A detailed plan makes a perfect trip. 12 days – more than a week – surely is a good option for a journey around Vietnam. Located at the edge of the Indochina region, Vietnam keeps lots of attraction and things to do all over the country reasoned by the affection of Mother Nature, so it is not that easy as you can possibly travel in a rush.

Hanoi, Halong, Hue, Hoian, and Saigon are the 5 cities that are included in almost every single 12-day itinerary article you find on the internet. As the tours are customized to fit the limited time, you will spend 2 days on average in each beautiful city. However, it doesn’t mean that you can’t make the most out of your trip. Standing beside the bustling and modern cities, there are quite numerous small peaceful town that you can figure it out, if you desire to spread out the time and spend more time to focus on exploring.

==>Other Itineraries you may be interested in the Vietnam Itinerary – 3 days – 4 days – 5 days – 6 days – 7 days – 8 days – 9 days – 10 days – 11 days – 12 days – 14 days  – 3 weeks 

3 Main Itineraries for 12 days in Vietnam

Itinerary 1: Classic Vietnam Family Holiday

  • Day 1: Ho Chi Minh city arrival (N/A)
  • Day 2: Ho Chi Minh city – Cu Chi tunnel ( B/L)
  • Day 3: Mekong Delta Day Trip ( B/L)
  • Day 4: Mekong Delta – Ho Chi Minh – Fly to Da Nang – Transfer to Hoi An (B)
  • Day 5: My Son sanctuary & boat trip to countryside – Free& easy in Hoi An ( B/L)
  • Day 6: Transfer from Hoi An to Hue (B)
  • Day 7: Hue city tour ( B/L)
  • Day 8: Hue – Fly to Hanoi – Free & Easy (B)
  • Day 9: Hanoi Free walking tour with our volunteer guide(B)
  • Day 10: Hanoi – Halong Bay overnight cruise ( B/L/D)
  • Day 11: Halong Bay – Hanoi ( B/L)
  • Day 12: Depart from Hanoi (B)

Why is this itinerary right for you

  • For those who want to spend a full trip to explore the three regions of Vietnam, to discover new lands and learn more about Vietnamese culture and people!
  • With a reasonable budget for families looking for a 10-day trip to Vietnam
  • What do you expect for a journey? Outdoor experiences or relaxing vacation? You can find all in this trip, which also saves your moving time on the road!
  • With a team of professional guides dedicated to your journey, you will always feel safe and comfortable.

Itinerary 2: Northern Vietnam Travel And Love

  • Day 1: Arrive in Hanoi (N/A)
  • Day 2: Tour of Hanoi City Hanoi – Train to Lao Cai (B)
  • Day 3: Sapa trekking: Cat Cat village & Sin Chai village( B/L/D)
  • Day 4: Sapa trekking: Y Linh Ho – Lao Chai – Ta Van( B/L/D)
  • Day 5: Sapa trekking: Ta Van – Giang Ta Chai – Bus to Hanoi ( B/L)
  • Day 6: Hanoi – Mai Chau ( B/L/D)
  • Day 7: Mai Chau – Pu Luong ( B/L/D)
  • Day 8: Pu Luong – Ninh Binh : Bai Dinh – Trang An – Hanoi( B/L)
  • Day 9: Hanoi – Halong Bay ( B/L/D)
  • Day 10: Halong Bay – Hanoi ( B/L/D)
  • Day 11: Hanoi Foodie Tour (B)
  • Day 12: Depart from Hanoi (B)

Why is this itinerary right for you

  • For those who are looking for a trip to experience the North of Vietnam with picturesque natural scenery all year round and friendly local people.
  • You can find out both outdoor experiences and relaxing time in this tour. Besides, this route minimizes the moving time between the attractions.
  • This trip will bring you memorable moments, refresh yourself after stressful days and blow away your boring daily routine!
  • Let’s Travel and Love! This journey will fulfill your dream of discovery, from the majestic mountains, the green forests, to the peaceful rice fields and blue sky. It will be a real paradise for nature-lovers!

Itinerary 3: Vietnam Heritage In The World Journey

  • Day 1: Arrive in Hanoi (N/A)
  • Day 2: Tour of Hanoi City Hanoi -(The 1st heritage )Imperial Citadel of Thang Long(B)
  • Day 3: Ninh Binh : (2nd heritage) Trang An – Hoa Lu – Mua Cave B/L)
  • Day 4: Hanoi – (3rd heritage) Halong Bay – Bai Tu Long Bay ( B/L/D)
  • Day 5: Bai Tu Long – Hanoi – Fly to Hue ( B/L)
  • Day 6: (4th heritage) Hue city tour ( B/L)
  • Day 7: Hue – Dong Hoi: (5th heritage) Phong Nha Ke Bang national park ( B/L/D)
  • Day 8: Hue – Transfer to (6th heritage) Hoi An( B)
  • Day 9: (7th heritage) My Son sanctuary – Boat trip on Thu Bon river ( B/L/D)
  • Day 10: Fly to Ho Chi Minh city – Free & easy (B)
  • Day 11: Ho Chi Minh city tour half day (B)
  • Day 12: Ho Chi Minh city departure (B)

Why is this itinerary right for you

  • Visit worth-seeing 7 out of 8 world heritages in Vietnam with a reasonable timetable
  • This itinerary is for your first time in Vietnam with a perfect combination of historic cities, clear beaches, essential things related to the Vietnam War. If you are confused because of tons of different itineraries on the internet, it is what you need!
  • Travel through Vietnam like a local as you will discover the majestic and wonderful landscapes along Vietnam by boat, sampan, train, coach, plane, bike, etc.

