Vietnam

• It generally takes about an entire week to process the visa, you can apply here by paying $25 fees online. (Cheapest and the best option) - https://evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn/en_US/web/guest/khai-thi-thuc-dien-tu/cap-thi-thuc-dien-tu
• 2 weeks is probably good

Potential places to see

• Hanoi: The capital with some museums, history and architecture I would recommend:
  • Prison Museum
  • Moloseum (You’ll have to go in the morning)
  • Ha Long Bay (Highly recommend) – This is an cruise, caves trek and snorkeling combined trip. You can book this 1 or 2- or 3-day tour as per your wish and there are many operators there in Hanoi who can help you with the booking. You may not book in advance as well.
  • Apart from that there are many places to see from an architectural perspective. You can also get a two-wheeler easily by paying a nominal fee if you like.
  • There are restaurants of all kind in Hanoi next to the beer street, do try.
  • The city also has lakes and restaurants/café next to it which I would urge you to explore.
  • There’s also a local friend of mine – Thao - +84 98 383 6998. She speaks English very well and loves to share about the history of Vietnam and runs a tour for free next to the famous cafes’s next to the railway track. Do give my referral and meet her if you have some time,
• Danang – Recommend
  • This is a nice architectural town where you can see many touristy places apart from good beaches and food. It is also the central part of
• Hoi-An – Highly recommend – This place is just about an hour drive from Da Nang and is a village, it has a beautiful river, museums and a buzzing local market. They also have a cultural center, and you can ride a bicycle in the city. (Hotels generally provide a bicycle for free). This is the hotel I stayed  and it was great with very neat and clean rooms, swimming pool and some good restaurants and café around. It is also 10-15 mins bicycle ride from the city center.
• My-Son – Pronounced as ‘Mi-son’ this place has a remains of a 4th century Hindu temple and about an hour drive from Hoi-An is you’d like to visit - https://maps.app.goo.gl/JndYQa66cKfhH1pdA. One of the kings of Vietnam was Hindu and he started the Champa empire.
• Phu Quoc – An island in the south of Cambodia, it attractions like starfish and other beachs, animal safari and other things. My return flight was here to Delhi but there’s no return flight anymore.
• Ho Chi Minh – The big city of Vietnam just like Mumbai, it was called Saigon in the past. I have not visited but is a big city for sure. You could also land here apart from Hanoi since this also has the second most biggest airport apart from Hanoi
• Ninh Binh – A city close to Hanoi know for caves and boat. There are tours which run from Hanoi as well - https://www.klook.com/en-IN/activity/25850-2d1n-ninh-binh-tour-hanoi/

Places to stay

Karan's Route

I did the North to South route. Here’s my itinerary:

• Landed in Hanoi (generally you will find most direct flights to Hanoi)
• Took a flight to Da Nang
• Took a bus to Hoi An
• Came back to Da Nang and flew to Phu Quoc islands
• From Phu Quoc I took a direct flight to Delhi (which might not be there anymore)

Other Tips

• Sim Card – The sim card rates are cheap and you can get a sim card for 1 week to 15 days validity very easily. You can get these from the airport itself.
• Grab app is the go to app not just in Vietnam but the entire SE Aisa. Not only you can get a cab but also gets food delivered and they take cash on delivery as well. Indian debit and credit cards also work in the app.
• People in Vietnam are generally very nice and helping. In my experience, the best in SE Asia until now.
• Withdraw most of the money that you require for the whole trip on one go from the ATM if you are not taking the currency along.
• If you are up for it, getting a two-wheeler on a daily rent with a nominal price is very easy. (Hanoi, Hoi An, Da Nang or Phu Quoc etc..)