The Perfect Vietnam Itinerary | from 4 Days to 1 Month

I’m not the kind of person who will preach to you, that you need to painstakingly plan out every moment of your Vietnam Tour.

But, – I can tell you from personal experience – that crafting a rough itinerary will only heighten your travels through this Southeast Asian country.

When I reflect on my time in Vietnam, I’m flooded with a gushing wave of memories and emotions. The raw kindness of the people, the layers of flavor in the cuisine, and the rich (and sometimes tragic) history all captured me in a rare way.

Vietnam is without a doubt one of the best countries in Southeast Asia. It’s a country that I can’t shake off.

They just don’t make countries like Vietnam anymore.

And this itinerary is perfect whether you are backpacking Vietnam, or traveling in style.

Sold on traveling to Vietnam? Good! Then you’re in the right place! This Vietnam Itinerary takes you on a step-by-step journey around some countries’ biggest highlights.

HOW TO USE THIS VIETNAM ITINERARY

Okay, before we begin our detailed descent into planning, there are two major things you should know!

First is the best way to use this blog post.

Which is however you want!

For our purposes, the itinerary starts in the south and works its way north.

But consider this Vietnam itinerary a set of LEGOS. Take the blocks you want, toss aside the ones you don’t, and build something uniquely your own!

Planning on spending most of your time in Northern Vietnam? Well, grab the northern Vietnam itinerary and discard the southern half.

Only have a week to travel to Vietnam? No problem, mix and match the places that best serve your travel goals.

You don’t need to follow in my footsteps exactly. So I encourage you to pick this itinerary apart, devour every morsel, and use my experiences to craft YOUR trip to Vietnam!

This Vietnam Travel Itinerary also builds on itself. For example, if you have 6 days in Vietnam, only days 5 and 6 are covered in that section. So you need to go back to reading our 4 days first.

This is to cut down on repeating ourselves repeatedly.

Vietnam is notoriously inexpensive. And so your budget can go a long way. 

Note: To complete the entire route would take around a month.

VISA FOR VIETNAM

One more important note you should know. Unlike many countries in Southeast Asia, you NEED a visa before arriving in Vietnam.

Most countries do not have VOA (Visa on Arrival).

The safest way to make sure you’re ready is to do a little research.

GETTING AROUND VIETNAM

Much like Backpacking in Thailand, Vietnam’s a great country to travel around via bus, or minivan. To be honest, Vietnam has some of the most spacious and comfortable buses I’ve ever seen in Southeast Asia. Some buses even have lay-down seats. Sleeper buses come with their beds. And minivans give you space for an AC.

If you’re a budget traveler that likes a little luxury, then the buses in Vietnam are for you! You can use websites like Bookaway to get your tickets cheap and early.

For most stops on this itinerary, we will use popular bus routes in Vietnam.

Ultimate Vietnam Itinerary

Vietnam Itinerary 4 Days

If you’re Vietnam Itinerary is only for 4 days, then I highly suggest picking one city. And then just sticking around that area. Because, as an experienced traveler knows, this is not a lot of time. And you don’t want to stretch yourself too thin.

This gives you two major options. You have two major options.

You can visit Hanoi, and maybe even take a day trip to Halong Bay, Vietnam.

But I would suggest Ho Chi Minh in Southern Vietnam. As I find the city more fascinating. And there is more to do in the neighboring areas.

HO CHI MINH

I prefer Ho Chi Minh to Hanoi (not that Hanoi is bad).

And there’s another reason I choose it as the starting place for our itinerary through Vietnam. Namely, Ho Chi Minh’s (Saigon’s) is a great introduction to the food, culture, and people of Vietnam.

The city’s vibrant, exhilarating, and extremely chaotic. In Saigon, you need to relearn everyday skills you take for granted in normal life… like crossing a street.

Imagine water breaking around a rock in a stream.

Picturing it? Good, now replace the rock with you and the water with thousands of motorbikes.

Oh, and don’t forget that you’re moving, clutching your fist as you slowly venture to the other side of the street as motorbikes zoom past.

There’s no look left and right before crossing. It is more of a look straight ahead and praying.

Crossing the road in Ho Chi Minh is an adventure unto itself.

