Since the first confirmed case of COVID in Vietnam back in January 2020, the country has taken serious measures including temporary lockdowns of affected cities and the closure of tourism destinations to contain the virus outbreak. Eventually, these areas would be reopened after a quarantine period and the Vietnamese government had insisted that these areas be strict with their safety precautions against the virus.
With all of these precautions in place, it was only natural that domestic travels would eventually resume. After all the many social distancing periods, backpacking in Vietnam post-COVID-19 has become a popular travel idea, and anxious travelers are trying to take advantage of the time frame to fulfill their traveling needs.
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Safety Precautions in Vietnam Post COVID-19
Temperature checks are now performed at the entrance of many tourist attractions as well as enclosed public spaces
For the time being, Ho Chi Minh City and Bac Giang Province are the 2 critical points of community outbreaks of the virus. As a result, traveling to, from, and within these areas is highly restricted and backpacking to these places is out of the question.
Even though domestic travels are opened and there are now standards for COVID-19 safety precautions, it would be wise to take your own measures against the virus when you can.
As a reminder, below are some necessary precautions that you can take as a traveler backpacking in Vietnam Post-COVID-19:
- Maintain social distancing. Stay a meter or more away from others when you can help it.
- Wear a face mask whenever you are out in public. If using a disposable mask, discard it after returning from a public space.
- Wash your hands regularly with soap and water. Alcohol-based hand sanitizer should be used as a substitute if washing your hands isn’t an available option.
More on Safety Measures to Travel Vietnam during COVID-19
Recommended Destinations for Backpacking in Vietnam Post COVID-19
Choosing a destination for travel in Vietnam post-COVID-19 isn’t any different than before. The majority of attractions in the places listed below are opened to tourists, especially the larger cities. So take your pick and make plans for what interests you!
Hanoi Old Quarter, with its mixture of old French and Vietnamese architecture
Explore Hanoi – Wander around Hanoi Old Quarter to discover hidden attractions and visit many historical sites throughout the city.
Ninh Binh as seen from atop Mua Cave
Enjoy Ninh Binh – Surrounded by lush mountains and rivers, Ninh Binh is a place where you can truly immerse yourself with nature. The atmosphere will be a complete contrast to any big city in Vietnam.
Terraced rice fields of Sa Pa
Get adventurous in Sa Pa – Go on a trekking adventure through Sapa and see Vietnam’s mountainous wild side. It is an area with a unique culture that is deeply rooted in its traditions.
Hue Imperial Palace
Relax in Hue – Hue is a city known to be rich in its history and its culture. Although this city is much more quaint compared to others, it still remains a remarkable destination.
The Dragon Bridge of Da Nang
Hang out in Da Nang – The coastal city of Da Nang is known for its beaches and many beautiful bridges.
Hoi An Market
Stroll through Hoi An – Take a stroll through the historic town of Hoi An. The historical buildings and architectures give the town its unique scenic charm.
Da Lat landscape
Go to see Da Lat – Located in the highlands of Vietnam, Da Lat boast some of the coolest weather in all of Vietnam. Admire the natural beauty of the surrounding landscape and mountains.
Ho Chi Minh City downtown area
Experience Ho Chi Minh City – Known as Vietnam’s largest metropolis, the rush of this city’s lifestyle is one to experience. If you are a foodie, you will be able to find just about any type of food here.
The White Sand Dune of Mui Ne
Check out Mui Ne – Mui Ne is a quaint fishing village, but its main attraction is the sand dunes sitting in its backyard.
Rowing through a small canal of the Mekong Delta
Tour the Mekong Delta – Immerse yourself in this unique culture where life revolves around the Mekong Delta’s waterway system. Experience the floating markets and experience life on the water.
One of the pristine beaches on Phu Quoc
Visit Phu Quoc – The largest island in Vietnam is a vacation getaway on Vietnam’s southern tip. Phu Quoc is known as a destination for its beaches and water activities.
Note: You can find information about accommodations, transportation options, attractions, and foods all within the specific blog about the destination of your choice.
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Suggested Budget for Backpacking in Vietnam Post COVID-19
In general, your budget for a Vietnam trip will largely depend on your actual traveling plans. If you are opting for a more casual trip, then a moderate budget will suffice. However, if you plan to go on any tours at popular tourism destinations, you can expect to plan for a larger budget.
Your choices in things like accommodation (hostels vs. hotels), food (street foods vs. Western foods), transportation (public vs. private), and choices of attractions will all determine your budget level.
For our suggested budget for backpacking in Vietnam post-COVID-19, the table below will serve to give you a rough estimated idea of how much you can expect to spend per day at a given budget level.
Budget | Accommodation | Food | Transporation | Attractions | Average Daily Costs (excluding attractions) |
Low | US$ 5 | US$ 10 | US$ 5 | US$ 5 | US$ 20 |
Medium | US$ 15 – 20 | US$ 15 | US$ 15 | US$ 20 | US$ 45 – 50 |
High | US$ 50+ | US$ 25 + | US$ 20 | US$ 30 | US$ 95 + |
Final Words on Backpacking in Vietnam Post-COVID-19
Backpacking in Vietnam post-COVID-19 is possible with domestic traveling opening up for Vietnam. Not only are tourist attractions adhering to COVID-19 precaution standards, but many restaurants and businesses are adapting to operating under these circumstances. With all that is said, we hope that you have found this blog encouraging enough to plan for a domestic travel trip soon!
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