13 days in Vietnam Itinerary

The capital of Vietnam, Hanoi has bounded back from the effects of war, and today serves as a bustling commercial and cultural hub bursting at the seams.

Eschew the tourist crowds and head to Ho Chi Minh's Stilt House and Thanh Chuong's Viet Palace. Deepen your sense of the past at sights like Phu Tay Ho and Ambassador's Pagoda (Chua Quan Su). There's lots more to do: look for gifts at Tired City Dinh Tien Hoang, take in the spiritual surroundings of Pho Linh Temple, indulge in some personalized pampering at La Belle Vie Spa, and pause for some serene contemplation at Hanoi Evangelical Church.

To see where to stay, other places to visit, traveler tips, and more tourist information, read Hanoi trip maker tool.

Use the Route module to find travel options from your starting location to Hanoi. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 2nd (Sun) early enough to travel to Halong Bay.

Halong Bay encompasses a cluster of verdant limestone islets that jut out from the sea and make up an enchanting setting recognized as a World Heritage Site.

Start off your visit on the 3rd (Mon): explore the fascinating underground world of Tien Ong Cave, step off the mainland to explore Soi Sim Island, and then head off the coast to Hon Ga Choi Island.

To see where to stay, ratings, and more tourist information, read our Halong Bay day trip planner.

Do a combination of bus and ferry from Hanoi to Halong Bay in 5 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of train, car, and ferry; or do a combination of bus, flight, and ferry. Wrap up your sightseeing by early afternoon on the 3rd (Mon) to allow time for travel to Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park.

Marked by underground rivers, famous caves, limestone cliffs, and tropical rainforests, Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park wows visitors with a spectacular range of landscapes and wildlife.

Kick off your visit on the 4th (Tue): relax and rejuvenate at Magic Fingers and then identify plant and animal life at Wildlife Areas. Here are some ideas for day two: find something for the whole family at Bong Lai Rattan House.

To find other places to visit, reviews, photos, and more tourist information, read Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park trip itinerary planner.

Traveling by combination of ferry and flight from Halong Bay to Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park takes 11.5 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of ferry and flight; or do a combination of ferry, car, and train; or do a combination of ferry, bus, and train. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 5th (Wed) to allow time to drive to Hue.

Nestled on the banks of the Perfume River, the city of Hue remains most famous as the former home of the Nguyen Dynasty, the influence of which remains evident in local palaces, temples, forts, and museums.

Kick off your visit on the 6th (Thu): sample some tasty brews at a beer tour and tasting, then explore the historical opulence of Thai Hoa Palace, and then contemplate the long history of Imperial Tomb of Dong Khanh.

For more things to do, maps, traveler tips, and more tourist information, read Hue trip planning app.

You can drive from Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park to Hue in 3 hours. Other options are to take a train; or take a bus. October in Hue sees daily highs of 34°C and lows of 26°C at night. Cap off your sightseeing on the 6th (Thu) early enough to go by car to Hoi An.

Indisputably one of Vietnam's most atmospheric destinations, Hoi An contains a World Heritage-listed old town boasting over 2,000 years of culture and history.

On the 7th (Fri), take in the spiritual surroundings of Phac Hat Pagoda, steep yourself in history at Cantonese Assembly Hall, then steep yourself in history at Fukian Assembly Hall (Phuc Kien), and finally get in on the family fun at Hoi An Memories Land. Keep things going the next day: relax and rejuvenate at some of the top local wellness centers, then admire the natural beauty at Jack's Cat Cafe, and then look for gifts at Da Bao Real Leather.

For reviews, ratings, photos, and more tourist information, refer to the Hoi An trip itinerary builder app.

Traveling by car from Hue to Hoi An takes 3 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of train and taxi; or take a bus. October in Hoi An sees daily highs of 35°C and lows of 28°C at night. Cap off your sightseeing on the 8th (Sat) early enough to catch the flight to Ho Chi Minh City.

Formerly known in the West as Saigon and affectionately referred to as the "Pearl of the Far East," Ho Chi Minh City is a study of old and new, woven and piled together in a fast-paced urban hub.

You'll explore the less-touristy side of things at Ba Thien Hau Temple and Catholic Church Huyen Sy. Popular historic sites such as Nha tho Da Minh and People's Committee Building are in your itinerary. There's still lots to do: stroll around Tao Dan Park, look for gifts at Thuy Design House, relax and rejuvenate at some of the best spas, and wander the streets of Ho Chi Minh City's Book Street.

For maps, more things to do, reviews, and more tourist information, read Ho Chi Minh City trip itinerary planner.

Getting from Hoi An to Ho Chi Minh City by flight takes about 3.5 hours. Other options: drive; or do a combination of bus and train. In October in Ho Chi Minh City, expect temperatures between 38°C during the day and 28°C at night. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 11th (Tue) so you can catch the flight to Duong Dong.

A holiday in Duong Dong offers cultural diversity, great nature experiences, and a variety of educational and kid-friendly attractions.

Kick off your visit on the 12th (Wed): indulge in some personalized pampering at Tranquility Spa, see some colorful creatures with Green Hat Holiday, then look for gifts at Sava Coffee Shop, and finally indulge your taste buds at Beer Fridge.

To find ratings, reviews, traveler tips, and more tourist information, read Duong Dong trip itinerary planning website.

Traveling by flight from Ho Chi Minh City to Duong Dong takes 3 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of car and ferry; or do a combination of bus and ferry. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 12th (Wed) so you can travel back home.