And despite the chaos, the city charms you with its genuine people, rooftop bars, charming neighborhoods, and captivating markets.

Looking back at Ho Chi Minh’s history, you’ll find some tragedy.

But you wouldn’t know it from visiting the city.

A blanket of optimism covers Ho Chi Minh’s. Locals are forward-looking and hope for the future.

As a traveler, there’s no shortage of things to do in Ho Chi Minh.

Here are some of the top sights in the city.

GIAC LAM PAGODA

This pagoda is the oldest temple in the city and dates back almost 300 years.

CU CHI TUNNELS

Perhaps, the most popular site in the area. Cu Chi Tunnel is a series of underground passageways and tunnels that were used during the war. These tunnels stretch for over 30 Kilometres.

PHAM NGU LAO STREET

Perhaps, the most popular site in the area. Cu Chi Tunnels are a series of underground passageways and tunnels that were used during the war.

These tunnels stretch for over 30 Kilometres.

DRINK COFFEE

This might seem like a strange thing to do.

However, Vietnam has the best coffee I’ve ever tasted. (And I’m a loud and proud coffee addict). The coffee’s a milkshake.

But, man oh man, every calorie is worth it.

WAR REMNANTS MUSEUM

A museum about the Vietnam War told entirely in photos. This museum’s hard to stomach – especially if you’re an American. But I believe it’s a vital museum to visit.

Ho Chi Minh City Opera House

The Ho Chi Minh City Opera House is an opera house in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. It is in Lam Son Square, in the city’s central district.

The opera house, designed by the French architect Gaston E. E. M. H. Lavigerie, was constructed between 1897 and 1899. It is the oldest opera house in Indochina. The opera house was damaged during the Vietnam War but was restored in the 1990s.

The opera house is now used for performances of traditional Vietnamese music and dance.

Independence Palace

The Independence Palace Museum is a must-visit for anyone interested in Vietnam’s history. The palace was the home of the president of South Vietnam during the Vietnam War, and today it houses an enormous collection of artifacts from the war.

Notre Dame Cathedral of Saigon

Notre Dame Cathedral of Saigon is a Roman Catholic cathedral in the downtown area of Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. The French colonial authorities built the cathedral between 1863 and 1880 and is the largest cathedral in Vietnam. The cathedral is dedicated to Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception.

REUNIFICATION PALACE

An important building in the country’s history. This is the spot where Ho Chi Minh surrendered in 1975.

BINH TAY MARKET

The most popular day market in the city. Built during the colonial period, there are some great haggling and food stalls to be found here. It’s also indoors for those looking to escape the heat.

NOTRE DAME CATHEDRAL OF SAIGON

The actual name is Cathedral Basilica of Our Lady of The Immaculate Conception. Now that is a mouthful, which is why most locals and travelers just refer to it as Saigon’s Notre Dame.

Why?

Well, because this church resembles a small Notre Dame, It’s crazy to see a gothic-esque church in the middle of an Asian City.

SAIGON POST OFFICE

Another example of Gothic, Renaissance, and French influence on the country.

Overall, Ho Chi Minh is a friendly and fun introduction to Vietnam. It’s a great base to visit the Mekong Delta, as well as plan your next moves around the country.

And if you’re lucky, like me, you might just fall in love with the city.

You could also space this out to a 5-day itinerary for Vietnam. To have a little more time to relax. Or you could add another fun experience. Like a cooking class.

ben thanh market

The Ben Thanh Market is a market located in the District 1 of Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. The market is one of the largest in the city and sells a variety of goods, including clothing, food, and produce. 

Chau doc

Chau Doc is a town located in the Mekong Delta region of southern Vietnam. It is known for its vibrant culture and as a starting point for trips to the nearby Cambodian border. The town is also home to a large Muslim population, and there are several mosques in the area. 

Vietnam Itinerary 6 Days

This could work for the Vietnam itinerary 7 days as well. After exploring every inch of Ho Chi Minh, we still have a couple of days left. This is when it is perfect for an iconic day trip to explore the countryside of this beautiful country. And what better to see than one of the country’s major attractions?

