Day 1: Hanoi at street level
Circle Hoàn Kiếm Lake early, then cross into the Old Quarter for coffee and noodles. Add the Temple of Literature after lunch and keep the first evening unplanned.
Vietnam adventure route
A north-to-south route with limestone water, old-town evenings, and enough time for the food that makes every transfer worth it.
Day 2: Ha Long on the water
Choose a licensed overnight cruise rather than a rushed day return. Weather can change the route, so book the boat and let the crew choose the safe coves.
Day 3: Trang An by paddle
Ride south to Trang An for a rowboat through caves and limestone valleys. Start before midday heat and stay nearby instead of returning to Hanoi late.
Day 4: Travel south
Use this as the transfer day to central Vietnam. A flight saves time; a sleeper train trades speed for scenery. Do not stack a major sight on arrival.
Day 5: Hoi An after dark
Explore Hoi An Ancient Town in the cooler late afternoon and stay through the lantern-lit evening. Walk or cycle; cars do not improve the old center.
Day 6: My Son at opening
Reach Mỹ Sơn when it opens, before the exposed ruins heat up. Return to Hoi An for a quiet afternoon rather than forcing another excursion.
Day 7: Da Nang bridge night
Move to Da Nang, use the beach as the day’s buffer, and see Dragon Bridge after dark. Check the current fire-show schedule before planning around it.
Day 8: Ho Chi Minh City context
Fly south and begin at the War Remnants Museum. It is a heavy visit, so leave time afterward and choose an easy evening nearby.
Day 9: Market and neighborhoods
See Bến Thành early, then go beyond its souvenir aisles for lunch. Spend the afternoon in a neighborhood café rather than chasing distant landmarks.
Day 10: Củ Chi carefully
Book a small-group Củ Chi visit with clear pickup details. The tunnels are narrow and optional; the historical briefing matters more than crawling through every section.
When to go
Vietnam is long, so the weather differs by region. The north is coolest from roughly November to March, with misty mornings at Ha Long. Central Vietnam, around Hoi An and Da Nang, has a typhoon and flood risk in the autumn. The south is hot all year, with a rainy season. Spring is often the easiest window for this north to south route.
Getting around
Domestic flights are the practical way to cover the long distances between Hanoi, Da Nang and Ho Chi Minh City. In cities, use a ride app or a metered taxi from a known company. Crossing the road in busy cities takes practice: walk steadily at a predictable pace and let the traffic flow around you. Trains are slower but scenic.
What to book ahead
Book the Ha Long cruise with a reputable operator and check recent reviews, as quality varies. Reserve domestic flights early on holiday weeks, especially around Tet, the lunar new year, when much of the country travels and some businesses close. Book My Son and Củ Chi visits for the early morning to avoid heat and crowds.
What to pack
Pack light, breathable clothes, a rain jacket and comfortable shoes for uneven ground. Temples and pagodas ask for covered shoulders and knees. Bring insect repellent, sunscreen and a hat. A small dry bag helps on boat days, and a refillable bottle is useful, though you should drink filtered or bottled water.
Food worth planning around
Vietnamese food is a reason to go. Try pho in Hanoi, bun cha, cao lau and banh mi in Hoi An, and fresh spring rolls in the south. Busy street stalls are usually the best choice. Coffee comes strong, often with condensed milk. Ask about ingredients if you have allergies, since fish sauce is in many dishes.
Before you go
Check the visa rules for your passport, since they differ by country and change. Confirm the opening hours of historic sites and the war museums. At Củ Chi, take the tunnels slowly if you dislike tight spaces, as some are narrow. Carry small notes for market stalls and agree on prices before taxis.
Where to stay from north to south
In Hanoi, the Old Quarter puts the lake, food and evening street life on your doorstep. In Hoi An, a hotel near the old town makes the evening walk easy, while a place nearer the beach is calmer. In Da Nang, stay by the beach or near the river for Dragon Bridge. In Ho Chi Minh City, District 1 puts the museum and market within reach.
Make it your trip
Add the full plan, choose your dates, then reorder or remove any stop.
Some booking links are affiliate links. Trip Made Easy may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. How this works.