Vietnam will always have a special place in my heart. I’d heard amazing things about the country for years before I finally decided to go and experience it for myself, and it more than lived up to the hype. I spent months exploring Southeast Asia and loved every minute of it, but Vietnam stood out in a way that surprised me—and inspired me to create this travel itinerary for Vietnam based on my own experience.
First of all, the people are some of the kindest and most genuine I’ve ever met. Whether it was a stranger going out of their way to help me or a friendly waitress chatting with me at a restaurant, I always felt welcome. Beyond the people, Vietnam’s diversity is what makes it so unforgettable, from the towering limestone cliffs of Ha Long Bay to the bustling streets of Ho Chi Minh City and the lush green rice fields that stretch across the countryside. Add in unforgettable food and a rich history, and it’s easy to see why Vietnam is a favourite destination for so many.
That same diversity, however, can make planning a travel itinerary for Vietnam feel overwhelming. With long travel times between destinations and so many incredible places to choose from, it’s easy to try to pack in too much and end up feeling rushed and exhausted. That’s why having a thoughtful, realistic itinerary is so important, it allows you to experience the highlights while still leaving room to slow down and actually enjoy the journey.
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Related: 10 Days Thailand Itinerary for First Timers: Southern Thailand
Table of Contents
Core Stops for First-Time Visitors
These destinations appear in both the 2- and 3-week itineraries. The descriptions below apply to each route.
Hanoi
Start your trip in Vietnam’s capital city, Hanoi. Most international flights will arrive here, making it the ideal starting point for your trip. Hanoi can be overwhelming at first, but take it slowly and give yourself time to adjust to the city.
Spend some time exploring the Old Quarter, where streets are lined with cafés, food stalls, and tiny shops. Stop often, whether it’s for a bánh mì, a bowl of pho, a strong Vietnamese coffee, or simply to watch the ebb and flow of daily life around you. Just outside the Old Quarter is the iconic Train Street, where you can sip a Vietnamese coffee right by the tracks and, if you’re lucky, watch the train rumble past just feet away.
There are plenty of things to do in Hanoi, but we opted to explore mostly on foot. We visited Văn Miếu – Quốc Tử Giám, also known as the Temple of Literature, which felt especially fitting for my mom and me since we’re both writers. We also spent time strolling around Hoan Kiem Lake, stopping to admire the small temple in the middle of the water. For something a little different, we discovered the Sticky Note Café, a quirky coffee shop covered entirely in colourful sticky notes. That’s the beauty of Hanoi, you can uncover unique and unexpected places simply by wandering around.
Where to stay in Hanoi
Budget: Hanoi Old Quarter Hotel
Mid-range: Meritel Hanoi
Luxury: GRAND HÔTEL du LAC Hanoi
Ha Long Bay
There are plenty of cruise options for visiting Ha Long Bay, ranging from budget-friendly day trips to more luxurious overnight experiences. For first-time visitors, an overnight cruise is the best way to fully appreciate the bay without feeling rushed. Despite some rainy weather during our cruise, it was still one of the highlights of our time in Vietnam.
The towering limestone cliffs rising out of the water create a landscape that feels almost otherworldly. Most overnight cruises include meals, kayaking, and time to explore caves or relax on deck, making it an easy and enjoyable break from city travel. Even with less-than-perfect weather, the scenery and experience were well worth it.
Best Overnight Cruise Options
Budget: Halong Hideaway Cruise
Mid-range: Ambassador Cruise Halong Bay
Luxury: Elite of the Seas Cruise
Hoi An
For a cultural experience that’s both relaxing and beautiful, visit Hoi An. Its Old Town is iconic, with lanterns lining the streets and historic buildings that feel frozen in time. Wandering through the Old Town, especially in the evening, is one of the highlights of visiting central Vietnam.
We enjoyed taking an evening boat ride across the Thu Bồn River, which offered a quieter perspective of Hoi An and a chance to see the lanterns from the water. The experience felt straight out of a Disney movie, and it’s something I would definitely recommend. There are plenty of restaurants along the river and a thriving nightlife scene, making it easy to spend the entire evening enjoying the area.
