Vietnam – Ha Long Bay, The Ha Giang Loop & Chaotic Hanoi

After spending two amazing weeks in China (you can read that post here), it was time for the next adventure — Vietnam. I had heard so much about this country, and only good things. Literally, everyone I talked to who had been there said the same thing: you’re going to love it. So it was finally time to experience it myself.

We flew from Beijing to Hanoi and stayed for a week (a bit short, yes, but we only had limited vacation days since Cambodia was next). We checked into Lake View Backpackers Hostel, which turned out to be a great choice — super cheap, clean, and with a cozy rooftop bar overlooking the lake. Highly recommend it if you’re looking for a friendly backpacker spot in the heart of Hanoi.

We arrived early in the morning, completely exhausted after a night flight on a budget airline and a 7-hour train ride from Chongqing to Beijing the day before. Luckily, the hostel staff were amazing — they let us leave our bags and even take a nap on the couches in the reception. That small gesture meant everything after barely sleeping. Having a neck pillow saved me(buy one here at amazon).

At around noon, we decided to head out for lunch and tried the famous Michelin restaurant Tam Vi. The food was great and super affordable for being Michelin, although not the absolute best food we had in Vietnam. Still, worth visiting for the experience — and for the bragging rights of saying you’ve eaten at a Michelin-starred restaurant in Vietnam.

🚃 The Iconic Hanoi Train Street

That evening, we went to what’s probably one of the most famous trains in the world — the Hanoi Train Street. It’s a train that passes straight through a narrow residential street lined with cafés and small restaurants, and it’s honestly wild how close it gets to people.

We sat at a bar right along the tracks, sipping our drinks, when a few minutes before the train arrived, all the bars started folding up their chairs and tables. Since me and my friend are pretty tall, we had to stand up because our knees would’ve been in the danger zone. The excitement was electric — you could feel everyone’s anticipation as the train horn echoed through the street. Then, out of nowhere, the train came roaring past us, so close you could touch it. It was surreal. You absolutely have to experience this if you’re in Hanoi — it’s chaotic, a bit insane, but unforgettable.

Afterward, we walked through Hanoi’s famous bar street, which was equally wild. It’s packed, loud, and alive — people dancing in the street, live music everywhere, and staff trying to drag you into their bars. It’s got a real party vibe, so go there ready to have fun and meet people from all over the world.

🏞️ Ha Long Bay – Like a Giant Version of a Swedish Archipelago

The next day, we joined a day trip to Ha Long Bay, which is one of the most iconic spots in Vietnam and for good reason. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site made up of thousands of limestone islands rising dramatically from the emerald-green sea.

We booked the trip through our hostel and got picked up by bus for a 1.5-hour ride to the bay. Once there, we boarded a clean, modern boat where we had a buffet lunch of delicious Vietnamese food. Eating great food while surrounded by those views was surreal — it reminded me of the Swedish archipelago, but 100 times bigger.

Our first stop was Luon Cave, where we got to kayak under a cave and into a hidden lagoon surrounded by cliffs. The scenery was straight out of a movie. You are gonna get wet so make sure to bring some swimming shorts(buy one here at amazon) and slippers is to recommend(buy here at amazon). After kayaking, we visited Sung Sot Cave, also known as the “Surprise Cave.” It’s enormous — walking through it feels like stepping into another world. You finish with an incredible viewpoint overlooking Ha Long Bay.

The last stop was Ti Top Island, where you can swim or hike up for panoramic views. Of course, I chose the hike, and the view from the top was magical, especially at sunset.

If you have time, I’d recommend doing the two-day version of the Ha Long Bay trip since the area is huge and there’s so much to explore.

🛵 The Legendary Ha Giang Loop – 3 Days of Pure Freedom

But the best part of Vietnam was still ahead: The Ha Giang Loop — and wow, what an adventure that was. I had seen pictures earlier this year and instantly knew I had to do it. My friend was hesitant at first, but I convinced him — and afterward, he said it was one of the best experiences of his life.

We booked through a company called Mama’s, via our hostel, for about €250 per person. Early in the morning, we took an 8-hour sleeper bus from Hanoi to Ha Giang. The bus was clean and comfortable, with one stop for lunch (which wasn’t great, but you can’t win them all).

That evening, we stayed at Mama’s Hostel in Ha Giang, where everyone was preparing for the loop. The atmosphere was awesome — travelers from all over the world bonding over dinner and beers. We even found a bar serving one-liter cans of beer called Crazy Wolf — which perfectly matched the vibe.

🏍️ Into the Mountains

The next morning, we had breakfast and a short safety briefing before meeting our drivers and groups. My driver was a 19-year-old legend — full of energy and always smiling. He loved driving fast, and since I’m a bit of an adrenaline junkie, I was all for it. Since the driver will tie up your backpack on the back of the scooter I recommend bringing a smaller backback(buy one here at amazon) and leave your bigger one at either the hostel in Hanoi(if you will return there) or at the organizers head office, it is much more convinient and comfortable.

The first day’s views were beyond imagination — endless green mountains, rivers, rice fields, small villages, and winding mountain roads. It honestly felt like driving through a movie scene. If you have a gopro(buy one here at amazon) make sure to bring it as you will want to film some videos during the ride, of course it is possible with your phone but holding a gopro is easier in my opinion. The roads are steep, bumpy sometimes and twists and turns very often so make sure to hold on to the scooter.

We stopped often, both to take in the views and to support local shops. One of my favorite stops was a small village where older Vietnamese women were sewing clothes and accessories in the traditional style. Seeing that kind of craftsmanship in 2025, when so much of the world is mass-produced, was really special.

Each night, we stayed in cozy hostels with pools, amazing food, and cheap beer. The evenings were pure magic — everyone eating together, singing karaoke, swimming, and sharing “happy water” (Vietnamese corn wine). Sleep was rare, but the good vibes and views gave you more than enough energy.

On the last day, our group split from the others to visit a hidden waterfall, where we swam and just enjoyed the last few hours of paradise.

🛍️ Shopping & Culture in Vietnam

If you love shopping, leave space in your backpack — seriously. Vietnam is full of shops selling high-quality clothes at a fraction of Western prices. You can find authentic, handmade, or even brand-quality items for almost nothing.

And if you’re a football fan, you’re in heaven here. There are so many football jerseys — new, retro, and even custom-made. I bought a custom Japan jersey and a retro Zidane shirt from the 1998 World Cup final. Both look incredible.

🍜 Food & People

Vietnamese food deserves all the hype it gets. From crispy spring rolls and steaming bowls of phở, to bánh mì and bún bò Huế, every meal is packed with flavor. Don’t hold back — eat as much local food as you can.

And the Vietnamese people… they’re some of the kindest, warmest people I’ve met anywhere. Always smiling, always helpful, and genuinely happy. It really gives you perspective — people here have far less material wealth than in the West, yet they seem so much more content.

Vietnam truly exceeded every expectation I had — breathtaking nature, unforgettable adventures, incredible food, and kind people everywhere. If you’re even thinking about visiting, don’t hesitate. Just go. 🇻🇳✨