Table of Contents
1. Why is a great Vietnam Travel Itinerary important?
1.1. Interesting facts that you should know about Vietnam
Vietnam, a beautiful country located in Southeast Asia, is one of the top destinations for international travelers around the world. With more than 10 million foreign visitors each year, Vietnam is receiving much love for its stunning scenes, friendly people, deep and heroic history, together with the vast majority of cultures and irresistibly delicious food.
However, it is not easy to plan a good Vietnam Travel Itinerary. Vietnam is a “long” country which is 1650km straight line from north to south, and we do have some facts that may surprise you:
- There are 54 different ethnics in Vietnam
- There are more than 63 cities & provinces in Vietnam, not only the famous cities like Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, Hoi An, Phu Quoc,… that international tourists usually discuss
- There are 10000+ different authentic Vietnamese dishes (no, we don’t count Western food in this). 1000+ of those foods are listed in the top record of the world!
What do these numbers mean? They are telling you that you will lose your way in finding the best Vietnam Travel Itinerary that both suits you and bring the best of Vietnam to you.
1.2. The reliable Vietnam Travel Itinerary is very rare on the internet
When you simply search “Vietnam Travel Itinerary” on Google, you can find 52,800,000 results for that. However, a lot of them turn out to be one of these problems:
- Some of them are just briefs. You won’t know why they craft that itinerary and not the others. Some pages even require you to purchase premium contents or guidebook to access more.
- Some of them are just personal experience of one individual, which is still good because they are still real. However, there number of people that fully explore Vietnam to deeply understand how to plan a good Vietnam Travel Itinerary is rare. You will have to search for a lot of different itinerary to craft a good one yourself.
- Even worse, a lot of contents are from “marketing staffs” who have never traveled a lot in their own country. The only thing they do for those blogs are just copying from many sources without giving insights into Vietnam travel
Luckily, not every website out there is giving bad information. Although we would love you to read our blog only, we highly recommend you to check these sources for planning your own Vietnam Travel Itinerary:
- Vietnam.travel – the official travel site of Vietnamese government
- English.bvhttdl.gov.vn – the official website of Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism of Vietnam
- E.vnexpress.net/news/travel – one of the top digital newspaper in Vietnam
- Other review and trip planning pages like TripAdvisor, or Google Things to do
1.3. A great itinerary means your great trip to Vietnam
All of the above have explained why you truly need a great Vietnam Travel Itinerary. Not everyone loved their Vietnam trip for many reasons, but 80% of them got their trip wrong due to the itinerary planning.
That is why in this post, AN Tours Vietnam has tried our best to research & gather information, both from reliable sources of Vietnam travel experts and locals who live and travel a lot in our beloved country.
Some notes that you must read before going on this guide:
- This post will be long. We don’t want this important guide to be not helpful by just briefing everything. Just consider it is a full Vietnam Travel Guidebook that you can access online FOR FREE. Therefore, you may consider using our TABLE OF CONTENTS for quick navigation, or share this post link with your friend to keep it & read gradually.
- Although this post is long, we can’t include everything in 01 page due to technical limits. Some of the topics will link to other detailed Vietnam Travel Tips. If you click them, it will open a new window and you can read 02 posts at the same time.
- This post is detailed and structured for you to have a deep understanding of crafting your own best Vietnam Travel Itinerary. Thank you for your patience in reading.
- We will be honest, there will be some of our Vietnam tours inserted in this post, you may book if you find them suitable. If they don’t, we are sorry for bothering you.
- Please do not copy these contents or use them outside of Vietnam trip planning purpose
1.4. Important factors you must consider when crafting your own Vietnam Travel Itinerary
Before we start, you should know that there are a few factors that are very important for a great Vietnam Travel Itinerary. Therefore, we will summarize them here, then we will go into very detail about each later in this article.
The main parts of the itinerary will be:
- How long to spend in Vietnam
- Best time to visit Vietnam
- Choosing your destinations in Vietnam
- Your budget planning
2. How long to spend in Vietnam?
According to Vietnam Tourism Report, tourists spend 7 days in Vietnam on average. However, the best recommended time to spend on a Vietnam trip is from 2 to 4 weeks. This length of time is enough for you to explore some popular parts of Vietnam quite fully.
