The Old Quarter of Hanoi is the historical heart and cultural soul of the city. It features a maze of narrow streets and alleys that are home to local markets, street food vendors, and traditional shops. The area is also home to many historic landmarks, including Hoan Kiem Lake, Ngoc Son Temple, and Bach Ma Temple.
Ha Long Bay is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the most breathtaking natural wonders of Vietnam. It's a bay of approximately 1600 islands and islets, each with a unique shape and size. Visitors can take a boat tour, kayak, or even hike in the islands.
Hoi An is a charming and well-preserved ancient town that was once a thriving international port. It's a must-visit destination for its unique blend of Vietnamese, Chinese, and Japanese architecture, its lively night market, and its many tailors and artisan shops.
Ho Chi Minh City, previously known as Saigon, is an exciting and bustling metropolis that is the cultural and economic center of Southern Vietnam. Visitors can explore many historic and cultural attractions, like the War Remnants Museum and the Independence Palace. The city also offers vast options of street food and shopping destinations a traveler can't miss.
Getting around Vietnam is affordable by public transportation. Night buses and trains are comfortable and excellent for those looking to save money on accommodation. The four destinations on this itinerary are connected by public buses and trains but you need to consider travel time that would take hours to reach each destination. Fares range between $5 to $20 with travel time ranging from 3 hours to 17 hours depending on the destination.
If you have extra time, consider visiting the Mekong Delta region, a gateway to river life with floating markets and idyllic scenes of life in the Delta. Add a day or two if you want to experience the local culture and beaches of Nha Trang or i would suggest Tam Coc otherwise known as "Halong Bay on Land".
If you have less time, eliminate Hoi An and allocate another day for either Ha Long Bay or Ho Chi Minh City, depending on your preference.
Vietnam has three international airports with Ho Chi Minh City (SGN) being the largest in the south, Noi Bai International Airport (HAN) serving Hanoi in the north and Da Nang International Airport (DAD) in the center. All three airports have daily direct flights to the major cities in Southeast Asia and East Asia.