Travelers to Vietnam typically plan a trip for nine to 10 days when combining Hoi An, Hanoi, and Ha Long Bay with other locations like Ho Chi Minh City and Hue. For travelers wanting to visit Hoi An, Hanoi, and Ha Long Bay exclusively, plan a week to eight days for a well-paced trip. Even travelers with limited time can see the highlights in as few as four to six days. Read on for the best itineraries, including Hoi An, Hanoi, Ha Long Bay, and beyond.

How many days do you need in Hoi An, Hanoi & Ha Long Bay?

  • Most travelers spend 7 to 8 days in Hoi An, Hanoi, and Ha Long Bay combined
  • Visiting Hoi An, Hanoi, and Ha Long Bay in 4 to 6 days is possible, but it will feel rushed
  • With 9 or more days, most travelers choose to add more stops to their trip
  • The most common extensions are Ho Chi Minh City and Hue

How Many Days to Spend in Vietnam

Recommended Itineraries for Hoi An, Hanoi & Ha Long Bay

Recommended Itinerary for 1 Week

Walk to Hanoi's Tran Quoc Pagoda and look for its reflection in the water
Day Highlights Overnight
Day 1 Arrive in Hanoi, Explore Hanoi
Day 2 Hanoi City & Street Food Tour Hanoi
Day 3 Transfer to Hạ Long Bay, Overnight Cruise Ha Long Bay
Day 4 Morning Cruise & Transfer to Hoi An Hoi An
Day 5 Cycling by the Thu Bồn River Hoi An
Day 6 Free Day in Hoi An Hoi An
Day 7 Depart Hoi An   


In just a week, you'll travel through the highlights of one of the most beautiful countries in the world. This itinerary through Vietnam starts with city tours of Hanoi's historic Old Quarter, then heads to the coast for an overnight cruise on the emerald-green waters of Ha Long Bay. Later, you'll fly to the central coast, where you'll cap the adventure with a tour of Hoi An, the most ancient and well-preserved port city in the nation. Read more

Recommended Itinerary for 8 Days

Take a memorable overnight cruise on the UNESCO-listed Ha Long Bay
Day Highlights Overnight
Day 1 Arrive in Hanoi, Explore Hanoi
Day 2 Day Trip to Ba Vi Countryside & Cooking Class Hanoi
Day 3 Transfer to Ha Long Bay, Overnight Cruise, Master Cooking Class Ha Long Bay
Day 4 Morning Cruise, Transfer to Hoi An Hoi An
Day 5 Day Trip to Cam Thanh Village Hoi An
Day 6 Hoi An City & Food Tour Hoi An
Day 7 Free Day in Hoi An Hoi An
Day 8 Transfer to Da Nang, Depart  


Experience the sights, sounds, and flavors of Vietnam from the north of the country to the central coast. In the capital of Hanoi, you'll tour historic landmarks and embark on an eco-tour around countryside villages and tea plantations. After cruising the jade waters of Ha Long Bay, you'll head south to ancient Hoi An to explore its Ancient Town, enjoy food tours, and take a ride in a traditional basket boat down the river. Read more

Plan your trip to Vietnam
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.

Extended Itineraries

9-Day Itinerary Including Ho Chi Minh City

Check out Ho Chi Minh City's French colonial architecture
Day Highlights Overnight
Day 1 Arrive in Hanoi, Explore Hanoi
Day 2 Hanoi Full-Day City Tour & Water Puppet Show Hanoi
Day 3 Day Trip to Ba Vi Countryside & Cooking Class Hanoi
Day 4 Transfer to Ha Long Bay, Overnight Cruise Ha Long Bay
Day 5 Visit Dark & Light Cave, Transfer to Hoi An Hoi An
Day 6 Hoi An Countryside Tour & Food Walk Hoi An
Day 7 Transfer to Ho Chi Minh City, Guided Tour Ho Chi Minh City
Day 8 Day Trip to Mekong Delta Ho Chi Minh City
Day 9 Depart Ho Chi Minh City  


Travel the length of Vietnam on an epic nine-day highlights tour you won't soon forget. In the capital of Hanoi, you'll dive into the culture, cuisine, and history with walking tours and cooking classes. After cruising the jade waters of Ha Long Bay, you'll experience the ancient culture of Hoi An before continuing south to Ho Chi Minh City, which will be your base for one final adventure to the Mekong Delta. Read more

10-Day Itinerary Including Ho Chi Minh City & Hue

Take a tour of the Imperial City in Hue
Day Highlights Overnight
Day 1 Arrive in Hanoi, Explore Hanoi
Day 2 Cycling Tour of Rural Villages, Cultural Tour of Hanoi Hanoi
Day 3 Transfer to Ha Long Bay, Overnight Cruise Ha Long Bay
Day 4 Ha Long Bay Kayaking, Fly to Hanoi & Transfer to Hue Hue
Day 5 Imperial City Tour, Boat & Bike Ride to Rural Villages Hue
Day 6 Transfer to Hoi An via Da Nang, Explore the Ancient Town Hoi An
Day 7 Visit Fishing Villages, Basket River Ride & Cycling Hoi An
Day 8 Fly to Ho Chi Minh City, Vespa Tour Ho Chi Minh City
Day 9 Boat Trip & Cycling Tour on the Mekong Delta Ho Chi Minh City
Day 10 Depart Ho Chi Minh City  


You can't see all of Vietnam in 10 days—but this itinerary gives it a good go! Starting in Hanoi and ending in Ho Chi Minh City, you'll thread your way down the country, getting the most out of the trip on a diverse set of guided tours. Collect the memories of a lifetime, from an overnight cruise on the emerald waters of Ha Long Bay to discovering the ancient sites of Hoi An and Hue and floating down a river in giant baskets. Read more

How to travel between Hoi An, Hanoi & Ha Long Bay

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

Map

Map of Hoi An, Hanoi & Ha Long Bay: Best Itinerary Ideas
Map of Hoi An, Hanoi & Ha Long Bay: Best Itinerary Ideas