Please note that those are common recommendations. They may be restricted by some of these factors:
- Your vacation time – everyone has their own limited time. For example, some with only a few days off their work are different from those who have a 2-month break to travel. But don’t worry, in the later part of this Vietnam Travel Itinerary Guide, we will help you to plan a Vietnam trip whether you have 1 day or 3 months here.
- Your budget – the more time you spend on a Vietnam trip, the more it costs. Your budget will decide a lot of your itinerary. We will analyze this factor in detail in a separate part of this post.
- Your interests – Although there are a lot of things to do in Vietnam, you may not find all of them interesting. Therefore, you may need to consider this factor when crafting your Vietnam Travel Itinerary.
- Your country – You may not believe this but yes, where you come from matters. For example, if you are from a close-range country to Vietnam like Singapore or Philippines, it is easy to spend 3 days here as it does not take long to fly between two countries. However, if you are from The US or Germany, it will take much more time to fly, and you will have to spend 2/3 time of your trip on the plane if you only spend 3 days in Vietnam.
- Vietnam visa – please note that Vietnam visa has limited time. This will affect your itinerary. You should get the latest update on Vietnam Visa here.
Therefore, if one of those factors affects how long you spend in Vietnam, you can check these references which you can and should do in different lengths of time, so that you can know what to expect from your incoming Vietnam Travel Itinerary:
Short trip:
- 1 day only: You should focus on doing the best highlights of a city (preferably a big city like Ho Chi Minh City or Hanoi)
- 3 days: You can do a few most recommended activities in 01 city (both popular & local ones)
- 5 days: There is more time to explore nearby areas of 01 city (for example you can explore Vung Tau from HCMC, or Ha Long Bay from Hanoi). Or if you want more, you can make a quick trip to 2 cities with this length of time.
- 1 week: For 7 days you can easily explore 2 cities quite well with full experience. You may want to do another one, but we suggest it is best to maximize your time in 2 cities rather than 3 but only in brief.
Medium trip:
- 2 weeks: You can explore the main cities of the North, Central, and South of Vietnam with this length. We recommended starting from Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, and Da Nang – Hoi An and then exploring the areas around.
- 3 weeks: This is the most perfect and popular length of time, as you can experience quite fully the most places to visit in Vietnam
Long trip:
- 1 month: If you have this much time to spend in Vietnam, it is best to do extra activities that normal tourists don’t do: trekking, very non-touristy and experience-oriented activities that show you the best of Vietnam
- 2-3 months: As we mentioned at the beginning of this article, Vietnam has more than 63 cities and provinces, each of which has its own things to explore. If you are spending months in Vietnam, then you definitely should go for areas that are off the tourist map
As we only discuss How long to spend in Vietnam and briefly show what to do for different lengths of time, we will not talk about a detailed Vietnam Travel Itinerary for each yet. Please keep reading until the next parts of the article.
3. Best time to visit Vietnam? Not only about weather!
The best time to visit Vietnam in general is from December to April. This period of time is highly recommended thanks to the good weather and seasonal activities taking place at this time.
Although there is a general recommended time, it does not mean May to November is not a good time to visit Vietnam. On the contract, some of them are even “the most suitable time to visit” a specific place in Vietnam. This is why this Vietnam Travel Itinerary Guide becomes much more helpful than the normal blogs that only give you a general answer. In the detailed post below, we will analyze these factors to define your best time to visit Vietnam, personally:
- Your own vacation time schedule
- Weather in Vietnam
- Price difference in all periods of time
- Tourist crowded/ less touristy time
- Seasonal activities that only take place at a specific time of the year
For more details, please visit this post to finalize your Vietnam Travel Itinerary:
4. Best places to visit in Vietnam? Ranking all the destinations
Unlike other blogs that talk about “The best”, we will confirm this before going on: There is actually no best place to visit in Vietnam. Although Vietnam has a lot of destinations to go to, each of them will have their own “best” things to do, which will suit different travelers when you craft your own Vietnam Travel Itinerary.
