Make this trip your own
Create your own free, personalized itinerary in seconds — then sign up to save and edit it.
Create my version

9 Days Trip to Vietnam: Ho Chi Minh City, Hoi An, Hanoi, Sapa & Ha Long Bay

Viewed by 234 travelers

Day 1: Arrival in Ho Chi Minh City & Initial Exploration

Morning: Arrive in Ho Chi Minh City and check into your hotel. Take some time to freshen up and get acquainted with the bustling city atmosphere.

Afternoon: Visit the War Remnants Museum to understand Vietnam's history and immerse yourself in the local culture. Afterwards, stroll along Dong Khoi Street for some shopping and sightseeing.

Evening: Enjoy a delicious street food dinner at Bui Vien Walking Street, known for vibrant nightlife and local cuisine.

Find Hotels

Day 2: Ho Chi Minh City Cultural Highlights

Morning: Explore the iconic Cu Chi Tunnels, an extensive network of underground tunnels used during the Vietnam War.

Afternoon: Visit the Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon and the nearby Saigon Central Post Office, both stunning examples of French colonial architecture.

Evening: Take a leisurely cruise on the Saigon River with dinner on board, enjoying the city skyline.

Find Hotels

Day 3: Fly to Hoi An & Ancient Town Exploration

Morning: Fly from Ho Chi Minh City to Da Nang, then transfer to Hoi An. Check into a hotel near the Ancient Town.

Afternoon: Wander through the Hoi An Ancient Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, admiring its well-preserved buildings and lantern-lit streets.

Evening: Experience the magical atmosphere of the lantern festival (if it coincides) or enjoy dinner by the river with views of the glowing lanterns.

Find Hotels

Day 4: Hoi An Countryside & Beach Day

Morning: Take a bicycle tour around the Hoi An countryside, visiting lush rice paddies, local markets, and traditional villages.

Afternoon: Relax at An Bang Beach, soaking up the sun and swimming in the calm waters of the South China Sea.

Evening: Savor fresh seafood at a beachfront restaurant while enjoying sunset views.

Find Hotels

Day 5: Travel to Hanoi & Evening Stroll

Morning: Fly from Da Nang to Hanoi, Vietnam’s capital city. Check into your hotel and rest briefly.

Afternoon: Visit the Hoan Kiem Lake and the nearby Ngoc Son Temple in the heart of the Old Quarter.

Evening: Stroll through the bustling Hanoi Old Quarter streets, tasting local snacks and browsing shops.

Find Hotels

Day 6: Hanoi Cultural Sites & Water Puppet Show

Morning: Explore the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum complex and the One Pillar Pagoda for a deeper understanding of Vietnam’s history.

Afternoon: Visit the Temple of Literature, known as Vietnam’s first university and a symbol of Confucian learning.

Evening: Enjoy the traditional Water Puppet Theater performance, a unique art form native to Northern Vietnam.

Find Hotels

Day 7: Journey to Sapa & Trekking Adventure

Morning: Take an early morning bus or train to Sapa, a mountainous region famous for stunning landscapes and ethnic minority cultures.

Afternoon: Embark on a guided trek through terraced rice fields and visit local hill tribe villages such as the Black H’mong and Red Dao.

Evening: Overnight in a cozy homestay or hotel in Sapa, experiencing traditional cuisine and local hospitality.

Find Hotels

Day 8: Sapa Market & Return to Hanoi

Morning: Visit the vibrant Sapa Market, where locals sell handmade crafts and fresh produce.

Afternoon: Begin your journey back to Hanoi via bus or train, enjoying the scenic views along the way.

Evening: Arrive in Hanoi and relax at your hotel or explore nearby eateries for a light dinner.

Find Hotels

Day 9: Ha Long Bay Day Trip & Departure

Morning: Depart early for a full-day cruise in Ha Long Bay, marveling at the stunning limestone karsts and emerald waters on a traditional junk boat.

Afternoon: Enjoy fresh seafood lunch aboard the boat and explore caves or swim in the bay's calm areas.

Evening: Return to Hanoi in time to catch your evening flight or relax before departure.

Find Hotels

Time and Cost Estimates

  • War Remnants Museum: 2 hours, $2 entrance fee
  • Cu Chi Tunnels: 4 hours (including travel), $15 tour fee
  • Hoi An Ancient Town: 3 hours, $8 entrance fee
  • Hoi An countryside bike tour: 4 hours, $12 rental and guide
  • An Bang Beach: 3 hours, free entry
  • Hoan Kiem Lake & Ngoc Son Temple: 2 hours, $1 entrance fee
  • Water Puppet Theater: 1 hour, $5 ticket
  • Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum complex: 2 hours, free entry
  • Temple of Literature: 1.5 hours, $1.50 entrance fee
  • Sapa Trekking (half-day): 5 hours, $25 tour fee
  • Sapa Market: 1.5 hours, free to browse
  • Ha Long Bay Full-day Cruise: 8 hours, $60 including lunch
  • Domestic Flights (Ho Chi Minh to Da Nang, Da Nang to Hanoi): Approx. $100 total
  • Transportation (bus/train Sapa-Hanoi): 6 hours, $15
  • Total Estimated Cost: $261.50 plus meals and personal expenses

Tips

If you want to extend your trip, consider spending extra days in Sapa for additional trekking and cultural immersion or adding a night boat cruise in Ha Long Bay for a more relaxed experience. To shorten the trip, you could skip the Hoi An segment and focus on either the southern (Ho Chi Minh City) or northern regions (Hanoi, Sapa, Ha Long Bay) to reduce travel time and costs.

0
Like this trip? Make your own version.
A free, personalized itinerary in seconds — sign up to save and edit it.
Create my version