4-Day Itinerary for Vietnam

  1. Day 1: Ho Chi Minh City
    Estimated Travel Time: 30 minutes (7.5 miles) from Tan Son Nhat International Airport

    Begin your Vietnam trip with an exploration of Ho Chi Minh City’s famous landmarks. Visit the Reunification Palace and learn about the city’s history during the Vietnam War. Next, head to the Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica, a French colonial-era church, and nearby Central Post Office to admire their stunning architecture. End the day with shopping and street food in the bustling Bến Thành Market.

  2. Day 2: Mekong Delta
    Estimated Travel Time: 2 hours 30 minutes (80 miles) from Ho Chi Minh City

    Take a day trip to the Mekong Delta, known as Vietnam’s rice bowl. Visit local villages and discover daily life while cruising through the canals. Stop at the Vinh Trang Pagoda, one of the largest and oldest pagodas in the area, and try their famous honey tea. End the day with a coconut candy workshop at the Coconut Candy Factory and taste their delicious treats.

  3. Day 3: Hoi An
    Estimated Travel Time: 1 hour 20 minutes (17 miles) from Da Nang International Airport

    Travel north to the charming town of Hoi An, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its stunning architecture and lantern-lit streets. Explore the Japanese Covered Bridge, the Old House of Tan Ky, and the Quan Cong Temple. Take a stroll along the Thu Bon River and experience the town’s authentic atmosphere. End the day with a cooking class and learn how to cook traditional Vietnamese food.

  4. Day 4: Ha Long Bay
    Estimated Travel Time: 4 hours (104 miles) from Hanoi

    End your trip with a visit to Ha Long Bay, a stunning natural wonder with towering limestone cliffs and emerald water. Take a short cruise and explore the islands, grottoes, and caves. Visit the Thien Cung Cave, one of the most magnificent caves in the bay, and admire its beauty. End the day with a seafood feast and enjoy the sunset view.

Time and Cost Estimates

  • Reunification Palace (2 hours, 40,000 VND)
  • Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica (30 minutes, free)
  • Central Post Office (30 minutes, free)
  • Bến Thành Market (2 hours, price varies)
  • Mekong Delta (8 hours, 1,500,000 VND)
  • Vinh Trang Pagoda (30 minutes, 10,000 VND)
  • Coconut Candy Factory (1 hour, free)
  • Hoi An Old Town (4 hours, 120,000 VND)
  • Cooking Class (2 hours, 400,000 VND)
  • Ha Long Bay Cruise (6 hours, 800,000 VND)
  • Thien Cung Cave (1 hour, 100,000 VND)
  • Total Estimated Costs: 3,000,000 VND (approximately $129 USD)

Useful Tips

If you have more time, visit the Cu Chi Tunnels in Ho Chi Minh City or the Imperial City in Hue. For a beach escape, add Nha Trang or Phu Quoc Island to your itinerary. If you have less time, skip Hoi An and spend more time in Ho Chi Minh City or Hanoi. Consider booking tours or hiring a local guide to make the most of your trip.

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