Vietnam is long and narrow, which makes a north-to-south (or reverse) itinerary the natural way to see it. Here is how a complete trip typically breaks down.
Hanoi (2-3 days)
The capital’s Old Quarter is a maze of narrow streets, street food stalls, and motorbike traffic that takes a day just to get comfortable crossing. Don’t miss egg coffee, the Temple of Literature, and a proper bowl of pho at a plastic-stool street stall.
Ha Long Bay and Ninh Binh (2-3 days)
An overnight cruise through Ha Long Bay’s limestone karsts is the classic choice, though the bay gets crowded with boats. Ninh Binh, a few hours south, offers similar karst scenery with a fraction of the tourists, via a boat trip through Tam Coc or Trang An.
Hue and Hoi An (3-4 days)
Hue was Vietnam’s imperial capital and its Citadel and royal tombs are worth a full day. Hoi An, an hour south, is one of Vietnam’s most charming towns: a lantern-lit ancient town, tailor shops that can make custom clothing in 24 to 48 hours, and easy access to An Bang Beach.
Da Nang (1-2 days, optional)
Often used as a stopover between Hue and Hoi An, Da Nang has the Golden Bridge held up by giant stone hands and a growing beach resort scene.
Ho Chi Minh City (2-3 days)
A different energy entirely from Hanoi: faster, more modern, and a good base for understanding Vietnam’s recent history at the War Remnants Museum and the Cu Chi Tunnels.
Mekong Delta (1-2 days)
A short trip south of Ho Chi Minh City for floating markets, boat rides through narrow canals, and a slower rural pace to close out the trip.
Practical planning
A realistic full itinerary runs 12-16 days. Domestic flights between Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City save a full day or more compared to overland travel and are inexpensive. Weather is split: the north is coolest and driest from October to April, while the south stays warm year-round with a wet season from May to November. Most nationalities can now get an e-visa online before arrival, which is worth arranging at least a few weeks ahead.