21 days in Vietnam Itinerary

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.

On the 12th (Thu), spend a fun day on foot with Walking tours. There's still lots to do: contemplate the waterfront views at Lake of the Restored Sword (Hoan Kiem Lake), steep yourself in history at Temple of Literature & National University, browse the exhibits of TiredCity Hang Bong, and wander the streets of Old Quarter.

For ratings, photos, and more tourist information, refer to the Hanoi trip itinerary app.

London, UK to Hanoi is an approximately 15.5-hour flight. Due to the time zone difference, you'll lose 7 hours traveling from London to Hanoi. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 14th (Sat) so you can go by car to Hai Phong.

Haiphong is a major industrial city and the second largest city in the northern part of Vietnam. Kick off your visit on the 15th (Sun): make a trip to Du Hang Pagoda, then cast your line with Calypso Cruises, and then Head underground at Pelican Cave (Hang Bo Nau).

To find more things to do, traveler tips, reviews, and other tourist information, read Hai Phong trip planner.

You can drive from Hanoi to Hai Phong in 2 hours. Other options are to take a bus; or take a train. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 15th (Sun) 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 16th (Mon): contemplate the waterfront views at Hạ Long Bay, contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Long Tien Pagoda, and then get outside with Outdoor Activities.

For more things to do, ratings, maps, and tourist information, you can read our Halong Bay trip builder website.

Traveling by combination of car and ferry from Hai Phong to Halong Bay takes 2 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of bus and ferry; or ride a ferry. Cap off your sightseeing on the 16th (Mon) early enough to travel to Da Lat.

While often referred to as "City of a Thousand Flowers," "City of a Thousand Pines," and "City of a Thousand Palms," you'd be right in thinking that numbers far greater than a thousand have given Da Lat its reputation as a fertile agricultural heartland.

On the 17th (Tue), pause for some serene contemplation at Nha Tho Bao Loc, then get outside with Pine Track Adventures, and then skim along the rocks with a canyoning and rapelling tour.

For maps, more things to do, where to stay, and other tourist information, use the Da Lat trip itinerary planner.

You can do a combination of ferry and flight from Halong Bay to Da Lat in 6 hours. Other options are to do a combination of ferry, car, and bus; or do a combination of ferry, bus, and train. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 17th (Tue) to allow time 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.

Hoi An is known for shopping, spas, and classes. Your plan includes some of its best attractions: indulge in some personalized pampering at some of the best spas, push the limits with an extreme tour, make a trip to Japanese Covered Bridge, and see what you can catch with a fishing tour.

To find more things to do, maps, where to stay, and tourist information, use the Hoi An day trip planning site.

Traveling by flight from Da Lat to Hoi An takes 4.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a bus. August in Hoi An sees daily highs of 40°C and lows of 30°C at night. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 20th (Fri) to allow 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.

On the 21st (Sat), steep yourself in history at Tomb of Minh Mang, then take in the spiritual surroundings of Thien Mu Pagoda, and then steep yourself in history at Imperial City. On the next day, get outside with Outdoor Activities.

To find photos, traveler tips, where to stay, and other tourist information, refer to the Hue trip itinerary planner.

You can drive from Hoi An to Hue in 3 hours. Other options are to do a combination of taxi and train; or take a bus. August in Hue sees daily highs of 40°C and lows of 29°C at night. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 22nd (Sun) early enough to drive to Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park.

Marked by underground rivers, famous caves, limestone cliffs, and tropical rainforests, Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park wows visitors with a spectacular range of landscapes and wildlife.

Step out of Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park to go to Son Trach and see Hang Toi (Dark Cave), which is approximately 1h 15 min away. Next up on the itinerary: surround yourself with nature on a nature and wildlife tour, relax and rejuvenate at Lemon Tree Nail & Spa, explore the activities along Suoi Nuoc Mooc, and relax in the rural setting at The Duck Stop.

For more things to do, where to stay, reviews, and more tourist information, read our Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park journey planner.

Traveling by car from Hue to Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park takes 3 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus; or take a train. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 25th (Wed) early enough to travel to Duong To.

On the 26th (Thu), cast your line with Jerry's Jungle Tours, then indulge in some personalized pampering at Luna Thai Spa, and then savor the flavors at Beer Fridge.

For reviews, ratings, and tourist information, use the Duong To day trip website.

Traveling by flight from Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park to Duong To takes 6.5 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of bus, train, ferry, and taxi; or do a combination of train, bus, ferry, and taxi. Finish your sightseeing early on the 26th (Thu) to allow enough time to travel to Ho Chi Minh City.

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 29th (Sun), spend an adventurous day with a kayaking and canoeing tour. Next up on the itinerary: don't miss a visit to Cu Chi Tunnels, hunt for treasures at Ben Thanh Market, contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Emperor Jade Pagoda, and pause for some serene contemplation at Notre Dame Cathedral of Saigon.

To find photos, reviews, where to stay, and tourist information, read Ho Chi Minh City trip planner.

You can fly from Duong To to Ho Chi Minh City in 3 hours. Other options are to do a combination of car and ferry; or do a combination of taxi, ferry, and bus. Expect a daytime high around 38°C in August, and nighttime lows around 29°C. Wrap up your sightseeing by early afternoon on the 30th (Mon) to allow time for travel back home.