Vietnam in 8 Days: 4 Recommended 8-Day Itineraries to Vietnam

- Hannah S.
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- Hannah S.
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- Michael T.
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- Laura C.
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Vietnam 8-Day Itinerary Options
Do you want to spend 8 days in Vietnam? Go through our Vietnam 8-day itinerary suggestions, which will take you off the beaten path in Northern Vietnam, cycling in Hanoi, and relaxing at Ho Tram Beach beach.
Itinerary #1: Off-The-Beaten Path in Northern Vietnam

Overview | Activity | Overnight | |
Day 1 | Begin your trip in Hanoi, then drive to the Sapa Valley | Arrival | Sapa |
Day 2 | Trek through the Y Linh Ho, Black Hmong, Lao Chai, and Ta Van Village of Zay | Trek | Sapa |
Day 3 | Take a walking tour of Vinh Yen, inhabited by Tay people, then head to Ha Giang | Local culture | Ha Giang |
Day 4 | Journey through Dong Van following a spectacular series of passes to reach Dong Van | Trek | Ha Giang |
Day 5 | Explore the Dong Van Market, trek up to Pu Lo fortress, then descend into the valley of Meo Vac | Trek | Ha Giang |
Day 6 | From Cao Bang, head to the mystical Ban Gioc Waterfall | Trek | Cao Bang |
Day 7 | Enter the Ba Be National Park to explore the caves of Puong Grotto | Trek | Ba Be |
Day 8 | Bid farewell in Hanoi | Departure |
Embark on an 8-day, off-the-beaten-path adventure through Northern Vietnam's most captivating landscapes and ethnic minority villages. Begin in Hanoi before heading to Sapa, where you'll trek through rice terraces and take a cable car ride to the roof of Indochina, Mount Fansipan. Experience an authentic homestay in Ta Van village after traversing valleys and meeting Black H’mong locals. Journey to the final frontier of Ha Giang, an area of limestone peaks and canyons, stopping at Tay and H’mong villages along the way. Marvel at Dong Van's ancient fortress and traverse the dramatic Ma Pi Leng Pass. In Cao Bang, visit the stunning Ban Gioc Waterfall on the China-Vietnam border and explore Nguom Ngao Cave. Spend nights in traditional Nung and Tay stilt houses. The adventure culminates in Ba Be National Park, boating across its tranquil lake and hiking to viewpoints surrounded by karst peaks. This immersive journey of just over 7 days unveils the mesmerizing natural beauty and diverse cultures of Vietnam's northern reaches. See all tours in Vietnam.
Itinerary #2: Cycle Northern Vietnam

Overview | Activity | Overnight | |
Day 1 | Arrive in Hanoi | Arrival & sightseeing | Hanoi |
Day 2 | Explore Hanoi by bike | Cycling | Hanoi |
Day 3 | Cycle from Hoa Binh to Cao Phong and along the Da River | Cycling | Mai Chau |
Day 4 | Cycle from Mai Chau to Mai Hai | Cycling | Pu Luong |
Day 5 | Bike through Cuc Phuong National Park | Cycling | Ninh Binh |
Day 6 | Tour Ha Long Bay by boat and spend a night on an island | Boating | Ha Long Bay |
Day 7 | Cruise back to the mainland; return to Hanoi | Cruise | Hanoi |
Day 8 | Your tour ends in Hanoi | Departure |
Spend 8 days in Vietnam cycling in its northern region. If you arrive early on the first day, you can check out shops selling silk, jewelry, tablecloths, and wood carvings. On the second day, cycle around Hanoi’s lakes and through parks and bike to the Old Quarter to see its main sights like Hoan Kiem Lake and the Fine Art Museum. The next day, take a bus to Hoa Binh, where you’ll cycle past rice fields and ethnic Thai villages to Cao Phong. Another bus ride will take you to the Da River Reservoir. Hop on to your bike and cycle toward Mai Chau Valley, crossing lovely scenery, including karst cliffs and lush paddy fields. Your next biking adventure is from Mai Chau to Mai Hai and onward to Pu Luong National Park. The beautiful countryside, with pineapple farms, water buffaloes, and serene waterways, makes it an idyllic ride. You’ll discover the beauty of Cuc Phuong National Park on the fifth day as you ride into Vietnam’s oldest national park. Then the next day, after biking along the banks of Hoang Long River, board a boat to tour the Ha Long Bay. See the ‘Surprise Cave,’ cruise past Ga Choi Islet, and go kayaking into Luon Cave. A night under the stunning starry sky will be followed by a boat ride back to the mainland. After returning to Hanoi, you can visit some of the capital city’s museums, such as the Women’s Museum and Museum of Ethnology, before ending your 8-day Vietnam tour. See our cycling tours in Vietnam.
Itinerary #3: Vietnam Beach Escape


