22 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 21st (Mon), spend a fun day on foot with Walking tours. There's lots more to do: take a stroll through Old Quarter, contemplate the long history of Temple of Literature & National University, learn about all things military at Vietnam Military History Museum, and stop by TiredCity Hang Bong.

For more things to do, ratings, and other tourist information, read our Hanoi vacation planner.

Birmingham, UK to Hanoi is an approximately 18.5-hour combination of train and flight. The time zone changes from Greenwich Mean Time to Indochina Time, which is usually a 7 hour difference. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 24th (Thu) to allow time 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.

On the 25th (Fri), contemplate the waterfront views at Hạ Long Bay, get a new perspective on things with Boat Tours & Water Sports, and then snap pictures at Pont Bai Chay.

To find where to stay, traveler tips, more things to do, and tourist information, go to the Halong Bay sightseeing planner.

You can do a combination of bus, flight, car, and ferry from Hanoi to Halong Bay in 5 hours. Other options are to do a combination of bus and ferry; or do a combination of train, car, and ferry. Finish your sightseeing early on the 25th (Fri) 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.

Take a break from Duong Dong with a short trip to Vinpearl Land Phu Quoc in Ganh Dau, about 38 minutes away. And it doesn't end there: discover the deep blue sea with Seamen Divers Diving Club, relax in the rural setting at Phu Quoc Countryside, get engrossed in the history at Coi Nguon Museum, and laugh and play at Happy Farm PQ.

For photos, maps, ratings, and tourist information, you can read our Duong Dong trip itinerary planner.

You can do a combination of ferry and flight from Halong Bay to Duong Dong in 5.5 hours. Other options are to do a combination of ferry, car, train, and bus; or do a combination of ferry, car, and bus. Cap off your sightseeing on the 29th (Tue) early enough 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 1st (Fri), spend an adventurous day with a kayaking and canoeing tour. There's much more to do: don't miss a visit to Cu Chi Tunnels, look for gifts at Lucy Henna, pause for some serene contemplation at Saigon Notre Dame Cathedral, and ponder the world of politics at Central Post Office.

To see other places to visit, maps, photos, and other tourist information, go to the Ho Chi Minh City trip planner.

Getting from Duong Dong to Ho Chi Minh City by flight takes about 3 hours. Other options: do a combination of ferry and car; or do a combination of ferry and bus. In December, daily temperatures in Ho Chi Minh City can reach 36°C, while at night they dip to 26°C. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 1st (Fri) so you can 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.

Start off your visit on the 2nd (Sat): take in the architecture and atmosphere at Nha Tho Bao Loc, then head outdoors with Outdoor Activities, and then head outdoors with Pine Track Adventures.

To find more things to do, other places to visit, where to stay, and tourist information, read our Da Lat day trip app.

You can fly from Ho Chi Minh City to Da Lat in 3 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or do a combination of train and taxi. Finish your sightseeing early on the 2nd (Sat) so you can 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.

Venture out of the city with trips to Da Nang (The Gioi Tranh Dep & Dacotours - Da Nang Travel Agency). There's still lots to do: indulge in some personalized pampering at some of the best spas, let your taste buds guide you at a local gastronomic tour, explore the world behind art at Precious Heritage by Rehahn, and make a trip to Hoi An Ancient Town.

For reviews, other places to visit, photos, and more tourist information, read our Hoi An trip planner.

Traveling by flight from Da Lat to Hoi An takes 4.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a bus. Expect a daytime high around 29°C in January, and nighttime lows around 22°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 5th (Tue) so you can 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 6th (Wed): steep yourself in history at Tomb of Minh Mang, then admire the striking features of Thien Mu Pagoda, and then contemplate the long history of Imperial City. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the next day: get a dose of the wild on a nature and wildlife tour.

For other places to visit, where to stay, and more tourist information, go to the Hue online holiday planner.

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. January in Hue sees daily highs of 27°C and lows of 20°C at night. Finish your sightseeing early on the 7th (Thu) so you can 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.

Kick off your visit on the 8th (Fri): explore the fascinating underground world of Phong Nha Caves, then admire the natural beauty at Phong Nha Botanic Garden, and then experience rural life at The Duck Stop. On your second day here, contemplate the waterfront views at Suoi Nuoc Mooc, relax and rejuvenate at Lemon Tree Nail & Spa, and then take your sightseeing to a higher altitude at U Bo Mountain (Nui U Bo).

To find other places to visit, reviews, ratings, and other tourist information, refer to the Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park online trip maker.

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 10th (Sun) to allow time to travel back home.