12 day itinerary
Vietnam
Personalized with:I want to visit the highlightsI want some experiences in natureI will be travelling at the end of marchI want to travel at medium pace
Itinerary
Vietnam is a stunning country with a rich culture, breathtaking landscapes, and delicious food. With 12 days to explore, you can definitely hit the highlights while also enjoying some beautiful natural experiences. Here’s a fun and balanced itinerary for your trip at the end of March:
Day 1: Arrival in Hanoi
- Morning: Arrive in Hanoi. Check into your hotel and freshen up.
- Afternoon: Take a leisurely stroll around . Visit and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere.
- Evening: Head to the for dinner. Try some local dishes like Pho or Bun Cha. Don’t forget to grab a Vietnamese egg coffee for dessert!
Day 2: Explore Hanoi
- Morning: Visit the and the . Explore the nearby.
- Afternoon: Head to the , Vietnam’s first university, and then visit the .
- Evening: Enjoy a traditional water puppet show, a unique Vietnamese art form.
Day 3:
- Morning: Depart for (about a 4-hour drive). Check into a cruise.
- Afternoon: Explore the stunning limestone karsts and islands. Go kayaking or take a swim in the emerald waters.
- Evening: Enjoy a seafood dinner on board and relax under the stars.
Day 4: to Ninh Binh
- Morning: Continue your cruise, visiting some caves and islands. Return to the harbor and transfer to Ninh Binh (about 3.5 hours).
- Afternoon: Check into your hotel and then visit for a boat ride through rice paddies and limestone cliffs.
- Evening: Enjoy a quiet dinner in Ninh Binh, sampling local specialties.
Day 5: Ninh Binh Exploration
- Morning: Visit the ancient capital of and explore the temples dedicated to the Dinh and Le dynasties.
- Afternoon: Hike up to for panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
- Evening: Relax at your hotel or explore the local night market.
Day 6: Travel to Hoi An
- Morning: Head back to Hanoi and catch a flight to Da Nang. Transfer to Hoi An (about 30 minutes).
- Afternoon: Check into your hotel and wander around the charming streets of . Visit the and some local shops.
- Evening: Enjoy dinner at a riverside restaurant and soak in the magical lantern-lit atmosphere.
Day 7: Hoi An Cooking Class and Beach Time
- Morning: Take a cooking class to learn how to make traditional Vietnamese dishes. Visit a local market to gather ingredients.
- Afternoon: Spend some time at , relaxing or trying out some water sports.
- Evening: Explore more of Hoi An’s nightlife or take a lantern boat ride on the river.
Day 8: Hoi An to Hue
- Morning: Depart for Hue (about 3 hours). Stop at the scenic along the way.
- Afternoon: Visit the and explore the ancient citadel.
- Evening: Try some local dishes like Bun Bo Hue for dinner.
Day 9: Hue to Phong Nha
- Morning: Visit the and the .
- Afternoon: Travel to (about 4 hours). Check into your accommodation.
- Evening: Relax and enjoy the natural surroundings.
Day 10: Phong Nha Caves
- Morning: Explore the famous or . Both are stunning and offer incredible views.
- Afternoon: Go for a hike in the national park or take a boat ride on the river.
- Evening: Enjoy a quiet dinner and share stories with fellow travelers.
Day 11: Travel to Ho Chi Minh City
- Morning: Depart for Dong Hoi and catch a flight to Ho Chi Minh City.
- Afternoon: Check into your hotel and visit the to learn about Vietnam’s history.
- Evening: Explore and try some street food for dinner.
Day 12: and Departure
- Morning: Take a half-day trip to the to learn about the Vietnam War and the underground life of soldiers.
- Afternoon: Return to Ho Chi Minh City for some last-minute shopping or sightseeing.
- Evening: Depending on your flight time, enjoy a farewell dinner before heading to the airport.
Tips:
- Weather: March is a great time to visit, but be prepared for some humidity, especially in the south.
- Transport: Domestic flights are the quickest way to travel between major cities. Consider booking in advance.
- Local Cuisine: Don’t miss out on trying local specialties in each region!
This itinerary balances cultural experiences, nature, and relaxation, giving you a taste of the diverse beauty of Vietnam. Enjoy your adventure! 🌏✈️