Make this trip your own
Create your own free, personalized itinerary in seconds — then sign up to save and edit it.
Create my version

18-Day City Experiences Itinerary in Vietnam

Viewed by 70 travelers
Thursday, December 21: Hanoi Arrival

Arrive in Hanoi and soak in the bustling streets of the Old Quarter. In the morning, explore Hoan Kiem Lake and visit Ngoc Son Temple. Afternoon is the ideal time to visit the Temple of Literature and the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology. Finish the day with a traditional water puppet show in the evening.

  • Hoan Kiem Lake & Ngoc Son Temple: Free, 2 hours
  • Temple of Literature: 30,000 VND (approx. $1.30), 2 hours
  • Vietnam Museum of Ethnology: 40,000 VND (approx. $1.75), 2 hours
  • Water Puppet Show: 100,000 VND (approx. $4.35), 1 hour
Friday, December 22: Hanoi City Tour

Embark on a full-day city tour of Hanoi’s highlights. Start with a visit to Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and the nearby Presidential Palace. Explore the historical Ba Dinh Square and One Pillar Pagoda. In the afternoon, discover the serene Tran Quoc Pagoda and marvel at the impressive architecture of the St. Joseph's Cathedral. End the day by diving into the vibrant street food scene of the Old Quarter.

  • Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum: Free, 2 hours
  • Ba Dinh Square: Free, 1 hour
  • One Pillar Pagoda: Free, 1 hour
  • Tran Quoc Pagoda: Free, 1 hour
  • St. Joseph's Cathedral: Free, 1 hour
  • Street Food in the Old Quarter: 200,000 VND (approx. $8.70), 2 hours
Saturday, December 23: Halong Bay Day Cruise

Embark on a memorable day cruise to explore the stunning UNESCO World Heritage Site, Halong Bay. Marvel at the limestone karsts dotting the emerald waters, visit magnificent caves, and enjoy activities like kayaking and swimming. Indulge in a delicious seafood lunch aboard the cruise ship.

  • Halong Bay Day Cruise: 1,500,000 VND (approx. $65), 8 hours
Sunday, December 24: Hanoi to Hue

Travel from Hanoi to the imperial city of Hue. In the morning, visit the Imperial Citadel, housing the former emperors' residences. Explore the Thien Mu Pagoda and take a serene boat trip along the Perfume River. In the afternoon, discover the royal tombs of Tu Duc and Khai Dinh.

  • Imperial Citadel: 150,000 VND (approx. $6.50), 2 hours
  • Thien Mu Pagoda: Free, 1 hour
  • Boat Trip on Perfume River: 300,000 VND (approx. $13), 2 hours
  • Tu Duc Tomb: 100,000 VND (approx. $4.35), 2 hours
  • Khai Dinh Tomb: 150,000 VND (approx. $6.50), 2 hours
Monday, December 25: Hue to Hoi An

Travel from Hue to the charming ancient town of Hoi An. In the morning, wander through the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Hoi An Ancient Town, known for its well-preserved architecture and atmospheric streets. Visit Japanese Covered Bridge and explore the colorful local market. Spend the evening strolling along the lantern-lit Thu Bon River.

  • Hoi An Ancient Town: 120,000 VND (approx. $5.20), 3 hours
  • Japanese Covered Bridge: 20,000 VND (approx. $0.90), 1 hour
  • Hoi An Market: Free, 1 hour
Tuesday, December 26: Explore Hoi An

Immerse yourself in the delightful ambiance of Hoi An. Spend the morning visiting the Assembly Halls of Fujian and Cantonese Chinese communities. In the afternoon, take a boat trip to the traditional craft villages on the Cam Kim Island. Enjoy the stunning sunset on An Bang Beach.

  • Assembly Halls: 120,000 VND (approx. $5.20), 2 hours
  • Boat Trip to Cam Kim Island: 500,000 VND (approx. $22), 4 hours
  • An Bang Beach: Free, 2 hours
Wednesday, December 27: Hoi An to Da Nang

Leave Hoi An and travel to Da Nang. Spend the morning exploring the Museum of Cham Sculpture, home to a remarkable collection of Cham artifacts. In the afternoon, visit the majestic Marble Mountains and enjoy panoramic views from the peak. Relax on My Khe Beach and indulge in fresh seafood.

  • Museum of Cham Sculpture: 40,000 VND (approx. $1.75), 2 hours
  • Marble Mountains: 40,000 VND (approx. $1.75), 2 hours
  • My Khe Beach: Free, 2 hours
Thursday, December 28: Da Nang to Nha Trang

Fly from Da Nang to the coastal city of Nha Trang. Spend the morning on a Vinpearl Land Day Pass, enjoying the thrilling rides and attractions. In the afternoon, explore the Hon Chong Promontory and relax on the white sandy beaches.

  • Vinpearl Land Day Pass: 880,000 VND (approx. $38), 6 hours
  • Hon Chong Promontory: Free, 1 hour
  • Nha Trang Beaches: Free, 2 hours
Friday, December 29: Nha Trang Island Tour

Embark on an island hopping tour around Nha Trang. Visit Mun Island, known for its vibrant coral reefs, and indulge in snorkeling or scuba diving. Explore Mot Island, where you can relax on the pristine beaches. Enjoy a seafood lunch on Tam Island and soak in the sun.

