The Ultimate Vietnam Travel Itinerary   Recently updated!

Vietnam Travel itinerary
A Vagabond Life
Vietnam Travel Itinerary

Embark on a Journey Through Vietnam

Welcome to your ultimate Vietnam travel itinerary! From the chaotic charm of Hanoi to the serene beauty of Halong Bay, the historic streets of Hoi An, and the vibrant energy of Ho Chi Minh City, these carefully crafted 5-day, 7-day, and 14-day plans immerse you in Vietnam’s rich culture, delicious cuisine, and breathtaking landscapes. Whether you’re cruising through limestone karsts, exploring ancient towns, or savoring pho, your adventure awaits. Choose your journey below and let Vietnam captivate your soul!

Top Tips for Visiting Vietnam

When to Go

November to April offers dry, cooler weather (15–25°C). May to October is the rainy season, with hot and humid conditions (25–35°C), especially in the south. Avoid Tet (late January/early February) for crowds.

Weather

Hanoi and Halong Bay average 15–25°C in winter, 25–35°C in summer. Hoi An and Da Nang are warm year-round (20–30°C), while Ho Chi Minh City is hot (25–35°C) with a wet season from May to November.

Transportation

Book flights or buses via 12Go Asia (e.g., Hanoi to Da Nang: 1.5 hrs flight, ~$40–$100; Da Nang to Ho Chi Minh City: 1.5 hrs flight, ~$50–$120). Use Grab or motorbike taxis (~$1–$5). Trains are scenic (e.g., Hanoi to Hue, 12–14 hrs, ~$30–$60).

Culture

Learn "Xin chào" (hello) and "Cảm ơn" (thank you). Remove shoes before entering homes or temples, dress modestly, and avoid pointing with your feet. Tipping is not mandatory but appreciated (5–10% for good service).

Budget Tips

Eat at street vendors for cheap meals (~$1–$3). Stay in guesthouses or hostels (~$10–$20/night). Book tours and transport early for better rates.

Safety

Beware of scams in tourist areas like Hanoi Old Quarter. Keep valuables secure, wear helmets on motorbikes, and use licensed taxis or ride-hailing apps.

Hanoi (Days 1–3)

A bustling capital with a mix of French colonial and Vietnamese heritage.

History: Founded over 1,000 years ago, Hanoi became Vietnam’s capital in 1010, blending old and new.

Highlights: Hoan Kiem Lake, Temple of Literature, Old Quarter, Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum.

Best Time: November–April for cooler weather.

Transport: Fly into Noi Bai International Airport (HAN). Use cyclos or Grab (~$1–$3).

Food to Try: Pho, Bun Cha, Egg Coffee, Cha Ca.
Day 1: Morning – Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum; Afternoon – Temple of Literature; Evening – Old Quarter.
Day 2: Morning – Hoan Kiem Lake; Afternoon – Vietnam Museum of Ethnology; Evening – Train to Halong Bay (overnight, ~$30–$50).
Day 3: Morning – Halong Bay cruise; Afternoon – Return to Hanoi.

Halong Bay (Day 3)

A UNESCO World Heritage site with stunning limestone karsts and emerald waters.

History: Known for its geological beauty, it’s steeped in Vietnamese legends and mythology.

Highlights: Sung Sot Cave, Ti Top Island, Kayaking, Floating Villages.

Transport: Overnight train from Hanoi (3–4 hrs to port, ~$30–$50) and boat tour.

Food to Try: Fresh Seafood, Banh Cuon, Halong-style Spring Rolls.
Day 3: Morning – Halong Bay cruise and activities; Afternoon – Return to Hanoi and depart.

Hanoi (Days 1–3)

A vibrant city with a rich historical and cultural tapestry.

History: Vietnam’s political center since 1010, reflecting French and Vietnamese influences.

Highlights: Ho Chi Minh Complex, Old Quarter, West Lake.

Transport: Fly into Noi Bai International Airport (HAN).

Food to Try: Pho Bo, Banh Mi, Che.
Day 1: Morning – Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum; Afternoon – Temple of Literature; Evening – Train Street.
Day 2: Morning – Hoan Kiem Lake; Afternoon – Vietnam Museum of Ethnology; Evening – Night Market.
Day 3: Morning – West Lake; Afternoon – Flight to Da Nang (1.5 hrs, ~$40–$100).

Hoi An (Days 4–5)

A picturesque ancient town with lantern-lit streets and rich history.

History: A trading port since the 15th century, known for its well-preserved architecture.

Highlights: Japanese Covered Bridge, Old Town, An Bang Beach, Tailor Shops.

Transport: Flight from Hanoi to Da Nang (1.5 hrs, ~$40–$100), then taxi to Hoi An (~30 min, ~$5–$10).

Food to Try: Cao Lau, White Rose Dumplings, Banh Xeo.
Day 4: Morning – Old Town and Japanese Bridge; Afternoon – Tailor shopping; Evening – Lantern festival.
Day 5: Morning – An Bang Beach; Afternoon – Flight to Ho Chi Minh City (1.5 hrs, ~$50–$120).

