This route travels north to south, from ’s historic lanes to the Mekong Delta and , with time for mountains, coast and countryside along the way. I’ve grouped stops into nearby areas to keep transfers sensible; costs are rough estimates in Vietnamese đồng (VND), per person, excluding international flights.
Budget
About 25,000,000–45,000,000 VND per person for 15 days, excluding international flights; includes mid-range accommodation, domestic transport, meals, entry fees and organised day trips.
Best time to visit
March–April or October–November are good all-round choices, though Vietnam’s regional weather varies. Expect heat and possible showers; central Vietnam can be particularly wet in autumn.
Hanoi Old Quarter
Ease into Vietnam with a lakeside stroll, the Old Quarter’s lively streets and a relaxed first evening nearby.
Morning
Walk around
Start with an easy loop around the lake and watch the city wake up. Allow about 5 minutes on foot to reach the next stop.
FreeMorning
Visit
Cross the red bridge to this small temple on the lake. It is beside the lake path; allow about 5 minutes on foot.
About 30,000 VNDAfternoon
Explore ’s Old Quarter
Browse the guild streets and their shops at an unhurried pace. From the temple, it is about 5–10 minutes on foot to the nearby lanes.
FreeAfternoon
Try a classic egg coffee
Take a break at a well-known Old Quarter coffee shop. It is about 5–10 minutes on foot from the central lanes.
About 35,000–50,000 VNDEvening
Dinner on
Settle into the Old Quarter’s busy street-food and beer scene. It is about 10 minutes on foot from .
About 100,000–250,000 VND
French Quarter and Hanoi’s history
Pair ’s grand civic landmarks with a temple visit and a traditional performance, all within a short ride of one another.
Morning
See the
Visit the monumental complex early; check opening days and dress respectfully before you go. From the Old Quarter, allow about 15–20 minutes by taxi.
FreeMorning
Visit the
Explore Vietnam’s historic centre of learning and tranquil courtyards. Allow about 10–15 minutes by taxi from the mausoleum.
About 70,000 VNDAfternoon
Browse the
Follow the country’s story through archaeological and historical collections. It is about 10–15 minutes by taxi from the .
About 40,000 VNDEvening
Watch a water-puppet show
Enjoy a uniquely Vietnamese theatre tradition near . Allow about 10 minutes by taxi from the museum.
About 100,000–200,000 VNDEvening
Dinner near the lake
Choose a nearby restaurant for northern Vietnamese dishes and an early night. It is about 5–10 minutes on foot from the theatre.
About 150,000–350,000 VND
Hanoi’s West Lake
Spend a gentler day around , mixing a historic pagoda with lakeside cafés and a sunset stroll.
Morning
Visit
See one of ’s oldest Buddhist temples on a small peninsula in . From the Old Quarter, allow 15–20 minutes by taxi.
FreeMorning
Walk along
Enjoy the open water and quieter streets around the lake. It is about 5 minutes on foot from the pagoda to the nearby lakeside path.
FreeAfternoon
Explore Truc Bach
Wander this peaceful pocket by the lake and pause for lunch nearby. Allow about 10 minutes on foot from .
FreeAfternoon
Visit
See a revered Taoist temple close to the lake’s southern edge. It is about 10 minutes on foot from .
About 10,000 VNDEvening
Dinner in
Head to the neighbourhood for a relaxed meal and lakeside atmosphere. Allow about 15 minutes by taxi from .
About 200,000–450,000 VND
Ninh Binh: Hoa Lu and Tam Coc
Leave for karst scenery and rural landscapes, combining an ancient capital with a boat ride through limestone peaks.
Morning
Travel to Ninh Binh
Take a train or arranged transfer from ; the journey usually takes about 2–2.5 hours. Head to Hoa Lu once you arrive.
About 150,000–350,000 VNDMorning
Explore the ancient capital of Hoa Lu
Visit the temples and remains of Vietnam’s 10th-century capital. From Ninh Binh town, allow about 15 minutes by taxi.
About 20,000 VNDAfternoon
Take a boat trip in
Glide through rice fields, caves and karst scenery on a traditional rowboat. Allow about 20–25 minutes by taxi from Hoa Lu.
About 250,000–300,000 VNDAfternoon
Climb to Viewpoint
Take the steps up for a sweeping view over the river and limestone landscape. Allow about 10 minutes by taxi from .
About 100,000 VNDEvening
Dinner in
Stay close to your overnight base and sample local specialities such as goat dishes. It is about 10 minutes by taxi from .
About 150,000–300,000 VND
Ninh Binh countryside and Hanoi
Enjoy a peaceful morning among the waterways and temples before returning to for the evening.
Morning
Visit
Explore the cave pagoda and its tiered temples tucked into a limestone hillside. From , allow about 10 minutes by bicycle or taxi.
