Ultimate Vietnam Itinerary From The North To The South

Why Should You Choose The Vietnam Itinerary?

Vietnam is one of the ideal travel destinations in Asia

When it comes to the ideal travel destination in Asia, most people will certainly include Vietnam in the consideration list.

Despite not being a rich and highly developed country compared to most western countries, Vietnam is a country worth living in.

Firstly, we can talk about the country’s rich cuisine. It is safe to say that you can find delicious food in any corner of this small yet charming country, so as to enjoy unique local dishes anywhere at very affordable prices.

In addition to this, there are quite a number of beautiful sceneries that attract thousands of foreign tourists every year. Hearing Vietnam readily suggests lots of natural masterpieces, such as Ha Long Bay - A UNESCO - recognized heritage site, to mention but a few.

Another thing we can boast of as a country is the utmost friendly nature as a people. This is evident and present in most people across Vietnam, from the rural countryside to urban cities. So do not hesitate to make friends and explore local culture while you are here.

Travelers with a taste for artistic handicrafts and fashion will find a shopping paradise in this country. From scarves and earrings to traditional outfits, you will find amazing offers throughout Vietnam. In Hoi An ancient town, many tailors can make your dress or suit within a single day.

Finally, the cost of living in Vietnam is relatively low. You may not need a huge budget for a normal Vietnam itinerary.

When can visitors visit Vietnam?

You can visit Vietnam at any time

Vietnam is a thin, long country extending from north to south with a total length of more than 2000 kilometers. Therefore, the weather varies quite a lot.

This means that the best time to visit Vietnam will depend on which part of the country you plan to visit and also your purpose of visit.

Winters are mild and dry, with average temperatures around 30 degrees Celsius in the South and about 20 degrees Celsius in the North. In the northern areas, you might mostly need to get warming materials and clothes. I recommend packing long pants and a jacket/sweatshirt if your trip will extend there.

Summers are a bit humid and hot, while the rainy season peaks in July and August.

If you want to travel to this country without having to deal with different extremes of weather, spring or autumn is the ideal time. Winter however is a low season, meaning better deals and lower crowds.

Things You Need to Know Before arriving in Vietnam

Arriving in Vietnam

Vietnam has international airports at Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, and Hanoi.

Direct flights to Vietnam are available from various European and Asian countries as well as Australia, handled mainly by Vietnam Airlines.

Many other long-haul flights to this country are also available, with transits in Bangkok, Dubai, Doha, Singapore, Hong Kong, Kuala Lumpur, and Taipei.

Visas

Getting into Vietnam as an international tourist can be categorized into two parts. You either require a visa or not. Certain countries do not require a visa at all to get into Vietnam, while other countries do.

Citizens of the United States of America

As a US citizen, you require a tourist or visitor visa to come to Vietnam. Although this does not sound like good news, the e-visa system has made it relatively easier to get around it. It has enhanced faster and easier application processes.

Vietnam Visa requirements

Citizens of the United Kingdom

If you are a UK citizen, you can enter Vietnam without a visa, however, you must make sure that your stay in the country does not exceed 45 days. If your stay exceeds that number of days, then you will have to apply for an actual visa.

Most if not all South Asian countries do not require a visa to enter Vietnam on a tourist basis. Other country nationals must therefore apply for a visa before coming to Vietnam. They can do that either through the E-visa process, or visit a Vietnamese embassy in their regions.

It is easy for citizens of most countries to gain a Vietnam visa via the new e-visa process. Here is how it works:

Step 1: Once you have filled in the form, you will pay an administrative fee of $25 for a single-entry tourist visa (30 days).

Step 2: You will get an email confirmation within about three days.

Step 3: Print 2 copies of the PDF document with the visa. You'll need a copy on arrival and another on departure.

Internet & Mobile Data

Internet & Mobile Data

It is easy to get a local SIM card quickly at the airport in Hanoi. During your stay, you can also get it in any tour operator shop or tourist office. There are usually special prepaid tariffs for foreign tourists.

Remember that you don't need a local SIM card to connect to the internet in Vietnam. Almost every restaurant and hotel offers WiFi for free but usually with a password. Just ask the staff or manager for the password.

Vaccination

Vaccinations are not required for visiting Vietnam

Vaccinations are not required for visiting Vietnam, it will however be helpful to have the basic travel vaccination package, including typhoid and hepatitis A + B.

You can also consider a meningococcal vaccination or a rabies vaccination (although it is difficult to find aggressive monkeys or dogs there).

Getting Around

Grabbike in Vietnam

The most popular means of transportation in this country are buses and taxis.

You can easily find bus times on websites like 12go.asia or Rome2Rio. Regarding taxis, Grab's services, including Grab bike and Grab car, are the most popular here.

Buses are usually cheaper and faster than taxis. But a taxi can take you to more places than the bus.

Safety

Vietnam is a safe country with friendly locals. In popular places, you can encounter pickpockets, but I believe it can happen anywhere in the world.

The greatest danger often comes from taxi drivers who may try to rip tourists off. So it is good to use the Grab app (like Uber) to call for a motorbike or car at a price set in advance. This app can also be used to find out the approximate cost of the trip.

Money and Paying

The Vietnamese currency is the Vietnam dong (VND). At the time of this post, 1 USD=25,000, and 1 EUR=27,000 VND, which means $100 is equivalent to about 2.5 million VND.

