How to Plan a Trip to Vietnam: Itinerary, Cost & Best Time 2025

Vietnam is a vibrant and diverse country with a rich history, beautiful landscapes, and delicious cuisine. Whether you are a foodie, nature lover, history buff, or adventurer, Vietnam has something special for you, no matter whether you are travelling with your kid(s) or just your husband/wife.

The following travel guide will help you plan your perfect trip to Vietnam, especially if this is your first trip!

1. Top Destinations for First-Timers

Hanoi + Halong Bay (3–4 days)

Start in Hanoi, the capital and cultural heart of Vietnam. A day is enough for the Old Quarter, Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, and the Temple of Literature. If you're with kids, don't miss the traditional water puppet show — we can even arrange a private one.

From Hanoi, head to Halong Bay. A 2–3 day cruise is much more relaxing for families or couples than a rushed day trip. For fewer crowds, choose a cruise that takes you to Bai Tu Long or Lan Ha Bay — same views, less busy.

Ho Chi Minh City + Mekong Delta (3–4 days)

Start in Ho Chi Minh City, where history meets modern hustle. Spend a day exploring the War Remnants Museum, Cu Chi Tunnels, and the bustling Ben Thanh Market. For a unique experience, take a boat ride through the Mekong Delta — it's a peaceful escape just 2–3 hours from the city.

If you have time, consider a Mekong overnight stay to catch the floating markets at dawn. It's a different pace from the city, and you'll get a chance to explore the region's waterways and local villages.

Beach Destinations (Danang, Nha Trang, Phu Quoc, 3–4 days)

If you're planning a beach break, these spots are top picks for both families and couples.

Danang and Nha Trang are easy to get to and pretty popular, so they can be a bit busy. But with dry, sunny weather from June to August, they're great for a summer family trip. Besides, Da Nang is a perfect combo with Hoi An (1 hour away) or Hue (2 hours away).

Phu Quoc, on the other hand, is best from November to April, making it a great winter or Christmas escape. It's a bit pricier to reach, which keeps it quieter and less developed. That calm, untouched vibe is perfect if you're a couple looking for something more peaceful.

Hoi An (2–3 days)

Hoi An is a charming ancient town with lantern-lit streets, centuries-old architecture, and a warm, laid-back vibe.

Families can dive into hands-on experiences like making traditional lanterns or biking through rice fields and farming & fishing like locals—it's both fun and meaningful. Couples will love the magical glow of the town at night, perfect for a peaceful walk and a candlelit dinner by the river.

Want something more offbeat?

• Sapa & Ha Giang (2–3 days): Both are northern gems with rice terraces and ethnic villages. Sapa stands out for its scenic hikes and more developed facilities, while Ha Giang is a quieter, more remote gem. The Ha Giang Loop tops the list of motorbike adventures through winding mountain roads.
• Phong Nha (3–7 days): As a paradise for adventurers, it's known for cave explorations and treks, with activities like abseiling, rope climbing, and even overnight stays in the cave.
• Hue (1–2 days): Step into history with Hue's UNESCO-listed Imperial City and the Vietnam War DMZ sites. For a scenic adventure, drive the Hai Van Pass road — one of Vietnam's most famous and beautiful routes, connecting Hue and Danang.

2. Decide How Many Days to Stay

8–10 days is the most popular choice, especially for first-time visitors. It gives you enough time to explore Vietnam's top highlights from north to south—Hanoi, Halong Bay, Hoi An, and Ho Chi Minh City. This also fits perfectly into a broader 2–3 week Southeast Asia journey. Many travelers combine Vietnam with Thailand or Cambodia.

If you only have 5–7 days, we suggest focusing on one region—Hanoi and Halong Bay in the north, Hoi An and Hue in the center, or Ho Chi Minh City and the Mekong Delta in the south—to avoid a rushed trip.

If you have 2–3 weeks, consider a slower-paced trip that includes less-touristy destinations, like Phong Nha, Ninh Binh, or the Central Highlands. It's a great way to dig deeper into Vietnam's local life and natural beauty.

3. Select the Best Travel Itinerary for Vietnam

To help you decide, we've picked two easy-to-follow sample routes based on what most of our travelers love.

• Go for the 10-day Vietnam itinerary if you want a well-paced, highlight-packed experience just within Vietnam.
• Pick the 2-week Southeast Asia itinerary if you want to check off top spots in Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam in one go.

Itinerary 1: Best 10-Day Vietnam Itinerary for Couples/Families

• Days 1–2: Hanoi
• Days 3–4: Halong Bay
• Days 5–6: Hoi An
• Days 7–8: Ho Chi Minh City
• Days 9–10: Mekong Delta and departure

This is one of our best-selling routes for couples and families who want a well-paced, no-regret Vietnam trip. You would explore the essentials — from Hanoi's old charm and Halong Bay's natural wonder to Hoi An's lantern-lit streets and the energy of Ho Chi Minh City. (Read further about the tour details.)

