17-Day Vietnam Travel Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Hanoi & Old Quarter Exploration

Morning: Arrive in Hanoi, settle into your hotel, and enjoy a leisurely walk around the Old Quarter.

Afternoon: Visit the Hoan Kiem Lake and explore the vibrant streets filled with local shops and street food vendors.

Evening: Experience a traditional Water Puppet Show near the lake and dine on authentic northern Vietnamese cuisine.

Day 2: Hanoi Historical & Cultural Sites

Morning: Tour the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum complex including the Presidential Palace and the One Pillar Pagoda.

Afternoon: Explore the Temple of Literature and visit the Vietnam Fine Arts Museum.

Evening: Relax with coffee at a local café and stroll through the Night Market in the Old Quarter.

Day 3: Day Trip to Ninh Binh

Morning: Travel to Ninh Binh and take a boat ride through the stunning Trang An Grottoes.

Afternoon: Visit the ancient capital and temples at Hoa Lu.

Evening: Return to Hanoi and enjoy dinner at a traditional restaurant.

Day 4: Hanoi to Halong Bay

Morning: Depart for Halong Bay, check into your cruise vessel overlooking limestone karsts.

Afternoon: Cruise through the bay, visiting caves and floating fishing villages.

Evening: Enjoy sunset and a seafood dinner aboard the boat.

Day 5: Halong Bay & Return to Hanoi

Morning: Morning Tai Chi session followed by kayaking around secluded grottoes.

Afternoon: Return to harbor and transfer back to Hanoi.

Evening: Free evening in Hanoi, consider trying street food specialties.

Day 6: Fly from Hanoi to Hue

Morning: Flight to Hue, check-in at hotel and rest.

Afternoon: Explore the Imperial City (Citadel), including the Palaces and Forbidden Purple City.

Evening: Take a romantic Perfume River cruise and dinner on board.

Day 7: Hue Cultural Tour

Morning: Visit the royal tombs of Emperor Minh Mang and Khai Dinh.

Afternoon: Explore the Thien Mu Pagoda and local markets.

Evening: Enjoy Hue’s signature dishes like Bun Bo Hue at a local restaurant.

Day 8: Hue to Hoi An via Hai Van Pass

Morning: Scenic drive over the Hai Van Pass, stopping for photos of coastal views.

Afternoon: Arrival and check-in at Hoi An. Begin exploring the Ancient Town.

Evening: Stroll through Hoi An Lantern Festival (if available) and enjoy riverside dining.

Day 9: Hoi An Ancient Town & Surroundings

Morning: Visit Japanese Covered Bridge and old merchant houses.

Afternoon: Take a cooking class focused on Central Vietnamese cuisine.

Evening: Explore night markets and have coffee at a lantern-lit café.

Day 10: Beach Day at An Bang Beach

Morning: Relax and swim at An Bang Beach.

Afternoon: Optional bike ride through nearby rice paddies or visit local villages.

Evening: Fresh seafood dinner by the beach.

Day 11: Hoi An to Da Nang & Marble Mountains

Morning: Transfer to Da Nang, visit Marble Mountains with caves and viewpoint hikes.

Afternoon: Relax at My Khe Beach or explore Da Nang city center.

Evening: Enjoy dinner overlooking Han River and see the Dragon Bridge light show.

Day 12: Fly Da Nang to Ho Chi Minh City

Morning: Flight to Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), check-in and rest.

Afternoon: Visit the War Remnants Museum and the Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica.

Evening: Dinner in District 1 with a taste of southern Vietnamese cuisine.

Day 13: Cu Chi Tunnels & City Exploration

Morning: Guided tour of the Cu Chi Tunnels.

Afternoon: Explore Ben Thanh Market and nearby streets for shopping and snacks.

Evening: Rooftop bar experience overlooking the bustling city.

Day 14: Mekong Delta Day Trip

Morning: Depart for the Mekong Delta, visit floating markets and riverside villages.

Afternoon: Sample tropical fruits and take a boat ride through the delta's waterways.

Evening: Return to Ho Chi Minh City and relax at your hotel.

Day 15: Ho Chi Minh City Museums & Pagodas

Morning: Visit the Jade Emperor Pagoda and Reunification Palace.

Afternoon: Explore the Saigon Opera House and stroll along Dong Khoi Street.

Evening: Sample street food and try pho from a popular local vendor.

Day 16: Free Day in Ho Chi Minh City

Morning: Optional spa session or shopping at Saigon Square.

Afternoon: Visit local art galleries or take a café and bookshop tour.

Evening: Farewell dinner cruise on the Saigon River.

Day 17: Departure

Morning: Last-minute shopping or relaxing at the hotel.

Afternoon: Transport to Tan Son Nhat International Airport for your departure flight.

Evening: Safe travels home!

Time and Cost Estimates

• Hanoi Old Quarter & Attractions: 6-7 hours, Approx. $15
• Ninh Binh Day Trip: 8 hours, Approx. $40 (including transport and entrance fees)
• Halong Bay Cruise (2 days): 24 hours, Approx. $120
• Hue Imperial City & Tombs: 6 hours, Approx. $20
• Hoi An Ancient Town & Cooking Class: 7 hours, Approx. $30
• Marble Mountains & Da Nang City: 5 hours, Approx. $10
• Ho Chi Minh City Museums & Cu Chi Tunnels: 8-9 hours, Approx. $25
• Mekong Delta Day Trip: 10 hours, Approx. $35
• Saigon River Dinner Cruise: 2-3 hours, Approx. $40

Total estimated cost: $335 (excluding flights and accommodation)

Tips

If you want to shorten your trip, consider focusing on either Northern Vietnam (Hanoi, Ninh Binh, Halong Bay) or Southern Vietnam (Ho Chi Minh City and Mekong Delta) to reduce travel time and costs. For travelers seeking a more extended experience, add visits to the Central Highlands or northern ethnic minority villages like Sapa for trekking and cultural immersion.