Therefore, we will categorize them as below:
- Most popular places to visit in Vietnam
- Unseen & non-touristy places
- Places that match different interests of travelers
4.1. Top 12 most popular destinations in Vietnam
- Halong Bay: Known for its breathtaking seascape of limestone pillars and emerald waters, Halong Bay is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Vietnam’s top tourist destinations. Visitors often take boat cruises to explore the bay’s stunning scenery.
- Hanoi: Vietnam’s capital city offers a rich blend of history, culture, and modernity. Highlights include the Old Quarter with its narrow streets, Hoan Kiem Lake, the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, and the Temple of Literature.
- Hoi An: This beautifully preserved Ancient Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its charming streets adorned with colorful lanterns, tailor shops, and a vibrant culinary scene.
- Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon): The largest city in Vietnam offers a mix of historical sites such as the War Remnants Museum and Cu Chi Tunnels, along with modern shopping, dining, and nightlife experiences.
- Sapa: Located in the northern mountains, Sapa is a trekker’s paradise with stunning terraced rice fields, ethnic minority villages, and opportunities for outdoor adventures.
- Hue: This ancient imperial city is famous for its historic Imperial Citadel, royal tombs, and picturesque Perfume River.
- Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park: A haven for nature lovers and adventure seekers, this park is home to intricate cave systems, including the world’s largest cave, Son Doong.
- Nha Trang: A coastal city known for its beautiful beaches, water sports, and vibrant nightlife. The city also offers cultural attractions like the Po Nagar Cham Towers.
- Mui Ne: Famous for its red and white sand dunes, Mui Ne is a popular spot for sandboarding and dune buggy rides, along with its beachside resorts.
- Dalat: Often referred to as the “City of Eternal Spring,” Dalat offers cool weather, flower gardens, scenic lakes, and a romantic atmosphere.
- Mekong Delta: Explore the intricate network of waterways, floating markets, and traditional villages, offering an authentic glimpse into rural Vietnamese life.
- Phu Quoc Island: Vietnam’s largest island is known for its pristine beaches, lush forests, and opportunities for snorkeling, diving, and relaxation.
These destinations are among the most well-known and frequently visited places in Vietnam, offering a wide range of experiences for travelers with diverse interests. If your trip is meant to be simple and easy, you can just pick these up for your Vietnam Travel Itinerary.
4.2. Top 12 off-the-beaten-path destinations in Vietnam
If you are too familiar with the popular places in Vietnam, here is the truth that you should know: Vietnam has a wealth of hidden gems and lesser-known destinations that are not overrun by tourists and there are A LOT OF places like that. Exploring these places can provide you with a more authentic and unique experience. Here are some unseen and non-touristy places to consider visiting in Vietnam:
Bac Ha: Known for its vibrant ethnic minority markets, Bac Ha in the Lao Cai Province offers a chance to interact with locals from various tribes such as the Flower Hmong.
Kon Tum: Located in the Central Highlands, Kon Tum provides an opportunity to explore the culture of ethnic minority groups like the Bahnar and Gia Rai and visit traditional longhouses.
Phu Yen Province: This coastal province boasts pristine beaches, beautiful landscapes, and cultural experiences without the crowds often found in more popular coastal areas.
Ninh Binh Province (Beyond Tam Coc): While Tam Coc is famous, explore lesser-visited spots like Van Long Nature Reserve and Cuc Phuong National Park for serene boat rides and wildlife encounters.
Dak Lak Province: Located in the Central Highlands, Dak Lak offers a glimpse into the lives of the Ede and M’nong ethnic groups and the chance to explore lush forests and coffee plantations.
Bai Tu Long Bay: Adjacent to Halong Bay but less frequented, Bai Tu Long Bay offers a similar stunning seascape with fewer tourists, making it ideal for a more peaceful cruise experience.
Pu Luong Nature Reserve: This tranquil area in Thanh Hoa Province features lush landscapes, ethnic Thai villages, and opportunities for hiking and discovering rural life.