Want more beach time, a scenic hike in Sapa, or a cultural detour like Hue or Ninh Binh? Contact us to customize it!

Itinerary 2: 2-Week Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam Itinerary

• Days 1–2: Bangkok, Thailand
• Days 3–5: Chiang Mai, Thailand
• Days 6-8: Hanoi and Ha Long Bay cruise, Vietnam
• Day 9: Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
• Day 10: Mekong Delta, Vietnam
• Days 11–13: Siem Reap, Cambodia
• Day 14: Departure

This itinerary is perfect if you want to make the most of a long-haul trip by seeing Southeast Asia's greatest hits: the Grand Palace, Elephant Jungle Sanctuary in Thailand, Angkor Wat in Cambodia, and the Mekong Delta and Ha Long Bay in Vietnam. Interested in it? Check out the daily itinerary and price!

4. Consider Your Vietnam Trip Budget

Whether you're a couple looking for a romantic getaway or a family of four planning an adventure, here's an idea of what to expect in terms of budget.

If you're comparing with trips to Europe or Japan, Vietnam offers a similar level of experience at about 30–50% less cost.

For a private tour in Vietnam, you can anticipate a cost of approximately US$ 180–250 per person daily based on 4- or 5-star hotels (with a discount of 30-50% for children under 10). As a reference point, here's an approximate breakdown of expenses in Vietnam:

• Hotel: 20-30%, depending on the chosen hotel category.
• Transportation: 15-25%, varying with the number of flights included and the choice of vehicle type, which is determined by factors such as group size and travel preferences.
• Food: 10-15%.
• Attractions and activities: 15-20%, contingent on the selection of sights and whether unique experiential activities are chosen.
• Guide service and miscellaneous expenses: 10-15%.

Here are two itineraries with quotations for your reference:

• 10-Day Best of Vietnam with Mekong Delta: US$ 2,109 per person (based on 2 persons and 4-star hotels)
• 2-Week Vietnam Family Holiday ( from $2,199 per person)

Insider tips for saving: travel in the transitional months like May, September, and October for low-season prices in most regions, or book your tour one year before to negotiate some early-bird benefits. 

5. Decide When to Travel to Vietnam

Vietnam's weather varies a lot by region, but no matter when you go, you'll almost always find a sunny spot. For a smooth trip across the country, from North to South, the generally good time is November to April when the weather is stable in most regions.

If you're planning to stay in just one region for 5–7 days, the best windows are: South from November to February, Central from February to June, and North in late September to November or March to April. These months offer the most favorable weather (cool & dry) for outdoor adventures.

That said, a few months do call for a bit more planning:

• July to August in the North and September to October in the Central, when typhoons are possible.
• April in the South and July up North, when it gets really hot.
• Tet (Jan/Feb) and Christmas are festive but crowded and overpriced.

For a month-by-month breakdown, check out our guide to the Best & Worst Time to Visit Vietnam.

6. Getting To and Around Vietnam

Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City are Vietnam's main international gateways. For the best flight options and prices, most travelers from the US or Europe connect in hubs like Bangkok, Tokyo, Taipei, Hong Kong, or Shanghai.

When travelling around Vietnam, domestic flights are the most comfortable and time-saving option. Trains are scenic but slow — better suited for travelers with more time or who enjoy the journey itself. Sleeper buses and public buses are budget options, but slow and less convenient for non-local travelers.

In each region, a private transfer is the best option for enjoying more comfort and flexibility. In small towns like Hoi An or Hue, walking or cycling is a lovely way to explore as well. Motorbike rentals are popular, but not recommended unless you're experienced with chaotic traffic.

For hassle-free travel, book a private tour with us. We'll handle all your domestic flights, transfers, and airport pickups, so you can focus on enjoying your trip, not the logistics.

7. Check Out Vietnam's Visa Policy

Travelers from these regions do not need a visa for Vietnam:

• Europe: United Kingdom, Germany, France, Spain, Italy, Belarus, Denmark, Finland, Norway, Russia, Sweden, Poland, the Czech and Switzerland
• South and Middle America: Chile, Panama
• Asia: Japan, South Korea, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Singapore, Thailand, Kyrgyzstan, Philippines, Brunei

For all other destinations in Vietnam, you can apply for a Vietnam e-visa, which allows multiple entries for up to 90 days. The application process is online, the fee is about 25 USD for a single entry, and it typically takes 3 working days to process.

If you're traveling to Phu Quoc only, you can enter visa-free for up to 30 days, regardless of nationality.

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