From Busy Streets to Lush Rice Fields: Vietnam
- peopleinsunlight
- Mar 14
- 5 min read
Updated: Mar 15
Vietnam had long been on my list of countries to visit. There are actually so many places to see, and the country’s territory is quite vast. My 8 day route took me from the bustling streets of Hanoi to Da Nang and Hoi An, with their beautiful beaches and lush rice fields in Central Vietnam. Ho Chi Minh City and Sapa were unfortunately places I couldn’t fit into this itinerary. If you want to add other stops beyond these three cities, planning at least a two-week trip would be much better for exploring Vietnam properly. Let’s embark on a short tour of this country, one of the few communist nations in the world, where chaos meets calm and history blends with modernity.
Hanoi
When you enter the city and step out from your hotel onto the streets, especially if it’s a weekend evening, the first thought that hits you is “Where have I come to?” :) Time here seems to move incredibly fast, at least compared to what you’re used to. Before you know it, you find yourself swept up in the city’s flow. The city pulls you in with the constant flow of motorbikes, the sound of horns, and the music coming from bars and restaurants. You experience this vibrancy most fully in the Old Town area. The bustling energy of the night continues, albeit at a slightly slower pace, during the day as well. If you’re looking for some calm and a chance to take in your surroundings, you can sit in one of the city’s cafes or at a tea garden around Ho Tay Lake. Spending 2 or 3 days in Hanoi is enough to truly experience the city at a relaxed pace.
When it comes to food, there are many places listed in the Michelin Guide. They are all delicious, yet just as casual and unpretentious. Some are tucked between ordinary shops and can be hard to find. Make sure to try the pho at Pho 10 Ly Quoc Su and the banh xeo at Mr Bay Mien Tay, both of which are must tries.
You’ll find Vietnam’s famous egg coffee mostly in Hanoi, with a variety of coffee shops both in the Old Town area and around the old nostalgic train station. If you want to try it, Cafe Giang is a great choice. This coffee actually has a bittersweet origin story. In the 1940s, during World War II, Vietnam was under French colonial rule, and due to war and scarcity, milk was hard to come by. To create a creamy and sweet flavor, egg yolk and sugar were added to the coffee, providing an alternative to milk.
Da Nang
Arriving in Da Nang, you’re greeted by a completely different city. The motorbike traffic gives way mostly to cars, and the old low-rise buildings are replaced by skyscrapers and new chain hotels. With its long beautiful beaches, modern infrastructure, and vibrant café culture, the city is a favorite among digital nomads. You’ll see people working on their laptops in almost every restaurant or café, and as soon as they finish, they grab their towels from their bags and head straight to the beach.
The market area is about a 10 minute drive from the beach. For shopping and tourist activities, you can check out Han Market and its surroundings. In the same area, you can also visit Marou, Vietnam’s most famous chocolatier, to buy gifts or treat yourself to a hot chocolate. For food and drinks, we chose options near the beach. Almost all the cafés and restaurants here are modern style. You can find a tasty Indian restaurant, a fully loaded American burger place, or a healthy vegan café. I highly recommend Bikini Bottom Express for their burgers. Another great modern café worth visiting is XLIII Specialty Cafe. Be sure to try it and enjoy a gourmet coffee experience :) If you want to fully enjoy the sun, sand and the city, spending 2 or 3 days in Da Nang is enough.
Hoi An
Hoi An is located 40 km from Da Nang and is a historic town listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. From the 15th to the 19th century, it was an active port city and one of East Asia’s key trading hubs, developing a unique architectural and cultural blend influenced by Chinese, Japanese, and French merchants. With its narrow streets, wooden houses, and historic temples, the city is one of the rare places that preserve Vietnam’s history and multicultural heritage. If you want a bird’s-eye view of the old houses that feel like stepping into a movie scene, you can choose one of the rooftop restaurants, which offer enchanting views both day and night.
In the evenings, Hoi An’s streets get busier. Especially at night, the large number of people taking boat tours adds a spectacular visual touch to the city, with colorful lanterns lighting up the river. Whether you take a boat or not, you can buy a wishing lantern from vendors along the river and release your wish into the water. You can also explore the night markets to try local delicacies and buy souvenirs. There are plenty of restaurant options here; you can choose an Italian or French restaurant, or a local Vietnamese spot, and afterward enjoy live music while having a drink at a nearby cocktail bar.
The best time to visit Vietnam is generally between November and April, during the dry season when rainfall is minimal. During our trip, we only flew between Hanoi and Da Nang, while Da Nang and Hoi An are quite close and easily reachable by car. For getting around within Vietnam, the Grab app is widely used. Once you arrive in the city, you’ll notice Grab motorbikes and cars everywhere.
Another topic is the ubiquitous massage services you’ll find in almost every city :) Just like in Thailand, Vietnam offers affordable massage options, with half an hour costing around 5 dollars and an hour about 10 dollars. Massages are usually offered in salons that function more like wellness centers, and you can also find services like manicures, pedicures, facials, and other treatments. In addition, at a local hair salon, you can have your hair dyed or apply hair masks, with prices typically ranging from 10 to 50 dollars. My advice is to research carefully and read reviews before choosing a massage salon or hairdresser, as options are plentiful and quality can vary.
Finally, I want to recommend a fantastic restaurant just a 10 minute taxi ride from Hoi An, set amidst the rice fields. It’s called tok. Bar and Restaurant, and both the food and the venue are amazing. During the day, you’ll also spot many digital nomads working here. After enjoying a meal or a drink, I highly recommend exploring the surrounding area within walking distance and taking plenty of photos.
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