55 days in Southeast Asia 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.

Discover out-of-the-way places like Fine Arts Museum (Bao Tang My Thuat) and Ancient House. You'll explore and learn at Hanoi Flag Tower and A Dong Art Gallery. The adventure continues: stop by Old Quarter, contemplate the waterfront views at Lake of the Restored Sword (Hoan Kiem Lake), examine the collection at Hanoi Police Museum, and take in the exciting artwork at Klimt Art Gallery.

For ratings, traveler tips, reviews, and tourist information, read our Hanoi tour itinerary tool.

Dublin, Ireland to Hanoi is an approximately 17-hour flight. You'll lose 7 hours traveling from Dublin to Hanoi due to the time zone difference. Finish your sightseeing early on the 15th (Sun) to allow enough time to drive to Sapa.

A hub of tourism in the country's northwestern mountainous region, Sapa represents home for a large number of ethnic minorities from the hill tribes of the region, and acts as a base for explorations of the surrounding area's wealth of natural sights.

Get outdoors at Love Waterfall and Deo Tram Ton. Get some cultural insight at Sapa Culture Museum and The Stone Church. Next up on the itinerary: hike along Si Trekking Sa Pa, look for gifts at Indigo Cat, take in the awesome beauty at Y Linh Ho, and visit Giang Ta Chai Village.

To find traveler tips and other tourist information, read our Sapa driving holiday site.

Drive from Hanoi to Sapa in 4 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus; or do a combination of train and bus. Finish your sightseeing early on the 17th (Tue) so you can drive to Hanoi.

To find photos, traveler tips, where to stay, and tourist information, you can read our Hanoi vacation builder tool.

Traveling by car from Sapa to Hanoi takes 4 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus; or do a combination of bus and train. You'll set off for Halong Bay on the 18th (Wed).

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 18th (Wed): relax and rejuvenate at Royal Spa, then get a new perspective on nature at Bảo Tàng Quảng Ninh, and then take a stroll through Cua Van Floating Village. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the 19th (Thu): explore the activities along Hạ Long Bay and then see what you can catch with a fishing tour.

To find ratings, traveler tips, maps, and other tourist information, read Halong Bay sightseeing app.

Getting from Hanoi to Halong Bay by combination of bus and ferry takes about 5 hours. Other options: 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 20th (Fri) to allow time for travel to Hanoi.

To see photos, ratings, other places to visit, and tourist information, read our Hanoi holiday planner.

Getting from Halong Bay to Hanoi by combination of ferry and bus takes about 5 hours. Other options: do a combination of ferry, car, and train; or do a combination of ferry, flight, and bus. You'll set off for Cat Ba on the 20th (Fri).

The largest of the islands in the south of the bay, Cat Ba offers a base for exploring the many limestone landmasses across the UNESCO-protected bay.

To find photos, where to stay, maps, and other tourist information, refer to the Cat Ba trip planner.

Getting from Hanoi to Cat Ba by bus takes about 4.5 hours. Other options: do a combination of car and ferry; or do a combination of bus and taxi. You'll set off for Ninh Binh on the 21st (Sat).

A fairly nondescript town, Ninh Binh acts as a base for explorations of the province of the same name, with the karst landscape and lush valleys that surround the town offering a wealth of scenic vistas of rice paddies and rugged rocks.

Start off your visit on the 22nd (Sun): get outside with Outdoor Activities, then indulge in some personalized pampering at Mai Spa, and then do some two-wheel cruising with Cheap Motorbike Rental in Ninh Binh.

To see ratings, more things to do, other places to visit, and more tourist information, read our Ninh Binh trip itinerary maker website.

Getting from Cat Ba to Ninh Binh by bus takes about 5 hours. Other options: do a combination of car and ferry; or do a combination of taxi and bus. Expect a daytime high around 23°C in January, and nighttime lows around 17°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 22nd (Sun) so you can 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.

On the 23rd (Mon), surround yourself with nature on a nature and wildlife tour and then indulge in some personalized pampering at Magic Fingers. On the 24th (Tue), you'll have a packed day of sightseeing: explore the fascinating underground world of Phong Nha Caves.

For photos, maps, more things to do, and tourist information, you can read our Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park online attractions planner.

