Vietnam Travel Guide: 15-Day Itinerary from North to South
Vietnam is home to mountains and islands. With a history marked by wars, its people have learned to live through adversity. This is Vietnam—a country that evokes extreme emotions, offers the best culinary experience in Southeast Asia, and has been growing rapidly since its reunification.
15-DAY VIETNAM ITINERARY
Our 15-day itinerary in Vietnam was carefully crafted, exploring the best each city has to offer. The entire itinerary can be done by bus or with a local agency. In 2015, we did it on our own, booking individual tours, and in 2023, we took a package with the agency Mundo Ásia at the beginning of the year, and later returned to do more activities independently.
2 DAYS IN HANOI
Hanoi is intense! It’s where you feel the essence of Vietnam amid the chaos of the city. Everything comes together in the Old Quarter, with its motorbikes, persistent honking, fruit stalls, and small stools occupying the narrow sidewalks where locals have lunch.
Hanoi is the capital of Vietnam and also the main gateway to Halong Bay, Ninh Binh, and Sapa. It’s a modern city that preserves its history well in the old town. We spent a full day in Hanoi and three late afternoons there, as we traveled to and from Sapa and Ninh Binh.
The main attractions in Hanoi are: Old Quarter, Hoan Kiem Lake, Tran Quoc Pagoda, Temple of Literature, Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, One Pillar Pagoda, Train Street, Beer Street, and Dong Xuan Market.
Getting in and out: We arrived by plane from Thailand. There are flights to the main cities in the country, as well as trains and buses.
Read also: [What to Do in Hanoi: 15 Main Attractions] | [Tran Quoc Pagoda: The Oldest Place in Hanoi]
2 DAYS IN SAPA
Sapa is a mountain town surrounded by rice terraces and home to ethnic minority villages. It’s where you’ll find Fansipan Mountain, the highest in Vietnam, at 3,143 meters above sea level, known as the “Roof of Indochina.”
The main attractions in Sapa are: trekking through villages among rice terraces in Lao Chai and Ta Van, visiting Cat Cat waterfall, Stone Church, Sapa Market, taking the cable car up Fansipan Mountain, and enjoying a therapeutic herbal bath in Ta Phin.
Getting in and out: We arrived by overnight train, the Chapa Express from Hanoi, and returned to Hanoi by Limousine bus, a more comfortable van.
Read also: [What to Do in Sapa: 10 Main Attractions] | [What to Do in Cat Cat, Sapa] | [Trekking in Sapa: Lao Chai and Ta Van, Vietnam] | [What to Do in Ta Phin, Sapa] | [Sapa Stone Church] | [Sapa Market in Vietnam]
2 DAYS IN NINH BINH
Ninh Binh is surrounded by mountains and rivers. This small natural paradise near Hanoi is still underexplored by foreigners, despite its beauty and historical significance. It’s home to the ancient northern capital of Vietnam, Hoa Lu, as well as other sacred, well-preserved sites.
The main attractions in Ninh Binh are: Hoa Lu Ancient City, Hang Mua Cave, boat trip in Tam Coc, Thai Vi Temple, Bich Dong Pagoda, boat trip in Trang An, and Bai Dinh Pagoda.
Getting in and out: We arrived and left by car from Hanoi, as we did a private tour. There are buses to Tam Coc and day tours available.
Read also: [What to Do in Ninh Binh: 10 Main Attractions] | [Ninh Binh Itinerary: 2 Days]
2 DAYS IN HALONG BAY
Halong Bay is the most beautiful and sought-after place in Vietnam. The hundreds of islands are made of limestone in various shapes and sizes, with dense vegetation that has formed over millennia in the green waters. There are several tour options, but the most interesting one is the 2-day, 1-night cruise with everything included.
The main attractions in Halong Bay are: sailing among the islands, visiting the floating pearl farm, kayaking, hiking to the top of TiTop Island, enjoying the beach on the island, exploring the largest cave in the region, squid fishing at night, and practicing Tai Chi at sunrise.
Getting in and out: We arrived and left by bus from Hanoi. On the way back, we went directly to the airport, where we caught a flight to Da Nang. From Hanoi, there are flights to Hue and Da Nang, and buses to both cities as well.
Read also: [What Is the Halong Bay Tour Like in Vietnam?]
1 DAY IN HUE
Hue is known as the “Imperial City” because it was the capital and city of the last dynasty of Vietnam. Its construction is full of symbolism, as everything is related to the cardinal directions and the five elements of nature.
Divided by the Perfume River, Hue is home to the Imperial City, a walled citadel built following the models of Beijing’s Forbidden City in China. It is also known as the city with the most rainy days in Vietnam, with an average of 162 rainy days per year.
The main attractions in Hue are: Imperial City, Khai Dinh Royal Tomb, Emperor Minh Mang Mausoleum, Thien Mu Pagoda, Hai Van Pass Road, Perfume River, Dong Ba Market, and Incense Street.
Getting in and out: We arrived from Da Nang by bus and flew out to Ho Chi Minh. There are buses from Da Nang and Hoi An, as well as day tours available.
Read also: [What to Do in Hue: 8 Main Attractions]
1 DAY IN DA NANG
Da Nang is the third-largest city in Vietnam. Located in the central region, it is modern and home to one of the most beautiful beaches in the country, My Khe Beach. It’s a great city for water sports.
Da Nang is also home to Ba Na Hills, a theme park inspired by Europe, and one of Vietnam’s most visited attractions: the Golden Bridge, also known as the Hands Bridge.
