Vietnam, with its rich history, diverse landscapes, and vibrant culture, offers an unforgettable journey for travelers. If you're planning a 16-day tour of this captivating country, you'll have the opportunity to explore its wonders from north to south. After spending 1 month in Vietnam, I have gathered all my experiences to be able to suggest an itinerary that helps everyone explore this country.

North to South Adventure

16 Days / 15 Nights

2N Ha Noi • 2N Sapa • 1N Ha Long • 2N Cat Ba • 2N Ninh Binh • 1N Hue • 1N Da Nang • 2N Hoi An • 2N Ho Chi Minh City

Day 1 : Hanoi - Arrival

Explore the Enchanting City of Hanoi. Immerse yourself in the captivating blend of culture, history, and the intriguing contrasts of a rapidly developing yet deeply traditional society in Hanoi, one of Asia's most mesmerizing cities.

Arrange your transportation through Grab at Noi Bai International Airport for a smooth transfer to your hotel. After relaxing at the hotel, take the opportunity to discover the dynamic city of Hanoi at your leisure. Wander through the historic neighborhoods of the Old Quarter, savor authentic Vietnamese coffee at local cafes, and browse the vibrant night market during the weekends. Consider getting on the "Hop On Hop Off" night tour that’s about an hour hour to experience the city from a bus, a personal favorite activity in Hanoi.

Know more about Ha Noi!

Day 2 : Ha Noi - Sapa

Get an early start with a bus or cab from Ha Noi to Sapa, a journey of around 5 hours. The drive is scenic, offering breathtaking views of villages and rice fields along the way. Upon arrival, check in at your hotel and enjoy the cool temperatures.

After lunch and a short time to relax, embark on an uphill drive offering spectacular views of Fansipan Mountain. Just a kilometer out of town, you'll see rose flower farms and vast areas where chayote grows on bamboo frames. Visit the magnificent Silver Waterfall before continuing a few more kilometers to Heaven Gate and Tram Ton Pass. At 2,047 meters above sea level, this is the highest mountain pass in Vietnam. Enjoy a half-hour walk around the area to take in the breathtaking scenery on both sides of the Hoang Lien Son mountain range. The wind blows stronger here, moving the clouds constantly, providing an incredible vantage point to admire the views of Fansipan Mountain Range. The weather can be quite different on each side of the pass: it may be foggy and cloudy on the Sapa side while sunny and bright on the other.

Leaving Heaven Gate, head back downhill for 7 kilometers, stopping to visit some lush farms in O Quy Ho where various vegetables, flowers, fruit trees, and even medicinal plants have been grown for years, making this part of Sapa evergreen. By evening, return to Sapa to explore the vibrant streets. Enjoy a beer, treat yourself to an amazing foot massage, and soak in Sapa's unique vibe.

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Day 3 : Fansipan Sapa

Plan a visit to Fansipan, the most popular attraction in Sapa. Reach the summit of Indochina (3,143 meters above sea level) by taking the cable car. A train from the MGallery hotel in Sapa brings you directly to the cable car station, making it the easiest way to reach the summit. The 6-kilometer cable car ride is the longest three-line cable car system in the world. After the cable car ride, you need to walk to the summit via more than 500 steps. The experience is breathtaking, with clouds and the Buddha statue creating an unreal atmosphere. Be prepared for the steps if you can; the walk is worth it. For those who can't manage the walk, there is a beautiful train system available.

This entire trip takes about 6 hours. Once you return to Sapa, spend time around the lake and enjoy the beautiful streets. If you wish, you can also visit Cat Cat Village for more exploration.

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Day 4 : Sapa - Ha Noi - Trip to Quang Phu Cau Incense Village + Ha Noi Train Street

Get a cab for the entire day and visit these places in peace. Head out to explore the vibrant Quang Phu Cau Incense Village, which is an Instagram hotspot. Covered in vibrant colours, the entire village is a heavenly sight, as the incense stick bundles bloom like flowers in all directions. Upon arrival, enjoy a walking tour of the incense village known for its bright red incense sticks, and get a glimpse into the traditional art of incense making. While here, interact with the locals and learn more about the history of the village.

