Gap Years and Backpacking in Vietnam

How Do I Explore Vietnam?
Road, rail or boat; we look at how best to get around
A Gapper's Guide to Vietnam
Hannah Gamble's advice on Vietnamese gap years
The History and Culture of Vietnam
Looking back at Vietnam's history and examining its local customs
Staying Safe and Healthy in Vietnam
From safely clubbing in the cities to learning to cross the road again
Top Travel Tips for Vietnam
What you need to know whilst travelling in Vietnam
Eating and Drinking in Vietnam
Before you go, get to know your phở from your sinh tố bơ

Gap Years and Backpacking in Vietnam

Vietnam has become a favourite on the backpacker trail in South East Asia. It's a medium-sized country - the same area as Finland - with a large population, and one of the most rapidly industrialising countries on the planet. Vietnam is a really extraordinary and vibrant place, and there's a vast amount to see and do.

Its beaches and national parks are some of the most spectacular in the world, there are hundreds of historic sites both ancient and modern, there are opportunities to volunteer, the food is fantastic and the people are friendly. It's also cheap and easy to get around, with plenty of internal flights and a north-south railway that's safe and reliable.

Vietnam has its downsides. It remains an unreconstructed single-party communist state and it is still very poor. But it is definitely worth a visit either as part of a round the world trip, as part of a multi-country journey through South East Asia or as a single-country expedition.

Map of Vietnam


Country Expert

Country Expert - Hannah Gamble Featured Image

Hannah Gamble

Hannah is our country expert for Vietnam. She lived in Thailand when she was training to be a dive instructor and it wasn't long before Vietnam got a visit.

Hannah took the rough with the smooth and then wrote a brilliant, humerous guide about her trip. It's an amazing little travelogue packed full of tips! If you have any questions about Vietnam or Thailand then ask Hannah; she'll be more than happy to help out...

Need help? Call the round the world helpline: 0845 344 7667