15-Day Cultural Immersion Itinerary in Vietnam

  • Day 1: Hanoi Old Quarter
    30 minutes (13.7 km) from Noi Bai International Airport

    Explore the bustling Hanoi Old Quarter on foot and get a glimpse of the local lifestyle through ancient houses, street food, temples, and markets.

  • Day 2: Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum
    10 minutes (3.6 km) from Hanoi Old Quarter

    Paying a visit to the final resting place of the Vietnamese great leader, Ho Chi Minh, will give you insights into Vietnam's history, culture and politics.

  • Day 3: Ha Long Bay
    2.5 hours (170 km) from Hanoi Old Quarter

    Experience the breathtaking natural beauty of Ha Long Bay with an overnight boat trip, where you can paddle a kayak, explore a cave, sunbathe on the deck and enjoy fresh seafood.

  • Day 4-6: Hoi An Ancient Town
    2 hours (30 km) from Da Nang International Airport

    Walk through the yellow city, Hoi An Ancient Town to admire the UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including Japanese Bridge, Old House of Tan Ky, Quan Cong Temple, and enjoy the rich cultural and artistic experiences such as lantern making, cooking class, or cycling to nearby rural villages.

  • Day 7-8: Hue Imperial City
    3 hours (130 km) from Hoi An Ancient Town

    Learn about the Nguyen Dynasty's historical significance through a visit to the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Hue Imperial City. Walk around the citadel, royal tombs, garden houses, and engage in a boat ride along the Perfume River.

  • Day 9-10: Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park
    6 hours (340 km) from Hue Imperial City

    Discover the stunning limestone cave system, lush jungle, and ethnic minority culture in Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, where you can visit the world's largest cave, Son Doong, go jungle trekking, or interact with local villages.

  • Day 11-12: Ho Chi Minh City
    2 hours (900 km) from Dong Hoi Airport

    Explore Vietnam's most bustling city, Ho Chi Minh, by visiting the War Remnants Museum, Ben Thanh Market, Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica, Cu Chi Tunnels, and indulge in street foods.

  • Day 13-14: Mekong Delta
    3 hours (200 km) from Ho Chi Minh City

    Take a leisurely boat ride through the delta, making stops at river islands, floating markets, fruit orchards, and historical sites such as temples, pagodas, and museums. Experience the life of the delta dwellers and try delicious tropical fruits and fish.

  • Day 15: Departure
    30 minutes (7 km) from Ho Chi Minh City Center

    Say goodbye to this beautiful country of Vietnam and be transferred to the airport for your departure flight.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Hanoi Old Quarter walking tour (3 hours, Free)
  • Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum (1 hour, Free)
  • Ha Long Bay overnight boat trip (2 days, $200)
  • Hoi An Ancient Town exploration (2 days, $80)
  • Hue Imperial City tour (2 days, $60)
  • Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park journey (2 days, $120)
  • Ho Chi Minh City sightseeing (2 days, $70)
  • Mekong Delta river cruise (2 days, $100)
  • Total Estimated Costs: $710

Transportation

The best way to travel around Vietnam is to fly between major cities, including Hanoi, Da Nang, Hue, Dong Hoi, and Ho Chi Minh City. Prepare for about $100 for one-way tickets. Alternatively, you can also rent a private car with a driver or take long-distance buses or trains. For short distances, walking, biking, or taking a Grab (the local Uber) is recommended.

Useful Tips

If you have more time, consider visiting Sapa, Ninh Binh, or Phu Quoc Island. If you have less time, you can either shorten the trip or reduce the number of destinations. Bear in mind that Vietnam’s climate varies by region, so pack accordingly. Additionally, be aware of the local scams and carry plenty of cash, as some places only accept cash payment.

Airports

There are three international airports in Vietnam: Noi Bai International Airport (HAN) in Hanoi, Da Nang International Airport (DAD), and Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN) in Ho Chi Minh City. Noi Bai International Airport is located in the north, 30km from Hanoi city centre. Da Nang International Airport is situated in the middle of the country, near the city of Da Nang, and Tan Son Nhat International Airport is located in the south, 7km from Ho Chi Minh City Downtown.

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