Crafting the perfect Vietnam itinerary unlocks the country’s stunning diversity—from misty rice terraces in Sapa and the emerald karsts of Hạ Long Bay to the lantern-lit streets of Hội An and the bustling markets of Ho Chi Minh City. Whether you have one week or three, this guide lays out day-by-day routes, insider tips on transport and accommodations, and must-see cultural and culinary highlights.
Follow our expert recommendations to maximize your time, streamline logistics, and experience Vietnam’s rich history, vibrant street food, and warm hospitality at every stop.
Introduction: Your Complete Vietnam Itinerary Roadmap
Crafting the perfect Vietnam itinerary means balancing iconic highlights—Hanoi’s Old Quarter, the emerald karsts of Hạ Long Bay, lantern-lit Hội An—with off-the-beaten-path gems like ethnic-minority homestays in Sapa or jungle treks in Phong Nha. Whether you have 10 days, two weeks, or a full three weeks, this guide breaks down:
- Why a detailed itinerary saves you time, money, and stress
- How to plan flights, visas, and domestic transport
- What to pack and budget for each style of travel
- Where to stay—from budget hostels to luxury resorts
- Cultural tips to travel respectfully in Vietnam
Scroll down for step-by-step sample routes, insider hacks, and all the practical advice you need to turn wanderlust into reality.
1. Why You Need a Detailed Vietnam Itinerary
- Maximize Your Time
Vietnam stretches over 1,650 km. Traffic and rural roads can make transit days long—plan wisely to spend mornings exploring and afternoons unwinding, not stuck in buses. - Hit Must-See Sights
From Hanoi’s Hoàn Kiếm Lake to the Mekong Delta’s floating markets, a clear Vietnam itinerary ensures you don’t miss bucket-list experiences. - Balance Activity & Rest
Overpacked days lead to exhaustion. Build in downtime—coin-laundry stops, café breaks, evening street-food strolls—for spontaneous discoveries. - Optimize Costs
Grouping by region saves on flights and buses and prevents doubling back across the country.
2. Essential Planning Tips for Your Vietnam Itinerary
2.1 Entry & Exit Points
- Airports: Hanoi (HAN), Da Nang (DAD), Ho Chi Minh City (SGN).
- Strategy: Fly into one city and depart from another—e.g., HAN → SGN—for a true point-to-point Vietnam itinerary.
2.2 Visa & Entry Requirements
- E-Visa: 30-day, single entry online application.
- Visa-On-Arrival: Requires pre-approval letter; process at SGN or HAN.
- Timing: Apply at least 4 weeks before travel.
2.3 Domestic Transport
- Budget Airlines: VietJet, Bamboo Airways, Vietnam Airlines; flash-sale tickets as low as US$25.
- Trains: Reunification Express (Hanoi ↔ Saigon); soft-sleeper and hard-sleeper berths.
- Overnight Buses: Sleeper coaches for central and southern routes—book via 12Go Asia or Baolau.
- Motorbike Rentals: Ideal in Sapa, Dalat, and Hoi An (US$7–12/day). Always inspect and carry basic repair tools.
2.4 Season & Weather
| Region | Best Months | Notes |
| North | Mar–May, Sep–Nov | Spring blooms, autumn foliage |
| Central | Feb–Aug | Beach season; avoid typhoons Sep–Nov |
| South | Dec–Apr | Dry season; ideal for Mekong & islands |
- Peak (Dec–Feb): Festive Tet atmosphere, high prices.
- Shoulder (Mar–May, Sep–Oct): Good weather, moderate crowds.
- Low (Jun–Aug): Hot, humid, but deals on coastal stays.
2.5 Daily Budget Estimates
- Backpacker: US$30–40/day
- Mid-Range: US$70–100/day
- Comfort: US$150+/day
2.6 Connectivity
- Local SIM: Viettel/Vinaphone at airports (US$5–10 for 5–10 GB).
- Apps: Grab (ride-hail), Maps.me (offline maps), XE Currency.
