Crafting an itinerary for Vietnam is exciting, as there's so much to see and experience in this vibrant country! Here's a suggested itinerary covering some of Vietnam's highlights:
Day 1-3: Hanoi
- Day 1: Explore the Old Quarter, visit Hoan Kiem Lake, Ngoc Son Temple, and the Temple of Literature.
- Day 2: Visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, One Pillar Pagoda, and the Presidential Palace. Explore the museums like the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology.
- Day 3: Take a day trip to nearby attractions such as the Perfume Pagoda or Bat Trang Ceramic Village.
Day 4-6: Halong Bay
- Day 4: Travel to Halong Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and embark on an overnight cruise. Enjoy kayaking, cave exploring, and swimming.
- Day 5: Continue the cruise, visit more islands, and enjoy the stunning limestone karsts.
- Day 6: Return to Hanoi and take an evening flight to Hue.
Day 7-9: Hue
- Day 7: Explore the Imperial City, including the Citadel and the Forbidden Purple City. Visit Thien Mu Pagoda and take a boat trip along the Perfume River.
- Day 8: Visit the royal tombs of Minh Mang, Khai Dinh, and Tu Duc.
- Day 9: Take a short drive to Hoi An, stopping at the Hai Van Pass for breathtaking views.
Day 10-12: Hoi An
- Day 10: Wander through the charming streets of Hoi An's Ancient Town, visit historic houses, temples, and the Japanese Covered Bridge.
- Day 11: Take a cooking class to learn about Vietnamese cuisine. Visit nearby attractions like My Son Sanctuary or Tra Que Vegetable Village.
- Day 12: Relax on An Bang Beach or Cua Dai Beach. Enjoy shopping for souvenirs or getting tailor-made clothing.
Day 13-15: Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)
- Day 13: Explore Ho Chi Minh City's highlights, including the War Remnants Museum, Reunification Palace, and Notre Dame Cathedral.
- Day 14: Visit the Cu Chi Tunnels, a network of underground tunnels used during the Vietnam War.
- Day 15: Explore the Mekong Delta on a day trip, visiting floating markets, local villages, and enjoying a boat ride along the delta.
Day 16-17: Phu Quoc Island
- Day 16: Fly to Phu Quoc Island and relax on its beautiful beaches.
- Day 17: Explore the island's natural beauty, visit Sao Beach, Phu Quoc National Park, and experience local seafood delicacies.
This itinerary covers a lot of Vietnam's highlights, but feel free to adjust it based on your interests and the time you have available. Enjoy your trip to Vietnam!