15 days in Vietnam Itinerary

The capital of Vietnam, Hanoi has bounded back from the effects of war, and today serves as a bustling commercial and cultural hub bursting at the seams.

You've added Temple of Literature & National University, Lake of the Restored Sword (Hoan Kiem Lake), Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, and other attractions to your itinerary. Start off your visit on the 26th (Wed): steep yourself in history at Temple of Literature & National University. Here are some ideas for day two: contemplate the long history of Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, wander the streets of Old Quarter, and then explore the activities along Lake of the Restored Sword (Hoan Kiem Lake).

To find maps, photos, more things to do, and tourist information, use the Hanoi vacation builder site.

Geneva, Switzerland to Hanoi is an approximately 17.5-hour flight. You can also fly. The time zone difference when traveling from Geneva to Hanoi is 6 hours. You'll have a few hours on the 28th (Fri) to wrap things up before traveling to Cat Ba.

The largest of the islands in the south of the bay, Cat Ba offers a base for exploring the many limestone landmasses across the UNESCO-protected bay.

To see reviews, ratings, where to stay, and more tourist information, use the Cat Ba travel route planner.

Travel from Hanoi to Cat Ba in 6.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus. You'll have a few hours on the 29th (Sat) to wrap things up before traveling to Cat Ba.

To see more things to do, reviews, and tourist information, you can read our Cat Ba day trip planner.

You will have some time to spend on the 30th (Sun) before leaving for Hoi An.

Indisputably one of Vietnam's most atmospheric destinations, Hoi An contains a World Heritage-listed old town boasting over 2,000 years of culture and history.

Keep things going the next day: stroll through An Bang Beach.

To see traveler tips, more things to do, and tourist information, refer to the Hoi An journey site.

You can do a combination of ferry and flight from Cat Ba to Hoi An in 5.5 hours. Other options are to take a bus; or do a combination of bus and train. In December, daytime highs in Hoi An are 29°C, while nighttime lows are 23°C. Wrap up your sightseeing by early afternoon on the 1st (Tue) to allow enough time to drive to Hue.

Nestled on the banks of the Perfume River, the city of Hue remains most famous as the former home of the Nguyen Dynasty, the influence of which remains evident in local palaces, temples, forts, and museums.

To find traveler tips and tourist information, read our Hue tour itinerary planner.

You can drive from Hoi An to Hue in 3 hours. Other options are to do a combination of taxi and train; or take a bus. January in Hue sees daily highs of 27°C and lows of 20°C at night. You'll set off for Ho Chi Minh City on the 3rd (Thu).

Formerly known in the West as Saigon and affectionately referred to as the "Pearl of the Far East," Ho Chi Minh City is a study of old and new, woven and piled together in a fast-paced urban hub.

For traveler tips, reviews, where to stay, and tourist information, refer to the Ho Chi Minh City travel planner.

Getting from Hue to Ho Chi Minh City by flight takes about 3.5 hours. Other options: drive; or take a train. Expect somewhat warmer temperatures when traveling from Hue in January; daily highs in Ho Chi Minh City reach 37°C and lows reach 26°C. You will leave for home on the 7th (Mon).