Overview | Activity | Overnight | |
Day 1 | Arrive at Ho Chi Minh City | Arrival | Ho Chi Minh City |
Day 2 | Tour Ho Chi Minh City | Sightseeing | Ho Chi Minh City |
Day 3 | Take a bus to Ho Tram Beach and spend a day on the beach | Beach day | Ho Tram Beach |
Day 4 | Explore the area around Vung Tau | Local culture | Ho Tram Beach |
Day 5 | See the major attractions in Vung Tau City | Sightseeing | Ho Tram Beach |
Day 6 | Visit Ta Cu Mountain and Phan Thiet | Sightseeing | Ho Tram Beach |
Day 7 | Enjoy a day of rest and relaxation at your resort | Relaxation | Ho Tram Beach |
Day 8 | Return to Ho Chi Minh City, where your tour ends | Departure |
Begin your Vietnam 8-day itinerary plan in Ho Chi Minh City. Choose between a full-day tour with the major attractions such as the Reunification Palace and the Opera House, a half-day trip to Cu Chi Tunnels, or a food tour in the city. The next day, you will enjoy the white sandy beach of Ho Tram. After checking in at your resort, enjoy the clear waters and palm-shaded beachfront. On the fourth day, you’ll tour nearby areas such as Minh Dam Mount, which offers excellent views from the top; the ‘Truc Lam Chan Nguyen’ Monastery, a war monument built in memory of the conflict; and the colorful Phuoc Hai market. Then, the next day, visit a rubber plantation, the Long Phuoc Tunnels, and a local wet market. Check out major sights in Vung Tau City like the White Palace, a fine early 20th-century French colonial mansion, the 19th-century lighthouse, and a more recent giant statue of Jesus. On the sixth day, take a cable car to the top of Ta Cu Mountain and admire the magnificent views of the lush rainforests. Then, visit a fruit plantation in the coastal town of Ke Ga and see the 18th-century Whale Temple in Phan Thiet City. You can take it easy at your resort the next day and soak in the beach vibes. Your wonderful tour ends after spending 8 days in Ho Chi Minh City and Ho Tram Beach.
Itinerary #4: Luxury Central Vietnam Relaxation

Overview | Activity | Overnight | |
Day 1 | Check-in at your resort in Hue | Arrival | Hue |
Day 2 | Visit the major attractions of Hue | Sightseeing | Hue |
Day 3 | Learn how to cook traditional Vietnamese dishes | Cooking class | Hue |
Day 4 | Drive from Hue to Da Nang | Transfer | Da Nang |
Day 5 | Tour Hoi An and explore the Old Town | Sightseeing | Hoi An |
Day 6 | Shop for souvenirs at Hoi An | Shopping | Hoi An |
Day 7 | Practice yoga, meditation, and tai chi at your resort | Wellness | Da Nang |
Day 8 | Transfer to the airport for departure | Departure |
Enjoy spa treatments at your resort in Hue after checking in. The next day, go on a cruise on the Perfume River and visit Thien Mu Pagoda, Khai Dinh’s Tomb and Tu Duc’s Tomb. You’ll also discover the Imperial City of Hue and stroll around its Dong Ba Market. On the third day, get introduced to the subtitles of Vietnamese cuisine during a fun cooking class, besides enjoying a soothing spa treatment. Then, the next day, you’ll drive towards Da Nang, enjoying the scenery along the route. See the Old Town of Hoi An on the fifth day, including major sights like the Japanese Covered Bridge, the ceramics museum, and Tan Ky's old house. Continue your exploration of Hoi An by shopping for authentic local products like tailor-made clothes and handicrafts. On Day 7, enjoy a relaxed day at the resort and experience the local culture by visiting a respected and talented member of the community. Your Vietnam 8-day itinerary plan ends with a transfer to the airport but not before one final blissful yoga session. Describe your ideal 8-day holiday for a customized trip to Vietnam.
Planning a Vietnam 8-Day Itinerary?
Spending 8 days in Vietnam allows you to explore this remarkable country in greater depth. From strolling around the quaint streets of Hoi An and admiring the forest views from Ta Cu Mountain to relaxing on the sandy beach of Ho Tram and cycling past the scenic countryside around Mai Hai, the above itineraries promise beautiful memories. Read our how many days to spend in Vietnam guide for more itinerary options. Book one of our Vietnam tour packages or contact our local travel experts, who can help you choose a tailor-made trip to Vietnam that meets your budget and interests.
Planning a trip to Vietnam? Whether you have a week or a bit more, explore our comprehensive guides on spending 7 days in Vietnam or 9 days in Vietnam for the ultimate travel experience. For a seasonal overview, check out our guide on the best time to visit Vietnam.
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