From here, you can drive back to Hanoi train street & grab some vietnamese coffee while looking at the trains passing through. Always remember to be cautious and listen to the locals instructions. The remainder of the evening can be used to visit the pristine lakes across the city, like Sword Lake, visit the night markets, and enjoy the delicious street food.

Make your way back to the hotel and enjoy a good night’s sleep.

Know more about Ha Noi!

Day 5 : Ha Noi - Halong Bay - Overnight cruise

Check out and depart for Halong Bay, renowned for its magnificent islands, cerulean shores, and otherworldly caves. Book an unforgettable overnight cruise experience. By noon, board the cruise and indulge in their services. Enjoy a decadent lunch at the restaurant as you sail past majestic landmarks like Chicken Rock and Finger Islet, named for their unique appearances.

In the early afternoon, disembark to explore the mystical Surprise Cave, one of the largest caves in Halong Bay. Visit Titop Island, known for its crescent-shaped shorelines, where you can swim in the jade waters and enjoy rejuvenating hikes.

Back on board, relax on the deck while soaking up the sun. As the sun sets, catch a special Vietnamese cooking and fruit carving demonstration on the deck or indoors, depending on the cruise and weather conditions. Savor a delicious supper at the restaurant in the evening. After dinner, unwind with a restful sleep or try your hand at squid fishing with the staff. Explore and enjoy the serene nighttime cruise, one of the best experiences in Vietnam.

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Day 6 : Halong Bay - Cat Ba Island

Wake up early to enjoy the sunrise and perhaps join a Tai Chi or yoga session on the cruise sundeck. Tai Chi is a popular Chinese martial art that promotes relaxation and balance. After your workout, treat yourself to a light breakfast on the cruise.

Head out to explore the arc-shaped Luon Cave on a bamboo boat or kayak. Inside the cave, you can spot fossil shells and, if you're lucky, some mischievous mountain monkeys. On the other side of the cave, a tranquil emerald lake surrounded by lofty mountains awaits, transporting you to another world.

Back on the cruise, enjoy a brunch at the restaurant as the cruise docks at the harbor. By noon, disembark at Tuan Chau Marina. From there, take a ferry from Tuan Chau Port to Gia Luan Port to get to Cat Ba Island. Once you reach Cat Ba, take a cab to your hotel.

Visit the beach! Cat Ba has several beautiful beaches, notably Cat Ba 1, 2, and 3. We suggest you go to Cat Ba 2, known for its beauty. After the beach, head to Cannon Fort to admire the sunset. Afterward, enjoy a well-earned dinner and perhaps some drinks at the many restaurants and bars Cat Ba has to offer.

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Day 7 : Lan Ha Bay Exploration

Start your day with a private or group trip to the stunning Lan Ha Bay, known for its breathtaking views. Explore the vibrant floating markets and gain access to the tiny islands where you can relax on the beaches to your heart's content. Witness the sunset over the beautiful Ha Long Bay. Try kayaking to reach areas inaccessible by boat. Make sure to visit Monkey Island to see monkeys and enjoy some snorkeling or a refreshing swim.

Return to your hotel for a quick freshen-up before exploring the streets of Cat Ba. The island offers a variety of options, from nice beer and hot pots to ice cream. It's one of my favorite islands in Vietnam.

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Day 8 : Cat Ba - Ninh Binh

Arrange transportation locally from Cat Ba to Ninh Binh through the available tourist agencies. Opt for either the "Pick up - Ferry - Bus" option or the direct bus ride (sit in the bus during ferry) from Cat Ba to Ninh Binh, depending on your preference.

Depart in the early hours from Cat Ba to Ninh Binh, with the journey taking approximately 5 hours. Upon arrival, consider renting bicycles to explore the area. Head towards the Bich Dong Pagoda, a significant landmark located just 2 km from Tam Coc. The bike ride to the pagoda offers picturesque views, so be sure to soak in the beauty along the way.

