Ho Chi Minh City, Hoi An, Hanoi, Ha Long Bay & Pu Luong Nature Reserve: Best Itinerary Ideas
How many days do you need in Ho Chi Minh City, Hoi An, Hanoi, Ha Long Bay & Pu Luong Nature Reserve?
- Most travelers spend 10-12 days in Ho Chi Minh City, Hoi An, Hanoi, Ha Long Bay, and Pu Luong Nature Reserve combined
- With 13 or more days, most travelers choose to add more stops to their trip
- The most common extensions are Hue, Ninh Binh, and Can Tho
How Many Days to Spend in Vietnam
Recommended Itineraries for Ho Chi Minh City, Hoi An, Hanoi, Ha Long Bay & Pu Luong Nature Reserve
Recommended Itinerary for 10 Days
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in Hanoi, Explore | Hanoi |
| Day 2 | Hanoi Countryside Bicycle Tour | Hanoi |
| Day 3 | Transfer to Pu Luong Nature Reserve, Hike | Pu Luong Nature Reserve |
| Day 4 | Transfer to Hanoi, Optional Hike & Village Lunch | Hanoi |
| Day 5 | Transfer to Ha Long Bay, Overnight Cruise | Ha Long Bay |
| Day 6 | Morning Cruise, Fly to Da Nang, Transfer to Hoi An | Hoi An |
| Day 7 | Visit Fishing Villages & City Tour | Hoi An |
| Day 8 | Free Day in Hoi An | Hoi An |
| Day 9 | Day Trip to Mekong Delta | Ho Chi Minh City |
| Day 10 | Depart Ho Chi Minh City |
On this 10-day adventure, you'll visit the major cities of Vietnam, plus national parks and UNESCO landmarks. It begins in Hanoi, where you'll tour the historic Old Quarter and take day trips to country villages. Then, after cruising the jade waters of Ha Long Bay, you'll fly to the coast to visit the ancient port city of Hoi An and see the historic sights in Ho Chi Minh City. Read more
Recommended Itinerary for 11 Days
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in Hanoi, Explore | Hanoi |
| Day 2 | Bike Tour of Rural Villages, Hanoi City Tour | Hanoi |
| Day 3 | Transfer to Pu Luong Nature Reserve, Hike | Pu Luong Nature Reserve |
| Day 4 | Morning Hike & Return to Hanoi | Hanoi |
| Day 5 | Transfer to Ha Long Bay, Overnight Cruise & Optional Activities | Ha Long Bay |
| Day 6 | Morning Cruise, Fly to Da Nang, Transfer to Hoi An | Hoi An |
| Day 7 | Free Day in Hoi An | Hoi An |
| Day 8 | Group Cooking Class | Hoi An |
| Day 9 | Hoi An Beaches, Transfer to Ho Chi Minh City | Hoi An |
| Day 10 | Mekong Delta Day Trip | Ho Chi Minh City |
| Day 11 | Depart Ho Chi Minh City |
This 11-day adventure covers the highlights of Vietnam from north to south. In the former, you'll tour the historic streets of Hanoi, visit rural mountain villages, and cruise the jade waters of Ha Long Bay. Then, spend time on the central coast enjoying the culture of ancient Hoi An before finishing the trip in Ho Chi Minh City and a boat ride down the famous Mekong Delta. Read more
Recommended Itinerary for 12 Days
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in Hanoi, Explore | Hanoi |
| Day 2 | Hanoi to Pu Luong Nature Reserve, Hiking & Rafting | Pu Luong Nature Reserve |
| Day 3 | Explore Pu Luong Nature Reserve, Transfer to Hanoi | Hanoi |
| Day 4 | Transfer to Ha Long Bay, Overnight Cruise & Optional Activities | Ha Long Bay |
| Day 5 | Morning Cruise, Transfer to Hanoi | Hanoi |
| Day 6 | Transfer to Hoi An, Explore | Hoi An |
| Days 7-8 | Hoi An Self-Guided Experience | Hoi An |
| Day 9 | Fly to Ho Chi Minh City | Ho Chi Minh City |
| Day 10 | Cu Chi Tunnels & Ho Chi Minh City Tour | Ho Chi Minh City |
| Day 11 | Day Trip to Mekong Delta & Ben Tre | Ho Chi Minh City |
