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Vietnam – How Many Days Is Enough? (7, 10, 14, or 30 Days?)

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Vietnam how many days — that’s one of the first questions i asked myself before travelling in Vietnam. With over 1,650 kilometers stretching from north to south, Vietnam is packed with diverse landscapes, rich culture, and unforgettable experiences.

Scenic view of Hoi An ancient town in Vietnam – a must-visit stop when deciding how many days are enough to explore Vietnam

From relaxing on golden beaches in the south to enjoying the mountain views in Sapa or Ha Giang up north, there’s so much to take in. You can crawl through the historic Cu Chi Tunnels, admire French colonial architecture in Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City, soak up the sun on beaches like Phu Quoc or Da Nang, cruise through Ha Long Bay, or wander the lantern-lit streets of Hoi An.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through suggested itineraries for 7, 10, 14, and 30 days—so you can make the most of your time based on your schedule and travel style.

When to visit Vietnam

The best time to visit Vietnam is between December and April, when you can avoid both the heavy rains and the intense summer heat. This period offers the most comfortable weather across most regions — ideal for sightseeing, hiking, and beach days.

North Vietnam

jan Weather icon 20°C 10°C
feb Weather icon 21°C 13°C
mar Weather icon 24°C 16°C
apr Weather icon 28°C 20°C
may Weather icon 32°C 22°C
jun Weather icon 34°C 25°C
jul Weather icon 35°C 26°C
aug Weather icon 33°C 26°C
sep Weather icon 32°C 24°C
oct Weather icon 29°C 21°C
nov Weather icon 26°C 18°C
dec Weather icon 22°C 14°C

7-day itineraries – Perfect for first-timers

This itinerary is perfect for first-timers to Vietnam. While many guides try to cover both the north and south in just one week, I personally recommend focusing on just one region. Both the north and south have so much to offer that trying to visit both would leave you rushing through your trip.

Below you’ll find two separate itineraries—one for Northern Vietnam and one for Southern Vietnam. If you’re ready to dive deeper into either region, check out my other post: 1 Week in Vietnam.

7-day itinerary of south vietnam

DayDestinationActivities/Notes
1-2Ho Chi Minh CityArrival, War Remnants Museum, Ben Thanh Market, vibrant street life
3Mekong Delta (Daytrip)Boat tour, floating markets, local life experience, (Want know more? Read my post about the Mekong Delta region.)
4Cu Chi Tunnels (Daytrip)Explore historic war tunnels, visit a shooting range, and learn about tunnel life during the Vietnam War.
5-7Fly to Da Nang & Hoi AnBeaches, Hoi An Ancient Town, My Son Sanctuary

7-day itinerary of north vietnam

DayDestinationActivities/Notes
1-2HanoiArrival, explore Old Quarter, enjoy egg coffee, try local dishes
3-5Sapa, Ha Giang or Cát BàChoose one:
Sapa (Stunning mountain views and terraced rice fields.),
Ha Giang (Adventure through rugged roads and dramatic landscapes.)
Cát Bà (Relax on beautiful beaches and explore nature.)
6Ha Long Bay (Daytrip)Boat cruise (day trip or overnight), visit Sung Sot Cave, enjoy scenic views, swimming, or kayaking
7Ninh Binh (Daytrip)Boat ride through Trang An or Tam Coc, explore the countryside with bicycle or motorbike, explore Hoa Lu Ancient Capital, visit Bai Dinh Pagoda, hike to Mua Cave for panoramic views

10-day itinerary – Highlights without the rush

With 10 days, you can experience the vibrant cities, stunning nature, and cultural gems at a more relaxed pace. This itinerary strikes the perfect balance between seeing the must-visit spots and leaving space to breathe, explore, and soak it all in.

DayDestinationActivities/Notes
1-2Ho Chi Minh CityArrival, War Remnants Museum, Ben Thanh Market, vibrant street life
3Mekong Delta (Daytrip from HCMC)Boat tour, floating markets, local life experience, (Want know more? Read my post about the Mekong Delta region.)
4Cu Chi Tunnels (Daytrip from HCMC)Explore historic war tunnels, visit a shooting range, and learn about tunnel life during the Vietnam War.
5-7Fly to Da Nang & Hoi AnRelax on the beaches, explore the ancient streets of Hoi An, and visit the My Son Sanctuary.
8Fly to Ha NoiArrival, explore Old Quarter, enjoy an egg coffee and try local dishes
9Ninh Binh (Daytrip from Ha Noi)Explore the countryside with bicycle or motorbike, boat ride through Trang An or Tam Coc, explore Hoa Lu Ancient Capital, visit Bai Dinh Pagoda and hike to Mua Cave for panoramic views
10Ha Long Bay (Daytrip from Ha Noi)Boat cruise (day trip or overnight), visit Sung Sot Cave, enjoy scenic views, swimming, or kayaking

14-day itinerary – The Best of Vietnam

With 14 days, you can travel the length of the country without feeling rushed. This itinerary covers iconic cities, hidden gems, and breathtaking landscapes, giving you a deeper taste of Vietnam’s rich culture, history, and natural beauty.

