → Yen Minh
    • Thuận Hòa River Viewpoint
    • Lung Tam Village, traditional hemp weaving
    • Cán Tỷ Pass
    • Lao Chải Rice Fields
  • Day 12: Ha Giang Loop (Day 2): Yen Minh → Meo Vac (Halloween!)
    • Vần Chải Viewpoint
    • Thẩm Mã Pass
    • Chín Khoanh Pass / Phố Cáo Viewpoint
    • Khe Lía Canyon
    • Lũng Cú Flagpole
    • Chinese border and fence check-in
    • Đèo Gió Viewpoint
    • Tà Lủng Cave
    • Mã Pí Lèng Pass
    • Nho Quế River e Tu Sản Canyon
  • Day 13: Ha Giang Loop (Day 3): Meo Vac → Du Gia
    • Nho Quế River
    • Sủng Trái Viewpoint
    • Bản Án Stream
  • Day 14: Ha Giang Loop (Day 4): Du Gia → Ha Giang
    • Du Già Waterfall
    • Đường Thượng Viewpoint
    • Twin Mountains, Quản Bạ
    • Pool Party at Loop Tribe Social Hostel
  • Day 15: Bus to Sapa in order to reach Tả Phìn. Ask to share a van at the station towards Ta Phin

📍 Tả Phìn (03/11/2026 – 06/11/2026)

Logistic and Bookings.

  • Accommodation and volunteering (confirmed, to pay on site). 3 Nights at Tả Phìn Village Winery = €42
  • Activities. Garden Vườn Hồng Cổ Sapa, Ta Phin Cave, Trekking
  • Transport. Bus, van or local taxi?

Daily Programme.

  • Day 15: Tả Phìn
  • Day 16: Voluntary project at Sapa Wine and visit to Garden Vườn Hồng Cổ Sapa and Tu Viện Tả Phìn Ancient Ruins
  • Day 17: Voluntary project at Sapa Wine and visit to Ta Phin Cave and Trekking Ngũ Chỉ Sơn
  • Day 18: Voluntary project at Sapa Wine , then bus or taxi from Ta Phin to Sapa (only 15-20 min ride)

📍 Sapa (06/11/2026 – 11/11/2026)

Logistic and Bookings.

  • Accommodation (booked). 4 Nights at Sapa Central House via Agoda = €19 (female dorm, super central, breakfast included). I might need to add an extra night as check out is actually the 10th, or change accommodation completely.
    • Lao Chải Tả Ván: Surelee Homestay (€7, double room with balcony, breakfast included), Hmong Sister House (€3 bed in dorm with window view, breakfast included), La Beaute Sa Pa (€7, bed in dorm or €11 king room with balcony, breakfast included),
  • Activities.
  • Transport.

Daily Programme.

  • Day 18: Bus or taxi from Ta Phin to Sapa
  • Day 19: Moana Sapa, Phansi Coffee, lunch, Sapa city center, Trúc Lâm Đại Giác Zen Monastery, Viettrekking Coffee, Tattoo, dinner
  • Day 20: Cat Cat Village
  • Day 21: Fansipan, Glass Bridge, Lonely Tree, Heaven Gate and Silver Waterfalls
  • Day 22: Lao Cai Village
  • Day 23: Van from Sapa to Mu Cang Chai (departure h 08.30 arrival h 12.45)

📍 Mu Cang Chai, Ta Xua, Moc Chau and Mai Chau (11/11/2026 – 21/11/2026)

1. Logistic and Bookings: Mu Cang Chai

  • Accommodation (not yet). 3 Nights at Mu Cang Chai Big View Homestay – Rice Terrace & Mountain View via Booking = €35 (private room, shared bathroom, breakfast included)
  • Activities. Mainly trekking and a visit to the rice terraces,
  • Transport. Need to find a way to go from Mu Cang Chai to Ta Xua
    • (not yet). dd/mm/yyyy departure xxx arrival xxx via xxx = €

2. Logistic and Bookings: Ta Xua.

⚠️ Nothing has be planned yet from now on ⚠️

  • Accommodation (not yet). 2-3 Nights at HANG DONG ECOLODGE (€35 double with mountain view, breakfast included), Dê Homestay & Restaurant Tà Xùa (€18 double with mountain view, no breakfast), Cloud Garden (€17 king roomwith mountain view or €31 king room, breakfast for €1), May Home Tà Xùa (€34 king room with mountain view, breakfast included),
  • Activities:
  • Transport. Need to find a way to go from Ta Xua to Moc Chau
    • (not yet). dd/mm/yyyy departure xxx arrival xxx via xxx = €

3. Logistic and Bookings: Moc Chau.

4. Logistic and Bookings: Mai Chau.

Daily Programme.

