Vietnam itinerary ideas – Where to go, what to do & how to travel your way

How to plan a Vietnam itinerary

Planning a Vietnam itinerary isn’t just about choosing where to go—it’s about knowing when to visit, how to connect the regions, and what kind of travel experience you want. Vietnam’s geography ranges from cool mountain passes to tropical beaches, and the local culture shifts beautifully from north to south.

A smart itinerary helps you:

• Avoid seasonal weather surprises (like rainy coastlines or foggy mountain roads)

• Minimize travel time between destinations

• Balance activity with relaxation

• Get more value from your budget and time

Need a step-by-step guide to planning your trip? Read our full article on how to plan a trip to Vietnam for key advice on seasons, transportation, visas, and more.

Vietnam itinerary idea

1. Vietnam itinerary by trip length

Whether you’re planning a short escape or a month-long journey, choosing the right Vietnam itinerary by length helps you see the country at the pace that suits you. Here’s a snapshot of the best travel plans for 3, 7, 14, and 30 days—with links to deeper guides if you want to explore further.

3 Days – Hanoi & Ninh Binh: A fast but fulfilling intro

If you only have three days in Vietnam, base yourself in the north and explore a perfect mix of city life and countryside.

• Day 1: Dive into Hanoi’s cultural core - walk around Hoan Kiem Lake, visit the Temple of Literature, and enjoy street food like bun cha and egg coffee in the Old Quarter.

• Day 2: Take a full-day trip to Ninh Binh, where you can float through the limestone cliffs of Trang An or Tam Coc, bike through rice fields, and climb Hang Mua for panoramic views.

• Day 3: Return to Hanoi for markets, museums, and last-minute local eats before flying out.

Best for: First-time visitors, short stopovers, culture and nature lovers.

Want to explore more options? Read our full 3-day Vietnam itinerary guide

7 Days – Hanoi to Hoi An: North to Central in one week

With one week, you can experience two very different sides of Vietnam - bustling Hanoi and relaxed Hoi An -plus a cruise through the iconic Ha Long Bay in between.

• Days 1–2: Explore Hanoi’s museums, street food, and lakeside neighborhoods.

• Days 3–4: Head to Ha Long Bay for an overnight cruise among towering limestone karsts, with optional kayaking or swimming.

• Days 5–7: Fly to Da Nang and continue on to Hoi An. Spend your days exploring the Ancient Town, relaxing at An Bang Beach, and tasting central Vietnamese cuisine.

Best for: Travelers who want a well-rounded intro to Vietnam with a mix of nature, culture, and comfort.

Want to expand this trip? See our detailed 7-day Vietnam itinerary

14 Days – Vietnam from North to South: The balanced classic

This is the best Vietnam itinerary for travelers who want a little of everything—mountains, beaches, history, cities, and countryside.

• Days 1–3: Start in Hanoi and take a side trip to Ninh Binh.

• Days 4–5: Cruise Ha Long Bay and return for a night in Hanoi.

• Days 6–7: Fly to Hue to explore imperial history and river life.

• Days 8–10: Drive or train over the Hai Van Pass to Hoi An. Spend time in the Old Town, at the beach, and enjoying street food and markets.

• Days 11–12: Head to Ho Chi Minh City to visit the War Remnants Museum, rooftop bars, and buzzing districts.

• Days 13–14: Wrap up with a Mekong Delta day trip or homestay—cruise the canals, visit floating markets, and sample tropical fruits.

Best for: First-time visitors who want to see Vietnam’s full range from top to bottom.

Want more detailed route suggestions? Check our 14 days in Vietnam itinerary

1 month – Deep dive Vietnam: Mountains, cities, and islands

With four weeks, you can experience Vietnam in its fullest form - from rugged frontier roads to peaceful islands. This Vietnam itinerary lets you take your time, explore lesser-known regions, and travel like a local.

• Week 1: Start in Hanoi and take your time exploring, then head north to Sapa or Ha Giang for multi-day treks, homestays, and jaw-dropping scenery.

• Week 2: Visit Ninh Binh and cruise Ha Long Bay. Then, take the overnight train or flight to Phong Nha to explore the world’s largest caves and riverside villages.

• Week 3: Move south to Hue and Hoi An, visiting royal tombs, lantern-lit streets, and sunny beaches.

• Week 4: Wrap up in the south with Ho Chi Minh City, the Mekong Delta, and a few relaxing days on Phu Quoc or Con Dao Island.

Best for: Digital nomads, backpackers, long-term travelers, or anyone who wants to go deep and slow.

Want the full visual breakdown? Watch or read our complete 1-month Vietnam itinerary here

2. Vietnam itinerary for relaxed, chill travelers

If you’re the kind of traveler who prefers long coffee mornings, scenic strolls, riverside meals, and zero alarms, this Vietnam itinerary was made for you. It lets you slow down and truly soak in Vietnam’s natural and cultural rhythm—without the pressure to rush.

Suggested Itinerary (12–14 Days)

• Days 1–3: Hoi An Begin your journey in the peaceful charm of Hoi An. Spend your mornings biking through rice fields or relaxing in a riverside café. Get custom clothes tailored, enjoy a traditional herbal massage, and take a hands-on cooking class in the countryside.

