1 month Vietnam itinerary – Explore Vietnam in 30 unforgettable days

Why you should spend 1 month in Vietnam

Vietnam is long - literally. Stretching over 1,600 km from north to south, the country spans multiple climates, ethnic groups, and landscapes. While most travelers try to squeeze the country into a 7- or 14-day trip, having a full month opens the door to deeper exploration.

• You can travel at a relaxed pace without cramming your days.

• Each region offers a completely different vibe—Hanoi vs. Hoi An vs. Ho Chi Minh City.

• You’ll have time to explore lesser-known gems like the Ha Giang Loop, Phong Nha caves, and Con Dao Islands.

• It’s one of the most affordable countries in Southeast Asia, so a 1-month trip won’t break the bank.

Let’s dive into the ultimate 1 month itinerary across Vietnam—north to south.

Overview of the 30-day Vietnam route

Days 1–4: Hanoi – Culture, history, and street food

Days 5–8: Ha Giang Loop or Sapa – Mountain roads or terraced valleys

Days 9–11: Ninh Binh – Boat rides and countryside temples

Days 12–14: Ha Long Bay – Overnight cruise and kayaking

Days 15–17: Phong Nha – Jungle treks and cave adventures

Days 18–19: Hue – Ancient capital and royal tombs

Days 20–23: Hoi An – Lanterns, tailoring, beach life

Days 24–26: Ho Chi Minh City – War history and modern energy

Days 27–28: Mekong Delta – Floating markets and river villages

Days 29–30: Phu Quoc or Con Dao Island – End with paradise

Or check out our sample tour to customize it like your request: Complete Vietnam Tour 30 days

Week 1: Northern Vietnam

Days 1–4: Hanoi – The cultural capital

Begin your journey in Hanoi, a city that blends chaos and charm in equal measure. Start with a morning walk around Hoan Kiem Lake, stopping at Ngoc Son Temple. Dive into Hanoi’s legendary street food culture—try pho for breakfast, bun cha for lunch, and top it off with a frothy egg coffee.

Explore the Old Quarter on foot or by cyclo, weaving through narrow alleys and buzzing markets lined with lanterns, herbal shops, and ancient shophouses. Admire French colonial architecture in the French Quarter and visit the Opera House.

Cultural highlights include:

• Temple of Literature – Vietnam’s first university, a tranquil escape with beautiful courtyards.

• Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum & Stilt House – Learn about the revered leader.

• One Pillar Pagoda – A tiny wooden temple balanced on a stone pillar over a lotus pond.

• Vietnam Museum of Ethnology – Dive into the customs of over 50 ethnic groups.

Evenings are perfect for:

• Water puppet shows at Thang Long Theater

• A glass of fresh bia hoi on a local corner

• Shopping for silk, lacquerware, and hand-embroidered goods

Days 5–8: Ha Giang loop or Sapa – Northern Highlands

Option 1: Ha Giang loop (Scenic motorbike adventure)

Travel overnight by bus or private car to Ha Giang, Vietnam’s wild frontier. Rent a motorbike or book a guided 4-day loop tour. Highlights include:

• Quan Ba Heaven’s Gate – Spectacular mountain views

• Dong Van Karst Plateau – A UNESCO Global Geopark

• Ma Pi Leng Pass – One of Southeast Asia’s most dramatic roads

• Homestays with the H’mong and Tay people

Expect winding roads, jaw-dropping views, ethnic markets, and immersive local culture.

Option 2: Sapa (valleys & villages)

Prefer hiking over biking? Take the overnight train or bus to Sapa. Trek through Muong Hoa Valley, staying in homestays in Lao Chai and Ta Van. Learn about H’mong embroidery, visit Cat Cat village, and admire the view from Fansipan Cable Car—the highest peak in Indochina.

Week 2: Mountains to sea

Days 9–11: Ninh Binh – Tranquil countryside

Transfer back to Ninh Binh (2 hours south of Hanoi). Known as the Inland Ha Long Bay, its landscapes are just as surreal, minus the crowds.

What to do:

• Trang An or Tam Coc boat tours – Glide through limestone cliffs, grottos, and golden rice fields.

• Hang Mua Viewpoint – Climb 500 stone steps for a dragon-eye view.

• Bich Dong Pagoda – A three-tiered temple carved into a mountainside.

• Hoa Lu Ancient Capital – Learn about Vietnam’s 10th-century dynasties.

Stay in a riverside homestay or eco-lodge and enjoy leisurely bike rides through rice paddies and duck farms.

Days 12–14: Ha Long Bay – World wonder

Return to Hanoi and take a 3.5-hour transfer to Ha Long Bay. Board a luxury overnight cruise and sail through emerald waters dotted with towering limestone karsts.

