Southeast Asia
Backpacking Vietnam
Vietnam's long north–south shape makes it a natural backpacker route, with hostels concentrated in Hanoi, Hoi An and other traveller towns along the way.
Photo: Valeria Drozdova / Pexels
Hostel destinations in Vietnam
Hostels and backpacking in Vietnam
Vietnam runs for well over a thousand kilometres from the mountains of the north to the Mekong Delta in the south, so most backpackers travel it in one direction. Hanoi's Old Quarter is the classic northern base for trips to Ha Long Bay and the mountains, Hoi An's historic old town sits on the central coast, and Ho Chi Minh City anchors the south.
Hostels are plentiful along this route and many are strongly social, with family dinners, free beer hours or motorbike trips organised from reception. Quieter options exist too, especially around Hoi An's rice fields and beaches. Hostel desks are a common place to book sleeper buses, trains and tours.