12 days in Vietnam Itinerary

Formerly known in the West as Saigon and affectionately referred to as the "Pearl of the Far East," Ho Chi Minh City is a study of old and new, woven and piled together in a fast-paced urban hub.

On the 2nd (Wed), spend an adventurous day with a kayaking and canoeing tour. There's lots more to do: make a trip to Cu Chi Tunnels, gain some tasty knowledge on Saigon Vibes Tour, browse the eclectic array of goods at Ben Thanh Market, and get engrossed in the history at War Remnants Museum.

To find reviews, photos, traveler tips, and tourist information, read Ho Chi Minh City trip website.

The Route module shows you travel options from your home to Ho Chi Minh City. In December in Ho Chi Minh City, expect temperatures between 36°C during the day and 26°C at night. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 3rd (Thu) so you can travel to Duong Dong.

A holiday in Duong Dong offers cultural diversity, great nature experiences, and a variety of educational and kid-friendly attractions.

On the 4th (Fri), find something for the whole family at Happy Farm PQ, relax in the rural setting at Phu Quoc Countryside, and then go all around town with Alfa Tours . Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the next day: take an in-depth tour of Coi Nguon Museum, relax and rejuvenate at Luna Thai Spa, contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Cao Dai Temple, then look for gifts at The Storytree Vietnam, and finally sample some tasty brews at Beer Fridge.

To see traveler tips, photos, where to stay, and tourist information, use the Duong Dong online trip planner.

You can fly from Ho Chi Minh City to Duong Dong in 3 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of car and ferry; or do a combination of bus and ferry. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 5th (Sat) early enough to travel to Halong Bay.

Halong Bay encompasses a cluster of verdant limestone islets that jut out from the sea and make up an enchanting setting recognized as a World Heritage Site.

Start off your visit on the 6th (Sun): explore the activities along Hạ Long Bay, get outside with Outdoor Activities, and then snap pictures at Pont Bai Chay.

To see more things to do, reviews, maps, and tourist information, refer to the Halong Bay trip planner.

Traveling by combination of flight and ferry from Duong Dong to Halong Bay takes 5.5 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of ferry, bus, train, and car; or do a combination of ferry, bus, and car. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 6th (Sun) so you can travel to Hanoi.

The capital of Vietnam, Hanoi has bounded back from the effects of war, and today serves as a bustling commercial and cultural hub bursting at the seams.

Hanoi is known for historic sites, spas, and nightlife. Your plan includes some of its best attractions: take a stroll through Old Quarter, don't miss a visit to Temple of Literature & National University, steep yourself in history at Hoa Lo Prison, and see Off-Road Tours.

To find other places to visit, photos, where to stay, and more tourist information, use the Hanoi trip itinerary maker app.

Getting from Halong Bay to Hanoi by combination of ferry, car, flight, and bus takes about 5 hours. Other options: do a combination of ferry and bus; or do a combination of ferry, car, and train. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 9th (Wed) early enough to travel to Hoi An.

Indisputably one of Vietnam's most atmospheric destinations, Hoi An contains a World Heritage-listed old town boasting over 2,000 years of culture and history.

Kick off your visit on the 10th (Thu): get the adrenaline pumping with an extreme tour, take in the views from Japanese Covered Bridge, then admire the masterpieces at Precious Heritage by Rehahn, and finally indulge in some personalized pampering at some of the best spas. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the next day: explore the striking landscape at The Marble Mountains, make a trip to Hoi An Ancient Town, then browse the range of quality goods at Ginkgo T-Shirts Store Le Loi, and finally look for gifts at Yaly Couture - Nguyen Thai Hoc branch.

For where to stay, other places to visit, and tourist information, you can read our Hoi An visit planner.

You can fly from Hanoi to Hoi An in 4 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or do a combination of train and taxi. In December, daily temperatures in Hoi An can reach 29°C, while at night they dip to 23°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 11th (Fri) to allow enough time to drive to Hue.

Nestled on the banks of the Perfume River, the city of Hue remains most famous as the former home of the Nguyen Dynasty, the influence of which remains evident in local palaces, temples, forts, and museums.

Start off your visit on the 12th (Sat): indulge in some personalized pampering at some of the best spas, contemplate the long history of Thien Mu Pagoda, and then steep yourself in history at Imperial City.

For photos, maps, traveler tips, and tourist information, read Hue itinerary builder.

Traveling by car from Hoi An to Hue takes 3 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of taxi and train; or take a bus. When traveling from Hoi An in December, plan for a bit cooler days and about the same nights in Hue: temperatures range from 26°C by day to 21°C at night. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 12th (Sat) early enough to travel back home.