Destinations
From the northern mountains to the southern islands — guides to every corner of Vietnam.
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Destination Guide
DMZ Vietnam Travel Guide 2026: 17th Parallel Timeline, Vinh Moc Tunnels and Khe Sanh
This DMZ Vietnam travel guide traces the 17th parallel from 1954 to 1975 and maps what remains at Hien Luong Bridge, Vinh Moc Tunnels, Khe Sanh, Doc Mieu, Camp Carroll, Rockpile and Truong Son Cemetery. It covers 2026 transport from Hue and Da Nang, opening hours, entry fees, tour prices, daily costs, best season and UXO cautions.
by Phạm Quốc Bảo
4 min readCentral Vietnam
Hang Pygmy Cave in Phong Nha: 2026 permits, costs, and camping steps
This step-by-step guide covers the 2026 Hang Pygmy Cave expedition in Phong Nha, from choosing dates and booking a licensed operator to permits, costs, transport, camping, and failure points that cancel trips. It gives international visitors one consistent budget and timeline for the 2-day, 1-night tour.
Vietnam beaches for solo female travelers in 2026: 5 towns ranked by safety, hostels, and swimming
This ranked guide compares five Vietnam beaches for solo female travelers in 2026: Da Nang, Nha Trang, Phu Quoc, Quy Nhon, and Mui Ne. It scores solo-female comfort, dorm prices, swim safety, and transport, with 2026 price ranges, season windows, caveats, and a table for quick planning.
Hanoi vs Ho Chi Minh City: A 2026 Vietnam Travel Guide for First-Time Visitors
This 2026 Vietnam travel guide compares Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City for first-time visitors. It covers weather windows, e-visa fees, airport transfers, daily costs, site opening hours, side trips, and who each city suits, so you can choose the better first stop for your budget and trip style.
Ma Da Valley trek in Phong Nha-Ke Bang: 2-day route, permits, costs and turnaround points
This trail profile covers the Ma Da Valley trek in Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park: the 2-day route, 20-25 km distance, 300-500 m elevation gain, moderate difficulty, mandatory permits, 2026 costs of about 5.5-6.5 million VND, water and weather risks, guided options, and turnaround points. Use it to plan a safe, permitted trek.
Sapa trekking mistakes to avoid: permits, guide rates, weather and cash in 2026
This guide covers the five Sapa trekking mistakes that cost international visitors money and time: Hanoi packages that are mostly bus, missing border permits for Y Ty and Den Sang, unlicensed guides with no agreed rate, the wrong boots and season, and no cash for village fees. It gives 2026 prices, transport times and the warning signs to check before you book.
Phong Nha Tet 2026: 6 Mistakes to Avoid for Cave Permits, Transport and Homestays
This guide covers six mistakes to avoid in Phong Nha during Tet 2026: cave permits and licensed operators, transport, homestays, cash, weather safety, and unlicensed touts. It gives dates, booking deadlines, warning signs, and a practical timeline for 14-22 February travel.
Vietnam Night Markets Ranked for 2026: A Vietnam Travel Guide to Evening Food Streets
This ranked 2026 Vietnam travel guide compares five night markets from Hoi An to Ho Chi Minh City on food, cost, hours, and access. It gives per-market prices, caveats, transport, and a budget so you can choose the right evening food street.
Sapa Trekking and Souvenir Shopping: A 3-Day Village Itinerary for 2026
A three-day Sapa trekking plan that pairs valley walks with souvenir shopping: Cat Cat and Hang Da on day one, the Muong Hoa valley from Lao Chai to Ta Van and Giang Ta Chai on day two, and Ta Phin on day three. Includes 2026 guide rates, village fees, homestay prices, transport times and booking steps.
Mekong Delta to Phu Quoc: Vietnam travel guide for an 8-day overland route
This Vietnam travel guide plans an 8-day overland route from Ho Chi Minh City to Phu Quoc via Can Tho, Chau Doc and Ha Tien. It gives transport links, costs, ferry warnings, entry fees, Tet timing and a day-by-day itinerary, so you can book the Delta and island without backtracking.
Tien Son Cave photo essay: Phong Nha's dry cave, 2026 costs and caption plan
A caption-led photo essay on Hang Tien Son, the dry cave paired with Phong Nha Cave on the same Song Son boat trip. It covers 2026 ticket and boat costs, the 300+ step climb, season windows, an 8-12 frame caption plan, lighting and safety, and whether the extra stop is worth it.
Vietnam beaches vs Thailand beaches in 2026: season, costs, safety and who each suits
This comparison sets Vietnam beaches against Thailand beaches for 2026 trips. It covers regional seasons, entry rules, access, water safety, accommodation and daily costs, then explains who each coast suits. Use it to choose between Vietnam's slower, cheaper beach routes and Thailand's faster, busier island logistics.
Sapa trekking base towns in 2026: guides and hikers compare Sapa Town, Ta Van and Lao Cai
This expert roundup asks six Sapa guides, operators, homestay owners and hikers where first-time visitors should base for a 2-3 day Sapa trekking trip in 2026. It compares Sapa town, Ta Van and Lao Cai on transfers, guide access, permits, altitude, weather, fitness and current costs.