9 days in Vietnam itinerary – What to see, eat, and do across the country

Sample for 9 days in Vietnam itinerary

Option 1: Classic Vietnam route – North to South highlights

Perfect for: First-time travelers looking to experience Vietnam’s diversity—culture, nature, and city energy

Day 1: Arrival in Hanoi – The capital welcomes you

Arrive in Hanoi and settle into your hotel in the Old Quarter. Ease into the rhythm of the city with a walk around Hoan Kiem Lake and a visit to Ngoc Son Temple. In the evening, explore Hanoi’s famous street food scene - try bun cha, crispy spring rolls, and egg coffee.

Day 2: Cultural highlights of Hanoi

Start your day with a visit to the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum Complex, including the Presidential Palace and the iconic One Pillar Pagoda. Move on to the Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first university. After lunch, head to the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology for a fascinating insight into the country’s ethnic diversity. Wrap up the evening with a traditional water puppet show.

Day 3: Cruise in Ha Long bay

Take a morning transfer (around 2.5–3 hours) to Ha Long Bay. Board an overnight cruise and begin your journey through towering limestone karsts and emerald waters. Enjoy kayaking, swimming, or visiting a pearl farm. Dinner is served onboard, often with a sunset view.

Day 4: Morning in the bay & back to Hanoi

Rise early for a Tai Chi session on the deck, then visit Sung Sot Cave (Surprise Cave)—one of the bay’s most impressive. After brunch, disembark and return to Hanoi in the afternoon. Use your evening for final exploration or shopping in the French Quarter.

Day 5: Fly to Da Nang – Discover Hoi An

Take a morning flight to Da Nang and drive to nearby Hoi An. Spend the day strolling the UNESCO-listed Ancient Town, visiting the Japanese Covered Bridge, and exploring Chinese assembly halls. Dine by the river and release a lantern onto the water for good luck.

Day 6: Hoi An hands-on experiences

Start the morning with a cooking class or lantern-making workshop. In the afternoon, enjoy a bike ride through the Tra Que Vegetable Village or relax at An Bang Beach. Use the evening to get tailored clothing at one of Hoi An’s expert shops.

Day 7: Fly to Ho Chi Minh city (Saigon)

Catch a morning flight to Ho Chi Minh City. Tour the city’s historic landmarks: War Remnants Museum, Reunification Palace, and Notre-Dame Cathedral. Sample banh xeo or com tam for dinner and explore the nightlife in District 1.

Day 8: Cu Chi tunnels and more of Saigon

Join a half-day tour to the Cu Chi Tunnels, where you’ll explore underground passages used during the Vietnam War. In the afternoon, return to Saigon for a relaxed café break or a visit to Ben Thanh Market for souvenir shopping.

Day 9: Final touches & departure

Use your final hours to shop in Saigon Square, relax at a rooftop café, or stroll around Tao Dan Park. Head to the airport for your departure.

Souvenirs: Lacquerware (Hanoi), silk lanterns (Hoi An), propaganda posters & coffee sets (Saigon)

Option 2: Northern Vietnam Adventure – Culture, Mountains & Landscapes

Perfect for: Nature lovers, off-the-beaten-path explorers, and cultural travelers

Day 1: Touchdown in Hanoi

Begin your journey in Vietnam’s capital. Explore the Old Quarter, sip egg coffee, and enjoy a gentle intro with a sunset stroll around Hoan Kiem Lake. Dinner suggestion: try grilled fish cha ca at a local specialty restaurant.

Day 2: Deep cultural dive in Hanoi

Visit key historical landmarks: Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, Presidential Palace, and Temple of Literature. Spend your afternoon at the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology to better understand the cultures you’ll encounter on your journey north. Enjoy a traditional dinner and watch a water puppet performance at Thang Long Theatre.

Day 3: Journey to Ha Giang – The wild North

Transfer by limousine bus or private car to Ha Giang, the gateway to Vietnam’s most rugged region (approx. 6 hours). Upon arrival, check into a homestay or local lodge and enjoy a farm-to-table dinner.

Day 4: Start the Ha Giang loop – Dong Van

Begin your motorbike or car journey along the Ha Giang Loop, one of Southeast Asia’s most scenic routes. Highlights include the Quan Ba Heaven Gate, Hmong villages, and Dong Van Plateau. Overnight in Dong Van at a local guesthouse.

Day 5: Ma Pi Leng pass & Meo Vac

Ride through the jaw-dropping Ma Pi Leng Pass, with panoramic views of the Nho Que River. Stop in Meo Vac for photos, and visit the Hmong King's Palace in Sa Phin. Continue looping back toward Yen Minh or return to Ha Giang for the night.

