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

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
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
Day | Destination | Activities/Notes |
---|---|---|
1-2 | Ho Chi Minh City | Arrival, War Remnants Museum, Ben Thanh Market, vibrant street life |
3 | Mekong Delta (Daytrip) | Boat tour, floating markets, local life experience, (Want know more? Read my post about the Mekong Delta region.) |
4 | Cu Chi Tunnels (Daytrip) | Explore historic war tunnels, visit a shooting range, and learn about tunnel life during the Vietnam War. |
5-7 | Fly to Da Nang & Hoi An | Beaches, Hoi An Ancient Town, My Son Sanctuary |
7-day itinerary of north vietnam
Day | Destination | Activities/Notes |
---|---|---|
1-2 | Hanoi | Arrival, explore Old Quarter, enjoy egg coffee, try local dishes |
3-5 | Sapa, Ha Giang or Cát Bà | Choose 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.) |
6 | Ha Long Bay (Daytrip) | Boat cruise (day trip or overnight), visit Sung Sot Cave, enjoy scenic views, swimming, or kayaking |
7 | Ninh 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.
Day | Destination | Activities/Notes |
---|---|---|
1-2 | Ho Chi Minh City | Arrival, War Remnants Museum, Ben Thanh Market, vibrant street life |
3 | Mekong Delta (Daytrip from HCMC) | Boat tour, floating markets, local life experience, (Want know more? Read my post about the Mekong Delta region.) |
4 | Cu Chi Tunnels (Daytrip from HCMC) | Explore historic war tunnels, visit a shooting range, and learn about tunnel life during the Vietnam War. |
5-7 | Fly to Da Nang & Hoi An | Relax on the beaches, explore the ancient streets of Hoi An, and visit the My Son Sanctuary. |
8 | Fly to Ha Noi | Arrival, explore Old Quarter, enjoy an egg coffee and try local dishes |
9 | Ninh 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 |
10 | Ha 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.
Day | Destination | Activities/Notes |
---|---|---|
1-2 | Ho Chi Minh City | Arrival, explore the vibrant streets, visit historical landmarks like the War Remnants Museum, and enjoy the bustling Ben Thanh Market. |
3 | Mekong Delta (Daytrip from HCMC) | Boat tour, floating markets, local life experience, (Want know more? Read my post about the Mekong Delta region.) |
4 | Cu Chi Tunnels (Daytrip from HCMC) | Underground tunnels, shooting range, history |
5-7 | Fly to Da Nang & Hoi An | Enjoy the beaches, ancient streets of Hoi An, My Son Sanctuary |
8 | Fly to Ha Noi | Arrival, explore Old Quarter, enjoy an egg coffee and try local dishes |
9 | Ninh 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 |
10 | Ha Long Bay (Daytrip from Ha Noi) | Boat cruise (day trip or overnight), visit Sung Sot Cave, enjoy scenic views, swimming, or kayaking |
11-14 | Sapa, Mai Chau or Ha Giang Loop | Choose 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.
Day | Destination | Activities |
---|---|---|
1-2 | Ho Chi Minh City | Arrival, explore the vibrant streets, visit historical landmarks like the War Remnants Museum, and enjoy the bustling Ben Thanh Market. |
3 | Cu Chi Tunnels (Daytrip from HCMC) | Underground tunnels, shooting range, history |
4-7 | Mekong Delta | Boat 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. |
8-10 | Phu Quoc or Con dao | Island life |
11-13 | Train to Nha Trang | Beautiful beaches, bud baths, monkey island |
14-16 | Train to Quy Nhon | A hidden gem — think quiet beaches, fresh seafood, and a relaxed vibe far from the tourist crowds |
17-21 | Train to Da Nang & Hoi An | Relax on the beaches, explore the ancient streets of Hoi An, and visit the My Son Sanctuary. |
22 | Train or plane to Ha Noi | Arrival, explore Old Quarter, enjoy an egg coffee and try local dishes |
23 | Ninh 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 |
24 | Ha 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. |
25-27 | Sapa Or Mai Chau | Choose one Sapa – For mountain views with rice terraces and local villages Mai Chau – For a peaceful countryside escape |
28-30 | Ha Giang Loop | For 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! |
30 | Ha Noi | Fly out |