Here is my detailed North Vietnam solo budget travel itinerary to prove to you that solo budget travel is not only possible but it can be one of the most exciting and adventurous experiences of your life!
Why North Vietnam?
I’m just drawn to anything close to nature! It’s the perfect budget friendly region in Vietnam for nature-loving people. North Vietnam just boast this aspect so beautifully. The scenic views of foggy mountains, limestone karst, rice fields, caves, rivers and sunsets.
Besides nature, it exudes diverse cultures, traditions and history.
And the best part, the cities, towns and provinces are all just a bus ride away from each other.
Bird’s eye view of itinerary
Day 1 to 2 in Hanoi
Day 3 to 4 in Cát Bà Island
Day 5 to 7 in Tam Coc (Ninh Binh)
Day 8 to 10 in Sapa
Day 11 to 13 in Ha Giang
Day 14 in Hanoi
Cost breakdown
Flight tickets
Scoot and VietJet Air — $172.26 USD for 3 flight tickets!
Where I got my flight tickets
I used Skyscanner to find the cheapest flights.
Flight route: Singapore (SG) → Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC) → Hanoi → Singapore (SG)
So yes, the flight tickets would have been much cheaper if I got a round trip from SG to Hanoi and back to SG. But I went to HCMC to visit my relatives and only start my solo budget trip in Hanoi.
Accommodation
Hanoi City Backpackers Hostel (Hanoi) — $426,000VND ($17.85USD) (3 nights)+ $120,000VND ($5.04USD) (1 night) = $22.81 USD
Cat Ba Countryside Homestay (Cát Bà Island) — $550,000VND ($23.04USD) (2 nights)
Viet Anh Homestay (Tam Coc) — $555,000VND ($23.31USD) (2 nights)
La Beaute Sa Pa (Sapa) — $490,000 VND ($20.53USD) (2 nights)
2 different homestays in Ha Giang — included in 3D2N tour
Where I booked my accommodations
All booked on Agoda.com.
Criteria I look for:
- about $10USD or less, per night
- homestays or hostels only
- about 100 reviews or more, minimally 4 out of 5 stars rating
- breakfast included
- Free Wi-Fi
- fully refundable if cancelled (a day in advance)
- hostel to have 24H reception
Personal experience at my stays
Every single stay was a pleasant experience in their own unique way. I would recommend all the stays that I stayed at! I’d never felt unsafe, uncomfortable, upset or disappointed in any way.
Something about the Vietnamese people is that you can definitely tell that they love their country and wants to share Vietnam’s beauty with tourists. Their service and hospitality were all on point — I have no complains, just pure gratefulness.
So glad I opted for only homestays and hostels — nothing like the plain and standard hotel stays.
Transport
Grab/Gojek/Be motorbike/car within Hanoi (incl to and fro the airport) — $706,000VND ($29.64USD)
Bus and ferry from Hanoi to Cat Ba Island — $355,000VND ($14.79USD)
Motorbike and car taxi within Cat Ba Island — $480,000VND ($20.11USD)
Bus from Cat Ba Island to Tam Coc — $350,000VND ($14.66USD)
Bicycle rental in Tam Coc — $100,000VND/day ($12.57USD for 3 days)
Bicycle parking at Hang Mua in Tam Coc — $5,000VND ($0.21USD)
Motorbike taxi within Tam Coc (Ninh Binh) — $50,000VND ($2.09USD)
Sleeper bus from Tam Coc (Ninh Binh) to Sapa — $350,000VND ($14.66USD)
Transport convenience in Vietnam
Transport within North Vietnam is just so convenient. I thought I needed to book in advance, just like booking for accommodations, and was a little paranoid about it. I didn’t book my transport as there was limited choices online and I read up somewhere that I could just book it with my accommodation when I’m physically there.
This is so true! I realised I didn’t even have to worry about it. North Vietnam is very tourist friendly in this aspect. Transport to other cities, towns, provinces can all be easily booked with your accommodation.
In fact, it is even cheaper to book it with them when you’re physically there (just tell them at least 1 to 2 days in advance, earlier the better of course) than to book it online (transport companies have to pay for advertising fees etc so they’ll increase the tickets’ prices to cover the extra cost — the receptionist in my Hanoi hostel shared this info).
Activities and tour
Ngoc Son Temple entrance fee — $30,000VND ($1.26USD)
Temple of Literature entrance fee — $30,000VND (1.26USD)
Thang Long Imperial Citadel entrance fee — $30,000VND (1.26USD)
Bich Dong short 20min boat tour — $50,000VND ($2.09USD)
Hang Mua Viewpoint entrance fee — $100,000VND ($4.19USD)
Trang An 3-hour boat tour — $250,000VND ($12.57USD)
Sapa 8-hour hike with a guide — $800,000VND ($33.52USD)
3 days 2 nights Ha Giang motorbike tour (Lily’s Travel) — $4,018,000VND ($167.38USD) + $968,000VND ($40.32USD) (paid extra transport fee as I booked the wrong dates for the tour) (includes food, accommodation and activities)
Personal experience with paid activities
I enjoyed all the paid activities here except for the 20min Bich Dong boat tour (explained below on day 5). Everything else is worth the visit and fees.