Money and Paying in Vietnam

Like most Southeast Asian areas, cash is king in this country. Aside from top notch restaurants and hotels, paying by card is almost always impossible.

Also, companies will add a 3% fee to each transaction in most cases. So you should travel with EUR or USD to change into the local currency.

ATMs are available everywhere in the cities, with withdrawal fees ranging from 0 to 4%. Some will allow you to withdraw a maximum of 2,000,000 VNDs per withdrawal. So I recommend you always check before withdrawing.

Food & Drinks

It is safe to say that Vietnam is a paradise for foodies, and you will eat well while staying here. You can look for the best food at markets, small local restaurants, or street stalls.

Vietnamese street food

The price is usually affordable, somewhere between $1 and 2 per dish, depending on the location. The more tourist based the place is, the more expensive the food.

In this country, tap water isn't drinkable. It is nonetheless okay to use water dispensers in restaurants and hotels. You can use tap water to brush your teeth, and no one has experienced any negative effects doing this.

Accommodation

There are various hostels and hotels to choose from in almost every area in Vietnam. A bed in a 6- to 8-bed room with breakfast usually costs around $4, whereas a separate double room typically costs a minimum of $8.

Before booking a hotel or hostel, it is best to inspect the prices online. Booking.com can be helpful for this.

Locals and Culture

Vietnamese often smile and are very friendly

Vietnamese people often smile and are friendly. So don't be surprised when a stranger says hello to you in the street. In a tourist based place, locals typically speak at least a bit of English, and most restaurants have menus in English.

It is wise to learn at least several basic food names in Vietnamese. Fortunately, it's not too complicated. Here are a few food words worth learning:

• Fish.

• Beef.

• Chicken.

• Flat noodles.

• Round noodles.

• Instant noodles.

• Stuffed baguette.

You may be asked to take off your footwear frequently. You will usually have to leave them on a shoe cabinet at the entrance.

The way local people commute is also unique. In this country, the number of motorbikes is huge. The traffic is chaotic, typically without any traffic regulations. Pedestrian crossings are almost not used or non-existent.

If you want to cross the road, obey the following two-step routine:

• Step 1: Carefully pick the moment when no truck or bus is involved, and then slowly step on the road. You cannot wait for a moment with no bikes, as this moment never comes.

• Step 2: Walk steadily and slowly toward the other side of the road, allowing the bikes and cars to maneuver around you.

My Vietnam Itinerary

Vietnam Itinerary 2-weeks

Day 1-3: Sapa

Vietnam Itinerary 2-weeks through to the mountainous side and see what great scenery nature has to offer. You can definitely start your Sapa journey by visiting the summit of Fansipan. There is a car cable that will take you 6 kilometers through to Fansipan in not more than 15 minutes. This is a very refreshing and captivating experience. When you land from the cable car, you can now continue to take steps as you climb the rest of the steps all the way through to the summit. You wouldn’t want to miss this experience for anything.

Day 1-3: Sapa

A visit to an ethnic minority market will also allow you into a world of true culture. This opens a lot of experiences and avails to you the relatable and heart warming nature of the people. On Sundays especially, the Bac Ha market comes to life because a lot of people from places like Xa Fang, Dzao etc also represent the market to exhibit pure culture and purpose, as trading goes on. A very nice experience.

Another thing to do is to go trekking. You could wander around the terraces in Sapa and also experience a unique waterfall experience.

Day 4-5: Hanoi

Enjoy a good trip to Hanoi, to see what great experience the capital of Vietnam has to offer. As your day begins in Hanoi, you will have the opportunity to experience the surreal freshness the city has to offer. The first things to do in Hanoi is visiting the Ho Chi Minh complex. This is the final resting place of the Vietnamese great father called uncle Ho. You will even get the chance to see his embalmed body which is often put on display. Again, there is the one pillar pagoda which I will recommend because it is believed to be the most unique pagoda in the world because that is the place of worship of the goddess of mercy in Vietnam. A very good sight to cherish.

Day 4-5: Hanoi

Your moments in Hanoi cannot be complete until you visit Vietnam’s Ethnology Museum. Here, you will learn a lot, including some of the rich history of the people, and also the cultural practices and values of the entire 54 ethnic groups in Vietnam. While at it, do well not to forget about the Tran Quoc pagoda. This pagoda is located on Gold fish island in west lake. It is said to be the oldest pagoda in Hanoi to be built in the 6th century.

Trying the local foods in Hanoi is a must. I don't even know why I need to emphasize the need for you to try the local foods. You will definitely love them. Foods like Bun Cha (pork noodles), pho bo (beef noodle soup), bun thang (herbal medicine noodle soup) etc. These foods are absolutely the best.

Finally, you will definitely need to visit the Hoa Lo prison. This is the prison that was built by the French people between 1886 and 1901. At this time, Vietnam was still part of the French colony. You stand to learn a lot when you visit this place, like the war the Vietnamese people had to fight against the French people, etc. A very intriguing place to visit.

Day 6: Da Nang

Take a good trip to Da Nang for relaxation and exploration of aesthetic scenes. While in Da Nang, it is very understandable to have an urge for beach related activities. This is simply because the beaches around there are very refreshing and captivating. You have a wide range of activities like football and volleyball matches amongst others, as well as deciding to just relax and enjoy the breeze in the beach sands.

Day 6: Da Nang

Again, there is the Son Tra peninsula to see. Tourists usually use their binoculars to just explore and have a very great view as they ride on motorbikes. It’s quite solemn and wonderful.