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12 days in Vietnam in detail

Sapa is one of the destinations that you should consider for trekking:

The morning comes and the sun rising from the clouds, this time is the best moment to see all-over the small villages appear from the mist like movies of Disney.

2 Nights in The Enchanting Hanoi

The Old Quarter Hanoi Attractions

Day 1: Arrive in Hanoi

  • Do a private tour around Hanoi Old Quarter
  • Watch a water puppetry show
  • Enjoy dinner at a local Vietnamese restaurant situated within a former French residence.

Day 2: Hanoi Around the City 

  • Do a morning market visit and street food tour
  • Enjoy a private city cultural tour of Hanoi, encompassing many areas, sights, and experiences in Hanoi, including a visit to the Museum of Ethnology
  • Enjoy a performance of “My Village” at the Hanoi Opera House
  • Have dinner at a restaurant in the Old Quarter

Day 3: Hanoi – Halong

  • After breakfast, transfer to the airport for a seaplane flight to Halong Bay
  • After landing at Tuan Chau Marina in Halong Bay, an electric car will transfer you to board your one-night cruise.
  • Explore numerous grottoes and caves on the islands
  • Lunch and dinner are served onboard

halong bay

Going under a limestone cave on a local boat in Halong Bay is such an unforgettable experience

Day 4: Halong – Hanoi – Danang

  • Following breakfast, you will disembark the cruise and proceed to Tuan Chau Marina for your seaplane flight back to Hanoi.
  • Upon arrival in Hanoi, you will board your flight to Danang
  • Enjoy dinner in downtown Hoi An and spend the remainder of the evening at your leisure.

Day 5, 6: Da Nang – Hoi An

  • Go to Hoian vibrant marketplace to prepare for your cooking class in the morning
  • Enjoy a leisurely cruise along the Thu Bon River to the cooking school
  • Take part in a walking tour through Hoi An, explore the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Old Town, visit the iconic 400-year-old Japanese Bridge and the busy waterfront, try one of best-known cakes in Hoi An.

Enjoy a day at your leisure to relax on the beach

Day 7: Hoi An to Hue

  • You are transferred to Hue within 3.5-hour drive in the morning
  • Board a private dragon boat for a relaxing voyage on the Perfume River.
  • Enjoy dinner of renowned Hue cuisine while listening to a performance of traditional live folk music.

hue is a humble gem, a peaceful and charming city

Ancient Hue Citadel

Day 8:

  • Wake up early in the morning for a sunrise cruise on Tam Giang Lagoon
  • Enjoy breakfast aboard a small motorized sampan and cruise the lagoon, stopping at stilt houses here and there to meet with local families and learn about their daily lives.
  • Visit Thien Mu Pagoda
  • Continue to the Imperial Citadel before moving on to Long An Palace
  • Enjoy both lunch and dinner at local restaurants
  • 3 nights in bustling Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)

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Day 9: Hue to HCM city

  • After breakfast, you will be transferred to Hue airport for the mid-morning flight to Ho Chi Minh City
  • Visit the Reunification Palace, Notre Dame Cathedral, the city’s striking French colonial-era post office, Hotel de Ville de Saigon (officially Ho Chi Minh City Hall) and the Museum of Vietnamese History, Jade Emperor Pagoda
  • Visit Ben Thanh market for some personal exploration and souvenir hunting
  • Discover Saigon night-life on the back of a vintage Vespa scooter
  • Sample the city’s authentic street food and visit a Vietnamese coffee shop for contemporary live music
  • Finish the evening at a local bar

Day 10:

  • Visit District 4, a superb place to witness regular Saigonese going about their daily business
  • Enjoy amazing Vietnamese coffee

Visit Cu Chi Tunnels

  • Enjoy “The Mist Show – The Stories of Rice” at the Saigon Opera House

cu chi tunnel

Visit Cu Chi tunnel

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Day 11: A full day cruise exploring life along the Mekong River

  • Visit Cai Be colourful floating market in Tien Giang
  • Visit local home factories to watch workers make rice paste, rice pop corn, coco candies and more
  • Discover beautiful landscapes along the river and observe the typical Mekong delta rural life
  • Enjoy a dinner of traditional Northern Vietnamese cuisine at a local home

Day 12: Depart HCM city

  • That’s all about a tour within 12 days in Vietnam. Of course, you don’t have to stick to it if you travel on your own.
  • My personal view is that all the famous attractions in Vietnam worth more than a two-day visit. Slow down, see less, experience more – save the rest for another trip. Quality is better than quantity!
  • However, If you really must cram as much as possible into a trip, then an organized tour may be more up your alley, as you’ll need to spend less time finding hotels and restaurants—which should leave you some time to decompress.
  • Have you got any idea about your 12 days in Vietnam yet? Let’s share with us on the comment box below!

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