21 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.

Old Quarter and Temple of Literature & National University will appeal to history buffs. Take a break from the city and head to Lake of the Restored Sword (Hoan Kiem Lake) and West Lake. On the 8th (Wed), spend an adventurous day with a kayaking and canoeing tour. There's still lots to do: take in the exciting artwork at Tired City Hang Bong, contemplate the long history of Hoa Lo Prison, pick up a one of a kind souvenir at Vietnam Cultural, and relax and rejuvenate at some of the best spas.

To see ratings, traveler tips, photos, and tourist information, you can read our Hanoi trip tool .

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia to Hanoi is an approximately 12.5-hour flight. You can also drive. The time zone changes from Arabia Standard Time (AST) to Indochina Time (ICT), which is usually a 4 hour difference. Cap off your sightseeing on the 10th (Fri) early enough to travel 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 11th (Sat), Head underground at Phong Nha Caves, then relax in the rural setting at The Duck Stop, and then take your sightseeing to a higher altitude at U Bo Mountain (Nui U Bo). Keep things going the next day: Head underground at Hang Toi (Dark Cave) and then Head underground at Paradise Cave.

To see maps, other places to visit, ratings, and more tourist information, you can read our Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park itinerary maker tool .

You can do a combination of flight and taxi from Hanoi to Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park in 5.5 hours. Other options are to drive; or do a combination of flight, train, and taxi. Finish your sightseeing early on the 12th (Sun) so you can 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.

On the 13th (Mon), steep yourself in history at Tomb of Minh Mang, then admire the landmark architecture of Thien Mu Pagoda, then contemplate the long history of Imperial City, and finally take in the exciting artwork at Truc Chi Garden. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the 14th (Tue): surround yourself with nature on a nature and wildlife tour.

For photos, more things to do, other places to visit, and tourist information, go to the Hue trip planning site .

Traveling by car from Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park to Hue takes 3 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus; or do a combination of taxi and train. January in Hue sees daily highs of 27°C and lows of 20°C at night. Finish your sightseeing early on the 14th (Tue) so you can drive to 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.

Escape the urban bustle at The Marble Mountains and Fishing Charters & Tours. For shopping fun, head to Precious Heritage by Rehahn or Central Market. Change things up with a short trip to Mỹ Sơn in Duy Xuyen District (about 1h 15 min away). Next up on the itinerary: relax and rejuvenate at some of the best spas, admire the natural beauty at Jack's Cat Cafe, don't miss a visit to Hoi An Ancient Town, and take in the views from Japanese Covered Bridge.

To see other places to visit, photos, more things to do, and other tourist information, you can read our Hoi An tour planning site .

Drive from Hue to Hoi An in 3 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train; or take a bus. January in Hoi An sees daily highs of 29°C and lows of 22°C at night. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 17th (Fri) 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.

On the 18th (Sat), get outside with Outdoor Activities. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the 19th (Sun): browse the exhibits of Mai Loc Photo Gallery, then contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Po Nagar Cham Towers, then view the masterpieces at Long Thanh Photo Studio, and finally contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Long Son Pagoda.

For other places to visit, traveler tips, photos, and other tourist information, you can read our Nha Trang route planner .

You can do a combination of flight and shuttle from Hoi An to Nha Trang in 3 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a train. Finish your sightseeing early on the 19th (Sun) so you can travel to Duong Dong.

Get outdoors at Fishing Charters & Tours and Ong Lang Beach. For shopping fun, head to Sava Coffee Shop or Duong Dong Market. Spend the 21st (Tue) exploring nature at Phu Quoc National Park.

To find ratings, more things to do, maps, and other tourist information, use the Duong Dong day trip planning website .

Fly from Nha Trang to Duong Dong in 5.5 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of train and flight; or do a combination of bus and flight. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 22nd (Wed) 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.

Deepen your sense of the past at sights like Saigon Notre Dame Cathedral and The Independence Palace. Museum-lovers will get to explore War Remnants Museum and Vietnam Silver House. There's much more to do: hunt for treasures at Ben Thanh Market, make a trip to Cu Chi Tunnels, pause for some serene contemplation at Nha tho Da Minh, and stop by Ninh Khuong Hand Embroidery.

To find other places to visit, ratings, maps, and other tourist information, read our Ho Chi Minh City day trip planning site .

You can fly from Duong Dong to Ho Chi Minh City in 1.5 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of ferry and bus. In January, daytime highs in Ho Chi Minh City are 37°C, while nighttime lows are 26°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 25th (Sat) to allow time to travel back home.