It’s the time to explore the culture of the Cham people. They are the people with arguably the largest collection of sculptural houses (Cham sculpture) in the world. These are so amazing to see. Da Nang is also heavy on street food, which makes it impossible to just pass through without having a feel of the food there. The foods include rice noodles, pork, shrimp etc. Quite a nice experience.

Day 7-8: Ha Long Bay

Have fun as you cruise along to HaLong Bay. Ha Long Bay is one that has approval by UNESCO, and is also a place that could help you relax because of its therapeutic nature. To have a great Ha Long experience, you might want to ride in a kayak, as you cruise around its calm waters and charming and serene atmosphere.

Day 7-8: Ha Long Bay

There are some impressive and magnificent panoramas to explore, as they give you that naturally astonishing touch and feeling. A very good feeling to experience. You could also try rock climbing while here, for a very great experience.

Day 9: Ninh Binh

Ninh Binh is a very nice place which harbors the ancient former capital of Vietnam (Hoa Lu). It is a very great place to explore, as you might want to see all of it. While you are there, you can try learning more about the ancient capital and why it was moved to Hanoi, as well as the main reason why the capital was moved to Hanoi.

Day 9: Ninh Binh

There is this feeling you get when you visit temples in Ninh Binh. It is said to have the largest complex of Buddhists temples in the whole of Vietnam. You can explore ancient temples which are housed in caves. To get to these caves, one will need to climb as many as 300 steps or even more. As challenging as it may look to some people, trust me, the feeling and experience is worth it.

Day 10-12: Hue

Transfer to Hue, the ancient heart of Vietnam. Delve into the historic charm of this former royal capital. Hue possesses a very serene atmosphere and also has very strong Buddhist roots. It is no news that there are quite a number of pagodas and monasteries to see in Hue. stop at the Thien Mu Pagoda via a Dragon Boat. There is a lot to be learnt at this place, including the fact that it is also known as the Linh Mu Pagoda which is the oldest Pagoda in Hue city. It is quite captivating and super fascinating due to the strong history behind it.

You can also explore the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long. This citadel is a state of the art, historically complex building which has a strong relation with the root history of Hanoi. The citadel was built and arranged in three “ring like” sectors. The outer part serves as the defensive machinery, the middle part is the Imperial city and the inner part as the forbidden city.

Day 10-12: Hue

While in Hue city, I will suggest you try to see King Tuc Duc’s tomb. As the longest reigning Emperor of the Nguyen dynasty, King Tuc Duc was no exception to the pre death tomb arrangement. He was also the most polygamous Emperor with a total record of 104 wives and concubines. His tomb is a very good sculptural piece to see, very captivating and astonishing.

Again, in Hue city, you are definitely sure to be met with street foods etc, as they have the tendency to wet your appetite. These foods include snacks like Banh beo, as well as Banh khoai.

Day 13-15: Hoi An

Get the experience of a lifetime through Hoi An’s beautiful scenic environment.

Due to Hoi An’s history of having merchants from Japan, China and European settlers, the city has this unique architectural touch that will trigger your fancy, and prick your sixth sense. The riding culture in Hoi An is sensational, because unlike other places in Vietnam, it is a host to some of the best Vietnamese people.

Day 13-15: Hoi An

Food in Hoi An is one of the best because they engage in personalized farming amongst other things that stems to boost their food culture. Foods like Cao Lu, Hoanh. And white rose dumplings.

10-days travel itinerary

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Day 1 to 3: Hanoi

It is quite good that you start your journey by exploring the city of Hanoi, in order to see all the hidden corners as well as what the city has to offer. As you go through the day, do not forget to visit the ethnology museum. You can learn about the 54 ethnic groups in Vietnam, as well as their relation and interconnectedness. Also, make sure you visit Ho Chi Minh architectural complex. This happens to be the resting place of one of Vietnam’s great fathers, called Uncle Ho.

Day 4 and 5: Ninh Binh

Explore Ninh Binh as you see ancient temples and caves. The feeling of being in Ninh Binh comes in a very unique way. The most unique thing about Ninh Binh is that it has the former capital of Vietnam called Hoa Lu. You can decide to see Tam Coc and Trang An. Their serene and calming nature will surely put you in a pensive mood, as you’re guided through the waterways.

You can easily see Ninh Binh via Hang Mua, where there have been approximately 500 steps carved out into the mountain, which gives tourists a very different and relatively adventurous experience. While at the top, you can have a soothingly perfect view of the river with all the paddies, alongside those grasses and crops outlined at the banks.

Day 6 and 7: Ha Long

A nice way to begin your journey is to consider a boat trip to Ha Long and enjoy the natural scenery. Explore a whole floating village as you step into Ha Long, a place that can boast of multiple fishing communities who have been in the fishing business for so many years as they live and work on water for uncountable centuries. You can take a boat right along and around the whole village as you experience a whole new feeling of the surreal way of life of the local people.

Another nice way of enjoying Na Long is by paddling in Kayak. The most peaceful and ideally sanctioned time to do this is right before sunset, it is quite an experience as you’re taken along to view the calming lagoons and also see the beauty of the fishing boats used within the fishing areas. This is quite an experience to remember indeed.

