Vietnam in 12 Days: 4 Recommended 12-Day Itineraries to Vietnam

Boasting more than its fair share of beautiful coastal panoramas, Vietnam is as diverse as its landscapes, as any Vietnam tour will testify. From traditional villages like Hoi An, virtually unchanged since colonial times, to cities like Ho Chi Minh City, which are a living, breathing entity of shopping malls and street food stalls, there are a multitude of destinations to choose from. But if you have limited time, you can make the most of your short trip to Vietnam with our recommended itineraries. Let’s say you are spending 5 days in Vietnam, whether you prefer to focus on one incredible location or see as much of the country as possible, here is how you can go about it. Read on to discover what your 5-day tour to Vietnam can look like.

6 days in Vietnam is the perfect duration to explore the highlights: a few major cities, like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, and natural landmarks, such as the Mekong River and the mountains near Mai Chau. Discover the beautiful Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage site with hundreds of rocky islets, climb to the top of the spectacular Ma Pi Leng Pass and enjoy a round of golf at the idyllic Phu Quoc Island — your 6-day Vietnamese travel itinerary will be full of delights. Read on to find out what your 6-day trip to Vietnam can look like.

One of the top travel destinations in Asia, Vietnam offers many experiences at exceptionally affordable prices, making it an ideal choice for an enthralling 10-day adventure. Although 10 days in Vietnam is just about enough to cover its popular highlights, including sightseeing pagodas in Hanoi and enthralling basket boat rides in Hoi An, you also have the liberty to slow down and immerse yourself in one particular region, more popularly, Northern Vietnam. Spend your time trekking through minority villages in Sapa, cruising the emerald waters of Ha Long Bay, or enjoying the bustling street food culture of Ho Chi Minh City. Want some inspiration for your 10-day Vietnam trip? Below are our top 3 recommended itineraries.

From the enchanting beauty of Ha Long Bay and the quaint colonial streets of UNESCO-protected Hoi An to the timeless paddy fields of the Red River Delta and the enigmatic floating markets of the Mekong Delta — 7 days in Vietnam will allow you to experience the different hues and flavors of this exciting land. Admire the splendid rice terraces around Sapa town that are still farmed the traditional way. Or tee off at the coastal town of Nha Trang, a premier golfing destination, during your package tour of Vietnam for 7 days. Here are some itinerary ideas for making the best of your week-long vacation in Vietnam.

If you have 4 days in Vietnam, you can get a perfect introduction to the country’s cultural landmarks and natural spaces. See top sights in one of the two major cities, Saigon and Hanoi, and add a trip to a popular natural reserve like Cuc Phuong National Park or a cycling expedition through the countryside. Discover the remote villages on the park’s western side and experience a real tropical forest. Or do a 4-day trip in Vietnam covering Ho Chi Minh City and the Mekong Delta.

Spending 21 days in Vietnam opens up opportunities to explore the country’s diverse landscapes, vibrant culture, and rich history in depth. The potential itineraries are numerous. Delve into the history of Hanoi, take in the natural splendor of Ha Long Bay, explore the bustling streets of Ho Chi Minh City, and visit the floating markets of the Mekong Delta. Whether you choose to dedicate your time to a few key destinations or visit multiple places around the country, these options will help you make the most of your 21-day trip to Vietnam.

Putting its traumatic 20th-century past behind it, Vietnam has reinvented itself as one of Asia’s most charming 21st-century destinations. Spend 8 days in Vietnam to explore tourist hotspots like Hanoi and Ha Long Bay and discover back-of-the-beyond destinations like the picturesque mountains of Northern Vietnam. Cycle through the lush landscapes of Pu Luong Nature Reserve and Cuc Phuong National Park, passing paddy fields, local farmers in conical hats, and striking limestone karsts. Admire the Japanese Covered Bridge of the quaint Old Town in Hoi An that takes you back to a bygone era as part of your 8-day itinerary for Vietnam. Read on to find the perfect itinerary for your 8-day Vietnam trip.

Kayak amid the limestone karsts and remote lagoons of Lan Ha Bay, admire the rice terraces and tea plantations along the Nam Ma River and explore the atmospheric Old Quarter of Hanoi on a bike. During 11 days in Vietnam, you can visit two major cities, Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi, together with other beautiful parts of the country such as Hoi An, Hoang Lien National Park, and Ma Pi Leng Pass. Alternatively, you can focus on one or two major activities like cycling in Sapa and Mai Chau, a motorcycle tour in the lesser-known northwest region, or a luxurious cruise on the Ha Long Bay during your thrilling 11-day vacation in Vietnam.

A no-go zone for much of the 20th century, Vietnam is now firmly on the tourist map, thanks to its colorful capital, Hanoi, stunning northern mountains, serene Ha Long Bay, and many other popular places. With 9 days in Vietnam, you can cover 5 to 6 destinations in one region of the country. Check out beautiful handmade ceramic products in the fishing port of Kampong Chhnang while cruising the Mekong River, visit the Reunification Palace in Ho Chi Minh City, and admire superb views from the top of Pu Lo fortress near Dong Van during this 9-day itinerary in Vietnam. Read on to find out what your 9-day trip to Vietnam will look like.

Despite the bad rap it got in the international press in the mid-20th century, Vietnam has made tremendous progress as a tourist destination — and for the right reasons. This slender country boasts the terraced highlands of Sa Pa, pristine tropical islands with idyllic beaches like Phu Quoc and numerous tranquil bays along the Gulf of Tonkin (Ha Long Bay being the most popular). For a more wholesome experience, add the stunning architecture of Hoi An and the lush greenery of the Mekong Delta to your Vietnam itinerary.

A two-week trip to Vietnam is perfect for fully exploring the country’s length from north to south. In this period, you can explore popular destinations such as Hanoi and include off-the-beaten-path sites like the cave systems in Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park and the countryside of Ninh Binh. You will also have the time to check out the sights in Cambodia with these longer itineraries. Read on to discover what spending 2 weeks in Vietnam can look like.

It’s late spring in Vietnam in April, with warm and pleasant weather in most parts of the country. From the lush countryside of the north to the sun-drenched beaches of south and central Vietnam, there is a wide range of destinations you can choose from. See the iconic rice terraces of Sapa Valley, indulge in beach activities in Nha Trang, or explore the historic sites in Ho Chi Minh City. No destination is off-limits. Read on to find out more about planning a trip to Vietnam in April.