• Days 4–5: Da Nang Head to nearby Da Nang for some easy beach time. Stay in a beachfront hotel, visit the Marble Mountains in the morning, and watch the Dragon Bridge light up at night. My Khe Beach is wide, relaxed, and rarely crowded during the day.

• Days 6–8: Ninh Binh Travel north for a slower pace in Vietnam’s quiet countryside. Glide through the caves and valleys of Trang An, climb Hang Mua at sunrise, and explore pagodas nestled in limestone cliffs. Evenings are peaceful, perfect for tea and reading.

• Days 9–13: Phu Quoc Island Fly south to unwind fully on white sand beaches. Stay at a beach resort or eco-retreat. Spend your days snorkeling, visiting pepper farms and fishing villages, and ending with sunset seafood dinners along the water.

Best for: Travelers who want to unplug and savor Vietnam at a slow pace.

3. Vietnam itinerary for adventure seekers

If your idea of travel involves hiking boots, winding mountain roads, jungle caves, and waterfalls, this Vietnam itinerary is built for you. It blends Vietnam’s wildest regions into a thrilling journey across the country.

Suggested Itinerary (14–18 Days)

• Days 1–5: Ha Giang Loop Start your adventure in the far north. Rent a motorbike and ride the legendary Ha Giang Loop—four days of dramatic mountain passes, ethnic minority villages, and panoramic views. Stay in local homestays and experience remote Vietnam up close.

• Days 6–8: Phong Nha – Ke Bang National Park Head south to Vietnam’s cave capital. Explore the massive Paradise Cave, zipline across rivers, or join a trekking tour through jungle-covered karst. For the bold, Son Doong—the world’s largest cave—is a bucket list expedition (advance booking required).

• Days 9–11: Da Lat Nestled in the Central Highlands, Da Lat is Vietnam’s adventure playground. Go canyoning down waterfalls, mountain bike through pine forests, or trek to hilltop pagodas. Afternoons are cool and breezy—great for café-hopping and night markets.

• Days 12–14: Con Dao Islands End on the coast with hiking and snorkeling in a peaceful marine reserve. Trek through Con Dao National Park, visit turtle nesting beaches, and dive into clear, quiet waters.

Best for: Solo travelers, outdoor lovers, backpackers, or anyone who hates sitting still

4. Vietnam itinerary for families with kids

Vietnam is incredibly family-friendly. The country is safe, welcoming, and packed with activities for children of all ages—from cultural fun to outdoor exploration. This Vietnam itinerary is designed to balance education, fun, and downtime.

Suggested Route (10–14 Days)

• Hanoi (3 days): Start with cultural immersion. Watch a water puppet show, explore the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology, and stroll around Hoan Kiem Lake with ice cream and street snacks.

• Ninh Binh (2 days): Head south for a boat ride through Trang An or Tam Coc, followed by light biking and visits to temples and rice paddies. Great for nature without crowds.

• Hoi An (4 days): This is a favorite for families—pedestrian-friendly, colorful, and full of hands-on activities like lantern making, coconut boat rides, and casual cooking classes.

• Mekong Delta (2–3 days): Wrap up in the Delta. Take your kids on boat rides to floating markets, stay on a family-run homestay, and learn how coconut candy and rice paper are made.

Best for: Families with children 4+, teens, or multi-generational travel

Souvenirs to buy:

• Hanoi: Water puppets, conical hats

• Hoi An: DIY lantern kits, kids’ tailoring experiences

• Mekong: Painted coconut bowls, bamboo toys

Need more family-focused tips? Read our full Vietnam itinerary for families with kids

5. Vietnam itinerary for couples

From quiet mountains and lantern-lit rivers to beachside dinners and couples’ spa days, Vietnam is filled with moments that make you pause, reflect, and reconnect. This Vietnam itinerary for couples combines romance, privacy, and just enough excitement.

Suggested Itinerary (12–14 Days)

• Days 1–3: Sapa or Mu Cang Chai Start your romantic trip in the mountains. Stay in a private bungalow or hilltop ecolodge, trek to remote villages, and enjoy sunset picnics overlooking rice terraces. Sapa is more developed, while Mu Cang Chai offers deeper quiet and fewer crowds.

• Days 4–7: Hoi An Fly south and stay in a riverside villa in Hoi An. Shop for tailor-made outfits together, take a lantern-making class, and book a couple’s massage. Evenings are perfect for walking along the Thu Bon River or dining in a garden restaurant.

• Days 8–9: Hue A romantic detour into Vietnam’s royal past. Explore imperial tombs, cruise the Perfume River at sunset, and enjoy quiet moments in historic garden houses. It’s a gentle, poetic break in the middle of your journey.

• Days 10–14: Phu Quoc Island End with a beach escape. Book a resort with spa services and private beach access. Spend your days snorkeling, island hopping, or simply enjoying poolside cocktails and long breakfasts together.

Best for: Honeymooners, anniversary trips, couples looking to recharge

Conclusion

No two Vietnam trips are the same - and that’s the beauty of it. Whether you have three days or thirty, this guide helps you craft the best Vietnam itinerary for your interests, pace, and season.

Choose what moves you - whether it’s handwoven scarves in the north, tailor-made suits in Hoi An, or the sound of paddles in a Mekong canal - and let Vietnam take care of the rest.

Need help building your own custom itinerary? We can design a trip tailored to your style, schedule, and travel goals. Contact us to start planing your dream trip!