Option 1: Classic North to South Highlights (13 days)
This route is perfect for first-time travelers who want to see Vietnam’s most iconic sights: Hanoi, Ninh Binh, Ha Long Bay, Hoi An, Hue, Ho Chi Minh City, and the Mekong Delta. It combines UNESCO landmarks, cultural heritage, and a taste of local life.
Day 1: Hanoi arrival
Arrive in Hanoi and settle into your hotel near Hoan Kiem Lake. Take an evening stroll around the lake and into the Old Quarter, where scooters buzz through narrow streets. Enjoy a welcome dinner of bún chả or phở and end your night with the famous Hanoi egg coffee.
Day 2: Hanoi city highlights
Spend the morning at the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum Complex, including his stilt house and the One Pillar Pagoda. Continue to the Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first university. In the afternoon, choose a museum — the Museum of Ethnology offers an excellent overview of Vietnam’s diverse cultures. Cap off your day with a traditional water puppet show, a unique northern art form.
Day 3: Hanoi local life
Experience Hanoi like a local: ride a cyclo through the Old Quarter, browse Dong Xuan Market for souvenirs, and stop at hidden cafés. In the evening, join a guided street food tour, sampling dishes such as bun thang, cha ca La Vong, and coconut ice cream.
Day 4: Ninh Binh day trip
Travel 2–3 hours south to Ninh Binh, often called “Ha Long Bay on land.” Cruise through Tam Coc or Trang An, where limestone cliffs rise dramatically from rice paddies. Rent a bike and cycle through quiet villages before climbing Hang Mua Peak for a panoramic view. Return to Hanoi in the evening.
Day 5–6: Ha Long Bay overnight cruise
Drive 2.5–3 hours to Ha Long Bay and board a 2-day/1-night cruise. Spend your afternoon kayaking in lagoons, visiting Sung Sot Cave, and enjoying a seafood feast. Evening activities often include cooking classes or squid fishing. On Day 6, start with Tai Chi on deck and a light brunch before returning to Hanoi. Take an evening flight south to Da Nang.
Day 7–8: Hoi An Ancient Town
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Day 7: Transfer from Da Nang to Hoi An (45 minutes). Wander lantern-lit streets, visit the Japanese Covered Bridge, and browse riverside markets. Hoi An is famous for tailors — consider having clothes made overnight.
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Day 8: Join a cooking class that starts at the local market, then cycle to Tra Que Vegetable Village for hands-on farm activities. Spend your afternoon at An Bang Beach, a laid-back stretch of sand with cafés and seafood shacks. If timing aligns, experience the Full Moon Lantern Festival.
Day 9: Hai Van Pass to Hue
Travel north to Hue via the Hai Van Pass, a winding coastal road with breathtaking views of sea and mountains. Arrive in Hue and explore the Imperial Citadel, once home to Nguyen Dynasty emperors. Enjoy a sunset cruise on the Perfume River.
Day 10: Hue royal tombs
Dedicate this day to Hue’s imperial legacy. Visit the elaborate tombs of Minh Mang, Tu Duc, and Khai Dinh, each offering unique architecture. For lunch, try bún bò Huế, the city’s spicy noodle soup. In the evening, sample Hue’s royal cuisine, where small dishes are beautifully presented.
Day 11: Fly to Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)
Arrive in bustling Saigon. Visit Notre-Dame Cathedral, the Central Post Office, and the Reunification Palace. Take a coffee break in a retro apartment building café, then enjoy sundowners at a rooftop bar overlooking the city lights.
Day 12: Cu Chi Tunnels & Saigon night
Take a half-day trip to the Cu Chi Tunnels, where you’ll learn about Vietnam’s wartime history. Back in Saigon, visit the War Remnants Museum or shop along Dong Khoi Street. End your evening with a street food crawl, sampling southern favorites like bánh xèo (crispy pancakes) and cơm tấm (broken rice).