Food
Hanoi — $437,000VND ($18.35USD)
Cat Ba — $600,000VND ($25.19USD), incl stopover snacks on the way to Tam Coc
Tam Coc (Ninh Binh) — $350,000VND ($14.58USD)
Sapa — $518,000VND ($21.70USD)
Hagiang (outside of tour cost) — $75,000VND ($3.14USD), incl stopover dinner on the way to Hanoi
Food variety and convenience
In Vietnam, you’ll never go hungry, even as a vegetarian (not quite sure about vegan). Everywhere you go there will be food options. Variety and convenience comes at such an affordable price! Food portions are big too!
Necessities/Miscellaneous
SIM card — $350,000VND ($14.58USD)
Travel insurance — $67.20SGD ($49.47USD)
Extra baggage weight (VietJet Air) — $230,000VND ($9.58USD)
Total spending ≈ $1155SGD = $850USD = $20,300,700VND
Yes, for EVERYTHING — including flights, accommodations, transport, food, activities, tours and necessities.
Budget Travel Itinerary
To note:
→ asterisk * means non-vegetarian meals — At the time of the solo trip, I was not vegetarian but as of writing this, I have turned vegetarian. Thus, I will only recommend and state the names of food places that’s vegetarian. If the place I ate at is not vegetarian, I will not state the names and I’ll just add an asterisk*. A list of vegetarian food places will be added towards the end of this blog!
→ italicised words means unplanned (last minute or on the spot changed in itinerary)
→ strike-through means cancelled plans (planned activity but did not do it)
Night 1 (22 August 2022)
| Time | Activity | Cost breakdown: |
|---|---|---|
| 7.40pm | Depart HCMC | |
| 9.50pm | Arrive in Hanoi | |
| 10.30pm | Check in at Hanoi City Backpackers Hostel | grab from airport to hostel: ~$400,000VND 3 nights: $426,000VND |
| 11pm | Lights out! |
Flight delay
There was a delay in my flight from HCMC to Hanoi. I think this is common for VietJet Air but I can’t really complain as it’s a budget airline and my flight was super cheap. So only arrived at my hostel at 12am.
First hostel stay experience
The room that I booked was a 6 people (3 bunk beds), mixed gender room. Indeed, quite ambitious for a start (first ever solo trip and first night in the solo trip). But I still booked this place as I saw good reviews, good ratings and sufficient number of reviews (>100 on agoda.com).
Moreover, I believe that most people do not come here to do harm or evil. They are just normal travelers experiencing life and just need a place to stay for the night before heading off to their next destination.
Grateful that this hostel has a 24H reception and the checking in process was super smooth and calm. Got to say this as it was my first late night alone and it was comforting to know that I was in a safe place and the people were nice and welcoming. Additionally, with the 24H reception, it just adds another layer of safety in case I need any help in the middle of the night.
And the good thing about arriving so late is that everyone else in the shared room was fast asleep by the time I arrived. It was so quiet and peaceful and I had such a good sleep.
Day 1 (23 August 2022) Itinerary
| Time | Activity | Cost breakdown: |
|---|---|---|
| 7am | Wakey wakey + wash up | |
| 7.30-8.30am | Brekkie at hostel (Hanoi City Backpackers Hostel) | included in accommodation cost |
| 8.30-10.30am | Egg coffee at Cafe Dinh | 8min walk: free hot egg coffee: $25,000VND |
| 10.30-11.30am | Explore Hoan Kiem Lake + Ngoc Son Temple | 10min walk: free Ngoc Son Temple entrance fee: $30,000VND |
| 11.30am-12pm | Photo taking at St Joseph Cathedral + rest | 10min walk: free water: $7,000VND |
| 12-1pm | Lunch* | 6min walk: free lunch: $40,000VND |
| 1-2pm | Walk to West Lake | 40min walk: free |
| 2-4pm | Impromptu rest at Highland Coffee (right across west lake) | iced coffee: $35,000VND |
| 4-5pm | Visit Tran Quoc Pagoda at West Lake + walk around West Lake | free entrance! |
| 5-6pm | Catch sunset at west lake + photography | |
| 6-7pm | Dinner* | 10min Gojek ride: $17,000VND dinner: $160,000VND |
| 7-9pm | Settle mobile data issue + rest in hostel | |
| 9-10pm | Wash up + laundry + pack for next day | |
| 11pm | Lights out |
Egg coffee
First stop of the day was at Cafe Dinh to try their famous egg coffee! The walk from the hostel was pretty short — about 5min. And I almost missed it, thinking it’s no longer in operation, as it was located on a quiet street and almost all the nearby shops seemed closed.
But it was hidden upstairs and I had to walk up a flight of rundown stairs to reach the cafe. Was pleasantly surprised by the busyness and rustic vibes the cafe exudes. Stayed there for a good 2h (instead of the planned 1h) as it was raining outside and I was kind of engrossed in journaling which I had missed for the past 3 days.
