What to explore in Vietnam
Vietnam is a vibrant tourist destination that can charm any traveler:
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Captivating natural wonders: The country boasts numerous globally renowned natural wonders, such as Halong Bay, Mu Cang Chai rice terraced field, Hoi An ancient town, Da Nang Golden Bridge, the world's largest caves in Quang Binh, etc.
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Culinary delights across regions: With a rich variety of ingredients, spices, and diverse culinary techniques, delicious food awaits you everywhere in Vietnam. Speaking about Vietnamese cuisine, you may have heard the name of some popular dishes such as Pho, Banh Mi, Bun Cha, or Spring Rolls.
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Vibrant city life: If you like city vibes and shopping, you can visit major cities like Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Da Nang.
Vietnam rural villages
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Charming traditional villages: You can find solace and experience the ancient vibes in quaint villages and towns of Sapa, Hue, Hoi An, Mekong Delta, etc.
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Adventure and outdoor activities: Outdoor enthusiasts will find an abundance of choices, from leisurely activities like biking and boating to adrenaline-pumping adventures like trekking, paragliding, motorbiking, snorkeling, and beyond.
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Retreat Vacation: For those seeking a close-to-nature and local experience, Vietnam has many budget-friendly or high-end options of eco-resorts, mountain retreats, or beachside resorts across cities nationwide.
My recommendations
The suggestions below are crafted based on the time frame you have for your visit to Vietnam. Alongside that, I will be unveiling the absolute highlights of each itinerary when pondering over which one is your best fit for exploring Vietnam.
Best itinerary for Vietnam recommendations
4 days in Vietnam
Allocating around 4 days is just right for hopping over to significant urban hubs and exploring the nearby attractions. These are all renowned travel routes, perfect for easy navigation even for solo travelers:
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Hanoi - Ninh Binh - Halong Bay (North Vietnam): The journey kicks off in the present-day capital of Vietnam, Hanoi (1 day), proceeds to the historical capital, Ninh Binh (1 day), where the UNESCO Heritage site Trang An is located, and wraps up at Halong Bay - recognized as a UNESCO site and listed among the 7 natural wonders of the world (2 days).
This itinerary is perfect for those who love exploring the capital, savoring the tranquil natural countryside vibes, and leisurely enjoying the coastal bay through a cruise.
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Da Nang - Hoi An - Hue (Central Vietnam): Starting in Da Nang (1 day), the city is acknowledged for hosting one of the world's most captivating beaches according to Forbes Magazine in 2013, and the iconic Golden Bridge. The route then moves on to Hoi An (1 day), a UNESCO World Heritage Site, also ranked 2nd on Tripadvisor's Best Travelers Choice 2023, and culminates at Hue - Vietnam's final ancient capital (2 days).
This travel route caters to those who love the golden sun, azure seas, and an ancient vibe. While Da Nang is a lively and youthful city, Hue and Hoi An encapsulate the timeless beauty of Vietnam in different historical eras.
Vietnam travel itinerary suggestions
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Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) - Cu Chi - Mekong Delta (South Vietnam): As the leading hub of development in Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh City beckons you to explore its notable attractions and the famous historical site Cu Chi Tunnels. Beyond that, you can immerse yourself in the river-centric lifestyle of the Mekong Delta region.
This itinerary will take you on a journey to explore the urban lifestyle of Vietnam, the wartime history, and the lives of people in the rural areas of Southern Vietnam.
1 week in Vietnam
Over the course of a week, you have the flexibility to extend or immerse yourself longer in a particular destination. You can also consider blending two 4-day routes as previously outlined, such as integrating the Northern route with the Central or the Central with Southern Vietnam.
Additionally, here are some extended travel itineraries derived from the 4-day routes for your consideration:
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Hanoi (1) - Sapa (2) - Ninh Binh (1) - Halong Bay (2): By adding Sapa to this itinerary, you will have the opportunity to join trekking adventures in the Sapa mountains and witness terraced rice fields from August to October.
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Hanoi (1) - Mai Chau (1) - Sapa (2) - Ha Giang (2): If you have a penchant for the free-spirited mountain landscapes adorned with scattered hillside villages, you might want to explore this route to trek or ride a motorbike.
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Da Nang (2) - Hoi An (2) - Nha Trang (2) - Mui Ne (2): Both Nha Trang and Mui Ne are renowned coastal retreats. Additionally, Mui Ne features white and red sand hills for visitors to try off-road driving and sand sliding.
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Ho Chi Minh (2) - Mekong Delta (2) - Phu Quoc Island (3): Phu Quoc is an island escape with numerous entertainment complexes and opportunities to explore the smaller islands around it.
2 week in Vietnam
Vietnam 2-week itinerary - Best Vietnam travel itinerary
In a span of two weeks, you can thoroughly explore all three regions of Vietnam – North, Central, and South. You can travel from North to South or vice versa, here is an example starting from Hanoi in the North:
Hanoi (1) - Halong Bay (2) - Sapa (2) - Da Nang (1) - Hoi An - My Son (3) - Hue (2) - Ho Chi Minh (1) - Mekong Delta (2).
This travel plan comprehensively explores key locations, including major cities like Hanoi, Da Nang, and Ho Chi Minh, the mountainous beauty of Sapa, Halong coastal city, and other famous destinations. Notably, starting from the three urban centers can help a lot to explore nearby attractions.
1 month in Vietnam
If you decide to dedicate a whole month to travel in Vietnam, you are certain to have the opportunity to delve more profoundly into the cultural facets and daily existence of Vietnam and its people.
Folks who have spent a good chunk of time wandering around Vietnam often rave about the country’s crazy mix of landscapes, each region packing its own unique cultural punch, and the people? Always friendly and welcoming.
Here is a suggested itinerary for one month travel in Vietnam from North to South:
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Day 1 - 2: Hanoi Capital
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Day 3 - 4: Hanoi - Sapa
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Day 5 - 6: Sapa - Ha Giang - Hanoi
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Day 7 - 8: Hanoi - Ninh Binh
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Day 9 - 11: Hanoi - Halong Bay
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Day 12 - 14: Hanoi - Da Nang
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Day 14 - 16: Da Nang - Hoi An - My Son
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Day 17 - 18: Da Nang - Hue
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Day 19 - 22: Da Nang - Nha Trang - Mui Ne
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Day 23 - 25: Da Nang - Ho Chi Minh City - Cu Chi Tunnel
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Day 26 - 27: Mekong Delta
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Day 27 - 30: Phu Quoc Island
Best itinerary for Vietnam travel
There are so many plans for you to choose from when it comes to the best itinerary for Vietnam, right? Our website also offers crafted Vietnam tours for you to check itinerary, time, details for each day, recommend hotels, etc. Furthermore, if you need direct advice, feel free to DM us at New Asia Tours.