DAY TRIP TO MEKONG DELTA

Just a few hours away from Ho Chi Minh is the sprawling, massive waterway of the Mekong Delta. It’s a great day trip to build into your Vietnam Itinerary.

You can head there yourself, or you can get this as a Vietnam tour package.

Or

Weekend Trip to Phu Quoc, Vietnam

Phu Quoc is an island located in the Gulf of Thailand, off the coast of Vietnam. The island is about 48 kilometers long and has a population of about 100,000 people. Phu Quoc is known for its white sand beaches, coral reefs, and tropical rainforest. 

There are many things to do on Phu Quoc island. Here are some of the most popular activities:

1. Beach Activities: Phu Quoc is well known for its beautiful beaches. Visitors can enjoy swimming, sunbathing, and snorkeling in crystal-clear waters.

2. Scuba Diving: The island has some of the best diving in Southeast Asia, with plenty of coral reefs and marine life to explore.

3. Fishing: Phu Quoc is a great place to go fishing, with plenty of opportunities to catch a variety of fish.

4. Hiking: The island is home to some beautiful hiking trails, which offer great views of the landscape.

5. Sightseeing: Phu Quoc is home to some interesting historical sites, including the famous prison island of Con Dao. 

Vietnam Itinerary 10 Days

After coming back to Ho Chi Minh from the Mekong Delta, get ready to head to one of the unique destinations in Vietnam.

MŨI NÉ

To be honest, I didn’t know Mũi Né existed until an ocean-crazed surfer I was traveling with through Vietnam dragged there me.

And I’m glad he did because this sandy slice of beachfront, known as Mũi Né holds some of my most treasured moments in the entire country.

At first appearance, Mũi Né might trick you into thinking it’s a small beachside town. But don’t be fooled. The biggest draws of the area lie outside the city, away from the beach, and deeper on the mainland. Here you’ll find massive dunes.

As a bonus, there’s also the local fishing village, where locals venture out into the waters in their rustic, handmade boats.

But enough summary, let’s dive deeper into some of the best things to do when visiting Mũi Né.

RED SAND DUNES

When most of us think of sand dunes we picture the deserts of the Shara. And to come clean, I didn’t know that Vietnam had dunes.

The red dunes are closer and are a famous spot for sunsets, and photography.

WHITE SAND DUNES

The white dunes offer a range of adventures from sand buggy riding, to kite flying, to epic sunsets.

MŨI NÉ FISHING VILLAGE

The Local fisherman at Mũi Né harbor head out to the sea on their unstoppable, half coconut shaped, plastic boats. It’s a magnificent spot for epic postcard-worthy photos and watching local fisherman ply their trade. The best time for these epic photos is at sunrise when the locals are heading out, and there are fewer tourists.

BÃI BIỂN MŨI NÉ

The beautiful beach area in Mũi Né. Perfect for a quick dip!

The red and white dunes of Mũi Né are a wonder, and a worthy addition to any Vietnam Itinerary.

And while Mũi Né is close to Ho Chi Minh, it remains off the majority – but not completely of travelers’ itineraries.

But the geological wonders of the dunes and quaint fishing village are enough reasons to venture here for a few days.

This trip can also work if you’re working for 9 days in Vietnam Itinerary.

Vietnam 2-week itinerary

If you are working with a 2 week Vietnam Itinerary, then we are in good shape! Because from Mui Ne we can start working our way to Central Vietnam. But first, we want to take a detour.

Nha Trang

Nha Trang is a coastal city in Vietnam known for its beaches and scuba diving.

Things to do in Nha Trang

-Visit the beaches

-Scuba dive

-Explore the city

-Visit the caves

-Take a boat ride

– Explore the Towers and Pagodas

Accommodation: one of the perks of Nha Trang is you can treat yourself a little. There are plenty of accommodation options in Nha Trang, like backpacker hostels. But there are also five-star resorts that won’t break your budget.

You can spend your last few days in Vietnam before grabbing the train back to Ho Chi Minh to fly home. Unless you have more time! If you have a longer Vietnam Itinerary, then let’s head to Central Vietnam, one of my favorite cities in the entire country.

