9 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.

Kick off your visit on the 3rd (Thu): contemplate the long history of Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, then contemplate the waterfront views at Lake of the Restored Sword (Hoan Kiem Lake), and then get to know the fascinating history of Old Quarter. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the next day: contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Temple of Literature & National University, contemplate the long history of Hoa Lo Prison, and then indulge in some culinary diversions at a local gastronomic tour.

To see more things to do, maps, and other tourist information, read Hanoi trip itinerary app.

San Francisco, USA to Hanoi is an approximately 21-hour flight. Traveling from San Francisco to Hanoi, you'll lose 15 hours due to the time zone difference. Cap off your sightseeing on the 5th (Sat) early enough to catch the flight 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 5th (Sat): admire the striking features of Thien Mu Pagoda and then contemplate the long history of Imperial City.

To see reviews, ratings, maps, and other tourist information, use the Hue route planning website.

Traveling by flight from Hanoi to Hue takes 3 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a train. In May, plan for daily highs up to 94°F, and evening lows to 76°F. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 6th (Sun) early enough 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.

On the 6th (Sun), steep yourself in history at The Tran Family Home and Chapel, then make a trip to Hoi An Ancient Town, and then kick back and relax at Cua Dai Beach. On the 7th (Mon), you'll have a packed day of sightseeing: make a trip to The Marble Mountains, indulge in some culinary diversions at a local gastronomic tour, and then take in the views from Japanese Covered Bridge.

For traveler tips, ratings, and tourist information, use the Hoi An day trip site.

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. In May in Hoi An, expect temperatures between 93°F during the day and 78°F at night. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 8th (Tue) early enough to 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.

Start off your visit on the 8th (Tue): look for gifts at Thuy Design House and then make a trip to Cu Chi Tunnels. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the 9th (Wed): look for gifts at ManGii Shoes, hunt for treasures at Ben Thanh Market, get a sense of history and politics at Central Post Office, then pause for some serene contemplation at Notre Dame Cathedral of Saigon, then get a sense of history and politics at The Independence Palace, and finally take an in-depth tour of War Remnants Museum.

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

You can fly from Hoi An to Ho Chi Minh City in 3.5 hours. Other options are to drive; or do a combination of bus and train. In May, plan for daily highs up to 95°F, and evening lows to 79°F. Finish your sightseeing early on the 9th (Wed) so you can fly back home.