Vietnam is long and thin, so a good itinerary is mostly about order and flights. Here are routes for one week, ten days and two weeks.
7 days: the classic highlights
- Days 1 to 2, Hanoi: the Old Quarter, lakes and museums. See things to do in Hanoi.
- Day 3, Ha Long or Lan Ha Bay: a day trip or one night on a cruise. See Ha Long Bay cruise.
- Days 4 to 5, Da Nang and Hoi An: fly south for beaches and the Ancient Town. See Hoi An and Da Nang.
- Days 6 to 7, Ho Chi Minh City: museums and street food. See things to do in Ho Chi Minh City.
10 days: add Ninh Binh and Hue
- Hanoi 2 nights, Ninh Binh 1 night (see Ninh Binh), Ha Long Bay 1 night.
- Hue 1 night (things to do in Hue), Hoi An 2 nights.
- Ho Chi Minh City 2 nights, with an optional Mekong Delta day (Mekong Delta trip).
14 days: add mountains or beach
- Adventure option: add the northern mountains: Sapa trekking or the Ha Giang loop.
- Beach option: finish with Phu Quoc. See things to do in Phu Quoc.
- Culture option: spend more time in Hue, Hoi An and the Mekong.
Practical tips
- Use domestic flights between north, center and south to save days.
- The center is wettest in autumn; see the best time to visit Vietnam.
- Not sure how many days? Read how many days in Vietnam and north to south or south to north.
- Want it built for you? Compare Vietnam tour packages or browse Highlights of Vietnam.
Vietnam itinerary: FAQ
Is 7 days enough for Vietnam?
For the highlights, yes: Hanoi, Ha Long Bay, Hoi An and Ho Chi Minh City.
What is the best 10-day itinerary?
Hanoi, Ninh Binh, Ha Long Bay, Hue, Hoi An and Ho Chi Minh City.
How should I split two weeks?
Highlights first, then an add-on: mountains, Mekong Delta or beach.
Do I need domestic flights?
They save time between the north, center and south.
Which direction is best?
Either; choose by season and flight timings.
