Overview: How Long Should You Spend?
Depending on your travel pace, here’s a quick look at how you can structure your first-time Vietnam itinerary:
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10 Days: Hanoi - Halong Bay - Hoi An - HCMC
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12 - 14 Days: Add Ninh Binh, Hue, or the Mekong Delta
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More Time? Include places like Sapa or Phu Quoc
Now let’s break it down region by region to help you build a personalized, exciting Vietnam itinerary for first timers.
North Vietnam - Culture, Nature & Capital Charm
1. Hanoi (2 - 3 Days)
Your journey likely begins in Hanoi, Vietnam’s charming capital. It's a mix of colonial history, buzzing scooters, and aromatic street food.
Must-do activities:
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Walk around Hoan Kiem Lake and visit Ngoc Son Temple
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Enjoy a Jeep or cyclo ride through the Old Quarter
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Try traditional dishes like pho, bun cha, and egg coffee
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Explore the Temple of Literature, Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, and local markets
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Visit local craft villages for traditional lacquerware and textiles
Hanoi is the ideal base to understand Vietnam’s heritage and prepare for further travels
2. Ninh Binh (1 Day)
Just 2 hours from Hanoi, Ninh Binh offers surreal landscapes and deep spiritual history.
Highlights:
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Row a bamboo boat through Trang An or Tam Coc's limestone caves
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Climb 500 steps to Hang Mua for stunning views
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Visit Hoa Lu, Vietnam’s ancient capital
This peaceful region is often called “Halong Bay on land” for good reason
3. Halong Bay (2 Days / 1 Night Cruise)
A Halong Bay overnight cruise is a must-have on any Vietnam itinerary for first timers. The bay’s emerald waters and limestone islets are truly unforgettable.
Activities on board:
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Kayak to hidden caves and floating villages
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Visit Sung Sot Cave and hike to Titop Island's viewpoint
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Enjoy a sunset party, cooking class, and seafood dinner on deck
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Sleep under the stars in a private cabin
Pristine beauty of Halong Bay
Central Vietnam - Heritage and Beach Vibes
4. Hoi An (2 - 3 Days)
Fly from Hanoi to Da Nang, then transfer to Hoi An, a UNESCO-listed ancient town full of charm.
Top experiences:
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Stroll the lantern-lit Ancient Town at night
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Take a coconut boat ride through Cam Thanh’s water coconut forest
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Get custom clothes made at one of the town’s many tailors
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Join a street food tour to try white rose dumplings and cao lau noodles
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Relax at An Bang beach or cycle through rice paddies
Hoi An is relaxing, romantic, and photogenic - ideal for first-timers
Hue (Optional 1 Day)
If time allows, take a day trip to Hue, once Vietnam’s imperial capital.
Highlights:
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Explore the Imperial City and tombs of past emperors
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Take a dragon boat ride on the Perfume River
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Savor a bowl of spicy bun bo Hue
Hue city is once Vietnam’s imperial capital
South Vietnam - Energy & Authentic Life
Ho Chi Minh City (2 Days)
Also known as Saigon, this fast-paced southern city is Vietnam’s economic heart.
Don’t miss:
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Historical sites like the War Remnants Museum, Notre Dame Cathedral, and Central Post Office
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A scooter street food tour through hidden alleys
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Sunset cocktails at a rooftop bar
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Shopping at Ben Thanh Market and art streets
Despite the hustle, Ho Chi Minh City is surprisingly warm and welcoming
Mekong Delta (1 - 2 Days)
Slow down and explore the Mekong Delta, Vietnam’s rice bowl, filled with canals, islands, and floating markets.
What to do:
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Take a boat ride through lush coconut canals
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Visit Cai Rang Floating Market at dawn
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Taste tropical fruits and local sweets on islet farms
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Spend a night in Can Tho or at a cozy riverside homestay
This is where you’ll see a completely different side of Vietnamese life
Whether you’re dreaming of lantern-lit towns or emerald bays, this Vietnam itinerary for first timers is your perfect starting point. Planning your first time in Vietnam? Let New Asia Tours handle all the details - from accommodations and transfers to insider experiences.
