Vietnam had long been on my travel wishlist—a country of vibrant cities, lush mountains, and rich cultural heritage. But traveling during October’s typhoon season in 2025 added a layer of adventure (and challenge) I hadn’t fully anticipated. Over 10 days, my journey took me through five distinct destinations: Hanoi, Sapa, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, and Hoi An. Here’s the real, unfiltered story of what worked, what didn’t, and how to make the most of your trip—even when Mother Nature has other plans.
The scenery at the top of the mountain, once we finally arrived was unbeatable! I prefer staying in places that are off the beaten path and this resort was perfect. The service is unmmatched. The beds could use some improvements.
The Adventure to Sapa: Luxury Bus & Landslides
We opted for a luxury sleeper bus from Hanoi to Sapa—a decision that came with both highs and lows. The bus itself was comfortable, with reclining seats, Wi-Fi, and snacks. However, October’s typhoons had other plans.
⚠️ What We Learned:
- Landslides Delayed Everything: The usual 6-hour journey turned into 12 grueling hours due to road closures and landslides.
- Rest Stops Aren’t Free: Public restrooms along the route charge around 5,000 VND (about $0.20 USD). Always keep small bills handy.
- Avoid Scams: If a price isn’t listed, assume you’ll be overcharged. Use Google Translate to confirm costs before buying anything.
Putting things in Perspective: While it might feel frustrating to pay for restrooms or navigate inflated prices, remember that many people in these areas rely on tourism to support their families. A little kindness and patience go a long way.
Sa’Pa – Beautiful but Overrated
Sapa is a historic mountain town near the Chinese border, known for its dramatic terraced rice fields and strong Hmong cultural influence. While the scenery was undeniably stunning, the experience had its downsides.
🏨 Accommodation: We stayed at Ville de Mont, one of the nicer resorts in the area. While the views were incredible, the beds were surprisingly uncomfortable—especially for the price.
🤔 Honest Opinion:
Sapa felt like a ski town in the U.S.—packed with tourist traps, from overpriced Sun World attractions to endless souvenir shops selling the same trinkets. We’d hoped for a motorbike tour through the mountains, but it was canceled due to typhoon-related safety concerns. Even a day trip to Ninh Binh was called off for the same reason.
✅ Should You Visit Sapa?
If you have extra time and don’t mind touristy areas, the landscapes are truly unique. But if you’re on a tight schedule, consider skipping it and focusing on destinations like Ha Long Bay or Da Nang instead.
Traveling during typhoon season isn’t for the faint of heart, but it’s absolutely doable with the right mindset and preparation. Here’s what I wish I’d known:
- Typhoon Season Is Unpredictable: Always have a backup plan. Tours and transportation may be canceled last minute.
- Negotiate Everything: If a price isn’t listed, assume it’s negotiable. Use Google Translate to avoid overpaying.
- Carry Small Bills: Many places, including rest stops and markets, prefer cash—and don’t always have change.
- Lower Your Expectations: Not every highly recommended spot will live up to the hype (looking at you, Sapa).
- Embrace Flexibility: Some of the best experiences come from unexpected detours.
Would I Do It Again?
Absolutely—but I’d skip Sapa next time and spend more days in Hoi An or Da Nang. Vietnam is a country of incredible diversity, warmth, and resilience. Despite the challenges, it remains one of the most rewarding places I’ve ever visited.
Have you traveled to Vietnam? What were your highlights and lowlights? Let me know in the comments!