Vietnam is a land of captivating landscapes, rich history, and vibrant culture. With 15 days to explore, you can experience a diverse range of attractions from bustling cities to serene countryside and stunning coastlines. This suggested itinerary will guide you through the best that Vietnam has to offer.
The very first question when you plan for your Vietnam trip is "which city should I choose to start my journey: Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City?".
If you enjoy modern city life, nightlife, and a warmer climate, the answer is starting in Ho Chi Minh City.
Let's discover suggested itinerary for your 15-days trip in Vietnam starting from Ho Chi Minh City!
Day 1-2: Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)
Day 1:
Morning: Arrive in Ho Chi Minh City. Check into your hotel and freshen up.
Afternoon: Explore Ben Thanh Market to get a taste of local flavors and shop for souvenirs.
Evening: Take a walk down Nguyen Hue Walking Street and enjoy dinner at a rooftop restaurant overlooking the city.
Day 2:
Morning: Join a day-tour to discover the Cu Chi tunnels
Afternoon: Tour the Reunification Palace, Notre Dame Cathedral, and Central Post Office.
Evening: Relax at a café in the bustling District 1 area.
You can also follow another 01-day trip schedule in Ho Chi Minh. Do not forget check list of top must-try Saigon dishes and must-visit places in Ho Chi Minh city!
Day 3-5: Mekong Delta or Phu Quoc Island
Option 1: Mekong Delta
Day 3: Ho Chi Minh City - My Tho - Can Tho
Start with a leisurely cruise on the Tien river, visiting 4 islets, each represented by a mythical animal from Southeast Asian folklore: Dragon, Kirin, Tortoise, and Phoenix.
Then cruise back to the mainland and head straight to Can Tho city, known not only as the rice kingdom but also as the largest city in the Mekong Delta. After dinner, you can explore the vibrant night city.
Day 4:
Morning: Visit Cai Rang Floating Market early in the morning.
Afternoon: Tra Su Cajeput Forest (Chau Doc)
Day 5:
Morning: visit a local fish farm and a traditional handicraft workshop in a Cham village.
Afternoon: Return to Ho Chi Minh City and take an evening flight to Da Nang then transfer to Hoi An.
Everything about Mekong Delta travel guide and Top 10 must-try food in your Mekong Delta journey!
Option 2: Phu Quoc Island
Day 3:
Morning: Take a flight from Ho Chi Minh City to Phu Quoc Island.
Afternoon: Relax on the beach and explore the local area.
Day 4:
All Day: Enjoy water activities such as snorkeling or diving. Visit Phu Quoc National Park or Vinpearl Safari.
Day 5:
Morning: Visit local pepper farms, fish sauce factories, or the Dinh Cau Night Market.
Afternoon: Fly from Phu Quoc to Da Nang and transfer to Hoi An.
Check all information about time to visit and things to do in Phu Quoc and must-try Phu Quoc local food.
Day 6-10: Hoi An - Da Nang - Hue
Day 6:
Morning: Exploring Hoi An’s Ancient Town.
Afternoon: Bike tour to Tra Que Vegetable Village. Enjoy a cooking class in Hoi An. Do not miss the tailoring experience in Hoi An.
Evening: Relax at Hoi An town and enjoy a lantern-lit evening in the Old Town.
Day 7:
Morning: Visit My Son Sanctuary, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Afternoon: Return to Da Nang and explore Da Nang by night. If it is weekend, you can check-in Dragon Bridge in Da nang for water-fire performance.
Day 8:
Visit the Marble Mountains then relax at My Khe Beach or explore Ba Na Hills.
Afternoon: Transfer to Hue by train.
Day 9:
Morning: Explore the Imperial Citadel and Thien Mu Pagoda.
Afternoon: Take a boat trip on the Perfume River.
Evening: Discover Hue's local cuisine at a traditional restaurant.
Day 10:
Morning: Visit the royal tombs of Minh Mang, Khai Dinh, and Tu Duc.
Afternoon: Take a leisurely bike ride around Hue.
Evening: Take an evening flight to Hanoi.
Tips for you:
Day 11-15: Hanoi - Ninh Binh - Ha Long Bay or Hanoi - Sapa - Ninh Binh
Option 1: Hanoi - Ninh Binh - Ha Long Bay
Day 11:
Morning: Explore Hanoi’s Old Quarter and Hoan Kiem Lake.
Afternoon: Visit the Temple of Literature.
Evening: Enjoy a water puppet show.
Day 12:
Morning: Visit Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and One Pillar Pagoda.
Afternoon: Travel to Ninh Binh (2 hours by car).
Evening: Stay overnight in Ninh Binh.
Day 13:
Morning: Explore Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex or Tam Coc.
Afternoon: Visit Bich Dong Pagoda.
Evening: Return to Hanoi.
Day 14:
Morning: Take a day trip to Ha Long Bay and enjoy a 2 days-1night tour on cruise in Ha Long Bay.
Day 15: Return to Hanoi and depart.
Option 2: Hanoi - Sapa - Ninh Binh
Day 11:
Morning: Explore Hanoi’s Old Quarter and Hoan Kiem Lake.
Afternoon: Visit the Temple of Literature.
Evening: Enjoy a water puppet show.
Day 12:
Morning: Visit Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and One Pillar Pagoda.
Afternoon: Travel to Sapa by train or bus (6-8 hours).
Day 13:
All Day: Trekking through the rice terraces, visiting local villages like Cat Cat or Ta Van.
Evening: Overnight in Sapa.
Day 14:
Morning: Continue exploring Sapa with a visit to Fansipan Mountain via cable car.
Afternoon: Travel back to Hanoi.
Day 15:
Morning: Take a day trip to Ninh Binh, exploring Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex or Tam Coc.
Afternoon: Visit Bich Dong Pagoda.
Evening: Return to Hanoi and depart
Tips for you:
Tips for a Successful Trip
Accommodation: Book your hotels in advance, especially in popular destinations.
Transportation in Vietnam: Domestic flights, trains, and buses are recommended for longer distances. Consider hiring private cars for shorter trips.
Weather: Vietnam’s climate varies significantly from north to south, so pack accordingly.
Local Cuisine: Don’t miss out on trying Pho, Banh Mi, and fresh seafood, along with regional specialties.
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