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

Explore Vietnam: A 12-Day Immersion in Culture, Cuisine, and Nature

Viewed by 53 travelers

Day 1: Arrive in Hanoi

Hanoi, Vietnam on March 9, 2025

9:00 AM

Explore the Old Quarter

Wander through the bustling streets of Hanoi's Old Quarter, filled with shops, cafes, and street vendors.
0, 2 hours

11:00 AM

Visit Hoan Kiem Lake

Enjoy the serene atmosphere at Hoan Kiem Lake and visit the Ngọc Sơn Temple located on an island.
10, 1 hour

12:30 PM

Lunch at Bun Cha Ta

Try the famous Bun Cha - grilled pork served with vermicelli noodles and fresh herbs, a local favorite.
5, 1 hour

2:00 PM

Visit the Temple of Literature

Explore this historic temple dedicated to Confucius, a great spot to learn about Vietnam's education history.
1, 1.5 hours

4:00 PM

Water Puppet Show

Experience a traditional Vietnamese water puppet show, a unique cultural art form native to Hanoi.
4, 1 hour

7:00 PM

Dinner at Quan An Ngon

Enjoy a variety of local dishes in a beautiful garden setting, sampling different flavors from across Vietnam.
10, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Hanoi

Day 2: Explore Hanoi

Hanoi, Vietnam on March 10, 2025

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Pho Bat Dan

Savor a bowl of traditional pho at this local gem, renowned for its aromatic beef broth and tender noodles.
3, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Visit Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum

Pay respects to Vietnam's founding father and explore the impressive mausoleum and surrounding park.
0, 1.5 hours

11:00 AM

Explore the Fine Arts Museum

Discover Vietnam's rich art scene through a variety of traditional and contemporary exhibits.
1, 1.5 hours

1:00 PM

Lunch at Cha Ca Thang Long

Delight in the signature dish, Cha Ca, with grilled fish seasoned with turmeric and herbs, served at your table.
12, 1.5 hours

3:00 PM

Stroll through the Botanical Gardens

Relax and unwind among the beautiful flora and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of the gardens.
0, 1.5 hours

5:00 PM

Evening Cooking Class

Join a local chef to learn how to prepare traditional Vietnamese dishes and enjoy the meal you cook together.
25, 3 hours
Find Hotels in Hanoi

Day 3: Halong Bay Adventure

Halong Bay, Vietnam on March 11, 2025

7:00 AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a hearty breakfast at your hotel before your journey to Halong Bay.
10, 1 hour

8:00 AM

Departure to Halong Bay

Travel to Halong Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its stunning limestone karsts.
20, 3 hours

11:00 AM

Cruise Halong Bay

Embark on a cruise through Halong Bay, enjoying breathtaking views and visiting floating fishing villages.
40, 5 hours

4:00 PM

Visit Sung Sot Cave

Explore the impressive Sung Sot Cave, known for its impressive stalactites and stalagmites.
5, 2 hours

6:30 PM

Dinner on Board

Savor fresh seafood dinner while cruising through the beautiful bay, surrounded by stunning scenery.
20, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Halong Bay

Day 4: Ninh Binh Exploration

Ninh Binh, Vietnam on March 12, 2025

7:00 AM

Breakfast on the Cruise

Enjoy a light breakfast served on deck while taking in more magnificent views of the bay.
5, 1 hour

8:30 AM

Kayaking in Halong Bay

Experience the bay up close by kayaking through its tranquil waters and exploring hidden caves.
15, 2 hours

10:30 AM

Return to Port and Depart for Ninh Binh

Travel back to the mainland and then to Ninh Binh, known as 'Ha Long Bay on land'.
15, 3 hours

1:30 PM

Lunch at Tam Coc Garden

Dine at a serene restaurant offering delicious Vietnamese dishes in a beautiful garden setting.
12, 1 hour

2:30 PM

Boat Tour in Tam Coc

Take a scenic boat ride through rice paddies and karst landscapes, often referred to as 'Inland Halong Bay'.
10, 2 hours

5:00 PM

Visit Bich Dong Pagoda

Explore this stunning pagoda built into the limestone cliffs, offering great views of the surrounding area.
1, 1 hour

