Days 1–3: Hanoi – First steps into Vietnam
Day 1: Arrival in Hanoi
Arrive at Noi Bai Airport and transfer to your hotel in the Old Quarter, where narrow streets and buzzing scooters make a lively first impression. Take a relaxed walk around Hoan Kiem Lake, then cross the red bridge to Ngoc Son Temple. In the evening, enjoy a bowl of pho or bun cha before trying Hanoi’s famous egg coffee at Café Giang.
Day 2: History and culture
Start with the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum Complex, including the stilt house where “Uncle Ho” once lived and the One Pillar Pagoda nearby. Continue to the Temple of Literature, the country’s first university and a symbol of learning. After lunch at Huong Lien, visit the Museum of Ethnology or stroll through the French Quarter, ending your evening with a water puppet show and a local dinner.
Day 3: Local life and hidden corners
Hop on a cyclo ride through the Old Quarter to see markets and daily life up close. Visit Dong Xuan Market for souvenirs and snacks, then explore the Museum of Ethnology for insights into Vietnam’s 54 ethnic groups. In the evening, discover the wide boulevards of the French Quarter and enjoy dinner at a colonial-style restaurant.
Days 4–6: Sapa – Highlands and ethnic culture
Day 4: Journey to Sapa
Travel north to Sapa by night train or express bus, arriving in a cool mountain town surrounded by rice terraces. Explore the colorful market where ethnic groups sell handicrafts and produce. End your day with hearty highland dishes such as salmon hotpot.
Day 5: Trekking through villages
Begin a trek through terraced fields and mountain paths, visiting Lao Chai and Ta Van villages. Meet Black Hmong and Dzay families, learning about their traditions and crafts. Spend the night in a homestay, sharing dinner and rice wine with your hosts.
Day 6: Sunrise and return
Wake up to mist rolling over the valleys and enjoy a short morning walk. Return to Sapa for some free time to shop for local handicrafts or simply relax in a café. In the afternoon, travel back to Hanoi to prepare for the next stage of your trip.
Days 7–8: Mai Chau – Valley of rice paddies
Day 7: Arrival in Mai Chau
Head southwest to the peaceful Mai Chau Valley, surrounded by mountains and rice paddies. Spend the afternoon cycling through villages, meeting Thai ethnic families and enjoying lunch in a family home. Stay overnight in a traditional stilt house homestay, often accompanied by music and folk dances.
Day 8: Countryside exploration
Wake up to mountain views and fresh country air. Take part in daily village activities like weaving or rice farming, depending on the season. After lunch, enjoy some leisure time before returning to Hanoi in the evening.
Days 9–10: Ha Long Bay – Cruise the emerald waters
Day 9: Begin your cruise
Travel east to Ha Long Bay, where limestone karsts rise dramatically from the sea. Board an overnight cruise and sail past islets, enjoying activities like kayaking, swimming, or visiting floating villages. As night falls, enjoy sunset cocktails on deck followed by a fresh seafood dinner.
Day 10: Morning in the bay
Start the day with Tai Chi on the sundeck as the sun rises. Explore Sung Sot Cave or hike up to Titov Island for panoramic views. Return to shore by late morning and travel back to Hanoi, where you’ll catch the overnight train south to Dong Hoi.
Days 11–12: Phong Nha – Vietnam’s cave kingdom
Day 11: Arrival in Phong Nha
Reach Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, known for some of the world’s largest caves. Visit Paradise Cave, with its dramatic stalactites and stalagmites stretching deep underground. Spend the night in a riverside ecolodge surrounded by nature.
Day 12: Caves and countryside
Take a boat ride along the Son River to reach Phong Nha Cave, entering through a spectacular riverside opening. Adventurers can trek to Dark Cave, with kayaking and ziplining options. Return to your lodge for a relaxed evening meal of local specialties.
Days 13–14: Hue – Imperial heritage
Day 13: Arrival and Citadel
Travel south to Hue, the imperial capital during the Nguyen dynasty. Spend the day exploring the Imperial Citadel, including its moats, gates, and palaces. Lunch on bun bo Hue, then enjoy a dragon boat ride on the Perfume River at sunset.
Day 14: Pagodas and tombs
Visit Thien Mu Pagoda, a spiritual landmark overlooking the river. Continue to the royal tombs of Tu Duc and Khai Dinh, both offering unique styles and atmospheres. In the evening, dine at a traditional garden house restaurant.
Days 15–16: Hoi An – Riverside charm
Day 15: Hai Van Pass to Hoi An
Drive along the spectacular Hai Van Pass, stopping for photos at Lang Co Beach. Arrive in Hoi An and wander its lantern-lit streets, visiting the Japanese Covered Bridge and ancient merchant houses. End the evening with a riverside dinner.
Day 16: Cooking and cycling
Take a cooking class that includes a lively market visit and boat ride. Learn to prepare classic dishes like cao lau noodles before enjoying your meal. In the afternoon, cycle to Tra Que Vegetable Village and later relax on An Bang Beach.
Days 17–18: Ho Chi Minh City and the Mekong Delta
Day 17: Exploring Saigon
Fly to Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam’s dynamic southern hub. Visit the War Remnants Museum, Reunification Palace, and French colonial icons such as Notre-Dame Cathedral and the Central Post Office. Spend your evening along Nguyen Hue Walking Street, enjoying local dishes like com tam or banh xeo.
Day 18: Mekong Delta farewell
Take a day trip to Ben Tre or Cai Be in the Mekong Delta. Cruise narrow canals shaded by coconut palms and stop at family workshops to taste coconut candy or rice paper. Share a rustic lunch in a village home before heading back to Saigon for your departure flight.
Travel tips for 18 days in Vietnam itinerary
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Best time to go: October to April is ideal for mild weather. Summer is good for beaches but can be hot inland.
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Transport: Use flights for long distances like Hanoi–Saigon. Trains and private cars are best for scenic legs like Hue–Hoi An.
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Accommodation: Homestays in Sapa and Mai Chau add cultural depth, while boutique hotels in Hanoi, Hue, and Hoi An give comfort.
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Food highlights: Pho and egg coffee in Hanoi, goat dishes in Ninh Binh, bun bo Hue in the central region, and tropical fruits in the Mekong Delta.
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Packing: Bring light clothing, a jacket for highlands, and sturdy shoes for trekking. A raincoat is useful year-round.
Conclusion
This 18 days in Vietnam itinerary offers the most complete journey, combining Vietnam’s iconic landmarks with authentic rural life and moments of relaxation. You’ll trek in Sapa, cruise Ha Long Bay, explore the caves of Phong Nha, wander imperial Hue, soak up Hoi An’s lantern-lit charm, and end with the vibrant energy of Ho Chi Minh City and the Mekong Delta.
For travelers seeking variety, culture, and comfort, 18 days is the perfect balance between discovery and leisure. Ready to plan your own adventure? Explore more options in our Vietnam itineraries and let Custom Asia Travel create a personalized journey just for you.
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