Best things to do in Vietnam — top-rated attraction
Vietnam travel itinerary highlight — popular destination 2
Vietnam travel itinerary highlight — popular destination 3
Vietnam travel itinerary highlight — popular destination 4
Vietnam travel itinerary highlight — popular destination 5

Vietnam Itineraries

This 14-day Vietnam itinerary takes you from the bustling streets of Ho Chi Minh City through ancient Hoi An to the cultural heart of Hanoi. Experience incredible street food, historic temples, and the stunning Mekong Delta with realistic pacing and local insider tips.

$567–$1804/personBest:March - May, October - November4 cities3 itineraries

Choose YourVietnam Itinerary

Compare at a glance — pick the duration that fits your trip.

DurationCitiesBudgetPace
7 DaysHo Chi Minh City, Hanoi~$567moderateView →
10 DaysHo Chi Minh City, Hoi An, Hanoi~$1500moderateView →
14 DaysHo Chi Minh City, Hoi An, Hue, Hanoi~$1804moderateView →

How Many Days Do You Need inVietnam?

7 Days inVietnam

Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi highlights with food adventures

Experience Vietnam's energy from Ho Chi Minh City's bustling streets to Hanoi's ancient quarters. This week-long journey balances iconic sights with incredible street food and cultural immersion.

~$567/personHo Chi Minh City, Hanoimoderate pace

10 Days inVietnam

Ho Chi Minh City, Hoi An & Hanoi

This 10-day Vietnam itinerary takes you from Ho Chi Minh City's bustling streets to Hoi An's lantern-lit canals and Hanoi's French colonial charm. Perfectly paced for first-time visitors with authentic food spots and cultural experiences.

~$1500/personHo Chi Minh City, Hoi An, Hanoimoderate pace

14 Days inVietnam

Ho Chi Minh City, Hoi An, Hue, and Hanoi

This 14-day Vietnam itinerary takes you from the bustling streets of Ho Chi Minh City through ancient Hoi An to the cultural heart of Hanoi. Experience incredible street food, historic temples, and the stunning Mekong Delta with realistic pacing and local insider tips.

~$1804/personHo Chi Minh City, Hoi An, Hue, Hanoimoderate pace

Best Time to VisitVietnam

Best months
March - May, October - November

Comfortable temperatures, lower humidity, and minimal rainfall across all regions

Avoid
June - August

Peak summer heat and humidity, plus monsoon season affects travel

How Much DoesVietnam Cost?

A mid-range trip to Vietnam costs approximately $120/day per person, including accommodation, food, local transport, and activities. For a full trip, expect to spend between $567–$1804 per person depending on duration. This does not include international flights or travel insurance.

Money-saving tips:

  • Eat at local street stalls - pho costs $2-3 vs $8-10 in tourist restaurants
  • Use overnight trains instead of domestic flights to save on both transport and accommodation
  • Book tours through your hotel rather than tourist agencies - often 30-40% cheaper
  • Bargain at markets but not in restaurants - start at 50% of asking price
  • Drink bia hoi (fresh beer) for $0.50 instead of bottled beer for $2-3

Getting AroundVietnam

Vietnamese Dong (VND) is the local currency. USD widely accepted for tours and hotels. ATMs everywhere in cities, cards accepted at upscale places. Always carry some cash for street food and local transport.

Ho Chi Minh CityHoi An3 hours total (1hr flight + 45min bus + transfers)
VietJet Air flight to Danang, then bus$40-80 flight + $2 bus

Book flight online in advance. Airport bus to Hoi An leaves every 30min outside arrivals.

Pro tip:Left side window seat for Mekong Delta and coastline views

Hoi AnHue3-4 hours by road
Private car or tourist bus$15-25 tourist bus or $60-80 private car

Book through hotel or Sinh Tourist office in Hoi An Ancient Town

Pro tip:Right side for ocean views over Hai Van Pass

HueHanoi12-14 hours overnight
Vietnam Railways Reunification Express train$25-60 depending on class

Book online at dsvn.vn or at Hue Railway Station. Book 2-3 days ahead for sleeper berths.

Pro tip:Soft sleeper 4-berth compartment. Lower berth more convenient.

Top Cities inVietnam

Things to do in Hanoi, Vietnam — travel guide

Hanoi

Recommended: 5 days

Things to do in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam — travel guide

Ho Chi Minh City

Recommended: 4 days

Things to do in Hoi An, Vietnam — travel guide

Hoi An

Recommended: 3 days

Things to do in Hue, Vietnam — travel guide

Hue

Recommended: 2 days

City-Specific Itineraries

Frequently Asked Questions AboutVietnam

Is 7 days enough for Vietnam?

7 days allows you to experience highlights of both Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi with day trips, but it's just a taste. You'll want to return for beaches, mountains, and more regions.

How much does 7 days in Vietnam cost?

Budget travelers can manage on $35-45/day, mid-range $55-75/day, luxury $100+/day. Street food is $1-3, mid-range restaurants $8-15, hotels $20-60/night.

What is the best month to visit Vietnam?

March-April and October-November offer the best weather nationwide with mild temperatures and minimal rain. Avoid June-August monsoon season.

Do I need a visa for Vietnam?

US, UK, EU citizens need e-visa ($25) or visa on arrival for stays over 15-45 days depending on nationality. 15-day visa-free entry available for many countries.

Is street food safe in Vietnam?

Generally yes if you follow basic rules: eat where locals eat, choose busy stalls with high turnover, avoid raw vegetables, drink bottled water. Start slowly to adjust your stomach.

What should I wear in Vietnam temples?

Cover shoulders and knees at all temples and religious sites. Bring a scarf for quick coverage. Remove shoes before entering temple buildings. Avoid revealing clothing.

Is 10 days enough for Vietnam?

Yes, 10 days covers the highlights well. You can see Ho Chi Minh City, Hoi An, and Hanoi with day trips to Cu Chi Tunnels and Ha Long Bay. For deeper exploration or to include Sapa/Mekong Delta, consider 14 days.

How much does 10 days in Vietnam cost?

Budget travelers can manage on $40-60/day ($400-600 total), mid-range travelers need $80-120/day ($800-1200 total), while luxury travelers spend $200+/day. Street food and local transport keep costs low.

Is it safe to travel solo in Vietnam?

Vietnam is very safe for solo travelers, including solo women. Petty theft exists in tourist areas - watch belongings. Traffic is chaotic but predictable. Use Grab for reliable transport and stay in well-reviewed accommodations.

What should I pack for Vietnam?

Pack light cotton clothes, rain jacket, comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen, insect repellent, and conservative clothing for temples (covered shoulders/knees). Bring adapter for Type A/C outlets and cash in small bills.

Is 14 days enough for Vietnam?

Yes, 14 days allows you to see the main highlights including Ho Chi Minh City, Hoi An, Hue, and Hanoi with day trips to Mekong Delta and Ha Long Bay. You'll get a good overview but could easily spend more time.

How much does 14 days in Vietnam cost?

Budget travelers can spend $800-1000, mid-range $1500-2000, and luxury $3000+ for 14 days. Food is very affordable ($15-25/day), accommodation ranges from $10-100/night, and domestic transport is reasonable.

Is Vietnam safe for solo travelers?

Vietnam is generally very safe for solo travelers including women. Use common sense in cities, watch for motorbike pickpockets, and book reputable tours. Locals are helpful and tourist infrastructure is well-developed.

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