Vietnam: North to South in 12 Days
Vietnam
Overview
Vietnam is long and thin, so this route runs it top to bottom: Hanoi's tangled Old Quarter, an overnight boat through Ha Long Bay's limestone karsts, the beach city of Da Nang and the beautifully preserved trading town of Hoi An, finishing with the motorbike energy of Ho Chi Minh City. Domestic flights cover the long jumps; everything local is by taxi, ride-hailing app or on foot.
- Duration
- 12 days
- Pace
- Balanced
- Transport
- Mixed
- Estimated budget (comfortable)
- €850–€1,150
Route
Highlights
- An overnight cruise among Ha Long Bay's limestone karsts
- Hoi An's lantern-lit Ancient Town and custom tailoring
- Cu Chi Tunnels and the War Remnants Museum near Ho Chi Minh City
- Street food in both Hanoi's Old Quarter and Ho Chi Minh City
Worth knowing
- The country's length means at least two domestic flights are needed
- Crossing streets in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City takes practice — traffic doesn't stop
- Weather differs sharply between north and south — check both regions' seasons before booking
Day by day
Day 1
HanoiMain activities
- Arrive, settle in
- Old Quarter and Hoan Kiem Lake
Optional additions
- Train Street
Day 2
HanoiMain activities
- Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum complex
- Temple of Literature
Optional additions
- Vietnam Museum of Ethnology
Day 3
Hanoi → Ha Long BayMain activities
- Drive to the bay (~3.5h)
- Board overnight cruise, cave visits and kayaking
Day 4
Ha Long Bay → HanoiMain activities
- Morning tai chi on deck, final karst views
- Return drive to Hanoi (~3.5h)
Day 5
Hanoi → Da NangMain activities
- Domestic flight (~1.5h)
- My Khe Beach
Optional additions
- Marble Mountains
Day 6
Da NangMain activities
- Golden Bridge and Ba Na Hills
Optional additions
- Dragon Bridge fire show, weekend evenings
Day 7
Da Nang → Hoi AnMain activities
- Short transfer (~30min)
- Hoi An Ancient Town
- Lantern-lit night market
Optional additions
- Custom tailoring fitting
Day 8
Hoi AnMain activities
- An Bang Beach
- Japanese Covered Bridge and Old Town by bicycle
Optional additions
- Basket boat ride in the coconut forest
Day 9
Hoi An → Ho Chi Minh CityMain activities
- Transfer to Da Nang airport, domestic flight (~1.5h)
- Ben Thanh Market
Day 10
Ho Chi Minh CityMain activities
- War Remnants Museum
- Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica and Central Post Office
Optional additions
- Rooftop bar at sunset
Day 11
Ho Chi Minh CityMain activities
- Cu Chi Tunnels day trip
Optional additions
- Mekong Delta half-day boat trip instead
Day 12
Ho Chi Minh CityMain activities
- Final shopping
- Departure
Alternatives
Drop Da Nang and go directly Hanoi → Hoi An by transfer, then fly to Ho Chi Minh City.
Add Sapa's rice terraces before Hanoi and the Mekong Delta after Ho Chi Minh City.