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Day 8 and 9: Hue city tour

Experience Vietnam’s imperial capital, as well as tombs of great Vietnamese rulers. Get yourself a seat at the table of Imperial Vietnam. While here, you’ll have nothing short of an outstanding and a captivating experience as you witness a mind blowing series of palaces, tombs of emperors (Tu Duc, Khai Dinh and Minh Mang), pavilions as well as theaters of the Hue city citadel. These get you into a feeling of involvement with the long standing Imperial royal dynasty and their transition through a reign of not less than 143 years.

Remember not to fall short of experiencing monasteries and pagodas, as there are quite a number of them waiting for you in the serene atmosphere of Hue city’s Buddhist heritage. After this, be sure to also explore a plethora of meals in the city including banh khoai and banh beo.

Day 10: Ho Chi Minh city

Discover everything the city has to offer as it is Vietnam’s most populated city. There are places you can not afford to miss in Ho Chi Minh city. These include the Notre Dame Cathedral, the Saigon opera house and the city’s central post office. You can also explore other local sites such as the Jade Emperor pagoda and the Thanh market. Those are typical honorable mentions that can’t be left out.

It has become quite a tradition for the people of Ho Chi Minh city to gather around dented metal tables across all aspects and corners of the city to have all inclusive and fascinating feasts. They also try to bring on their ‘A’ game when it comes to the foods they serve at these feasts. They exhibit certain foods such as banh mi, southern style savory pancakes (banh xeo) as well as broken rice (com tam). A blissful experience to behold.

7-days travel itinerary

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Day 1 - Hanoi

Experience life in Hanoi, and blend in with its captivating style. To have a perfect day in Hanoi as a tourist, you might consider visiting Hoan Kiem Lake. It looks like a great first stop for tourists, which may stem from the fact that it doesn’t matter whether you’re a tourist or a local, everyone is most likely to gather around the lake. This makes it a very good avenue to learn a lot about the city and to meet new people as a tourist. The calmness of the atmosphere around the lake also makes it a very good place to share positive moments and to take quality pictures.

You can then schedule to see the st. Joseph’s cathedral in central Hanoi. This said cathedral is one which reflects western nature and history due to the fact that it has a lot of history in its formation and structure especially about the French Indochina around the 1800s. These can actually be seen and felt from the unique western architectural designs from the outer to the inner parts of the cathedral.

As part of any daily activity, there is always the meal aspect present. This is where special Hanoi foods come to your rescue. It is a fact that you could spend an entire day exploring the food culture in Hanoi if you wanted to, this is a strong indication of the variety of cuisines and foods available across the city. Ranging from restaurants to local foods down to sidewalk adventures. My suggestion is to make sure you try as many foods as you can. You will definitely love them.

Day 2 - Ninh Binh

To achieve an impeccable one day tour in Ninh Binh, you might need to explore certain wonderful sites without which your tour would be incomplete. Firstly, Tam Coc is a good place to check out, as it has a unique tourist attraction which features natural scenery like mountains, caves as well as certain charming historical artifacts and relics. You can ride in a boat to get the feeling of the serene countryside atmosphere as you navigate rice fields, landscapes and other spectacular scenes.

You can afterwards explore Trang An, a recognized tourist site by UNESCO with enough landscape of limestone Karsts coupled with great temples and pagodas as well as archeological discoveries. It is a worthwhile experience especially exploring the rivers and other scenes via the kayak. Another wonderful experience is to go see Hoa Lu city, which is Vietnam’s ancient capital and has a number of mountains and interwoven streams. As a tourist, you can also visit the temples of king Dinh Tien as well as that of king Le Dai Hanh.

7-days travel Vietnam itinerary

Day 3 - Sapa

Journey through to the mountainous side and see what great scenery nature has to offer. Sapa is one place in Vietnam that gives some of the best trekking, and some local places such as Cat Cat and Ta Phin can be seen without a guide. As a tourist, you can register for an overnight trek to walk through rice terraces, swim and bathe in waterfalls and experience wonderful ethnic culture.

A visit to an ethnic minority market will also allow you into a world of true culture. This opens a lot of experiences and avails to you the relatable and heart warming nature of the people. On Sundays especially, the Bac Ha market comes to life because a lot of people from places like Xa Fang, Dzao etc also represent the market to exhibit pure culture and purpose, as trading goes on. A very nice experience.

Day 4 - Halong Bay

Have fun as you cruise along to HaLong Bay. Ha Long Bay is one that has approval by UNESCO, and is also a place that could help you relax because of its therapeutic nature. To have a great Ha Long experience, you might want to ride in a kayak, as you cruise around its calm waters and charming and serene atmosphere. There are some impressive and magnificent panoramas to explore, as they give you that naturally astonishing touch and feeling. A very good feeling to experience. You could also try rock climbing while here, for a very great experience.

Day 5 - Da Nang

Take a good trip to Da Nang for relaxation and exploration of aesthetic scenes. You can explore the culture of the Cham people. They are the people with arguably the largest collection of sculptural houses (Cham sculpture) in the world. These are so amazing to see. Da Nang is also heavy on street food, which makes it impossible to just pass through without having a feel of the food there. The foods include rice noodles, pork, shrimp etc. Quite a nice experience.

Again, there is the Son Tra peninsula to see. Tourists usually use their binoculars to just explore and have a very great view as they ride on motorbikes. It’s quite solemn and wonderful.

Finally, while in Da Nang, it is very understandable to have an urge for beach related activities. This is simply because the beaches around there are very refreshing and captivating. You have a wide range of activities like football and volleyball matches amongst others, as well as deciding to just relax and enjoy the breeze in the beach sands.