FreeMorning
Cycle through ’s rice fields
Follow quiet country lanes past fields and karst outcrops. Allow about 10 minutes by bicycle from to reach the nearby paths.
About 50,000–100,000 VNDAfternoon
Return to
Travel back by train or arranged transfer, usually about 2–2.5 hours. Settle in before going out for dinner.
About 150,000–350,000 VNDEvening
Dinner at a bun cha restaurant
Enjoy grilled pork, noodles and herbs at a local favourite. Allow about 15–20 minutes by taxi from central hotels.
About 80,000–150,000 VND
Ha Long Bay
Trade the city for the bay’s dramatic limestone scenery on a full-day cruise, then return to .
Morning
Transfer to
Take a booked shuttle or tour transfer from to the cruise port; allow about 2.5–3 hours each way depending on traffic.
About 300,000–600,000 VNDAfternoon
Cruise among the limestone islands
Spend several hours on the water, usually with a cave or kayak stop included. The cruise departs from the marina, so no separate transfer is needed.
About 1,000,000–2,500,000 VNDEvening
Return to
Travel back with your tour shuttle, typically about 2.5–3 hours. Keep the evening simple after a long day.
About Usually included in tour transfer
Hue Imperial City
Fly south to Hue and spend the day around its royal citadel, riverside streets and distinctive local cuisine.
Morning
Fly from to Hue
Take a morning flight to ; the flight is about 1 hour 15 minutes, followed by roughly 30 minutes by car into town.
About 1,000,000–2,500,000 VNDAfternoon
Explore the Imperial City
Walk through the former imperial palace complex and its gates, courtyards and temples. From central Hue, allow about 10 minutes by taxi.
About 200,000 VNDAfternoon
Walk along the
Take a gentle riverside stroll after the citadel visit. It is about 10 minutes on foot from the Imperial City’s river-facing side.
FreeEvening
Try Hue’s royal-style cuisine
Sample local favourites such as bun bo Hue and small steamed rice cakes. Allow about 10–15 minutes by taxi from the riverfront.
About 200,000–500,000 VND
Hue’s royal tombs
Visit two of Hue’s most atmospheric imperial tombs, with a stop at the region’s best-known pagoda on the way back.
Morning
Visit the Tomb of Minh Mang
Explore the formal, garden-like mausoleum outside the city. From central Hue, allow about 30 minutes by car.
About 150,000 VNDMorning
See the Tomb of Khai Dinh
Admire its striking mix of Vietnamese and European design. Allow about 20 minutes by car from .
About 150,000 VNDAfternoon
Visit
Stop at Hue’s iconic seven-storey pagoda overlooking the river. Allow about 25–30 minutes by car from .
FreeEvening
Dinner in Hue
Return to the centre for a relaxed meal and another chance to sample regional dishes. Allow about 15–20 minutes by taxi from the pagoda.
About 150,000–350,000 VND
Hue to Hoi An via the Hai Van Pass
Make the scenic coastal journey to Hoi An, stopping at the pass and Da Nang’s before an easy evening in town.
Morning
Drive the
Arrange a private car or guided transfer for this spectacular coastal road. From Hue, allow about 2–2.5 hours including a short viewpoint stop.
About Transport about 700,000–1,500,000 VNDAfternoon
Explore the
Visit the caves, pagodas and viewpoints among these limestone hills. Allow about 45–60 minutes by car from , depending on stops.
About 40,000–60,000 VNDAfternoon
Continue to Hoi An
Travel from the to your Hoi An hotel; allow about 45 minutes by car. Check in and take a breather.
About Transport about 300,000–600,000 VNDEvening
Walk the lantern-lit old town
Stroll the riverfront lanes and soak up Hoi An’s evening atmosphere. From most old-town hotels, the historic centre is a 5–15-minute walk.
Free
Hoi An Ancient Town
Spend a full day on foot among Hoi An’s historic houses, covered bridge and riverside food spots.
Morning
Visit the
See the town’s best-known historic bridge before the lanes get busy. It is about 5–10 minutes on foot from most central stays.
About Included in Hoi An Old Town ticketMorning
Explore
Step inside a beautifully preserved merchant home. Allow about 5 minutes on foot from the bridge.
About Included in Hoi An Old Town ticketAfternoon
Visit the
Explore the ornate courtyard and temple in the centre of the old town. It is about 10 minutes on foot from .
About Included in Hoi An Old Town ticketAfternoon
Have cao lau for lunch
Try Hoi An’s signature noodle dish at a popular local spot. Allow about 5–10 minutes on foot from the assembly hall.
About 40,000–80,000 VNDEvening
Dinner by the
Choose a riverside table for local dishes and lantern views. Allow about 10 minutes on foot from the lunch stop.
About 150,000–400,000 VND
Hoi An beach and countryside
Balance a gentle countryside ride with beach time, then return to Hoi An for a final relaxed evening.