Bac Son Valley: In Lang Son Province, Bac Son Valley is known for its stunning rice terraces and scenic landscapes, perfect for hiking and photography.
Quy Chau District (Near Hoa Binh): Quy Chau is a hidden gem for trekking and discovering ethnic villages near Hanoi, with terraced fields and traditional stilt houses.
Tra Vinh: Located in the Mekong Delta, Tra Vinh offers a unique blend of Khmer culture and heritage, with colorful temples, pagodas, and serene rural landscapes.
Dong Van Karst Plateau: In Ha Giang Province, this rugged plateau is dotted with ethnic villages and offers breathtaking mountain scenery, making it a haven for trekkers and adventure seekers.
Cao Bang Province: Explore the less-visited landscapes and the stunning Ban Gioc Waterfall in this northern province.
When added to your Vietnam Travel Itinerary, these off-the-beaten-path destinations provide a chance to experience the authentic culture, stunning landscapes, and tranquility of Vietnam without the crowds often found at more touristy locations. However, it’s important to be respectful of local communities and practice responsible tourism when visiting these areas.
4.3. Best places to visit in Vietnam by categories
Categorizing Vietnam destinations by popularity does not always help you craft your own Vietnam Travel Itinerary. Sometimes it should be by different interests so that you can check which fits yours and which does not. Here are some suggestions from AN Tours Vietnam:
Cultural and Historical Destinations
- Hanoi (Capital city with historical sites)
- Hue (Ancient imperial city)
- Hoi An (Well-preserved Ancient Town)
- Ho Chi Minh City (War history and cultural attractions)
- My Son (Cham temple complex)
Natural Wonders and Scenic Beauty
- Halong Bay (Stunning limestone karsts and islands)
- Sapa (Terraced rice fields and trekking)
- Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park (Cave systems and natural beauty)
- Mekong Delta (Waterways, floating markets, and rural life)
- Nha Trang (Beautiful beaches and water sports)
Culinary Experiences
- Hanoi (Street food in the Old Quarter)
- Ho Chi Minh City (Local street food and markets)
- Hoi An (Variety of Vietnamese dishes)
- Hue (Royal cuisine)
- Mekong Delta (Fresh countryside food and riverbank dining)
Relaxation and Beaches
- Phu Quoc Island (Tropical island paradise)
- Da Nang (My Khe Beach and luxury resorts)
- Nha Trang (Beaches and spa resorts)
- Mui Ne (Beachside relaxation)
Cultural Immersion and Ethnic Minority Experiences
- Sapa (Interacting with ethnic minority communities)
- Ha Giang (Scenic landscapes and ethnic diversity)
- Mai Chau (Homestays and local culture)
- Bac Ha (Colorful markets and hill tribe cultures)
Urban Exploration:
- Hanoi (Cosmopolitan capital)
- Ho Chi Minh City (Lively metropolis)
- Da Nang (Modern city with a beachside vibe)
Spiritual and Religious Sites
- Perfume Pagoda (Buddhist pilgrimage site near Hanoi)
- Po Nagar Cham Towers (Historical Hindu temple complex in Nha Trang)
- Cao Dai Temple (Religious center in Tay Ninh)
Deeper insights of all Vietnam destinations
Since this article is about how to craft the best Vietnam Travel Itinerary on your own, we will only summarize and give some examples of the Best places to visit in Vietnam.
For the most detailed article that lists even a lot more destinations to visit in Vietnam, please visit the link right below for more. Trust us, if you are trying to plan a great trip to Vietnam, you will never want to miss those information!
5. Vietnam travel cost: Best budget plan.
Planning a budget for your Vietnam trip requires consideration of various factors, including your travel style, duration of stay, and specific destinations. This factor has a considerable impact on your Vietnam Travel Itinerary. To be simple, we will summarize popular budgets for Vietnam trips by time length and style.
They will include these factors:
- Accommodation
- Food & drink
- Transportation (including domestic flights)
- Activities & tours
- Other expenses (SIM, souvenirs,…)
They will NOT include these factors:
- International flight tickets (as they may vary from $200 to more than $1,000 per ticket depending on where you are from).