DayDestinationActivities/Notes
1-2Ho Chi Minh CityArrival, explore the vibrant streets, visit historical landmarks like the War Remnants Museum, and enjoy the bustling Ben Thanh Market.
3Mekong Delta (Daytrip from HCMC)Boat tour, floating markets, local life experience, (Want know more? Read my post about the Mekong Delta region.)
4Cu Chi Tunnels (Daytrip from HCMC)Underground tunnels, shooting range, history
5-7Fly to Da Nang & Hoi AnEnjoy the beaches, ancient streets of Hoi An, My Son Sanctuary
8Fly to Ha NoiArrival, explore Old Quarter, enjoy an egg coffee and try local dishes
9Ninh Binh (Daytrip from Ha Noi)Explore the countryside with bicycle or motorbike, boat ride through Trang An or Tam Coc, explore Hoa Lu Ancient Capital, visit Bai Dinh Pagoda and hike to Mua Cave for panoramic views
10Ha Long Bay (Daytrip from Ha Noi)Boat cruise (day trip or overnight), visit Sung Sot Cave, enjoy scenic views, swimming, or kayaking
11-14Sapa, Mai Chau or Ha Giang LoopChoose one:

Sapa (Stunning mountain views and terraced rice fields.),
Ha Giang (Adventure through rugged roads and dramatic landscapes.)
Cát Bà (Relax on beautiful beaches and explore nature.)

30-day itinerary – Explore it all

30 Days in Vietnam gives you enough time to travel at a slower pace and truly dive deep into the culture, food, and landscapes. It’s the perfect itinerary for digital nomads or long-term travelers who want to experience more than just the highlights — with space for spontaneous detours, beach days, and lazy mornings with Vietnamese coffee.

I’d really recommend using the train when travelling from the south to the north. The countryside views from the train window are scenic and peaceful.

DayDestinationActivities
1-2Ho Chi Minh CityArrival, explore the vibrant streets, visit historical landmarks like the War Remnants Museum, and enjoy the bustling Ben Thanh Market.
3Cu Chi Tunnels (Daytrip from HCMC)Underground tunnels, shooting range, history
4-7Mekong DeltaBoat tour through lush waterways, see floatng markets and experience rural life in the Mekong region. If you are interested in learning more about this region and the way I spent a whole week there, read my post about the Mekong Delta region.
8-10Phu Quoc or Con dao Island life
11-13Train to Nha Trang Beautiful beaches, bud baths, monkey island
14-16Train to Quy Nhon A hidden gem — think quiet beaches, fresh seafood, and a relaxed vibe far from the tourist crowds
17-21Train to Da Nang & Hoi AnRelax on the beaches, explore the ancient streets of Hoi An, and visit the My Son Sanctuary.
22Train or plane to Ha NoiArrival, explore Old Quarter, enjoy an egg coffee and try local dishes
23Ninh Binh (Daytrip from Ha Noi)Explore the countryside with bicycle or motorbike, boat ride through Trang An or Tam Coc, explore Hoa Lu Ancient Capital, visit Bai Dinh Pagoda and hike to Mua Cave for panoramic views
24Ha Long Bay (Daytrip from Ha Noi)Boat cruise (day trip or overnight), visit Sung Sot Cave, enjoy scenic views, swimming, or kayaking

Do an organized trip or use the local bus and enjoy the beautiful landscape. If you are going to do the overnight cruise, just do 1 night. It becomes redundant quickly.
25-27Sapa Or Mai ChauChoose one

Sapa – For mountain views with rice terraces and local villages
Mai Chau – For a peaceful countryside escape
28-30Ha Giang LoopFor adventurous motorbike loops and epic landscapes.

There is of course possibility to get a driver, so you sit in the backseat. Recommended because the roads can be quite crazy!
30Ha NoiFly out

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