Vietnam 12 Day Itinerary

Morning activities

After arriving at the beautiful capital of Vietnam, Hanoi, you are greeted with a warm welcome and transferred to your hotel. There is time to rest and rejuvenate after your long trip, which allows you to ease into the Vietnamese way of life.

Afternoon activities

On the first day, your exploration of Vietnam begins at the Old Quarter, which has narrow streets filled with history. You will be able to walk past colonial architecture, markets, and even temples as your guide tells you about the street culture of Hanoi.

Evening activities

In the evening, take a leisurely stroll around Hoan Kiem Lake, which is a great way to introduce yourself to Vietnam.

Overnight in Hanoi

Morning activities

Experience Hanoi’s cultural foundations with visits to the Ho Chi Minh complex and the Temple of Literature. These sites provide an important glimpse into Vietnam’s past and cultural traditions.

Afternoon activities

Visit the French Quarter and key museums or sites of historical interest relating to Hanoi’s past and present. A ride on a traditional cyclo through the Old Quarter provides an interesting and leisurely look at life in Vietnam.

Evening activities

Free time for dinner and/or attending cultural performances.

Overnight in Hanoi

Morning activities

Get out of Hanoi and head south to Ninh Binh. The landscape will gradually change into peaceful countryside with rice fields and dramatic limestone outcrops.

Afternoon activities

Take a peaceful boat trip in the area around Trang An or Tam Coc, sailing through peaceful countryside with dramatic limestone outcrops and caves. Visit Hoa Lu ancient temple, nestled in the landscape, giving a glimpse into the spiritual history of the area.

Evening activities

Take a peaceful stay in the countryside, enjoying the peaceful atmosphere.

Overnight in Ninh Binh

Morning activities

Following breakfast, depart for the coast from Ninh Binh, reaching Halong Bay, a UNESCO Heritage Site known for its emerald waters and limestone islands.

Afternoon activities

A comfortable cruise vessel awaits for departure, allowing for cruising amidst spectacular limestone islands. There are also opportunities for leisure time or other activities like kayaking.

Evening activities

As the day comes to a close, Halong Bay takes on a peaceful atmosphere, with dinner served on board followed by a peaceful night under the stars.

Overnight on Halong Bay

Morning activities

Rise early to enjoy the serene beauty of Halong Bay in the early morning with the sun shining gently on the waters. Following brunch, continue the cruise before returning to the harbor.

Afternoon activities

Return to Hanoi and take a short domestic flight to Da Nang, which will give access to central Vietnam.

Evening activities

Transfer to a nearby hotel by the sea or in Hoi An town. The evening is at leisure.

Overnight in Hoi An

Morning activities

Explore the Marble Mountains, a collection of limestone hills with caves, pagodas, and viewing points with scenic views over the surrounding coastline.

Afternoon activities

Continue to Hoi An, a historic town with many places to explore. This is a great place to wander around, visiting historic merchant houses and the famous Japanese Covered Bridge.

Evening activities

At night, Hoi An is a magical place with its lanterns, which give this area one of the most romantic settings in Vietnam.

Overnight in Hoi An

Morning activities

Take your time to wander through the heritage streets, assembly halls, temples, and traditional houses that reflect the rich cultural heritage of this historic town.

Afternoon activities

Make the choice to visit local markets, artisan workshops, or enjoy a café with a river view. Hoi An is a relaxed place to explore at your own pace.

Evening activities

Time to enjoy the magical atmosphere of Hoi An at your own leisure.

Overnight in Hoi An

Morning activities

Visit Cam Thanh Coconut Village, where you can take a relaxing trip along the waterways in a traditional basket boat. Here, you will get to see traditional fishing methods being used by local fishermen, making it an interactive experience.

Afternoon activities

Take part in a cooking class, where you will get to learn how to make traditional Vietnamese dishes. Head back to Hoi An in the late afternoon.

Evening activities

Spend some time relaxing in Hoi An or visit your favorite spots before moving south.

Overnight in Hoi An

Morning activities

After breakfast, transfer to Da Nang airport and fly to Ho Chi Minh City.

Afternoon activities

On arrival, a gentle city orientation tour will give a glimpse of the contrasts between colonial and modern times.

Evening activities

Free time at leisure to try some of the city’s excellent food.

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City

Morning activities

Visit the Cu Chi Tunnels, which are extensive tunnel systems used during wartime. This will give you valuable insight into the history and culture of Vietnam.

Afternoon activities

Return to the city and visit various museums and historic sites, which will give you more information on the modern history of Vietnam.

Evening activities

Time at leisure to explore the city at night.

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City

Morning activities

Travel to the Mekong Delta, also known as Vietnam’s “rice bowl.”

Afternoon activities

Take a boat ride along peaceful waterways lined with coconut palms, visit workshops, try local dishes, and observe life along the riverbanks.

Evening activities

Return to Ho Chi Minh City in the late afternoon for a leisurely last night.

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City

Morning activities

A relaxed last day with time to do some last-minute shopping or have a leisurely breakfast.

Afternoon activities

Private transfer to airport by your flight schedule, ending your unforgettable Vietnam trip.

End of Vietnam 12 Day Itinerary

This 12 day  has been designed to ensure that you experience the best of Vietnam, and it can be fully customized to suit your interest and travel style. If you are interested in visiting Vietnam and experiencing the culture and history of the country, then you can get in touch with Origin Vietnam to customize your 12 day Vietnam travel itinerary.