  • Day 23: Van from Sapa to Mu Cang Chai arrival h 12.45
  • Day 24: Mu Cang Chai (Rice Terrace Điểm chụp Lúa Sán Nhù, Bamboo Forest, Corn House, Kim Noi Viewpoint)
  • Day 25: Mu Cang Chai (La Pán Tẩn and Mâm Xôi)
  • Day 26: Mu Cang Chai need to find transport to Ta Xua
  • Day 27: Ta Xua
  • Day 28: Ta Xua need to find transport to Mộc Châu
  • Day 29: Mộc Châu
  • Day 30: Mộc Châu
  • Day 31: Mộc Châu need to find transport to Mai Châu
  • Day 32: Mai Châu
  • Day 33: Daily van from Mai Châu to Pu Luong

📍 Pu Luong (21/11/2026 – 26/11/2026)

Logistic and Bookings.

Daily Programme.

  • Day 33: From Mai Chai to Pu Luong
  • Day 34: Pu Luong
  • Day 35: Pu Luong
  • Day 36: Pu Luong
  • Day 37: Pu Luong
  • Day 38: Daily bus from Pu Luong to Tam Coc

📍 Tam Coc (26/11/2026 – 01/12/2026)

Logistic and Bookings.

Daily Programme.

  • Day 38: Daily bus from Pu Luong to Tam Coc
  • Day 39: Tam Coc
  • Day 40: Tam Coc
  • Day 41: Tam Coc
  • Day 42: Tam Coc
  • Day 43: Night train from Ninh Binh to Hue (booked) departure 21.57

📍 Hue (02/12/2026 – ?)

Logistic and Bookings.

Daily Programme.

  • Day 44: Arrival in Hue at 08.45
  • Day 45: Hue
  • Day 46: Panoramic Train from Hue to Da Nang via Han Va Pass

📍 Da Nang, Hoi An and Quang Nam (based on the weather).

Logistic and Bookings.

Daily Programme.

  • Day 46: Panoramic Train from Hue to Da Nang via Han Va Pass
  • Day 47: Da Nang / Hoi An, visit to Marble Mountains, and historic centre of Hoi An
  • Day 48: Transfer from Da Nang / Hoi An to Quang Nam (Hygge Farm)
  • Day 49: Voluntary project at Hygge Farm
  • Day 50: Voluntary project at Hygge Farm
  • Day 51: Voluntary project at Hygge Farm
  • Day 52: Voluntary project at Hygge Farm
  • Day 53: Voluntary project at Hygge Farm last day, then go to Da Lat (bus or flight depending on weather)

📍 Da Lat.

Logistic and Bookings.

Daily Programme.

  • Day 53: Bus from Da Nang to Da Lat
  • Day 54: Voluntary project at Hostel and Children
  • Day 55: Voluntary project at Hostel and Children
  • Day 56: Voluntary project at Hostel and Children
  • Day 57: Voluntary project at Hostel and Children
  • Day 58: Voluntary project at Hostel and Children
  • Day 59: Voluntary project at Hostel and Children
  • Day 60: Voluntary project at Hostel and Children
  • Day 61: Voluntary project at Hostel and Children
  • Day 62: Voluntary project at Hostel and Children
  • Day 63: Voluntary project at Hostel and Children, last day, then go to Mui Ne (or Ho Chin Minh)

📍 Mui Ne.

Logistic and Bookings.