You can do a combination of bus and flight from Ninh Binh to Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park in 5 hours. Other options are to drive; or take a train. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 25th (Wed) 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.

Your inner history buff will appreciate Imperial Tomb of Dong Khanh and Thien Mu Pagoda. Appreciate the collections at Le Ba Dang Art Museum and Diem Phung Thi Art Exhibition House. Spend the 27th (Fri) wandering through the wild on a nature and wildlife tour. The adventure continues: contemplate the long history of Imperial City and cast your line with Thanh Toan Eco Tours.

To see traveler tips, other places to visit, ratings, and tourist information, go to the Hue online vacation planner.

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 January in Hue, expect temperatures between 27°C during the day and 20°C at night. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 28th (Sat) so you can go by car to Da Nang.

A curious mix of developed beachfront tourism and untouched local city life, Da Nang presents an often-overlooked but authentic and welcoming picture of central Vietnam.

You'll explore and learn at 3D Museum Art in Paradise Danang and Da Nang Museum. Get in touch with nature at Son Tra Mountain and The Marble Mountains. Spend the 28th (Sat) wandering through the wild on a nature and wildlife tour. Next up on the itinerary: kick back and relax at Non Nuoc Beach, make a trip to Marian Shrine of the Lady of Tra Kieu, view the masterpieces at Vietnam Cultural Exchange, and indulge in some personalized pampering at some of the best spas.

For more things to do, other places to visit, reviews, and tourist information, read Da Nang trip planner.

Traveling by car from Hue to Da Nang takes 2 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus; or take a train. In January, daily temperatures in Da Nang can reach 29°C, while at night they dip to 22°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 30th (Mon) so you can 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.

Kick off your visit on the 31st (Tue): take in the exciting artwork at Precious Heritage by Rehahn, get a new perspective on things with Boat Tours & Water Sports, and then steep yourself in history at Fukian Assembly Hall (Phuc Kien). Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the next day: relax and rejuvenate at some of the best spas and then identify plant and animal life at Wildlife Areas.

For other places to visit and other tourist information, you can read our Hoi An trip maker site.

Traveling by car from Da Nang to Hoi An takes an hour. Alternatively, you can take a bus. In January, plan for daily highs up to 29°C, and evening lows to 22°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 1st (Wed) to allow enough time to drive to Quy Nhon.

Quy Nhơn is a coastal city in Bình Định Province in central Vietnam. Kick off your visit on the 2nd (Thu): examine the collection at Binh Dinh Museum, then take in the spiritual surroundings of Long Khanh Pagoda, and then explore the activities along Eo Gio. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the next day: stroll through Bai Xep Beach and then take in the awesome beauty at Nui Vung Chua Mountain.

For where to stay, more things to do, maps, and tourist information, read Quy Nhon trip itinerary planner.

Traveling by car from Hoi An to Quy Nhon takes 4 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of flight and taxi; or take a train. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 3rd (Fri) early enough to drive to Nha Trang.

On a vacation in Nha Trang, a famous Vietnam resort town, you can lounge on a beach all day and party into the night.

Kick off your visit on the 4th (Sat): take in the spiritual surroundings of Po Nagar Cham Towers and then kick back and relax at Nha Trang Beach.

To find photos, more things to do, reviews, and tourist information, you can read our Nha Trang online travel planner.

You can drive from Quy Nhon to Nha Trang in 3.5 hours. Other options are to take a bus; or take a train. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 4th (Sat) early enough 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.

On the 5th (Sun), tour the pleasant surroundings at Fairy Stream (Suoi Tien), tour the pleasant surroundings at Bai Da Ong Dia Beach, get engrossed in the history at Ho Chi Minh Museum, then get engrossed in the history at Old Fishing Village 3D Museum, and finally look for gifts at Hello Mui Ne Organik Farm.

To find more things to do, traveler tips, where to stay, and other tourist information, you can read our Phan Thiet online journey builder.

Traveling by car from Nha Trang to Phan Thiet takes 3.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus. Cap off your sightseeing on the 6th (Mon) early enough to go by car 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.

Take a break from the city and head to Nature & Wildlife Tours and Datanla High Rope Course. Get a sense of the local culture at Linh Son Pagoda and Lam Dong Museum. There's still lots to do: take an in-depth tour of Da Lat King Palace I, don't miss a visit to Lam Vien Square, soothe aching muscles at some of the top local wellness centers, and admire the masterpieces at Trickland 3D Museum.