Vietnam Itinerary 3 Weeks

ĐÀ LẠT

On the morning of day 12, we are going to leave Nha Trang – say goodbye to the coast for a while – and take the bus inland to the mountainous area of Đà Lạt. This scenic city lies in the central highlands of Vietnam in the Lâm Đồng Province.

Đà Lạt’s a safe haven from the heat and humidity that envelopes Vietnam during the summer months. And for adventure lovers, Da Lat ticks all the boxes. Jungles, waterfalls, and lipid pools surround the city.

The city is also considered the “honeymoon” destination for Vietnam locals. Making it an ideal stop for more than just adventure lovers.

Here are some of the best things to do in Đà Lạt’s adding to your Vietnam Itinerary.

WATERFALL RAPPELLING

The most popular adventure is spending an afternoon traversing through the jungle and repelling down multiple waterfalls. There are a ton of safe tours in the city to choose from!

CRAZY HOUSE

A wild and wacky cafe that’s a maze of tunnels, hidden passages, and crazy houses. It’s like wandering through a fairy tale.

WHITE WHITE RAFTING

Another sought-after adventure in Da Lat is whitewater rafting. Da Lat started whitewater rafting in Vietnam. And the scenic Don Da River has thrilling class 2 and 3 rapids.

LANG BIAN MOUNTAIN

Head to the top for an all-encompassing panoramic view of Vietnam’s highlands.

ELEPHANT FALLS

Is stunning the right word? Yep! Elephant Fall might be the most beautiful thing you see in Vietnam. It’s a popular spot for photos and couples.

GETTING TO DA LAT

Getting from Mui Ne To Dalat is easy. You can get there by bus for under $10. The ride up into the highlands takes around 4 to 5 hours.

Let’s get ready for our next city. Which might be the most picture-perfect setting in Vietnam. But it is a long journey! That will take up one entire travel day.

DA LAT TO HOI AN

Both Da Lat and Hoi An are unskippable – in my humble opinion. And both need to be in your Vietnam Itinerary.

Unfortunately, the two cities are far apart. But as we need to head north anyway, the juice is worth the squeeze – as they say.

You have a couple of options for transportation to get between the two cities.

For budget travelers, you’ll want to leave your last night in Da Lat and head to Hoi An on a sleeper bus.

These buses take around 15 hours and cost less than $20.

If you’re pressed for time, there’s a chance you might grab a cheap flight between the two cities.

HOI AN

Where Da Lat’s all about wandering out of the city and into nature, Hoi An’s all about never learning the downtown. This historic town’s one of the most jaw-dropping cities I’ve visited in Southeast Asia.

The entire ancient city is a UNESCO Site for its French Colonial buildings.

And a pristine example of a colonial trading port. Some of the architecture dates back to the 15 century.

Hoi An is teeming with beautiful architecture, still canals, golden-colored merchant houses, and colorful lanterns.

Hoi An’s one of the most beautiful cities in the world. It’s a peaceful city to lose yourself in, to picture yourself living there, and never wanting to leave.

Things to do in Hoi An

WANDER THE ANCIENT CITY

As I’ve stated above, the ancient city and canals are the nuggets drawn to the city. You can spend days exploring every nook and cranny.

HAVE A BEACH DAY

Hoi An is near the east sea, which is only a 10-minute drive from the city

GET A TAILORED WARDROBE

So Hoi An also famous for custom clothes. You can get an entirely new, tailor-made wardrobe within a few days, and for a fraction of the cost.

EAT AT THE CENTRAL MARKET

Hoi An’s is also a notable foodie hotspot in Vietnam. You’ll find an array of tropical treats and street food at the central market. Not unlike the markets in Mexico.

Hoi An sticks out as the most beautiful city I visited in Vietnam. And a city I will return to on every visit to the country!

DA NANG

So you’ve soaked in the culture of Hoi An, and now it’s time to soak in the sun at Da Nang.

Now, don’t worry. You can take a deep breath! Unlike the massive bus day from Da Lat to Hoi An; our next destination is just a short bus ride away. Da Nang’s, another great city, is located an hour north of Hoi An.

Da Nang, while it isn’t as beautiful as Hoi An, has beautiful weather and landscape. Open-hearted locals, and an energetic nightlife. Da Nang has a variety of beaches to choose from as well.