7:30 PM

Dinner at Local Street Food Stalls

Experience authentic Vietnamese street food by trying various dishes from the food stalls in the town.
5, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Ninh Binh

Day 5: Phong Nha Region

Phong Nha, Vietnam on March 13, 2025

7:00 AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Start your day with a traditional Vietnamese breakfast, perfect for a day of exploration ahead.
5, 1 hour

8:00 AM

Travel to Phong Nha

Head to Phong Nha-Kẻ Bàng National Park, famous for its impressive caves.
15, 2 hours

10:30 AM

Explore Phong Nha Cave

Take a boat ride through the stunning Phong Nha Cave, filled with impressive rock formations.
10, 2 hours

1:00 PM

Lunch at Phong Nha Farmstay

Enjoy a delicious local meal at the cozy Phong Nha Farmstay while soaking in the nature around you.
10, 1.5 hours

3:00 PM

Visit Paradise Cave

Walk through the breathtaking Paradise Cave, known for its largest caverns in the world.
10, 2 hours

6:00 PM

Dinner at a Local Restaurant

Savor local specialties in a laid-back environment, perfect for recounting your day's adventures.
8, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Phong Nha

Day 6: Historic Hue

Hue, Vietnam on March 14, 2025

7:30 AM

Bánh Mì Breakfast

Start your day with a delicious Bánh Mì from a local vendor, a must-try Vietnamese sandwich.
3, 1 hour

8:30 AM

Travel to Hue

Enjoy a scenic drive while heading to Hue, the ancient capital of Vietnam.
15, 3 hours

12:00 PM

Lunch at Hanh Restaurant

Indulge in Hue-style dishes like Bun Bo Hue, a spicy beef noodle soup full of flavor.
8, 1.5 hours

2:00 PM

Visit the Imperial City

Explore the UNESCO World Heritage site of the Imperial City, filled with history and beautiful architecture.
5, 2 hours

4:30 PM

Cruise on Perfume River

Take a boat cruise on the Perfume River, enjoying scenic views and tranquility.
10, 1.5 hours

6:30 PM

Dinner at Les Jardins de La Carambole

Experience a mix of traditional and modern Vietnamese dishes in a lush garden setting.
15, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Hue

Day 7: Cultural Hoi An

Hoi An, Vietnam on March 15, 2025

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Morning Glory

Enjoy a delightful breakfast of Hoi An specialties in a lovely setting.
5, 1 hour

9:00 AM

Travel to Hoi An

Travel to the charming town of Hoi An, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
10, 2 hours

11:00 AM

Walking Tour of Ancient Town

Discover the historic architecture and culture of Hoi An on an engaging walking tour.
0, 2 hours

1:00 PM

Lunch at Mermaid Restaurant

Delve into a variety of local seafood dishes and traditional Vietnamese cuisine.
12, 1.5 hours

3:00 PM

Cycling to Rice Fields

Cycle through picturesque rice paddies and quaint villages surrounding Hoi An.
2, 2.5 hours

6:00 PM

Cooking Class at Red Bridge

Learn to cook authentic Vietnamese dishes and enjoy the meal you prepare for dinner.
25, 3 hours
Find Hotels in Hoi An

Day 8: Another Day in Hoi An

Hoi An, Vietnam on March 16, 2025

8:00 AM

Breakfast at The Field Restaurant

Relish a farm-to-table breakfast featuring fresh ingredients and local flavors.
8, 1 hour

9:00 AM

Visit My Son Sanctuary

Explore the ancient Hindu temple complex of My Son, a fascinating glimpse into Cham civilization.
10, 3 hours

1:00 PM

Lunch at Nu Eatery

Sample Vietnamese fusion dishes in a cozy setting, perfect for a laid-back lunch.
10, 1.5 hours

3:00 PM

Relax at An Bang Beach

Unwind at An Bang Beach, known for its white sandy shores and clear waters, ideal for sunbathing.
0, 3 hours

6:00 PM

Dinner at Phuong Bread

Savor Hoi An's famous Bánh Mì that will leave you wanting more.
2, 1 hour
Find Hotels in Hoi An

Day 9: Da Nang Day Trip

Da Nang, Vietnam on March 17, 2025

7:00 AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a fulfilling breakfast in Hoi An before heading out to Da Nang.
7, 1 hour

