15 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 5th (Wed), spend an adventurous day with a kayaking and canoeing tour. Next up on the itinerary: make a trip to Cu Chi Tunnels, contemplate the long history of The Independence Palace, sample some tasty brews at a beer tour and tasting, and contemplate the waterfront views at Bach Dang.

To see other places to visit, maps, reviews, and tourist information, go to the Ho Chi Minh City road trip site.

San Francisco, USA to Ho Chi Minh City is an approximately 20-hour flight. The time zone difference when traveling from San Francisco to Ho Chi Minh City is 15 hours. In April, Ho Chi Minh City is much warmer than San Francisco - with highs of 95°F and lows of 79°F. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 5th (Wed) to allow time to fly 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, sightseeing, and spas. Your trip includes some of its best attractions: relax and rejuvenate at some of the best spas, make a trip to Hoi An Ancient Town, stroll through The Marble Mountains, and see what you can catch with a fishing tour.

For more things to do, traveler tips, and tourist information, read Hoi An trip planning website.

Fly from Ho Chi Minh City to Hoi An in 3.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or do a combination of train and bus. Traveling from Ho Chi Minh City in April, you will find days in Hoi An are slightly colder (88°F), and nights are about the same (75°F). Finish your sightseeing early on the 8th (Sat) 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.

On the 9th (Sun), look for gifts at Tinh Hoa Art Shop, contemplate the long history of Tomb of Tu Duc, then contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Thien Mu Pagoda, then steep yourself in history at Imperial City, and finally contemplate the long history of Luc Bo Culture Space.

For traveler tips, more things to do, reviews, and more tourist information, read Hue holiday maker site.

Getting from Hoi An to Hue by car takes about 3 hours. Other options: do a combination of taxi and train; or take a bus. April in Hue sees daily highs of 89°F and lows of 73°F at night. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 9th (Sun) so you can catch the flight 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.

On the 13th (Thu), spend a fun day on foot with Walking tours. Next up on the itinerary: visit Old Quarter, don't miss a visit to Temple of Literature & National University, explore the activities along Lake of the Restored Sword (Hoan Kiem Lake), and indulge in some culinary diversions at a local gastronomic tour.

To find reviews, other places to visit, ratings, and tourist information, read our Hanoi day trip site.

You can fly from Hue to Hanoi in 3 hours. Other options are to drive; or take a train. Finish your sightseeing early on the 13th (Thu) to allow enough 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 14th (Fri), head outdoors with Outdoor Activities, snap pictures at Pont Bai Chay, and then contemplate the waterfront views at Bai Tu Long Bay. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the 15th (Sat): contemplate the waterfront views at Hạ Long Bay and then get a new perspective on nature at Bảo Tàng Quảng Ninh.

Discover how to plan a Halong Bay trip in just a few steps with Inspirock's itinerary builder.

Traveling by combination of bus and ferry from Hanoi to Halong Bay takes 5 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of train, car, and ferry; or do a combination of bus, flight, and ferry. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 15th (Sat) early enough to travel back home.