How many days do you need in Vietnam?

This itinerary covers 9 days in Vietnam, which is a great amount of time to explore the main highlights. Depending on your pace and interests, you could extend or shorten the trip.

What is the best itinerary for Vietnam?

Plan your perfect 9 days trip to Vietnam. This detailed travel itinerary includes daily activities, local recommendations, and insider tips to make your journey unforgettable.

9-Day Adventure and Relaxation Itinerary in Vietnam

Day 1: Explore Hanoi

Hanoi, Vietnam

8:00AM

Breakfast at Pho Bat Dan

Start your journey by savoring a delicious bowl of Pho at this local favorite, known for its rich broth and tender beef.

VND 50,000, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Hoan Kiem Lake

Stroll around this picturesque lake, a beloved cultural spot for locals, and don't miss the stunning Ngoc Son Temple.

VND 20,000, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Bun Cha Ta

Try a traditional Bun Cha dish, featuring grilled pork served with rice noodles and fresh herbs.

VND 70,000, 1 hour

1:30PM

Explore the Old Quarter

Wander through the bustling streets, sampling street food and shopping for handicrafts.

Free, 2 hours

4:00PM

Visit the Temple of Literature

Discover Vietnam's first national university, which is a lovely example of ancient architecture.

VND 30,000, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at Cha Ca La Vong

Experience the famous Cha Ca, a dish of grilled fish served with herbs and noodles in a vibrant setting.

VND 120,000, 1.5 hours

8:00PM

Water Puppet Show

Wrap up Day 1 with a traditional water puppet performance that showcases Vietnamese folklore.

VND 100,000, 1 hour

Find Hotels in Hanoi

Day 2: Cultural Discoveries

Hanoi, Vietnam

8:00AM

Breakfast at Noodle House

Indulge in a hearty breakfast of Vietnamese noodles and fresh herbs to fuel your day's adventures.

VND 60,000, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum

Pay respects to Vietnam's founding father at this monumental site.

Free, 1 hour

11:00AM

Explore the Museum of Ethnology

Gain insights into the diverse cultures of Vietnam through engaging exhibits and artifacts.

VND 40,000, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at KOTO

Enjoy a meal at this social enterprise restaurant supporting training for disadvantaged youth.

VND 80,000, 1 hour

2:30PM

Shop at Local Markets

Explore the Dong Xuan Market where you can find everything from food to souvenirs.

Varies, 2 hours

5:00PM

Sunset at West Lake

Unwind by the serene waters of West Lake, perfect for some evening relaxation.

Free, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at Green Mango

Dine on contemporary Vietnamese cuisine in a chic atmosphere as your day winds down.

VND 90,000, 1.5 hours

Find Hotels in Hanoi

Day 3: Scenic Cruising

Halong Bay, Vietnam

7:00AM

早餐 at your hotel

Fuel up with a satisfying breakfast before your journey to the stunning Halong Bay.

Included in your stay, 1 hour

8:00AM

Transfer to Halong Bay

A scenic drive takes you through picturesque countryside en route to one of the world's natural wonders.

VND 200,000, 4 hours including stops

12:00PM

Lunch on Board

Enjoy a delightful seafood lunch as you sail through the breathtaking limestone karsts of Halong Bay.

Included in tour, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Kayaking in Halong Bay

Paddle through the emerald waters and explore hidden caves and islands.

VND 300,000, 2 hours

4:00PM

Visit Sung Sot Cave

Discover the marvelous formations inside one of Halong Bay's largest caves.

Included in tour, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner on Board

Enjoy a feast of traditional Vietnamese dishes while watching the sunset over the bay.

Included in tour, 1.5 hours

8:00PM

Night Fishing Experience

Try your hand at fishing for squid with the guidance of the crew.

Free, 1 hour

Find Hotels in Halong Bay

Day 4: Relax in Halong Bay

Halong Bay, Vietnam

7:00AM

Breakfast on Board

Wake up to a hearty breakfast while admiring the stunning views from the deck.

Included in tour, 1 hour

8:30AM

Taichi on Deck

Start your day with refreshing Tai Chi on the cruise deck amidst the breathtaking scenery.

Included in tour, 1 hour

10:00AM

Visit Floating Villages

Explore the intriguing lifestyle of locals residing in floating fishing villages.

Included in tour, 1.5 hours

12:00PM

Lunch on Board

Delight in fresh seafood while cruising through the magical waters.

Included in tour, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Relaxing on the Deck

Take time to unwind on the sun deck or take a swim in the refreshing water.

Free, 2 hours

4:00PM

Cooking Class

Join a fun Vietnamese cooking class aboard and learn to make spring rolls.

Included in tour, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner on Board

Enjoy another exquisite dinner filled with local flavors as the sun sets.

Included in tour, 1.5 hours

Find Hotels in Halong Bay

Day 5: Cultural Immersion

Hoi An, Vietnam

7:00AM

Breakfast on Board

Start the day bright and early with a fulfilling breakfast before disembarking from your cruise.

Included in tour, 1 hour

8:30AM

Transfer to Hoi An

Enjoy a scenic ride back to the mainland before heading to the historic town of Hoi An.

VND 200,000, 4 hours including stops

12:30PM

Lunch at Morning Glory

Savor local Hoi An specialties such as Cao Lau noodles at this well-known restaurant.

