Vietnam is a beautiful country located in Southeast Asia, known for its stunning landscapes, rich culture, and delicious food. With so much to see and do, it can be overwhelming to plan a trip to Vietnam, especially when it comes to deciding how long to stay. In this blog post, we will provide you with a suggested itinerary for Vietnam, breaking down the ideal amount of time to spend in this amazing country.
How Long to Spend in Vietnam?
The answer to this question depends on your personal preferences, budget, and travel style. Some travelers may only have a few days to spare, while others may have several weeks or even months to explore Vietnam. To help you plan your trip, we have broken down the ideal amount of time to spend in Vietnam based on different durations.
Vietnam in 3 days
If you only have 3 days in Vietnam, we recommend focusing on one specific region rather than trying to cover too much ground. The most popular destinations for a short trip to Vietnam are Hanoi, Halong Bay, and Ho Chi Minh City.
Hanoi (1 day)
Hanoi, the capital city of Vietnam, is a bustling metropolis filled with history, culture, and delicious street food. One day in Hanoi is enough to get a taste of the city’s charm. Start your day by visiting the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, where you can pay your respects to the former leader of Vietnam. Next, head to the Temple of Literature, a peaceful complex that was once Vietnam’s first university. In the afternoon, take a stroll around the Old Quarter, known for its narrow streets, traditional architecture, and vibrant markets. End your day with a bowl of pho, a popular Vietnamese noodle soup, at one of the many street food stalls.
Halong Bay (2 days)
Halong Bay is a must-visit destination in Vietnam, known for its stunning limestone cliffs and emerald waters. To make the most of your 2 days in Halong Bay, we recommend taking an overnight cruise. These cruises typically include activities such as kayaking, swimming, and visiting local fishing villages. You can also enjoy delicious meals on board while taking in the breathtaking scenery.
Vietnam in 5-7 days
With 5-7 days in Vietnam, you can cover more ground and explore different regions of the country. In addition to Hanoi and Halong Bay, we recommend adding Hoi An and Hue to your itinerary.
Hoi An (2 days)
Hoi An is a charming town located on the central coast of Vietnam, known for its well-preserved ancient town and beautiful beaches. Spend a day exploring the old town, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and admire the mix of Chinese, Japanese, and European influences in the architecture. In the evening, take a lantern-lit boat ride along the Thu Bon River. On your second day, head to one of the nearby beaches, such as An Bang or Cua Dai, and relax on the golden sands.
Hue (2 days)
Hue, the former imperial capital of Vietnam, is a city rich in history and culture. Start your day by visiting the Imperial City, a complex of palaces, temples, and gardens that was once the home of the Nguyen Dynasty. Next, take a dragon boat ride along the Perfume River to visit the Thien Mu Pagoda, one of the oldest and most iconic pagodas in Vietnam. In the evening, don’t miss the chance to try some of Hue’s famous dishes, such as bun bo Hue (spicy beef noodle soup) and banh khoai (fried rice pancakes).
Vietnam in 10 days
With 10 days in Vietnam, you can cover all the must-visit destinations and have a more in-depth experience. In addition to the places mentioned above, we recommend adding Ninh Binh, Sapa, and Mekong Delta to your itinerary.
Ninh Binh (2 days)
Ninh Binh is a province located in northern Vietnam, known for its stunning natural landscapes and ancient temples. Spend a day exploring Trang An, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its boat rides through caves and limestone cliffs. On your second day, visit the Bai Dinh Pagoda, the largest Buddhist complex in Southeast Asia, and take a bike ride through the countryside to see the local way of life.
Sapa (3 days)
Sapa is a mountainous town in northern Vietnam, known for its breathtaking scenery and vibrant hill tribe cultures. Take an overnight train from Hanoi to Sapa and spend the first day trekking through the rice terraces and visiting local villages. On your second day, hike to the top of Fansipan, the highest peak in Indochina, for stunning views. End your trip with a relaxing day at a homestay, where you can learn about the traditional customs and lifestyle of the ethnic minority groups in the area.
Mekong Delta (2 days)
The Mekong Delta is a vast network of rivers and canals in southern Vietnam, known for its fertile land and floating markets. Take a boat ride along the Mekong River and visit local villages to see how people live and work on the water. You can also try some delicious tropical fruits and seafood at the floating markets. Spend the night at a homestay to get a taste of the local way of life.
Vietnam in 2 weeks
With 2 weeks in Vietnam, you can have a more comprehensive experience and explore some off-the-beaten-path destinations. In addition to the places mentioned above, we recommend adding Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park and Da Lat to your itinerary.
Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park (3 days)
Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in central Vietnam, known for its stunning caves and karst mountains. Spend a day exploring the famous Paradise Cave and Dark Cave, where you can swim, zipline, and kayak. On your second day, take a boat ride through the Phong Nha Cave, one of the longest wet caves in the world. End your trip with a visit to the Botanical Garden, where you can see a variety of flora and fauna.
Da Lat (3 days)
Da Lat is a charming town located in the Central Highlands of Vietnam, known for its cool climate, beautiful lakes, and French colonial architecture. Spend a day exploring the city’s main attractions, such as the Crazy House, Bao Dai Summer Palace, and Xuan Huong Lake. On your second day, take a bike tour to the countryside and visit local farms and villages. End your trip with a hike to Lang Biang Mountain for stunning views of the surrounding area.
Vietnam in 3 weeks
With 3 weeks in Vietnam, you can have a more relaxed pace and explore even more destinations. In addition to the places mentioned above, we recommend adding Phu Quoc Island, Con Dao Island, and Ha Giang to your itinerary.
Phu Quoc Island (3 days)
Phu Quoc Island is a tropical paradise located in the Gulf of Thailand, known for its white sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters. Spend your days relaxing on the beach, snorkeling or diving in the surrounding waters, and trying some delicious seafood at the night market.
Con Dao Island (3 days)
Con Dao Island is a hidden gem located off the southern coast of Vietnam, known for its pristine beaches and untouched nature. Spend your days exploring the island’s many beaches, hiking through the national park, and learning about the island’s dark history at the Con Dao Prison.
Ha Giang (4 days)
Ha Giang is a mountainous province located in northern Vietnam, known for its stunning landscapes and ethnic minority cultures. Take a motorbike tour through the winding roads and valleys, stopping at local villages along the way to learn about the traditional customs and lifestyle of the people living there. End your trip with a visit to the Dong Van Karst Plateau, a UNESCO Global Geopark with breathtaking views.
Vietnam in more than 4 weeks
If you have more than 4 weeks to spend in Vietnam, the possibilities are endless. You can add even more destinations to your itinerary, such as Cat Ba Island, Nha Trang, and Dalat. You can also take your time in each place and truly immerse yourself in the culture and way of life.
Time-saving Tips
To make the most of your time in Vietnam, here are some tips to help you save time:
- Book flights or overnight trains between destinations to save travel time.
- Use a reputable tour company for activities and tours to avoid wasting time planning and navigating on your own.
- Consider hiring a private driver or joining a group tour for longer journeys to save time and hassle.
- Plan your itinerary based on the locations you want to visit rather than trying to cover too much ground in one day.
In conclusion, the ideal amount of time to spend in Vietnam depends on your personal preferences and travel style. With this suggested itinerary, you can plan your trip to Vietnam based on the duration of your stay and the destinations you want to visit. Whether you have a few days or several weeks, Vietnam has something for everyone, and we hope this blog post has helped you plan your perfect trip. Happy travels!
