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Vietnam has a special place in my heart. I could probably created a top 100 list and spend 4 months here. The food was some of the best I have eaten, the people some of the warmest, and the natural scenery some of the most amazing. Best time to go to Vietnam and SE Asia in general is during the US winter months, Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb. Vietnam is hot, hot in the summer and you’ll soon realize that seeing Sai Gon in July was a terrible idea. Best itinerary is to start  in Saigon in the south and work north to Hanoi. Since Saigon feels 100 times more hectic than Hanoi, I recommend starting there while you have strength and fortitude in your journey, Saigon can ware on you very quickly.

Please enjoy the top 10 things to do in Vietnam.

1. See a musical, opera, or symphony at the French Colonial wonders of the Ha Noi or Sai Gon Opera houses.
2. Eat a bowl of noodles at any of the ‘dust cafes’ (tiny cafes that spring up on sidewalks). It only costs a $1 and don’t worry if you don’t speak Vietnamese, most offer vegetarian options and standard proteins like chicken or beef. Just point and smile.
3. Personal favorite is Hoi An . Beach locations and great place for cheaply tailored clothes. Nice expat population gives way to some West meets East restaurants. I also have top 10 things to do in Hoi An list.
4. Take a junk trip around Ha Long Bay- UNESCO world heritage site and definitely something not to miss. Great tours like Kangaroo Cafe, located in Ha Noi (ignore the confusing website, its a quality Expat group)
5. Da Nang, Hue, and Nha Trang are all very popular cities on the sea. Hue’s Imperial City should not be missed.
6. Sai Gon- Among the many things to do here check out the War Remnants Museum, Ben Tahn Market, and Chu Chi Tunnels. Do not let the 7 million motorbikes dishearten you, you’ll soon get used to the Honda Dreams honking incessantly. I also have a top 10 things to do in Sai Gon.
7. Mekong Delta is a must and you can actually stay with real Vietnamese families on your visit. How is that for cultural immersion?
8. Mountainous Sa Pa- NNorth of Ha Noi is a great place to hike and see the famous markets. Much cooler, bring sweaters and coats.
9. Mui Ne- Interesting town along the coast line with martian red sand dunes. It’s about a 1/2 day travel from Sai Gon and worth about 1-2 days of your time.
10. Ha Noi- Former capital of Communist North Vietnam in the war and where McCain spent some time at the famous Hanoi Hilton. Gorgeous architecture and culture  thanks to French Colonialism with a nice big lake, Hoan Kiem smack in its center. Check out my top 10 things to do in hanoi list.

Adventurous Fun: Rent a scooter @ $5 a day- preferably at the beach or any of the smaller towns along the way. I wouldn’t try this in Ha Noi or Saigon for obvious reasons

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