Daily Programme

  • Day 63: Bus from Da Lat to Mui Ne
  • Day 64: Voluntary project at Mui Ne Resort
  • Day 65: Voluntary project at Mui Ne Resort
  • Day 66: Voluntary project at Mui Ne Resort
  • Day 67: Voluntary project at Mui Ne Resort
  • Day 68: Voluntary project at Mui Ne Resort
  • Day 69: Voluntary project at Mui Ne Resort
  • Day 70: Voluntary project at Mui Ne Resort
  • Day 71: Voluntary project at Mui Ne Resort
  • Day 72: Voluntary project at Mui Ne Resort
  • Day 73: Voluntary project at Mui Ne Resort
  • Day 74: Daily bus from Mui Ne to Ho Chi Minh City

📍 Ho Chi Minh.

Logistic and Bookings.

Daily Programme

  • Day 74: Daily bus from Mui Ne to Ho Chi Minh City
  • Day 75: Ho Chi Minh City
  • Day 76: Ho Chi Minh City
  • Day 77: Ho Chi Minh City
  • Day 78: Ho Chi Minh City
  • Day 79: Daily bus from Ho Chi Minh to Can Tho or flight from Ho Chi Minh City to Con Dao island (still unsure!)

📍 Con Dao

Logistic and Bookings.

Daily Programme

  • Day 79: Flight from Ho Chi Min to Con Dao
  • Day 80: Beach
  • Day 81: Beach
  • Day 82: Beach
  • Day 83: Flight from Con Dao to Cần Thơ

📍 Can Tho.

Logistic and Bookings.

Daily Programme

  • Day 83: Flight from Con Dao to Cần Thơ
  • Day 84: Cần Thơ
  • Day 85: Bus and ferry from Cần Thơ to Phú Quốc island

📍 Phu Quoc.

Logistic and Bookings.

Daily Programme

  • Day 85: Bus and ferry from Cần Thơ to Phú Quốc island
  • Day 86: Phú Quốc
  • Day 87: Phú Quốc
  • Day 88: Phú Quốc
  • Day 89: From Phú Quốc to Cambodia?

💸 What’s the budget for 3 months in Vietnam?

It depends. It depends on what kind of traveller you are and what sort of experience you’re looking for. Totally low-cost, luxury hotels, or a mix of indulgence and savings? It’s also worth considering eating habits, transport preferences, whether you rely on tour operators or plan everything yourself, plus the season and departure city.

Speaking from my own experience, I set off from Cagliari in October 2026. I took advantage of the so-called “continuità territoriale” to Rome Fiumicino, one of the main hubs in Italy, where we Sardinian residents have a deal with airline Aeroitalia. This time I decided not to do a long 2-day stopover as I usually do, to save time and money. From Rome, I flew to Kuala Lumpur with a 3-hour stopover in Muscat with airline Oman Air. I spent the night at a capsule hotel in KL International Airport and then flew to Hanoi the morning after.

Below, you’ll find a summary of all my expenses split into main categories. Some costs such as flights and accommodation are itemised, others (food, water, small purchases) are approximate. I’ve also included pre-departure expenses, namely items I needed to buy before leaving that were indispensable for my journey. For more guidance on what to bring on a trip, see my travel essentials series.

When selectable, click on the item, product or activity to learn more or purchase it directly.

(work in progress)

💼 Pre-departure expenses = €425

✈️ Flights = €430

📑 Various bookings = €

🚕 Expenses during the trip = €

  • Taxi and mototaxi = €
  • Transport = €
  • Restaurants = €
  • 7/11 (water, snacks, cigarettes, various items) = €
  • Drinks, wine and coffee = €
  • Laundry = €

💅 Shopping, souvenirs and treatments = €

  • Shopping and souvenirs = €
  • Manicure and pedicure = €
  • Tattoo = €
  • Various Massages = €

🎭 Activities and tickets = €

🔢 Total = ?

🎀 My Experience.

(work in progress!)

💡 Travel Tips.

📄 Documents and Visa.

Most European citizens can enter Vietnam visa-free for stays of up to 45 days for tourism, business, family visits, or transit. Only a passport with at least six months’ validity is required.

