When plotting your grand adventure in Vietnam, try to visit both the north and south, as this country packs a lot into a relatively small size. It's possible to see both regions in just a few days, but the longer you have, the more excursions you can take, like boat tours, mountain hikes, and visits to ethnic villages. And if time isn't an issue, add in trips to the central coast, northern bays, scenic river deltas, and more.
Turn a brief five-day vacation to northern Vietnam into an unforgettable discovery of Hanoi's secret gems and a visit to the beautiful river lands of Ninh Bình Province. You could also see the central coast and the ancient citadel of Hue or travel farther south beyond the bright lights of Ho Chi Minh City, where an exciting excursion to the Mekong Delta awaits. And if you're eager for a hike amid the rice terraces and humble villages of rural Vietnam, consider five days to discover the Pu Luong Nature Reserve.
Six days in Vietnam allows you to embark on an action-packed highlights tour of Ho Chi Minh, Hanoi, the Mekong Delta, and Ha Long Bay. Get off the beaten path and uncover the hidden beauty of the Quan Ba district and the Ba Be Lakes in the far north. Or swap rice paddies and waterfalls for boat rides and beaches as you spend six days in the beautiful city of Hoi An, with day trips to Cam Thanh Village and An Bang Beach in between.
One week in Vietnam is enough time to cover one region at a slower pace or two regions with action-packed days. Visit northern Vietnam's Hanoi and Ha Long Bay with adventures through villages in the Ba Vi countryside. For a focus on southern Vietnam, see Ho Chi Minh City and play on the beaches of Phu Quoc Island. A luxury tour takes you from north to south with premium services like a behind-the-scenes water puppet theater performance in Hanoi and on a yacht in the Mekong Delta.
Make your travel plans wisely to get the most out of a week in Vietnam. Try a northern adventure that takes you to the colonial streets of Hanoi and the mountains of Sapa, or go on a southern tour of Ho Chi Minh City and the Mekong Delta. See highlights of the north and the south on an itinerary that also includes stops at coastal cities like Hoi An and Hue, or choose an off-the-beaten-path adventure to river caves, national parks, and country villages. The below itineraries cover all these options and more.
Eight days is enough time to focus on the northern or southern part of Vietnam. Consider northern Vietnam's highlights with Hanoi and Ha Long Bay or see Ho Chi Minh City, the Mekong Delta region's floating markets, and Phu Quoc Island in southern Vietnam. Active travelers might enjoy a multiday trek through northern rural villages and homestays with local families; meanwhile, foodies might opt for a culinary adventure with cooking classes in Hanoi, Hoi An, and Ho Chi Minh City.
Nine days in Vietnam allows travelers to explore three to four cities, such as Da Nang, Hanoi, Ha Long Bay, and Hoi An in the north or to immerse themselves in the historical sights spanning the length of the country, from the Cu Chi Tunnels in Ho Chi Minh City in the south. For more cultural immersion, dedicate nine days to a trip along the Mekong Delta and the Imperial City of Hue. Leave the cities behind and spend time in the Pu Luong Nature Reserve and Trang An for a countryside retreat in Vietnam.
For a relatively small country, Vietnam offers something for everyone, be it mountain hikes, city tours, or lazing on tropical beaches. The options for excursions are near endless, as you could focus on feature cities like Hanoi, Hội An, and Ho Chi Minh, or opt for expeditions in national parks and trips on famous waterways like the Mekong Delta. Whatever your interest, the below itinerary options cater to every taste.
Ten days in Vietnam is enough time to experience four destinations at a relaxed pace. Families visiting for the first time can hit the popular spots, including a cruise on Ha Long Bay, on the Vietnam Highlights tour. Outdoorsy families and those with little ones will love the island escape and the adventurous excursions, such as the Mekong boat trip, on the Southern Vietnam Family itinerary. Those seeking an elevated experience, including a private culinary tour in Hoi An, will appreciate the Luxury Family Tour.
Spend 11 days in Vietnam on an action-packed highlights tour of Hanoi, Ha Long Bay, and Ho Chi Minh City, and take a cultural food tour, cruise down the Mekong Delta, and spend a day immersed in nature in Pu Luong Nature Reserve. Add Can Tho, Ninh Binh, and Trang An to the itinerary, or take an overnight train to the Imperial City of Hue for dinner at Dong Ba Market. Swap cities for the highlands on a cycling excursion along Vietnam's coast and countryside, staying in sleepy villages such as Quy Nhon and Tam Quan.
Twelve days in Vietnam is enough time to see the entire country, with stops in at least three cities and the countryside. Active itineraries are fast-paced and bring you more time in nature, like kayaking and biking, while cultural trips focus on villages and local encounters, requiring more time. Consider whether you want to delve deeper into cities like Hanoi, Hoi An, and Ho Chi Minh or take a trip to nearby Siem Reap, Cambodia, to visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Angkor.
With 13 days in Vietnam, you can see the highlights of the country's main cities: Hanoi, Hoi An, and Ho Chi Minh, as well as Ha Long Bay and a trip to a rural village for a cultural encounter. Consider two days in the mountains in Sapa, at the beach in Mui Ne, or in Hue to focus on history and culture.
With two weeks, you can travel the length of Vietnam, covering the must-see classic highlights from Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi as well as exploring lesser-visited locales in and around the mountains of Sapa. Alternatively, check out the sights as you dine around the country on a food-themed tour, or add a coastal visit in the country's south to spend some downtime on the beach. If you prefer to mix the highlights with cultural immersion, consider mingling with locals in their daily life on the Backroads of Vietnam option.
Two weeks in Vietnam is a reasonable amount of time to hit the highlights. First-timers will love visiting popular spots such as Ha Long Bay and Hoi An on the "Family Explorer" trip, while those looking for a multicountry journey can combine some of the best cities and sites on a Vietnam and Thailand itinerary. Adventurous families will enjoy the outdoor activities (sandboarding, anyone?) on an off-the-beaten-track tour, and little ones will stay engaged through interactive experiences on the "Cultural Immersion" trip.
With 15-days in Vietnam, you can explore from top to bottom on a classic tour, ticking off the cities of Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh, or spend time in the breathtaking landscapes of Pu Luong Nature Reserve, Ha Long Bay, and Mekong Delta on an ultimate Vietnam trip. Opt for a north-to-south tour if you prefer to travel by train and soak up Vietnam's rich history. Or, if you're looking to spend time in remote villages and roaming impressive ruins, a Northern Vietnam and Cambodia trip will do just the trick.