Egg coffee verdict: very interesting taste, 4.5/5 stars, worth to try! 0.5 stars short as I wished they served it in a bigger cup!
Hoan Kiem Lake
Next stop, Hoan Kiem lake, which was just across the road. Peaceful walk around the lake and temple (Ngoc Son Temple). Entrance fee to the temple is 30,000VND. To me, the entrance fee is worth it as I’m already here so might as well explore as much as I can.
St Joseph Cathedral
Next, walked about 10min to St Joseph Cathedral. A very elegant, Neo-Gothic style architect in the middle of all the modern rustic Vietnamese style shophouses and buildings. Spent about 20min there for some pictures and rest under a shade due to the scotching sun.
West Lake
After lunch, I took a long walk (about 40min) to Tran Quoc Pagoda, at West Lake. It’s always nice to take long walks to explore a city, especially after a big meal! Stopped by Highlands coffee, just across West Lake.
What attracted me to this place was how it’s gracefully situated right above the lake (wonder how it looks like? Google: Highland Coffee West Lake Hanoi image). Got an iced coffee and sat inside to cool off after the long walk under the scorching hot midday sun. A treat indeed! Stayed for a good 2h here to wait for the sun to be less intense.
Walked over to Tran Quoc Pagoda, just 5min away. Free entry! Therapeutic walk in the pagoda and around West Lake. Managed to catch the gorgeous orange-red sunset that spread across the whole horizon.
Something unexpected happened…
When I was about to book grab to head to my dinner place, my phone’s data suddenly stopped working. After some struggle, I finally managed to get help from kind locals to book my grab.
After dinner, I decided to head back to my hostel to ask for help as I needed to solve this issue as soon as possible. Thus, I couldn’t continue with the rest of the night’s itinerary (going to the street market).
This issue was solved with the kind help of the hostel’s staff. I decided to just stay in the hostel for the rest of the night as it was already quite late (about 8.30pm) and I was exhausted.
Day 2 (24 August 2022)
| Time | Activity | Cost breakdown: |
|---|---|---|
| 7am | Wakey wakey + wash up | |
| 7.30-8am | Brekkie at hostel | included in accommodation cost |
| 8-10am | Explore Hanoi Train Street + photography | 15min walk: free |
| 10am-12pm | Lunch + journal at Cafe 74 (within Hanoi Train Street) | egg coffee: $35,000VND |
| 12-2pm | Explore Temple of Literature | 20min walk: free $30,000VND entrance fee |
| 2-6pm | Explore Thang Long Imperial Citadel | 20min walk: free $30,000VND entrance fee |
| 6-7pm | Explore Long Bien Bridge + catch sunset | 10min gojek ride: $16,000VND |
| 7-8pm | Dinner* | 15min walk: free dinner: $35,000VND |
| 8-9pm | Explore streets on the way back to hostel | traditional vietnamese snacks: $100,000VND |
| 9-11pm | Reach hostel: laundry + wash up + pack bag to check out | |
| 11pm | Lights out! |
Hanoi Train Street
How often do you find an active train track that runs in between a narrow alley with busy cafes, restaurants and shophouses? Thus, this place is a must visit! Part of travelling is to find unique places like this. I’ve had one of the most therapeutic journaling session at Cafe 74 with a beautifully rustic view of the train track and rows of shophouses along it.
You can visit the train street when a train will actually go pass this area. Train schedule: Monday – Friday: 7:00 PM; 7:45 PM; 8:30 PM; and 10:00 PM. Saturday – Sunday: 6:00 AM; 9:00 AM; 11:20 AM; 3:20 PM; 5:30 PM; 6:00 PM; 7:00 PM; 7:45 PM; 8:30 PM; 9:00 PM; 11:00 PM.
Temple of Literature
A recommended visit if you are curious to learn more about Confucius and his teachings. Growing up in a Chinese family, I relate a lot to Confucius’ teachings on filial piety, developing personal attributes and values that bring about peace and harmony. You’ll be inspired from learning about his sacrifice and contribution to education.
Thang Long Imperial Citadel
A must to visit! Truly a jaw dropping beauty. It’s a huge and majestic museum — a part of an ancient capital city. You’ll feel like you’re taken back in time and are a part of the royal family walking within the palace grounds.
This place is a lot bigger than you think! I spent a good 3 hours here. When you first enter you’ll already be amazed by how huge and spacious it is, but look deeper! You’ll find a door to the rest of the citadel. To be honest, I almost missed visiting 90% of the compound if not for looking deeper and finding that door.
Long Bien Bridge
If you want to catch a rustic picture of a train crossing a bridge with the backdrop of a river and orange-red sunset across the horizon, then this is the place to go. You can take a little walk along the side of the bridge if you want to go close to the train tracks — which was what I did as the grab motorbike dropped me off at a place where the sunset views would be blocked by buildings.
