Quick verdict: Vietnam is easy to plan + cheap + best food in SE Asia. North-to-south overland route is classic. Refined across 2 personal Vietnam trips.
8-step planning checklist
1Decide route + duration
Classic: Hanoi + Halong Bay + Hoi An + HCMC (10-14 days). North-to-south overland by Open Tour Bus.
2Book flights 2-3 months ahead
From US: $900-1500. From Europe: EUR 500-900. Hanoi HAN or HCMC SGN. Vietnam Airlines + Bamboo + VietJet.
3Book Halong Bay 1-2 months ahead
Mid-range Indochina Sails $150-200/night. Premium Au Co or Paradise $250-500.
4Book Hoi An tailoring 3+ days ahead
Bebe + Yaly Tailors are reliable. Custom suits + dresses delivered in 3-5 days.
5Book Hanoi + HCMC hotels 4-6 weeks ahead
Old Quarter Hanoi or Sukhumvit-equivalent in HCMC District 1. $20-60/night.
6Book internal flights or Open Tour Bus
Vietnam Airlines + VietJet + Bamboo for flights $50-100. Open Tour Bus $45 for full Hanoi-HCMC.
7Apply for e-visa 2-3 weeks ahead
E-visa $25 (90-day single entry). Apply at evisa.gov.vn. Easy approval.
8Get travel insurance + SIM
Viettel or Vinaphone SIM at airport $5-10. Travel insurance for motorbike riders.
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Updated 2026. Some links on Packzup are affiliate links.
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Written by
John Morrison is the founder and lead travel writer at Packzup. Over the past decade he has explored destinations across Africa, the Americas, Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and Oceania — always self-funded, never on a press trip.