How Many Days In Vietnam is enough? – Plan Your Trip Wisely

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How Many days to travel in Vietnam?

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The number of days you would need to travel in Vietnam depends on your itinerary and travel preferences. Vietnam is a relatively long and narrow country, and there are many places to visit and things to do.

If you have limited time, you could explore the main highlights of the country in about 7 to 10 days. This could include visiting Hanoi, Halong Bay, Hoi An, and Ho Chi Minh City (formerly known as Saigon), with a few days to explore each city.

If you have more time, you could spend up to 2 to 3 weeks traveling around the country, visiting more places such as Sapa, Ninh Binh, Hue, and the Mekong Delta region. This would allow you to experience more of the country’s culture, history, and natural beauty.

Ultimately, the number of days to travel in Vietnam depends on your travel style, interests, and budget. It’s a good idea to research and plan your itinerary in advance to ensure you make the most of your time in the country.

In the mountains above Da Nang, Vietnam sits a unique piece of bridge design – The Golden Bridge

Some Recommendations for your questions “How Long for Vietnam”

With 7 to 10 days in Vietnam, you could visit some of the country’s main highlights. Here’s a possible itinerary:

Day 1-2: Hanoi – Explore the city’s Old Quarter, visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, and enjoy the local street food.
Day 3-4: Halong Bay – Take a cruise around the stunning limestone karsts and enjoy activities like kayaking and swimming.
Day 5-6: Hoi An – Explore the charming ancient town and its surrounding countryside, including the My Son Sanctuary and the Marble Mountains.
Day 7-8: Hue – Visit the former imperial capital and explore its historic citadel and tombs.
Day 9-10: Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) – Explore the city’s French colonial architecture, visit the War Remnants Museum and the Cu Chi Tunnels.
Of course, this itinerary is just a suggestion, and you can modify it based on your interests and preferences. Keep in mind that Vietnam is a large and diverse country, so there are many other places to visit if you have more time.

With 10-14 days in Vietnam, you could explore more of the country and include some off-the-beaten-path destinations. Here’s a possible itinerary:

Day 1-2: Hanoi – Explore the city’s Old Quarter, visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, and enjoy the local street food.
Day 3-4: Ninh Binh – Visit the Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex and explore the caves and karst formations, visit the ancient capital of Hoa Lu, and take a bike ride through the countryside.
Day 5-6: Halong Bay – Take a cruise around the stunning limestone karsts and enjoy activities like kayaking and swimming.
Day 7-8: Sapa – Trek through the rice terraces and visit minority villages, and explore the local market.
Day 9-10: Hoi An – Explore the charming ancient town and its surrounding countryside, including the My Son Sanctuary and the Marble Mountains.
Day 11-12: Hue – Visit the former imperial capital and explore its historic citadel and tombs.
Day 13-14: Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) – Explore the city’s French colonial architecture, visit the War Remnants Museum and the Cu Chi Tunnels.

Again, this itinerary is just a suggestion, and you can modify it based on your interests and preferences. With more time, you could also consider visiting places like Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, the Mekong Delta region, or the beaches of Nha Trang or Phu Quoc Island.

With 2-3 weeks in Vietnam, you have the opportunity to explore more of the country and venture further off the beaten path. Here’s a possible itinerary:

Day 1-2: Hanoi – Explore the city’s Old Quarter, visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, and enjoy the local street food.
Day 3-4: Ninh Binh – Visit the Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex and explore the caves and karst formations, visit the ancient capital of Hoa Lu, and take a bike ride through the countryside.
Day 5-6: Halong Bay – Take a cruise around the stunning limestone karsts and enjoy activities like kayaking and swimming.
Day 7-8: Cat Ba Island – Relax on the beach, hike in Cat Ba National Park, and explore the island’s caves and fishing villages.
Day 9-11: Sapa – Trek through the rice terraces and visit minority villages, and explore the local market.
Day 12-13: Ha Giang – Drive the winding roads through the mountains and visit the Dong Van Karst Plateau Geopark.
Day 14-15: Cao Bang – Visit Ban Gioc Waterfall, explore the Nguom Ngao Cave, and visit the local markets.
Day 16-17: Hoi An – Explore the charming ancient town and its surrounding countryside, including the My Son Sanctuary and the Marble Mountains.
Day 18-19: Hue – Visit the former imperial capital and explore its historic citadel and tombs.
Day 20-21: Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) – Explore the city’s French colonial architecture, visit the War Remnants Museum and the Cu Chi Tunnels.

