How Long to Spend in Vietnam: Itineraries for First-Timers

Planning your first trip to Vietnam? You're not alone if you're wondering, "How long should I stay?" The length of your trip sets the tone for your entire experience, and for most travelers, 8–10 days is enough to explore the essential highlights comfortably.

Here's a simple, stress-free guide to help you figure out the perfect amount of time for your ideal Vietnam trip—whether you're after the highlights, hidden gems, or a slow, meaningful adventure.

How Many Days Do You Need for Vietnam?

Many first-time visitors choose 8–10 days to hit the essential highlights of Vietnam from north to south. Hanoi's Old Quarter, a dreamy Halong Bay cruise, Hoi An's lantern-lit streets, and the lively energy of Ho Chi Minh City—without feeling rushed.

A 2-week trip typically offers more time for light adventure, with buffer days for rest and quality bonding. Hike through Sapa's rice terraces, cook in Hoi An, or relax on the beach of Phu Quoc while exploring hidden gems like the caves of Phong Nha.

If you only have 5–7 days, focus on one region and make the most of it. If flying into Hanoi, combine it with Halong Bay or Ninh Binh. If Saigon is your gateway, explore the Mekong Delta and the Cu Chi Tunnels. Avoid overambitious plans like squeezing in all three regions—it's not worth the jet lag.

5–7 Days in Vietnam: Focused and Fun in One Region

Only have a week? For families or couples, this pace still allows you to enjoy quality time together, whether you're exploring ancient temples or relaxing on the peaceful waters of Halong Bay. But choosing the right region is key.

1 Week in Northern Vietnam

Northern Vietnam is the most popular choice, which is packed with rich history, dramatic landscapes, and outdoor adventures. A classic route usually goes as Hanoi (2 days)–Sapa (2–3 days)–Halong Bay (2–3 days).

Discover Hanoi's capital life and ancient temples, hike through the ethnic villages and rice terraces in Sapa, and cruise through the world-famous Halong Bay.

1 Week in Central Vietnam

Prefer somewhere with charming towns and golden beaches? Central Vietnam offers a slower, more relaxed journey.

You could spend 2–3 days in Hoi An's lantern-lit streets and hands-on activities, 3–4 days enjoying Da Nang's beaches, and 1 day exploring Hue's ancient Imperial City.

Interested in a slower, boutique-style trip in Central Vietnam? Contact us to personalize your itinerary with hidden gems in Hoi An and Da Nang.

1 Week in Southern Vietnam

Southern Vietnam is all about vibrant city life, tropical riverscapes, and hidden beaches. You could allocate your time as Ho Chi Minh City (2 days), the Mekong Delta (1–2 days), and Phu Quoc Island (3–4 days).

Dive into the metropolis, Ho Chi Minh City, with landmarks like Ben Thanh Market, the War Remnants Museum, and the Cu Chi Tunnels. Then head to the rural Mekong Delta for floating markets and local villages, and unwind on the quieter beaches of Phu Quoc Island.

Curious about avoiding touristy crowds and getting the real Mekong or Phu Quoc experience? Let's design it for you.

Check out more 7-day options in our itinerary guide, or ask us to tailor a 7-day Vietnam adventure just for you.

Vietnam Itinerary: 10 Days (Most Chosen by First-Timers)

If you're torn between 7 and 14 days, 10 days is usually the perfect first-timer sweet spot—enough for highlights (Hanoi, Halong Bay, Hoi An & Ho Chi Minh City), not too tiring, and just right for soaking in Vietnam's magic without feeling overwhelmed.

Here's a quick breakdown of what a popular 10-day Vietnam tour could look like:​

• Days 1–2: Hanoi (city tour with an Old Quarter cyclo ride)
• Day 3: Ha Long Bay (leisurely cruise, kayaking, swimming)
• Day 4: Ha Long Bay – Hanoi – Da Nang – Hoi An
• Day 5: Hoi An (a foodie tour, a round-basket boat ride)
• Days 6–7: Ho Chi Minh City (city highlights, the Cu Chi Tunnels tour)
• Days 8–9: The Mekong Delta (a leisurely sampan ride, floating market)
• Day 10: Departure

Prefer to go deeper?