To find ratings, photos, other places to visit, and tourist information, read our Da Lat trip itinerary planning app.

Traveling by bus from Phan Thiet to Da Lat takes 3.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a bus. Finish your sightseeing early on the 8th (Wed) so you can fly 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.

To see other places to visit, reviews, photos, and more tourist information, use the Ho Chi Minh City trip itinerary planner.

You can fly from Da Lat to Ho Chi Minh City in 3 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or do a combination of taxi and train. In February, daily temperatures in Ho Chi Minh City can reach 39°C, while at night they dip to 26°C. On the 9th (Thu), you'll travel to Siem Reap.

Once a small village in northwest Cambodia, Siem Reap now serves as a gateway to the Angkor region's World Heritage-listed temple and other attractions.

Deepen your sense of the past at sights like Angkor Wat and Angkor Thom. Ta Prohm and Preah Khan are good opportunities to explore the local culture. There's still lots to do: delve into the distant past at Bayon Temple, examine the collection at Cambodia Landmine Museum, contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Pre Rup, and get some thrills out on the water with ICF Wake Park.

For ratings, other places to visit, more things to do, and tourist information, go to the Siem Reap trip maker site.

Getting from Ho Chi Minh City to Siem Reap by flight takes about 5 hours. Other options: drive; or take a bus. In February in Siem Reap, expect temperatures between 38°C during the day and 26°C at night. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 13th (Mon) early enough to drive to Battambang.

The riverside city of Battambang draws visitors with its easy charm, rich culture, and convenient location close to a number of historical sites.

Start off your visit on the 13th (Mon): browse the exhibits of La Fabrik, then view the masterpieces at Human Gallery - Joseba Etxebarria Photography, and then relax and rejuvenate at some of the best spas. Here are some ideas for day two: get engrossed in the history at Cambodia Peace Gallery (Cambodia Peace Museum), then view the masterpieces at L'Atelier : Architecture Design, then explore the world behind art at Tep Kao Sol Loeum Lorn Gallery, and finally take in the exciting artwork at Sangker Gallery.

To find reviews, photos, other places to visit, and other tourist information, read Battambang driving holiday website.

Getting from Siem Reap to Battambang by car takes about 3.5 hours. Other options: take a bus. Finish your sightseeing early on the 15th (Wed) to allow enough time to drive to Phnom Penh.

On the confluence of two major rivers, Phnom Penh occupies a scenic location largely responsible for its nickname the "Charming City." On a trip to Phnom Penh you'll discover one of Asia's most dynamic cities, where the natives live much of their lives outdoors, on the streets, and in the bustling markets filled with scents of spicy foods.

Kick off your visit on the 15th (Wed): get a new perspective on things with Boat Tours & Water Sports. On the next day, steep yourself in history at Choeung Ek Genocidal Center, stop by Ginger & Grace, get engrossed in the history at Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, then take in the spiritual surroundings of Wat Phnom, and finally appreciate the history behind Independence Monument.

To find ratings, photos, and tourist information, go to the Phnom Penh tour planner.

You can drive from Battambang to Phnom Penh in 4.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus; or do a combination of bus and flight. In February, daytime highs in Phnom Penh are 38°C, while nighttime lows are 26°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 17th (Fri) to allow enough time to drive to Kampot.

The riverside town of Kampot mixes evocative colonial architecture and a wealth of nearby natural highlights.

Start off your visit on the 18th (Sat): boost your wellbeing at Nibi Spa, see the sights as you ascend with a climbing tour, then get engrossed in the history at La Plantation, and finally get engrossed in the history at Kampot Provincial Museum.

To find where to stay, ratings, traveler tips, and other tourist information, go to the Kampot vacation planning website.

Drive from Phnom Penh to Kampot in 2.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus; or take a train. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 18th (Sat) early enough to drive to Sihanoukville.

Sihanoukville, a relatively new city built around the country's first deepwater port, has been developing into a tourist destination in recent years.

Start off your visit on the 19th (Sun): stop by Samudera, get a new perspective on things with Boat Tours & Water Sports, and then enjoy the sand and surf at Hawai Beach.

