12 Days in Vietnam: 4 Itineraries Based on Your Interests

Yearning for an experience that'll fill your soul and Instagram feed with equal delight? Vietnam - a land of astonishing contrasts, both serene and spirited. Here are four dazzling 12-day itineraries that are as varied as the country's landscape.
Halong Bay, Vietnam

Yearning for an experience that’ll fill your soul and Instagram feed with equal delight? Say hello to Vietnam – a land of astonishing contrasts, both serene and spirited. We have pieced together four dazzling 12-day itineraries that are as varied as the country’s landscape. From heart-pumping adventures to luxurious escapes, there are best Vietnam tours here for everyone.

Itinerary #1: Essential Vietnam with Sapa Adventure

Ready to be captivated? This 12-day itinerary is your ticket to the breathtaking diversity of Vietnam. From the humming streets of Ho Chi Minh City to the peaceful mountains of Sapa, all the way to the ethereal beauty of Halong Bay – you won’t miss a beat.

DayThings to DoOvernight
Day 1 – 2Dive into Ho Chi Minh CityHo Chi Minh City
Day 3Unveil the secrets of My Tho in the Mekong DeltaHo Chi Minh City
Day 4Jet off to Hoi AnHoi An
Day 5Stroll through Hoi An & My SonHanoi
Day 6Discover HanoiHanoi
Day 7 – 9Trek the Peaks of SapaSapa
Day 10 – 11Cruise the Majestic Halong BayHalong Bay
Day 12Bid Farewell in Hanoi

Your first stop, Ho Chi Minh City, is a sensory explosion. Explore its labyrinthine tunnels and learn about Vietnam’s complex past. Then, feel the pulse of the Mekong Delta Cruise that ends in My Tho. Now that’s a day brimming with rural charm! Cruise past fishing villages, make your own coconut candy, and sample local delicacies at a riverside eatery. You will get to end your day right back in Ho Chi Minh City, giving you more time to soak in the urban vibe.

My Son

On to Hanoi – the city that elegantly blends tradition and modernity. Sample Vietnamese food, visit ancient temples, and walk through its millennia-old quarters.

The adventure doesn’t stop there. Behold Sapa, a trekker’s Eden! Picture yourself hiking across sweeping terraces and past stunning waterfalls, as you get acquainted with the area’s indigenous tribes. Get your hiking boots ready, because these trails are bucket-list worthy!

Cap it off with a Halong Bay cruise. Picture yourself kayaking through limestone caves and waking up to a Tai Chi class on a cruise deck. This will be the Vietnam you’ve been dreaming of.

Itinerary #2: Ha Giang Loop Adventure

Seeking an exotic retreat that combines adventure with culture? This 12-day Ha Giang Loop Adventure is for those who crave the road less traveled.

You’ll be whisked through Ha Giang’s winding loops, exploring ethnic villages and surreal landscapes. This tour goes beyond just scratching the surface, offering intimate experiences in Vietnam’s northern frontier.

DayThings to DoOvernight
Day 1 – 2Hanoi Heritage ExplorationHanoi
Day 3 – 5Ha Giang Loop & Ethnic VillagesHa Giang
Day 6 – 8The Marvels of Cao BangCao Bang
Day 9 – 11Halong Bay CruiseOnboard
Day 12Departure from Hanoi

Begin your trip in Hanoi, the capital city where tradition and modernity co-exist. Get acquainted with Vietnamese history by visiting the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and the One Pillar Pagoda. The Old Quarter’s lively streets beckon with the promise of unique souvenirs and delicious street food.

Old Quarter, Hanoi

Shift gears as you enter Ha Giang. This region is an amalgamation of stunning landscapes and rich culture. Visit Nam Dam Village to learn about the Dao minority and their unique clay homes. The UNESCO-recognized Dong Van Karst Plateau Geopark and Ma Pi Leng Pass promise views that you’ll never forget.

In Cao Bang, your adventurous soul will find solace in Me Pia Pass and the iconic Ban Gioc Waterfall. This area offers some of Vietnam’s most breathtaking natural attractions, including the wondrous Nguom Ngao Cave.

Cruise through Halong Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Kayak to floating villages, practice Tai Chi on the deck, or simply relax and admire the karst peaks that dot the emerald waters.

Itinerary #3: A Symphony of Culture, History, and Nature

Imagine spending 12 magical days diving deep into Vietnam’s multifaceted personality. This itinerary is custom-built for you to do just that – a balanced blend of history, culture, nature, and of course, mouthwatering cuisine.

DayThings to DoOvernight
Day 1 – 2Ho Chi Minh’s VibranceHo Chi Minh City
Day 3 – 4Mekong Delta: A Floating WonderlandCan Tho
Day 5 – 8Timeless Hue & Hoi AnHoi An
Day 9A Day in Dazzling HanoiHanoi
Day 10 – 11Serenity in Halong BayHalong Bay
Day 12Goodbye, Vietnam

Land in Ho Chi Minh City, where the old and the new blend seamlessly. Uncover wartime secrets in the intricate network of Cu Chi Tunnels. Then zoom around on a vintage Vespa, tasting street food that’ll rock your world.

Switch gears in the Mekong Delta. Navigate through waterways in a long-tail boat, flanked by thick mangroves. Bargain for tropical fruits on a floating market, and feel the heartbeat of the delta.

Cooking Class

Hanoi calls next. Picture narrow streets, buzzing with activity. Get cozy in a cyclo and let your driver weave through the labyrinth that is the Old Quarter. From the history-soaked Ho Chi Minh’s House on Stilts to the serene Hoan Kiem Lake, Hanoi has it all.

End on a high note in Halong Bay. As your boat glides through the still waters, towering limestone cliffs rise to greet you. Experience the tranquility of morning Tai Chi, silhouetted against the dawning sky.

Itinerary #4: The Best of Vietnam in Luxury

Ready for an adventure that offers an intoxicating blend of traditional charm and modern luxury in Vietnam? Look no further.

Your journey unfolds from the pulsating streets of Ho Chi Minh City and concludes amidst the emerald waters of Lan Ha Bay. This tour doesn’t just skim the surface; it delves deep into Vietnam’s rich tapestry – perfect for first-timers and seasoned travelers looking for that extra dash of opulence.

DayThings to DoOvernight
Day 1 – 2Explore Ho Chi Minh CityHo Chi Minh City
Day 3 – 4Private Cruise in Mekong DeltaMekong Delta
Day 5 – 6Discover Hoi AnHoi An
Day 7 – 9Hanoi Cultural ImmersionHanoi
Day 10 – 11Lan Ha Bay Luxury CruiseLan Ha bay
Day 12Depart from Hanoi

Start by absorbing Ho Chi Minh City’s vibrant energy, where you’ll reside at the prestigious InterContinental Saigon, a 5-star marvel that knows luxury service very much. Visit must-see landmarks like the Reunification Palace and Notre Dame Cathedral, then indulge in a themed lunch that takes your taste buds on an Italian sojourn.

Switch gears and drift into the tranquil Mekong Delta. Your floating accommodation will be Song Xanh Sampan, which glides through waterways adorned with lush landscapes and quaint villages. A day here feels like a page torn from an adventure novel.

Next up, Hoi An. Your accommodation here is the Anantara Hoi An Resort, a luxurious retreat that is a stone’s throw from the UNESCO-listed Hoi An Ancient Town. The ancient town is an Instagrammers’ paradise – colorful streets, heritage buildings, and delectable food. Don’t miss the candlelit dinner on a bamboo raft. It’s as romantic as it sounds!

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