A mix of history, family friendly, and art & culture. A moderate mix of walking and active experiences, with a mix of self-guided and guided activities. Includes 6 must-see landmarks across Hanoi and Ha Long Bay and Hoi An.
Highlights: Ha Long Bay Overnight Cruise (2D/1N), Hanoi Old Quarter Walking Tour, Hoan Kiem Lake & Ngoc Son Temple, Hanoi, Kayaking Through Ha Long Bay Sea Caves, Temple of Literature — Văn Miếu, Hanoi
Your Route — ordered to minimize backtracking
13+ activities scored and ranked · route optimized across 3 cities
Day-by-Day Schedule — heavy and light days alternate so you don’t burn out
Hanoi
Hanoi
Wander the 36 ancient guild streets of Hanoi's 1,000-year-old merchant quarter — free to explore
Year-round; autumn and spring (Oct–Apr) offer the most comfortable walking temperatures. 📍 MapFree time to explore at your own pace
Old Quarter / French Quarter / Hoan Kiem
Walk the legendary lakeshore and cross the red Huc Bridge to the island temple at Hanoi's heart
$1 Verified Apr 2026 Year-round; most atmospheric in autumn and spring. The weekend pedestrian zone is a highlight on Fri–Sun evenings. 📍 MapFree time to explore at your own pace
Old Quarter / French Quarter / Hoan Kiem
Explore Vietnam's 11th-century Confucian temple and first national university — a serene oasis in Hanoi
$3 Verified Apr 2026 Year-round; expect crowds during Tet (Jan/Feb) and graduation season (May–Jun). 📍 MapFree time to explore at your own pace
Old Quarter / French Quarter / Hoan Kiem
Visit the Soviet-style mausoleum housing Ho Chi Minh's embalmed body — closed Mon, Fri, and summer months
Closed for annual maintenance approximately June–August when Ho Chi Minh's body is sent to Russia for preservation. Closed Mon and Fri year-round. 📍 MapFree time to explore at your own pace
Old Quarter / French Quarter / Hoan Kiem
Tour the notorious colonial prison — French torture chambers, American POW cells, and a Vietnamese perspective on war
$2 Verified Apr 2026 Year-round indoor attraction. 📍 MapFree time to explore at your own pace
Old Quarter / French Quarter / Hoan Kiem
Cook northern Vietnamese classics from scratch after a market tour — spring rolls, pho broth, and stir-fries
$35 Verified Apr 2026 Year-round activity; avoid Tet (late Jan/early Feb) when many classes are closed. 📍 MapFree time to explore at your own pace
Old Quarter / French Quarter / Hoan Kiem
Discover Vietnam's 54 ethnic groups through 15,000+ artifacts and walk-through traditional houses outdoors
$2 Verified Apr 2026 Year-round indoor museum; closed Mondays. Outdoor section best in dry weather (Oct–Apr). 📍 MapFree time to explore at your own pace
Old Quarter / French Quarter / Hoan Kiem
Ha Long Bay
Ha Long Bay
Sail among 1,600+ limestone karsts on a junk boat — kayaking, sea caves, and misty mornings on UNESCO waters
$145 Verified Apr 2026 Best Oct–Apr (clear skies, calm seas). Typhoon risk Jul–Sep may affect itineraries. Annual maintenance closures of some areas possible in summer. 📍 MapFree time to explore at your own pace
Ha Long Bay — aboard cruise vessel
Paddle through low-ceilinged sea caves in Ha Long Bay to hidden lagoons enclosed by towering karst walls
Included in most cruises year-round; cancelled during storms or typhoon warnings (Jul–Sep risk). 📍 MapFree time to explore at your own pace
Ha Long Bay — aboard cruise vessel
Hoi An
Hoi AnVisit Hội An's iconic 17th-century covered bridge — a Taoist shrine in miniature and the town's most photographed symbol
$5 Verified Apr 2026 Year-round; flooding in the Ancient Town can occur Oct–Nov during typhoon season. 📍 MapFree time to explore at your own pace
Ancient Town / An Hoi Peninsula / An Bang Beach
Visit Vietnam's greatest Cham Hindu temple complex in a jungle valley — a UNESCO World Heritage Site
$22 Verified Apr 2026 Best Feb–Aug (dry weather). Typhoon season (Sep–Nov) may cause temporary closures. Summer (Jul–Aug) is very hot; depart by 7am. 📍 MapFree time to explore at your own pace
Ancient Town / An Hoi Peninsula / An Bang Beach
Harvest herbs at Tra Que, cross the river by boat, and cook Hội An specialities — white rose dumplings, cao lau, and banh xeo
$35 Verified Apr 2026 Year-round; outdoor farm sections may be waterlogged during typhoon season (Sep–Nov). 📍 MapFree time to explore at your own pace
Ancient Town / An Hoi Peninsula / An Bang Beach
Commission a custom suit, dress, or ao dai from 500+ tailor shops — ready in 24–48 hours
$50 Verified Apr 2026 Year-round; shops busiest Dec–Jan (year-end tourists). Allow 2+ days in Hội An for fittings and collection. 📍 MapFree time to explore at your own pace
Ancient Town / An Hoi Peninsula / An Bang Beach
Check out of your hotel, grab a final breakfast, and head to the airport. Safe travels from Hoi An!
Where You’ll Stay
Estimated total: $756–$1,134
Trip Budget Estimate
Estimates based on listed activity prices and hotel rates. Actual costs vary by season, availability, and personal spending.
Typical range for Vietnam
$420 – $4,200 per person for 14 days
Similar Destinations
Similar vibes, fewer crowds — destinations our algorithm rates as close matches to Vietnam.
🧳 Practical Info for Vietnam
- Visa
- E-visa available for most nationalities (US, EU, UK, CA, AU) for up to 90 days. Apply online before travel.
- Tipping
- Not expected but appreciated. 5–10% at upscale restaurants. Tip tour guides and drivers.
- Currency
- Vietnamese Dong (₫ VND). Cash preferred in markets and street stalls. Cards accepted at hotels and larger restaurants.
- Power
- 220V, Type A/C plugs. US devices fit Type A outlets but check voltage. EU plugs fit Type C.
- Connectivity
- SIM cards very cheap at airports (Viettel, Mobifone). Excellent 4G coverage in cities; rural areas variable.
- Emergency
- 113 (police), 115 (ambulance), 114 (fire)
✈️ Getting Around Vietnam
VietJet and Bamboo Airways fly Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City (2h) and Da Nang for $30-60. Much faster than trains.
Reunification Express train runs Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City (30+ hours). Do it in segments for scenic journeys.
Sleeper buses (Hoang Long, The Sinh Tourist) connect cities comfortably. Popular for Hanoi to Sapa.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a week in Vietnam cost?
Budget: $30-50/day. Mid-range: $80-150/day. Luxury: $250+/day. Vietnam is one of the most affordable destinations in Asia — a bowl of pho costs $1-3.
What is the best time to visit Vietnam?
Vietnam stretches 1,650km north-south, so weather varies. Northern Vietnam: October-December. Central (Hoi An): February-May. Southern: December-April.
Do I need a visa for Vietnam?
E-visa available for most nationalities for up to 90 days. Apply online 3+ days before travel.
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