15 Days in Vietnam - 4 Unique Itinerary Ideas

Itinerary #1: Discover Vietnam From North to South

This classic Vietnam tour ticks off the highlights of Hanoi, Hue, and Ho Chi Minh City, with plenty of stops to check out local markets and get to know the friendly locals along the way. Side trips to Ha Long Bay and the famous Cai Be Floating Market make this itinerary perfect for first-time visitors to Vietnam.

Welcome to Vietnam! Begin your trip with three nights in the busy city of Hanoi, where you'll explore Old Quarter, Huu Hiep Lake, and the Hoan Kiem and Long Bien districts on a vintage Vespa scooter and take a guided tour to Moc Village to participate in a Vietnamese cooking class. A transfer south brings you to the beautiful rice fields surrounding Ninh Binh, your base, to cycle to Emerald Cave and under the limestone mountains in Thung Nang Valley. Next, head to Ha Long Bay to spend a day cruising, kayaking, and swimming beneath limestone karsts before flying to Hue, Vietnam's former royal capital.

With four nights in Hue, you'll have plenty of time to wander Dong Ba, the city's oldest market, sample delicious street food, cruise along the Perfume River on a dragon boat tour, and take a sampan (flat-bottom boat) ride to Dam Chuon. Another short flight brings you to Ho Chi Minh City, where you can spend the evening enjoying a massage or searching for treasures at Ben Thanh Market. Tour the countryside and floating market in Cai Be over the next two days before catching your flight home from Ho Chi Minh. Learn more

Itinerary #2: Ultimate Vietnam: Cities, Countryside & Waterways

Split your time between the bustling cities of Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh and the picturesque countryside of Pu Luong Nature Reserve and Hoi An on this ultimate Vietnam trip. Each day presents opportunities to learn about the local way of life and discover fascinating landscapes, making this 15-day itinerary perfect for nature culture enthusiasts.

Your Vietnam trip starts in the capital city of Hanoi, where you'll get an in-depth introduction to the country's cuisine and culture on a full-day guided city tour, stopping at Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, Quan Thanh, and Hoem Kiem Lake. Next, transfer to Pu Luong Nature Reserve for a day spent hiking among the region's forested mountains and terraced rice paddies before making your way to Ninh Binh. Enjoy a scenic ride along the Red River Delta and visit a 13th-century temple, then continue north to Ha Long Bay.

After a night on board a junk boat, you'll transfer back to Hanoi to catch your plane to the coastal city of Da Nang and a transfer to Hue. Head to the Dong Ba Market for dinner, then rest up, as the next day, you'll embark on a guided tour of Hue's Imperial City and a bike trip around the countryside. Spend the following two days learning about the locals' way of life in Hoi An before another flight takes you to Ho Chi Minh City. Spend your last five days roaming the museums, temples, and palaces of Ho Chi Minh and floating down the Mekong River until it's time to catch your flight home. Learn more

Itinerary #3: Vietnam North to South

Soak up the rich history and sunshine on this 15-day Vietnam itinerary, perfect for those looking for a mix of relaxation and cultural immersion. With two-night stays in Hanoi, Ninh Binh, Hue, and Ho Chi Minh City, you can delight in the modern culture of Vietnam while having plenty of time to visit temples and explore the countryside on day trips.

Beginning in Hanoi, you'll dust off any jet lag with two days of exploring the Old Quarter, Hang Bai Street, Ngoc Son Temple, and other highlights. Next, embark on an overnight cruise on Ha Long Bay to soak up the sun under the impressive karst islets and tour massive caves. Back on dry land, you'll transfer to Ninh Binh to discover the vast landscapes and temples on board a sampan (flat-bottom boat). Before hopping on a train that'll take you to Dong Hoi, you'll have plenty of time to enjoy a walking tour of Bai Dinh Temple and head out on a leisurely bicycle ride along the rice fields around Tam Coc.

Next, explore the otherworldly Hang Toi (Dark Cave) in Phong Nha National Park, then transfer to Hue. Wander the Imperial City, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, take in Thien Mu Pagoda from a boat, and attend a Vietnamese cooking class until it's time to take an open-top Army Jeep to Hoi An. With three nights in the historic city, you'll have time to take a day trip to An Bang Beach and visit Cam Thanh Village. After a short flight to the coastal resort town of Nha Trang, you'll board a train to Ho Chi Minh City. Spend your last day on a Cu Chi Tunnels tour; then, it's off to the airport to catch your flight home. Learn more

Itinerary #4: Discover Northern Vietnam & Cambodia

Discover the scenic highlights of Pu Luong Nature Reserve and Ha Long Bay and wander the impressive ruins of Cambodia's Angkor Wat on this 15-day tour of Northern Vietnam and Cambodia. Gain a deeper appreciation for the simple way of life in remote villages and step back in time by visiting ancient temples, all while staying active via hiking, biking, and kayaking.

Your Vietnam adventure starts in the capital city of Hanoi. Get your first taste of the country's unique blend of old and new with a self-guided walk in Old Quarter and Hoan Kiem Lake, then head to the countryside for a bike trip around Ong Ngac's flower villages. The following day takes you on a 3-mile (5 km) hike in Pu Luong Nature Reserve, and after a unique homestay in a traditional wooden stilt house, you'll hike deeper into remote Vietnam to the village of Hieu. Refreshed by a peaceful evening in an ecolodge, it's time to transfer to Tam Coc in the province of Ninh Binh.

Roam the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Trang An and tour ancient temples before a transfer brings you to Ha Long Bay. With two nights on the boat, you'll have time to explore the nearby floating villages by kayak and soak up the sun until it's time to catch your flight to Siem Reap, Cambodia. Over the next three days, tour the ancient temple complex of Angkor Wat and visit the sacred mountain of Phnom Kulen and the floating village of Kompong Pluk. Catch a flight to Phnom Penh and spend your last day exploring Cambodia's capital on a guided tour; then, it's off to the airport to catch your onward flight. Learn more

More Great 15-Day Vietnam Itineraries

Looking for more inspiration for your trip to Vietnam? Check out these other 15-day Vietnam itineraries, with outdoor adventures, cultural trips, and best-of tours to hit the highlights.

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