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Vibrant street life in Hanoi's Old Quarter with motorbikes and shops.

Backpacker route · 3–4 weeks

Vietnam north to south: Hà Giang to Ho Chi Minh City

A three-to-four-week route along the length of Vietnam from Hanoi and the northern mountains to Ho Chi Minh City, using trains, buses and one internal flight. Each hostel is booked separately.

Photo: Valeria Drozdova / Pexels

Vietnam is long and narrow, so a north-to-south route follows a single corridor: the North–South railway, the coastal highway and a few flights. This version starts in Hanoi, adds the northern mountains around Hà Giang, passes the limestone scenery of Ninh Bình, the old imperial city of Huế, the lantern-lit town of Hội An and the cooler highlands of Đà Lạt, and finishes in Ho Chi Minh City.

Many travellers book sleeper trains or buses for the longer legs, and an internal flight is sometimes quicker than the overnight alternative. UK government advice says travelling by motorbike in Vietnam is much riskier than in the UK, so ride only if experienced and insured, or choose a driver. Each hostel on the route is booked separately.

Each hostel on this route is booked separately with Hostelworld. There is no combined package, and transport is booked with each operator. Duration basis: Estimated by adding the suggested nights at each stop (roughly 19–26 nights) to the travel days between them, including overnight trains and one optional flight. Skipping Hà Giang or Đà Lạt saves several days.

  1. To Hà Giang: Bus or limousine van, typically around 6–7 hours, or a sleeper bus overnight. Many people book the loop through an operator that includes the transfer.

  2. To Ninh Bình: Return to Hanoi first (typically around 6–7 hours), then onward by train or bus, typically around 2 hours. Allow most of a day.

  3. To Huế: Train on the North–South line, typically around 10–13 hours and often overnight; buses also run. Check the timetable for the day you travel.

  4. To Hoi An: Road transfer over or through the Hải Vân Pass, typically around 3–4 hours, or by train to Da Nang (DAD) then a short road transfer to Hội An.

  5. To Đà Lạt: There is no direct rail link. Most people fly from Da Nang to Đà Lạt (DLI) if a flight is running, or take a long overnight bus; check current schedules.

  6. To Ho Chi Minh City: Bus, typically around 6–8 hours. Flights also run from Đà Lạt to Ho Chi Minh City (SGN).

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Route tips

  • Weather differs between north, centre and south: the north has a rainy season roughly from June to September, according to UK government advice, so check forecasts for your dates.
  • Book sleeper trains early for busy periods, including the Tết (Lunar New Year) holiday.
  • If you plan a guided mountain trip, check what the operator provides and ask about permits for border areas.
  • Choose a reputable bus or train operator for overnight journeys, and keep valuables with you.
  • Each hostel is booked separately, so confirm late check-in after overnight arrivals.

Sources and review

Reviewed by the HostelConnect editorial team on 8 November 2026. Check entry rules, transport and conditions with official sources before you travel.