Twelve days, three regions, countless unforgettable moments - what’s the best way to experience Vietnam in 12 days? If you're dreaming of a journey that blends culture, nature, and incredible food, you're in the right place!

This 12-day Vietnam itinerary is designed for first-time visitors, culture lovers, and adventure-seeking travelers who want to see the best of the country without rushing. From the bustling streets of Hanoi to the serene waters of Halong Bay, the charm of Hoi An, and the vibrancy of Ho Chi Minh City, this trip offers a perfect mix of iconic sights and hidden gems.

Best Time to Visit Vietnam for a 12-Day Trip

Vietnam’s weather varies significantly from north to south, so the best time for a 12-day Vietnam itinerary depends on what you want to experience.

  • Spring (March - April): Mild temperatures, blooming flowers, and pleasant weather make this a great time to visit from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City. Temperatures range from 18-28°C (64-82°F).

  • Autumn (September - November): Cool, dry weather with golden rice fields in Ninh Binh and comfortable temperatures in Hoi An. Expect 20-30°C (68-86°F).

  • Summer (May - August): Ideal for beach lovers heading to Halong Bay, Da Nang, and Phu Quoc, but expect occasional rains. Southern Vietnam remains hot and humid, with 25-35°C (77-95°F).

  • Winter (December - February): Northern Vietnam (Hanoi, Sapa) can get quite cold, with temperatures dropping to 5-15°C (41-59°F), while the south stays warm at 25-32°C (77-90°F) - great for Mekong Delta adventures.

12 days Vietnam Itinerary - new asia tours

12 days Vietnam Itinerary with New Asia Tours

Suggested Routes for 12 Days Vietnam Itinerary

Option 1: Classic 12-Day Vietnam Itinerary (Perfect for First-Timers)

If it’s your first time in Vietnam and you want a mix of history, culture, nature, and food, this well-balanced 12-day route hits all the must-visit spots at a comfortable pace.

  • Start: Hanoi → End: Ho Chi Minh City

Day 1-2: Hanoi

  • Arrive in Hanoi and explore the charming Old Quarter

  • Sip on egg coffee and watch the city buzz by

  • Visit Hoan Kiem Lake and the Temple of Literature

  • Take a street food tour—because pho, banh mi, and bun cha are non-negotiable

Day 3: Halong Bay

  • Cruise through the limestone wonderland of Halong Bay

  • Kayak into hidden caves and visit floating fishing villages

  • Spend the night on a traditional junk boat (optional but 10/10 recommended)

Day 4-5: Ninh Binh

  • Take a boat ride through Trang An or Tam Coc’s scenic waterways

  • Hike up Hang Múa for breathtaking views

  • Visit the ancient capital of Hoa Lu

12 days Vietnam Itinerary - tam coc ninh binh

Boat ride through water of Tam Coc, Ninh Binh

Day 6-7: Hoi An

  • Wander through lantern-lit streets in the UNESCO-listed Ancient Town

  • Visit My Son Sanctuary, a cluster of ancient Hindu temples

  • Get a custom outfit tailored (because why not?)

Day 8-9: Da Nang

  • Ride the cable car to Ba Na Hills and walk across the Golden Bridge

  • Explore the Marble Mountains and My Khe Beach

  • Catch the Dragon Bridge breathing fire (weekends only)

Day 10-11: Ho Chi Minh City & Mekong Delta

  • Visit the War Remnants Museum and learn about Vietnam’s history

  • Crawl through the Cu Chi Tunnels

  • Take a day trip to the Mekong Delta, explore floating markets and try coconut candy

Day 12: Departure

  • Enjoy a last bowl of pho before heading home (or extending your trip)

12 days Vietnam Itinerary - ho chi minh city at night

Vibrant Ho Chi Minh City at night

Option 2: Adventure & Nature 12-Day Vietnam Itinerary

For travelers looking for epic landscapes, outdoor thrills, and off-the-beaten-path experiences, this itinerary blends adventure and culture.

