If you have 12 days to explore Vietnam, check out our carefully curated list of fun itineraries to help you plan the perfect trip. For those hoping to hit the major highlights, opt for an itinerary like this highlights of Vietnam trip, where you'll explore places like Hanoi, Ha Long Bay, and Hoi An. If you're a food enthusiast, opt for a journey similar to this flavors of Vietnam itinerary, where you'll travel from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City, experiencing cooking classes, market visits, and exclusive dining options. Or, you can cycle through rural landscapes, explore national parks, and discover Vietnam's historical sites on a trip like this active Vietnamese adventure.
See our itineraries below or read our guide to the best 12-day trips in Vietnam.
Vietnam is culturally and geographically diverse, which you'll see first-hand on this 12-day highlights tour that will take you throughout the country. From the towering karst formations of Ha Long Bay to the coconut groves of the Mekong Delta, and from the ancient merchant houses of Hoi An to the French colonial landmarks of Ho Chi Minh City, you can't help but fall in love with this special place.
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.
Get to the heart of Vietnam through its cuisine on this delectable 12-day itinerary. Start in Hanoi to breeze around the capital by Vespa and search out the city's best banh mi and bun cha. Board an overnight cruise through the fantastical islets (and fresh seafood) of Ha Long Bay, then head south to Hoi An for renowned street food and an immersive cooking class. Continue to Ho Chi Minh City to end your trip and awaken your senses with an incredible "dining in the dark" experience.
Experience Vietnam's most significant cities, rich cuisine, and beautiful islands on this well-balanced 12-day adventure. Start in Hanoi for a lesson in cooking and culture before escaping on a cruise along Ha Long Bay. Explore Hoi An and its key sites and venture through its rural countryside by basket boat. Feel the turbulent history of Ho Chi Minh City and float down the Mekong Delta, then escape to the island paradise of Phu Quoc to while away the time snorkeling, kayaking, or just lazing on the beach.
Travel back through the centuries on a history and culture tour of Vietnam and Cambodia's most beautiful and ancient sites. It begins with tours of Hanoi's Old Quarter, and then you're off to the northern mountains for hikes to ethnic villages. Following a cruise on Ha Long Bay and a jaunt to the ancient river city of Hoi An, you'll fly to Cambodia and visit the massive, awe-inspiring temple complexes of Angkor.
Feast on Vietnamese culture and cuisine with this 12-day tour. You'll travel from Hanoi to the Mekong Delta, tasting classic Vietnamese dishes along the way. Sample Hanoi's best street food, dine with a celebrity chef in Hoi An, and whiz through Ho Chi Minh City on a Vespa food tour. There's plenty of culture to absorb along the way, whether you're touring Hue's Imperial Citadel, sailing the emerald waters of Ha Long Bay, or learning about Vietnamese war history at the infamous Cu Chi Tunnels.
Discover frenetic cities, striking natural beauty, significant history, both ancient and contemporary, and the warm, welcoming culture of Vietnam on this expansive 12-day adventure. Cycle through rural villages, cruise through Bai Tu Long Bay's towering limestone islands, catch a water puppet show in Hanoi and visit the Viet Cong's Cu Chi tunnels in Ho Chi Minh City.
Vietnam's cultures unfold on this journey from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh, traveling by car, boat, and air. Experience the sights and sounds of the country's busiest markets in Hanoi. Learn about Cham River life at an overnight homestay and ride through rice fields and open spaces. Spend time relaxing while sailing along calm Ha Long Bay. Discover the art of paper lantern-making and get fitted for a custom outfit in Hoi An. End the tour in Ho Chi Minh with one last bowl of pho.
Travel through Vietnam and Cambodia as you explore the many facets of these two intriguing countries. Start in Hanoi to see the major sites by day and eat your way through the street stands by night. Escape the city for tranquility as you cruise along Ha Long Bay, then visit Bana Hills to marvel at its famous Golden Hand Bridge. Float along the Mekong Delta and experience the calm of quaint villages. Finally, cross the border into Cambodia, where you'll discover Angkor Wat and other nearby temples.
First-time visitors to Vietnam will love this fast-paced trip that squeezes the best of the country into 12 days. The itinerary crosses from north to south, starting in the capital, Hanoi, and ending in the largest city, Ho Chi Minh City. In between, you'll join a street food tour, hike between villages in the lush highlands, take an overnight cruise near Ha Long Bay, and walk through the charming streets of Hoi An's Ancient Town. If you want to see it all, this adventure combines the top bucket-list experiences of Vietnam.
