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

Watch farmers harvesting water lily while spending 8 days in Vietnam.
Two weeks of unforgettable memories
  • Hannah S.
  • From
The itinerary felt like a greatest-hits album of Vietnam. So many highlights, but Hal...” Read More

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

See rice fields in the north while spending 8 days in Vietnam.
The north of Vietnam offers stunning mountains and a spectacular atmosphere, perfect for hiking.
  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

Go on cycling tours while spending 8 days in Vietnam.
The gorgeous landscape and excellent road conditions make for a great cycling trip in 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

White Sao Beach in Phu Quoc in Vietnam.
The best way to enjoy the sunshine is to head to the beaches in Vietnam.
Lotus Village Resort at sunset in Vietnam.
You can stay at the wonderful resorts near the beaches for a luxurious vacation.
  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

A red corridor in the Forbidden Purple City of Hue.
In addition to wellness resorts, Hue also has many popular tourist attractions such as the Forbidden Purple City.
  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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Plan a trip to VietnamWe offer different tour types. You can also chat with a local travel specialist if you want a customized tour to Vietnam.
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