The Unmissable Vietnam Itinerary 15 Days North to South

Vietnam is becoming a safe and interesting destination for international visitors. Thus more and more people wish to discover Vietnam from North to South. Let's experience our Vietnam itinerary for 15 days North to South, and explore the must-see attractions to have a panoramic view of the country's natural wonders and culture.

Brief of Vietnam North to South Itinerary

Vietnam itinerary from North to South map

HANOI CAPITAL CITY

Like many other countries in the world, Vietnam's capital - Hanoi is one of the must-visit destinations for any tourist. Normally, people spend 1-2 days to discover Hanoi.

Hanoi is the economic-political-cultural center of Vietnam. Although it is a big modern city, Hanoi has its traditional features that captivate visitors. You will find it easy to see the old houses with the color of time, the green trees shading the streets, and many small lakes interspersed among crowded residential areas. It is rare to see a city with many lakes and trees like Hanoi

Therefore, besides a bustling Hanoi, people always see a quiet, ancient, and strangely peaceful side. Even if you don't like either the noisy and crowded cities or the museums or historical sites, we recommend you stay in Hanoi for at least 1 night. First of all, you can rest after a long flight to Vietnam and then feel the city's colorful atmosphere

Do not forget to enjoy a bowl of Hanoi pho, sip a cup of coffee in a cute roadside cafe, or try some street foods. You will find Hanoi so lovely.

Hanoi also boasts many attractions, mainly located around the city center. It won't take too much time to move around. So within only 1-2 days, you can completely explore this thousand-year-old city.

If you have more time in this lovely city, spare your time to visit 1-2 traditional handicraft villages that tell interesting stories about Hanoi people's profession over time. There are some attractive options for you: Ha Thai Lacquer Village, Chuong Hat Village, Bat Trang Pottery Village, Duong Lam Ancient Village, Quang Phu Cau Incense Village, etc... As well as other unique spiritual architecture like Thay Pagoda, Tay Phuong Pagoda, etc...

Hanoi Old Quarter

Day 1: Fly to Hanoi

After a short transfer from Hanoi Airport to the city center, you can check in at your hotel and spend time relaxing. Depending on your flight time, a recommended activity for today is a gentle walk in Hanoi's Old Quarter and around Hoan Kiem Lake. Hanoi 36 streets's many interesting things are waiting for you.

Day 2: Hanoi City tour

Suggested beauty spots for your whole-day Hanoi discovery: Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, One Pillar Pagoda, Temple of Literature - Quoc Tu Giam, Museum of Ethnology, Women's Museum, Fine Arts Museum, Tran Quoc Pagoda, Quan Thanh Temple.

Small note:
- Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum is only open in the mornings and closed every Monday and Friday. On summer or public holidays, more Vietnamese visit the Mausoleum hence it's crowded and takes hours to queue up. Don't worry as the more interesting part is the relics surrounding the mausoleum (gardens, fish ponds, stilt houses). If you pay a visit in the morning, you must go through the Mausoleum to enter the house on stilts complex. You still can visit the surroundings in the afternoon to avoid crowds. 
- The Museum of Ethnology, one of the most visited sites, is closed on Mondays. However, the Women's Museum or the Fine Arts Museum are always interesting alternatives. 

>> Half-Day Hanoi Street Food Tour

>> Full-Day Truly Hanoi City Tour

>> Nom ancient village & Bat Trang pottery village private tour

Hoan Kiem Lake in Hanoi city

NINH BINH

After only a 2-hour drive from Hanoi, you will be in Ninh Binh - a place considered to be Ha Long Bay on land. Ninh Binh is suitable for major tourists, whether they like to learn about history - culture or to discover nature. 

Besides enjoying rowing boats or visiting famous tourist spots, you can spend hours cycling on the winding village roads, in between rice fields and among the mountains.

If you are interested in the country scenery, an overnight in a homestay or a bungalow hidden at the foot of the mountain will be the ideal choice.

In Ninh Binh, there are several interesting activities to add to your itinerary. You can stay there for 1 or 2 days depending on your time amount available in Vietnam.

The popular attractions in Ninh Binh such as Tam Coc, Trang An, and Van Long are all worth visiting. Covering one of the three main points is enough because the activities are quite similar.