Day 3 (25 August 2022)
| Time | Activity | Cost breakdown |
|---|---|---|
| 7am | Wakey Wakey | |
| 7.30-8am | Brekkie at hostel | included in accommodation cost |
| 8am | Travel to Cat Ba by bus + ferry | ticket: $355,000VND |
| 1-2pm | Find and book alternative accommodation | |
2-3pm | Hike at Sung Sot/Dau Go cave Check in at Cat Ba Countryside Homestay + Lunch + Rest | motorbike taxi: $100,000VND 2 nights: $550,000VND 5 meals in homestay from 25/8-27/8: $360,000VND (didn’t note down the cost for each meal) |
| 3-5pm | Cat Ba National Park hike + Trung Trang Cave | motorbike taxi: $70,000VND |
| 5-7pm | Cat Ba Cat Co 3 beach scenic view walk | car taxi: $120,000VND |
| 7-8pm | Dinner at homestay | car taxi: $120,000VND |
| 8-10pm | Yoga in room | |
| 10pm | *blackout happened* 2h nap | |
12am | Wash up + Sleep |
I booked with a homestay that no longer existed…
Took longer than expected to arrive at Cat Ba Countryside Homestay. As I only realised that the initial homestay (Thu Thuy Cruise Homestay) that I booked with no longer existed (confirmed by asking locals around the area) when I was in front of its stated location. It was replaced by a hotel. I had to quickly look for another accommodation further away in another town, as the nearby prices were all hiked up. Glad I managed to find one within my budget on the Agoda app.
Cat Ba National Park
I hiked here as it was just a 10 minute motorbike ride from my homestay, but I’d say it’s still worth a little travelling to hike here if you are already at Cat Ba Island. A relatively easy hike, though towards the end it will be quite a steep climb. You’ll get to see some cool views along the hike, including passing through Trung Trang Cave, and especially at the viewpoint — which makes the steep climb all the more worth it. My first solo hike — an experience I’ll keep close to my heart for a long time to come.
Cat Co 3 Beach
Take the steps after the beach bar and you’ll enter a scenic path. Stunning views of limestone karsts, wide sky and sea will await you. A great place to catch sunset. Managed to soak in some scenic views before the…
Unexpected rainstorm
Rain started when I was half way through the scenic view walk at Cat Co 3 beach. I thought I could just wait it out (on a seat at the beach bar) and continue exploring the beach once the rain was over, but it got heavier and heavier. However, I couldn’t explore further and had to get back before it was too dark.
Blackout…
Throughout the whole Cat Ba island, started at about 10pm and lasted slightly over 12 hours. There was no power, not even mobile connection. Nonetheless, I’m grateful that it happened over the night rather than morning when I actually need mobile connection. So I slept it off, hoping power will be up by the next day.
Day 4 (26 August 2022)
| Time | Activity | Cost breakdown: |
|---|---|---|
8.30am | Wakey wakey | |
9am | Brekkie at homestay | 5 meals in homestay from 25/8-27/8: $360,000VND (didn’t note down the cost for each meal) |
9.30-10.30am | Stayed in room to ‘recover’ from more than 12h power shortage (charged phone, called parents etc) | |
| 11am-12pm | Explore Cat Ba Town | motorbike taxi: $35,000 VND |
| 12-1pm | Lunch at a small street stall | egg banh mi and coconut coffee: $60,000VND |
1-3pm | Cannon fort hike | |
| 3-5pm | Rest at Yummy 2 restaurant + journal | mango sinh to (smoothie): $30,000VND |
| 5-6.30pm | Enjoy the harbour views at Cat Ba Town | |
| 7-8pm | Dinner at homestay | motorbike taxi: $35,000VND 5 meals in homestay from 25/8-27/8: $360,000VND (didn’t note down the cost for each meal) |
| 8-10pm | Laundry + pack bags | |
| 11pm | Lights out |
Learnt a lesson from the locals… to stay present
To my surprise, the homestay family was extremely calm, just going about their day as if nothing happened. They didn’t even use their phones, just happily having breakfast and chatting. I had to go up to them and ask if it is just me or is there really no mobile connection. Calmly, they just explained it’s the whole island that’s affected, so not to worry, it rarely happens but power should be back up by today.
My internal dialogue: BY TODAY?! What if I still don’t get connection by evening? My parents are going to be worried sick! How am I going to go about my day?
But, something about their calmness and confidence is infectious. I just trusted the process. Trusting that I don’t need my phone to feel safe or productive. I am already in a safe place. And staying present in the moment, in whatever I was doing — savouring my hot bowl of noodle soup — is making the best use of my time.
Bad weather → scraped all planned activities
The main activities on this day’s itinerary were all scraped. This day was mainly unplanned as the activities that I wanted to do could not be done due to the unexpected huge thunderstorm that lasted the whole night, causing floods in many parts of the island and ongoing huge winds and waves. Wanted to do some hiking at the nearby hospital cave but couldn’t due to the flooding. Planned for a boat tour at Halong Bay but that also couldn’t be done as the weather conditions were still bad with huge waves, wind and some rain throughout the day.