Here are the best things to do in Da Nang.

GO EXPLORING IN THE LANDSCAPE OF YOUR CHOICE

Da Nang offers a variety of landscapes, from a mountain, seas, and rivers. Pick your landscape.

GO TO THE TOP OF MONKEY MOUNTAIN

Monkey Mountain (Also known as Son Tra Mountain) treats you to an epic view of the city.

ENJOY THE NIGHTLIFE

Hoi An has decent nightlife. However, there are a lot more options in Da Nang. If you’re hankering for a party, then Da Nang is a great option.

BEACH DAYS

Da Nang has a lot of beaches to choose from. So relax and recharge our travel batteries.

Use at least one day of your time in Da Nang or Hoi An to rest because we have one more big bus ride ahead of us.

If you only have three weeks in Vietnam. Then you will have to head back to catch your flight. From this point, you could either plan on flying out of Vietnam from either Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh.

They are almost equally far apart. You can travel via bus or train. But you are also far enough to find a flight with one of the low-cost airlines or Vietnam airlines.

If you have a 4 Week Vietnam Itinerary, then let’s keep…er, upward.

ba na hill

If you’re looking for an interesting place to visit in Vietnam, consider Ba Na Hill. This attraction is located in the central province of Da Nang and is home to a beautiful garden, a French-style village, and a cable car system that takes visitors up to the summit of Ba Na Hill. From the top, you can enjoy stunning views of the surrounding countryside. 

Vietnam Itinerary 1 Month

TRAVEL DAY FROM DA NANG TO HANOI

Ok, this is the longest journey on our Vietnam Itinerary. But if we want to get to some of the best sites in Vietnam, we need to endure it.

The ride from Da Nang to Hanoi takes around 15 -17 hours, so getting a sleeper bus is advised. Tickets for the bus are around 18 dollars.

Once again, a flight is another option for about 4 times the price of the bus ticket.

HANOI

Hanoi is the gateway to two of the most popular places on any Vietnam itinerary; I.E. Halong Bay and Sapa.

Hanoi itself is a buzzing metropolis of culture, backpackers, and tradition. They steeped the city in over 1,000 years of history, much of which you can still see today in the temples, landscape, and citadels.

You’ll never get bored in the capital of Vietnam. And the city caters to every type of traveler from backpackers to luxury travelers.

Top Things to do in Hanoi.

HANOI OLD QUARTER

The heart of the city is full of history, commerce, and intriguing attractions. There are a handful of temples and pagodas in the area to explore, lots of wonderful restaurants, and dive bars.

IMPERIAL CITADEL OF THANG LONG

The Imperial Citadel of Thang Long is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and graces the top of many people’s lists of things to do in Hanoi.

HANOI OPERA HOUSE

One of the most stunning buildings in the country. Built-in the early 1900s when Vietnam was under French Rule.

WATER PUPPETS

Yes, water puppets are a tourist trap. But worth it. The shows last around 1 hour and cost somewhere around $10.

EAT YOUR WEIGHT IN STREET FOOD

Hanoi is a great place to get in those last-minute food bucket list items. Cooking classes are another good option.

Of course, street food is a given. Eat your weight in food, because – while we have a few stops left – this is the last, best stop for food.

There’s enough to do in Hanoi to fill an entire trip to Vietnam and deserve an entire blog post to itself.

Here are a few other notable attractions to see in the area: Hoàn Kiếm Lake, West Lake, Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, the Temple of Literature, and One Pillar Pagoda.

SAPA

If you want to get out of the city and into nature, then head to Sapa. Sapa is one of the best places to visit in Vietnam for scenic views, trekking, and landscape, it is unlike anything else. Even the best place to visit in Thailand.

The most notable site is Mường Hoa Valley (You’ll see it everywhere on postcards). There’s also Ham Rong Mountain and Sapa Lake.

Sapa’s a perfect couple-day getaway from Hanoi. And a great way to see some of the best beautiful landscapes has to offer.

The best way to reach Sapa is with a luxury minivan.

Lao Cai

Lao Cai is a province in the far north of Vietnam, bordering China. It is best known as the gateway to Sapa, a popular tourist destination for its stunning mountain scenery. 