• Northern immersion (great for nature lovers): Hanoi (2 nights) → Overnight train to Sapa → Sapa (2 nights) → Hanoi (1 night) → Halong Bay cruise (2 nights) → Hanoi (1 night)
• Modern city life & beaches: Ho Chi Minh City (2 nights) → Hue (2 nights) → Hoi An (2 nights) → Da Nang (3 nights)

Want something beyond the ordinary? We specialize in it.

Love food? We'll arrange private cooking classes with celebrated chefs in Hoi An and exclusive Vespa food tours through the hidden alleys of Ho Chi Minh City.

Traveling with teens? Perform your own water puppet show in Hanoi, design your own lanterns in Hoi An, and capture TikTok-worthy shots at the iconic Golden Bridge. (See more family trip planning guide.)

Seeking romance? Escape the crowds with a serene 3-day Halong Bay cruise, enjoy a sunset riverside dinner in Hoi An, and spend a night aboard a private junk boat on the Mekong River.

Need more ideas for your perfect Vietnam trip? Check out our detailed 10-day itinerary.

Vietnam Itinerary: 2 Weeks or More (In-Depth Exploration)

Is 2 weeks too long for Vietnam? Actually, no! If you have 2 weeks or longer, you're in for a treat. You could dive deeper into culture, find hidden gems, and even enjoy a few lazy beach days without guilt.

Here's a handpicked 14-day itinerary idea for families and couples:

• Days 1–2: Hanoi (city tour with an Old Quarter cyclo ride)
• Day 3: Ninh Binh (a leisurely rowing boat ride to see picturesque karst scenery)
• Days 4–5: Ha Long Bay (an overnight cruise to see unspoiled isles, kayaking)
• Days 6–7: Ho Chi Minh City (city highlights, the Cu Chi Tunnels tour)
• Days 8–9: The Mekong Delta (a leisurely sampan ride, floating market)
• Days 10–11: Hoi An (a foodie tour, a round-basket boat ride, and a farming and fishing experience)
• Days 12–13: Da Nang (leisurely beach time)
• Day 14: Departure

Note: Consider swapping Da Nang's beaches for a romantic getaway to more tranquil Phu Quoc Island. More 2-week itineraries are listed here!

Have Extra Days?

If you are adventure-seekers, you can spend 3–7 days in Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park to see the world's biggest cave.

It is also possible to extend your trip from the Mekong Delta to Cambodia with a luxurious Mekong cruise (extra 5–8 days).

If you have more time, you can consider a 10-day Vietnam tour combining Thailand and Cambodia, e.g. 19-Day Highlights of Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam.

Contact us for more recommendations and suggestions. Travel with us to enjoy a comfortable and flexible private tour.

Travel Times Between Popular Cities

Traveling between regions in Vietnam can take up a good chunk of your day, usually about half a day. Smart planning would save you hours.

Here's a quick look at how long it typically takes to get from one place to another, and the best way to get there:

Best Time to Visit Vietnam (to Match Your Trip Length)

Choosing the right season is as important as choosing the right places. If your trip spans 8–14 days and covers multiple regions, traveling from November to April can help you enjoy better weather across the board.

Shorter trips focusing on one region? Match your destination to its best season for the smoothest experience. Here's a quick guide:

• North Vietnam (Hanoi, Halong Bay, Sapa): Best in March–April and September–November
• Central Vietnam (Hue, Hoi An, Da Nang): Best from February to June
• South Vietnam (Ho Chi Minh City, Mekong Delta, Phu Quoc): Best from November to February

Find out more weather details for each month in Vietnam.

Tailor-Making a Vietnam Tour for You

Whether you want to plan a family trip or a couple's trip, we can tailor it to suit you based on the length of your vacation and your interests. We know exactly what you need because we have created over 10,000 big trips for insightful travelers, mostly for families and couples.