Day 6: Back to Hanoi

After breakfast, return to Hanoi by road. Use the evening to relax—maybe try a Vietnamese foot massage or enjoy one last dinner at a colonial-style restaurant in the Old Quarter.

Day 7: Ninh Binh day trip or overnight stay

Head out early to Ninh Binh, just 2 hours away. Take a rowboat tour through Tam Coc or Trang An, visit Bich Dong Pagoda, and climb to the top of Hang Mua Peak for breathtaking views. Stay overnight at a countryside homestay.

Day 8: Hoa Lu & countryside exploration

In the morning, visit Hoa Lu, the former imperial capital, and cycle through quiet village roads. Return to Hanoi in the late afternoon for final souvenir shopping or dinner.

Day 9: Departure day

Depending on your flight time, squeeze in a visit to Dong Xuan Market or enjoy a final Vietnamese iced coffee before heading to the airport.

Souvenirs: Handwoven textiles (Ha Giang), tea sets (Hanoi), goat jerky & lotus seeds (Ninh Binh)

Option 3: Central & South Vietnam – Beach, History & River Life

Perfect for: Relaxed travelers who want warm weather, cultural charm, and scenic coastlines

Day 1: Da Nang arrival & coastal highlights

Land in Da Nang, Vietnam’s dynamic central hub. Visit the Marble Mountains for temples and viewpoints, then head to Linh Ung Pagoda to admire the towering Lady Buddha statue. Unwind at My Khe Beach in the afternoon and enjoy dinner by the sea.

Day 2: Day trip to Ba Na Hills

Take the cable car to Ba Na Hills, home of the famous Golden Bridge held by giant stone hands. Explore the French Village, gardens, and mountaintop temples. Return to Da Nang for a night walk along the Han River or sample local seafood dishes.

Day 3: Transfer to Hoi An

Drive just 45 minutes to Hoi An. Wander the atmospheric Ancient Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where lanterns light up cobbled streets and riverside cafés. Visit the Japanese Covered Bridge, explore Tan Ky Old House, and dine by the river.

Day 4: Culture & craft in Hoi An

Join a cooking class or lantern-making workshop. In the afternoon, cycle to the Tra Que Vegetable Village or relax at An Bang Beach. Shop for tailored clothing or handmade leather shoes before watching the town glow at night.

Day 5: Hai Van pass to Hue

Travel along the scenic Hai Van Pass, stopping for ocean views and photo ops. In Hue, explore the Imperial City (Citadel)—Vietnam’s former royal seat. Take a sunset dragon boat ride on the Perfume River.

Day 6: Temples and tombs

Spend the day visiting royal tombs such as Tu Duc, Khai Dinh, and Minh Mang, each offering unique architectural styles and tranquil gardens. Visit Thien Mu Pagoda and enjoy a local lunch of bun bo Hue.

Day 7: Fly to Ho Chi Minh city (Saigon)

Arrive in southern Vietnam’s bustling metropolis. Visit colonial-era landmarks like Notre-Dame Cathedral, Saigon Central Post Office, and Ben Thanh Market. Enjoy rooftop drinks or join a hidden alley street food tour in District 1.

Day 8: Mekong Delta day trip

Take a full-day tour to the Mekong Delta. Explore canals by boat, visit floating markets or coconut farms in Ben Tre or My Tho, and enjoy tropical fruit tastings. Return to Saigon in the evening.

Day 9: Final chill & departure

Spend your last morning at a relaxing café, pick up last-minute souvenirs like Vietnamese coffee or ceramics, and head to the airport.

Souvenirs: Tailored clothes (Hoi An), conical hats (Hue), coconut candy & lacquer bowls (Mekong Delta)

Travel tips for a 9-day Vietnam itinerary

• Domestic flights save time between major regions.

• Pack light but bring layers if visiting the north.

• For adventure routes like Ha Giang, book reputable tours or hire local guides.

• Choose overnight trains or sleeper buses if you want to save time and money.

• Consider weather—central Vietnam is rainiest from September to December.

Conclusion

A well-crafted 9 days in Vietnam itinerary allows you to uncover an impressive cross-section of this beautiful country. From limestone peaks to imperial cities and southern rivers, each route offers a distinct blend of experiences.

Whether you’re chasing history, nature, or noodles, Vietnam delivers.

Want more Vietnam itinerary inspiration? Explore our complete Vietnam Itinerary Guide or contact our travel specialists to craft a custom journey just for you.