How to Travel From Hong Kong to Hanoi Overland Fast

2018 Update: We've been told via the comments that the bus we used may no longer be in operation or on limited days. Please keep this in mind when planning.

Direct travel from Hong Kong to Hanoi has been described as a headache for many travelers who have attempted the route without flying.  Why is this a headache you might ask?

Well, according to train travel site Seat61, the shortest possible itinerary that includes train travel takes just over two days, a few connecting cities (there is no Hong Kong to Hanoi train directly), and nearly $100 USD of funds consumed in the process just for transportation alone.

However, in my planning I found another method that could quite possibly be the worlds shortest duration in traveling between Hong Kong and Hanoi, requiring just 23 hours from door to door and a grand total of roughly $60 USD.

Train travel on this particular route siphons you through multiple different cities, typically being Hong Kong/Shenzhen to Guangzhuo, onward to Nanning, and then finally to the border and down to Hanoi.

The problem with this is that one or more of the routes is often done by night train and produces an extra day of travel and an increased cost.  However, there is one often overlooked option: a night bus.

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Trekking in Sapa – Be Sure to Bring Rain Essentials

Often considered the number two destination in Vietnam behind taking a Halong Bay cruise, is Sapa.  The Northern mountain town is the go to spot for trekking, near immeasurable quantity of rice terraces, and visiting local tribal villages. 

Of course, visiting Sapa at any time of the year puts you in for a very high risk of being caught in the frequent rain storms the region enjoys. 

This shouldn't be a deterrent, as hiking in Sapa was one of my favorite experiences, even if it did require a bit of extra preparation when rainy.

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Getting a Custom Suit Made at Yaly Couture in Hoi An

At some point during my first long-term trip I began thinking about what I'd have to do once I returned home. While considered a general no-no for long term travel, as one can often get fixated on the unknowns of life, some thoughts began to cross my mind.

One of those was interviewing for jobs once I returned, and I realized that my wardrobe was absolutely lacking aside from a nondescript off-the-shelf variety suit jacket. 

So I began shopping.

It all started with silk ties in Yangshuo during my visit in China Golden Week, which are said to be great quality at reasonable prices.  I found two amazing silk ties that I scored for a deal of $7.  Knowing that I could not get one real silk tie at home for less than three times this, let alone two, the quest to put together the best custom suit began.

It wasn't until I arrived in Hoi An, Vietnam, just a few weeks later that this quest really kicked into gear, and this only happened because this town was serious about one thing and one thing only: custom suits.

I quickly looked up the best places to go, and was on my way.

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10 Must Experience Things to Do in Hanoi, Vietnam

The following is a guest post from Wandering Journal.

Hanoi, the capital of Southeast Asia’s most backpackers-friendly destination, Vietnam has been welcoming travelers for several decades now. The foods, architectures, history, and culture just kept travelers coming back for more. And today, we’re going to look into 10 things to do in Hanoi.

Colonized by the French for centuries, architectures in Hanoi is heavily influenced by the French style, which is unique across Southeast Asia. It’s also one of the 10 most populated countries in the world, with a whopping 94 million people.

As for safety issues, Hanoi is a very safe destination for all kind of travelers and backpackers. There are plenty of reasons travelers love Vietnam. Nevertheless, let’s get started!

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