When planning your itinerary for your next backpacking trip to Vietnam, the following suggestions of Rough Guides will help ensure that you don’t miss discovering any of the highlights.

Travelers should start their trip in Hanoi and then go for a sail around the famed natural wonder of Ha Long Bay in Quang Ninh province before heading to the northern hills to experience the ethnic minority villages orbiting Sa Pa.

After that, explorers should hop the train down to see the imperial architecture of Thua Thien-Hue and make a day-trip to the demilitarized zone (DMZ) before moving south to charming Hoi An. 

Nha Trang is Vietnam‘s pre-eminent beach party town, whereas Mui Ne offers great water-sports and sandy coasts with a more laidback vibe.

Da Lat is the gateway to the Central Highlands, says Rough guides but if you’re still craving the sea and sand— check out Phu Quoc Island, a haven for beach bums and divers.

Last but not least, the travel guide suggests travelers should not miss out on floating down the lush canals of the Mekong Delta and finish their trip in the bustling metropolis of Ho Chi Minh City.

VOV