Minh & Duc
Things To Do
Getting Around
How to get around in most places - Walking: most attractions can be accessed by walking, but beware that sidewalks are small in most cities so watch your step. - Motorbike: you can rent a bike in most places for a pretty low price. Bikes in Vietnam are small underbones with significantly weaker engines than the real serious American ones, so you can probably learn how to ride it quickly. Bikes are more mobile than cars and can get into small streets, but can only carry one passenger and weaving through traffic on a bike is not for everyone. - Grab: our version of Uber, it has both car and bike options. It is very convenient in big cities and you should have it on your phone. You should download the app before flying to Vietnam and when you get a sim card upon arrival, you can register for the service right away.
Hanoi
Recommended length of stays: 3 - 4 days About Hanoi: The capital city of Vietnam, and also where we were born and later met in high school and fell in love. It has amazing food and loads of places to visit. It is also close enough to nearby attractions like Ha Long Bay and Ninh Binh Province so it's a good starting point for your trip. Things you can do: - Visit the Old Quarter: located at the center of Hanoi, this area was built by the French and retains a lot of their architecture and design. Starting at 6pm and ending at around midnight, Friday to Sunday, a decent section is reserved for walking only and the night market is open, which offers great street food and interesting items for shopping. - Visit some historical landmarks: Temple of Literature, Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, Hoa Lo Prison, Imperial Citadel of Thang Long - Eat & drink: Ta Hien Street (at night), Trang Tien Ice Cream, Pizza 4P's (trust us, it's worth it), To Ngoc Van Street, Uu Dam Chay (vegan)
Ha Long Bay
Recommended length of stay: 1-2 days From Hanoi: Travel by car for 2-2.5 hours, your tour might offer you transportation, or you can book a private bus at bookaway.com Recommended Cruise: Bhayan Cruise, or Indochina Cruise About Halong: Ha Long Bay, is the number one travel hotspot of Vietnam. The site is as known as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is famous because its stunning limestone mountains raising up from emerald waters that formed from thousand years ago. The most popular activity is to take cruises through the islands. There are so many cruise tours that can drive you crazy, but we recommend picking a popular, luxury to mid-price ones for your safety.
Ninh Binh Province
Recommended length of stay: 1 to 2 days Recommended stay: Quoc Khanh Bamboo Homestay Transportation: 2 -2.5 hours from Hanoi. You can book a train ticket on Vietnam Railway website https://vietnam-railway.com/train/route/train-from-hanoi-to-ninh-binh, or a private bus (quicker) at bookaway.com Things to do in Ninh Binh: If you want a 1-2 days getaway near Hanoi, Ninh Binh is a must-go. It has amazing sceneries: You'll be on a boat ride in Trang An to see incredibly beautiful limestone cliffs emerging from the ground (you can get boat ticket at Trang An complex, we recommend buying Option 2). You'll climb on top of Hang Mua for the 360 degree view over the countryside and paddy fields. Believe me, you'll never be able to forget it.
Da Nang - Hoi An
Recommended length of stays: 3 - 4 days Transportation: 1.5 hour flight from Hanoi Noi Bai Airport About DaNang: Da Nang located in central Vietnam with mountains, and beautiful long stretches of beach! Your vacation really starts after spending the whole day at the beaches, drinking margarita and eating seafood. At night, stroll along the Han's river to have a full glimpse at this charming city. After 1 day of exploring the city and the beach, spend half-day at either Son Tra Pennisula or Ba Na Hills. These areas are just outside of the city, which is easily accessed by bus or motorcycle. A Day trip to Hoi An is a must do. This city is so picturesque and charming with the French architecture influence, the old town is filled with shops, crumbling yellow buildings, intricate temples, and vibrant lanterns.
Ho Chi Minh City
Recommended length of stay: 3-4 days About HCMC: If you think New York is chaotic, well, you'll experience an entirely different level of chaotic in this city. And I mean that in a good way. Theres so much life, energy and history to HCMC. You can spend the day visiting some historical places such as: Museum of Ho chi Minh City, Cao Dai Temple, Chu Chi tunnels...At night, stroll around Chinatown, or Bui Vien street for local foods and bars. Note: Because the city is super hectic, there will be like amillions motorcycles and people on the streets. So be careful when crossing the roads and be aware of your belongings. Dont hold the phone or wallet on your hands, wear backpack in the front.