17 days in Vietnam Itinerary

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, more things to do, and other tourist information, you can read our Ho Chi Minh City road trip planning website .

Sydney, Australia to Ho Chi Minh City is an approximately 9-hour flight. Due to the time zone difference, you'll gain 3 hours traveling from Sydney to Ho Chi Minh City. Plan for warmer temperatures traveling from Sydney in July, with highs in Ho Chi Minh City at 38°C and lows at 28°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 1st (Thu) to allow time to travel 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.

Start off your visit on the 2nd (Fri): steep yourself in history at Imperial City, explore the different monuments and memorials at Royal Tombs, steep yourself in history at Tomb of Minh Mang, then steep yourself in history at Tomb of Tu Duc, and finally stop by Tinh Hoa Art Shop. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the next day: surround yourself with nature on a nature and wildlife tour, admire the striking features of Thien Mu Pagoda, and then contemplate the long history of The Flag Tower.

To find traveler tips, other places to visit, and tourist information, refer to the Hue tour itinerary planner .

Fly from Ho Chi Minh City to Hue in 2 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of flight and train; or drive. In August, daily temperatures in Hue can reach 40°C, while at night they dip to 29°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 3rd (Sat) early enough to drive to Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park.

Marked by underground rivers, famous caves, limestone cliffs, and tropical rainforests, Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park wows visitors with a spectacular range of landscapes and wildlife.

On the 4th (Sun), explore the fascinating underground world of Son Doong Cave and then Head underground at Paradise Cave. On your second day here, Head underground at Phong Nha Caves, then take in nature's colorful creations at Phong Nha Botanic Garden, and then relax in the rural setting at The Duck Stop.

To find maps, reviews, more things to do, and other tourist information, you can read our Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park trip itinerary website .

Drive from Hue to Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park in 3 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus; or do a combination of train and taxi. Cap off your sightseeing on the 5th (Mon) early enough to travel to Hanoi.

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.

Start off your visit on the 6th (Tue): don't miss a visit to Temple of Literature & National University, then don't miss a visit to Ho Van - Van Mieu, then contemplate the long history of Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, and finally take a stroll through Old Quarter. Keep things going the next day: steep yourself in history at Hoa Lo Prison, then examine the collection at Vietnamese Women's Museum, then browse the exhibits of Tired City Bao Khanh, and finally explore the activities along Lake of the Restored Sword (Hoan Kiem Lake).

To see where to stay, other places to visit, traveler tips, and more tourist information, use the Hanoi travel route website .

Traveling by combination of taxi and flight from Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park to Hanoi takes 5.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or do a combination of taxi, train, and flight. Cap off your sightseeing on the 7th (Wed) early enough to travel to Halong Bay.

Halong Bay encompasses a cluster of verdant limestone islets that jut out from the sea and make up an enchanting setting recognized as a World Heritage Site.

Kick off your visit on the 8th (Thu): explore the fascinating underground world of Tien Ong Cave, then Head underground at Sung Sot Cave, and then get outside with Outdoor Activities. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the next day: contemplate the waterfront views at Bai Tu Long Bay, then contemplate the waterfront views at Hạ Long Bay, and then contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Long Tien Pagoda.

To see more things to do, maps, and more tourist information, read our Halong Bay attractions app .

Traveling by combination of flight and ferry from Hanoi to Halong Bay takes 4 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus; or take a train. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 9th (Fri) to allow time to travel to Da Nang.

A curious mix of developed beachfront tourism and untouched local city life, Da Nang presents an often-overlooked but authentic and welcoming picture of central Vietnam.

Get outdoors at Scuba & Snorkeling and The Marble Mountains. Eschew the tourist crowds and head to Mỹ Sơn and Non Nuoc Beach. Change things up with these side-trips from Da Nang: Hoi An (Precious Heritage by Rehahn, Spas, & more). The adventure continues: enjoy the sand and surf at My Khe Beach.

For maps, photos, ratings, and tourist information, go to the Da Nang trip itinerary maker site .

Traveling by combination of ferry, car, and flight from Halong Bay to Da Nang takes 4.5 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of ferry and bus; or do a combination of ferry, car, and train. In August, daytime highs in Da Nang are 40°C, while nighttime lows are 30°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 12th (Mon) early enough to travel to Nha Trang.

On a vacation in Nha Trang, a famous Vietnam resort town, you can lounge on a beach all day and party into the night.

Do some cultural sightseeing at Po Nagar Cham Towers and Mai Loc Photo Gallery. Get in touch with nature at Hot mineral springs I-Resort Nha Trang and Ba Ho Waterfall. The adventure continues: see some colorful creatures with a scuba or snorkeling tour, view the masterpieces at DDK's Black & White Photo Gallery, contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Long Son Pagoda, and explore the galleries of Long Thanh Photo Studio.

To find traveler tips, other places to visit, reviews, and more tourist information, you can read our Nha Trang tour itinerary maker app .

You can fly from Da Nang to Nha Trang in 3.5 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of flight and bus; or drive. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 16th (Fri) early enough to travel back home.