Before arriving in Vietnam, I didn’t really have a strong concept of just how big this country is. But after the first few months exploring central and north Vietnam, I came to realize that there’s so much to see and do in this country that I don’t think we’ll ever manage to do it all!
Where to go in Vietnam
Visitors to Vietnam typically divide the country into three main sections, North, Central, and South Vietnam, all of which have tons of things to do and see.
Most visitors spend their time either exploring the beaches and modern cities in the South or the natural beauty and rich historical sites in the North. However, Central Vietnam has a ton going for it as well, especially for families looking for a place where they can stay for awhile. (My own family is in our second year of basing out of Da Nang!)
Whichever spot you choose, I highly recommend not trying to fit too much into a single trip! Vietnam rewards traveling slow and taking your time enjoying its different spots. It’s worth exploring over several trips!
To get a better look at the best spots to visit in Vietnam, be sure to read my article:
The top 25 places to visit in Vietnam with Kids – and why you shouldn’t visit them all (in one trip)
Getting around in Vietnam
A coastal railway connects the far corners of the country and is definitely a memorable way to explore the coastal regions of the country. Sleeper buses and VIP vans do a great job connecting locations further inland, within the different regions. And domestic plane tickets are surprisingly affordable for getting from one place to another, if you’re in a hurry.
Basically, no matter how you prefer to travel, there’s likely a route to get there in Vietnam!
We’ve found the website 12Go to be invaluable in booking our transportation tickets around Vietnam, though it is best if you can book at least a week in advance. If you need to travel on shorter notice, I’ve found it better to just head to the train or bus station directly and buy your tickets in person.
