How many days in Vietnam? 5 Possible itineraries
When planning a trip to Vietnam, the question often arises: “How many days in Vietnam is enough?” Well, the answer isn’t one-size-fits-all. Vietnam is a very big country, and the distances are enormous, making it impossible to fit it all in a week or two weeks. Ideally, you should plan an itinerary of Vietnam that…
When planning a trip to Vietnam, the question often arises: “How many days in Vietnam is enough?” Well, the answer isn’t one-size-fits-all.
Vietnam is a very big country, and the distances are enormous, making it impossible to fit it all in a week or two weeks. Ideally, you should plan an itinerary of Vietnam that is divided by North or South. With this in mind, we suggest planning a trip to Vietnam for either at least 10 days to 2 weeks, as a bare minimum.
This guide will help you start planning an itinerary, taking into consideration, budget, distances and favourite destinations. Whether you’ve got a week or a month, this country has something to offer every traveller or even backpacker in Vietnam like us.
Let’s dive into the perfect itineraries for different lengths of stay, peppered with our firsthand experiences and tips.
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5-7 Days: A Taste of Vietnam
This itinerary is pretty easy. It lets you fly into Hanoi, enjoy the capital, and take short-distance transportation to nearby areas. If you’re tight on time, you’ll want to focus on the highlights.
Day 1-2: Hanoi
Start in the capital, Hanoi. Wander around Hoan Kiem Lake, explore the Old Quarter, and visit the Temple of Literature. Don’t miss the Vietnamese Women’s Museum—it’s a gem often overlooked. The bustling energy here is intoxicating, but after a couple of days, you’ll be ready for some tranquillity.
READ ALSO | Hanoi 3 days itinerary
Day 3-4: Ninh Binh
Just a couple of hours from Hanoi, Ninh Binh is a nature lover’s paradise. We absolutely fell in love with this place. Picture this: karst landscapes, lush greenery, and ancient pagodas.
We recommend staying in Tam Coc. Rent a bike and explore the area – the Trang An Grottoes and Mua Cave are must-visits. The boat ride through the grottoes is like entering another world.
Day 5-7: Ha Long Bay
Conclude your whirlwind trip with an overnight cruise in Ha Long Bay. The limestone islands jutting out of emerald waters are as breathtaking as they sound. Kayak through the caves, enjoy fresh seafood and soak in the serenity.
Budget Tip: Expect to spend around $50-$70 per day, including accommodation, food, and activities.
Extend this trip, including Sapa
If you like this itinerary but have another two to three days, extend the trip further north, and you will definitely not regret it. Sapa was the highlight of our most recent trip to Vietnam.
I am in love with this little town, nestled in the highest mountains, with that French touch that you will not expect in this part of the world. You can read all our articles about Sapa, and see some of our best findings.
Is 7 days enough for Vietnam?
No, Vietnam is a very long and big country with many interesting places to visit. Exploring Vietnam for 7 days will leave a lot out of the basket.
Concentrate your itinerary on an area (South, north or centre), and choose destinations close to each other, avoiding extensive time travelling.
Vietnam in 10 Days: The Classic Route!
Having more time in Vietnam is crucial for the perfect itinerary. Taking into consideration the classic route Hanoi – Ninh Binh, you can continue the trip south, exploring the imperial city of Hue and the instagrammable Chinese Heritage town of Hoi An.
Well, this 10-day Vietnam itinerary is ideal if you want to dig a little deeper into Vietnamese heritage and traditions. As time is short, take into consideration to take a cheap flight from Hanoi to Hue to reduce travelling time.
Day 1-4: Hanoi and Ninh Binh
Follow the itinerary as above, but on day 4 return to Hanoi to get a flight to Hue. Usually, flights are very affordable, and for about $40 (£30 | €37), you can get a direct 1 hour and 15 minutes flight (Check this option).
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Day 6-10: Hue, Da Nang and Hoi An
Next, head to Hue to explore the Imperial City and take a dragon boat cruise on the Perfume River. Hue is a very important city in Vietnam, and the walled, forbidden city reminds us a lot of Beijing in China.
After a couple of days in Hue, make your way to Da Nang. The train is the most scenic way to get down here, with the Hai Van Pass named as the most scenic train ride in Vietnam.
Da Nang isn’t often on the traveller’s maps, but it is well worth visiting. We spent one month renting an apartment as it is the cheaper and calmer alternative to Bali for Digital Nomads.
Actually, Hoi An is just a 45-minute drive, and there are plenty of buses serving the route. (Opt for a tour if you want a hassle-free itinerary – This!)
If you find it cheaper to stay here, it is worth treating Hoi An only as a day trip. In Da Nang, you can enjoy the beaches (which look like Miami), the nice food, and the night market at the Dragon Bridge.
Then, make your way to Hoi An. This charming town is perfect for cycling around, getting tailored clothes, and enjoying the lantern-lit evenings. On our most recent trip, we decided to stay for three days in Hoi An and soak into the atmosphere fully, enjoying the laid-back vibe and charming streets.
Budget Tip: Around $40-$60 per day per single person should cover your needs comfortably.
Are 10 days in Vietnam enough?