Continue your exploration by cycling towards Hang Mua, passing through the scenic rice fields surrounding the Tam Coc village. While the road may present challenges, the breathtaking vistas make it well worth the effort. Don't miss the opportunity to visit the Mua Caves, located around 5 km away from Tam Coc village. Though the climb up the 500 steep and uneven stone steps may be challenging, the panoramic views from the top are truly unparalleled, offering stunning vistas of Tam Coc, Trang An, and Ninh Binh.

Later, check in at your hotel in Tam Coc and spend the evening immersing yourself in the charm of the local streets. Indulge in delicious cuisine, take a leisurely stroll, or unwind with a refreshing beer. Consider treating yourself to a relaxing massage to rejuvenate after a day of adventure.

Know more about Ninh Binh!

Day 9 : Hoa Lu - Bai Dinh Pagoda - Trang An boat trip

To visit the furthest attractions from Tam Coc, consider getting a tour package, renting a motorbike, or hiring a driver. Start your day in Hoa Lu, the ancient capital of the Dinh and Le dynasties dating back to the 11th century. It's located 20 km away from Tam Coc. By starting here, you can avoid the crowds that usually gather later in Trang An.

Next, visit the Bai Dinh Pagoda, the largest pagoda in Southeast Asia, located 26 km from Tam Coc. This religious complex comprises dozens of temples in traditional Vietnamese style. Don't miss out on the Bao Thap stupa, the most spectacular attraction in the complex. It even has an elevator! The 100m-tall stupa offers stunning views of the entire complex and a large part of the Ninh Bin province.

Finally, head to the most beautiful attraction in Ninh Binh, the Trang An ecotourism complex, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Located 12 km away from Tam Coc, this site is a beautiful labyrinth of river sections and ponds winding among limestone mountains and through narrow grottoes, with temples scattered throughout. The best way to experience this area is by paddle boat led by locals. Choose from three routes—we recommend Route 2 for its balance. The breathtaking nature, with Dia Linh and Kim Quy Mountains, and the isolated temples from the Tran Dynasty (Thanh Cao Son, Suoi Tien, and Hanh Cung Vu Lam Temples) will transport you back in time.

After a full day tour, relax on the streets of Tam Coc with delicious food, beer, and spas.

Know more about Ninh Binh!

Day 10 : Ninh Binh - Hanoi - Danang

There are two ways to travel from Ninh Binh to Danang. The fastest way is to return to the Hanoi airport and catch a flight to Danang. Alternatively, you can take a bus or train, which could take up to 14 hours. Incase you are taking a bus, you can directly stop at Hue to save some to & fro travel time. Change the itinerary accordingly.

Upon arrival in Da Nang, check into your hotel and relax after your journey. Take some time to explore the beaches, where you can enjoy a variety of water sports and activities. Don't forget to experience the vibrant nightlife, including the bustling night markets and lively party scenes. Spend the night in Da Nang.

Day 11 : Danang - Bana hills with golden bridge - Overnight in Hue

Head out to explore Da Nang, a city renowned for its iconic bridges, including the Golden Bridge, Dragon Bridge, and Han River Bridge. Start your day by visiting Ba Na Hills, a popular tourist spot featuring a fantasy park, stunning landmarks, and Guinness record-holding cable cars.

Take a scenic cable car ride to Ba Na Hills Station. Visit the Vong Nguyet hills, Linh Ung Pagoda with its 27-meter-long Buddha statue, and the Old French Villas. Continue your cable car journey up to the majestic Nui Chua Mountain, the highest point of Ba Na Hills. Here, visit Nginh Phong Top, Le Nim Villas, and Orchid Garden.

A funicular train ride uphill will bring you to Debay Ancient Wine Cellar, an old French cellar, and Le Jardin D’amour, also known as the Ba Na Love Flower Garden. Next, walk on the Golden Bridge and enjoy a bird’s-eye view of Da Nang city.

Indulge in local delicacies during lunchtime, then explore the Fantasy Park. In the afternoon, return to Da Nang for some souvenir shopping at the Central Specialties Super Market.

Following that, make your way to Hue, a two-hour drive from Da Nang. Once you arrive, check into your hotel and unwind for the evening.

