How long should I spend in Vietnam? The best length for a trip to Vietnam depends on your interests and the amount of time you have available. Vietnam is a large country with a diverse range of attractions, including beautiful beaches, stunning natural landscapes, ancient temples, bustling cities, and fascinating cultural and historical sites.
Here are a few suggestions for trip lengths based on different interests:
Major cities and cultural attractions: two weeks
If you’re interested in exploring Vietnam’s major cities and cultural attractions, a trip of about two weeks would be a good length. This would give you enough time to visit Vietnam’s main cities, including Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Hue, as well as some of the country’s cultural and historical sites, such as the ancient city of Hoi An and the Imperial City of Hue.
Natural beauty and outdoor adventures: 3-4 weeks
If you’re interested in experiencing Vietnam’s natural beauty and outdoor adventures, a trip of three to four weeks would be ideal. This would allow you to visit the country’s beautiful beaches, such as those in Nha Trang and Mui Ne, and explore the stunning landscape of Ha Long Bay. You could also visit the mountainous regions of northern Vietnam, such as Sapa and the Mai Chau Valley, where you can trek through rice terraces and ethnic minority villages.
Countryside and rural areas: 4-6 weeks
If you want to take a more leisurely pace and explore Vietnam’s countryside and rural areas in depth, a trip of four to six weeks would be ideal. This would allow you to visit multiple regions of the country and experience the daily life of local communities. You could visit small villages and homestays, participate in traditional activities, and learn about the country’s rich culture and history.
Ultimately, the best length for a trip to Vietnam depends on your interests and the amount of time you have available. Consider your priorities and the activities you want to do, and plan your trip accordingly.
14 days itinerary for the best trip in Vietnam
Day 1: Exploring the Capital City of Hanoi
Start your trip in Vietnam’s vibrant capital city, Hanoi. Take some time to explore the city’s bustling streets and markets, visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and Museum, and see the city’s many temples and pagodas. Don’t miss a chance to try some of the city’s delicious street food and try your hand at cooking Vietnamese cuisine in a cooking class. In the evening, enjoy a performance of traditional water puppetry.
Day 2-3: Cruising Through the Scenic Halong Bay
Head to Halong Bay for a two-day, one-night cruise through the stunning natural landscape. Take in the views of the limestone karsts and caves, go swimming and kayaking in the bay, and visit local fishing villages. In the evening, enjoy a seafood dinner and relax on the boat’s sundeck.
Day 4-5: Discovering the Culture and History of Ho Chi Minh City
Fly to Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam’s largest city, and spend two days exploring its vibrant culture and rich history. Visit the city’s many museums, including the War Remnants Museum and the Reunification Palace, and spend some time shopping at the bustling Ben Thanh Market. Take a tour of the city’s French Quarter and sample some of the city’s famous street food.
Day 6-7: Exploring the Waterways of the Mekong Delta
Take a day trip to the Mekong Delta, a vast network of waterways and rice paddies in southern Vietnam. Visit local markets, take a boat ride through the waterways, and meet with local farmers and artisans. In the evening, stay in a homestay and enjoy a traditional meal with a local family.
Day 8-9: Visiting the Ancient City of Hoi An
Fly to the central coastal city of Hoi An, known for its ancient streets and historic buildings. Spend two days exploring the city’s ancient temples and pagodas, visiting local artisans and craftspeople, and sampling some of the city’s delicious seafood. In the evening, take a stroll along the city’s picturesque river and enjoy a performance of traditional music.
Day 10-11: Exploring the Royal City of Hue
Head to the ancient imperial city of Hue, known for its beautiful palaces and temples. Visit the Citadel and the Royal Tombs, and take a boat ride along the Perfume River. In the evening, enjoy a traditional music performance and try some of the city’s famous Hue-style cuisine.
Day 12-13: Relaxing on the Beach in Nha Trang
Fly to the coastal city of Nha Trang and spend two days relaxing on the beach, taking in the beautiful views, and trying some water sports. In the evening, visit the Po Nagar Cham Towers and enjoy a seafood dinner.
Day 14: Farewell to Vietnam
Your two-week trip through Vietnam comes to an end as you depart from the country. Take some time to reflect on all the amazing