13 day itinerary
Vietnam
Personalized with:Include parks and green spacesMost important archeological placesNot so touristic placesReal life
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 . It’s a lovely spot to relax and people-watch. Don’t miss the on the lake.
- Evening: Explore the . Try some local street food like pho or banh mi.
Day 2: Hanoi - Parks and Culture
- Morning: Visit the , a UNESCO World Heritage site. It’s rich in history and not overly crowded.
- Afternoon: Head to the 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 , where you can explore the temples dedicated to the Dinh and Le dynasties.
- Afternoon: Take a boat ride in , 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 -
- Morning: Head to . Explore the park’s trails and visit the .
- 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 , 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 .
- Afternoon: Explore the park and visit the , 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 , 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 -
- Morning: Travel to Hue (about 3 hours). Visit the , a UNESCO World Heritage site, and explore its ancient walls and palaces.
- Afternoon: Visit the and take a boat ride on the .
- Evening: Try Hue’s famous cuisine, like bun bo Hue, at a local restaurant.
Day 9: Hue - Tombs and Gardens
- Morning: Visit the , known for its unique architecture and beautiful views.
- Afternoon: Explore the tranquil gardens of the .
- Evening: Enjoy a leisurely evening walk along the river.
Day 10: Hoi An -
- Morning: Travel to Hoi An (about 3 hours). Check into your accommodation.
- Afternoon: Explore the , but focus on the less-visited areas like the 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 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 for a poignant look at Vietnam’s history.
- Afternoon: Explore the lush , a great spot to unwind.
- Evening: Discover the local street food scene in District 1.
Day 13: - Real Life Experience
- Morning: Take a day trip to the . 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!