12-Day Itinerary for Vietnam

  • Day 1: Ho Chi Minh City
    10 minutes (3.1 km) from Tan Son Nhat International Airport

    Start your trip by exploring the vibrant city of Ho Chi Minh. Visit the War Remnants Museum to learn about the country's tumultuous past or take a stroll through the Ben Thanh Market to experience the local culture and food scene.

  • Day 2: Hoi An
    2 hours 30 minutes (30.5 km) from Da Nang International Airport

    Travel to the charming town of Hoi An, known for its well-preserved ancient architecture and tailors. Explore the colorful lantern-lit streets, visit the Japanese Covered Bridge or take a cooking class to learn how to make some of the local dishes.

  • Day 3: Hue
    2 hours 50 minutes (133 km) from Hoi An

    Discover the former capital of Vietnam, Hue, which is home to the Imperial City and several tombs of former emperors. Take a boat ride on the Perfume River and watch the scenic views of the surrounding countryside.

  • Day 4: Hanoi
    2 hours (30 km) from Noi Bai International Airport

    Travel to the bustling capital city of Hanoi. Visit the Old Quarter to experience the city's chaotic streets, take a stroll around the tranquil Hoan Kiem Lake and watch a traditional Water Puppet Show in the evening.

  • Day 5: Halong Bay
    3 hours 45 minutes (170 km) from Hanoi

    Take a day trip to the stunning natural wonder of Halong Bay. Board a traditional junk boat and explore the picturesque landscape of thousands of limestone islands and islets.

  • Day 6: Sapa
    5 hours (319 km) from Hanoi

    Travel to the mountainous area of Sapa and trek through the scenic rice terraces and the minority villages. Take a cable car to the Fansipan Peak, the highest mountain in Indochina, to enjoy the breathtaking view.

  • Day 7: Ho Chi Minh City
    2 hours (816 km) from Lao Cai

    Return to Ho Chi Minh city for more sightseeing or for some relaxing time to recharge your batteries.

  • Day 8: Mekong Delta
    3 hours 30 minutes (171 km) from Ho Chi Minh City

    Take a scenic boat ride through the Mekong Delta to see the floating markets and observe the colorful houses on stilts along the riverbanks. You can also try some local delicacies like coconut candy and snake wine.

  • Day 9: Phu Quoc Island
    3 hours 30 minutes (234 km) from Ho Chi Minh City (by air)

    Escape to the tropical island of Phu Quoc for some beach relaxation. Enjoy the clear turquoise water or take a snorkeling tour to discover the coral reefs.

  • Day 10: Nha Trang
    4 hours 50 minutes (460 km) from Phu Quoc (by air)

    Travel to the seaside resort town of Nha Trang for more beach and water activities. Visit the Po Nagar Cham Towers, a unique Hindu temple complex, or take a mud bath in one of the popular spas in the area.

  • Day 11: Da Lat
    5 hours 45 minutes (230 km) from Nha Trang

    Explore the flower city of Da Lat and stroll through the colorful flower gardens and market. Take a cable car ride to Truc Lam Zen Monastery to see the panoramic view of the city and surrounding valleys.

  • Day 12: Departure
    45 minutes (7.6 km) to Da Lat Lien Khuong Airport

    Depart from Da Lat to your next destination.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • War Remnants Museum (2 hours, 40,000 VND)
  • Ben Thanh Market (2 hours, Free entry)
  • Japanese Covered Bridge (2 hours, 120,000 VND)
  • Imperial City (3 hours, 200,000 VND)
  • Old Quarter (2 hours, Free entry)
  • Water Puppet Show (1 hour, 100,000 VND)
  • Halong Bay (6 hours, 1,500,000 VND)
  • Sapa trekking tour (6 hours, 700,000 VND)
  • Mekong Delta boat ride (4 hours, 300,000 VND)
  • Phu Quoc Island beach time (Full day, Free entry)
  • Po Nagar Cham Towers (2 hours, 22,000 VND)
  • Truc Lam Zen Monastery (2 hours, 30,000 VND)
  • Total Estimated Costs: 3,042,000 VND

Transportation

Domestic flights and trains are available to travel around Vietnam. The train system may be slower but can be a scenic option to some destinations. Taxis and ride-hailing services are available in most cities. Travel costs vary depending on the mode of transportation used and the distance travelled.

Useful Tips

If you have more time, you can consider adding a visit to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park in northern Vietnam or explore the city of Dalat more extensively. If you have less time, consider spending fewer days in some of the places, or flying between destinations to save time. Some popular destinations may require advance booking, especially during peak season.

Airports

There are three international airports in Vietnam: Tan Son Nhat International Airport in Ho Chi Minh City (SGN), Noi Bai International Airport in Hanoi (HAN), and Da Nang International Airport in Da Nang (DAD). Lien Khuong Airport in Da Lat (DLI) also operates domestic flights.

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