VND 80,000, 1 hour

2:00PM

Explore Ancient Town

Wander through the charming ancient streets lined with preserved merchant houses and temples.

Free or VND 120,000 for entry tickets, 2 hours

4:30PM

Visit Japanese Covered Bridge

Marvel at this iconic architectural marvel that exemplifies Hoi An’s multicultural past.

VND 30,000, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at Quan An Ngon

Indulge in a vast array of Vietnamese street food under one roof in a vibrant setting.

VND 100,000, 1.5 hours

Find Hotels in Hoi An

Day 6: Beach Relaxation

Hoi An, Vietnam

8:00AM

Breakfast at Your Hotel

Begin your day with a relaxing breakfast at your accommodation before heading to the beach.

Included in your stay., 1 hour

9:00AM

Relax at An Bang Beach

Spend your morning soaking up the sun and enjoying the beautiful beach vibes.

Free, 3 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at The Deck House

Enjoy fresh seafood and excellent views at this beachside restaurant.

VND 120,000, 1 hour

2:00PM

Beach Time or Water Sports

Choose to relax further at the beach or try your hand at some water sports like paddleboarding.

Varies., 3 hours

5:00PM

Sunset at the Beach

Unwind and take in stunning sunset views by the shore as the day comes to a close.

Free, 1 hour

6:30PM

Dinner at La Vie en Rose

Enjoy a romantic dinner with a mix of French and Vietnamese cuisines in a charming location.

VND 150,000, 1.5 hours

Find Hotels in Hoi An

Day 7: Vibrant Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

7:00AM

Breakfast at Your Hotel

Enjoy a fulfilling breakfast before checking out and heading to the airport to fly to Ho Chi Minh City.

Included in your stay., 1 hour

9:00AM

Flight to Ho Chi Minh City

Board your domestic flight to the bustling metropolis of Ho Chi Minh City.

VND 1,000,000, 1 hour flight.

10:30AM

Check into Your Hotel

Arrive and settle into your hotel amidst the vibrant energy of the city.

Varies., 1 hour

12:00PM

Lunch at Pho 24

Savor a famous bowl of Pho at this iconic restaurant known for its flavorful broth.

VND 60,000, 1 hour

1:30PM

Visit War Remnants Museum

Gain a deeper understanding of Vietnam's history at this compelling museum.

VND 40,000, 1.5 hours

3:30PM

Explore Ben Thanh Market

Immerse yourself in a lively atmosphere filled with local goods, souvenirs, and snacks.

Free, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Cuc Gach Quan

Enjoy a cozy dinner at this highly-rated restaurant serving delicious authentic Vietnamese dishes.

VND 110,000, 1.5 hours

Find Hotels in Ho Chi Minh City

Day 8: Explore Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

8:00AM

Breakfast at Your Hotel

Start your day with a hearty breakfast at your hotel before diving into more adventures.

Included in your stay., 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Cu Chi Tunnels

Take a guided tour of the incredible Cu Chi Tunnels, a vast network used during the war.

VND 150,000, 4 hours including travel

2:00PM

Lunch at a Local Eatery

Savor local flavors at a nearby eatery after an intriguing visit to the tunnels.

VND 70,000, 1 hour

3:30PM

Visit Notre-Dame Cathedral

Admire the stunning architecture of this landmark and take some photos before your next adventure.

Free, 1 hour

5:00PM

Explore Saigon Central Post Office

Experience the beautiful colonial architecture of this historic post office.

Free, 30 minutes

6:30PM

Dinner at The Refinery

Savor an exquisite dinner at this chic restaurant known for its French cuisine with a Vietnamese touch.

VND 150,000, 1.5 hours

Find Hotels in Ho Chi Minh City

Day 9: Departure

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

8:00AM

Breakfast at Your Hotel

Relish your last breakfast in Vietnam before packing up for your journey home.

Included in your stay., 1 hour

9:30AM

Relax at Your Hotel

Take some time to relax, enjoying the city views or a leisurely stroll nearby.

Free, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Check out and Transfer to Airport

Prepare for your departure as you check out and head to the airport.

Varies., 1 hour

Find Hotels in Ho Chi Minh City

Step 1 Outline Preview:

9-Day Adventure and Relaxation Itinerary in Vietnam

Day 1: Explore Hanoi

8:00AM

9:30AM

12:00PM

1:30PM

4:00PM

6:00PM

8:00PM

Day 2: Cultural Discoveries

8:00AM

9:30AM

11:00AM

1:00PM

2:30PM

5:00PM

7:00PM

Day 3: Scenic Cruising

7:00AM

8:00AM

12:00PM

1:30PM

4:00PM

6:00PM

8:00PM

Day 4: Relax in Halong Bay

7:00AM

8:30AM

10:00AM

12:00PM

1:30PM

4:00PM

6:00PM

Day 5: Cultural Immersion

7:00AM

8:30AM

12:30PM

2:00PM

4:30PM

6:00PM

Day 6: Beach Relaxation

8:00AM

9:00AM

12:30PM

2:00PM

5:00PM

6:30PM

Day 7: Vibrant Ho Chi Minh City

7:00AM

9:00AM

10:30AM

12:00PM

1:30PM

3:30PM

6:00PM

Day 8: Explore Ho Chi Minh City

8:00AM

9:30AM

2:00PM

3:30PM

5:00PM

6:30PM

Day 9: Departure

8:00AM

9:30AM

11:00AM

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