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.
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.
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.
With one week to spend in Vietnam on a luxury trip, you can visit 2-3 regions. First-timers will enjoy gourmet dining and private tours of significant sites in Hanoi, overnight on a luxury ship on Ha Long Bay, and see Ho Chi Minh City on an open-top Jeep tour. Those keen on culture and nature can hike to rural villages in Sapa, learn about local life, and sink into a leisurely pace, while beach-lovers can head to Nha Trang for spa treatments, sunbathing, and fresh seafood at the Six Senses Ninh Van Bay resort.
With a week split between Vietnam and Cambodia, you can base yourself in Hanoi and Siem Reap and explore the cities' nearby natural and historical wonders on a highlights tour. Or, immerse yourself in the local way of life during a trip centered around a four-day Mekong River Cruise. Travelers looking for a mix of city, history, and nature tours will find Ho Chi Minh City and Siem Reap ideal bases, while those looking for some beach time should include Da Nang in their itinerary.
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.
With 10 days in Vietnam and Thailand, you can experience the cultural wonders of Hanoi, Ha Long Bay, Ho Chi Minh City, and Bangkok on a highlights tour or swap in Phuket for beach and jungle-themed activities. Foodies can taste their way through each country's colorful markets and bustling street food hotspots on a culinary adventure while nature-loving adventurers opt for a trip that includes Ninh Binh and Chiang Mai.
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.
With 10 days to spend in Vietnam on a luxury-focused itinerary, you can experience the country's vibrant cities and serene countryside on a highlights tour or delve deeper into Vietnam's culture on an immersive trip filled with hands-on workshops. Travelers seeking a more laid-back trip should opt for a southern Vietnam tour featuring stays at the elegant Azerai Can Tho and Anantara Mui Ne resorts, while activity-loving adventurers can explore by Jeep, bike, and boat on an authentic Vietnam luxury tour.
With 10 days in Vietnam, you can embark on a highlights tour featuring the energetic cities of Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City and spend a night onboard a cruise in Ha Long Bay. Or, for a more off-the-beaten-path tour, focus on northern Vietnam and hike through lush rice-terraced valleys. Vietnam is also the perfect place for foodies to hop between lively markets, while those seeking a mix of adventure and relaxation can focus on southern Vietnam's villages and the beach-studded island of Phu Quoc.
With 10 days in Vietnam and Cambodia, you can experience the highlights of Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Siem Reap on an ultimate landmarks tour. Or, opt for an activity-packed trip that'll get you out cycling, boating, and hiking among rural villages and ancient ruins. Travelers seeking unique experiences should add a multiday Mekong Delta boating journey or time in Sapa to their itinerary, while those eager for a cultural-focused trip discover the storied wonders of Hoi An and Angkor alongside guides.
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.
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 two weeks to explore Vietnam and Cambodia, you can choose between a highlights trip featuring Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Siem Reap or set your sights on an off-the-beaten-path adventure that includes time in Sapa and Ninh Binh. If ancient history and rural countryside pique your interest, set aside extra time to explore the temples of Angkor and Mekong Delta, while those seeking a quick-paced tour can bike, raft, scoot, cruise, and walk their way through lush landscapes and bustling cities.
Thanks to frequent regional flights, two weeks is enough time to visit 4-5 areas of Vietnam and Thailand. First-timers can combine city tours in Hanoi and Bangkok with a beach getaway in Phuket. Architecture enthusiasts will enjoy a Chiang Mai temple tour and a stroll through Hoi An's historic streets. Those keen on culture can learn about Northern Thailand hill tribes and meet Mekong Delta artisans, while foodies treat their taste buds to street eats in Chinatown and a cooking class on a Ha Long Bay cruise.
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 the right amount of time to immerse yourself in the country's luxurious side and experience its delightful culture and cuisine. If you're a first-time visitor, hop between Ho Chi Minh City, Hue, and Hanoi on a luxury-focused highlights tour, while those seeking time at idyllic beaches should include time on Phu Quoc or Con Dao to their itinerary. For newlyweds, opt for a trip filled with romantic dinners, star-lit cruises, and upscale secluded accommodations.
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.
Frequent regional flights make visiting 10 places in Vietnam and Cambodia possible in three weeks. History buffs will appreciate a Ho Chi Minh City heritage tour and a full day at Angkor Wat, while foodies can sample Hanoi street eats and join a cooking class in Hoi An. Those keen on culture can learn about Sapa's hill tribes, attend an Apsara performance in Siem Reap, and interact with artisans along the Mekong Delta. Beach lovers should escape to Nha Trang and Koh Rong for some snorkeling and island hopping.
With three weeks to spend in Vietnam and Thailand, you can explore the highlights of Hanoi, Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and Khao Lak on a well-rounded tour. Or, narrow your focus to the country's culture and cuisine while enjoying extended stays in Ho Chi Minh City, Hoi An, Chiang Mai, and Phuket. Other options include an off-the-beaten-path tour featuring market visits and cooking classes and a nature-filled adventure with abundant beach time in Krabi and Phuket.
