Journey overview
Vietnam is long and narrow, so this route travels in one direction, north to south, using two domestic flights and one memorable scenic drive. It is timed for the months when all three regions are most likely to have good weather together, generally February to April. In other seasons, we reorder or trim the route to follow the best conditions.
Day-by-day outline
Day 1: Arrive in Hanoi
Private transfer to a hotel in or near the Old Quarter. A gentle first evening with a walk around Hoan Kiem Lake.
Day 2: Hanoi's history
A guided day covering the Temple of Literature, the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum complex (exterior, as opening varies), the Vietnamese Women's Museum and the streets of the Old Quarter. In the evening, a street food walk.
Day 3: Hanoi at your pace
A cooking class with a market visit, a water puppet performance, or time in the city's cafes and craft shops.
Day 4: Ninh Binh
Drive to Ninh Binh to explore Trang An by rowing boat through caves and karst scenery, then cycle through the countryside. Overnight at a countryside lodge.
Day 5: Ha Long Bay or Lan Ha Bay
Continue to the coast and board a small cruise ship for an overnight on the bay, with kayaking, caves and dinner on board.
Day 6: To Hue
A quiet morning on the water before disembarking and transferring to Hanoi's airport for a short flight to Hue (or Da Nang, depending on schedules).
Day 7: Imperial Hue
Explore the Imperial City with a guide, then the royal tombs along the Perfume River, ideally including a stretch by boat. Taste Hue's distinctive imperial cuisine.
Day 8: The Hai Van Pass to Hoi An
Drive over the Hai Van Pass, with stops for views and a seafood lunch near Da Nang, arriving in Hoi An in the afternoon.
Day 9: Hoi An's old town
An early guided walk through the old town before it gets busy, with its assembly halls, merchant houses and the Japanese Covered Bridge. Lanterns and riverside cafes in the evening.
Day 10: Hoi An countryside
Cycle through rice paddies and vegetable villages, or join a basket-boat trip in the coconut palms of Cam Thanh. Afternoon at the beach.
Day 11: At leisure
A free day for the beach, a tailor fitting, a cooking class or a day trip to the My Son temple ruins.
Day 12: Ho Chi Minh City
Fly from Da Nang to Ho Chi Minh City. Afternoon introduction to the city's French-era landmarks, the Ben Thanh Market area and an evening food tour.
Day 13: The Mekong Delta
A full day in the delta by road and boat, with canals, orchards and local workshops. Alternatively, visit the Cu Chi Tunnels and the War Remnants Museum.
Day 14: Depart
Transfer to Tan Son Nhat International Airport for your onward flight.
Highlights
- Street food with a guide in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City
- Rowing through the caves and karst landscapes of Trang An
- An overnight cruise among limestone islands
- The Imperial City and royal tombs of Hue
- The Hai Van Pass coastal drive
- Unhurried days in Hoi An and the surrounding countryside
Who this journey suits
This journey suits travelers who enjoy food, history and variety, and are comfortable with a fairly active pace. It works well for couples and friends, and for families with older children. For a slower trip, extend Hoi An and finish with a beach stay, or skip Ho Chi Minh City and fly home from Da Nang via a regional hub.
Practical considerations
- Season. Weather differs by region. February to April is the best overall compromise; September to December is the central coast's rainy season, when we may shift the route toward the north and south.
- Tet. Lunar New Year (late January or February) is culturally fascinating, but some services close and domestic travel is very busy.
- Visas. US passport holders generally need a visa, usually issued as an e-visa (up to 90 days, single or multiple entry). Apply only through the official government portal.
- Pace. There is a fair amount of walking in heat and humidity. Guides plan the day around cooler mornings and late afternoons.
- Flights. Domestic schedules change seasonally; timings are confirmed when we plan.
Visa rules, domestic flight schedules and cruise itineraries change. All details are confirmed at the time of planning.
Ways to customize it
- Add two nights in the mountains of Sapa or Ha Giang for trekking and rice terraces.
- Finish with a beach stay on Phu Quoc or at a resort near Da Nang.
- Add Cambodia's temples of Angkor, or combine with Thailand.
- Read when to visit Vietnam and northern vs central vs southern Vietnam to adjust the route.
