Vietnam Travel Guide

Trekking, Island Escapes & Self-Guided Travel from an Experienced Expat

Sapa Travel Guides

Get self-guided trekking tips, Fansipan travel advice, and Sapa logistics from my real-world adventures — no group tours, just trail-tested info.

A couple inside an empty Fansipan cable car, surrounded by panoramic views of lush green mountains and small villages below, on their way to the peak in Sapa, Vietnam.

Fansipan Peak Cable Car Guide: Cost, Tickets & What to Expect (2025)

John Buckley Apr 20, 2025 17 min read

Scenic mountain view over the lush green hills of Sa Pa, Vietnam, seen from the balcony of White Cloud Cafe & Restaurant.

Sapa, Vietnam Without a Tour: A Self-Guided Travel Guide

John Buckley Mar 20, 2025 47 min read

Traveler crossing a wooden bridge over the Muong Hoa River near Lao Chai village in Sapa, Vietnam

3 Days in Sapa Without a Guide – A Realistic DIY Itinerary for Independent Travelers

John Buckley Jun 16, 2025 17 min read

Phu Quoc Island Travel Guides

Plan your Phu Quoc escape with seasonal insights, beach itineraries, and practical tips from firsthand travel experience on Vietnam’s island paradise.

Traveler standing shirtless near the beach at sunset outside The Shells Resort in Phu Quoc, Vietnam, with waves and golden sky

Phu Quoc 5 Day Itinerary – Beaches, Adventure & Relaxation

John Buckley May 3, 2025 23 min read

A man wearing sunglasses and a navy shirt sitting on a blue motorbike in front of The Shells Resort on Phu Quoc Island, Vietnam, surrounded by lush greenery.

Phu Quoc Travel Guide: Dry Season vs Rainy Season – What to Expect

John Buckley Apr 2, 2025 49 min read

Vietnam Travel Tips

Not everything fits into a destination box. Here you’ll find Vietnam-wide tips on staying connected, navigating logistics, and traveling smarter — no matter where you’re headed.

Traveler sailing through Ha Long Bay on a sunny day during Cozy Bay Cruise day tour from Hanoi, Vietnam

Ha Long Bay Day Trip vs Overnight Cruise vs Cat Ba Tour — Which One’s Right for You?

John Buckley Jun 8, 2025 13 min read

Traveler using Airalo eSIM to access internet on their phone while exploring Ha Long Bay, Vietnam.

Untethering from WiFi: Your Guide to Airalo eSIM Cards for Global Travel

John Buckley Jul 22, 2024 12 min read

"I Love Sapa" sign surrounded by vibrant flowers, with two travelers posing at the base of the Fanispan cable car station in Sapa, Vietnam, against a backdrop of cloudy skies and lush mountain scenery.

How to Get from Hanoi to Sapa: Best Buses, Trains & Mini-Vans (2025 Guide)

John Buckley Feb 25, 2025 7 min read

Colorado Saram and dog (Winnie) at Conan Beach, Jeju Island - South Korea.

John Buckley

I grew up in Vail, Colorado — home to some of the best skiing in the U.S. — but I’ve spent the past 15+ years living and working in South Korea as an English teacher and outdoor adventurer.

From skiing deep powder in Japan to trekking in the Himalayas and hiking in Korea, I’ve explored much of Asia with a backpack, a plan, and an open mind.

Through Colorado Saram, I share travel guides, gear tips, and firsthand advice to help you plan unforgettable outdoor adventures across Asia and beyond.

👉 Follow me on Instagram, TikTok, or YouTube, or join the free Facebook group for outdoor travel tips, stories, and inspiration.

Essential Vietnam Travel Info

Time in Vietnam:

Indochina Time (ICT)

Currency in Vietnam:

Vietnamese đồng ( VND)

USD $1.00 = ₫25,700

* Subject to fluctuation

Views from a motorcycle tour of small villages in North Vietnam.

Effortlessly using my eSIM while traveling in Vietnam.

Choose your own fish, fresh out of the sea, at one of my many BBQ restaurants on Phu Quoc Island, Vietnam

Lucy, my wife, posing for a picture in Hoi An, Vietnam. For a few bucks, vendors will let you walk a moment in their shoes.