Vietnam is a country of fascinating natural beauty, a vibrant culture, and rich history, making it an ideal destination for travelers. However, deciding on the ideal length of stay can be overwhelming, given that travelers' preferences and schedules can differ. Let's explore some sample itineraries with various durations (from 1 week to 3 weeks) to help you decide on the perfect length of stay.
How Many Days Do You Need in Vietnam?
Ideally, you should spend about 2 weeks exploring the best of Vietnam without feeling rushed, from the north to the south. You can visit the main places such as Hanoi and Ha Long Bay in the north, Hoi An and Da Nang in the center, and Ho Chi Minh City and the Mekong Delta in the south.
A 3-week or more itinerary allows you to explore Vietnam more thoroughly while also providing enough time to relax and enjoy the beaches. You can add some other less-frequented destinations such as Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park and Da Lat.
If you only have one week, you can consider visiting one region to explore it leisurely, such as northern Vietnam, central Vietnam, or southern Vietnam.
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Vietnam Itinerary: 1 Week
Although one week may not seem like a lot of time, it is still enough to explore some of Vietnam's top attractions. To make the most of your limited time, it's recommended that you focus on one region of Vietnam. By doing so, you'll be able to immerse yourself in the highlights of that area and enjoy a more leisurely pace.
1 Week in Northern Vietnam
Northern Vietnam is a popular destination, attracting visitors with its rich cultural heritage, stunning natural scenery, and outdoor activities. One week offers an excellent opportunity for you to experience some of the region's best destinations, including Hanoi, Ninh Binh, Mai Chau, and Ha Long Bay.
You can spend 1–2 days in Hanoi to explore the city's vibrant and bustling streets in an authentic way. For example, hopping on a cyclo (a local rickshaw), spending a day in Ninh Binh to enjoy its picturesque karst scenery on a leisurely rowing boat, and then spending 1 or 2 days in Mai Chau to explore a valley by bike or by hiking across it before heading to Ha Long Bay for the most iconic natural landscapes of Vietnam.
Discover the details about the 6 –7 days Northern Vietnam Discovery Tour, or more northern Vietnam private tailor-made tours.
1 Week in Central Vietnam
You can opt to explore central Vietnam, which offers beautiful beaches, charming towns, and historical sites.
You can start your trip in Hoi An, a town renowned for its beautifully preserved ancient town, colorful lanterns, and delicious cuisine. You can also extend your stay and visit the nearby beach towns of Da Nang.
After leaving Hoi An, you can head north to Hue and explore the Imperial City, royal tombs, and other historical sites. You can also explore the nearby area of Dong Hoi with its magnificent Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park and its stunning caves.
See our hand-picked central Vietnam sample itineraries, which can be tailor-made based on your interests.
1 Week in Southern Vietnam
You can also consider southern Vietnam, which is known for its vibrant and bustling cities, stunning beaches, and the fertile Mekong Delta.
You can explore Ho Chi Minh City where you can visit famous landmarks, such as Ben Thanh Market, the War Remnants Museum, and the Cu Chi Tunnels. Later, you can head to the Mekong Delta to explore the floating markets, rice paddies, and lush natural scenery.
See our popular southern Vietnam tours. Or get inspiration from our page: 7 Days in Vietnam: 6 Best Itinerary Ideas.
A private tour is a fantastic way to make the most of your time. We can help you prioritize your interests and create an itinerary that fits your schedule and preferences. Contact us to tailor-make a unique tour for you.
Vietnam Itinerary: 10-12 Days
With 10-12 days in Vietnam, you can explore the highlights of Vietnam, from north to south.
Our well-planned itinerary will guide you through some of the most iconic and beautiful destinations in the country, starting from the northern capital city of Hanoi and the nearby Ha Long Bay, moving down to the charming ancient town of Hoi An, then to the southern metropolitan area of Ho Chi Minh City (formerly known as Saigon), and finally to the serene and fertile region of the Mekong Delta. This is an excellent choice for first-timers.