Cat Ba Town, Cannon Fort
Thus, I just stayed around Cat Ba Town to explore the area. Hiked at the nearby Cannon Fort (was actually meant to be closed off for safety reasons due to the huge thunderstorm that lasted overnight but a group of us asked around and managed to enter). I then stayed around the harbour to enjoy the strong winds and calming views of limestone islands and emerald waters.
Day 5 (27 August 2022)
| Time | Activity | Cost breakdown: |
|---|---|---|
| 7am | Wakey wakey | |
| 7.30am | Brekkie at homestay | 5 meals in homestay from 25/8-27/8: $360,000VND (didn’t note down the cost for each meal) |
| 8am-1pm | Bus travel to Tam Coc + journal + read | bus ticket: $350,000VND |
| 1pm | Check in to Viet Anh Homestay + lunch at homestay | 2 nights: $555,000VND lunch: $80,000VND |
2-5pm | Cycle and explore Tam Coc — visit nearby attractions recommended by homestay (visited Bich Dong Pagoda and Trang Nham Bird Park) | bicycle rental from homestay: $80,000VND/day Bich Dong boat tour (20min): $50,000VND Trang Nham Bird Park entrance fee: $150,000VND ice cream at Trang Nham Bird Park: $20,000VND |
| 5-6pm | Cycle back to dinner place near homestay (homestay’s recommendation) | |
| 6-8pm | Dinner at Family Restaurant | dinner (have vegetarian options): $70,000VND |
| 8-10pm | Chat over some tea with homestay family | |
| 10pm | Wash up | |
| 11pm | Lights out |
Intended unplanned day
This day was intended to be unplanned — left it open to anything that my homestay recommended. I highly recommend that you do the same too! It adds a little mystery and some flexibility to your solo trip! Furthermore, it’s an opportunity to start a conversation with locals. Locals do know best, so you may find some hidden gems and less touristy places.
Bich Dong
Bich Dong padoga is worth a visit when you’re there (you can access it on foot). A picturesque pagoda located at the mountainside and by a quaint lake. I wouldn’t recommend a boat trip here as you’re just passing through a cave and a small lake. If you’re approached by any boater trying to sell you their tour (which I was and got swayed into buying it), just politely (and firmly if need to) say no if you’re really not keen.
You don’t need a boat tour to enter Bich Dong Pagoda. The only boat tour I recommend is the 3h Trang An boat tour (day 7). If time allows, you may consider the Tam Coc boat tour (I did not try it but heard good experiences from those who tried it).
Trang Nham Bird Park
Definitely worth a visit, even for its entrance fee. A huge park with pristine views of cliffs, valleys, caves and lakes. You’ll get to see wild birds up close on a boat tour (included in entrance ticket), coming back to the trees in the park near dusk to rest. I didn’t really see many tourists here, but it seems quite popular amongst the locals.
Thanks to my homestay’s recommendation, I guess I found a hidden gem?
Day 6 (28 August 2022)
| Time | Activity | Cost breakdown: |
|---|---|---|
| 7am | Wakey wakey | |
| 7.30am | Brekkie | included in accommodation cost |
| 8.30 – 11.30am | Cycle to Hang Mua Ecolodge + hike to viewpoint | bicycle rental from homestay: $80,000VND/day entrance fee: $100,000VND ice cream: $20,000VND |
| 12-1pm | Cycle back to homestay + lunch* nearby | lunch: $50,000VND |
| 1-4pm | Explore Hoa Lu Ancient Capital | motorbike taxi: $50,000VND entrance fee: $20,000VND |
| 4-6pm | Travel back to homestay + rest | motorbike taxi: $50,000VND |
| 6-7pm | Dinner at Family Restaurant | tomato egg soup: $30,000VND |
| 7-8pm | Wash up + laundry | |
| 8-10pm | Write/journal | |
| 11pm | Lights out |
Hang Mua Ecolodge
Definitely worth the higher-than-normal entrance fee and 500-uneven-steps (about 20 minutes if it’s NOT under the blazing sun) hike for its sublime and majestic views of the valleys, cliffs and lakes. Would 100% recommend you to do it at sunrise (6.30am) rather than late morning when I did it.
Took me about 40 minutes for a slow, exhausting, and near-brink-of-heatstroke (an exaggeration but it was definitely VERY HOT under the scorching sun) hike up to the viewpoint. Nonetheless, I was grateful that, at least, it wasn’t raining. Had to treat myself to an ice cream for this.
Hoa Lu Ancient Capital
Worth a visit if you’d like to immerse yourself in the history and ancient architecture of Vietnam. Packed with temples and fortress ruins, you’ll feel as if you’ve stepped foot into an ancient Vietnamese Kingdom.
