Combining Ho Chi Minh City, Hoi An, Hanoi, Hue, Ninh Binh, Can Tho, Ha Long Bay, and Pu Luong Nature Reserve makes for a perfect trip to Vietnam. To make the most of your trip, maximizing time between travel days at each incredible stop, you'll want to plan your trip for about 14 to 15 days. Even with a tight schedule, travelers can see the classic highlights in as few as 13 days. See our best-loved itineraries below to start planning your Vietnam trip.

How many days do you need in Ho Chi Minh City, Hoi An, Hanoi, Hue, Ninh Binh, Can Tho, Ha Long Bay & Pu Luong Nature Reserve?

  • Most travelers spend 14-15 days in Ho Chi Minh City, Hoi An, Hanoi, Hue, Ninh Binh, Can Tho, Ha Long Bay, and Pu Luong Nature Reserve combined
  • Visiting Ho Chi Minh City, Hoi An, Hanoi, Hue, Ninh Binh, Can Tho, Ha Long Bay, and Pu Luong Nature Reserve in 13 days is possible, but it will feel rushed
  • With 16 or more days, most travelers choose to add more stops to their trip

How Many Days to Spend in Vietnam

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Recommended Itineraries for Ho Chi Minh City, Hoi An, Hanoi, Hue, Ninh Binh, Can Tho, Ha Long Bay & Pu Luong Nature Reserve

Recommended Itinerary for 15 Days

Enjoy free time to roam around the Imperial City in Hue
Day Highlights Overnight
Day 1 Arrive in Hanoi, Explore Hanoi
Day 2 Hanoi City Tour Hanoi
Day 3 Transfer to Pu Luong Nature Reserve & Hike Pu Luong Nature Reserve
Day 4 Morning in Pu Luong, Transfer to Ninh Binh Ninh Binh
Day 5 Sightseeing in Ninh Binh Ninh Binh
Day 6 Transfer to Ha Long Bay, Overnight Cruise & Activities Ha Long Bay
Day 7 Transfer to Hue, Free Time Hue
Day 8 Hue City Tour, Bike to Rural Villages Hue
Day 9 Transfer to Hoi An, Explore Hoi An's Ancient town Hoi An
Day 10 Visit Tra Que Village, Hoi An City Tour Hoi An
Day 11 Transfer to Ho Chi Minh City, Explore Ho Chi Minh City
Day 12 Ho Chi Minh Free Day Ho Chi Minh City
Day 13 Morning Excursion to the Cu Chi Tunnels Ho Chi Minh City
Day 14 Mekong Delta Day Trip (Cycling) 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, Hue, Ninh Binh, Can Tho, Ha Long Bay & Pu Luong Nature Reserve

How to get from Hanoi to Ha Long Bay
If you want 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 Hanoi to Hoi An
Travelers making the 500-mile (807 km) trip from Hanoi to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Hoi An have several options for completing the journey. The fastest route and best option is an hourlong flight to Danang, going by private transfer the rest of the way. Read more

How to get from Hanoi to Hue
Those traveling 423 miles (680 km) from Hanoi to the former imperial city of Hue have several options, but taking a direct flight will be best. 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 Hoi An to Can Tho
Travelers making the 681-mile (1,097 km) journey from Hoi An to the city of Can Tho, famous for its floating markets and canals, will likely wish to fly between the two cities with a short transfer at Danang. Read more

How to get from Hanoi to Ninh Binh
The mountainous city of Ninh Binh is just 60 miles (97 km) from Hanoi, and you have three easy travel options to choose from. 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's no direct public transportation option. Read more

Map

Map of Ho Chi Minh City, Hoi An, Hanoi, Hue, Ninh Binh, Can Tho, Ha Long Bay & Pu Luong Nature Reserve: Best Itinerary Ideas
Map of Ho Chi Minh City, Hoi An, Hanoi, Hue, Ninh Binh, Can Tho, Ha Long Bay & Pu Luong Nature Reserve: Best Itinerary Ideas