Most people visiting Hoi An, Hanoi, Hue, Ninh Binh, and Ha Long Bay spend about 14 to 15 days in Vietnam, which usually includes some time in Ho Chi Minh City, Can Tho, Ba Thuoc District, Mai Chau, or Pu Luong Nature Reserve as well. For travelers wanting to visit Hoi An, Hanoi, Hue, Ninh Binh, and Ha Long Bay exclusively, plan 11 to 12 days for a well-paced trip. A fast-paced highlights trip is possible in nine or 10 days for travelers with limited time. Read on for the best itineraries.

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

  • Most travelers spend 11-12 days in Hoi An, Hanoi, Hue, Ninh Binh, and Ha Long Bay combined
  • Visiting Hoi An, Hanoi, Hue, Ninh Binh, and Ha Long Bay in 9 or 10 days is possible, but will feel rushed
  • With 13 or more days, most travelers choose to add more stops to their trip
  • The most common extensions are Ho Chi Minh City, Can Tho, Ba Thuoc District, Mai Chau, and Pu Luong Nature Reserve

How Many Days to Spend in Vietnam

Recommended Itineraries for Hoi An, Hanoi, Hue, Ninh Binh & Ha Long Bay

Recommended Itinerary for 11 Days

Finish the trip with three nights to explore Hoi An's charming Ancient Town
Day Highlights Overnight
Day 1 Arrive in Hanoi Hanoi
Day 2 Experience Hanoi Like a Local Hanoi
Day 3 Hanoi to Ha Long Bay, Board Overnight Cruise & Activities Ha Long Bay
Day 4 Ha Long Bay to Hanoi, Free Time Hanoi
Day 5 Hanoi to Ninh Binh, Visit the Trang An Scenic Complex Ninh Binh
Day 6 Free Day in Ninh Binh, Night Train to Hue Hue
Day 7 Imperial City Tour & Cooking Class Hue
Day 8 Hue to Hoi An via Hai Van Pass, Explore Hoi An
Day 9 Cam Thanh Village Tour & Basket Boat Adventure Hoi An
Day 10 An Bang Beach Day Hoi An
Day 11 Depart Da Nang  


Travel Vietnam's coast from north to south and discover mostly off-the-beaten-path locations on this well-rounded 11-day journey. Start in Hanoi, where you'll sample street food like a local on Train Street. Cruise along Ha Long Bay and enjoy secluded beaches and coves. Take an overnight train to Hue to discover its riches, including the Imperial City. Enjoy stunning views as you drive through Hai Van Pass to Hoi An. Travel down the waterways in a basket boat before savoring a beach day at An Bang. Read more

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

Extended Itineraries

12-Day Itinerary Including Ho Chi Minh City, Can Tho, Ba Thuoc District & Mai Chau

Kayak among karst islands in Ha Long Bay
Kayak among karst islands in Ha Long Bay
Day Highlights Overnight
Day 1 Arrive in Hanoi, Explore Hanoi
Day 2 Mountain Cycling in Mai Chau Mai Chau
Day 3 Off-Road Cycling in Pu Luong Nature Reserve Ba Thuoc District
Day 4 Visit the Trang An Grottoes Ninh Binh
Day 5 Transfer to Ha Long Bay, Board Overnight Cruise Ha Long Bay
Day 6 Morning Cruise, Transfer 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, Visit the Mekong Delta Can Tho
Day 11 Visit a Floating Market, Transfer to Ho Chi Minh City Ho Chi Minh City
Day 12 Depart Da Nang  


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 along the emerald waters 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

15-Day Itinerary Including Ho Chi Minh City, Can Tho & Pu Luong Nature Reserve

The Red River Valley of Nin Binh, Tam Coc
Spend a day sightseeing in scenic Ninh Binh, home of the Red River Valley
Day Highlights Overnight
Day 1 Arrive in Hanoi, Free Time Hanoi
Day 2 Hanoi City Tour Hanoi
Day 3 Transfer to Pu Luong Nature Reserve & Hike Pu Luong Nature Reserve
Day 4 Morning in Pu Luong, Transfer to Ninh Binh Ninh Binh
Day 5 Sightseeing in Ninh Binh Ninh Binh
Day 6 Ninh Binh to Ha Long Bay, Board Overnight Cruise & Activities Ha Long Bay
Day 7 Disembark Cruise, Transfer to Hue, Free Time Hue
Day 8 Hue City Tour, Bike to Rural Villages Hue
Day 9 Hue to Hoi An, Explore Hoi An's Ancient town Hoi An
Day 10 Visit Tra Que Village, Hoi An City Tour Hoi An
Day 11 Transfer to Ho Chi Minh City Ho Chi Minh City
Day 12 Ho Chi Minh Free Day Ho Chi Minh City
Day 13 Morning Excursion to the Cu Chi Tunnels Ho Chi Minh City
Day 14 Day Trip to the Mekong Delta Can Tho
Day 15 Depart Ho Chi Minh City  


This grand tour of Vietnam covers the best in the country, from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City. After touring the historic sites in Vietnam's capital, spend time in the unspoiled nature reserve of Pu Luong and the stunning landscapes of the Red River Valley. Following this is a cruise around Ha Long Bay, a tour of organic farms at ancient Hoi An, and a visit to highlights around Ho Chi Minh City, like the Mekong River. Read more

How to travel between Hoi An, Hanoi, Hue, Ninh Binh & 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 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 Da Nang, 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

Map

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