Vietnam 2025

Vietnam General Information

Vietnam is a fascinating country in Southeast Asia, known for its rich history, diverse culture, and stunning landscapes. Located on the South China Sea, it borders China, Laos, and Cambodia. With over 100 million inhabitants, Vietnam is one of the most populous countries in the region. Its capital is Hanoi, while Ho Chi Minh City in the south is the country's economic center.

Vietnam's history is marked by long periods of foreign rule, particularly by China and later France. In the 20th century, the Vietnam War brought the country to global attention. Following reunification in 1975, Vietnam gradually developed into a socialist state with market-oriented reforms. These economic changes have contributed to Vietnam's current status as one of the fastest-growing economies in Asia.

Culturally, Vietnam is strongly influenced by traditional values, religions, and philosophies, including Buddhism, Confucianism, and Taoism. Vietnamese culture is particularly evident in festivals, temples, traditional clothing, and cuisine. Vietnamese cuisine is popular worldwide and known for its fresh ingredients, aromatic herbs, and balanced flavors. Dishes like pho (a noodle soup) and banh mi (a filled baguette) have become international classics.

Vietnam also offers great diversity in terms of landscape. The north boasts impressive mountain scenery and rice terraces, while the central region features long sandy beaches and historic cities. The south is characterized by the Mekong Delta with its rivers, floating markets, and fertile agricultural land.

Today, Vietnam blends traditional ways of life with modern development. Large cities are growing rapidly, while many ancient traditions are still cherished in rural areas. This mix of history, culture, nature, and economic dynamism makes Vietnam a particularly interesting country for travelers, as well as for academics and businesspeople.

Travelogue Vietnam November 2025

A trip to Vietnam was planned from November 5th to December 5th, 2025.
The journey started in Hanoi with the goal of seeing the sights in Hanoi, visiting Halong Bay, and then continuing on to Hoi-An by night train.
The next stage of the journey is to continue by night train to Ho Chi Minh City.
The planned return journey will then be from Ho Chi Minh City.

The first changes to my travel plans came about because it was typhoon season and I was advised against traveling to Hoi An. One typhoon had just passed over the country, and a second was approaching.
Change of plans 1: Instead of traveling in 2 stages by bus or train, a flight directly to Ho Chi Minh City was booked to spend the remaining time in the south outside the typhoon zone.

Change of plans 2: An emergency call from Germany prompted me to book a return flight with Thai that same evening and to cancel the trip.

Postponed is not cancelled.
Vietnam is so beautiful that it deserves another chance - the idea is to travel to South Vietnam and Cambodia.
November 10th, return journey

Hanoi

Hanoi lieVietnam is located in northern Vietnam and is an important stop for many travelers on a tour of the country – either at the beginning or the end of their journey. The capital is vibrant, chaotic, and yet very authentic, making it a unique experience. For me, it was the starting point of my trip. Besides the numerous sights in the city, excursions to the surrounding area are also a great option, for example to the famous Halong Bay or Ninh Binh. I had planned four days for Hanoi and these excursions.
Here I'll show you some of the sights I visited in the city.

Train Street
The so-called Train Street is one of the most unusual places in Hanoi. It's a very narrow street near the train station, through which trains regularly pass. The tracks run directly between residential buildings and small cafes, so the train passes just centimeters from tables, chairs, and buildings. Shortly before a train arrives, the cafe owners quickly move their furniture aside. Especially in the evenings, many visitors come here to take photos and watch the train go by. Because the line is still in active use, there are sometimes access restrictions for safety reasons.

Ngoc-Son-Temple and Hoan-Kiem-See
Right in the heart of Hanoi lies Hoan Kiem Lake, a green oasis in the bustling city. On a small island in the lake stands the Ngoc Son Temple, built in the 18th century. It is accessible via a striking red wooden bridge, a popular spot for photographs. The temple is dedicated to, among others, the national hero Tran Hung Dao. Around the lake, there are many places to relax and stroll. Especially on weekends, the atmosphere is pleasant, as the surrounding streets are closed to cars and motorbikes.

Old Quarter of HanoiHanoi's Old Quarter is known for its narrow alleyways, colorful houses, and vibrant atmosphere. Small shops, market stalls, and restaurants line the streets, packed tightly together. Scooters constantly weave through the alleys, creating a typical cityscape. A stroll through the Old Quarter is a great way to experience the city's daily life. On weekends, a large night market takes place here, attracting many tourists but offering a unique atmosphere with its lights, stalls, and street food.

Imperial Citadel of Thang Long
The Imperial Citadel of Thang Long in Hanoi is one of Vietnam's most important historical sites. Located in the heart of the city, it boasts a very long history. For many centuries, it served as the political center of the country and as the seat of power for various dynasties.
Since 2010, the Citadel has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site, underscoring its great historical significance. For me, the visit was particularly fascinating because you can learn so much about the history of Vietnam and the development of Hanoi.

Halong Bay

I usually avoid planned tours. However, to visit Halong Bay, I can wholeheartedly recommend an organized tour.
Everything that was packed into the day, I could NEVER have managed on my own, not to mention the perfect organization and the carefree feeling of being able to enjoy all of this without having to orient myself much.

Package booked:

Hotel pickup
Arrival by bus
Stop at a pearl farm for insights into pearl cultivation and shopping opportunity
Halong Bay entrance
The boat was ready
Food on the boat
Cave tour
Get close to the rocks with a small boat
Climbing a rock
Return by boat at sunset
Return trip to Hanoi and drop-off back at the hotel.

All this for 45 US dollars - in my opinion, a more than acceptable price for the product.
what was offered