  • Start: Hanoi → End: Ho Chi Minh City

Day 1-2: Hanoi

  • Kick off with egg coffee and a street food tour

  • Visit the Temple of Literature and Hoan Kiem Lake

  • Catch a water puppet show

Day 3-4: Sapa

  • Trek through lush rice terraces and local ethnic villages

  • Stay overnight in a homestay with a hill tribe family

  • Conquer Fansipan Mountain (the “Roof of Indochina”)

Day 5-6: Halong Bay

  • Cruise through otherworldly limestone formations

  • Kayak, swim, and explore hidden caves

  • Spend a night on the water under the stars

12 days Vietnam Itinerary - halong bay from above

Heritage beauty of Halong Bay

Day 7-8: Phong Nha

  • Explore Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park

  • Visit Paradise Cave—Vietnam’s largest dry cave

  • Go on a dark cave adventure with ziplining and mud baths

Day 9-10: Hoi An & Da Nang

  • Cycle through rice paddies to An Bang Beach

  • Visit My Son Sanctuary and explore Hoi An’s Old Town

  • Ride the Ba Na Hills cable car in Da Nang

Day 11-12: Ho Chi Minh City & Cu Chi Tunnels

  • Dive into the vibrant chaos of Ho Chi Minh City

  • Take a speedboat tour to the Cu Chi Tunnels

  • Wrap up your trip with a rooftop cocktail and city views

Option 3: Relaxed & Beachy 12-Day Vietnam Itinerary

If you’re here for laid-back vibes, sandy beaches, and island escapes, this 12 days Vietnam itinerary lets you soak in the best of Vietnam at a slower, more relaxed pace.

  • Start: Hanoi → End: Phu Quoc

Day 1-2: Hanoi

  • Stroll through the French Quarter and admire colonial architecture

  • Enjoy a traditional Vietnamese massage

  • Catch a sunset at West Lake

Day 3-4: Halong Bay

  • Cruise past stunning limestone karsts

  • Enjoy a floating bar on deck and watch the sunset

  • Indulge in fresh seafood

Day 5-6: Hoi An

  • Take a cooking class and learn to make Vietnamese dishes

  • Wander through lantern-lit streets at night

  • Get a relaxing beach day at An Bang or Cua Dai

12 days Vietnam Itinerary - hoi an bike

Explore Hoi An Ancient Town by bike

Day 7-8: Da Nang & Nha Trang

  • Explore My Khe Beach and Son Tra Peninsula

  • Snorkel or dive at Cham Islands

  • Take a mud bath spa treatment in Nha Trang

Day 9-12: Phu Quoc

  • Chill on Long Beach with a coconut in hand

  • Take a boat trip for snorkeling and island hopping

  • Visit Starfish Beach and VinWonders theme park

This route is all about slow mornings, golden sunsets, and ocean breezes - because sometimes, a vacation should actually feel like one!

Travel Tips for Your 12-Day Vietnam Adventure

Before you pack your bags, here are some handy tips to make your Vietnam trip smooth and hassle-free:

  • Plan ahead for the best deals: Flights and hotels fill up fast, especially in peak seasons. Book early to snag better prices and secure top-rated stays.

  • Money matters: Vietnam’s official currency is Vietnamese Dong (VND). Cash is king in local markets, so keep small bills handy, but credit cards are widely accepted in cities. ATMs are also easy to find.

  • Keep your valuables close: In crowded places like Hanoi’s Old Quarter or Saigon’s Ben Thanh Market, be mindful of pickpockets—wear a crossbody bag or money belt.

  • What to pack: Essentials include sunscreen, an umbrella, comfy walking shoes, and insect repellent. Vietnam’s weather can change quickly, so be prepared!

12 days Vietnam Itinerary - new asia tours

Choose New Asia Tours for your next Vietnam trip

From the bustling streets of Hanoi to the scenic beauty of Halong Bay, the charm of Hoi An, and the dynamic energy of Ho Chi Minh City, this 12 days Vietnam itinerary is the perfect mix of culture, adventure, and relaxation.

Want a stress-free trip with expert planning? New Asia Tours offers customized Vietnam itineraries tailored to your preferences. Contact us today!