A sample 10-day Vietnam itinerary:
Days 1–2: Hanoi (city tour with an Old Quarter cyclo ride)
Day 3: Ha Long Bay (leisurely cruise, kayaking, swimming)
Day 4: Ha Long Bay – Hanoi – Da Nang – Hoi An
Day 5: Hoi An (a foodie tour, a round-basket boat ride)
Days 6–7: Ho Chi Minh City (city highlights, the Cu Chi Tunnels tour)
Days 8–9: The Mekong Delta (a leisurely sampan ride, floating market)
Day 10: Departure
Check out the detailed itinerary: 10-Day Best of Vietnam with the Mekong Delta. Contact us if you want to make some adjustments or have any questions.
If you are interested in ethnic minority cultures, you can extend your trip to visit north Sapa. If you want to admire more natural wonders, you can consider Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park in central Vietnam. See more itinerary options on our page: 10-12 Days in Vietnam.
Vietnam Itinerary: 2 weeks
In general, 2 weeks is a good length of time for a Vietnam trip. It's long enough that you don't need to rush but short enough that you don't get burnt out.
A 2-week travel itinerary for Vietnam is designed in a way to give you enough time to explore the top attractions and experience different travel styles. For example, cruising along Ha Long Bay, exploring a floating market, cycling through the picturesque villages, and enjoying a cooking experience. It also gives you the opportunity to relax and spend quality time together as a family/couple while discovering this magical country.
Here is a sample itinerary for your inspiration:
Days 1–2: Hanoi (city tour with an Old Quarter cyclo ride)
Day 3: Ninh Binh (a leisurely rowing boat ride to see picturesque karst scenery)
Days 4–5: Ha Long Bay (an overnight cruise to see unspoiled isles, kayaking)
Days 6–7: Ho Chi Minh City (city highlights, the Cu Chi Tunnels tour)
Days 8–9: The Mekong Delta (a leisurely sampan ride, floating market)
Days 10–11: Hoi An (a foodie tour, a round-basket boat ride, and a farming and fishing experience)
Days 12–13: Da Nang (leisurely beach time)
Day 14: Departure
This itinerary is a mix of cultural experiences, outdoor adventures, and relaxation. It is perfect for families with teenagers. Learn the detailed itinerary.
If you are traveling with your partner to celebrate your anniversary or other milestone, an itinerary that covers Phu Quoc Island can be a great option. See more well-planned 2-week itinerary options.
Vietnam Itinerary: 3 weeks or More
A 3-week itinerary allows you to explore Vietnam more thoroughly, from north to south, while also providing enough time to relax and enjoy the beaches. You can add some other less-frequented destinations, such as Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, Nha Trang, and Da Lat. This duration provides ample time to take things slowly and spend some downtime in the beautiful coastal regions.
If you want to have an itinerary for the entirety of Vietnam, you can spend roughly one week in each region — the north, the central coast, and the south.
Here is a sample itinerary for your inspiration:
Week 1 in northern Vietnam: Hanoi – Sapa – Ninh Binh – Ha Long Bay
Week 2 in the central coast: Hue – Da Nang – Hoi An
Week 3 in southern Vietnam: Nha Trang – Da Lat – Ho Chi Minh City – Mekong Delta
If you are adventure-seekers, you can spend several days in Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park to see the world's biggest cave.
It is also possible to extend your trip from the Mekong Delta to Cambodia with a luxurious Mekong cruise.
If you have more time, you can consider a tour combining Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam, e.g. 19-Day Highlights of Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam.
Contact us for more recommendations and suggestions. Travel with us to enjoy a comfortable and flexible private tour.
Tailor-Making a Vietnam Tour for You
Whether you want to plan a family trip or a couple's trip, we can tailor it to suit you based on the length of your vacation and your interests. We know exactly what you need because we have created over 10,000 big trips for insightful travelers, mostly for families and couples.
Get Inspired with Some Popular Itineraries
At Asia Highlights, we create your kind of journey — your dates, your destinations, at your pace. You can have any trip tailor made for your travel.