10 days in Vietnam is the sweet spot to enjoy a fantastic holiday in Southeast Asia. Within 10 days you can explore the main sights such as Hanoi, Ninh Binh, Ha Long Bay, and stretch your itinerary to the unique Hoi An, and even visit Hue.
However, starting the 10-day itinerary of Vietnam from the South, you must concentrate on Ho Chi Minh, the Mekong River Delta, Phu Quoc for beaches, and fly to Da Nang to visit the beautiful towns and cities in the centre.
2 Weeks: A Deeper Dive
Within two weeks, you can take things at a more relaxed pace and add a few more destinations. If you can, stay 2 weeks in Vietnam, fully explore the north and concentrate your attention on the heritage and cultural side of the country.
Back then, on our first trip (when there was a free visa on arrival for 15 days /currently 45 for certain passport holders), we rushed the country from South to North in order to see as much.
We were always on the move, but for the sake of experiencing and sharing as much, we were travelling at night. Don’t do the same, and follow the below accurately.
Budget Tip: Plan for about $30-$50 per day, especially if you’re staying in one place longer, like Da Nang.
3 Weeks: A Lifetime Adventure
This itinerary is one of the best on this guide, and can give a more complete overview of Vietnam. Within this part of our complete answer to how many days are in Vietnam, we show you that in 3 weeks, it is possible to explore more than usual. In three weeks, you can visit the best of the North, explore Central Vietnam, and have a brief day in Saigon.
Three weeks is what most backpackers take to visit Vietnam without rushing. However, If you have a three-week vacation and want a bit of adventure, this is the right itinerary for you. Personalise as you please, as we have given a full spectrum of Vietnam’s beauty.
From Da Nang, make your way to Nha Trang for some beach time. Then, head south to Ho Chi Minh for just a day exploring the southern city.
The crazy atmosphere is unique, but with this 3 weeks itinerary, you might be able to compare North and South Vietnam. Remember, the weather within these destinations in Vietnam changes rapidly, and you must pack accordingly.
Budget Tip: About $35-$55 per day is a good estimate.
1 Month: The Ultimate Journey
In our compelling guide, we have covered the possible one-month itineraries in Vietnam, and this is just a short version of it. If you have enough time to dedicate an entire month to Vietnam, you are lucky and have the chance to truly explore the country.
Planning this itinerary, we have created a mix of cultural experiences, city exploration, relaxing beaches, and mountain adventures. Yes, Vietnam has it all, and it is such a shame to have one month and not experience it all.
Budget Tip: With more time, you can travel more economically, aiming for $25-$45 per day.
Combining Vietnam and Cambodia
This might be off-track, but we wanted to include the possibility of combining two wonderful countries in Southeast Asia.
Often underrated, Cambodia is a fantastic country with more sights than the mere Angkor Wat. You can combine a trip to Cambodia with a trip to Vietnam by overlanding or taking a flight from Ho Chi Minh or Hanoi (very cheap indeed). If you want to combine Vietnam with a trip to Cambodia, here’s a quick guide.
Vietnam: Day 1-21
Follow the three-week itinerary above.
Cambodia: Day 22-30
Head from Ho Chi Minh City to Phnom Penh by bus ($20) or flight ($50). Spend a couple of days exploring the Royal Palace and Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum. Then, make your way to Siem Reap by bus (6 hours by Bus) to marvel at the Angkor Wat temples.
Budget Tip: Cambodia is relatively affordable but relies on USD, so booking in advance is key to lowering your budget. Expect to spend around $25-$40 per day.
How many days in Vietnam and Cambodia?
For a balanced experience, plan for at least 10 days in Vietnam and 4-5 days in Cambodia. This gives you time to see the major highlights like Hanoi, Halong Bay, and Angkor Wat without feeling rushed. If you’re a slow traveller, consider stretching it to three weeks to fully soak in both countries.
Travel Tips and Tricks Travelling in Vietnam
Transportation
Vietnam’s distances can be daunting. We found the trains, especially the Express from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City (It takes 2 days for the whole track and passes by Da Nang and Ninh Binh), a comfortable way to travel, better than cheap sleeper buses. It’s a long ride but scenic.
Local Interaction
People in Vietnam are so nice. It wasn’t like that at first, but on our second visit, we had proof that they were lovely. Our best interaction was on the train from Da Nang to Dong Hoi, where we were the only foreigners in the carriage. Always learn a few basic Vietnamese phrases. It goes a long way with the locals.
Food: Don’t shy away from street food. Pho, banh mi, dumplings and fresh spring rolls are must-tries. Eating locally can make your budget go a long way in Vietnam.
READ ALSO
For further recommendations about Vietnam, see this guide.
Vietnam backpacking guide for one month; a detailed itinerary
Which month is best for Vietnam?
March and April are the ideal months and the best time to visit Vietnam overall. The right period mostly depends on the area you want to explore.
The weather is generally pleasant in March and April, with moderate temperatures and less rainfall across the country, making it perfect for exploring both the north and south.
What to pack for Vietnam
Pack for varying climates. The north can be cool, while the south stays warm and humid. Layers are very important, also carry a hat and an umbrella to protect from UV. Suncream is necessary if you include Da Nang, Phu Quoc, and Nha Trang beaches in your itinerary.