To find ratings, other places to visit, traveler tips, and more tourist information, go to the Sihanoukville trip planner.

Traveling by car from Kampot to Sihanoukville takes 1.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a bus; or take a train. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 20th (Mon) early enough to ride a ferry to Koh Rong.

A slice of paradise in the Gulf of Thailand, the island of Koh Rong stands out as one of Cambodia's premier beachside escapes.

Eschew the tourist crowds and head to Coconut Beach and Sok San Beach. Escape the urban bustle at Long Set Beach and Scuba & Snorkeling. Next up on the itinerary: make a trip to Koh Rong and get to know the resident critters at Jungle zoo.

To see photos, other places to visit, reviews, and more tourist information, read our Koh Rong vacation planner.

Traveling by combination of taxi and ferry from Sihanoukville to Koh Rong takes 2.5 hours. Alternatively, you can ride a ferry. Wrap up your sightseeing by early afternoon on the 22nd (Wed) to allow enough time to ride a ferry to Sihanoukville.

You'll enjoy a bit of beach vacationing at Otres Beach and Ochheuteal Beach. Classic Car Showroom & Jewelry Boutique and Otres Art Studio will appeal to museum buffs. Spend the 24th (Fri) wandering through the wild on CS-Tours. See even more of Sihanoukville: kick back and relax at Serendipity Beach, contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Wat Krom Temple, cool off at Buddy Land Water Park, and see some colorful creatures with a scuba or snorkeling tour.

To see traveler tips, ratings, reviews, and tourist information, refer to the Sihanoukville trip planning website.

Getting from Koh Rong to Sihanoukville by combination of ferry and taxi takes about 2.5 hours. Other options: ride a ferry. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 27th (Mon) to allow time to drive to Ha Tien.

Hà Tiên is a district-level town in Kiên Giang Province, Mekong Delta of Vietnam. To see maps, where to stay, ratings, and tourist information, use the Ha Tien itinerary planner.

Traveling by car from Sihanoukville to Ha Tien takes 3.5 hours. You will leave for Ganh Dau on the 27th (Mon).

On the 28th (Tue), center your mind and body at Anmai Spa, kick back and relax at Mui Ganh Dau Beach, and then contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Dinh Nguyễn Trung Trực Pagoda.

Take the guesswork out of planning a Ganh Dau vacation by using our trip itinerary maker.

You can drive from Ha Tien to Ganh Dau in 4 hours. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 28th (Tue) to allow time to drive to Duong Dong.

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

To see where to stay, maps, other places to visit, and more tourist information, go to the Duong Dong trip itinerary maker.

You can drive from Ganh Dau to Duong Dong in an hour. You'll set off for Can Tho on the 1st (Wed).

The main city of the Mekong Delta, Can Tho has a bustling atmosphere, with tourism and trade central to its liveliness.

On the 1st (Wed), take in the views from Can Tho Bridge, kick back and relax at Can Tho Beach, and then get outside with Outdoor Activities. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the 2nd (Thu): don't miss a visit to Thiền Viện Trúc Lâm Phương Nam and then contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Thien Vien Truc Lam Phuong Nam.

For reviews, photos, maps, and other tourist information, refer to the Can Tho online trip maker.

Traveling by flight from Duong Dong to Can Tho takes 3 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of ferry and car; or do a combination of ferry and bus. In March, daytime highs in Can Tho are 38°C, while nighttime lows are 28°C. Wrap up your sightseeing by early afternoon on the 2nd (Thu) to allow enough time to drive to Ho Chi Minh City.

You'll discover tucked-away gems like Ba Thien Hau Temple and Viet King Fisher Company. War Remnants Museum and FITO Museum will appeal to museum buffs. Enjoy Ho Chi Minh City some more: don't miss a visit to Bitexco Financial Tower, pause for some serene contemplation at Notre Dame Cathedral of Saigon, relax and rejuvenate at some of the best spas, and look for gifts at Saigon Jane T-Shirt Shop.

To find ratings, maps, more things to do, and other tourist information, you can read our Ho Chi Minh City itinerary planning tool.

Drive from Can Tho to Ho Chi Minh City in 2.5 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of flight and taxi; or take a bus. Cap off your sightseeing on the 5th (Sun) early enough to catch the flight back home.