A great view of Tam Coc in Ninh Binh

• Tam Coc is a bit noisy and touristy, but the scenery is marvelous, especially during the ripe rice season (April-May).
• Trang An UNESCO World Heritage site where Kong Skull Island was filmed, has a larger cave system than Tam Coc, so it takes a longer time rowing boat (3 hours) to visit. The rice season from August - to September is also best time to visit.
• Van Long brings a wilder look than the above two. It is ideal place for quiet people. If you have a lot of time in Ninh Binh, you can combine it with an excursion to Kenh Ga, Thung Nham.

Other attractive destinations in Ninh Binh: King Dinh and King Le temples, Hoa Lu Ancient Capital, Bai Dinh Pagoda, Bich Dong Pagoda, Hang Mua Cave, Phat Diem Cathedral.

Note: From Ninh Binh, it is easy to travel to the following destinations without returning to Hanoi: Halong Bay, Lan Ha Bay, Cat Ba Island, Mai Chau, Pu Luong, Hue.

Day 3: Hanoi – Ninh Binh – Hanoi – Overnight train to Lao Cai

Enjoy a day trip to Ninh Binh by classic route or authentic route. It is your choice.

• Ninh Binh classic route: Hoa Lu – Bich Dong – Tam Coc (or Trang An)
• Ninh Binh authentic route: Thung La - Van Long

Later this day, return to Hanoi in the evening for a night train to Lao Cai (Normally, the train departs at 21.30.)

>> See more about Ninh Binh private tours, please click here.

Rice field in Ninh Binh - Vietnam

SAPA & BAC HA

Decades ago, Sapa used to be a resort destination for French colonials. Today it is a not-to-be-missed destination for Vietnam travelers. Sapa was fanciful by mist spreading, majestic by a mountain next to a mountain, charming by its winding terraced fields in the hillside, and colorful ethnic minority groups.

Most visitors come to Sapa by overnight train or car. They stay here for 3-4 days to live among nature and explore the cultural diversity of the ethnic minorities and their daily life.

O Quy Ho Pass from Sapa Vietnam

Because Sapa is so attractive, it gradually becomes touristic and commercialized. Small and large hotel projects are developed every day to serve the increasing demand of tourists. However, there is still an enchanting Muong Hoa Valley, and colorful ethnic villages for you to explore. During the rice season from May to September, the scenery is paradise-like.

Visit Sapa, we cannot miss Bac Ha Market, located 100km from the Sapa center. This is the biggest outdoor market in Lao Cai, only happen once a week on Sunday morning. The alternatives for other days of the week are Can Cau Market on Saturday, Sin Cheng Market on Wednesday, Coc Ly market meeting on Tuesday morning.
The periodic market is an ideal place for you to learn about the lives of local people. That is not only a place to buy and sell goods but also a place for cultural exchange among ethnic groups.

A piece of travel advice for a real market visit: It is necessary to immerse yourself in it, enjoy a cup of corn or rice wine with a drunk local person, and then dance with them to the tune of an ethnic musical instrument; buy a locally made stuff, fruits and grilled meats; watch animal trade. It takes at least 2 hours to visit the market. If you have less time, you not really discover anything.

Traveling to Sapa is not difficult, even if you travel alone. The locals are familiar to serving tourists, and you'll easily find everything you need.

Golden rice terraces (Sapa)

Day 4: Lao Cai – Sapa

Arrive at Lao Cai station around 6 am, you will have a car take you to Sapa (a 45-minute drive). If you book a tour with IZITOUR, a hot shower and breakfast near the station can be arranged for your comfort.

This day you have a full day exploring Sapa. Let's explore Muong Hoa Valley through the trekking route: Y Linh Ho - Lao Chai - Ta Van.

Day 5: Sapa – Bac Ha

From Sapa to Bac Ha, it takes about 3 hours by car. If it is Sunday, you should depart earlier to participate in the best part of the market.

On the other day, you can continue to visit Sapa landmarks: Sapa Town, Fansipan Mountain, Ham Rong Mountain, Ma Tra & Ta Phin Villages, etc... before departure to Bac Ha in the afternoon.

Day 6: Bac Ha – Lao Cai – Night train to Hanoi

Visit Bac Ha market and discover the ethnic villages around Bac Ha

>> See more Sapa itineraries by clicking here.

Bac Ha Market on Sunday

HA LONG BAY – BAI TU LONG BAY – LAN HA BAY

Referring to Vietnam, travelers immediately think of Ha Long Bay - the symbol of Vietnam tourism, which has been ranked by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site and is one of the 7 natural wonders of the world. Thousands of limestone mountains, islands, and islets sprouted in the middle of the bay, arranged naturally but harmoniously. Staying on the boat going further into the bay, you will feel immersed in the middle of nature and forget the reality. Heaven is real!

