Ten days is the right length for a first trip through Vietnam, flying between the north, centre and south.
Days 1–2: Hanoi
Explore the Old Quarter on foot, Hoan Kiem Lake, the Temple of Literature and the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum complex. In the evening, watch a water puppet show and try egg coffee.
Days 3–4: Ha Long Bay
Drive about two and a half hours to Ha Long Bay for an overnight cruise among the limestone islands, with kayaking, a cave visit and sunrise on deck. Choose a cruise into neighbouring Lan Ha Bay for quieter water.
Days 5–7: Hoi An
Fly to Da Nang and transfer to Hoi An. Wander the lantern-lit old town, take a cooking class, ride a basket boat and order tailored clothes on your first day so there is time for fittings. Visit the Golden Bridge at Ba Na Hills or the My Son ruins.
Days 8–9: Ho Chi Minh City
Fly to Ho Chi Minh City. Visit the Cu Chi Tunnels, the War Remnants Museum, the colonial post office and Ben Thanh Market. Take a day trip to the Mekong Delta.
Day 10: departure
Variations
- Mountains: add two nights in Sapa for rice-terrace treks.
- Beach finish: add three nights on Phu Quoc.
- Family: replace Saigon with extra beach time in Da Nang.
Food
Vietnamese food is light and herb-heavy. Vegetarian travellers can find options, especially at Buddhist vegetarian restaurants (look for "chay"), but it takes some planning. Tell us your dietary needs.
When to go
February to April suits the whole route. See Best time to visit Vietnam, from Hanoi to the Mekong.
More routes on our Cultural holidays page.
When to go
When to go
When to go
When to go