5.1. Common budget for Vietnam trip per day
Here are our examples summarized from many travelers visiting Vietnam per day per person (applied for trips under 1 week).
Please note that you don’t have to follow the exact budget for your own Vietnam Travel Itinerary (as your choice of many factors may make your budget different):
- Budget travelers: $40 – $70 per day
- Mid-range travelers: $70 – $190 per day
- Luxury travelers: $190 – $400 (and beyond) per day
5.2. Common budget for Vietnam trip per week
Here are our examples summarized from many travelers visiting Vietnam per week per person (applied for trips under 1 month). As we mentioned in the previous part of this article, when your Vietnam Travel Itinerary exceeds 1 week, you will have time to visit many other cities, which will increase the cost of transportation and accommodations as well.
Please note that you don’t have to follow the exact budget for your own Vietnam Travel Itinerary (as your choice of many factors may make your budget different):
- Budget travelers: $320 – $550 per week
- Mid-range travelers: $550 – $1,500 per week
- Luxury travelers: $1,500 – $2,800 (and beyond) per week
5.3. Common budget for Vietnam trip per month
Here are our examples summarized from many travelers visiting Vietnam per month per person (applied for trips 1-3 months and beyond). If you are planning to travel to Vietnam for more than 1 month, you should know that the total cost will not be small even if you are budget travelers (unless you only stay at a few places doing nothing but relaxing). However, traveling for a long time may save you some cost as many services or accomodations will give you good discounts.
Please note that you don’t have to follow the exact budget for your own Vietnam Travel Itinerary (as your choice of many factors may make your budget different):
- Budget travelers: $1,100 – $1,800 per month
- Mid-range travelers: $1,800 – $4,000 per month
- Luxury travelers: $4,000 – $10,000 (and beyond) per month
5.4. Vietnam travel cost: The most detailed breakdown
As we can’t break down everything about the Vietnam trip budget for you in this article, we recommend that you visit the one below for much more details. The information in this article is good enough for you to craft your own Vietnam Travel Itinerary, so we will include all of these information in the detailed post of Vietnam Travel Cost:
- Detailed budget for each destination in Vietnam
- Detailed budget for each type of tour/ activity in Vietnam
- Detailed budget for shopping in Vietnam
Please visit our article:
Vietnam Travel Cost: The Most Detailed Breakdown (to be uploaded soon in the near future)
6. Vietnam Travel Itinerary: Make it your own or through an agency?
6.1. Comparion between making your own Vietnam Travel Itinerary & book an agency
Deciding whether to create your own Vietnam Travel Itinerary or go through a travel agency depends on various factors, including your preferences, travel experience, budget, and the level of convenience you desire. Here’s an analysis to help you make an informed choice:
Create Your Own Vietnam Travel Itinerary:
Pros:
- Flexibility: Planning your own itinerary gives you full control over where you go, what you do, and how long you stay at each location. You can adapt your plans on the go based on your interests and experiences.
- Cost Control: You can have better control over your budget by booking flights, accommodations, and activities independently, potentially finding better deals and discounts. But remember this only works if you have experiences in finding good deals
- Personalization: You can tailor your trip to your specific interests, ensuring you visit places and engage in activities that align with your preferences.
- Unique Experiences: You might discover hidden gems or have unique experiences by exploring less touristy areas or trying local recommendations.
Cons:
- Time-Consuming: Planning a trip from scratch can be time-consuming, requiring research, booking, and coordination of various elements.
- Language Barrier: If you don’t speak Vietnamese, language barriers can sometimes pose challenges when booking accommodations, transportation, or communicating with locals.
- Logistical Challenges: Navigating transportation, visas, and local customs may be more complex when planning independently.
Through Travel Agency:
Pros:
- Convenience: Travel agencies handle all the logistics, making your trip stress-free. They can book flights, accommodations, tours, and transfers on your behalf.
- Expertise: Agencies often have local knowledge and can provide insider tips and recommendations.
