John Buckley Apr 20, 2025 17 min read
Vietnam Travel Guide
Trekking, Island Escapes & Self-Guided Travel from an Experienced ExpatThis Vietnam travel guide brings together firsthand tips from my self-guided adventures in Sapa and Phu Quoc — two of the most rewarding destinations in the country for outdoor travel.
I’ll also be expanding this guide to include new experiences in Ha Long Bay and Hanoi — so stay tuned.
Whether you’re trekking through the misty rice terraces of the north or planning the perfect beach itinerary in the south, you’ll find honest, DIY-focused travel advice here, plus practical guides on transport, timing, and connectivity.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Read more about my journey →
Essential Vietnam Travel Info
Time in Vietnam:
Indochina Time (ICT)
14 Hours Ahead of MST
Denver: Saturday, 3:00 pm
Ho Chi Minh City & Hanoi: Sunday, 5:00
Currency in Vietnam:
Vietnamese đồng ( VND)
USD $1.00 = ₫25,700
* Subject to fluctuation
Capital: The capital of Vietnam is Hanoi, and the largest city, known for its vibrant culture and history, is Ho Chi Minh City
Primary Int’l Airports:
Noi Bai International Airport (HAN)
Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN)
Da Nang International Airport (DAD)
Phu Quoc International Airport (PQC)
Spoken Language:Vietnamese
Written Language: The written language of Vietnam is called Chữ Quốc Ngữ.
Population: 99.5 million
Ho Chi Minh City: 8.99 million
Hanoi: 8.05 million
Hai Phong: 2.03 million
Can Tho: 1.24 million
Da Nang: 1.16 million
