6 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.

Kick off your visit on the 17th (Fri): take in the spiritual surroundings of Emperor Jade Pagoda, then pause for some serene contemplation at Notre Dame Cathedral of Saigon, then get engrossed in the history at War Remnants Museum, and finally ponder the world of politics at Central Post Office. Keep things going the next day: make a trip to Cu Chi Tunnels and then contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Chùa Giác Lâm (Giac Lam Pagoda).

For ratings, where to stay, reviews, and tourist information, go to the Ho Chi Minh City trip maker.

Kolkata (Calcutta), India to Ho Chi Minh City is an approximately 7.5-hour flight. You can also drive. The time zone changes from India Standard Time to Indochina Time, which is usually a 1.5 hour difference. Traveling from Kolkata (Calcutta) in February, things will get a bit warmer in Ho Chi Minh City: highs are around 39°C and lows about 26°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 18th (Sat) so you can 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.

On the 19th (Sun), stop by Eli Clothshop, make a trip to Japanese Covered Bridge, then make a trip to Hoi An Ancient Town, and finally relax and rejuvenate at some of the best spas.

For other places to visit, more things to do, maps, and tourist information, you can read our Hoi An online route builder.

Getting from Ho Chi Minh City to Hoi An by flight takes about 3.5 hours. Other options: drive; or do a combination of train and bus. Expect slightly colder temperatures when traveling from Ho Chi Minh City in February; daily highs in Hoi An reach 30°C and lows reach 23°C. Cap off your sightseeing on the 19th (Sun) early enough to go by car 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 20th (Mon): contemplate the long history of Tomb of Minh Mang, then admire the striking features of Thien Mu Pagoda, and then steep yourself in history at Imperial City.

To find more things to do, other places to visit, photos, and other tourist information, read our Hue attractions planning site.

You can drive from Hoi An to Hue in 3 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of taxi and train; or take a bus. Expect a daytime high around 28°C in February, and nighttime lows around 20°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 20th (Mon) early enough to fly 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.

Start off your visit on the 21st (Tue): get outside with Outdoor Activities and then contemplate the waterfront views at Lake of the Restored Sword (Hoan Kiem Lake). Keep things going the next day: contemplate the long history of Temple of Literature & National University, steep yourself in history at Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, and then appreciate the extensive heritage of Old Quarter.

To find other places to visit, more things to do, where to stay, and tourist information, read our Hanoi attractions planner.

You can fly from Hue to Hanoi in 3 hours. Other options are to drive; or take a train. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 22nd (Wed) to allow time to fly back home.