- Safety and Support: In case of unexpected issues or emergencies, travel agencies can offer assistance and support.
- Group Tours: You can join group tours organized by the agency, allowing you to meet fellow travelers and have a structured itinerary.
Cons:
- Cost: Using a travel agency can be more expensive than planning independently due to service fees and potentially higher-priced accommodations or tours.
- Less Flexibility: You may have less flexibility to make spontaneous changes to your itinerary when traveling with a group tour.
- Limited Personalization: While some agencies offer customizable packages, your trip may still be somewhat standardized.
Factors to Consider:
- Experience: If you’re an experienced traveler comfortable with planning and navigating independently, creating your itinerary may be rewarding. If you’re new to travel or prefer a hassle-free experience, an agency can be beneficial.
- Budget: Determine your budget and compare the cost of using a travel agency with the potential savings of planning independently.
- Time: Consider the time you’re willing to invest in planning and booking your trip.
- Language Skills: Assess your language skills and comfort level with communication in a foreign language.
- Travel Goals: Clarify your travel goals and whether you prioritize flexibility or convenience.
- Risk Tolerance: Assess your tolerance for unexpected challenges during your trip and whether you want the security of agency support.
Ultimately, the choice between creating your own itinerary or using a travel agency depends on your individual preferences and circumstances. You can also find a middle ground by using a travel agency for specific aspects of your trip, such as booking accommodations or tours, while retaining control over other parts of your itinerary.
6.2. AN Tours Vietnam - providing FREE & CUSTOMIZED Vietnam Travel Itinerary
So, if you feel lost between crafting your own Vietnam Travel Itinerary, and booking an agency because of their pros and cons, you can consider contacting AN Tours Vietnam for these reasons:
- FREE, PERSONALIZED, AND CUSTOMIZED Vietnam Itinerary: Unlike other travel agencies, we can help you craft a good one so that you can follow it. You don’t have to book any of our services to get a FREE itinerary.
- Expertise: With 99% excellent customer feedback, we are proud that our crafted itinerary is one of the best from insights of both experienced travelers and locals
- Mixing both popular & unseen experiences: We don’t only recommend travelers going to touristy places like a lot of other agencies. As locals, we love you to enjoy Vietnam like us too.
We don’t claim to be a great and trustworthy agency ourselves. 99% of excellent reviews from our travelers claimed that! You can click the banner below to check AN Tours Vietnam’s TripAdvisor Reviews.
Thank you for reading our self-recommendation above. However, please don’t get biased. There is no need to book anything with us, or other agencies if you find this article helpful enough for you to craft your own Vietnam Travel Itinerary.
Below, we will list some of the best itineraries for you to check if they match with what you are looking for.
7. Vietnam Travel Itinerary: 9 Best Ideas & Examples
Here are the best Vietnam Travel Itinerary ideas & examples with the insights of both experienced travelers who have done almost all the places in Vietnam, and the locals with deep understanding of their beloved country.
Vietnam Travel Itinerary: 1 day
Vietnam Travel Itinerary: 3 days
Vietnam Travel Itinerary: 5 days
Vietnam Travel Itinerary: 1 week
Vietnam Travel Itinerary: 2 weeks
Vietnam Travel Itinerary: 3 weeks
Vietnam Travel Itinerary: 1 month
Vietnam Travel Itinerary: 2 months
Vietnam Travel Itinerary: 3 months
As each of these itineraries is analyzed and crafted well, and they suit different travelers, their content may get too long for this article. That is why we will link them to separate posts. Please click the itinerary you want to view for details.
8. After crafting the itinerary: More about Vietnam Travel that you should know before your trip
Above is the end of our very detailed post on how to craft our own Vietnam Travel Itinerary. But we know that you all love extra free information. That is why we will keep updating articles related to planning your Vietnam trip down here (the list will be longer time over time), so please visit this post again if you need to, or follow us on social media for more.
Please visit:
info@antoursvietnam.com
+84 37 4463 732 (Henry) (Whatsapp/ Zalo available) +84 70 6666 520 (Vincent) (Whatsapp/ Zalo available)
