14 day itinerary
Vietnam
Personalized with:Over Thanksgiving 2025
Itinerary
Vietnam is a stunning country with a rich culture, delicious food, and breathtaking landscapes. Spending 14 days there over Thanksgiving sounds like a fantastic idea! Here’s a fun and engaging itinerary that balances exploration, relaxation, and cultural experiences. Let’s dive in!
Day 1: Arrival in Hanoi
- Morning: Arrive in Hanoi. Check into your hotel and freshen up.
- Afternoon: Take a leisurely stroll around . Visit .
- Evening: Enjoy a traditional Vietnamese dinner at a local restaurant. Try Pho or Bun Cha!
- Night: Explore the and maybe catch a water puppet show.
Day 2: Hanoi City Tour
- Morning: Visit the and the . Don’t miss the !
- Afternoon: Explore the , Vietnam’s first university, and then head to the .
- Evening: Dinner at a street food stall. Try some Banh Mi or fresh spring rolls.
- Night: Relax at a café and enjoy some Vietnamese coffee.
Day 3:
- Morning: Depart for (about 4 hours by car).
- Afternoon: Board a cruise and enjoy lunch while cruising through the stunning limestone karsts. Explore .
- Evening: Enjoy dinner on the boat and take in the sunset over the bay.
- Night: Relax on the deck or join a cooking class on board.
Day 4: to Hanoi
- Morning: Tai Chi on the deck, followed by breakfast. Visit a fishing village or kayak in the bay.
- Afternoon: Return to Hanoi. Stop for lunch on the way.
- Evening: Free time to explore or shop in the .
- Night: Try a local beer at a rooftop bar.
Day 5: Travel to Hoi An
- Morning: Fly from Hanoi to Da Nang (about 1.5 hours). Transfer to Hoi An (30 minutes).
- Afternoon: Check into your hotel and explore the Ancient Town. Visit the .
- Evening: Dinner at a riverside restaurant. Don’t miss the local specialty, Cao Lau!
- Night: Enjoy the lantern-lit streets of Hoi An.
Day 6: Hoi An Cooking Class
- Morning: Take a cooking class. Visit a local market to gather ingredients.
- Afternoon: Enjoy the meal you prepared! Then, relax at .
- Evening: Explore more of Hoi An’s charming streets and shops.
- Night: Optional lantern-making workshop.
Day 7:
- Morning: Take a day trip to My Son, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Explore the ancient Cham ruins.
- Afternoon: Return to Hoi An and enjoy some free time.
- Evening: Dinner at a local restaurant. Try some seafood!
- Night: Stroll along the river and enjoy the night market.
Day 8: Travel to Hue
- Morning: Depart for Hue (about 3 hours by car).
- Afternoon: Visit the and the .
- Evening: Dinner at a local restaurant. Try the famous Bun Bo Hue!
- Night: Explore the Perfume River area.
Day 9: Hue to Phong Nha
- Morning: Visit the and then head to Phong Nha (about 4 hours).
- Afternoon: Check into your accommodation and relax.
- Evening: Dinner at a local eatery.
- Night: Enjoy the peaceful countryside atmosphere.
Day 10: Phong Nha Caves
- Morning: Explore the or . Both are stunning!
- Afternoon: Enjoy a picnic lunch in the park.
- Evening: Return to your accommodation and freshen up.
- Night: Relax and enjoy a quiet evening.
Day 11: Travel to Ho Chi Minh City
- Morning: Depart for Dong Hoi Airport and fly to Ho Chi Minh City (about 1.5 hours).
- Afternoon: Check into your hotel and explore .
- Evening: Dinner at a rooftop restaurant with a view of the city skyline.
- Night: Explore the nightlife in District 1.
Day 12: Ho Chi Minh City Tour
- Morning: Visit the and the .
- Afternoon: Explore and the .
- Evening: Dinner at a local restaurant. Try some Vietnamese BBQ!
- Night: Take a stroll along .
Day 13: Day Trip
- Morning: Take a day trip to the . Visit floating markets and local villages.
- Afternoon: Enjoy a boat ride and sample local fruits.
- Evening: Return to Ho Chi Minh City and enjoy your last dinner in Vietnam.
- Night: Reflect on your trip and maybe grab a last drink at a local bar.
Day 14: Departure
- Morning: Last-minute shopping or sightseeing.
- Afternoon: Check out of your hotel and head to the airport for your departure flight.
Tips:
- Transportation: Domestic flights are the best way to cover long distances. Consider booking in advance.
- Weather: November is generally a good time to visit, but check the weather for specific regions.
- Cuisine: Don’t hesitate to try street food; it’s often the best!
I hope this itinerary gets you excited for your trip! Vietnam is a beautiful country with so much to offer, and you’re sure to have an unforgettable Thanksgiving adventure! Safe travels! 🌏✈️