11 Days in Vietnam - 4 Unique Itinerary Ideas

Itinerary #1: Vietnam Panorama: Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh

An itinerary created with first-time visitors in mind, this 11-day classic tour covers the highlights of Vietnam from north to south. Begin in the capital city of Hanoi to cycle through its rural villages, spend a night in Pu Luong Nature Reserve and cruise through Ha Long Bay, then continue south to the lantern city of Hoi An before concluding in Ho Chi Minh City for a day trip along the Mekong Delta. 

This classic itinerary begins in Vietnam's capital city of Hanoi, where you'll spend two days exploring the Old Quarter, wandering around Hoan Kiem Lake, and riding a bicycle to the Cau Giay District, the Vietnam Museum Of Ethnology, and the renowned Hoa Lo Prison. Spend one day in Pu Luong Nature Reserve, stopping in the Thai village of Pom Coong in the valley of Mai Chau on the way. Transfer to Ha Long Bay via Hanoi for an overnight cruise in one of the world's natural wonders.

Fly to Da Nang and immediately drive south to charming Hoi An for the next four nights. Enjoy a self-guided walking tour through Ancient Town, see the Japanese Covered Bridge and the Phuc Kien Chinese meeting hall, and ride a boat along the Thu Bon River. Then on Day 8, you'll take a full-day cooking class to learn how to make traditional Vietnamese dishes in Tra Que Vegetable Village—a plot of land dedicated to organic farming. Spend a few hours on An Bang and Ha My beaches before flying to Ho Chi Minh City for an excursion in the Mekong Delta, where you can paddle in a traditional wooden sampan. Learn more

Itinerary #2: Essential Vietnam: Ho Chi Minh to Hanoi

This 11-day essential Vietnam itinerary offers a tour similar to the first itinerary, only this time, you'll be traveling in reverse from Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi via Can Tho, Hoi An, and Ha Long Bay. You'll enjoy taking three different cooking classes, seeing the Cai Rang Floating Market, and embarking on a day trip to Ninh Binh.

Begin in Ho Chi Minh City, and head straight on an evening food tour. Try local delicacies such as banh xeo (pancakes) and banh mi (sandwiches on baguettes) at Ben Thanh Market, then experience a ceremonial cake stall in District 5. Travel two hours south of the city to Ben Tre for a full-day cruise along the Ham Luong River, where you'll kayak to a local restaurant, cycle around a nearby village, and take a cooking class. Enjoy a morning at Cai Rang's floating market, then after returning to Ho Chi Minh, transfer to Hoi An via Da Nang airport the following day.

Immerse yourself in Hoi An's vibrant culture and cuisine by taking a cooking class. Enjoy a relaxing stroll through the Ancient Town to discover local vendors selling tailor-made suits, jackets, and dresses. Fly to Hanoi and head straight for one of the oldest markets in the city, Hang Be Market. Amble through Tran Quoc Pagoda Buddhist shrine, and join yet another food tour to sample more of Vietnam's cuisine, such as bun cha ta (grilled pork and noodles) and banh cuon (minced pork rice rolls). Visit the ancient palaces and pagodas of Ninh Binh and go on a boating tour of Trang An's karst system before departing for Ha Long Bay for an overnight cruise. Learn more

Itinerary #3: Hidden Charms of Vietnam: Hanoi, Ha Long Bay, Hue & Hoi An

Offering a combination of the highlights of Vietnam while boasting off-the-beaten-path gems as well, this 11-day action-packed holiday includes a history tour in Hanoi, swimming and kayaking excursions in Ha Long Bay, a local cooking class and Imperial City tour in Hue, and a basket boat adventure in Hoi An.

Start your trip in Hanoi. See the Temple of Literature, St Joseph's Cathedral, and the National Museum of Vietnamese History. Ride the bus to Tuan Chau Marina, where you'll board a boat for an overnight cruise in Ha Long Bay. Explore Surprising Cave, go swimming around Titop Island, and sail past Ba Hang Fishing Village and Dog Islet on your way back to the marina. Journey to Ninh Binh to check out Trang An Scenic Complex. Discover the Hoa Lu Ancient Temple and the Mua Cave Mountain, then hop on an overnight train to the ancient city of Hue.

Traverse the city at your own pace; enjoy dinner at Dong Ba Market, admire the views from Thien Mu Pagoda, and visit the Forbidden City. Travel via the Hai Van Pass to Hoi An in a thrilling open-top Army Jeep. Go for an evening stroll when you arrive to marvel at the city lit up by beautiful lanterns. Opt for an eco-tour of Cam Thanh Village to see the Bay Mau palm forest and spend a full day on An Bang Beach, relaxing and swimming, before returning to Da Nang for your departure. Learn more

Itinerary #4: Cycle the Highlands & Coast of Vietnam

Designed with cyclists in mind, you'll ride through rural villages, cruise Lan Ha Bay, and spend time with locals on this cycle-forward 11-day tour along the highlands and coast of Vietnam.

This itinerary begins in Da Lat, the capital of the Lam Dong Province. Explore the city at your own pace, then cycle to Nha Trang to relax on its brilliant beaches for a few hours. Board a train heading north to Quy Nhon and appreciate views of quiet villages, lush rice paddies, and expansive mountains along the way. The coastal journey of this cycling tour begins on Day 4 as you leave Quy Nhon and ride 46.6 miles (75 km) toward Tam Quan. Continue riding along the coast for several hours the following day before making your way inland to the sleepy city of Quang Ngai.

Visit the tragic site of the My Lai Massacre Memorial, then resume your journey along the coast to Tam Ky. From there, you'll cycle through dirt roads and fishing villages to take a boat to Hoi An, where you'll spend two nights immersing yourself in the city's culture and cuisine. Enjoy the respite of a free day to explore Hoi An on Day 9, then jump on a quick flight to Hai Phong to board a cruise through the tranquil Lan Ha Bay. Start the day with a sunrise Tai Chi lesson, tuck into a delicious lunch, then travel to Hanoi after a busy eleven days to depart Vietnam. Learn more

More Great Vietnam itineraries

Looking for more inspiration for your trip to Vietnam? Take a look at these other Vietnam itineraries, with outdoor adventures, cultural trips, and best-of tours to hit the highlights.