13 day itinerary for Vietnam

Itinerary

Vietnam is a stunning country with a rich tapestry of culture, history, and natural beauty. I’m excited to help you craft an itinerary that balances archeological wonders, lush parks, and authentic experiences away from the tourist crowds. Let’s dive in!

## Day 1: Arrival in Hanoi

• Morning: Arrive in Hanoi. Check into your hotel and freshen up.
• Afternoon: Stroll around Hoan Kiem Lake. It’s a lovely spot to relax and people-watch. Don’t miss the Ngoc Son Temple on the lake.
• Evening: Explore the Old Quarter. Try some local street food like pho or banh mi.

## Day 2: Hanoi - Parks and Culture

• Morning: Visit the Thang Long Imperial Citadel, a UNESCO World Heritage site. It’s rich in history and not overly crowded.
• Afternoon: Head to the Hanoi Botanical Garden for a peaceful walk among the greenery.
• Evening: Enjoy a traditional water puppet show, a unique Vietnamese art form.

## Day 3: Ninh Binh - Nature and History

• Morning: Travel to Ninh Binh (about 2 hours from Hanoi). Visit the ancient capital of Hoa Lu, where you can explore the temples dedicated to the Dinh and Le dynasties.
• Afternoon: Take a boat ride in Tam Coc, often referred to as “Halong Bay on land.” The limestone karsts and rice paddies are breathtaking.
• Evening: Stay overnight in a local homestay for an authentic experience.

## Day 4: Ninh Binh - Cuc Phuong National Park

• Morning: Head to Cuc Phuong National Park. Explore the park’s trails and visit the Endangered Primate Rescue Center.
• Afternoon: Enjoy a picnic lunch in the park and continue hiking to see the ancient trees and diverse wildlife.
• Evening: Return to Ninh Binh for dinner and relax.

## Day 5: Halong Bay - Off the Beaten Path

• Morning: Travel to Halong Bay (about 2.5 hours). Instead of the typical cruise, opt for a day trip to Bai Tu Long Bay, which is less touristy.
• Afternoon: Kayak through the stunning limestone formations and visit the fishing village of Vung Vieng.
• Evening: Return to Hanoi for the night.

## Day 6: Hanoi to Phong Nha

• Morning: Take a morning flight or train to Dong Hoi, then transfer to Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park.
• Afternoon: Explore the park and visit the Phong Nha Cave, one of the most impressive caves in the world.
• Evening: Stay in a local guesthouse and enjoy a quiet evening.

## Day 7: Phong Nha - Adventure and Nature

• Morning: Visit the Paradise Cave, known for its stunning stalactites and stalagmites.
• Afternoon: Go for a hike in the national park or take a bike ride through the surrounding countryside.
• Evening: Enjoy a local meal and share stories with fellow travelers.

## Day 8: Hue - Imperial City

• Morning: Travel to Hue (about 3 hours). Visit the Imperial City, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and explore its ancient walls and palaces.
• Afternoon: Visit the Thien Mu Pagoda and take a boat ride on the Perfume River.
• Evening: Try Hue’s famous cuisine, like bun bo Hue, at a local restaurant.

## Day 9: Hue - Tombs and Gardens

• Morning: Visit the Tomb of Khai Dinh, known for its unique architecture and beautiful views.
• Afternoon: Explore the tranquil gardens of the Tomb of Minh Mang.
• Evening: Enjoy a leisurely evening walk along the river.

## Day 10: Hoi An - Ancient Town

• Morning: Travel to Hoi An (about 3 hours). Check into your accommodation.
• Afternoon: Explore the Ancient Town, but focus on the less-visited areas like the Japanese Covered Bridge and the local markets.
• Evening: Take a cooking class to learn how to make traditional Vietnamese dishes.

## Day 11: Hoi An - Nature and Relaxation

• Morning: Rent a bike and ride to the nearby rice paddies or to An Bang Beach for some relaxation.
• Afternoon: Visit the Tra Que Vegetable Village and learn about local farming practices.
• Evening: Enjoy a quiet dinner in a riverside restaurant.

## Day 12: Ho Chi Minh City - History and Parks

• Morning: Fly to Ho Chi Minh City. Visit the War Remnants Museum for a poignant look at Vietnam’s history.
• Afternoon: Explore the lush Tao Dan Park, a great spot to unwind.
• Evening: Discover the local street food scene in District 1.

## Day 13: Mekong Delta - Real Life Experience

• Morning: Take a day trip to the Mekong Delta. Visit local markets and take a boat ride through the canals.
• Afternoon: Experience rural life by visiting a local family and learning about their daily activities.
• Evening: Return to Ho Chi Minh City for your last dinner in Vietnam.

Departure

• Depending on your flight time, you might have a chance for some last-minute shopping or a final stroll through the city before heading to the airport.

This itinerary gives you a blend of Vietnam’s rich history, stunning natural landscapes, and authentic local experiences. Enjoy your adventure! If you have any questions or need adjustments, feel free to ask!