Day 7 (29 August 2022)
| Time | Actitivity | Cost breakdown: |
|---|---|---|
| 7am | Wakey wakey | |
| 7.30am | Brekkie | included in accommodation cost |
| 8.30am-12pm | Trang An boat tour (3h) | ticket: $250,000vnd |
| 12-1pm | Return to homestay + rest | motorbike taxi: $50,000VND |
| 1-2pm | Lunch* (impromptu place on my cycling route – did not take note of name of restaurant) | lunch*: $70,000VND |
| 2-5pm | Cycle aimlessly to explore Tam Coc | bicycle rental from homestay: $80,000VND/day |
| 6pm | Dinner* (recommended by homestay – did not take note of name of restaurant) | dinner*: $60,000VND |
| 7-8pm | Head back to homestay: wash up + pack up | motorbike taxi: $50,000VND |
| 8-10pm | Write/journal | |
| 11pm | Check out Sleeper bus to Sapa | overtime stay (suppose to check out in the morning): $335,000VND bus ticket: $350,000VND |
Trang An Landscape Complex
A UNESCO world heritage site, is a MUST-VISIT. And it is best experienced on the 3 hour boat tour, when you will see picturesque views of limestone karsts, valleys and rivers. You’ll go through caves, visit temples and pagodas (only accessible by boat) and even try to paddle the boat.
Cycling around Tam Coc
Just exploring the province on a bicycle was quite a fun experience. Cycling through rice paddies, and along lakes and rives. Not to mention, constantly having beautiful views of limestone karst and valleys all around. Watching local children interacting with tourists — diving and swimming at the river, was a beautiful and heartwarming sight.
Day 8 (30 August 2022)
| Time | Activity | Cost breakdown: |
|---|---|---|
| 5am | Arrive at Sapa | |
| 5.30am | Brekkie at ____ (recommended by homestay) | breakfast: $70,000VND |
| 6am-12pm | Meet guide + hike up to homestay (5-6h) – rice terraces – waterfalls – villages | guided hike: $700,000VND baggage motorbike transport to homestay: $100,000VND |
12-12.30pm | Lunch (during hike) at a small hut | lunch (have vegetarian options): $50,000VND |
12.30-3pm | – Ngua Bay waterfall – Su Pan/Giang Ta Chai Dao village – Old bridge Continue hike up to homestay – rice terraces – waterfalls – bamboo forest | |
| 3pm | Reach homestay (check in) | 2 nights: $488,000VND (breakfast included) |
| 3.30-5pm | Shower + rest | |
| 5-6pm | Cook with homestay family | |
| 6-8pm | Dinner | 3 meals (1 lunch and 2 dinners) with homestay: $360,000VND |
| 8-10pm | Write | |
| 10-11pm | Wash up | |
| 11pm | Lights out |
Guided hike
The hike took longer than expected, taking 8 hours (including breaks and lunch) instead of 5 hours. Of course, I didn’t mind the extra 3 hours to truly soak in Sapa’s beauty. Once in Sapa, it’s a MUST to do at least a half day guided hike. It’s when you can catch a glimpse of their local life —farmers planting and harvesting, ethnic minority tribes making and selling crafts, local village children playing. You’ll trek through rice terraces, corn fields, bamboo forest, waterfalls, lakes and villages. At the same time, you’ll trek by the beautiful backdrop of mountain valleys with some fanciful fog that adds a little flair to the already wonderful views.
Cooking with homestay
Was exhausted by the time I reached the homestay (didn’t want to do anymore trekking to explore the nearby areas). Thus, cooking with the homestay family was a great alternative activity! I’ve always wanted to learn how to cook local dishes as a way to immerse myself in their culture. I asked her early (about 4pm) if I could join her in the kitchen later to help her cook dinner for guests and her family. Without any hesitation, she said, “YES! 5pm, kitchen, we cook, ok!” Hahaha, her English wasn’t the best grammatically, but it was perfectly functional and understandable!
Day 9 (31 August 2022)
| Time | Activity | Cost breakdown: |
|---|---|---|
6-7am | Morning stretch | |
| 7-8am | Cook breakfast + Brekkie | included in accommodation cost |
| 8-9am | Meditation + yoga stretch | |
9-11am | – Cat Cat Village Write | |
| 11am-12pm | Grocery shop for ingredients to cook Singapore Laksa for dinner | cost covered by homestay |
| 12-1pm | Lunch with homestay family | 3 meals (1 lunch and 2 dinners) with homestay: $360,000VND |
| 1-6pm | Explore nearby Ngua Bay waterfall and the old bridge and hike to the top of waterfall | |
| 6-8pm | Cook (Singapore laksa) + dinner with homestay | (although I cooked and ingredients’ costs were covered by the homestay, I still had to pay for the meal as the homestay also cooked some other dishes) 3 meals (1 lunch and 2 dinners) with homestay: $360,000VND |
| 8-9pm | Wash up | |
| 9-10pm | Rest + journal | |
| 11pm | Lights out! |
Slow start to day
When you’re in Sapa, you’ve got to experience starting the day slow and flowing slowly with the day. Wanted to catch sunrise but by 6am, the sun has already fully risen, so I did yoga instead. This day was pretty much unplanned — only started actual activities at 11am when I finally left my room. Interacting with the homestay family and flowing my day with theirs is one of the best and most cherished memories I’ve made during this Sapa trip.