Comparision to decide how many days to spend

7 days: Pros:

You can see some of Vietnam’s main highlights, including Hanoi, Halong Bay, Hoi An, and Ho Chi Minh City.
It’s a good option if you have limited time or if you’re just looking for a quick getaway.

Cons:

You won’t be able to explore much beyond the main tourist destinations.
You may feel rushed trying to fit everything into a week.

14 days: Pros:

You can explore more of Vietnam, including destinations like Ninh Binh, Sapa, and Hue.
You can also include some off-the-beaten-path destinations like Ha Giang and Cao Bang.
You’ll have more time to relax and enjoy each destination.

Cons:

14 days is still a relatively short amount of time, so you won’t be able to see everything Vietnam has to offer.
There may be some long travel days as you move between destinations.

21 days: Pros:

You’ll have plenty of time to explore Vietnam, including both popular tourist destinations and more remote areas.
You can see a wider range of landscapes and cultural experiences.
You’ll have more flexibility to go off the beaten path and discover lesser-known areas.

Cons:

A 3-week trip requires a larger time commitment and may be difficult to schedule.
The cost of a 3-week trip, including transportation, accommodation, and activities, will be higher than a shorter trip.

Ultimately, the best option depends on your preferences, budget, and schedule. If you have limited time, a 7-day trip can still be a great way to see some of Vietnam’s highlights. If you have more time and want to explore more of the country, a 14 or 21-day trip may be a better fit.

North Vietnam – How many days? (Hanoi, Halong, Ninh Binh, Sapa)

Hanoi, Halong, Ninh Binh, and Sapa are the 4 precious gems in Northern Vietnam and undoubtedly included in almost all Hanoi itineraries you’ve read. While it’s possible to spend 4 days or less discovering the highlights of Hanoi, I still strongly recommend you spend at least 5 days in order to have a more relaxing time and have a deeper insight into each place you visit.

The Hanoi itineraries below include things to do both:

- - In Hanoi
  - Out of Hanoi (Halong Bay, Ninh Binh or other options)

>>> If you want a personalized trip, click here and you will chat directly with a local guide. She will help you out!

5 days in Hanoi

In a Hanoi 5 day itinerary, the Old Quarter and Halong Bay are the 2 places that you should never miss. Here I’ll give you 2 brief options:

Option 1: (2 days in Hanoi, 2 days in Halong Bay, 1 day in Tam Coc)

- - Day 1: Hanoi Arrival (morning) – Hanoi City Tour
  - Day 2: Hanoi – Halong Bay
  - Day 3: Halong Bay – Hanoi
  - Day 4: Hanoi – Hoa Lu – Tam Coc – Hanoi
  - Day 5: Hanoi – Departure

Option 2: (3 days in Hanoi, 2 days in Sapa)

- - Day 1: Hanoi Arrival (Afternoon)
  - Day 2: Hanoi City Tours
  - Day 3: Hanoi – Sapa
  - Day 4: Sapa – Hanoi
  - Day 5: Departure from Hanoi

Note:

- - No more than 3 days in Hanoi city and 1 day for Halong Bay can be a bit short
  - For all the places in Hanoi (Hanoi Old Quarter, French Quarter, City), you can consider doing Hanoi free tour
  - If you are planning less than 5 days in Hanoi, Here is for you: 2 days in Hanoi, 3 days in Hanoi and 4 days in Hanoi

Sapa with its idyllic golden rice paddies

Sapa with its idyllic golden rice paddies

6 days in Hanoi

Option 1: ( 2 days in Hanoi, 2 days in Halong Bay, 2 days in Sapa)

- - Day 1: Hanoi Arrival (Old Quarter)
  - Day 2: Hanoi – Halong bay
  - Day 3: Halong Bay – Hanoi
  - Day 4: From Hanoi to Sapa (Lao Cai – Sapa – Cat Cat Village)
  - Day 5: Sapa – Muong Hoa Valley – Lao Chai – Ta Van — Back To Hanoi at night.
  - Day 6: Hanoi Free and Easy day