Day 6 - Hue city

Transfer to Hue, the ancient heart of Vietnam. Delve into the historic charm of this former royal capital.While in Hue city, I will suggest you try to see King Tuc Duc’s tomb. As the longest reigning Emperor of the Nguyen dynasty, King Tuc Duc was no exception to the pre death tomb arrangement. He was also the most polygamous Emperor with a total record of 104 wives and concubines. His tomb is a very good sculptural piece to see, very captivating and astonishing.

7 Days for traveling Vietnam Itinerary

You can also explore the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long. This citadel is a state of the art, historically complex building which has a strong relation with the root history of Hanoi. The citadel was built and arranged in three “ring like” sectors. The outer part serves as the defensive machinery, the middle part is the Imperial city and the inner part as the forbidden city.

Again, in Hue city, you are definitely sure to be met with street foods etc, as they have the tendency to wet your appetite. These foods include snacks like Banh beo, as well as Banh khoai.

Day 7 - Ho Chi Minh

Discover everything the city has to offer as it is Vietnam’s most populated city.There are places you can not afford to miss in Ho Chi Minh city. These include the Notre Dame Cathedral, the Saigon opera house and the city’s central post office. You can also explore other local sites such as the Jade Emperor pagoda and the Thanh market. Those are typical honorable mentions that can’t be left out.

It has become quite a tradition for the people of Ho Chi Minh city to gather around dented metal tables across all aspects and corners of the city to have all inclusive and fascinating feasts. They also try to bring on their ‘A’ game when it comes to the foods they serve at these feasts. They exhibit certain foods such as banh mi, southern style savory pancakes (banh xeo) as well as broken rice (com tam). A blissful experience to behold.

My 5-day Northern Vietnam Itinerary

Day 1: Say Hello to Hanoi

Hanoi - Vietnam's capital

Most of the Northern Vietnam Itinerary will start in Hanoi, the country's capital. Not only is it a big city, it is also an economic center of the country. Of course, it also contains a lot of interesting things for foreign tourists to discover.

Must do:

• Visit Ho Chi Minh mausoleum.

• Watch a water puppet show.

• Dive into the Old Quarter.

• Explore Hoan Kiem Lake.

• Marvel at St. Joseph Cathedral.

• Learn to cross the road.

• Find calm at the Temple of Literature.

Must eat:

• Rolled Cake.

• Sweet Sticky Rice.

• Rice Noodle Roll.

• Beef Noodle Soup.

• Vietnamese Baguette.

• Crab Vermicelli Noodle.

• Turmeric Fish with Dill.

• Vietnamese Fresh Spring Rolls.

• Deep Fried Vietnamese Spring Rolls.

• Vermicelli Noodles with Grilled Pork.

Day 2: Conquer Mount Fansipan, Sapa, and Return to Hanoi

Mount Fansipan

My second day started with climbing Fansipan, the highest mountain in Vietnam.

Honestly, I'm a person who doesn't have enough quality and also lacks time, so I took the newly built cable car. That way, I reached the top within 20 minutes instead of making a two-day journey.

When my cable car ran from Muong Hoa Valley up to the final station on the mountain, I admired the poetic Sapa town, the gorgeous terraced rice fields, and the valleys.

From the last station, I walked 600 stairs to reach the peak. There is a tram system to take visitors up, ideal for the elderly, little children, or the disabled.

It costs about $26 (600,000 VND) for both ways to take the cable car and an additional $4 (100,000 VND) for the tram.

If you want to trek Mount Fansipan, my advice is not to go alone since there have been unfortunate deaths. It is best to take a guide with you who is an experienced trekker knowledgeable about the route.

Tips for trekking Fansipan:

• Ensure you are well-fed during this trek. Avoid any special diet.

• Never stray away from your guide or leave your team. If you fall behind, let someone know.

• Do not litter. It would be best if you carried a bag for garbage.

• Wear proper clothes. Waterproof hiking shoes are recommended.

• Do not forget your toiletries, including toilet paper, unless you are okay with using leaves to wipe.

• Bring a small first aid kit.

• Carrying only the essentials. Avoid bringing too much.

• Lastly, bring a camera, your phone, a portable charger, and a notebook to write down or take notes on your memories.

• Pack your items in Ziploc bags to prevent everything from getting wet.

Day 3: Explore Trang An, And Bai Dinh (Ninh Binh)

• Trang An

Trang An scenic landscape complex was recognized by UNESCO as a world cultural and natural heritage in June 2014. It comprises majestic limestone ridges, valleys, mysterious caves, rivers, and dozens of historical sites, with a total area of more than 2,000 hectares.

Among this scenic landscape complex, you can find Tam Coc – Bich Dong (in the South), Trang An eco-tourism site (in the center), and Hoa Lu ancient capital (in the North). Those three areas are connected by the systems of rivers, lakes, swamps, and forests on limestone mountains.

Explore Trang An and Bai Dinh

• Bai Dinh

Bai Dinh pagoda is located on Bai Dinh mountain, about 100 km from Hanoi, 15 km from Ninh Binh city, and 5 km from the Hoa Lu Ancient Capital.

This area features a long history of formation and development associated with several major dynasties of Vietnam, including Dinh, Tien Le, and Ly.

There is no Bai Dinh entrance fee. But there is a fee to utilize additional services, such as an electric car or access to Bao Thap.

Electric car ticket: 30,000 VND per person.

Tickets to Bao Thap: 50,000 VND per person.

