Ready for your dream Vietnam vacation? From the mountains of Sapa to the streets of Hanoi, the ancient town of Hoi An to the floating markets of the Mekong Delta, this guide outlines the ultimate Vietnam itinerary.
These easy-to-use and curated itineraries help you find the best things to do in Vietnam—featuring limestone bays, train street cafés, tailored clothes, beach escapes, and street food adventures.
Want to make your Vietnam trip even more special? Learn basic Vietnamese before you go
- Hanoi: Vietnam’s soulful capital where buzzing motorbikes, ancient temples, and street food stalls meet together in Old Quarter magic.
- Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon): Bold, bustling, and full of energy—modern skyscrapers rise above colonial buildings and steaming pho bowls.
- Ha Long Bay: A surreal seascape of limestone karsts and emerald waters—perfect for boat cruises, kayaking, and cinematic sunsets.
- Hoi An: Lantern-lit charm, tailor-made fashion, and ancient architecture along a dreamy riverside old town.
- Da Nang: A rising coastal city with beach resorts, vibrant nightlife, and the Instagram-famous Golden Bridge in the hills.
- Nha Trang: A beach-lover’s favorite with lively nightlife, turquoise waters, island-hopping, and a splash of luxury.
- Sapa: Misty mountains, rice terraces, and colorful hill tribes—this northern gem is a trekker’s paradise.
- Hue: Vietnam’s imperial heart—explore crumbling citadels, royal tombs, and riverside pagodas full of ghostly elegance.
- Ninh Binh: Often called “Ha Long Bay on land,” with karst cliffs, lush valleys, and tranquil boat rides through caves.
- Phu Quoc: White-sand beaches, turquoise water, and laid-back island vibes—Vietnam’s tropical paradise in the Gulf of Thailand.
- Mekong Delta: A maze of floating markets, coconut groves, and stilt villages—life moves to the rhythm of the river.
- Dalat: A cool-climate escape in the Central Highlands with pine forests, flower gardens, and a quirky, romantic feel.
- Cat Ba Island: Adventure hub of Ha Long Bay—rock climbing, hiking, and kayaking from Vietnam’s quieter coastal base.
- Phong Nha-Ke Bang: A caver’s dream with underground rivers, massive cave systems, and surreal jungle landscapes.
- Tam Coc: Peaceful rice paddies, limestone cliffs, and rowboats paddled by feet—Vietnam at its dreamiest.
📅 Vietnam Calendar
- Phú Quốc United Center Shows (Year-round, Phú Quốc): Resort-side entertainment including cultural performances and light shows
- Hoi An Lantern Festival (Monthly (full moon), Hoi An): Old Town glows with lanterns, no electric lights for the evening
- Tet (Lunar New Year) (January–February, Nationwide): Vietnam’s biggest celebration—decorations, family reunions, and lucky money
- Perfume Pagoda Festival (February–March, Hanoi region): Pilgrimage and river journey to mountain temples
- Hue Festival (April, Hue (every 2 years)): Royal performances, parades, and cultural displays
- Reunification Day (April 30, Nationwide): National pride and fireworks marking the end of the Vietnam War
- Buddha’s Birthday (May (lunar calendar), Nationwide): Colorful offerings and celebrations at temples
- Sea Festival (Every 2 years in June, Nha Trang): Art, food, and water sports celebrating coastal life
- International Fireworks Festival (June, Da Nang): Teams from around the world compete in vibrant shows
- Vu Lan Festival (August, Nationwide): Honoring parents and ancestors at pagodas
- Mid-Autumn Festival (September, Nationwide): Lanterns, mooncakes, and lion dances for children and families
- Vietnamese Women’s Day (October 20, Nationwide): Gifts, flowers, and cultural pride across the country
- Christmas Season (December, Urban areas): Light displays and holiday vibes, especially in major cities
- New Year’s Eve Countdown (December 31, Hanoi, HCMC, Da Nang): Fireworks and street parties to ring in the new year