Begin your trip by exploring the bustling city of Ho Chi Minh. The city is famous for its rich history, cultural landmarks, and delicious street food. Visit the Independence Palace and the War Remnants Museum to learn more about the country's past. End the day with a stroll through the Bến Thành Market for local souvenirs and street food.
Take a domestic flight to Hoi An, a charming town known for its well-preserved Ancient Town, tailor shops, and cafes. Spend the day exploring the Ancient Town, visiting art galleries, and trying on locally made clothes. Watch the sunset over the Thu Bon River and enjoy the town's nightlife.
Arrive in Vietnam's capital city, Hanoi. This city is known for its historic architecture, ancient pagodas, and bustling street life. Visit the Temple of Literature and the Hỏa Lò Prison to learn about Vietnam's past. Take a walk around Hoàn Kiếm Lake and visit the nearby Ngoc Son Temple. End the day with a taste of local street food at the Tonkin night market.
Take a car to Ha Long Bay and experience the breathtaking natural beauty of the bay, with its thousands of limestone islands and islets. Take a boat ride around the bay, visit the Thien Cung Cave, and enjoy the sunset from the deck of the boat.
Travel from Ha Long Bay to Sapa, a mountain town known for its rice terraces, ethnic minority tribes, and trekking opportunities. Take a hike through the rice terraces and visit the ethnic villages of Lao Chai and Ta Van. In the evening, explore the town's bustling night market and try some of the local cuisine.
Take a car and train to Da Nang, a coastal city known for its beautiful beaches and Marble Mountains. Climb the Marble Mountains to enjoy the panoramic view of the city, visit the Dragon Bridge at night, and enjoy some fresh seafood at the Han River Bridge.
Travel to Hue, a city known for its rich history, the ruins of the Imperial City, and the Perfume River. Visit the Imperial City and the Tomb of Tu Duc to learn more about Vietnam's royal history. Take a boat ride on the Perfume River to visit the Thien Mu Pagoda and watch the sunset over the river.
Take a flight back to Ho Chi Minh City and spend the day doing any activities you may have missed or wish to do again. Shop for last-minute souvenirs and enjoy some local street food before departing.
Travelers should consider taking domestic flights for longer distances between cities. Train travel is also a popular option for shorter distances. Taxis and ride-sharing services are available in major cities. Estimated costs for a one-way flight between major cities average around 1,200,000 VND (approx. $50 USD) while train tickets cost around 250,000 VND (approx. $10.50 USD) per person for shorter distances.
If you have more time, consider adding a visit to the Mekong Delta or Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park to your itinerary. If you have less time, consider skipping Sapa or Hue. Be prepared for tropical weather, especially during the summer months, and pack comfortable shoes for walking and hiking.
Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN) is the main airport in Ho Chi Minh City, located approximately 6 km from the city center. Da Nang International Airport (DAD) is approximately 5 km from the city center, and Noi Bai International Airport (HAN) is approximately 35 km from the city center of Hanoi.