Welcome to Vietnam! Begin your cultural immersion in the country's capital, Hanoi. Visit the Temple of Literature, the first national university of Vietnam, which was built in 1070. Also stop by the Hanoi Old Quarter to experience the local life, try delicious street food and see the unique architecture of Hanoi's buildings. Finish your day with a visit to the Hoan Kiem Lake, a picturesque central lake in the city.
Take a day trip outside of Hanoi to Ninh Binh, also known as the "Halong Bay on Land". Explore the stunning scenery of the Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex and the Tam Coc - Bich Dong area by boat, bicycle or hiking. Visit the Hoang Long Museum and learn about the geological history and culture of the area.
Travel east to the stunning Halong Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Take a boat tour of the bay and see the unique landscape of thousands of limestone islands and islets. Enjoy swimming, kayaking, and exploring the Dau Go Cave during your trip.
Take a flight to Hoi An, an ancient town known for its well-preserved architecture, unique food, and traditional culture. Spend two days exploring the old town, visiting local museums, making your own custom-made clothes, and taking a cooking class to learn how to cook Vietnamese cuisine. Relax at a nearby beach and explore the Cham Islands.
Travel north to visit the ancient capital city of Vietnam, Hue. Stop by the Hue Imperial City, a citadel that holds centuries of Vietnamese history. Take a boat tour on the Perfume River and visit the Thien Mu Pagoda, the tallest pagoda in Vietnam. Stay overnight in a traditional Vietnamese home for a homestay experience.
Explore the natural beauty of the Phong Nha - Ke Bang National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit the Phong Nha Cave, the longest wet cave in the world, and the Paradise Cave, one of the world's most beautiful caves. Take a jungle trek to see the Hang Va Cave, and also stop by the Vietnamese-Lao border for a panoramic view of the area.
Take a flight to Ho Chi Minh City, formerly known as Saigon, and discover the diverse and bustling city. Visit the War Remnants Museum to learn about the Vietnam War from different perspectives, and stroll through Chinatown in Cho Lon, a significant cultural center. Travel to the Mekong Delta and take a boat tour to see a floating market where you can buy fresh regional produce.
Head north to the cool mountain city of Da Lat, also known as the "City of Flowers". Take a stroll through the Xuan Huong Lake and the Dalat Flower Park. Also, explore Lang Biang Mountain, the highest peak in Da Lat, and visit the Crazy House, an abstract building designed by a Vietnamese architect. Learn about the local agriculture and coffee production, and take a tour around the city by motorbike.
Finish your Vietnamese cultural immersion with a visit to Phu Quoc, the largest island in Vietnam. Take a break from cultural visits to relax on its beaches of soft white sand, swim in crystal clear water or enjoy snorkeling tours to see the diverse underwater world. Visit the Coconut Tree Prison, and explore the island's main city, Duong Dong.
Trains and buses in Vietnam are affordable and readily available. Uber and Grab are the most convenient ways to get around major cities. Domestic flights are also a popular option to save travel time.
The estimated cost of transportation for this itinerary is around 5,500,000 VND, which includes flights, buses, and taxis.
If you have more time, consider adding a trip to the beautiful beaches in Nha Trang or visiting the Ban Gioc Waterfall in Cao Bang Province. If you have less time, shorten your stay in Da Lat or Phu Quoc.
The main airports in Vietnam are Noi Bai International Airport in Hanoi (HAN), Da Nang International Airport (DAD), and Tan Son Nhat International Airport in Ho Chi Minh City (SGN). Phu Quoc International Airport (PQC) serves the island of Phu Quoc. All of these airports have international and domestic flights, with Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City being the most popular entry points for international travelers.