17 day itinerary
Vietnam
Personalized with:Make it local
Itinerary
Vietnam is a stunning country with a rich culture, delicious food, and breathtaking landscapes. Here’s a 17-day itinerary that will immerse you in the local experience, allowing you to explore the vibrant cities, serene countryside, and everything in between. Let’s dive in!
Day 1: Arrival in
- Morning: Arrive in . Check into a local guesthouse in the Old Quarter.
- Afternoon: Stroll around and visit . Grab a bowl of pho from a street vendor.
- Evening: Enjoy a traditional water puppet show and dinner at a local eatery.
Day 2: Explore
- Morning: Visit the and the .
- Afternoon: Explore the and the .
- Evening: Take a food tour in the Old Quarter, sampling local delicacies like bun cha and egg coffee.
Day 3: Day Trip to
- Morning: Take a bus to (about 2 hours). Visit the ancient capital of .
- Afternoon: Take a boat ride in , surrounded by stunning limestone karsts.
- Evening: Return to and enjoy a quiet dinner at a local restaurant.
Day 4: to
- Morning: Take an early morning bus or train to (about 5-6 hours).
- Afternoon: Check into a homestay and explore the town. Visit the local market.
- Evening: Enjoy a traditional dinner with your homestay family.
Day 5: Trekking in
- All Day: Go on a guided trek through the rice terraces and visit local villages like Cat Cat and Ta Van. Experience the culture of the Hmong and Dao people.
- Evening: Return to your homestay for dinner and share stories with your hosts.
Day 6: to
- Morning: Enjoy a leisurely breakfast and some last-minute exploration in .
- Afternoon: Head back to . Relax at a café and people-watch.
- Evening: Dinner at a local restaurant and try some local craft beer.
Day 7: to
- Morning: Depart for (about 4 hours). Check into a cruise.
- Afternoon: Explore the bay, visit caves, and swim in the emerald waters.
- Evening: Enjoy a seafood dinner on the boat and watch the sunset.
Day 8: to
- Morning: Continue exploring . Kayak or take a small boat to visit floating fishing villages.
- Afternoon: Return to the harbor and transfer to for your flight to Da Nang, then drive to .
- Evening: Stroll through the lantern-lit streets of and enjoy a local meal.
Day 9:
- Morning: Take a cooking class to learn how to make traditional Vietnamese dishes.
- Afternoon: Visit the Ancient Town, including the and local artisan shops.
- Evening: Enjoy dinner at a riverside restaurant and try Cao Lau noodles.
Day 10: to
- Morning: Take a bus to (about 3 hours). Check into a local hotel.
- Afternoon: Visit the and the .
- Evening: Try ’s famous bun bo (spicy beef noodle soup) for dinner.
Day 11: Explore
- Morning: Take a boat trip on the to visit the royal tombs of Minh Mang and Khai Dinh.
- Afternoon: Explore local markets and try some street food.
- Evening: Attend a traditional music performance at a local venue.
Day 12: to Phong Nha
- Morning: Travel to Phong Nha (about 4 hours). Check into a local guesthouse.
- Afternoon: Visit the and take a boat tour.
- Evening: Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant and relax.
Day 13: Phong Nha National Park
- All Day: Go on a guided tour of the and explore the stunning landscapes of Phong Nha National Park.
- Evening: Return to your guesthouse for dinner and share stories with fellow travelers.
Day 14: Phong Nha to
- Morning: Travel to (this will be a longer journey, so prepare for a full day of travel).
- Afternoon: Check into a beachside hotel and relax on the beach.
- Evening: Enjoy fresh seafood at a beachside restaurant.
Day 15:
- Morning: Take a boat tour to the nearby islands for snorkeling and swimming.
- Afternoon: Visit the and soak in the local culture.
- Evening: Enjoy a beachside dinner and watch the sunset.
Day 16: to Ho Chi Minh City
- Morning: Fly to . Check into a local hotel.
- Afternoon: Visit the and the .
- Evening: Explore and try local street food.
Day 17: Explore Ho Chi Minh City
- Morning: Take a day trip to the to learn about Vietnam’s history.
- Afternoon: Return to the city and visit the and .
- Evening: Enjoy a farewell dinner at a rooftop restaurant with a view of the city skyline.
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 is packed with local experiences, delicious food, and stunning sights. Enjoy your adventure in Vietnam! If you have any specific interests or adjustments, feel free to let me know!