Most people visiting Hoi An, Hanoi, Hue, Ninh Binh, and Ha Long Bay spend about 14 to 15 days in Vietnam, which usually includes some time in Ho Chi Minh City, Can Tho, Ba Thuoc District, Mai Chau, or Pu Luong Nature Reserve as well. For travelers wanting to visit Hoi An, Hanoi, Hue, Ninh Binh, and Ha Long Bay exclusively, plan 11 to 12 days for a well-paced trip. A fast-paced highlights trip is possible in nine or 10 days for travelers with limited time. Read on for the best itineraries.
How many days do you need in Hoi An, Hanoi, Hue, Ninh Binh & Ha Long Bay?
- Most travelers spend 11-12 days in Hoi An, Hanoi, Hue, Ninh Binh, and Ha Long Bay combined
- Visiting Hoi An, Hanoi, Hue, Ninh Binh, and Ha Long Bay in 9 or 10 days is possible, but will feel rushed
- With 13 or more days, most travelers choose to add more stops to their trip
- The most common extensions are Ho Chi Minh City, Can Tho, Ba Thuoc District, Mai Chau, and Pu Luong Nature Reserve
How Many Days to Spend in Vietnam
Recommended Itineraries for Hoi An, Hanoi, Hue, Ninh Binh & Ha Long Bay
Recommended Itinerary for 11 Days
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in Hanoi | Hanoi |
| Day 2 | Experience Hanoi Like a Local | Hanoi |
| Day 3 | Hanoi to Ha Long Bay, Board Overnight Cruise & Activities | Ha Long Bay |
| Day 4 | Ha Long Bay to Hanoi, Free Time | Hanoi |
| Day 5 | Hanoi to Ninh Binh, Visit the Trang An Scenic Complex | Ninh Binh |
| Day 6 | Free Day in Ninh Binh, Night Train to Hue | Hue |
| Day 7 | Imperial City Tour & Cooking Class | Hue |
| Day 8 | Hue to Hoi An via Hai Van Pass, Explore | Hoi An |
| Day 9 | Cam Thanh Village Tour & Basket Boat Adventure | Hoi An |
| Day 10 | An Bang Beach Day | Hoi An |
| Day 11 | Depart Da Nang |
Travel Vietnam's coast from north to south and discover mostly off-the-beaten-path locations on this well-rounded 11-day journey. Start in Hanoi, where you'll sample street food like a local on Train Street. Cruise along Ha Long Bay and enjoy secluded beaches and coves. Take an overnight train to Hue to discover its riches, including the Imperial City. Enjoy stunning views as you drive through Hai Van Pass to Hoi An. Travel down the waterways in a basket boat before savoring a beach day at An Bang. Read more
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Extended Itineraries
12-Day Itinerary Including Ho Chi Minh City, Can Tho, Ba Thuoc District & Mai Chau
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in Hanoi, Explore | Hanoi |
| Day 2 | Mountain Cycling in Mai Chau | Mai Chau |
| Day 3 | Off-Road Cycling in Pu Luong Nature Reserve | Ba Thuoc District |
| Day 4 | Visit the Trang An Grottoes | Ninh Binh |
| Day 5 | Transfer to Ha Long Bay, Board Overnight Cruise | Ha Long Bay |
| Day 6 | Morning Cruise, Transfer to Hue | Hue |
| Day 7 | Imperial City Tour, Boat & Bike Ride to Rural Villages | Hue |
| Day 8 | Coastal Drive to Hoi An, Nightlife Experience & Food Tour | Hoi An |
| Day 9 | Visit Fishing Villages & Hoi An Tour | Hoi An |
| Day 10 | Fly to Can Tho, Visit the Mekong Delta | Can Tho |
| Day 11 | Visit a Floating Market, Transfer to Ho Chi Minh City | Ho Chi Minh City |
| Day 12 | Depart Da Nang |
Over 12 days, you'll travel from the mountains of northern Vietnam down to the southern Mekong Delta and enjoy outdoor adventures every step of the way. It begins with two days of cycling through nature reserves followed by a cruise along the emerald waters of Ha Long Bay. Then visit historical sites in the ancient cities of Hue and Hoi An before ending the trip on the busy streets of Ho Chi Minh City and rafting down the Mekong River. Read more
15-Day Itinerary Including Ho Chi Minh City, Can Tho & Pu Luong Nature Reserve
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in Hanoi, Free Time | Hanoi |
| Day 2 | Hanoi City Tour | Hanoi |
| Day 3 | Transfer to Pu Luong Nature Reserve & Hike | Pu Luong Nature Reserve |
| Day 4 | Morning in Pu Luong, Transfer to Ninh Binh | Ninh Binh |
| Day 5 | Sightseeing in Ninh Binh | Ninh Binh |
| Day 6 | Ninh Binh to Ha Long Bay, Board Overnight Cruise & Activities | Ha Long Bay |
| Day 7 | Disembark Cruise, Transfer to Hue, Free Time | Hue |
| Day 8 | Hue City Tour, Bike to Rural Villages | Hue |
| Day 9 | Hue to Hoi An, Explore Hoi An's Ancient town | Hoi An |
| Day 10 | Visit Tra Que Village, Hoi An City Tour | Hoi An |
| Day 11 | Transfer to Ho Chi Minh City | Ho Chi Minh City |
| Day 12 | Ho Chi Minh Free Day | Ho Chi Minh City |
| Day 13 | Morning Excursion to the Cu Chi Tunnels | Ho Chi Minh City |
| Day 14 | Day Trip to the Mekong Delta | Can Tho |
| Day 15 | Depart Ho Chi Minh City |
This grand tour of Vietnam covers the best in the country, from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City. After touring the historic sites in Vietnam's capital, spend time in the unspoiled nature reserve of Pu Luong and the stunning landscapes of the Red River Valley. Following this is a cruise around Ha Long Bay, a tour of organic farms at ancient Hoi An, and a visit to highlights around Ho Chi Minh City, like the Mekong River. Read more
How to travel between Hoi An, Hanoi, Hue, Ninh Binh & Ha Long Bay
How to get from Hanoi to Ha Long Bay
If you're looking to make the 108-mile (174 km) journey from Hanoi to scenic Ha Long Bay—a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its limestone pillars and small, verdant islands—you have three efficient options. Read more
How to get from Hanoi to Ninh Binh
The mountainous city of Ninh Binh is just 60 miles (97 km) from Hanoi, and you have three easy travel options to choose from. Read more
How to get from Hanoi to Hoi An
Travelers making the 500-mile (807 km) trip from Hanoi to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Hoi An have several options for completing the journey. The fastest route and best option is an hourlong flight to Da Nang, going by private transfer the rest of the way. Read more
How to get from Hanoi to Hue
Those traveling 423 miles (680 km) from Hanoi to the former imperial city of Hue have several options, but taking a direct flight will be best. Read more
