9 Days in Vietnam

1. Day 1: Ho Chi Minh City
   From Tan Son Nhat International Airport to downtown Ho Chi Minh City

   Explore the Ben Thanh Market and learn about Vietnam's history at the War Remnants Museum.

2. Day 2: Ho Chi Minh City to Mui Ne
   Driving time: 4 hours 30 minutes (124 miles)

   Experience the sand dunes of Mui Ne and try kite surfing at one of the beaches.

3. Day 3: Mui Ne to Da Lat
   Driving time: 4 hours (115 miles)

   Visit the unique, French-inspired architecture of Da Lat such as the Crazy House and Bao Dai Palace.

4. Day 4: Da Lat
   Visit Prenn Waterfall and then take the cable car to Truc Lam Pagoda for a scenic view of the valley.

   Explore Xuan Huong Lake and try the local street food, such as Bánh Canh and Bánh Mì.

5. Day 5: Da Lat to Hoi An
   Driving time: 7 hours 30 minutes (250 miles)

   Visit the Marble Mountains near Da Nang, stop by My Son Sanctuary, and end the day in beautiful Hoi An Ancient Town.

6. Day 6: Hoi An
   Visit the Japanese Covered Bridge, stroll along the Thu Bon River, and immerse in the Old Quarter culture.

   Shop for tailored clothes and souvenirs at the Hoi An Central Market and nearby shops.

7. Day 7: Hoi An to Hue
   Driving time: 3 hours 30 minutes (85 miles)

   Explore the Imperial City of Hue and take a dragon boat trip on the Perfume River to visit the Thien Mu Pagoda.

8. Day 8: Hue to Ha Long Bay
   Flying time: 1 hour 30 minutes; Driving time: 2 hours 30 minutes (80 miles); Cruise time: 4 hours

   Take a scenic flight to the capital, Hanoi. Visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, One Pillar Pagoda, and Temple of Literature. Cruise through the beautiful Ha Long Bay.

9. Day 9: Ha Long Bay to Hanoi
   Cruise time: 3 hours; Driving time: 3 hours 30 minutes (105 miles)

   Visit the Thang Long Water Puppet Theater and explore the Old Quarter of Hanoi. End the day with a traditional Vietnamese egg coffee.

Time and Costs Estimates

• War Remnants Museum (2 hours, 40,000 VND)
• Sand dunes in Mui Ne (2 hours, 50,000 VND)
• Bao Dai Palace (2 hours, 30,000 VND)
• Truc Lam Pagoda (2 hours, 60,000 VND)
• Marble Mountains (2 hours, 40,000 VND)
• Dragon Boat trip (2 hours, 100,000 VND)
• Ha Long Bay Cruise (4 hours, 350,000 VND)
• Egg coffee in Hanoi (1 hour, 25,000 VND)

Total Estimated Costs: 775,000 VND/per person

Useful Tips

For those with more time, you might consider a visit to Sapa, where you can trek in the mountains and meet ethnic hill-tribe communities. For those with fewer days, it's best to skip Mui Ne and spend more time in Hoi An and Hue.