  • Island Hopping Tour: 400,000 VND (approx. $17), 8 hours
Saturday, December 30: Nha Trang to Ho Chi Minh City

Fly from Nha Trang to the vibrant Ho Chi Minh City, formerly known as Saigon. Spend the morning visiting the historical landmarks of the War Remnants Museum and Independence Palace. Taste the local delicacies at Ben Thanh Market in the afternoon. Experience the lively nightlife in the bustling Bui Vien Street in the evening.

  • War Remnants Museum: 40,000 VND (approx. $1.75), 2 hours
  • Independence Palace: 40,000 VND (approx. $1.75), 2 hours
  • Ben Thanh Market: Free, 2 hours
  • Bui Vien Street: Free, 2 hours
Sunday, December 31: Ho Chi Minh City Tour

Explore the diverse attractions of Ho Chi Minh City. Start with a visit to the famous Cu Chi Tunnels, where you can learn about the Vietnam War history. In the afternoon, discover the colonial architectures of the Saigon Central Post Office and Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica. Celebrate New Year's Eve by joining the festive atmosphere at Nguyen Hue Walking Street.

  • Cu Chi Tunnels: 110,000 VND (approx. $4.80), 4 hours
  • Saigon Central Post Office: Free, 1 hour
  • Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica: Free, 1 hour
  • Nguyen Hue Walking Street: Free, 2 hours
Monday, January 1: Mekong Delta Day Trip

Embark on a full-day trip to the scenic Mekong Delta. Cruise along the river, visit local villages, and experience the vibrant floating markets. Discover traditional handicrafts and taste the delicious regional fruits. Enjoy a traditional lunch with a local family and immerse yourself in the rural charm of the delta.

  • Mekong Delta Day Trip: 700,000 VND (approx. $30), 10 hours
Tuesday, January 2: Ho Chi Minh City to Phu Quoc

Fly from Ho Chi Minh City to the tropical paradise of Phu Quoc Island. Spend the day relaxing on the pristine beaches, exploring the night market, and indulging in fresh seafood.

  • Flight to Phu Quoc: 800,000 VND (approx. $35), 2 hours
  • Phu Quoc Beaches: Free, all day
  • Night Market: Free, 2 hours
Wednesday, January 3: Phu Quoc Island Tour

Embark on an island tour to discover the natural beauty of Phu Quoc. Visit Sao Beach, one of the most beautiful beaches on the island. Explore the Phu Quoc National Park, hike through the lush forests, and swim in the refreshing streams. Witness the production of fish sauce at a local factory. Enjoy a breathtaking sunset at Dinh Cau Rock.

  • Island Tour: 700,000 VND (approx. $30), 8 hours
Thursday, January 4: Phu Quoc to Can Tho

Leave Phu Quoc and travel to the vibrant city of Can Tho in the Mekong Delta. Explore the bustling Cai Rang Floating Market and witness the lively trading activities. Take a boat ride along the picturesque canals and visit the traditional rice paper and noodle factories.

  • Cai Rang Floating Market: Free, 2 hours
  • Canal Boat Ride: 200,000 VND (approx. $8.70), 2 hours
  • Rice Paper and Noodle Factories: Free, 1 hour
Friday, January 5: Can Tho to Ben Tre

Travel from Can Tho to Ben Tre, another charming destination in the Mekong Delta. Enjoy a leisurely bike ride or a boat trip through the lush fruit orchards and coconut groves. Experience the local way of life and savor the delicious Mekong Delta cuisine.

  • Bike Rental/Boat Trip: 150,000 VND (approx. $6.50), 4 hours
Restaurants
  • A popular breakfast spot in Ben Tre is Sunrise Cafe, which offers a variety of traditional Vietnamese dishes such as pho and banh mi. The average cost for a meal is about 50,000 VND per person.
  • For lunch, visit River View Restaurant located along the Ben Tre River. They serve delicious seafood dishes and local specialties. The average cost for a meal is about 150,000 VND per person.
  • In the evening, enjoy a dinner at Green Garden Restaurant, known for its cozy atmosphere and authentic Mekong Delta cuisine. The average cost for a meal is about 200,000 VND per person.
Saturday, January 6: Ben Tre to Ho Chi Minh City

Return to Ho Chi Minh City from Ben Tre. Spend the last day exploring any missed attractions or revisiting favorites. Shop for souvenirs in the vibrant markets or visit the Artinus 3D Art Museum for fun photo opportunities. Farewell dinner in one of the city's renowned rooftop restaurants while enjoying stunning city views.

  • Artinus 3D Art Museum: 250,000 VND (approx. $11), 2 hours
  • Farewell Dinner: 300,000 VND (approx. $13) per person
Sunday, January 7: Departure

Check out from the hotel and depart from Ho Chi Minh City, ending the incredible journey through Vietnam.

Hidden Gems and Local Favorites

For off the beaten path experiences, consider exploring the Ba Be National Park in the northeast region of Vietnam. This stunning national park is home to breathtaking landscapes, tranquil lakes, and diverse flora and fauna. Trek through the lush forests, stay in a traditional homestay, and interact with the local ethnic communities.

Locals also love Binh Tay Market in Ho Chi Minh City's Chinatown (Cho Lon), which offers a vibrant atmosphere and a wide range of goods at affordable prices. Explore the narrow alleyways in Hanoi's Tay Ho district to discover local street food stalls and enjoy the delicious Vietnamese cuisine loved by the locals.

For more hotel and flight options, check here.

0
Like this trip? Make your own version.
A free, personalized itinerary in seconds — sign up to save and edit it.
Create my version