Day 12 : Hue - Overnight in Hoi An

Consider renting a motorbike or hiring a driver to explore Hue. You can begin with the "Imperial City", the prominent fortifications that once protected it. After crossing several protective moats, you'll see the high-flying Vietnamese flag and enter the impressive Meridian Gate. Structures like the Cung Dien Tho Palace and Hien Nhon Gate underscore the beauty and significance of this site.

Leaving the Imperial City and following the Perfume River, you'll reach the popular Thien Mu Pagoda. As you climb the stairs from the river, the pagoda gardens offer picturesque views of the river and the city.

Don't miss out on the Royal Tomb of Khai Dinh, Tomb of Minh Mang, and Tomb of Tu Duc. Begin exploring Hue early in the morning, and arrange transportation to Hoi An by evening. The drive takes approximately three hours.

Know more about Hoi An!

Day 13 : Coconut forest - Hoi An

Start your day with a drive to Cam Thanh Village for an adventurous basket boat ride around the coconut forests. Known for its vast and picturesque palm-coconut plantations, this village is home to a variety of crabs, shrimp, and fish.

Immerse yourself in the local fishermen’s lifestyle: partake in a fun basket boat race with some music, and receive natural ornaments made from coconut leaves. Get to know the locals, try your hand at casting a net, and learn how to paddle traditional basket boats.

Afterward, head to Hoi An, an hour's drive from Da Nang. Check in at your hotel and rent a bicycle to explore the beautiful streets of Hoi An. At night, visit the banks of the Thu Bon River, where traditional Vietnamese boats, or Sampans, meander past the city. Enjoy the local cuisine and admire the charming architecture.

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Day 14 : Hoi An - Danang - Flight to Ho Chi Minh

Depart for Da Nang airport for your flight to Ho Chi Minh City. Upon arrival, check into your hotel. Then, take a stroll through Tao Dan Park, a 24-acre green space with over a thousand trees, located in the city center. Visit Ben Thanh Market, an off-the-beaten-path destination for most tourists and a prime spot for people watching. Don't miss the Jade Emperor Pagoda and Pink Church.

In the evening, explore the city on a "Hop On Hop Off" bus tour. The tour showcases the city's mix of old and new, featuring war ruins, French architecture, and traditional local markets. Finish off the night experiencing the city's vibrant nightlife for a truly unforgettable evening.

Know more about Ho Chi Minh City!

Day 15 : Cu Chi Tunnels & Mekong Tour

Begin your day with a tour to the Cu Chi Tunnels, a world-renowned tunnel network used by soldiers during the Vietnam War. As you crawl through the narrow alleys, you'll get a glimpse into the lives of Vietnamese soldiers. For an added thrill, try your hand at shooting real AK-47s and machine guns.

After a hearty lunch, leave for the Mekong Delta Tour. Start by crossing the Rach Mieu Bridge, the third-largest cable-stayed bridge in the Mekong Delta. Take a boat ride along the Mekong River to visit one of the four sacred islets: Dragon, Unicorn, Tortoise, and Phoenix.

Visit a local coconut candy manufacturer to learn about the production process and sample the treats yourself. Then, enjoy a leisurely stroll through a local orchard garden, where you can taste tropical fruits and listen to folk music. Stop by bee farms to savor the taste of honey tea.

By evening, return to your hotel in Ho Chi Minh City to enjoy a relaxing evening.

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Day 16 : Departure

On your last day, take some time for leisure activities and last-minute shopping. Visit local malls for some retail therapy, or explore the charming cafes and bookstores around the city. Before heading to the Ho Chi Minh airport for your return flight, buy a few souvenirs to always remember your wonderful journey through this beautiful country.

Conclusion

In the itinerary above, I've included popular tourist destinations and experiences that can be conveniently covered within 16 days. This is perfect for those desiring a thorough experience of Vietnam.

If you're on a tight schedule and prefer a 9-day tour, consider the corresponding itinerary. However, if you can extend your stay, I strongly recommend the 23-day tour guide. These options allow you to find an itinerary that best fits your needs.