13 day itinerary for Vietnam

Itinerary

Vietnam is a stunning country with a rich culture, delicious food, and breathtaking landscapes. Let’s craft an exciting 13-day itinerary that includes Ho Chi Minh City (SGN), Hoi An, and Hanoi, while making the most of your time. Here we go!

## Day 1: Arrival in Ho Chi Minh City (November 2)

• Evening: Arrive at Tan Son Nhat International Airport at 19:30. After clearing customs, take a taxi or shuttle to your hotel in District 1.
• Dinner: Grab a late dinner at a nearby restaurant. Try some pho or banh mi to kick off your culinary adventure!

## Day 2: Explore Ho Chi Minh City (November 3)

• Morning: Visit the War Remnants Museum to understand Vietnam's history.
• Afternoon: Head to the Reunification Palace and then stroll around the Notre-Dame Cathedral and Central Post Office.
• Evening: Enjoy dinner at a rooftop restaurant with views of the city skyline.

## Day 3: Mekong Delta Day Trip (November 4)

• All ## Day: Take a guided tour to the Mekong Delta. Explore the waterways, visit local villages, and enjoy a traditional lunch. Don’t forget to try some fresh tropical fruits!
• Evening: Return to Ho Chi Minh City and relax at your hotel or explore the nightlife in Bui Vien Street.

## Day 4: Fly to Da Nang and Transfer to Hoi An (November 5)

• Morning: Catch a morning flight to Da Nang (about 1 hour).
• Afternoon: Upon arrival, take a taxi to Hoi An (about 30 minutes). Check into your hotel and then explore the Ancient Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
• Evening: Enjoy dinner at a riverside restaurant and take a stroll to see the lanterns lighting up the streets.

## Day 5: Hoi An (November 6)

• Morning: Take a cooking class to learn how to make traditional Vietnamese dishes.
• Afternoon: Rent a bicycle and ride to the nearby rice paddies or visit An Bang Beach for some relaxation.
• Evening: Explore the night market and try some street food.

## Day 6: My Son Sanctuary (November 7)

• Morning: Take a half-day trip to My Son, an ancient Cham civilization site.
• Afternoon: Return to Hoi An and enjoy some leisure time. Perhaps get a tailor-made outfit!
• Evening: Dinner at a local restaurant, followed by a traditional music performance if available.

## Day 7: Fly to Hanoi (November 8)

• Morning: Fly from Da Nang to Hanoi (about 1.5 hours).
• Afternoon: Check into your hotel and visit the Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple.
• Evening: Enjoy a traditional Vietnamese dinner and perhaps catch a water puppet show.

## Day 8: Explore Hanoi (November 9)

• Morning: Visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and the Presidential Palace.
• Afternoon: Explore the Temple of Literature and the Vietnam Fine Arts Museum.
• Evening: Stroll through the Old Quarter and try some local specialties like bun cha or egg coffee.

## Day 9: Halong Bay Overnight Cruise (November 10)

• All ## Day: Depart for Halong Bay (about 3.5 hours). Board your cruise and enjoy the stunning limestone karsts. Activities may include kayaking, swimming, or visiting caves.
• Evening: Enjoy dinner on the boat and relax under the stars.

## Day 10: Halong Bay to Hanoi (November 11)

• Morning: Continue exploring Halong Bay. After brunch, disembark and head back to Hanoi.
• Afternoon: Free time to relax or do some last-minute shopping.
• Evening: Dinner at a local restaurant and enjoy your last night in Hanoi.

## Day 11: Day Trip to Ninh Binh (November 12)

• All ## Day: Take a day trip to Ninh Binh. Visit Tam Coc for a boat ride through rice paddies and limestone mountains, and explore the ancient capital of Hoa Lu.
• Evening: Return to Hanoi and enjoy a leisurely dinner.

## Day 12: Free Day in Hanoi (November 13)

• All ## Day: Use this day to explore anything you may have missed or revisit your favorite spots. Consider visiting the Hanoi Opera House or the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology.
• Evening: Enjoy a farewell dinner at a nice restaurant.

## Day 13: Departure (November 14)

• Morning: Last-minute shopping or sightseeing.
• Afternoon: Relax at your hotel or a café.
• Evening: Head to the airport for your flight departing at 00:20 on November 15.

Tips:

• Make sure to check flight times and book in advance, especially for domestic flights.
• Keep some cash handy for street food and small purchases.
• Don’t forget to try the local coffee – it’s a must!

I hope this itinerary helps you have an unforgettable adventure in Vietnam! If you have any questions or need adjustments, feel free to ask! Safe travels! 🌏✈️