20 days in Vietnam Itinerary

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.

On the next day, explore the striking landscape at The Marble Mountains, do sightseeing your way with Private Tours, and then relax and rejuvenate at some of the best spas.

To see more things to do, ratings, traveler tips, and tourist information, read Hoi An trip itinerary planner.

Sydney, Australia to Hoi An is an approximately 12-hour flight. You can also do a combination of flight and train. Due to the time zone difference, you'll gain 3 hours traveling from Sydney to Hoi An. In December, daily temperatures in Hoi An can reach 29°C, while at night they dip to 23°C. Cap off your sightseeing on the 7th (Mon) early enough to go by car 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.

On the 8th (Tue), surround yourself with nature on a nature and wildlife tour, then steep yourself in history at Imperial City, and then browse the different shops at Big C Market. On the 9th (Wed), you'll have a packed day of sightseeing: steep yourself in history at Tomb of Tu Duc, steep yourself in history at Tomb of Minh Mang, then admire the striking features of Thien Mu Pagoda, and finally make a trip to The Flag Tower.

To see maps, ratings, other places to visit, and other tourist information, read Hue itinerary planner.

Drive from Hoi An to Hue in 3 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train; or take a bus. Traveling from Hoi An in December, expect nights in Hue to be about the same, around 21°C, while days are slightly colder, around 26°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 9th (Wed) to allow time 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.

Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park is known for nature, parks, nightlife, and spas. Your plan includes some of its best attractions: explore the fascinating underground world of Paradise Cave, admire the natural beauty at Phong Nha Botanic Garden, relax in the rural setting at The Duck Stop, and explore the striking landscape of Phong Nha Caves.

For other places to visit, maps, more things to do, and other tourist information, refer to the Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park trip builder tool .

Traveling by car from Hue to Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park takes 3 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus; or do a combination of train and taxi. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 12th (Sat) 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.

Hanoi is known for historic sites, spas, nightlife, museums, and parks. Your plan includes some of its best attractions: explore the activities along Lake of the Restored Sword (Hoan Kiem Lake), wander the streets of Old Quarter, contemplate the long history of Temple of Literature & National University, and take in the exciting artwork at Tired City Hang Bong.

To see other places to visit, reviews, where to stay, and other tourist information, read Hanoi trip planner .

Getting from Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park to Hanoi by combination of taxi and flight takes about 5.5 hours. Other options: drive; or do a combination of taxi, train, and flight. Cap off your sightseeing on the 15th (Tue) 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.

On the 16th (Wed), contemplate the waterfront views at Bai Tu Long Bay and then contemplate the waterfront views at Hạ Long Bay. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the 17th (Thu): explore the striking landscape of Cat Ba National Park and then add some adventure to your tour with a kayaking and canoeing tour.

For where to stay, ratings, traveler tips, and more tourist information, go to the Halong Bay trip planner .

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 17th (Thu) to allow time to travel to Duong Dong.

You'll find plenty of places to visit near Duong Dong: May Rut Island (in An Thoi) and Vinpearl Land Phu Quoc (in Ganh Dau).

For reviews, maps, other places to visit, and other tourist information, refer to the Duong Dong trip itinerary maker tool .

Do a combination of ferry and flight from Halong Bay to Duong Dong in 5 hours. Cap off your sightseeing on the 20th (Sun) early enough to travel to Ho Chi Minh City.

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.

Ho Chi Minh City is known for museums, nightlife, shopping, spas, and historic sites. Your plan includes some of its best attractions: don't miss a visit to Cu Chi Tunnels, get a sense of history and politics at The Independence Palace, let your taste buds guide you at a local gastronomic tour, and browse the eclectic array of goods at Ben Thanh Market.

To see ratings, other places to visit, reviews, and tourist information, you can read our Ho Chi Minh City travel route planner .

Traveling by flight from Duong Dong to Ho Chi Minh City takes 1.5 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of ferry and bus. Expect a daytime high around 36°C in December, and nighttime lows around 26°C. You will leave for home on the 24th (Thu).