26 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.

On the 7th (Thu), spend a fun day on foot with Walking tours. Next up on the itinerary: appreciate the extensive heritage of Old Quarter, steep yourself in history at Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, look for gifts at Tired City Dinh Tien Hoang, and enjoy some diversion at Authentic Bat Trang.

Before you visit Hanoi, use our trip planner to discover what you can do and see there.

Amsterdam, The Netherlands to Hanoi is an approximately 17.5-hour flight. Due to the time zone difference, you'll lose 6 hours traveling from Amsterdam to Hanoi. Cap off your sightseeing on the 9th (Sat) early enough to catch the flight 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.

On the 10th (Sun), take in the awesome beauty at U Bo Mountain (Nui U Bo) and then contemplate the waterfront views at Suoi Nuoc Mooc. On your second day here, indulge in some personalized pampering at Lemon Tree Nail & Spa and then get a dose of the wild on a nature and wildlife tour.

To find ratings, reviews, photos, and more tourist information, read Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park road trip planning site.

Getting from Hanoi to Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park by flight takes about 2.5 hours. Other options: drive; or take a bus. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 11th (Mon) so you can go by car 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 12th (Tue): admire the landmark architecture of Thien Mu Pagoda, then contemplate the long history of Imperial City, and then get where you need to go with Taxis & Shuttles. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the next day: surround yourself with nature on a nature and wildlife tour.

To find where to stay, ratings, photos, and more tourist information, use the Hue trip itinerary builder app.

Traveling by car from Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park to Hue takes 3 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train; or take a bus. In September, daytime highs in Hue are 38°C, while nighttime lows are 28°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 13th (Wed) to allow time to drive 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.

Step out of Hoi An with an excursion to Tran Thi Ly Bridge in Da Nang--about 52 minutes away. And it doesn't end there: indulge in some personalized pampering at some of the best spas, relax in the rural setting at Tra Que Minty Garden, cast your line with a fishing tour, and tour the pleasant surroundings at Cua Dai Beach.

To find reviews, traveler tips, ratings, and other tourist information, use the Hoi An road trip website.

Traveling by car from Hue to Hoi An takes 3 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or do a combination of train and taxi; or take a bus. In September, daily temperatures in Hoi An can reach 38°C, while at night they dip to 29°C. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 16th (Sat) so you can catch the flight to Da Lat.

While often referred to as "City of a Thousand Flowers," "City of a Thousand Pines," and "City of a Thousand Palms," you'd be right in thinking that numbers far greater than a thousand have given Da Lat its reputation as a fertile agricultural heartland.

Da Lat is known for sightseeing, nature, and historic sites. Your trip includes some of its best attractions: skim along the rocks with a canyoning and rapelling tour, take in the spiritual surroundings of Linh Phuoc Pagoda, get the adrenaline pumping with an extreme tour, and explore and take pictures at DL Nature's.

Inspirock's itinerary builder makes planning a Da Lat trip simple and quick.

Traveling by flight from Hoi An to Da Lat takes 3 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a bus. Finish your sightseeing early on the 19th (Tue) to allow enough time to drive to Phan Thiet.

An emerging coastal getaway, the city of Phan Thiet has always been known for its fishing industry and, in particular, as a center of fish sauce production.

Start off your visit on the 20th (Wed): take in the dramatic natural features at Red Sand Dunes, then stop by Princess Jewelry, then relax and rejuvenate at some of the best spas, and finally get engrossed in the history at Old Fishing Village 3D Museum.

For photos, more things to do, maps, and other tourist information, use the Phan Thiet online trip itinerary planner.

You can drive from Da Lat to Phan Thiet in 3.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a bus. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 20th (Wed) so you can go by car 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.

On the 22nd (Fri), spend an adventurous day with a kayaking and canoeing tour. And it doesn't end there: make a trip to Cu Chi Tunnels, browse the eclectic array of goods at Ben Thanh Market, indulge in some personalized pampering at some of the best spas, and get engrossed in the history at War Remnants Museum.

To find photos, reviews, ratings, and tourist information, use the Ho Chi Minh City day trip planner.

You can drive from Phan Thiet to Ho Chi Minh City in 3.5 hours. Other options are to take a train; or do a combination of taxi and flight. In September, daily temperatures in Ho Chi Minh City can reach 38°C, while at night they dip to 28°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 23rd (Sat) so you can fly to Duong To.

Get out of town with these interesting Duong To side-trips: An Thoi (Kim Quy Island & Bom Island).

To see photos, reviews, maps, and tourist information, you can read our Duong To road trip planning site.

Traveling by flight from Ho Chi Minh City to Duong To takes 3 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of car and ferry; or do a combination of bus, ferry, and taxi. Finish your sightseeing early on the 26th (Tue) so you can 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.

Kick off your visit on the 27th (Wed): get a new perspective on things with Boat Tours & Water Sports, then snap pictures at Pont Bai Chay, and then contemplate the waterfront views at Hạ Long Bay. Here are some ideas for day two: contemplate the waterfront views at Bai Tu Long Bay, step off the mainland to explore Hon Ga Choi Island, and then step off the mainland to explore Cat Ba Island.

To see photos, traveler tips, where to stay, and other tourist information, read Halong Bay online vacation planner.

Do a combination of flight and ferry from Duong To to Halong Bay in 8.5 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of flight and ferry; or do a combination of taxi, ferry, bus, train, and car; or do a combination of taxi, ferry, and bus. Finish your sightseeing early on the 29th (Fri) to allow enough time to travel back home.