To travel Vietnam from north to south, or the other way around, you need at least 3 weeks; in my opinion. Vietnam is a long, narrow country stretching over 1,650 kilometers from north to south, resulting in diverse climates. Based on the weather and temperature half January and February I started in Hanoi the north and slowly down to Phu Quoc and flew back from Ho Chi Minh City. Check my blog Tips before you Travel to Vietnam for more information on the climate.
Think of your route in advance, with such a stretched country it is easier to start and depart from another city, to save extra flights and costs.
Hanoi: 3-4 nights
Perfect to walk and do a bike tour to discover the Capital of Vietnam. Enjoy the street food and have a massage to get over the jetlag. Very vibrant city with a lot to do and see, a lot of history too. Visit the popular and touristy train street to encounter the trains from very close by. Try the first street food and have a first Vietnamese coffee, all experiences you will do more on your travel through Vietnam. Check here the full blog on Hanoi: The Capital of Vietnam
Cat Ba / Halong Bay: 2-3 nights
Join a cruise and sleep and sail over the world famous Halong Bay and less known Lan Ha Bay. During the day you will kayak and swim in the fresh clear waters with stunning views of the karst mountains in the back. Perfect tour and this will definitely be a highlight of your Vietnam travel! Check out here the blog on the Cruise and base in Cat Ba.
Ninh Binh / Tam Coc: 2-3 nights
Explore the karst mountains over land around Tam Coc, near Ninh Binh. Rent a bicycle or scooter and check out one or more of the many pagodas in the area. Must do’s are a hike to have a stunning sunset view over the mountains next to the boat tour through the mountains including caves. Check out the full blog on how to get to Tam Coc and explore the area, including tips to travel by night train to your next destination in Central Vietnam.
Phong Nha: 2-3 nights
The highlights here in in Phong Nha are the cave systems hosting the world largest cave in the world; Son Doong Cave. Explore the caves by boat or book a day or multiple days trip to one of the many caves in the jungle near Phong Nha. Another personal achievement and highlight on my travel to Vietnam. Check the full blog on Phong Nha here!
Hue: 1-2 nights
After a busy first start of the holiday, time to chill a bit in Hue. Must do’s are; visiting the Imperial Palace, the local market and stroll along the Perfume River. But most of all, time to drink a good Vietnamese coffee and enjoy a massage; especially after a hike to the caves the day before. Check here my hotel, travel and tips on Hue!
Hoi An: 2-3 nights
After a fantastic ride on the back of a motorbike called; Easy Rider from Hue to Hoi An, time to explore the fantastic old town of Hoi An. Get your tailor made clothes made or make one of the lanterns yourself. Highlight here is to watch the lantern festival at night with the streets and river full of colors and lights. Also stunning pagodas to admire and drink one of the best coconut coffee here. Hoi An is located close to the beach so a big advantage to chill and work on your tan. Check more tips and inspiration on Hoi An in this separate blog on the Lantern City of Vietnam.
Ho Chi Minh City: 1-2 nights
Visiting Vietnam means also dip into the rich history of the country itself. Big recommendations to learn more of the history are a half a day tour to the Cu Chi tunnels and the War Remnants Museum. Furthermore is Ho Chi Minh a very modern city with skyscrapers an trendy places, next to the street food and markets. A lot to see and explore in this vibrant city. Check here the full blog on the former capital called Saigon.
Can Tho / Mekong Delta: 2 nights
I suggest to do a tour to the Mekong Delta out of Ho Chi Minh City and stop in Can Tho. Can Tho is the capital of this area and from here you can easily travel onwards to Phu Quoc. The tour is all well organized to see a lot in the fruitful area, with as highlight the floating market the next morning. This tour included a night in Can Tho and I stayed another night to chill at an Eco Lodge and did not return to Saigon. Check here the tips and route in details of how to discover the Mekong Delta.
Phu Quoc: 3-5 nights
I always need a holiday within my travels, I always say. That is way I booked a tropical island at the end of my travel to get into the chill modus before heading back home. Phu Quoc is perfect for that: snorkeling, swimming in azure waters with sea stars, stunning sunsets, luxury resort and a lot more. Rent a scooter and explore but most of all chill and relax in Ong Lan area! Curious about this tropical island; check here the full and extensive blog on Phu Quoc.
Ho Chi Minh City: 1 night
Last moment to shop for the last dried mangos and other souvenirs at the Ben Thanh Market. Prepare for your flight home, have a last Vietnamese meal and have the last famous egg coffee: See here my tips and inspirations on Ho Chi Minh City.
Time to go home and bring back the memories of a fantastic adventure in a super friendly country where the service is extremely high for a great value for money. Big recommendation to your your travel to Vietnam!