3. Sample Vietnam Itineraries
3.1 10-Day Vietnam Itinerary
| Day | Location | Highlights |
| 1–2 | Hanoi | Old Quarter, Hoàn Kiếm Lake, Temple of Literature, water-puppets |
| 3 | Hạ Long Bay | Overnight junk cruise, Sung Sot Cave, kayaking |
| 4 | Ninh Bình | Tam Cốc boat ride, Bích Động Pagoda, cycling rice paddies |
| 5 | Fly to Huế | Perfume River cruise, Thien Mu Pagoda |
| 6 | Huế | Imperial Citadel, royal tombs |
| 7–8 | Da Nang & Hội An | Marble Mountains, My Khe Beach; lantern-lit Old Town |
| 9 | Fly to HCMC | Reunification Palace, Notre-Dame Cathedral |
| 10 | Cu Chi Tunnels & Departure | Morning tunnels tour; evening flight home |
3.2 14-Day Vietnam Itinerary
Days 1–4: Follow Days 1–4 of 10-Day
| Day | Location | Highlights |
| 5 | Train to Huế | Scenic coastal route |
| 6 | Huế | As above |
| 7 | Transfer to Da Nang/Hội An | As above |
| 8 | Additional Hội An activities | Tra Que village, cooking class |
| 9 | Fly to Phong Nha | Paradise & Dark Caves; mud baths |
| 10 | Phong Nha adventure | Son Doong prep or day trek |
| 11 | Train to Đà Lạt | Overnight sleeper to Central Highlands |
| 12 | Đà Lạt | Waterfalls circuit, Crazy House |
| 13 | Coffee plantations & market | Farm tour, night market stroll |
| 14 | Fly to HCMC/Departure | Final street-food crawl, evening flight |
3.3 21-Day Vietnam Itinerary
Week 1: North & Phong Nha
- Days 1–2: Hanoi
- Days 3–4: Hạ Long Bay & Ninh Bình
- Days 5–7: Phong Nha–Ke Bang exploration
Week 2: Central Coast & Highlands
- Day 8: Train to Huế
- Days 9–10: Huế & Imperial sites
- Days 11–12: Da Nang & Hoi An + Ba Na Hills
- Days 13–14: Transfer to Quy Nhơn; Eo Gió & Cham Towers
- Day 15: Bus to Nha Trang; mud baths & islands
Week 3: Southern Delights
- Day 16: Fly to Dalat; waterfalls & coffee farm
- Day 17: Dalat adventures; canyon swing
- Days 18–19: Fly to Phu Quoc; beach bliss & snorkeling
- Days 20–21: Mekong Delta cruise & floating markets; departure from HCMC
4. Transportation & Logistics
- Domestic Flights: Book 6–8 weeks out for best fares; use promo calendars.
- Trains: Reserve sleepers 4–6 weeks ahead on Baolau or Vietnam Railways.
- Buses: Sleeper coaches (e.g., TheSinhTourist, Phuong Trang) for budget intercity hops.
- Private Transfers: Ideal for multi-city loops (Hội An → Phong Nha → Huế).
- Motorbikes: Rent in Sapa, Dalat, Hoi An for local exploration; IDP recommended.
5. Accommodation Recommendations
| Tier | Hanoi | Hạ Long Bay | Hoi An | HCMC |
| Budget | US$10–20 hostel | US$25 bunk | US$15 dorm | US$8–15 dorm |
| Mid-Range | US$30–60 hotel | US$60–100 cabin | US$50 boutique | US$40–70 hotel |
| Luxury | US$100+ boutique | US$150+ cruise | US$120+ resort | US$100+ rooftop |
Booking Tip: Reserve 3–4 months in advance for peak (Tet, summer).
6. Budget & Money-Saving Strategies
| Style | Daily Budget (US$) |
| Backpacker | 30–40 |
| Mid-Range | 70–100 |
| Comfort | 150+ |
- Street-Food Meals: Under US$2 for pho, bánh mì, bún.
- Group Tours: Share costs for Mekong or Cu Chi day trips.
- SIM Packs: Viettel/Vinaphone US$5 for 5 GB data.
- ATMs: Widespread; small fees apply; carry US$50 in small notes for emergencies.
7. Packing Essentials for Your Vietnam Itinerary
- Luggage: 7–12 kg carry-on; 15–25 kg checked per domestic rules.
- Clothing:
- Quick-dry layers, sun protection (hat, UV shirt)
- Light rain jacket/poncho
- Modest outfits for temples
- Footwear:
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Hiking boots for Sapa/Phong Nha
- Sandals for beaches
- Electronics:
- Universal adapter (Type A/C)
- Power bank, phone with offline maps
- Health Kit:
- Insect repellent, sunscreen, basic first aid
- Prescriptions in original packaging
- Extras:
- Reusable water bottle, travel towel, daypack
8. Cultural Etiquette & Practical Advice
- Dress Modestly: Shoulders/knees covered at temples and homestays.
- Shoes Off: Remove footwear indoors and at pagodas.
- Greetings: Nod or slight bow; two-handed exchanges show respect.
- Dining: Share dishes, never stick chopsticks upright in rice.
- Photography: Ask permission, especially in ethnic-minority villages.
Craft Your Ideal Vietnam Itinerary
Whether you opt for the swift highlights of a 10-day Vietnam itinerary, the deeper dive of two weeks, or a full three-week odyssey, this guide arms you with:
- Step-by-step routes through north, central, and south
- Insider planning tips for visas, booking, and budgeting
- Packing lists to stay prepared across climates and activities
- Cultural dos and don’ts to travel respectfully
Bookmark this Vietnam itinerary as your go-to resource. With key bookings locked in, your route mapped out, and these expert tips at hand, you’re set to experience Vietnam’s majestic landscapes, rich history, and warm hospitality from the first snaking karsts of Hạ Long to the watery weave of the Mekong Delta. Safe travels and unforgettable adventures await!
See more post: Vietnam Visa on Arrival: Complete Guide to Application, Fees & Entry Tips