However, since my plan is to stay longer and not rush, I decided to request a single entry eVisa through the official website. Overall, the process is very easy, as follows

  • Upload a photo of yourself on a white background
  • Upload your passport
  • Fill out the form
  • Have your accommodation already booked, as the form requires an address for your stay in Vietnam
  • Indicate the airport or land border point where you will enter the country, and the one you might use to exit
  • Pay $25 for processing (I actually paid $27, which came to €24!)
  • Wait a few days for your request to be processed

I obtained mine in just 5 days.

However, if you do a stopover in Thailand or Malaysia (like me), you need to submit either your Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) or the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) online within 72 hours of your scheduled arrival.

Never let your visa expire! Overstaying is a serious offence in every country. The fine for a short visa overstay in Vietnam of fewer than 16 days generally ranges from 500,000 VND to 2,000,000 VND (about $20 to $85 USD), with an overstay of one to two days typically costing around 500,000 VND (about $22 USD) per day, paid directly at the airport.

Always check the official guidance and consult your embassy before travelling to confirm current rules.

🏥 Health and Travel Insurance.

Again, for such a long trip, I had to face the hard truth that we Type 1 Diabetic travellers know too well: there is no proper travel insurance that truly and comprehensively covers our chronic condition.

If you have read my article 5 Insurance Policies for Travelling with Type 1 Diabetes you can find some options that suit your needs, travel style, and trip length, based on your country of residence.

As for me, being Italian, the only choice was Globy Rosso, but their limit is only 60 days. Moreover, I filled out their form twice, months in advance, in order to receive a personalised quote for longer trips, but they never replied.

This time, I also decided to avoid True Traveller even though I used them during my 3 months of backpacking in Southeast Asia. The reason is that, even though they allow you to include diabetes, you are not really covered for things such as purchasing insulin or getting emergency checkups. The extra fee for including T1D coverage was too high for essentially no added benefit.

I chose HeyMondo again, not because I am a big fan of them, but because it was the most convenient option and they offer coverage for long stays. Namely, with what I paid (€266), I can stay for 90 days, and I can then request to extend it, with an additional cost of course.

For this reason, it would mean a lot if you could donate even a small amount to my fundraising campaign.

As this is my third trip to Asia, I had already been vaccinated, under medical advice, for meningococcal disease, tetanus, and hepatitis A and B, and last year, when I went to China, I was prescribed the typhoid pill. Contact your local travel medicine centre in advance for further information, as some vaccines require multiple doses.

I also packed essential medicines, painkillers, and antibiotics. One week before departure, I started taking daily probiotics, lactoferrin, and vitamins to help my body adapt to climate and dietary changes. I will continue this routine throughout the trip and even after returning home. You can find the complete list of probiotics and medications in my Travel Essentials: Medicines and Supplements post.

I didn’t experience any stomach problems during my past travels around Asian countries, and I am confident I will be fine this time too, by making sure not to drink anything with ice or tap water, or eat raw vegetables or fruit with the skin on.

Finally, I always carry a reliable mosquito repellent. Vietnam is lush and green: parks, forests, jungles, and rice paddies surround many points of interest. It is important to protect yourself from insect bites.

🏨 Where to Stay in Vietnam.

Hostels and backpacker culture are a real philosophy in Vietnam and across Southeast Asia.

As I usually travel on a low budget but indulge in some not-so-cheap activities (like the cruise in Ha Long Bay or the camping at Angel’s Eye), for the rest of my stay I have tried, and will keep trying, to save money on accommodation by preferring hostels and homestays, besides the facilities provided through Workaway.

For booking accommodation in Vietnam, I will alternate between Booking.com, Trip.com and Agoda, depending on the type of facilities I am looking for, the options available, and the final price with add-ons included.

Sometimes I also compare prices on Vio to see if the same hostel or hotel has better deals on other platforms. Each platform has its pros and cons, but if I had to choose, I would say Booking has the wider selection and often a slightly better price.

 🔽 Ready to book? You can search for your next accommodation directly in the bar below! 🔽

📱 Internet and Must‑Have Apps.

I purchased an eSIM for 1 day in Malaysia with unlimited data, and another for 30 days in Vietnam with just 10 GB from Yesim, which, compared to other providers, is still the cheapest. Both eSIMs cost me less than €20.

