Option 1: Classic Vietnam Route (North to South Highlights)
For many first-time travelers, this is the best Vietnam itinerary — a journey that strings together the country’s most iconic cities, landscapes, and cultural highlights. In just 11 days, you’ll move from ancient capitals and emerald mountains to glowing lantern towns, imperial citadels, and the dynamic south.
Day 1–3: Hanoi & Ninh Binh
Your journey begins in Hanoi, Vietnam’s atmospheric capital where history and modern life blend seamlessly.
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Day 1: Upon arrival, settle into the Old Quarter — a maze of narrow streets buzzing with vendors, scooters, and the aroma of fresh herbs. Take a gentle walk around Hoan Kiem Lake, step into Ngoc Son Temple, and sip your first glass of Vietnamese iced coffee at a lakeside café.
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Day 2: Spend the day exploring Hanoi’s cultural heart. Visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum Complex, the stilt house where “Uncle Ho” once lived, and the One Pillar Pagoda, a symbol of the nation’s resilience. The Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first university, offers insight into Confucian traditions. Don’t miss local flavors: try bún chả (grilled pork with noodles) and egg coffee at Café Giảng, the birthplace of this creamy delight.
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Day 3: Take a side trip to nearby Ninh Binh, often nicknamed “Ha Long Bay on land.” Cruise through the limestone cliffs and rice paddies of Tam Coc or Trang An, a UNESCO World Heritage site. For adventure, climb the 500 stone steps of Hang Mua (Mua Cave) to take in sweeping panoramas. Spend the night in a rustic countryside homestay or return to Hanoi.
Day 4–5: Ha Long Bay Cruise
No Vietnam itinerary is complete without Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO wonder of nearly 2,000 limestone islands.
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Travel from Hanoi to the coast and board an overnight luxury cruise. From the sundeck, watch as the boat glides past towering karsts draped in greenery.
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Activities include kayaking into hidden caves, swimming in emerald lagoons, or exploring ancient grottoes like Sung Sot (Surprise Cave).
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Onboard, savor freshly caught seafood, learn to make spring rolls in a cooking demonstration, and unwind with a sunset cocktail.
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Begin Day 5 with Tai Chi on deck at sunrise, a serene way to welcome the day. After brunch, disembark and return to Hanoi for your evening flight south.
Day 6–7: Hoi An Ancient Town
Fly to Da Nang and transfer to Hoi An, the jewel of central Vietnam.
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Day 6: Stroll the lantern-lit streets of Hoi An Ancient Town, a UNESCO site where Chinese assembly halls, Japanese merchant houses, and French villas coexist. Visit the iconic Japanese Covered Bridge, browse silk and tailor shops, and enjoy a peaceful evening boat ride on the Thu Bon River, releasing floating lanterns for good luck.
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Day 7: Explore beyond the town. Join a cooking class that begins at a lively local market, then cycle through the fields to Tra Que Vegetable Village, where you’ll learn how farmers cultivate herbs. Later, relax at An Bang Beach, a pristine stretch of sand dotted with rustic cafés and cocktail bars.
Day 8: Hue’s Imperial Heritage
Travel north via the spectacular Hai Van Pass, a winding coastal road with dramatic mountain and sea views.
Arriving in Hue, once Vietnam’s imperial capital, dive into its royal history:
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Walk through the Imperial Citadel, a vast complex of palaces, temples, and gardens.
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Visit the Thien Mu Pagoda overlooking the Perfume River.
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In the evening, board a dragon boat for a gentle river cruise as traditional folk music fills the air.
Day 9–11: Ho Chi Minh City & Mekong Delta
Conclude your journey in southern Vietnam, where energy, history, and tropical landscapes collide.
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Day 9: Discover Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon). Visit landmarks like Notre-Dame Cathedral, Central Post Office, and the Reunification Palace. The War Remnants Museum offers a powerful perspective on Vietnam’s modern history. In the evening, explore rooftop bars or enjoy a lively street food crawl.
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Day 10: Venture outside the city to the Cu Chi Tunnels, an underground network once used during wartime. Crawl through sections of the tunnels to experience their ingenuity. Return to the city and relax with strong Vietnamese coffee at a retro café.
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Day 11: End your trip with a Mekong Delta day tour. Cruise narrow canals shaded by coconut palms, taste exotic fruits, and visit family-run workshops producing coconut candy or rice paper. Enjoy a rustic lunch in a riverside garden before returning to Saigon for your departure.
Option 2: A cultural & local-life focused Vietnam itinerary
This version of an 11 days in Vietnam itinerary is crafted for travelers who prefer a slower pace, more authentic encounters, and meaningful cultural immersion. Instead of racing through highlights, you’ll connect with local life, explore hidden corners, and enjoy Vietnam’s charm at a deeper level.
