Day 1-3: Hanoi - Vietnam’s Timeless Capital

Start in Hanoi, where history whispers through narrow alleys and French architecture.

Top historical spots:

  • Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum & Presidential Palace

  • Temple of Literature - Vietnam’s first university

  • Thang Long Imperial Citadel - a UNESCO World Heritage Site

  • Hoa Lo Prison (The Hanoi Hilton) - for a glimpse into colonial and wartime struggles

  • Old Quarter walking tour - discover guild streets dating back a thousand years

Optional: Enjoy a traditional water puppet show or join a street food tour to connect with local culture.

Vietnam Historical Itinerary - hoa lo prison

Hoa Lo Prison

Day 4-5: Ninh Binh - Vietnam’s Ancient Capital

Just 2 hours from Hanoi, Ninh Binh offers both natural beauty and deep historical value.

Key sites:

  • Hoa Lu Ancient Capital - seat of Vietnam’s first centralized feudal state

  • Bai Dinh Pagoda - the largest complex of Buddhist temples in Southeast Asia

  • Trang An or Tam Coc boat tour - where limestone caves meet sacred temples

Vietnam Historical Itinerary - trang an boat tour

Trang An boat tour

Day 6–7: Quang Tri DMZ and the Divided Past

Head south to Quang Tri, a region steeped in war history and symbolic of Vietnam’s struggle for unity.
Must-see historical sites:

  • Vinh Moc Tunnels – an underground village where civilians survived years of bombings

  • Hien Luong Bridge & Ben Hai River – the former border between North and South Vietnam

  • Ta Con Airport (Khe Sanh Combat Base) – a strategic U.S. airbase during the Vietnam War, now an outdoor museum

Vietnam Historical Itinerary - ta con airport

Ta Con Airport

This stop offers one of the most emotionally powerful segments of your itinerary.

Day 8–9: Hue - Vietnam’s Imperial Heart

Once the capital of the Nguyen Dynasty, Hue houses some of Vietnam’s most majestic historical sites.
Must-visit landmarks:

  • Hue Imperial Citadel – explore the royal palace and forbidden city

  • Thien Mu Pagoda – a seven-story icon of Vietnam’s Buddhist legacy

  • Royal Tombs – visit the serene final resting places of Emperors Minh Mang and Khai Dinh

  • Hue Museum of Royal Antiquities

Vietnam Historical Itinerary - inside khai dinh tomb

Inside Khai Dinh tomb

Add a peaceful boat ride along the Perfume River to round off your Hue experience.

Day 10–11: Hoi An - A Living Heritage Town

Drive to Hoi An via the scenic Hai Van Pass. This UNESCO-listed town is a well-preserved trading port with a blend of Vietnamese, Chinese, and Japanese influences.
Historical highlights:

  • Hoi An Ancient Town - stroll lantern-lit streets lined with historic houses

  • Japanese Covered Bridge - a symbol of the town’s multicultural trade past

  • Chinese assembly halls and old merchant houses

  • My Son Sanctuary - 4th-century Cham ruins hidden in the jungle, just an hour away

Vietnam Historical Itinerary

My Son Sanctuary

Optional: Try local tailor-made clothing or cooking classes for a deeper cultural touch.

Day 12–14: Ho Chi Minh City - War History and Colonial Echoes

Wrap up your journey in Ho Chi Minh City, where skyscrapers stand alongside colonial villas and war relics.
Key sites:

  • War Remnants Museum - raw, moving war exhibits

  • Reunification Palace - once the seat of South Vietnam’s government

  • Notre-Dame Cathedral & Central Post Office - examples of French colonial architecture

  • Cu Chi Tunnels - crawl through the underground life of wartime guerrillas

Vietnam Historical Itinerary

War Remnants Museum

Optional: Visit the Independence Palace Bunker or stroll through the old Rue Catinat area (now Dong Khoi Street).

Optional Extension: The Mekong Delta

If you have extra time, venture further south to explore the Mekong Delta - a lush, peaceful contrast filled with historical layers.

  • Visit floating markets, ancient communal houses, and rural craft villages.

  • Discover traditional farming methods, local temples, and Khmer influences in Tra Vinh or Soc Trang.

Tips for Planning Your Vietnam Historical Itinerary

  • Hire a local guide at historical sites for deeper insights.

  • Dress modestly at pagodas and temples.

  • Use audio guides or apps to enrich self-guided tours.

  • Visit museums early to avoid crowds and afternoon heat.

Vietnam Historical Itinerary - new asia tours

Explore Vietnam history with New Asia Tours

Whether you're a history buff, a culture lover, or a curious traveler, this Vietnam historical itinerary offers an unforgettable journey through dynasties, colonial legacies, and tales of resilience.

Want to explore Vietnam’s past with ease and expert guidance? Book your tailor-made historical tour with New Asia Tours today and let the stories come alive before your eyes.