However, I decided to buy only 10 GB because once I am in Vietnam, I want to find a cheap local eSIM or physical SIM. Covering 3 long months with unlimited data would add up to more than €150, which is not worth it.

That said, for shorter trips, and in general for your arrival, I strongly recommend purchasing a practical eSIM before you leave home, so you can activate it even before you board your flight.

🎁 Use the referral code below to register via Yesim and unlock your €5 discount 🎁

UKUO6728

Payment.

  • VNPay. Pay directly via QR code at shops, restaurants, and street stalls across Vietnam.
  • Moreta Pay. Vietnam’s popular e-wallet, widely accepted for everyday payments, ideal for international travellers.

Communication.

  • WhatsApp. Most tour operators and companies use WhatsApp to communicate with clients, so don’t be surprised.
  • Zalo. Vietnam’s own messaging app, often needed to contact locals, hosts, and smaller businesses

Transport.

  • 12Go. Book buses, trains, and ferries across Vietnam and the rest of Southeast Asia in one place.
  • Vexere. A local platform for booking domestic bus and train tickets, often with more routes and better prices.

Taxi.

  • Grab. The go to ride hailing app in all Southeast Asia, also used for food delivery.
  • Xanh SM. Vietnam’s electric taxi fleet, reliable and often cheaper than Grab. Now is known globally as Green SM: Electric Mobility.
    Be. Another local ride hailing option, handy as a backup or price comparison SM. It’s available only in Vietnamese.

Other Important Apps.

🎫 Where to Buy Tickets and Book Day Trips.

You can buy tickets for palaces, museums, temples and attractions either on the spot or via travel platforms.

For tours and day trips, you can either book at local stalls and try to negotiate the price, or take advantage of popular third-party websites.

As I wanted to support local businesses and save some money for myself, I booked the Cao Bang Camping tour and the Ha Giang Loop directly with local companies. Other times, for instance the Ha Long Bay cruise, I booked via third party websites.

These are my favourite for booking activities and excursions:

  • GetYourGuide. Offers an excellent selection of guided tours and workshops, often with free cancellation
  • Viator. Ideal for day trips and excursions, with a huge choice of options and plenty of traveller reviews
  • Klook. Great for entrance tickets, transport and tours, very popular in Asia and handy for instant confirmation

🎁 Subscribe via Klook.com to receive €5 off your next booking 🎁

🚋 Getting Around.

I am sure I will walk a lot, but I will also use taxis and motorbike taxis frequently, especially via Grab. A word of warning: I know from past experience that many drivers in Southeast Asia do not provide helmets as standard, so you need to ask them explicitly to give you one.

(work in progress)

Vietnam is famous for its sleeper buses and beautiful night trains, so I have included some of them to move between long distances to save time and money. Sadly, I decided not to take the famous Hanoi to Lao Cai (or Lao Cai to Hanoi) night train. It was just not suitable for my itinerary, and moreover, it’s a bit expensive.

For long-distance travel between cities, or island hopping by sea, I used mostly on 12Go Asia. It’s reliable, safe, and you can book trains, coaches and night buses, ferries, and combinations of multiple transport types in a single booking.

🔽 Ready to travel? You can search for your next train or ferry directly in the bar below! 🔽

I sometimes compare prices with Vexere, a popular Vietnamese app for booking buses, trains and even flights. I must say some routes are way cheaper than 12Go but others are not included (such as the van from Sapa to Mu Cang Chai). Sometimes it’s even difficult to find the exact ward or commune in the app, so always confirm the pick up and drop off points.

🎁 Use the referral code below or register via Vexere to unlock your ₫ 30K (approx. €1) discount 🎁

NADIA001

🏍️ Renting a Motorbike.

Unless you’re an experienced rider, please don’t. Vietnam is well known for being best visited on a motorbike: the Ha Giang Loop, the Cao Bang Loop, and the road from Ho Chi Minh up to Hanoi are all fascinating routes. But very risky!