In addition, the tour guide service for the new Bai Dinh pagoda is 300,000 VND per person, and both the old and new pagodas are 500,000 VND per person.

It is okay to experience a Trang An boat trip in one day, but I strongly recommend staying in Ninh Binh for at least one night to visit other attractions such as Hoa Lu, Mua Cave, Bai Dinh Pagoda, and Tam Coc – Bich Dong.

Many travelers have stayed at Trang An Retreat resort and loved it very much. It is located in a quiet area and is close to Mua Cave and Trang An. The staff is accommodating and friendly, and the room is spacious.

Day 4 - 5: Marvel at Halong Bay

Halong Bay is one of the world heritages recognized by UNESCO

Mentioning Vietnam without Halong Bay is just like taking a bath without water. Halong Bay is one of the tourist centers recognized by UNESCO. This bay is famous for the limestone karsts, and about two thousand islands and islets dot the turquoise-green waters.

Although these islands are just rocks emerging from the ocean without a place to land, they make for great destinations, and some have caves that can be approached with boats.

Only about forty of the islands in the bay are inhabited, and only a few are developed enough to offer restaurants, hotels, and recreational units for visitors.

Many visitors arrive in Halong Bay via cruises and spend their nights onboard, using the daytime to kayak, snorkel, or sunbathe.

Must do:

• Take a cruise.

• Go spelunking at Hang Sung Sot Cave.

• Go diving.

• Visit Cat Ba Island.

• Take a cycling tour.

• Discover Me Cung cave.

• Travel to Monkey Island.

• Travel to the shrine at Virgin Cave.

• Visit Lan Ha Bay.

• Shop at Cat Ba Island Market.

• Explore Fighting Cocks Island.

• Enjoy seafood barbecue

• Hike around Cat Ba National Park.

• Go night squid fishing.

• Take a seaplane.

• Go kayaking around the karst formations.

• Sleep on a boat.

Must eat:

• Halong Bay Oysters.

• Stir-fried Sea Snails.

• Tien Yen Hill Chicken.

• Horseshoe Crab.

• Hoanh Bo Soaked Rice Wine.

• Nodding Cake.

• Austriella Corrugata.

• Grilled Chopped Squid.

• Vietnamese Steamed Rice Rolls.

• Sipunculus Nudus or Peanut Worm.

My 4-day Central Vietnam Itinerary

Day 1: Da Nang Arrival

Da Nang city

Da Nang is the 3rd largest city in Vietnam and delivers visitors who make a trip here the great combination of traditional and modern touches. When visiting this city, you will enjoy one of the most innovative skylines, a serene riverside promenade, and some gorgeous sandy beaches.

One of the big attractions of this area is that it is located on the coast and near a long stretch of coastal sand, meaning you can enjoy the beautiful city while also getting out into the peaceful countryside.

Water sports are prevalent here, and you can also visit museums and vibrant amusement parks or hike up mountains. If that is not enough, you can visit historical attractions here, like crumbling ruins and temples.

Must do:

• Visit the Ba Na Hills.

• Sunbathe on My Khe Beach.

• Climb the Marble Mountains.

• Have a coffee at Cong Caphe.

• Visit the Cham Museum.

• Enjoy the views at the Hai Van Pass.

• Watch the show at Dragon Bridge.

• Admire the Phap Lam Pagoda

• Relax at Non-Nuoc Beach

• Take a trip to the Da Nang Cathedral

• Visit the Cham Islands

• Check out Son Tra Mountain.

• Travel to the Linh Ung Pagoda.

Must eat:

• Danang Fresh Seafood.

• Roasted Veal.

• Mi Quang Noodles.

• Vietnamese Pancakes.

• Rice Noodles with Fried Fish Cake.

• Rice Noodles with Grilled Meat.

• Vietnamese Sweet Soups.

• Vietnamese Smoothies.

Day 2: Visit Hoi An

Hoi An Ancient Town

Hoi An means “peaceful meeting place.” It has recorded a World Heritage site recognition by UNESCO since 1999 for its well-preserved ancient town.

If you are only interested in Hoi An ancient town, spending one day is enough to go around and admire everything.

When visiting Hoi An, you will be impressed with the ancient architecture of this area's streets, roads, and houses. The mixed architecture helps this town look very beautiful, very special, and incredibly charming.

Due to the impact of some different cultures and the influences from historical events, Hoi An features a great mix of many structures, creating unique values.

Must do:

• Walk around the Old Town.

• Get a suit made

• Grab a coffee

• Sample Cao Lao

• Visit Hoi An Museum

• Buy local handicrafts

• Sunbathe on An Bang Beach

• Shop at the Lantern Market

• Shop at Hoi An Central Market

• Tour the My Son Ruins.

• Take a trip to the Tan Ky Family House.

• Learn to cook Vietnamese food.

• Take a trip to Hoi An Silk Village.

• Check out the Fujian Hall Assembly Hall.

• Admire the Japanese Covered Bridge.

Must eat:

• Pork Rice Noodles.

• Vietnamese Baguette Sandwich.

• Hoi An Chicken Rice.

• White Rose Dumpling.

• Vietnamese Spring Rolls.

• Mini Pancake with Quail Eggs.

• Quang Seafood Noodle.

• Vietnamese Pancake.

• Grilled Pork over Vermicelli.

• Grilled Pork on Rice Paper.

• Vietnamese Beef Noodles.