Day 1–2: Da Nang & Ba Na hills
Begin your journey in Da Nang, a coastal city known for its modern skyline and golden beaches. Take the cable car up to Ba Na Hills, home to the iconic Golden Bridge held aloft by two giant stone hands. The ride offers sweeping views over green mountains, and at the summit you’ll find gardens, pagodas, and a whimsical French-style village.
Spend the evening enjoying Da Nang’s vibrant riverfront. Cross the Dragon Bridge, which breathes fire and water during weekend nights, and sample fresh seafood at a bustling riverside market.
Day 3–4: Hoi An ancient town & countryside
Transfer to Hoi An, a UNESCO World Heritage site that feels frozen in time. By day, wander through narrow streets lined with yellow merchant houses, tailors, and art galleries. Visit landmarks like the Japanese Covered Bridge and Tan Ky Old House. As night falls, lanterns light up the town, casting a magical glow.
On Day 4, go beyond the Ancient Town. Join a cooking class that starts with a lively market visit, then cycle to Tra Que Vegetable Village to learn how farmers grow herbs using traditional methods. In the afternoon, relax at An Bang Beach, where you can swim, sunbathe, or sip cocktails as fishing boats drift offshore. If your visit coincides with the Full Moon Lantern Festival, prepare for an unforgettable evening of music, dance, and floating paper lanterns on the Thu Bon River.
Day 5–6: Hue – Imperial heritage & local flavors
Travel north via the dramatic Hai Van Pass, stopping for panoramic views before reaching Hue, Vietnam’s former imperial capital.
On Day 5, step into history at the Imperial Citadel, a vast complex of royal palaces and temples. Stroll along the Perfume River to visit the Thien Mu Pagoda, and dine on Hue’s royal-inspired cuisine.
Day 6 is perfect for exploring the city’s imperial tombs. Visit Minh Mang, Tu Duc, and Khai Dinh Tombs, each with unique architecture and serene gardens. Pause at a local eatery for a steaming bowl of bún bò Huế, the city’s signature spicy beef noodle soup. In the evening, enjoy a tranquil dragon boat ride with traditional folk performances.
Day 7–8: Ho Chi Minh city – Dynamic south
Fly to Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), Vietnam’s most energetic metropolis. On Day 7, explore the city’s colonial heritage at Notre-Dame Cathedral, the Central Post Office, and the Reunification Palace. Wander down Nguyen Hue Walking Street, browse Ben Thanh Market, and cap off your night with a rooftop cocktail overlooking the city lights.
Day 8 is dedicated to local life. Visit colorful markets, try a street food tour, and sip coffee in a retro café tucked away in a French-era building. For history lovers, the War Remnants Museum provides a sobering yet important perspective on Vietnam’s past.
Day 9: Mekong Delta homestay
Leave the city behind and head into the Mekong Delta, Vietnam’s agricultural heartland. Board a wooden sampan to cruise past coconut groves and stilt houses. Visit small workshops producing coconut candy, rice paper, or handwoven mats.
In the afternoon, settle into a homestay with a local family. Help prepare dinner using vegetables from their garden, then share stories over a rustic home-cooked meal. Fall asleep in the calm of the countryside, surrounded by the sounds of frogs and crickets.
Day 10–11: Hanoi & Mai Chau valley
Fly north to Hanoi, the cultural capital. Spend Day 10 exploring the Old Quarter with its maze of guild streets, where each lane is named after a craft once sold there. Pause at a café for a cup of egg coffee, and in the evening enjoy a traditional water puppet show, a performance art unique to northern Vietnam.
On your final day, venture to Mai Chau Valley, a peaceful countryside escape only a few hours from Hanoi. Cycle through rice paddies, visit stilt-house villages of the White Thai ethnic minority, and experience daily life firsthand. Share a home-cooked meal with your host family and sleep in a traditional wooden stilt house — a warm, authentic way to close your Vietnam journey.
Travel tips for your 11 days in Vietnam itinerary
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Best time to travel: October to April offers mild weather and clear skies, ideal for both the north and south.
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Transport: Domestic flights save time on long distances, while train rides and private cars offer scenic journeys.
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Packing: Bring light clothing for the tropical south, but don’t forget layers for Hanoi’s winter or mountain areas.
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Guides: Hiring local guides provides cultural context and opens doors to experiences you might otherwise miss.
Conclusion
An 11 days in Vietnam itinerary strikes the perfect balance between cultural depth and natural beauty. The classic north-to-south route ensures you experience Vietnam’s most famous highlights, while the local-life journey introduces you to the authentic heart of the country.
Whichever path you choose, Vietnam promises lanterns that glow at night, rivers that shimmer at sunrise, and meals that linger in memory long after you’ve left.
Ready to make it real? Contact Custom Asia Travel today and let us design your best Vietnam itinerary, fully personalized to your pace and passions.
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