Hoi An is also well known for its shopping. Garrett had a suit tailored for a surprisingly good price, and he also picked up a pair of handmade sandals. While they didn’t last very long, they were inexpensive and a fun souvenir from the trip.
Where to Stay in Hoi An
Budget: Hoi An Blue Sky Boutique Hotel & Spa
Mid-range: Little Riverside Hoi An – Little Luxury Hotel & Spa
Luxury: Moire Hoi An, Vignette Collection by IHG
Hue
For a city with a slower pace and rich history, Hue is a great stopover. There are several options of things to do in Hue, we went a unique route and explored a creepy abandoned waterpark. Getting there was a bit challenging but through some research and following other travellers we made it. If you’re interested in something a bit more unique and a change up from temples and historical sites then I definitely recommend doing this.
One of the other top things to do in Huế is visiting the Imperial City, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It offers a deeper look into the city’s imperial past and is well worth visiting to better understand Huế’s history.
Where to Stay in Hue
Budget: Orchid Hotel
Mid-range: White Lotus Hue Hotel
Luxury: Azerai La Residence, Hue
Ho Chi Minh City
The final stop on your itinerary, Ho Chi Minh City is fast-paced and fascinating. One must-visit is the Củ Chi Tunnels, where you’ll learn about an important part of Vietnam’s history during the Vietnam War. As someone who’s slightly claustrophobic, the tunnels were definitely intimidating, but you can choose to skip the sections where you crawl through them. I decided to challenge myself anyway, and it felt like a small personal victory. I made it through without a full-blown freakout, though internally, I was absolutely screaming.
Spend some time wandering through the city; there are tons of markets, cafés, and neighbourhoods to explore. It’s another city that rewards travellers who take the time to explore.
Where to Stay in Ho Chi Minh City
Budget: Lanura Apartments and Hotel
Mid-range: La Siesta Premium Saigon
Luxury: Sunwah Pearl Sky Tower Residence
2-Week Travel Itinerary for Vietnam
Best for first-time visitors who want a mix of culture, food, and scenery
This route focuses on Vietnam’s biggest highlights while keeping travel days manageable.
Days 1–3: Hanoi
Days 4–5: Ha Long Bay
Days 6–8: Hoi An
Days 9–10: Hue
Days 11–14: Ho Chi Minh City
3-Week Travel Itinerary for Vietnam
Includes all core stops listed above, plus Da Lat.
Days 1–3: Hanoi
Days 4–5: Ha Long Bay
Days 6–8: Hoi An
Days 9–10: Hue
Days 11–14: Da Lat
Days 15–21: Ho Chi Minh City
Additional Stop for the 3-Week Route, Travel Itinerary for Vietnam
Da Lat
For a slower pace, charming Da Lat is the perfect place to slow down and reset. Known for its cooler climate, rolling hills, and café culture, it feels like a completely different side of Vietnam. We spent our time checking out local cafés, wandering markets, and enjoying the fresh mountain air after weeks of city travel.
It’s also a great base for exploring nearby sites like waterfalls and coffee farms. We loved being able to slow down in this mountain town and it’s absolutely worth stopping here if you have the time.
Where to Stay in Da Lat
Budget: D’Mai Xanh Boutique Hotel Da Lat
Mid-range: HLS Dalat Lodge
Luxury: Best Western Premier Imperial Dalat
Travel Itinerary for Vietnam Final Thoughts
Planning a trip to Vietnam can feel overwhelming but with the right planning everything comes together beautifully. It’s one of my favourite countries that I’ve visited for many reasons, having a loose guide of what to do while in Vietnam helps things to feel more organized. While you can plan as you go, having a rough idea of your route makes travel days smoother, helps you avoid backtracking, and leaves more room to actually enjoy each destination instead of constantly figuring out what’s next. Whether you follow it exactly or use it as a starting point to build your own adventure, Vietnam has a way of surprising you in the best possible way. It’s a country that invites curiosity, rewards flexibility, and stays with you long after you leave.
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