Day 13: Mekong Delta day trip & departure Head to the Mekong Delta, often called Vietnam’s “rice bowl.” Cruise canals in Ben Tre, visit coconut candy workshops, and sample exotic fruits at a local orchard. Enjoy a countryside lunch before returning to Saigon for your onward flight.
Option 2: Cultural Immersion & Hidden Gems (13 days)
This route is for those who prefer a slower pace, more nature, and authentic countryside experiences — beyond the main tourist trail.
Day 1–2: Hanoi deep dive
Spend your first days exploring the Old Quarter, sampling street food, and sipping coffee in hidden cafés. Visit a nearby craft village such as Bat Trang (ceramics) or Van Phuc (silk). In the evening, enjoy a traditional water puppet show.
Day 3–4: Mai Chau Valley
Drive 3–4 hours west to Mai Chau Valley, surrounded by lush rice paddies and stilt-house villages of the Thai ethnic minority. Cycle through fields, chat with locals, and join cultural performances of dance and music. Overnight in a stilt house homestay with a family, enjoying home-cooked meals and rice wine.
Day 5–6: Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park
Travel south to Phong Nha, a UNESCO-listed park famous for caves and karst landscapes. On Day 5, visit Paradise Cave or take a boat ride into Phong Nha Cave. On Day 6, go trekking in the jungle or kayaking along rivers. Stay in an ecolodge or homestay for a close-to-nature experience.
Day 7: Hue arrival
Continue south to Hue, passing Vietnam’s former DMZ or stopping in small villages en route. On arrival, enjoy a quiet evening cruise on the Perfume River.
Day 8: Hue heritage
Spend the day exploring Hue’s Imperial Citadel, Thien Mu Pagoda, and local markets. Don’t miss a bowl of authentic bun bo Hue for lunch.
Day 9–10: Hoi An + My Son Sanctuary
Join a lantern-making workshop and a walking tour of Hoi An Ancient Town. In the evening, release lanterns on the river.
Take a day trip to the My Son Sanctuary, a UNESCO World Heritage site of Cham ruins set in a lush valley. Return to Hoi An for beach time.
Day 11: Fly to Da Lat (Central Highlands)
Head to Da Lat, known as Vietnam’s “City of Eternal Spring.” Surrounded by pine forests and waterfalls, it offers a refreshing change of pace. Visit Datanla Waterfall, flower gardens, and coffee farms.
Day 12: Da Lat exploration
Discover Da Lat’s quirky Crazy House, take the cable car over pine-covered hills to Tuyen Lam Lake, and wander colonial villas from the French era.
Day 13: Ho Chi Minh City & departure
Fly to Saigon. Depending on your flight, explore Ben Thanh Market or stroll along Nguyen Hue Walking Street before departure.
Travel tips for your 13 days Vietnam itinerary
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Best time to travel: October to April is generally the best season. The north can be cool in winter, while the south remains warm year-round. March–May is especially pleasant across regions.
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Transport: Use domestic flights for long distances (Hanoi–Da Nang, Hue–Saigon, Da Lat–Saigon). For shorter routes, scenic road trips like the Hai Van Pass or Hanoi–Mai Chau are worth the drive.
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Packing: Bring light, breathable clothing for the south, and warmer layers for Hanoi or the highlands. Comfortable walking shoes are essential for cycling, exploring ruins, or trekking.
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Guides: Local guides enhance your experience, from explaining Cham ruins in My Son to leading treks in Phong Nha or sharing legends in Hue’s citadel. They add cultural depth you won’t get on your own.
Conclusion
A 13 days Vietnam itinerary allows you to see both the iconic highlights and authentic corners of the country. The classic route covers all must-sees from north to south, while the immersion route adds hidden gems like Mai Chau, Phong Nha, and Da Lat for a richer cultural journey.
Ready to plan your adventure? Contact Custom Asia Travel to design the best Vietnam itinerary tailored to your style and pace.
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