Besides Ha Long Bay, there are Bai Tu Long Bay and Lan Ha Bay. These 3 bays are located in a complex that you can simply understand as the Ha Long Bay area. There is not much difference in landscape in the 3 bays. All of them are majestic in their ways. Hanoi - Halong Bay is the shortest route with the highest density of boats and also the most visited. Bai Tu Long and Lan Ha are further away so they are more pristine and quieter.

You can use the cruise’s all-inclusive package at a very reasonable price, including a shuttle bus, English-speaking tour guide, all meals, private cabin to sleep at night with amenities like hotel rooms.

After the tour, you can drive to Hanoi airport for a flight to the next destination.

A part of Lan Ha Bay in Vietnam

Day 7: Hanoi – Halong

From Hanoi, depart to Ha Long or Hai Phong depending on your cruise’s schedule. Arrive around 11:30 - 12:00. You will be picked up on the cruise and begin your journey to visit the bay. Lunch, sightseeing, kayaking or visiting caves are main activities of the first day on Halong Bay area.

Day 8: Halong – Hanoi – fly to Hue

Usually, the cruises have Tai Chi practice or golf class in the early morning. After that, you will have a light breakfast and continue joining in the cruise’s activities. Lunch at 10:30 - 11 am and then disembarking. Transfer to the airport for the flight to Hue.

>> See IZITOUR's collection of Halong Bay, Bai Tu Long Bay and Lan Ha Bay cruises

HUE – ANCIENT CAPITAL

For Vietnamese people, Hue is a dreamy city. Hue City is gentle, and romantic, from scenery to people. Boasting a series of important historical relics such as Hue Citadel, the tombs of Tu Duc, Minh Mang, Khai Dinh, and Gia Long Kings with extremely beautiful architecture and in harmony with nature, Hue has also been recognized as a World Cultural Heritage by UNESCO.

Besides, you can take a leisurely walk (or cycling) in the peaceful villages of Hue, explore the daily life of the local people, and enjoy Hue specialties such as Bun Bo, dumplings, Hue royal tea...

Many visitors enjoy the cooking lessons in Thuy Bieu village, where they go to the market, visit the village, be instructed to cook, and experience foot massage. It's really interesting.

From Hanoi, you can travel to Hue by overnight train instead of flight to save time. The train usually departs at 19:30 and arrives in Hue the next morning, around 8:45. And you still have a full day for visiting Hue. It takes 1 – 2 days to stay in Hue to explore the features of this beautiful city to the fullest.

Besides, sparing time in Phong Nha, Quang Binh, Quang Tri would be a good idea if you have more days in the area.

Hue Imperial Palace

Day 9: Full day to discover Hue city

If you like history, you can focus on visiting the relics: Imperial Palace, Tu Duc Mausoleum, Minh Mang Mausoleum.

If you do not want to visit too many historic sites during the day, you should spend half a day visiting Hue rural villages (choose either Thuy Bieu village, or Tien Non - Thanh Tien - Sinh village, or La Chu village). The rest of the day is for Hue Citadel and Dong Ba market.

Day 10: Hue – Da Nang – Hoi An

Continue to explore more attractions in Hue if you like. Then depart to Hoi An through Hai Van Pass - the most beautiful pass in Vietnam. You can stop to visit the Cham Museum in Da Nang where the Champa cultural vestiges are preserved. It takes about 3 hours by car from Hue to Hoi An.

>> See more: Hue package tours

HOI AN ANCIENT TOWN

Hoi An is always on the list of the most popular tourist destinations in Vietnam. Many things have kept tourists attached to Hoi An for a long time such as ancient golden walls, mossy roofs, colorful lantern-colored streets, warm smiles of locals, and idyllic but globally famous cuisine. It is difficult to tell all the things that make us fall in love.

Surrounding the Hoi An Old Town are peaceful villages like Tra Que, Thanh Ha, and Cam Thanh with Bay Mau Coconut Forest where you can experience an interesting basket boat ride.

Hoi An is also favored with beautiful beaches not too far from the center (4-5 km). Visitors can enjoy the unspoiled An Bang beach. In the summer, Hoi An is the ideal and most economical choice.

