13 Days in Vietnam - 4 Unique Itinerary Ideas

Itinerary #1: Discover Vietnam From North to South

This classic itinerary hits Vietnam's most important landmarks, from the highlands of Sapa in the north to the buzzing streets of Ho Chi Minh City in the south. Trek through remote villages, journey into the mountains via cable car, visit Ha Long Bay and the Cu Chi Tunnels and meet locals along the way. 

Day 1 is for exploring Hanoi and Vietnam's history at one of its museums, sampling street food on Hang Bai Street, and strolling along Hoan Kiem Lake. The following day, stop for handicrafts made by local Hmong women in the alpine town of Sapa. On Day 3, trek through Cat Cat, Y Linh Ho, and Tavan villages while admiring waterfalls and meeting the villagers. Enjoy incredible views on a cable car journey to the top of Fansipan Mountain on Day 4, home to Buddhist temples and the Kim Son Bao Thang Pagoda. Days 5 and 6 are for swimming in secret coves and snorkeling along the emerald waters of UNESCO-protected Ha Long Bay. 

Discover the colorful town of Hoi An on Days 7, 8, and 9 by walking across the Japanese Covered Bridge, seeing Phuc Kien Hall, and getting fitted for custom-made clothes by master tailors. Take a bamboo basket ride from Camh Thanh fishing village or attend a lantern-making workshop. On Days 10 and 11, hit the highlights of Ho Chi Minh City on a guided tour of museums and landmarks like the tunnels of Cu Chi tunnels before grabbing some street food at Ben Thanh Market. Cruise along the Ham Luong River, bike through rice fields, and ride a traditional wooden sampan boat. Learn more

Itinerary #2: Treasures of Vietnam: Hanoi, Ha Long Bay, Hue, Hoi An & Ho Chi Minh

Take a street food tour in Hanoi, get custom-tailored clothes in colorful Hoi An, and discover local life in the Mekong Delta on this treasures of Vietnam tour. Perfect for travelers who want to hit the highlights of Vietnam, including the ancient royal cities of Hoa Lu and Hue, this moderately-paced itinerary covers the length of the country, swapping Sapa for the imperial city of Hue.

On Day 1, familiarize yourself with the highlights of Hanoi, including Thanh Ha Market, to browse food stalls, the noodle shops at Dong Xuan Market, and the Old Quarter. Take a day trip to Ninh Binh Province on Day 2, where you'll notice the architecture at Hoa Lu, embark on a river cruise to see limestone caves, and visit the ancient temple of Thai Vi. Discover Ha Long Bay on Days 3 and 4, and go swimming and kayaking to explore hidden beaches and caves. Sight-see in the royal city of Hue on Days 5 and 6, noticing its historic citadels, markets, museums, and emperors' tombs.

Journey to Da Nang via the scenic Hai Van Pass on Day 7 before wandering around Hoi An's Japanese Covered Bridge and Phuc Kien Hall. Walk among ruins of ancient Hindu temples at My Son Sanctuary, learn to make rice paper at a local's house, and enjoy floating on Thu Bon River on Day 8. Cycle into the countryside to visit Camh Thanh fishing village, take a lantern-making workshop or have a culinary experience for Day 9, a free day in Hoi An. While Days 10 and 11 are for touring Ho Chi Minh City and the famous Cu Chi Tunnels, Day 12 is for cruising the Mekong River aboard a sampan rowboat. Learn more

Itinerary #3: Vietnam Cultural Discovery & Beach Break

Another classic itinerary option, this tour offers two nights in the beach resort town of Mui Ne in Southeastern Vietnam, perfect for travelers who want to take a short break from cultural touring. You'll admire Hoi An's fusion of architecture, learn about Vietnam's war history at the Cu Chi Tunnels, sail through the lush Mekong Delta, and play on Mui Ne's golden beaches and dunes. 

On Day 1, browse food stalls, try local delicacies at Hanoi's Thanh Ha Market in the Old Quarter, and wander past the preserved fruits on Hang Cot Street. Tour one of the New Seven Wonders of Nature, Ha Long Bay, at the Gulf of Tonkin and look for formations such as Kissing Rock on Days 2 and 3. See the colorful UNESCO-listed Hoi An on the Tho Ban River, admiring its 16th-century red-gold temples on Days 4, 5, and 6. Choose an excursion to Cam Thanh Fishing Village to paddle a bamboo basket boat through the mangroves, learn about the local cuisine at a cooking class, or try the art of lantern-making. 

Check out the views from Bitexco Tower in Ho Chi Minh City, visit the haunting War Remnants Museum, or eat some street food at Ben Thanh Market on Days 7 and 8. Round out your experience by visiting the striking Independence Palace or learning about Vietnam's war history at the Cu Chi Tunnels. On Day 9, sail the Ben Tre River and witness the inner workings of local businesses before exploring the Mekong Delta villages by bike. Days 10, 11, and 12 are for soaking up the sun at Mui Ne Beach in Phan Thiet. Try watersports or explore Mui Ne's red dunes and the Fairy Stream on a Jeep tour. Learn more

Itinerary #4: Active Vietnam Adventure

For travelers who like to cover a lot of ground, this active adventure features four additional overnight stays than the previous three itineraries. You'll mountain bike through the Mai Chau Valley, discover Trang An's limestone caves, cruise paper-flat Ha Long Bay, visit floating markets in the Mekong Delta, explore historic Hue by bike and boat, and take in the epic sights as you cross the Hai Van Pass.

On Day 1, wander the labyrinth streets of Hanoi's Old Quarter or walk around Hoan Kiem Lake. Days 2 and 3 bring cycling adventures, first along the Hoa Binh Lakes and quiet countryside roads to Mai Chau and ending with a challenging uphill trail through Pu Luong Nature Reserve. Float among the dramatic karst scenery in Trang An in the Ninh Binh region, where you'll spot spiritual sites like Dia Linh Mountain before transferring to Hoa Lu, a former home to royal dynasties on Day 4. Cruise Ha Long Bay on Days 5 and 6, looking for striking formations like the Dinh Huong Islet and Kissing Rock.

On Day 7, explore Hue's moat-encircled Imperial Citadel, boat along the Perfume River, and take a cycling tour of villages like Thanh Tien, known for paper flower-making. Journey along the scenic Hai Van Pass en route to Hoi An on Day 8, stopping at Lang Co Beach and the Marble Mountains. Witness daily life at a local fishing village on the outskirts of Hoi An on Day 9. The following day, wander Can Tho's long waterfront and sculpted gardens, while Day 11 is for a boat trip to Cai Rang Floating Market. On Day 12, learn about Vietnam's war history with a trip to the Cu Chi Tunnels near Ho Chi Minh City. Learn more

More Great Vietnam Itineraries

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

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