8:00 AM

Travel to Da Nang

Journey to Da Nang, a city known for its beaches and modern attractions.
10, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Visit Marble Mountains

Explore the stunning Marble Mountains, featuring caves, temples, and panoramic viewpoints.
5, 2 hours

12:00 PM

Lunch at Mi Quang Ba Mua

Taste the local specialty, Mi Quang, a flavorful noodle dish from Da Nang.
5, 1.5 hours

2:00 PM

Relax at My Khe Beach

Take some time to relax at My Khe Beach, known for its stunning coastline and clear waters.
0, 2 hours

4:30 PM

Visit the Dragon Bridge

Marvel at the impressive Dragon Bridge, a symbol of Da Nang, especially stunning at night.
0, 1 hour

6:30 PM

Dinner at Beach House

Enjoy a beachfront dinner with seafood specialties while watching the sunset.
20, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Da Nang

Day 10: Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam on March 18, 2025

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Fuel up for the day with a delicious breakfast at your hotel before heading to the city.
7, 1 hour

9:00 AM

Fly to Ho Chi Minh City

Take a short flight to the bustling metropolis, Ho Chi Minh City, also known as Saigon.
60, 1 hour

11:00 AM

Explore Ben Thanh Market

Wander through Ben Thanh Market, one of the oldest and busiest markets in the city.
0, 2 hours

1:00 PM

Lunch at Ngon Restaurant

Enjoy a variety of Vietnamese dishes at this popular spot in Ho Chi Minh City.
8, 1.5 hours

3:00 PM

Visit War Remnants Museum

Learn about Vietnam's history at this powerful museum showcasing the impact of the Vietnam War.
5, 2 hours

5:30 PM

Dinner at Cuc Gach Quan

Savor contemporary Vietnamese cuisine in a charming and rustic setting; a blend of traditional and modern.
15, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Ho Chi Minh City

Day 11: Mekong Delta Discovery

Mekong Delta, Vietnam on March 19, 2025

7:00 AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Energize your day with a delicious breakfast at your hotel before heading to the Mekong Delta.
7, 1 hour

8:00 AM

Depart for Mekong Delta

Travel to the Mekong Delta, famous for its lush landscapes and diverse ecosystems.
15, 2 hours

10:00 AM

Boat Tour of Mekong Delta

Experience the vibrant life of the region by taking a boat tour through the waterways.
10, 3 hours

1:00 PM

Lunch at Local Homestay

Enjoy home-cooked meals made from local ingredients in a cozy homestay setting.
10, 1.5 hours

3:00 PM

Visit Vinh Trang Pagoda

Explore the beautiful Vinh Trang Pagoda, famous for its impressive architecture and serene surroundings.
2, 1 hour

5:00 PM

Dinner at a Riverside Restaurant

Dine on fresh seafood and local specialties with a view of the Mekong River.
15, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Mekong Delta

Day 12: Departure from Vietnam

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam on March 20, 2025

7:30 AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy your last breakfast in Vietnam with a selection of delightful dishes at your hotel.
7, 1 hour

8:30 AM

Last-minute Shopping

Take some time for last-minute shopping in the markets or boutiques for souvenirs.
0, 2 hours

11:00 AM

Lunch at Hoa Tuc

Enjoy your last meal in Vietnam, with a wonderful blend of traditional and contemporary flavors.
15, 1.5 hours

1:00 PM

Transfer to Airport

Head to the airport for your departure flight, concluding your unforgettable journey in Vietnam.
0, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Ho Chi Minh City
0
Like this trip? Make your own version.
A free, personalized itinerary in seconds — sign up to save and edit it.
Create my version

More About vietnam

Trip Packing List: Vietnam (Late February 2026)
Packing List
Trip Packing List: Vietnam (8 days) + Koh Samui, Thailand (14 days) — 30 May 2026
Packing List
Vietnam Weather Guide: Regional Climates & Seasonal Trends
Weather Guide
Essential Vietnam Travel Guide: Visas, Safety & Tips
Travel Expert
Itinerary created by AI-assisted, human-reviewed

Plan Your vietnam Trip

Cost Estimator
Estimate your trip budget
Packing List
Get a custom checklist
Weather Expert
Check weather & best time to go