Wandering through Hoi An Ancient Town for the first time was genuinely fascinating…

Relics of Vietnamese, Chinese, and Japanese influence sit side by side, a reminder of Hoi An’s past as one of Southeast Asia’s most important trading ports.

Hoi An is far more than just its Old Town though.

Vietnam was one of those trips where my phone quickly became just as important as my passport.

Having reliable mobile data made every part of the journey smoother and far less stressful.

For this trip, I used Airalo, not sponsored, just my honest experience using what I believe is the best Vietnam eSIM for travellers in 2026.

Vietnam is one of those countries that constantly pulls your attention in different directions.

From lantern-lit streets in Hoi An and limestone islands in Ha Long Bay to rice terraces in the mountains and chaotic city scenes, it feels like every day brings something completely new.

But that variety also makes planning tricky.

In this guide, I’m sharing the 15 best things to do in Vietnam for first timers

Vietnam is one of those countries that quietly spoils you.

In a single trip, you can sip egg coffee in a chaotic Old Quarter, watch the sunrise from a marble mountain temple, swim at a tropical beach, and wander lantern-lit streets that feel frozen in time.

If you’re planning your first visit and wondering how to combine Hanoi, Da Nang, and Hoi An into one seamless itinerary, the answer is simple. It’s not only easy… It’s one of the best Vietnam routes you can possibly choose.

Just as I was finishing my daily walk around Hoàn Kiếm Lake, something suddenly piqued my curiosity…

A coffee shop completely covered in sticky notes.

Welcome to The Note Coffee — Hanoi’s most Instagrammable café.

If you’re visiting the city and wondering whether this sticky-note-covered spot is actually worth stopping for, you’re in the right place.

The tiny multi-storey café is filled with thousands of handwritten messages from people all over the world.

But it’s more than just a colourful idea…

If you’re planning a trip to Vietnam, choosing between Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City is one of the biggest decisions you’ll make, and it’s not an easy one.

Both cities are iconic. Both are chaotic in their own way. And both offer completely different experiences of Vietnam.

After spending time in both Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, I quickly realised that where you base yourself will shape your entire trip

Golden beaches, dragon bridges, sunset cafés, and some of the best-value hotels in Vietnam…

Da Nang quickly became one of my favourite stops in Southeast Asia.

It’s relaxed without being boring, modern without losing its Vietnamese soul, and far easier to navigate than cities like Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City. It felt instantly liveable.

But for first-time visitors, choosing where to stay in Da Nang can feel confusing.

What I quickly learned is that in Da Nang, the area you choose shapes your trip.

Home to buzzing street markets, lakeside sunsets, hidden cafés, and some of the best food in Southeast Asia…

Hanoi was one of the most surprising stops on my Vietnam trip…

And the most fun!

But with hotels spread across the Old Quarter, Hoàn Kiếm, the French Quarter, West Lake, and Ba Đình…

Choosing where to stay in Hanoi can feel overwhelming for first-time visitors.

When I was planning my latest trip to Hanoi, one food recommendation came up more than anything else… Banh Mi 25…

I walked past the local food spot on the way to my hotel in the Old Quarter, my curiosity peaked, the cravings started immediately.

But here’s the real question most people have: with so many incredible banh mi stalls in Hanoi — often cheaper, faster, and more local…

Is Banh Mi 25 actually worth the hype, or just another ‘famous spot’ built for tourists?

Surfing perfect waves at sunrise, sipping a Bintang while monkeys swing above your villa, and watching fire dancers perform under a sky full of stars...

Bali isn’t just a destination… It’s a mood.

From the spiritual calm of Ubud’s jungle temples to the wild cliffs of Uluwatu, this Indonesian island is packed with contrast, colour, and culture.

These are the best 5 palces ot visit in Bali as a first timer!

Monkey selfies… Waterfall hikes… And the most beautiful nature…

Ubud is the perfect introduction to Bali!

Known as Bali’s cultural heart, Ubud blends jungle beauty and tradition… Think rice terraces, hidden temples, and the unmistakable scent of incense drifting through the air.

If you’re planning your first trip to Bali and wondering what to do in Ubud, you’ve come to the right place….

From sunrise ridge walks and temple rituals to spa days and jungle cafés, this guide shows you how to experience the very best of Ubud… Without the overwhelm.

I pulled into Wat Pha Lat after a very scenic and winding route from the Old City in Chiang Mai.

Google Maps was a life saver… What would I do without an e-Sim!

If you’re planning a trip to Thailand and want to stay connected without paying sky-high roaming fees, this one’s for you.

I’ve landed in too many airports before… Tired, jet-lagged, and instantly hit with ‘No Service’ moment…

So for my latest adventure in Chiang Mai, I decided to try something new: a Sim Local eSIM.

Rolling through the mountains from Chiang Mai to Pai felt like I was entering another world…

Where time slows down, people chill out, and scooters and sunsets are the norm!

If you’re planning a shorter trip to the hippie town and wondering how to fill 3 days in Pai, then this blog has got you covered.

The vibe is simple, the people are warm, and the scenery feels endless.

After a month exploring Thailand, I thought I’d seen every kind of Buddha statue imaginable..

But none like this one.

Standing beneath Da Nang’s 67-metre-tall Lady Buddha, surrounded by ocean mist and the gentle sound of temple bells, was a complete surprise… And one of the true highlights of my time in Vietnam.

Many travellers only glimpse the statue from My Khe Beach, unsure if it’s worth the trip… Trust me, it is!

I finally got to see the famous lanterns glowing up in Hoi An at night… And it was awesome!

However, I couldn’t believe the history of the ancient town… Fascinating!

So yes, Hoi An is worth visiting!

But before I came, I had questions…

Is it just an Instagram town?
Will it feel overcrowded or too touristy?
Is there more to do than tailors and lantern photos?

Let’s find out!

Learning about the history, culture, and traditions of Vietnam through street art… Awesome!

Are you looking for something unique to do in Hanoi that’s not just another pagoda or temple?

Phung Hung Mural Street might be exactly what you’re after…

A peaceful, photo-worthy slice of local stories hidden just steps away from the chaos of the Old Quarter.

When I first planned my trip to Sapa, I faced the same question you’re probably Googling right now…

Is the Hanoi to Sapa luxury bus actually worth it, or should I take the train instead?

The journey between Hanoi and Sapa is long , 315km through winding mountain roads - and every guidebook, Facebook group, and blog seems to recommend something different.

Spoiler: if you value comfort without splashing out on a private car, the luxury bus is often the sweet spot. Let’s dig in.

When planning my latest trip to Bangkok, there was only one restaurant recommended

The famous Phed Mark’s… I was never going to say no to a birthday Pad Kaprao was I.

So I headed over to the Sukhumvit area to sample the spicy sensation.

But here’s the thing: Bangkok is packed with incredible Pad Kaprao stalls on every corner, most for a fraction of the price. So is this viral spot actually worth the hype?

I timed my trip perfectly: clear skies over Ha Long Bay, epic trekking conditions in Sapa, and the kind of sunrise at Angkor Wat that people call once-in-a-lifetime.

When you picture Vietnam and Cambodia, you probably imagine trekking through rice paddies, exploring lantern-lit streets, or standing in awe before Angkor Wat...

But here’s the truth: none of that magic feels the same if you arrive at the wrong time of year.

On my first Southeast Asia journey, I learned that lesson fast.

Here I am sitting on the beach at Maya Bay… It really is like in the movies…

By far my favourite Instagram spot in Thailand!

Thailand is one of those countries that feels like it was made for the camera.

But here’s the challenge: with so many places competing for attention, how do you find the most Instagrammable spots in Thailand?