If you’ve never ridden a scooter before, please resist. You can hurt yourself and put others in danger. Traffic in Vietnamese big cities is crazy, chaotic, and utterly unpredictable. Driving on the country’s tight, curving mountain roads is simply extremely dangerous. Don’t do it. It’s said that Vietnamese people learn to ride a scooter before they learn to walk.

If you want to do the famous Ha Giang Loop, please spend a little more and hire a so-called easy rider instead.

Anyway, if you do decide to rent a motorbike, here is the minimum you should do:

  • Get an International Driving Permit. This is a translation of your driving licence that allows you to drive legally in countries that follow the relevant convention. I obtained the Geneva Convention version (one year’s validity) from my driving school, for around €80, when I travelled to Southeast Asia for the first time. This time I decided not to.
  • Have comprehensive travel insurance that explicitly covers motorbike accidents.
  • Always wear a helmet. Non-negotiable.
  • Ride alone. Don’t carry passengers and avoid bringing with you heavy luggage.
  • Start somewhere quiet. Short distances, uncrowded roads, maybe in a remote village, not in the city.ì and absolutely not on curved road s in the mountains!

💳 Payments and Currency.

€1 corresponds to approximately 29,600 Vietnamese Dong (VND).

Avoid withdrawing too frequently, as ATM fees and conversion charges add up. I always use Revolut and have never had any issues. I connected it to both the payment apps I mentioned above: Moreta Pay and VNPay.

They should work well together: the Vietnamese apps allow me to pay locals via their QR code, while Revolut tracks spending by location and minimises unnecessary fees.

When I get back from my trip, I’ll let you know whether they actually work in tandem.

🚔 Safety.

(work in progress!)

⛔ Things to Avoid.

(work in progress!)

✅ Pros and Cons.

ProsCons
Very affordable day-to-day costsPricey tickets, entrances and activities
Excellent transport connectionsOvercrowded at peak season
Amazing foodToo many foreigners and tourists
Extraordinary placesLong distances
Kind and welcoming peopleIntense heat and humidity
Safe (even for women)Linguistic barrier outside tourist areas
Thriving hostel and backpacker culturePoverty and exploitation in some areas

❓ FAQ.

1. Do I need a visa to travel to Vietnam?

Most EU citizens can enter Vietnam visa-free for tourism stays of up to 45 days, with a valid passport (minimum 6 months’ validity). However, for stays longer than 45 days but less than 90, an eVisa is required, which costs only $25.

2. Is Vietnam safe for solo female travellers?

Yes. Vietnam is one of the safest countries I have visited as a solo woman. People are generally kind, respectful, and willing to help. That said, standard precautions apply: avoid isolated areas after dark, keep an eye on your drink, and book accommodation with strong reviews.

3. Which are the most beautiful places to visit in Vietnam?

I believe every place in this country is fascinating, but I will share my opinion once my journey is complete.

4. When is the best time to visit Vietnam?

It depends on which part you are visiting, as Vietnam has three distinct microclimates. In the north, October is by far the best month: the dry season has only just begun, skies are clear, temperatures are mild, and the risk of typhoons is virtually nil, with the peak season running from June to August. Central Vietnam is the area most at risk between October and November, the absolute peak of typhoons and torrential rain. In the south, there is virtually no risk of typhoons throughout the year, and November marks the start of the dry season, ideal for a relaxing beach holiday.

5. How much does a three-month trip to Vietnam cost?

The budget varies greatly depending on your travel style. Generally, for backpackers, it’s around €30 to €50 a day (hostel, street food, transport, a few activities).

🎈 Conclusion.

(work in progress!)

💬 And you? Have you been to Vietnam or are you planning a long trip here in the Land of the Ascending Dragon? Let me know in the comments!

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Nadia is a solo travel blogger born in Sardinia who has been living with Type 1 Diabetes since 1998 and Graves' Disease (now iatrogenic hypothyroidism) since 2013. She has lived in 6 countries, travelled to over 30 and visited more than 200 cities. She specialises in travelling with chronic illness, backpacking adventures, expat life and off-the-beaten-track destinations. On her blog, she shares practical advice for women with autoimmune conditions who wish to travel, detailed itineraries, hidden gems and authentic stories of life abroad as a traveller with invisible disabilities.

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