Visiting Ho Chi Minh City, Hoi An, Hanoi, Hue, Ninh Binh, Can Tho, Ha Long Bay, Ba Thuoc District, and Mai Chau makes a great itinerary for any Vietnam traveler. To do it right, with plenty of time to enjoy the sights and activities of each stop, it's best to spend 12 to 13 days in-country. Check out our favorite itinerary ideas below, and start planning your perfect trip.

How many days do you need in Ho Chi Minh City, Hoi An, Hanoi, Hue, Ninh Binh, Can Tho, Ha Long Bay, Ba Thuoc District & Mai Chau?

  • Most travelers spend 12-13 days in Ho Chi Minh City, Hoi An, Hanoi, Hue, Ninh Binh, Can Tho, Ha Long Bay, Ba Thuoc District, and Mai Chau combined
  • With 14 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, Hue, Ninh Binh, Can Tho, Ha Long Bay, Ba Thuoc District & Mai Chau

Recommended Itinerary for 12 Days

Relax on an overnight cruise after partaking in mountain adventures
Day Highlights Overnight
Day 1 Arrive in Hanoi, Explore Hanoi
Day 2 Mountain Biking in Mai Chau Mai Chau
Day 3 Off-Road Biking in Pu Luong Nature Reserve Ba Thuoc District
Day 4 Visit the Trang An Grottoes Ninh Binh
Day 5 Board Overnight Cruise in Ha Long Bay Ha Long Bay
Day 6 Disembark Cruise, Fly to Hue Hue
Day 7 Imperial City Tour, Boat & Bike Ride to Rural Villages Hue
Day 8 Coastal Drive to Hoi An, Nightlife Experience & Food Tour Hoi An
Day 9 Visit Fishing Villages, Hoi An Tour Hoi An
Day 10 Fly to Can Tho, Explore the Mekong Delta Can Tho
Day 11 Visit a Floating Market, Transfer to Ho Chi Minh City Ho Chi Minh City
Day 12 Depart Ho Chi Minh City  


Over 12 days, you'll travel from the mountains of northern Vietnam down to the southern Mekong Delta and enjoy outdoor adventures every step of the way. It begins with two days of cycling through nature reserves, followed by a cruise through the stunning landscapes of Ha Long Bay. Then visit historical sites in the ancient cities of Hue and Hoi An before ending the trip on the busy streets of Ho Chi Minh City and rafting down the Mekong River. Read more

Recommended Itinerary for 13 Days

Paddle the Trang An Grottoes in Ninh Binh
Paddle the Trang An Grottoes in Ninh Binh
Day Highlights Overnight
Day 1 Arrive in Hanoi, Explore Hanoi
Day 2 Mountain Biking in Mai Chau Mai Chau
Day 3 Off-Road Biking in Pu Luong Nature Reserve Ba Thuoc District
Day 4 Trang An Grottoes Boat Trip Ninh Binh
Day 5 Ninh Binh to Ha Long Bay, Cruise to Bai Tu Long Bay Ha Long Bay
Day 6 Morning Activities in Ha Long Bay, Transfer to Hue Hue
Day 7 Imperial City Tour, Boat & Bike Ride to Rural Villages Hue
Day 8 Visit Royal Tomb, Coastal Drive to Hoi An Hoi An
Day 9 Visit Fishing Villages, Hoi An Tour Hoi An
Day 10 Hoi An to Can Tho, Introduction to Can Tho City Can Tho
Day 11 Visit a Floating Market, Transfer 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 Depart Ho Chi Minh City  


Get your adrenaline pumping on this active, 13-day Vietnam tour. Start with an epic mountain bike ride through northern Vietnam's rice-paddy-studded countryside and then cruise the emerald waters of UNESCO-listed Ha Long Bay. The adventure continues in Hue, where you'll explore royal cities and emperors' tombs by boat and bike. Fish with the locals in Hoi An and encounter war history at the Cu Chi Tunnels en route to the lush Mekong Delta, where vast floating markets await. Read more

How to travel between Ho Chi Minh City, Hoi An, Hanoi, Hue, Ninh Binh, Can Tho, Ha Long Bay, Ba Thuoc District & Mai Chau

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 Ninh Binh
The mountainous city of Ninh Binh is just 60 miles (97 km) from Hanoi, and you have three easy travel options to choose from. 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 Hanoi to Hue
Those traveling 423 miles (680 km) from Hanoi to the former imperial city of Hue have several options, but taking a direct flight will be best. 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 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, Hue, Ninh Binh, Can Tho, Ha Long Bay, Ba Thuoc District & Mai Chau: Best Itinerary Ideas
Map of Ho Chi Minh City, Hoi An, Hanoi, Hue, Ninh Binh, Can Tho, Ha Long Bay, Ba Thuoc District & Mai Chau: Best Itinerary Ideas