Lovely interactions with the homestay
The homestay owner asked me what my plans were for the day and if I would like to join them for lunch. Of course I said yes to her warm invitation for lunch.
After mentioning that I plan to visit the nearby waterfall, the volunteer lady (her name is Hien), whom the homestay engaged to teach English to village children for a week and stayed in the same house, suggested that we should go to the waterfall together after lunch. Definitely always better with some pleasant company.
While preparing for lunch, the homestay owner cheekily suggested that I should cook a Singaporean dish for dinner. And I agreed to the challenge. Which led to me to join the volunteer to run some errands and did some grocery shopping.
Ngua Bay waterfall
After lunch, the volunteer (Hien) and I head off to the nearby Ngua Bay waterfall (passing by the old bridge). Not the best or biggest waterfall I’ve seen but it’s the great company that really mattered. Dipping our feet in the chilled water, we watched how village children played in the water with their smiles and laughter filling the air.
Hiking with village children
Hiking up to the top of the waterfall was an impromptu plan as we were just curious as to whether it’s possible. The village children, whom we made friends with at the waterfall, tagged along as our little guides, showing the way and helping us hike safely. It was one of the most simple pleasant fun I’ve had in a while, just hiking with no map or planned route, with the company of cheerful village children.
Sharing some Singapore culture with the homestay
Sharing local food is one of the best ways to share a little of your own culture with them. I’m glad I accepted the challenge to cook a Singaporean dish. Ended this beautiful day with a nice hot bowl of homecooked laksa, made with as much similar ingredients I could find in this little Sapa village. Everyone loved it.
Day 10 (1 September 2022)
| Time | Activity | Cost breakdown: |
|---|---|---|
| 7am | Wakey wakey | |
| 7.30am | Yoga stretch | |
| 8-9am | Brekkie | included in accommodation cost |
| 9am-12pm | Explore nearby (based on homestay recommendations) – dam in Su Pan village – Su Pan village | |
| 12pm | Bike down to Sapa Town | Free! (homestay owner’s brother dropped by and happened to be free at this time so they didn’t mind sending me off as a little favour) |
| 1-5pm | Explore Sapa Town -lunch* – photography outside church – market/streets | lunch: $40,000VND |
Journal | ||
| 7.30pm | Sleeper bus to Ha Giang | included in Ha Giang tour but I paid extra bus transport fee of $968,000VND as I booked the wrong dates for the tour |
Dam exploration
Exploring the dam was quite an eye opening experience — my first time ever visiting an actual dam. Got me to appreciate the importance of clean alternative energy. We took the steps down as much as we could until the steps felt too slippery and unsafe.
Su Pan village
We then walked to the nearby village and was invited by some villagers to come into their little hut to have a seat. Had a lovely conversation with them about their lives as they were busy sowing their beautiful traditional tribal clothing from scratch.
Sapa Town
Left my baggage at the transport agency and went off to explore. A pleasant walk and exploration. The streets were beautifully decorated with fairy lights, neatly arranged Christmas-like trees and music playing. Here was where I enjoyed the company of more people and tourists, giving off a more buzzling town vibe.
Day 11 (2 September 2022)
| Time | Activity | Cost breakdown: |
|---|---|---|
| 2am | Reach hostel in Ha Giang + sleep | included in tour cost |
| 7am | Wakey wakey | |
| 7.30am | Brekkie | included in tour cost |
| 8am | Start of day 1 motorbike tour! (approx 120km ride) – Quan Ba mountain – Don Van Geopark – Heaven’s Gate – Fairy Hills | Ha Giang motorbike tour: $4,018,000VND (includes transport, food, accommodation and activities) |
| 12-1pm | Lunch | included in tour cost |
| 1-5pm | Continue motorbike journey! – more beautiful views of Ha Giang mountains – Du Gia village | |
| 5pm | Reach homestay | included in tour cost |
| 5.30-7pm | Swim at nearby waterfall | |
| 7pm | Wash up | |
| 7.30-8.30pm | Dinner | included in tour cost |
| 8.30-10.30pm | Bond with other guests at homestay and tour group | |
| 11pm | Lights out! |
Day 1 of Ha Giang motorbike tour
What I loved about my tour group is how tiny we are — just 2 pairs of us — Alice (another fellow solo traveler), myself and our tour guides (driving the motorbikes).
Amazed by views after views of mountain valleys, foggy mountains, rivers and greenery. I’ve never felt rushed throughout this whole tour, allowing me time to soak in the beauty around me. Our tour guides gave us random stops by the road just to appreciate the picturesque landscape around us.
It was nice to have everything planned out by the tour — and have no thought on what’s next, knowing it will be a pleasant experience/sight no matter what. For Ha Giang, it is highly recommended to join a tour if you have no motorbike driving skills or not confident to be driving a motorbike by yourself in the challenging terrain and weather conditions of Ha Giang.
