Vietnam Travel Blog

Independence Palace is one of Ho Chi Minh City’s most important historical landmarks. Also widely known as Reunification Palace, it is closely associated with the final events of the Vietnam War in April 1975. But the palace is more than a stop for history enthusiasts. Its remarkably preserved reception rooms, presidential offices, private quarters, underground command bunker and distinctive 1960s architecture make it one of the few places in the city where visitors can step directly into the political world of South Vietnam before 1975. Is Independence Palace worth visiting? Yes, especially if you are interested in modern Vietnamese history, architecture or the story behind present-day Ho Chi Minh City. Allow roughly 1.5 to 2 hours for a comfortable visit.

Sapa and Ha Giang sit relatively close on a map, both tucked against the Chinese border in Vietnam's far north – but they belong to different regions, and the road between them isn't a straight shot. It's a real mountain crossing, and most travelers doing it are moving from one signature northern experience – Sapa's terraced rice fields – straight into another: the Ha Giang Loop.

This guide breaks down the real distance, the two very different route options, and how to get from Ha Giang to Cao Bang without wasting time backtracking through Hanoi.

This guide breaks down every way to make the trip, current 2026 prices and travel times, and how Cao Bang compares to Ha Giang if you're trying to decide between the two for your northern Vietnam itinerary.

Booking a flight to Vietnam may seem straightforward at first. In practice, the choice involves much more than comparing two prices on a screen. A nonstop flight is usually the easiest option, but it may not be available from your nearest airport. A connecting itinerary can cost less or offer better departure times, although a long layover, limited baggage allowance or separate tickets can quickly reduce that advantage. The international flights also shape the rest of your journey. Arriving in Hanoi and leaving from Ho Chi Minh City, for example, can save you from crossing the country twice. Choosing the wrong gateway may mean adding another domestic flight, an airport transfer and part of an extra travel day. Our Vietnam airport guide explains which gateway best suits each region. This guide brings together the routes, airlines, journey times and fares we most often discuss with travelers planning a trip to Vietnam in 2026.

This guide covers every practical way to make the trip, current 2026 prices, and how to time your arrival so you're not wasting a day of your Ha Giang Loop recovering from the ride up.