18 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 17th (Fri), spend an adventurous day with a kayaking and canoeing tour. There's lots more to do: don't miss a visit to Cu Chi Tunnels, indulge your taste buds at Food & Drink, contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Emperor Jade Pagoda, and get a sense of history and politics at Central Post Office.

To see traveler tips, maps, ratings, and other tourist information, read Ho Chi Minh City road trip tool.

Melbourne, Australia to Ho Chi Minh City is an approximately 12-hour flight. Due to the time zone difference, you'll gain 3 hours traveling from Melbourne to Ho Chi Minh City. Traveling from Melbourne in February, expect Ho Chi Minh City to be somewhat warmer, temps between 39°C and 26°C. Cap off your sightseeing on the 17th (Fri) early enough to catch the flight to Duong Dong.

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

Duong Dong is known for wildlife, beaches, and shopping. Your trip includes some of its best attractions: relax in the rural setting at Phu Quoc Countryside, see what you can catch with The Savage Dragon's Island Adventures, take in the spiritual surroundings of Ho Quoc Temple, and stop by The Vietnamese Artists.

To see more things to do, traveler tips, other places to visit, and other tourist information, refer to the Duong Dong trip itinerary builder.

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. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 20th (Mon) so you can 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.

Kick off your visit on the 21st (Tue): get outside with Outdoor Activities, then snap pictures at Pont Bai Chay, and then explore the activities along Hạ Long Bay. Keep things going the next day: explore the activities along Bai Tu Long Bay, head off the coast to Hon Ga Choi Island, and then head off the coast to Cat Ba Island.

For maps, reviews, where to stay, and tourist information, refer to the Halong Bay road trip planner.

You can do a combination of flight and ferry from Duong Dong to Halong Bay in 8 hours. Another option is to do a combination of flight and ferry. Finish your sightseeing early on the 22nd (Wed) to allow enough time to 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 trip includes some of its best attractions: appreciate the extensive heritage of Old Quarter, explore the activities along Lake of the Restored Sword (Hoan Kiem Lake), contemplate the long history of Hoa Lo Prison, and see Off-Road Tours.

To find traveler tips, other places to visit, more things to do, and more tourist information, you can read our Hanoi trip site.

Do a combination of ferry and bus from Halong Bay to Hanoi in 5 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of ferry, car, and train; or do a combination of ferry, flight, and bus. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 25th (Sat) so you can catch the flight 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.

On the 26th (Sun), take in the awesome beauty at U Bo Mountain (Nui U Bo) and then Head underground at Phong Nha Caves. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the next day: explore the activities along Suoi Nuoc Mooc and then Head underground at Son Doong Cave.

To see where to stay, reviews, ratings, and more tourist information, you can read our Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park trip planning tool.

You can fly from Hanoi to Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park in 2.5 hours. Other options are to drive; or take a bus. Finish your sightseeing early on the 27th (Mon) 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.

Kick off your visit on the 28th (Tue): steep yourself in history at Tomb of Minh Mang, admire the striking features of Thien Mu Pagoda, and then contemplate the long history of Imperial City.

To see maps, reviews, more things to do, and tourist information, refer to the Hue vacation maker site.

Getting from Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park to Hue by car takes about 3 hours. Other options: take a train; or take a bus. In February, daytime highs in Hue are 28°C, while nighttime lows are 20°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 28th (Tue) so you can drive 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.

Start off your visit on the 1st (Wed): don't miss a visit to The Marble Mountains, don't miss a visit to Hoi An Ancient Town, then make a trip to Japanese Covered Bridge, and finally take in the exciting artwork at Gallery 180. On your second day here, indulge in some culinary diversions at a local gastronomic tour, then stop by Rubin Cloth Shop, and then indulge in some personalized pampering at some of the best spas.

Plan my day in Hoi An using traveler tips and tourist information provided by Inspirock.

Traveling by car from Hue to Hoi An takes 3 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of train and taxi; or take a bus. In February, plan for daily highs up to 30°C, and evening lows to 23°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 3rd (Fri) to allow time to fly back home.