Greetings fellow travelers! Are you thinking about journeying to Vietnam but not sure how long you need or where to start? I’ve got you covered! After spending countless hours exploring this amazing country, I’m here to break down the perfect Vietnam itinerary options, whether you’ve got a week, two weeks, or a whole month to play with.
When Is The Best Time Of Year To Visit?
Before I walk you through these Vietnam itineraries, here’s the tea: the best time to visit is between October and April when the weather’s more chill (literally and figuratively). Also, you’ll want to grab your visa in advance – trust me, it makes life so much easier!
The 7-Day Vietnam Itinerary: Greatest Hits Tour
Look, I get it – sometimes you can only squeeze in a week. Here’s how to make the most of it:
Days 1-2: Hanoi
Start in the capital, because… well, it’s awesome! Hit up:
- The maze-like Old Quarter (pro tip: the street coffee here is life-changing)
- Hoan Kiem Lake during sunrise (watch the locals doing their morning tai chi)
- Sample all the pho you can handle (my fave spot is in the Old Quarter, but honestly, they’re all amazing)
Days 3-4: Ha Long Bay
You literally can’t skip this UNESCO World Heritage site. Book a 2-day, 1-night cruise to:
- Kayak through limestone caves
- Wake up to misty bay views
- Try your hand at squid fishing (it’s harder than it looks!)
Days 5-7: Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)
Wrap up in the south:
- Dive into history at the War Remnants Museum
- Take a day trip to the Cu Chi Tunnels
- Hit up Ben Thanh Market for all your souvenir needs
The 14-Day Vietnam Itinerary: The Sweet Spot
Days 1-3: Hanoi & Surrounds
Same Hanoi highlights as above, plus:
- Day trip to Ninh Binh (aka “Ha Long Bay on land”)
- Evening water puppet show
- Cooking class in the Old Quarter
Days 4-5: Ha Long Bay
Same cruise experience, but maybe splurge on a slightly fancier boat since you saved on time elsewhere.
Days 6-8: Hoi An
This is where the magic happens:
- Get literally anything you want tailored
- Cycle through rice paddies
- Take Instagram-worthy pics of the famous lanterns
- Beach day at An Bang
Days 9-10: Hue
History buff alert:
- Imperial City exploration
- Dragon boat ride on the Perfume River
- Feast on Hue’s famous royal cuisine
Days 11-14: Ho Chi Minh City & Mekong Delta
Everything from the 7-day itinerary plus:
- Mekong Delta day trip
- Rooftop bars (the views are insane!)
- Day trip to Cao Dai Temple
The 1-Month Vietnam Itinerary: The Dream Schedule
This is where you get to really dive deep, folks! Here’s how to rock a month in Vietnam:
Week 1: North Vietnam Deep Dive
- 3 days in Hanoi
- 2 days in Ha Long Bay
- 2 days in Sapa (those rice terraces though!)
Week 2: Northern Exploration
- 2 days in Mai Chau
- 3 days in Ha Giang (motorcycle heaven!)
- 2 days in Ninh Binh
Week 3: Central Vietnam
- 4 days in Hoi An (trust me, you’ll want the extra time)
- 3 days in Hue
- Quick stop in Danang for the Golden Bridge
Week 4: Southern Vibes
- 3 days in Dalat
- 2 days in Mui Ne
- 4 days in Ho Chi Minh City
- 2 days in the Mekong Delta
Pro Tips for Any Vietnam Itinerary:
Getting Around
- Internal flights are super affordable
- Sleeper trains are an experience (go for the top bunk!)
- Grab (Asia’s Uber) is your best friend in cities
Must-Try Food
- Pho (obviously)
- Banh mi (life-changing sandwiches)
- Egg coffee in Hanoi (trust me on this one)
- Fresh spring rolls (everywhere!)
Money Matters
- Keep small bills handy for street food
- Most places prefer cash
- Bargaining is expected at markets
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re racing through in a week or living the dream for a month, Vietnam’s got something for everyone. The key is to not try cramming too much in – sometimes the best memories come from those random street food adventures or getting lost in the Old Quarter.
Remember, this is just a guide – feel free to mix and match based on your interests. Vietnam’s pretty flexible like that! The most important thing? Just book that ticket and go. Vietnam’s waiting for you, and trust me, it’s going to be epic! 🇻🇳✈️
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