HALONG BAY

Halong Bay is Vietnam’s premium natural attraction.

Halong Bay is a spectacular garden of islands, jutting rocks, wondrous views, and mammoth caves. The entire area of limestone cliffs and deep caves has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. As well as coves like Lan Ha Bay, a beautiful area of Ha long bay.

The best way to see the Bay is one on a couple of day tours. They have many boat tours that range from day trips to multiple-day trips (I suggest multiple-day trips). You should always plan some day trips, whether it is Vietnam, or the best day trips from Copenhagen.. There are also party boats for backpackers out there. But a Halong bay cruise is a must on any Vietnam trip. 

This is the last stop of our Vietnam Itinerary and a fitting end to our month-long trip to Vietnam. 

There we go! Follow this month-long itinerary for Vietnam and you’ll discover some of the best the country offers. But don’t forget, you can pick this itinerary apart, and use it to piece together your journey.

And there we go! That is the Ultimate Vietnam Itinerary.

But that is not all! If you have less time in Vietnam. And did not love that itinerary. Are wanted to start in the North, instead of the south. Below are some great North Vietnam Itinerary ideas for you. We have not included our Thailand Vietnam Itinerary. Or our itinerary for Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam. As those are separate blog posts, coming soon. 

Ninh Binh

Ninh Binh is a province in North Vietnam that is located south of Hanoi. Ninh Binh is best known for its natural beauty, including limestone karsts, caves, and rivers. 

There is plenty to do in Ninh Binh, including exploring the landscape, riding a bicycle or motorbike around the province, visiting the temples and pagodas, and swimming and fishing in the rivers. 

tam coc

Tam Coc, also known as “Halong Bay on land”, is a beautiful area located in the Ninh Binh province in Vietnam. Tam Coc is made up of three limestone karsts that jut out of the rice paddies and is surrounded by the Ngo Dong River. The area is a popular tourist destination, and visitors can take a boat trip through the paddies and caves. 

Trang an

The Trang An Complex is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in Ninh Binh Province, Vietnam. It comprises of six sites: Cuc Phuong National Park, Hoa Lu, Trang An, Tam Coc-Bich Dong, Bich Dong, and Van Long. The Trang An Complex is known for its karst landscape, as well as its historical and cultural significance. 

There is plenty to see and do in Trang An, including:

– Exploring the caves and grottoes

– Cycling or hiking through the countryside

– Visiting the temples and pagodas

– Taking a boat ride on the river

– Enjoying the views from the peaks of the mountains 

Hoan Kiem lake

Hoan Kiem Lake is a lake in the historical center of Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam. The lake is considered to be the spiritual heart of the city and is home to the Ngoc Son Temple. 

SMALLER VIETNAM ITINERARIES

A month is a long time, and I realize that most people won’t travel around Vietnam that long. So I wanted to put together some smaller itineraries for Vietnam.

VIETNAM ITINERARY 7 DAYS

With only seven days to explore Vietnam, your best bet is to start in the north as it puts you near Halong Bay.

HANOI: DAYS 1 – 3 

In Hanoi spend the first few days fighting off jet lag and seeing the sights.

HALONG BAY: DAYS 4 – 5 

Take the bus to Halong Bay, and hop on a short two days cruise around Halong Bay, before returning to Hanoi.

HO CHI MINH: DAYS 6 – 7 

End your time exploring Ho Chi Minh. 7 Days isn’t enough time to visit the country. However, it is better than not visiting Vietnam at all.

VIETNAM 10-DAY ITINERARY

Same as in the 7 days Vietnam Itinerary, which starts in the north of Vietnam. As with 10 days, you have enough time to see three of Vietnam’s major attractions.

HANOI: DAYS 1 – 2

Spend a couple of days exploring the city, but not too much time as we have a lot of ground to cover.

SAPA: DAYS 3 – 6 

Sapa takes around 8 hours by bus from Hanoi. But the sheer beauty of the landscape is worth it.

Here, spend the next couple of days soaking in the lush landscape.

HALONG BAY: DAYS 7 – 9 

Remember it will be a decent bus journey from Sapa to Halong Bay, and you might have to travel through Hanoi.

