In this section we provide information and suggestions on how to plan a journey to Vietnam.The following article contains a selection of itineraries of different duration (1 to 3 weeks).
The itineraries are meant to allow for a comprehensive travel experience ranging from visits of cultural and historical sites to the exploration of natural beauties and off-the-beaten path locations.
Vietnam is a very interesting country and it always has something for everyone.
First journey to Vietnam
Below is basic information that helps conceive a journey to Vietnam.
Starting point
Our suggested itineraries begin and end in Ho Chi Minh City as this is the most common gateway of the country. An increasing number of flight connections allows to enter the country through the capital, Hanoi. Those who come from major Asian cities might start the journey through Da Nang, in central Vietnam.
Duration of the journey
We detail itineraries in Vietnam of 7, 10, 14 and 21 days. In case you want to travel in Vietnam for the first time we suggest you spend there at least 2 weeks. This is the minimum time requested for a journey spanning between Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi.
Shorter tours are more suitable for regional itineraries.
Duration of the tour: 7 days
Seven days are too short of period of time to follow the classic itinerary from Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi. We recommend that you opt for a regional tour, comprising 3 to 4 destinations.
Given the limited time, it is important that the tour is carefully planned.
Suggested itineraries for a 7-day tour in Vietnam are the following:
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1) Ho Chi Minh City – Hoi An – Hanoi;
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2) Hanoi and Tonkin (with side trips to Ha Long Bay and Sa Pa);
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3) Ho Chi Minh City – Mekong Delta – Phu Quoc or Con Dao;
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4) Central Vietnam: Hue, Da Nang, Hoi An.
Those who are particularly interested in a beach relaxation might want to opt for a short stay in Mui Ne or Nha Trang.
Duration of the tour: 10 days
With ten days available it is possible to travel between Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi through 2 to 3 travel destinations.
Our suggested itineraries for a 10-day tour in Vietnam are the following:
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1) Ho Chi Minh City – Hoi An – Hue – Hanoi;
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2) Hue – Hanoi and a tour around Tonkin (side trips to Ha Long Bay and Sa Pa);
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3) Ho Chi Minh City – Mui Ne – Mekong Delta – Phu Quoc;
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4) Central Vietnam: Nha Trang, Hoi An, Da Nang, Hue.
Duration of the tour: 14 days
With two weeks available you can follow the classic whole country South to North itinerary. As time is limited, a very small number of side trips should be included and there is not much room for improvisation.
Our suggested itineraries for a 2-week tour in Vietnam are the following:
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1) Ho Chi Minh City – Hoi An – Hue – Hanoi – Sa Pa – Ha Long Bay;
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2) Ho Chi Minh City – Mekong Delta – Hoi An – Hue – Hanoi – Ha Long Bay;
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3) Any 10-day itinerary plus a 4-day stay in Phu Quoc or Con Dao.
Duration of the tour: 21 days
With three weeks available you can follow the classic whole country South to North itinerary including some off the beaten track destinations.
Our suggested itineraries for a 3-week tour in Vietnam are the following:
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1) Ho Chi Minh City – Hoi An – Hue – Hanoi – Sa Pa – Ha Long Bay;
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2) Ho Chi Minh City – Mekong Delta – Mui Ne – Nha Trang (or Quy Nhon) – Hoi An – Da Nang – Hue – Hanoi – Sa Pa – Ha Long Bay;
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3) Any 14-day itinerary plus a 7-day tour in the mountainous region of Tonkin (i.e. Sa Pa and Ha Giang);
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4) Any 14-day itinerary plus a 7-day stay in Phu Quoc and Nam Du Islands.
Suggested itinerary:
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Ho Chi Minh City and Mekong Delta (Ben Tre, My Tho or Can Tho): 3 days;
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Hoi An and Hue: 4 days;
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Hanoi and a village nearby: 3 days;
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Ha Long Bay: 2 or 3 days;
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Sa Pa, Hoang Lien National Park and Ha Giang Loop: 7-8 days.
Duration of the tour: 28 days
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Ho Chi Minh City and Mekong Delta (Ben Tre, Sa Dec, Can Tho): 6 days;
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Binh Thuan, Lam Dong, Dak Lak and Khanh Hoa provinces (motorbike tour): 8 days;
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Hoi An, Da Nang and Hue: 6 days;
- Hanoi, Ha Long Bay, Pu Luong, Sa Pa or Ha Giang: 8 days.
For longer journeys you may consider adding destinations in Cambodia. An easy addition is a visit to Koh Rong and the nearby islands along the eastern coast of Cambodia.
Related articles:
Itineraries in Vietnam: Seven days in Vietnam | Ten days in Vietnam
Suggested two-week itineraries in Vietnam
First journey to Vietnam: suggested 2-week itinerary