| Day 12 | Depart Ho Chi Minh City |
Vietnam's cultures unfold on this journey from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh, traveling by car, boat, and air. Experience the sights and sounds of the country's busiest markets in Hanoi. Learn about Cham River life at an overnight homestay and ride through rice fields and open spaces. Spend time relaxing while sailing along calm Ha Long Bay. Discover the art of paper lantern-making and get fitted for a custom outfit in Hoi An. End the tour in Ho Chi Minh with one last bowl of pho. Read more
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Extended Itineraries
15-Day Itinerary Including Hue, Ninh Binh & Can Tho
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in Hanoi, Free Time | Hanoi |
| Day 2 | Hanoi City Tour | Hanoi |
| Day 3 | Transfer to Pu Luong Nature Reserve & Hike | Pu Luong Nature Reserve |
| Day 4 | Transfer to Ninh Binh | Ninh Binh |
| Day 5 | Sightseeing in Ninh Binh | Ninh Binh |
| Day 6 | Transfer to Ha Long Bay, Overnight Cruise & Optional Activities | Ha Long Bay |
| Day 7 | Fly to Da Nang, Transfer to Hue | Hue |
| Day 8 | Hue City Tour, Bike to Rural Villages | Hue |
| Day 9 | Transfer to Hoi An, Explore the Ancient Town | Hoi An |
| Day 10 | Visit Tra Que Village & Hoi An City Tour | Hoi An |
| Day 11 | Fly to Ho Chi Minh City | Ho Chi Minh City |
| Day 12 | Free Day in Ho Chi Minh City | Ho Chi Minh City |
| Day 13 | Day Trip to Tày Ninh & Cu Chi Tunnels | Ho Chi Minh City |
| Day 14 | Day Trip to Mekong Delta | Can Tho |
| Day 15 | Depart Ho Chi Minh City |
This grand tour of Vietnam covers the best in the country, from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City. After touring the historic sites in Vietnam's capital, spend time in the unspoiled nature reserve of Pu Luong and the stunning landscapes of the Red River Valley. Following this is a cruise around Ha Long Bay, a tour of organic farms at ancient Hoi An, and a visit to highlights around Ho Chi Minh City, like the Mekong River. Read more
How to travel between Ho Chi Minh City, Hoi An, Hanoi, Ha Long Bay & Pu Luong Nature Reserve
How to get from Hanoi to Ha Long Bay
If you're looking to make the 108-mile (174 km) journey from Hanoi to scenic Ha Long Bay—a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its limestone pillars and small, verdant islands—you have three efficient options. Read more
How to get from Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi
Vietnam's two major cities, Ho Chi Minh City in the south and Hanoi in the north are about 1,000 miles (1,600 km) apart. The easiest way to get to Hanoi is a direct two-hour flight, and there are multiple flights out of Ho Chi Minh City's airport each day. Read more
How to get from Ho Chi Minh City to Hoi An
Travelers making the 582-mile (938 km) trip between Ho Chi Minh City and the UNESCO-listed town of Hoi An have several options to complete the journey. The fastest and best route is via a 1.5-hour plane ride to Danang, but taking the train is another (significantly slower) option for those who might like to experience Vietnam's countryside up close. Read more
How to get from Hanoi to Pu Luong Nature Reserve
The ecotourism destination of Pu Luong Nature Reserve is 95 miles (145 km) from Hanoi. Your best bet is to book a private transfer for the 4.5-hour journey, as there is no direct public transportation option. Read more
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