5 Routes Every Backpacker Should Experience at Least Once in Vietnam

Young people are becoming increasingly passionate about backpacking, because the further you travel, the more captivated you become—discovering the sheer beauty of the country, meeting kind-hearted people, and realizing just how much there is to learn.

1. Northwest Vietnam

It can be said that the Northwest route is the most breathtaking mountain route in Vietnam, passing through the provinces of Yen Bai, Lao Cai, and Ha Giang. If you travel around September during the ripe rice harvest season, you will witness the spectacular sight of terraced fields stretching across the Northwest, painted in brilliant golden hues. A trip in late November is the perfect time to admire buckwheat flowers. Spreading across the fields, the blossoms blanket the highland landscape in a dreamy shade of pink.


Mu Cang Chai during the ripe rice season. Photo: Placehunt.​

Traveling this route, you will also interact with charming highland ethnic minorities who may be a bit shy with tourists at first. However, once engaged in conversation, they are exceptionally warm and eager to help you throughout your journey.

Route: Hanoi - Nghia Lo - Mu Cang Chai - Sapa - Lao Cai - Hoang Su Phi - Yen Minh - Lung Cu - Dong Van - Meo Vac - Ha Giang.

• Distance: 1,087.5 km.
• Best time to visit: October to February.

2. South Central Coast

While the North boasts mountain routes, Central Vietnam is home to the country's most stunning coastal roads. Backpacking along this route is not overly difficult, yet it offers vistas of awe-inspiring beauty at every turn.

Without the towering ruggedness of the Northwest, the South Central route charms travelers with soaring mountains on one side and the vast ocean on the other. Famous destinations such as Cam Ranh Bay, Van Phong Bay, or Vung Ro will leave you completely mesmerized. Here, you can also explore and experience the lives of local fishermen; their way of life, passed down through generations, offers valuable insights and lessons to carry with you through life.



Cam Ranh Bay. Photo: Namdutravel.​

Route: Saigon - Phan Thiet - Phan Rang - Nha Trang - Tuy Hoa - Quy Nhon - Quang Ngai - Da Nang.

• Distance: 1,068 km.
• Best time to visit: February to May.

3. Southwest Vietnam (Mekong Delta)

Traveling through the Mekong Delta will sweep you away with its intricate network of rivers and canals, where around every bend lies a bridge, a rowboat, or a ferry. In terms of scenery, the Delta may not have the dramatic grandeur of the coastal or Northwest routes, but it makes up for it with sprawling fruit orchards and the remarkably warm, familial hospitality of the locals, making you feel right at home.

Furthermore, you can test your courage by walking across monkey bridges, picking coconuts, swimming in rivers, or draining canals to catch fish. The Mekong Delta also captivates visitors with unique floating markets renowned worldwide such as Cai Rang in Can Tho, the scenic spots of Ha Tien, or the southernmost tip of Vietnam in Ca Mau…

Route: Saigon - Tien Giang - Cao Lanh - Ha Tien - Ca Mau - Soc Trang - Can Tho - Saigon.

Distance: 1,052 km.

Best time to visit: July to October.



4. Central Highlands

For seasoned backpackers, the Central Highlands route is no stranger. Riding this route in winter is ideal, as the weather is wonderfully pleasant. Coming to the Central Highlands, there is nothing quite like admiring torrential waterfalls crashing in white foam, or riding over secluded hills filled with the sound of whispering pine trees. It feels as though you are wandering into a foreign world you have never known before.

Here, you will also discover the gentle yet vibrant gong culture of the highland people, savor traditional tube wine (rượu cần), or enjoy rich drops of pure coffee along the way. The Central Highlands easily enchants the heart and makes travelers yearn to return.

Route: Saigon - Bao Loc - Da Lat - Buon Ma Thuot - Pleiku - Kon Tum.

• Distance: 1,015 km.
• Best time to visit: December to April.

5. North Central Coast

Traversing the cultural heritage corridor of Hoi An - Da Nang - Hue - Quang Binh, the North Central route is not only of immense cultural significance but also rich in historical heritage. Exploring the Ho Chi Minh Highway along the majestic Truong Son mountain range and passing through iconic landmarks such as Trang An, Tam Coc, Phong Nha Cave, Hai Van Pass, and Tam Giang Lagoon, you will gain a deeper understanding of Vietnam's historic struggles to defend and preserve the nation.

Along the way, it is easy to encounter lives facing hardship yet filled with warmth, sincerity, and compassion. Nature may not have blessed them with an easy life, but the hard-working, resilient spirit of the Central Vietnamese people has driven them to persevere and thrive each day.



Photo: Loctran0005.​

Route: Hanoi - Ninh Binh - Vinh - Ha Tinh - Dong Hoi - Hue - Hoi An - Da Nang.

• Distance: 1,082 km.
• Best time to visit: March to August.