Morning
Cycle through Cam Thanh
Ride the quiet lanes through coconut groves and villages. From central Hoi An, allow about 15–20 minutes by bicycle.
About 50,000–150,000 VNDMorning
Take a basket-boat ride
Join a short guided ride through the water coconut forest. It is within the same village area; allow about 5 minutes by bicycle from the main entrance.
About 100,000–200,000 VNDAfternoon
Relax at
Spend the afternoon swimming or unwinding by the shore. Allow about 20 minutes by taxi from Cam Thanh.
FreeEvening
Return to Hoi An for dinner
Head back to town for a final dinner and an easy evening walk. Allow about 15–20 minutes by taxi from the beach.
About 150,000–400,000 VND
Da Nang to Ho Chi Minh City
Fly south and ease into with a short introduction to its historic centre.
Morning
Transfer to
Travel from Hoi An by taxi or shuttle, allowing about 45–60 minutes for the trip and airport check-in.
About 150,000–300,000 VNDAfternoon
Fly to
The flight from Da Nang to Tan Son Nhat takes about 1 hour 20 minutes; allow around 30–60 minutes to reach central District 1 by car after landing.
About 900,000–2,500,000 VNDEvening
See
Visit this landmark in the heart of District 1 before dinner. From most central hotels, allow about 10–15 minutes by taxi.
FreeEvening
Dinner in District 1
Stay close by for Vietnamese classics or a casual street-food meal. Allow about 5–15 minutes on foot from the post office.
About 150,000–400,000 VND
Ho Chi Minh City’s historic centre
Explore the city’s central landmarks and museums, then finish with a rooftop view over the busy streets.
Morning
Visit the
Allow time for the powerful exhibits documenting the Vietnam War. From central District 1, allow about 10 minutes by taxi.
About 40,000 VNDMorning
See the
Tour the former presidential palace and its historic rooms. Allow about 10 minutes on foot from the museum.
About 40,000–65,000 VNDAfternoon
Visit
Admire the city’s landmark cathedral from the outside; check for restoration access updates. Allow about 10 minutes on foot from the palace.
FreeAfternoon
Browse
Explore the market’s food stalls, souvenirs and produce. Allow about 15 minutes on foot from the cathedral.
FreeEvening
Take in the city from Bitexco
See the skyline from the observation deck near the river. Allow about 10 minutes by taxi from .
About 200,000–250,000 VND
Cu Chi Tunnels and Saigon evening
Take a half-day trip to the historic tunnels, then return to the city for a relaxed meal and an evening stroll.
Morning
Travel to the
Join a guided transfer from central ; allow about 1.5–2 hours each way, depending on traffic.
About Tour transport about 300,000–700,000 VNDAfternoon
Tour the
Learn about the tunnel network, wartime conditions and local history with a guide. The visit is on the same site as the arrival point.
About 110,000–250,000 VNDEvening
Dinner in District 3
Return to town and enjoy a neighbourhood restaurant away from the busiest tourist lanes. Allow about 1.5–2 hours by tour transport, then 10–20 minutes by taxi to dinner.
About 150,000–400,000 VNDEvening
Stroll
Finish with a lively, central promenade and views of the city’s evening buzz. Allow about 10–15 minutes by taxi from District 3.
Free
Mekong Delta day trip
Close the trip with a guided excursion through the Mekong Delta’s waterways and villages, returning to in the evening.
Morning
Travel to
Join a day tour from ; the drive to the Mekong Delta usually takes about 1.5–2 hours.
About Tour transport about 300,000–700,000 VNDAfternoon
Cruise the
Take a boat trip through river channels and visit local workshops or orchards, depending on your tour. The boat normally departs from , so allow about 5–15 minutes by road to the pier.
About Usually included in tourAfternoon
Visit
See a distinctive Buddhist temple on the edge of . Allow about 15–20 minutes by car from the riverside boat area.
FreeEvening
Return to
Travel back with your tour, usually about 1.5–2 hours. Keep the final night flexible for dinner near your hotel.
About Usually included in tour transfer
Good to know
Getting around
Use Grab or registered taxis in cities, and book longer transfers in advance. For the , a private car or guided transfer lets you enjoy the scenery without worrying about the road.
Flights and luggage
Book domestic flights early and check baggage allowances carefully, especially on low-cost carriers. Keep some flexibility in your schedule for weather or traffic delays.
Cash and payments
Carry small VND notes for markets, snacks and tips. Cards work at many hotels and larger restaurants, but not everywhere.
Respectful visits
Wear clothing that covers shoulders and knees at temples and mausoleums. Check local opening days and ticket arrangements before visiting major sites.
Tour planning
, the and the Mekong Delta are long day trips from their respective city bases. Choose reputable operators and confirm exactly what transport, meals and admission fees are included.