Day 3: Hue

The ancient capital of Hue

There is no denying that Hue is one of the most charming cities in Vietnam and is located on the banks of the Perfume River, one of the most charming rivers too. It features a long and illustrious history since it used to be one of the main royal capitals of the country.

Many people also come here to discover the ancient tombs of former emperors scattered all over the city, providing an exciting insight into Hue in the old days.

Hue is a riverfront town, so it will be great to enjoy the pretty vistas and the cool breezes while strolling along the riverside walkway. There are countless fascinating places that you won't want to miss during your stay in this charming city.

Must do:

• Shop at the Hope Center.

• Cycle around the city.

• Make a trip to the Royal Theatre.

• Soak in the Alba Thanh Tan Hot Springs.

• Visit the Thien Mu Pagoda.

• Admire the Imperial Citadel.

• Check out Huyen Tran Princess Temple.

• Walk along the Perfume River.

• Tour the Tu Hieu Pagoda.

• Discover the Tombs of the Ancient Emperors.

• Walk across the Thanh Toan Bridge.

• Visit the Royal Antiquities Museum.

• Shop at Dong Ba Market.

• Admire Hon Chen Temple.

• Take a trip to Elephant Springs.

Must eat:

• Hue Pancake.

• Khot cake.

• Hue Salty Coffee.

• Rice with mussels.

• Bloating Fern-shaped cake.

• Rice dumpling cake.

• Hue Lemongrass Skewer.

• Hue-style beef noodles.

• Hue Grilled Pork Noodle.

Day 4: Nha Trang

Nha Trang

The greatest lure of Nha Trang is a sandy beach facing a stunning bay dotted with nearly twenty islets and islands. Tran Phu Beach is always filled with holidaymakers soaking up the rays from various sun loungers.

All along the beach, many watersports are the main part of the fun here, including para-sailing, kite surfing, paddle boarding, jet skiing, and more.

Moreover, Nha Trang is named Vietnam’s seafood capital for a good reason. Filled with marine life, the waters off Khanh Hoa deliver fresh shellfish and fish that highlight many meals throughout Vietnam.

Must do:

• Go diving.

• Visit the Buddha.

• Go for a sail.

• Trek to the waterfalls.

• Go paintballing.

• Explore Yang Bay.

• Visit Monkey Island

• Browse Long Thanh Gallery.

• Sunbathe at Nha Trang Beach.

• Head over to a fishing village.

• Walk to Long Son Pagoda.

• Visit Po Nagar Cham Towers.

• Check out the Alexandre Yersin Museum.

• Soak at Mud Baths and Thap Ba Hot Springs.

• Check out the National Oceanographic Museum of Vietnam.

Must eat:

• Squid pancake.

• Jellyfish Vermicelli.

• Lac Canh grilled beef.

• Grilled fish cake noodles.

• White sardine fish salad.

My 5-day Southern Vietnam Itinerary

Day 1: Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh City

Like Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City (often referred to as Saigon) is a large city and also an economic center of Vietnam. So it is not surprising that it is also one of the ideal destinations for tourists.

Saigon is chaotic, noisy, hot, and just a bit crazy! If you are coming to Vietnam for the first time, it will be great to start with a city tour in this city.

Must do:

• Take a Bonsai River Cruise.

• Travel to the Central Office.

• Visit the War Remnants Museum.

• Tour the Giac Lam Pagoda.

• Check out Reunification Palace.

• Grab a drink on Pham Ngu Lao Street.

• Have a coffee in Tao Dan Park.

• Visit the History Museum.

• Tour Notre Dame Cathedral.

• Take a cooking class.

• Visit the Mekong Delta.

• Scale the Bitexco Financial Tower.

• Have breakfast at Binh Tay Market.

• Visit the Ho Chi Minh City Museum.

Must eat:

• Beef hotpot.

• Seafood dishes in general.

• Vietnamese sticky rice.

• Southern rice noodle soup.

• Vietnamese summer rolls.

• Hue-style spicy beef noodle soup.

• Quang-style noodles with shrimp and pork.

• Vietnamese rice noodle soup with beef broth.

• Vietnamese traditional sweet dessert.

• Vietnamese pancakes stuffed with meat.

• Steamed rice pancake stuffed with minced pork.

• Vietnamese fermented fish paste soup with rice vermicelli.

• Mixed rice paper.

After having a city tour in Ho Chi Minh City, many tourists choose to visit the Cu Chi tunnels located about 70 kilometers from this city. The length of the tunnels is about 200 kilometers, but most have decayed over time.

This tunnel system has existed since the French colonial period, which the Vietnamese army used to hide. Today, visitors can visit a 90 meters long tunnel in memory of the war.

Day 2: Ben Tre

Ben Tre

The next day of this southern Vietnam itinerary will take you to Ben Tre province.

Once you have arrived here, you will get aboard, and the Mekong Delta trip will begin immediately. You will travel along the Ham Luong River and past many workplaces, including coconut, coconut food, and brick production.

Must do:

• Visit a Coconut Candy Factory and a Bee Farm.

• Join a Walking Tour.

• Visit the fruit orchard.

Day 3: Head Over To Can Tho

Cai Rang Floating Market is considered the most famous and largest floating market in the Mekong Delta. It is the unique culture of the locals living along this mighty river. Instead of trading in the town, locals do that on the river, which is more convenient to access by waterways.