Hoi An is very friendly and easy to love. You are assured to explore freely your way without having to worry about anything. Most hotels have free bicycles for you. Therefore, you should stay for 1-2 days or even longer in Hoi An.

Small note: October to November is the rainy season in Hue and Hoi An. The rains can last for days causing floods or maybe storms, which can affect the transportation.

Hoi An Ancient Town in central Vietnam

Day 11: Hoi An Full Day Discovery

These are things to do in Hoi An within a day. Visitors choose among these activities based on their preference.

• Visiting the Old Town on foot: Chua Cau Pagoda (Japanese Pagoda), Assembly Halls of Fujian, Trieu Chau, Quang Dong, the ancient house of Tan Ky, the ancient house of Quan Thang, Phung Hung, Chua Ong Pagoda, etc.
• Biking to Tra Que vegetable village
• Rowing boat trip in coconut forest
• Exploring Cham Island (half day)
• Discovering My Son Sanctuary (half day)

>> See more: Hoi An Package Tours

SAIGON

Saigon (or Ho Chi Minh City) is the economic center of Vietnam. Unlike ancient Hanoi, Saigon is always a hustle-and-bustle city with buildings and commercial centers everywhere.

Besides the main attractions such as the Independence Palace, Notre Dame Cathedral, the Opera House, the Grand Market, Thien Hau Pagoda, the Fito Museum, the War Museum, etc... you can spend an extra day visiting the Cu Chi Tunnels, Cao Dai Temple.

Many visitors appreciate and love the motorbike tour to discover Saigon street food (from 17:30 - 22:00). You will have a different experience when you ride into the crowded traffic of this busiest city in Vietnam.

Many visitors also choose to roam around, or simply for a break if they don't like the excitement of this city.

For accommodation, you should stay at some hotels in District 1 to make sightseeing and shopping easier.

Saigon Independence Palace

Day 12: Hoi An – Da Nang – fly to HCMC (Saigon)

There are many daily flights from Da Nang to Ho Chi Minh City, from early morning to late evening (1.5-hour flight). If you want to use the afternoon to visit Saigon, you should book the flight in the morning.

>> More activities in Saigon, please see more at this link.

MEKONG DELTA

To have the most complete view of Vietnam, you should not miss the Mekong Delta during your adventure. Life associated with rivers and floating markets is the typical feature of this land

However, with the development of modern life, wet markets are becoming more popular and easier for the local people to live, and therefore the floating markets are also gradually disappearing. Currently, only Cai Rang floating market in Can Tho and the Long Xuyen floating market are organized daily.

Cai Be floating market in Vinh Long

The floating market operates early in the morning, so you also need to get up early, around 6 am. You can visit the market and then return to the hotel for breakfast, or enjoy a bowl of Mekong specialty "noodle soup" right on the boat like the locals, which is also very interesting.

The Mekong Delta is also famous for its vast rice fields, fruit-laden gardens, coconut-lined canals... This is truly the ideal place for you to stay away from bustling Saigon.

If you do not have much time, you can visit the Mekong River during the day while exploring nearby destinations such as Cai Be-Vinh Long or Ben Tre.

Should have at least 2 days, ideally 3 days to have a full view of local life in here.

Cai Rang floating market in Can Tho

Some important destinations in the Mekong Delta that should not be missed: Cai Be, Vinh Long, Ben Tre, Sa Dec, Long Xuyen, Can Tho, Tra Vinh, Chau Doc.

After finishing the Mekong River tour, you can continue to Phu Quoc island for a beach break. There is a flight from Can Tho to Phu Quoc at 12:00, and daily speedboat from Rach Gia, Ha Tien to Phu Quoc Island. Another option is go to Cambodia by speedboat from Chau Doc.

Day 13: Saigon – Ben Tre – Can Tho

Ben Tre is so famous for coconuts. You see coconuts everywhere. Cycling under the shade of coconut village roads surrounding the rice fields or boating through coconut groves is an activity not to be missed.

Day 14: Can Tho – Saigon

Get up early to visit Cai Rang floating market. Then visit Binh Thuy ancient house, Khmer Pagoda and return to Saigon.

Long Xuyen Floating Market is smaller with fewer tourists. It can be a better choice for those who prefer less touristy spots.

Day 15: Saigon – fly home

>> For more activities in the Mekong Delta:please click here

Hopefully, the above suggestions will motivate you to come to Vietnam shortly. Each person can have a list of unmissable destinations depending on their travel preferences. Come and feel your way. Vietnam is always ready to welcome you.