Day 12 (3 September 2022)
| Time | Activity | Cost breakdown: |
|---|---|---|
| 7.30am | Wakey wakey | |
| 8-9am | Brekkie | included in tour cost coffee: $25,000VND |
| 9am-12pm | Start day 2 of motorbike journey! (approx 110-150km ride) – views of magnificent mountain passes – Meo Vac | |
| 12-1pm | Lunch | included in tour cost |
| 1-6pm | Continue motorbike journey: – Ma Pi Leng mountain pass – Dong Van – visit ruins of the French fort | |
| 6-7pm | Reach homestay + wash up | included in tour cost |
| 7-8pm | Dinner | included in tour cost |
| 8-10.30pm | Bond with guests at homestay and tour group | included in tour cost |
| 11pm | Lights out! |
Day 2 of Ha Giang motorbike tour
This is the day which we are on the bike most of the time and have the most beautiful views of Ha Giang. Had plenty of random stops just to soak in the beauty. With this kind of beauty, there’s no such thing as too much of it. So it was nice and therapeutic to just ride on the bike, enjoying the breeze and views around me.
Not to mention, it’s the most nerve-wrecking day having to drive in the thick, dense fog after a full night of rain and on very rocky, narrow roads. The tour guides proved to me how skillful they were with their ability to ride so smoothly and calmly in these conditions.
Day 13 (4 September 2022)
| Time | Activity | Cost breakdown: |
|---|---|---|
| 7.30am | Wakey wakey | |
| 8am | Brekkie | included in tour cost |
| 9am-12pm | Start of day 3 of motorbike journey! (approx 150km) – Sa Phin – 100 year old palace of Vuong Chinh Duc (king of H’mong people) – Highland of stone – Yen Minh | entrance fee to palace: included in tour cost |
| 12-1pm | Lunch | included in tour cost |
| 1-3.30pm | Continue motorbike journey: – Tam Son – Quan Ba mountain pass – back to Ha Giang | |
| 4.30pm | Bus to Hanoi | included in tour cost stopover dinner: $50,000VND |
Day 3 of Ha Giang motorbike tour
Last day of the tour was riding back to Ha Giang, stopping by the a palace and some view points. We even stopped by a view point right at China-Vietnam border.
The only not-so enjoyable experience was the bus ride to back to Hanoi. It was overpacked and noisy and I could barely get any rest. Furthermore, the bus driver didn’t even stop us at Hanoi central, and a few of us had to convince him firmly to get us a taxi to drive us closer to the central where our hostels were as we were a good 20-30 minutes walk away, with all our baggage. Finally reached my hostel at 1am. Did leave a feedback to my tour agency about this bus company they engaged, so hopefully they’ll make changes and maybe not ever engage it.
Day 14 (5 September 2022)
| Time | Activity | Cost breakdown: |
|---|---|---|
| 12am | Reach Hanoi | |
| 1am | Reach Hanoi City Backpackers Hostel + wash up | 1 night: $120,000VND |
| 7am | Wakey wakey + pack bags for check out | |
| 7.30-8am | Brekkie | included in accommodation cost |
8-11am | Walk around Hanoi streets with friend from Ha Giang tour group – Dong Xuan Market | large coconut: $14,000VND each (shared with friend) |
| 11.15am | Return to hostel to get bags + taxi to airport | |
| 11.45am | Check in at airport | |
| 1.10pm | Depart Hanoi |
Dong Xuan Market
Was a pretty impromptu day with a new friendship forged over the Ha Giang tour. Never expected myself to form such a close bond with someone over a short 3 days 2 nights tour.
We walked around the streets and came by Dong Xuan market — a huge multi-level market with almost everything you need! Definitely worth a visit to see some really creative and interesting items that they offer.
After some walking, we decided to rest at a cafe and got a large coconut to cool off.
Vegetarian food places and tips:
- https://sillylittlekiwi.com/blog/best-vegetarian-food-in-hanoi
- https://theconscientiouseater.com/vegan-restaurants-in-sapa-hanoi-ha-long-bay-vietnam/
- https://www.happycow.net/asia/vietnam/tam_coc/
- https://www.happycow.net/asia/vietnam/ha_giang/
- http://tanlinesandtempeh.com/vegan-on-the-ha-giang-loop/
- https://vietnam.travel/things-to-do/vegetarian-guide-vietnam
Ending note
If you’re wondering how I managed to plan this whole trip, I’ve written a whole blog on how I did it. Go have a read!
I’ve learnt so much from this first ever solo budget travel in Northern Vietnam. It kickstarted my solo travel adventures and since then, I’ve made a commitment to the mini-retirement solo travel lifestyle.
I hope this budget travel itinerary has debunked your belief that solo travel is boring and lonely. Instead, you’ll have the belief that going solo is a chance for you to go on so much more crazy adventures, tick off your bucket list items, meet other solo travelers and learn to be independent.
The best way to learn anything is to experience it yourself. So just do it, go solo!