The main attractions in Da Nang are: Golden Bridge, Linh Ung Pagoda, Phap Lam Pagoda, the beaches, Dragon Bridge, Cham Museum, Da Nang Cathedral, and Con Market.
Getting in and out: We arrived by plane from Hanoi, left for Hoi An by bus, and also traveled to Hue by bus. It’s possible to fly in from Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh. There are vans to Hoi An and buses to Hue and Nha Trang.
Read also: [What to Do in Da Nang: 12 Must-See Attractions]
1 DAY IN HOI AN
The city of Hoi An is a blend of Vietnamese, Chinese, and Japanese influences from the time when it was the most important commercial port in Southeast Asia, between the 17th and 19th centuries. Today, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the favorite destinations for honeymooners.
Hoi An is the most unique city in Vietnam, despite its small size, bringing together temples, pagodas, and ancient houses. Its fame comes from its tailors, who make wonderful garments at very affordable prices.
The main attractions in Hoi An are: Japanese Bridge, the beaches, boat tours, lanterns, Sa Huynh Culture Museum, Phung Hung House, Tan Ky House, Quang Dong Assembly Hall, and the local cuisine, especially Cao Lau, the city’s signature dish.
Getting in and out: We arrived by plane in Da Nang from Hanoi, then took a bus from Da Nang to Hoi An and left for Hue by bus. There are also buses to Nha Trang. The closest airport is in Da Nang.
Read also: [What to Do in Hoi An, Vietnam: 12 Must-See Attractions]
4 DAYS IN HO CHI MINH CITY, FORMERLY SAIGON
Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) is the second-largest city in Vietnam. It’s the most modern and Westernized. It’s also one of the cities in the world with the most motorcycles—almost one for each of its 8 million inhabitants.
The entire city is easy to explore on foot, with the main attractions located close to each other. However, the central area is quite different from the other neighborhoods. The city is divided into New Ho Chi Minh and Old Saigon, and there are many interesting tours to discover these regions.
The main attractions in Ho Chi Minh City are: Reunification Palace, Notre-Dame Cathedral, Central Post Office, Opera House, War Remnants Museum, Ben Thanh Market, Emperor Jade Pagoda, Chinatown, Cu Chi Tunnels, and a boat tour through the Mekong Delta.
Getting in and out: We arrived by plane from Hue, but there are direct flights to all major cities, as well as buses to Nha Trang, Rach Gia (Phu Quoc), and Cambodia.
Read also: [What to Do in Ho Chi Minh: 18 Attractions and Tours] | [Bike Tour in Ho Chi Minh: Mr. Biker Saigon]
OTHER IMPORTANT CITIES YOU CAN INCLUDE IN YOUR VIETNAM ITINERARY:
1 DAY IN NHA TRANG
Nha Trang is considered one of the country’s most important tourist hubs due to its white sand, clean water, and mild temperatures year-round. Nha Trang has a long 6km coastline lined with palm trees, and it’s surrounded by beautiful mountain silhouettes that stand out at every sunset.
The main attractions in Nha Trang are: Vinpearl Water Park (accessible by cable car), Nha Trang Market, Po Nagar Temple, Nha Trang Cathedral, Long Son Pagoda, and Huong Tram Pink Tower.
Getting in and out: There is an airport in the city, and buses come from Ho Chi Minh and Hoi An.
Read also: [What to Do in Nha Trang: 7 Main Attractions]
2 DAYS IN PHU QUOC
Phu Quoc has white sandy beaches, turquoise waters, mountains, and waterfalls. The island is located near Cambodia’s coast in the Gulf of Thailand.
The main attractions in Phu Quoc are: Ham Ninh Fishing Village, Suoi Tranh Waterfall, Sao Beach, Phu Quoc Cable Car, Duong Dong Night Market, and island tours.
Getting in and out: There are flights between Ho Chi Minh and Phu Quoc, as well as buses from Ho Chi Minh to Rach Gia, followed by a ferry to Phu Quoc. There are also direct flights from Singapore.
OUR 15-DAY VIETNAM ITINERARY
Our 15-day itinerary in Vietnam in 2015: Ho Chi Minh, Nha Trang, Hoi An, Hanoi, and Halong Bay.
Our 15-day itinerary in Vietnam in 2023: Hanoi, Sapa, Ninh Binh, Hanoi, Halong Bay, Hoi An, Da Nang, Hue, and Ho Chi Minh.
Read all our articles about Vietnam
TIPS FOR TRAVELING TO VIETNAM
HOW TO GET A VIETNAM VISA
Most travelers, including those from Europe and many other countries, need a visa to enter Vietnam. The e-visa is valid for 90 days and must be requested online through the official government website. When filling out the application, you must specify your entry and exit points. The visa will be valid from the date you provide, and you are required to enter the country through the point indicated in your application. For instance, if you select Ho Chi Minh City Airport as your point of entry but later change plans to enter by bus from Cambodia, your entry may be denied.
BEST TIME TO VISIT VIETNAM
It depends on where you’re going, as the rainy seasons vary. From April to October, it rains in the north and south (Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh). From September to December, it rains in the central region (Hoi An, Hue), sometimes even in January. In 2015, we went in January, and in 2023, we visited in March and again in July.
MONEY IN VIETNAM
Vietnam’s currency is the Dong. Only bring US dollars or euros. Currency exchange is done at exchange houses in city centers or banks. We opted to withdraw money using our Wise card and used it whenever possible. Read also: [Wise: How Does It Work? Is It Reliable?] Never use PayPal. Vietnam is notorious for PayPal scams, and if your account is accessed from there, it will likely be locked for an indefinite verification period. Read also: [Vietnam: 10 Things to Know Before Traveling]
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