Ho Chi Minh City (Days 6–7)

A bustling metropolis with a blend of colonial and modern vibes.

History: Formerly Saigon, it was the heart of South Vietnam during the war era.

Highlights: Notre-Dame Basilica, Cu Chi Tunnels, Ben Thanh Market, War Remnants Museum.

Transport: Flight from Da Nang (1.5 hrs, ~$50–$120).

Food to Try: Banh Mi, Com Tam, Bun Bo Hue.
Day 6: Morning – Cu Chi Tunnels; Afternoon – War Remnants Museum; Evening – Ben Thanh Market.
Day 7: Morning – Notre-Dame Basilica; Afternoon – Reunification Palace; Evening – Depart Ho Chi Minh City.

Hanoi (Days 1–3)

A cultural capital with a mix of tradition and modernity.

History: Founded in 1010, it’s Vietnam’s political and cultural hub.

Highlights: Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, Hoan Kiem Lake, Old Quarter.

Transport: Fly into Noi Bai International Airport (HAN).

Food to Try: Pho Ga, Nem Ran, Bun Rieu.
Day 1: Morning – Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum; Afternoon – Temple of Literature; Evening – Old Quarter.
Day 2: Morning – Hoan Kiem Lake; Afternoon – Vietnam Museum of Ethnology; Evening – Train to Halong Bay (overnight, ~$30–$50).
Day 3: Morning – Halong Bay cruise; Afternoon – Return to Hanoi.

Halong Bay (Day 3)

A natural wonder with dramatic limestone karsts and clear waters.

History: A UNESCO site with legends of dragons shaping its landscape.

Highlights: Sung Sot Cave, Titov Island, Kayaking.

Transport: Overnight train from Hanoi (3–4 hrs to port, ~$30–$50) and boat tour.

Food to Try: Seafood Hotpot, Banh Da Lon.
Day 3: Morning – Halong Bay cruise and activities; Afternoon – Return to Hanoi.

Hoi An (Days 4–6)

A charming town with a blend of Vietnamese and foreign influences.

History: A trading hub since the 15th century, known for its UNESCO-listed old town.

Highlights: Japanese Covered Bridge, Ancient Town, My Son Sanctuary.

Transport: Flight from Hanoi to Da Nang (1.5 hrs, ~$40–$100), then taxi to Hoi An (~30 min, ~$5–$10).

Food to Try: Cao Lau, Mi Quang, Banh Mi Phuong.
Day 4: Morning – Old Town; Afternoon – Japanese Bridge; Evening – Lantern festival.
Day 5: Morning – My Son Sanctuary; Afternoon – An Bang Beach.
Day 6: Morning – Tailor shopping; Afternoon – Flight to Ho Chi Minh City (1.5 hrs, ~$50–$120).

Ho Chi Minh City (Days 7–10)

A lively city with a mix of history and modern development.

History: Formerly Saigon, it played a key role in the Vietnam War.

Highlights: Cu Chi Tunnels, Notre-Dame Basilica, Mekong Delta, Ben Thanh Market.

Transport: Flight from Da Nang (1.5 hrs, ~$50–$120).

Food to Try: Banh Xeo, Bo Kho, Hu Tieu.
Day 7: Morning – Cu Chi Tunnels; Afternoon – War Remnants Museum; Evening – Ben Thanh Market.
Day 8: Morning – Notre-Dame Basilica; Afternoon – Reunification Palace.
Day 9: Morning – Mekong Delta tour (bus, ~2 hrs, ~$20–$40); Afternoon – Return.
Day 10: Morning – Bitexco Tower; Afternoon – Free time; Evening – Depart Ho Chi Minh City.

Da Nang (Days 11–14)

A coastal city with golden beaches and marble mountains.

History: A port city with a growing modern scene and ancient roots.

Highlights: My Khe Beach, Marble Mountains, Ba Na Hills, Han River Bridge.

Transport: Flight from Ho Chi Minh City (1.5 hrs, ~$50–$120).

Food to Try: Mi Quang, Bun Cha Ca, Banh Trang Kep.
Day 11: Morning – My Khe Beach; Afternoon – Marble Mountains; Evening – Han River.
Day 12: Morning – Ba Na Hills (cable car, ~$20–$40); Afternoon – Return.
Day 13: Morning – Lady Buddha (Son Tra Peninsula); Afternoon – Dragon Bridge.
Day 14: Morning – Cham Museum; Afternoon – Depart Da Nang.

Your Vietnam Adventure Awaits

Vietnam has enchanted you with its vibrant cities, stunning bays, historic towns, and rich culture, from the bustling streets of Hanoi to the serene beaches of Da Nang. Whether you explored for 5 days or 2 weeks, you’ve savored Vietnamese cuisine, history, and landscapes. Ready to plan your trip? Book your flights or trains at 12Go Asia and start packing for an unforgettable adventure. Xin chào!

*Disclaimer: Travel plans and prices are subject to change due to weather, availability, or local conditions. Check updates before departure.