Can Tho

Once you visit the Mekong, visiting the floating market should be in your travel plans. The floating market is located on the Can Tho river, Cai Rang district (this river is also known as part of the Hau river). For the best experience, getting up early and taking the boat ride is recommended.

Day 4 & 5: Explore Phu Quoc

Phu Quoc Island

Phu Quoc is a charming island with incredible sunsets, crystal clear waters, lush tropical landscapes, romantic sandy beaches, and friendly locals. It is also the largest island in Vietnam, the same size as Phuket in Thailand.

The island's northern part is relatively unaffected by its status as a UNESCO-protected national park, but there are various luxury funky bars, cafes, and resorts along the southern coastline. I recommend spending at least two days here as it has a lot to explore.

Must do:

• Eat Dinner at the Phu Quoc Night Market.

• Visit Phu Quoc Prison.

• Tour a Pepper Farm.

• Tour the Ho Quoc Pagoda.

• Visit a Fish Sauce Factory.

• Take the Phu Quoc Cable Car.

• Go Snorkeling or Scuba Diving.

• Cruise Around Phu Quoc on a Motorbike.

• Check out Phu Quoc’s Beaches.

• Watch Sunset at Mango Bay.

Must eat:

• Fried Tram Mushroom & Seafood.

• Grilled Sea-urchin.

• Rose Myrtle Wine.

• Steamed Sentinel-Crab.

Travel Tips: Dos and Don'ts When Visiting Vietnam

Dos

• Vietnamese people always dress conservatively. Despite the heat, avoid showing off too much skin. If you do that, you will only draw stares from the locals, especially if you are a girl.

• Keep your credit cards, cash, airline tickets, and other valuables in a safe place.

• Dress well when you visit pagodas. Avoid putting on tatty beer t-shirts or shorts. Shoes are okay, and sometimes you have to remove them. If you are uncertain, we recommend following what the locals do.

• Travel with trusted tour agencies. Research your journey a bit on the Internet first.

• Drink plenty of bottled water, especially when you walk around sightseeing. It is unnecessary to carry huge bottles around. A vendor is never far away, and it is easy to find them anytime.

Travel tips when visiting Vietnam

Don’ts

• Wear a lot of jewelry. Violent crime is highly unusual in this country, but petty crime is more popular. You will be a potential target if you have a lot of jewelry.

• When taking a ride by bike taxi (or xe om in Vietnamese), ensure your bag, if any, isn't on display or easy to grab. Bag snatches, although rare, are probably the most likely crime tourists would encounter.

• Physical displays of affection between lovers in public are unusual here. You may see couples holding hands but not kissing or hugging in public.

• In Vietnam, losing your temper means a loss of face. Remain polite and keep a cool head; you will have a greater chance of obtaining what you want.

FAQs

Vietnam Itinerary – How Long to Spend?

I think two weeks in Vietnam is the minimum period to see Southern, Central, and North Vietnam.

If you have less time than this, you should stick to one part of Vietnam, such as the North. But if you have a month, you can see more of this country without feeling rushed. If your vacation lasts from two weeks to one month, you can visit all three regions of Vietnam.

What’s Great About Vietnam?

Many visitors love this country for its food, people, scenery, and culture. Vietnam is a long-stretching, beautiful, culturally rich, and fantastic country. It has always been one of the most travel-worthy countries in Asia.

Is Vietnam Safe to Travel?

Vietnam is a friendly and safe country to travel to. Your itinerary should be trouble-free and smooth in most cases.

Visitors typically complain about over-aggressive street vendors, dangerous driving, and tour operators with nasty attitudes. But with sensible planning and a cool head, you can avoid these problems.

Can Tourists Ride Motorbikes in Vietnam?

Can tourists ride motorbikes in Vietnam?

To legally drive in Vietnam, you must hold a Vietnamese driver's license or an IDP (standing for international driver's permit), an agreement between nations to identify each other’s driver's licenses.

Are 5 Days Enough For Vietnam?

In my Vietnam tours packages experience, a 5-Day trip is just enough to explore one region of Vietnam.

Is Vietnam Cheaper Than Thailand?

Although both countries are generally affordable and have good value, by comparison, Vietnam will cost less.

Is Vietnam Cheaper Than Japan?

Japan is drastically more expensive than Vietnam due to various factors, such as the cost of living.

Is Vietnam Safer Than Thailand?

A week in Japan may cost you around $715, while a week in Vietnam only costs you around $350 (per person).

How Much Money Do I Need For 3 Weeks In Vietnam?

It depends on you. Three weeks in Vietnam could be done as cheaply as $800, but more realistically, aim for about $1,500.

Is It Ok To Wear Shorts In Vietnam?

Yes, you can wear shorts in the summer in Vietnam, but avoid showing too much skin.

Can I Brush My Teeth With Tap Water In Vietnam?

The answer is yes. But brushing your teeth with bottled water is a great idea. In addition, luxury hotels often have high-end water purifier systems to make Vietnam's water safer.

Is Vietnam Water Safe to Drink?

In Vietnam, the water treatment infrastructure is underdeveloped. So the tap water here is not clean enough to drink. Residual chemicals and some bacteria in the tap water can still be harmful.

Wrapping It Up

Regardless of what you decide to do in Vietnam or how long you will visit, this country will amaze you in every way!

At Asia Tour Advisor, you can find tons of other amazing trips, such as the best Halong bay luxury cruises or the best Lan Ha bay cruises. So don't miss them!

If you have any questions or queries, feel free to ask us in the comments.

Thank you for your interest in the article!