Most travelers will find that 14 to 16 days is perfect for a well-paced Vietnam trip with stops in Ho Chi Minh City, Hoi An, Hanoi, Can Tho, Ha Long Bay, and Sapa. If you don't mind a fast-paced journey, you can see the highlights of this route in less time—as few as 12 or 13 days. Travelers with more time can enjoy extra sights and activities at each stop or explore more of the country. Get inspired with our Ho Chi Minh City, Hoi An, Hanoi, Can Tho, Ha Long Bay, and Sapa trip ideas below.

How many days do you need in Ho Chi Minh City, Hoi An, Hanoi, Can Tho, Ha Long Bay & Sapa?

  • Most travelers spend 14-16 days in Ho Chi Minh City, Hoi An, Hanoi, Can Tho, Ha Long Bay, and Sapa combined
  • Visiting Ho Chi Minh City, Hoi An, Hanoi, Can Tho, Ha Long Bay, and Sapa in 12 or 13 days is possible, but it will feel rushed
  • With 17 or more days, most travelers choose to add more stops to their trip

How Many Days to Spend in Vietnam

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Recommended Itineraries for Ho Chi Minh City, Hoi An, Hanoi, Can Tho, Ha Long Bay & Sapa

Recommended Itinerary for 15 Days

Step back in time with a bike ride in Hoi An's Ancient Town
Day Highlights Overnight
Day 1 Arrive in Hanoi, Explore Hanoi
Day 2 Hanoi City Sightseeing & Street Food Tour Hanoi
Day 3 Day Trip to Ba Vi Countryside & Cooking Class Hanoi
Day 4 Hanoi to Sapa Sapa
Day 5 Sapa Trekking & Sightseeing Sapa
Day 6 Half-Day Village Tour, Transfer to Hanoi Hanoi
Day 7 Hanoi to Ha Long Bay, Board Overnight Cruise Ha Long Bay
Day 8 Visit the Dark & Bright Cave, Disembark Cruise, Transfer to Hoi An Hoi An
Day 9 Private Cooking Class With a Local In Hoi An Hoi An
Day 10 Cycling in Cam Thanh & Thanh Dong Organic Farm Visit Hoi An
Day 11 Hoi An to Ho Chi Minh City Ho Chi Minh City
Day 12 Cu Chi Tunnels & Ho Chi Minh City Tour Ho Chi Minh City
Day 13 Ho Chi Minh City to Can Tho, Discover the Mekong Delta Can Tho
Day 14 Visit the Cai Rang Floating Market, Transfer to Ho Chi Minh City Ho Chi Minh City
Day 15 Depart Ho Chi Minh City  


Experience the very best of Vietnam on this 15-day journey from north to south. See the highlights of Hanoi before traveling outside the city to the terraced rice fields and ethnic villages of Sapa. After cruising the jade waters of Ha Long Bay, you'll travel down the coast to historic Hoi An on your way to Ho Chi Minh City, where you'll end the trip in style with city tours and trips to the famous Mekong Delta. Read more

How to travel between Ho Chi Minh City, Hoi An, Hanoi, Can Tho, Ha Long Bay & Sapa

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 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 Danang, going by private transfer the rest of the way. Read more

How to get from Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi
Vietnam's two major cities, Ho Chi Minh City in the south and Hanoi in the north, are about 1,000 miles (1,600 km) apart. The easiest way to get to Hanoi is a direct two-hour flight, and there are multiple flights out of Ho Chi Minh City's airport each day. Read more

How to get to Sapa
In northern Vietnam, 200 miles (320 km) from Hanoi and close to the border with China, lies Sapa. At 4,921 feet (1,500 m) above sea level, Sapa lies in the Hoang Lien Son mountain range, close to the highest peak in Vietnam, Fansipan. The terrain makes getting to Sapa a little tricky, but the scenic views more than make up for it. Read more

How to get from Hoi An to Can Tho
Travelers making the 681-mile (1,097 km) journey from Hoi An to the city of Can Tho, famous for its floating markets and canals, will likely wish to fly between the two cities with a short transfer at Danang. Read more

Map

Map of Ho Chi Minh City, Hoi An, Hanoi, Can Tho, Ha Long Bay & Sapa: Best Itinerary Ideas
Map of Ho Chi Minh City, Hoi An, Hanoi, Can Tho, Ha Long Bay & Sapa: Best Itinerary Ideas