Option 2: (3 days in Hanoi, 2 days in Halong Bay, 1 day in Ninh Binh)

- - Day 1 – Arrive in Hanoi (Hanoi Old Quarter, Hanoi Nightlife)
  - Day 2 – Halong Bay overnight
  - Day 3 – Halong Bay back to Hanoi
  - Day 4 – Hanoi Around the City (Ho Chi Minh Complex, Hanoi Citadel, Temple of literature) + French Quarter + Enjoy Food to prepare for the next day
  - Day 5 – Day Trip: Trang An/ Hoa Lu / Tam Coc / Bich Dong Cave
  - Day 6 – Hanoi Free & Easy day

>>> Follow our itinerary or Create Your Own One here! <<<

7 days in Hanoi

Option 1: (3 days in Hanoi, 3 days in Halong Bay, 1 day in Ninh Binh)

- - Day 1: Hanoi Arrival
  - Day 2: Hanoi City
  - Day 3: Ninh Binh
  - Day 4, 5, 6: Hanoi – Halong bay – Hanoi
  - Day 7: Departure from Hanoi

Option 2: (2 days in Hanoi, 3 days in Sapa, 2 days in Halong Bay)

- - Day 1: Hanoi
  - Day 2, 3: Halong Bay
  - Day 4,5,6: Sapa
  - Day 7: Departure from Hanoi

Now I will give you a detailed Hanoi itinerary for 7 days

Day 1: Explore Hanoi Old Quarter or French Quarter + Around the city

Sunset at Hanoi Old Quarter

Sunset at Hanoi Old Quarter

After your arrival in Hanoi, explore the area called the Old Quarter as I mentioned in the first half.

At its heart is the chaotic Old Quarter, where the narrow streets are roughly arranged by trade. There are many little temples, including Bach Ma, honoring a legendary horse, plus Đồng Xuân Market, selling household goods and street food.

Another choice for the first day is walking around Hanoi French Quarter with a local guide which will undoubtedly make your day. The area is full filled with European style buildings and contains historical stories of Hanoi that can bring you back in time.

- - St. Joseph’s Cathedral which is also known as the Great Church to locals. After admiring its beautiful structure, having a fresh lemon iced tea at some street stores nearby is another must-do.
  - Along the way to Hoa Lo prison, you will probably see some luxury hotels which are also an iconic image of the French Quarter. In contrast, Hoa Lo prison will guide you to a different world representing the French colonial period through impressive artifacts inside. You are noted to spend about 1 hour here.
  - The next stop should be Hanoi Opera House that was inspired by the Paris Opera House. It is free to visit outside. Once you want to visit further inside, the ticket price is about $20/pax
  - Hanoi Nightlife

Hanoi Opera House

Hanoi Opera House

Day 2: In Hanoi

- - Then, do a city tour for all main sites of Hanoi such as Ho Chi Minh Complex, Temple of Literature, Hanoi Citadel, or Museum of Ethnology
  - Taking a food tour cause you know what they say “indulging yourself in local cuisines is one of the best ways to get fantastic travel experiences”

Day 3: Ninh Binh (Trang An – Bai Dinh or Tam Coc, Mua Cave)

>>> See Things to do in Ninh Binh 2019

Day 4, 5 & 6: Discover Halong Bay – Halong Bay Itinerary

Halong Bay is a top must-check in any travelers’ bucket list. This World’s heritage site never disappoints tourists for its fascinating landmarks.

A budget of a trip to Halong Bay is higher than other destinations’ since all tourism services are mainly served on a cruise. But don’t worry, it costs more, but not too much and of course, it’s worth the money.

Note:

- - If you choose Cruises: Halong Bay nightlife on the Bay has become both domestic and foreign tourists’ preference. With an overnight cruise trip, you will spend at least one night on the boat with many activities like watching the beautiful sunset or dawn on the sea, kayaking, swimming at some fascinating beaches of the Bay, going midnight squid fishing on a boat or visiting floating fishing villages.