Make the journey, and hop on a relaxing two-day cruise of Halong Bay

HANOI: DAY 10

Head back to Hanoi for our last day in Vietnam. From here, you can fly somewhere else in Southeast Asia.

2 Week VIETNAM ITINERARY

With two weeks to explore Vietnam, we are going to start in the south and quickly make our way north.

HO CHI MINH: DAYS 1 – 2

Spend the first three days exploring everything Ho Chi Minh has to offer and acclimating yourself to the culture and climate.

HOI AN: DAYS 3 – 5

Enjoy days 4 -6 in Hoi An, wander the alleys and small shops, or get some custom clothes made.

Hoi An is far from Ho Chi Minh, so a flight for this leg of your journey might be the best option.

HANOI: DAYS 6 – 8 

The bus from Hoi An to Hanoi is a massive journey, but luckily you get a sleeper bus that will make the time fly by.

Spend the next few days in Hanoi.

SAPA: DAY 9 – 11

Grab the bus and head north to Sapa for a few days. Make sure your camera batteries are charged as it’s one of the most photogenic areas of Vietnam.

HALONG BAY: DAYS 12 – 14

Head on a quick trip to Halong Bay before returning to Hanoi and flying out of Vietnam.

And there we go! A ton of different Vietnam itineraries for you to mix and max.

One thing I want to stress is to dive into the country, through yourself into the people, places, and culture.

Do that and regardless of your Vietnam Itinerary, you’ll have an amazing trip to this wonderful country in Southeast Asia.

Vietnam Itinerary November

If you are traveling in the winter months like November. The weather is warm. But it is not the ideal temperature for a beach vacation. So here is a winter Vietnam Itinerary that does not include too many beaches.

• Day 1: Arrive in Hanoi
• Day 2: Hanoi City Tour
• Day 3: Hanoi to Halong Bay
• Day 4: Halong Bay
• Day 5: Halong Bay to Hanoi
• Day 6: Hanoi to Hue
• Day 7: Hue City Tour
• Day 8: Hue to Hoi An
• Day 9: Hoi An
• Day 10: Hoi An to Da Nang
• Day 11: Da Nang to Ho Chi Minh City
• Day 12: Ho Chi Minh City Tour
• Day 13: Mekong Delta Tour
• Day 14: Depart Ho Chi Minh City

Optional Stops for Your Vietnam Itinerary

Phong Nha-Kẻ Bàng National Park

Phong Nha-Kẻ Bàng National Park is a national park in Vietnam. It was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2003 for its geological values. The park is located in the Quảng Bình Province, in the North Central Coast region of Vietnam.

The park has a total area of 857 km², of which 766 km² is forest. The park is divided into two zones, the core zone, and the buffer zone. The core zone has an area of 318 km², and the buffer zone has an area of 448 km².

The park is home to a large number of caves, including the world’s largest cave, Son Doong. 

Phong Nha cave

The best way to experience the beauty of Phong Nha is to explore the caves. There are several caves in the area, but the most popular are Phong Nha and Son Doong.

Phong Nha is the older and smaller of the two, but it is no less impressive. The cave is home to some spectacular stalactites and stalagmites, as well as underground rivers and lakes.

Son Doong, on the other hand, is the largest cave in the world. It is more than 5.5 miles long, has a height of more than 650 feet, and a width of more than 490 feet. The cave is also home to some impressive formations, including a jungle inside the cave and a river that runs through it. 

How did you like our Vietnam Itinerary? It gives you a wealth of options. As well as wiggle room and ideas. My advice is this take these lego pieces. And build your perfect trip to Vietnam.

cham island

Cham Island is an 8-square-kilometer island located 20 kilometers off the coast of central Vietnam. The island is home to a small community of fishermen and their families, as well as some resorts and tourist facilities. Cham Island is known for its beautiful white-sand beaches, like the white sand you see across the world on some of the best beaches in Rhode Island. Charm Island is also known for its coral reefs, and marine life. 

How did you like our Vietnam Itinerary? It gives you a wealth of options. As well as wiggle room and ideas. My advice is this take these lego pieces. And build your perfect trip to Vietnam.