Activities include:

• Kayaking in secret lagoons

• Swimming at Ti Top Island

• Visiting Sung Sot (Surprise) Cave

• Sunrise Tai Chi and sunset cocktail hours on deck

For a quieter experience, choose Bai Tu Long or Lan Ha Bay cruises.

Week 3: Central Vietnam

Days 15–17: Phong Nha – Caves and jungle adventures

Travel south via train or flight to Dong Hoi, then transfer to Phong Nha, gateway to Vietnam's most extraordinary cave systems.

• Day 15: Begin with a boat trip into Phong Nha Cave, then walk through the beautifully lit chambers of Tien Son Cave.

• Day 16: Choose your level of adventure: • A moderate trek through Paradise Cave with its cathedral-like formations • Or, for the brave, sign up for the full-day hike to Hang En Cave—or the multi-day trek to Son Doong, the world’s largest cave.

• Day 17: Spend a quiet morning biking the rural roads or visit the Phong Nha Botanic Garden before heading toward Hue.

Days 18–19: Hue – Vietnam’s imperial capital

Take a scenic drive or train to Hue, the city of emperors.

• Day 18: Explore the Imperial City (Citadel) with its massive gates, ancient walls, and Forbidden Purple City. After lunch, walk along the Perfume River, visit a peaceful pagoda, and try bun bo Hue—the city’s signature spicy noodle soup.

• Day 19: Board a dragon boat to Thien Mu Pagoda, then tour the grand tombs of emperors Tu Duc and Khai Dinh, each uniquely decorated and nestled in garden landscapes. End with a traditional meal in a Hue-style garden house.

Days 20–23: Hoi An – Tranquility and tailors

Drive through the spectacular Hai Van Pass to Hoi An, with optional stops at Lang Co Lagoon or Marble Mountains.

• Day 20: Discover the charm of Hoi An’s lantern-lit Ancient Town. Visit the Japanese Covered Bridge, ancient merchant houses, and riverside cafes.

• Day 21: Join a morning cooking class that includes a wet market visit and a boat ride. Spend the afternoon at An Bang Beach or cycle to Tra Que Vegetable Village.

• Days 22–23: Take day trips to My Son Sanctuary, paddleboard on the river, or get measured for tailor-made clothes or leather goods.

Week 4: Southern Vietnam

Days 24–26: Ho Chi Minh City – Dynamic urban life

Fly into Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam’s largest and most vibrant city.

• Day 24: Dive into history at the War Remnants Museum and Reunification Palace. Admire French colonial icons like Notre-Dame Cathedral and the Central Post Office.

• Day 25: Explore cool cafes in District 3, try local street food, and enjoy rooftop dining at night with skyline views.

• Day 26: Choose your own pace—join a guided city walk, shop in boutiques, or relax in a hidden garden cafe.

Days 27–28: Mekong Delta – Life on the water

Escape to Vietnam’s southern countryside by road.

• Day 27: Arrive in Ben Tre or Can Tho, and hop aboard a boat cruising quiet canals. Visit coconut farms, rural workshops, and floating houses.

• Day 28: Rise early to experience Cai Rang Floating Market, then enjoy lunch before heading back to the city.

Days 29–30: Phu Quoc or Con Dao – Beach bliss

End your Vietnam itinerary with a few days in paradise.

• Phu Quoc Island: Known for its lively night markets, beach clubs, and snorkeling day trips.

• Con Dao Islands: More remote and peaceful, perfect for hiking, historical visits, and snorkeling in pristine waters.

Relax, reflect, and prepare to fly out from Ho Chi Minh City—completing your unforgettable 1 month Vietnam itinerary.

Tips for a smooth 1 month trip in Vietnam

• Transport: Use sleeper buses, trains, and domestic flights to save time. Vietnam Airlines and VietJet are reliable.

• SIM card: Get a local SIM (Viettel or Mobifone) for internet access.

• Visas: Many travelers need an e-visa for 30 days—check in advance.

• Budget: Expect to spend $25–60/day depending on travel style.

• Packing: Bring layers for mountains, light clothes for the south, and good walking shoes.

Conclusion

Spending a full month in Vietnam gives you the chance to connect with the country beyond the tourist highlights. Whether you're sipping coffee in a Hanoi alley, cruising through Ha Long Bay, or cycling past rice paddies in Hoi An - Vietnam reveals something new each day.

With this 30-day itinerary, you’ll see the best of Vietnam without rushing. And if you want to tweak it? You absolutely should. Travel is personal.

Spending 30 days in Vietnam is more than a trip - it’s a journey through time, taste, and terrain. From the misty mountains of the north to the river deltas and tropical islands of the south, this 1 month Vietnam itinerary gives you the perfect balance of culture, adventure, and relaxation.

Want more inspiration or custom help? Read our extended guide to uncover the best Vietnam itinerary for every travel style, or contact our travel specialists to build a personalized trip that fits your goals, interests, and pace. We’re here to help make your dream Vietnam journey a reality.