A mix of history and family friendly. A moderate mix of walking and active experiences, with a mix of self-guided and guided activities. Includes 7 must-see landmarks across Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi and Ha Long Bay.
Highlights: Ha Long Bay Overnight Cruise (2D/1N), Củ Chi Tunnels Half-Day Tour from Saigon, Hanoi Old Quarter Walking Tour, War Remnants Museum, Ho Chi Minh City, Hoan Kiem Lake & Ngoc Son Temple, Hanoi
This variant starts in Ho Chi Minh City instead of the default, with the route re-optimized from that entry point.
Your Route — ordered to minimize backtracking
8+ activities scored and ranked · route optimized across 3 cities
Day-by-Day Schedule — heavy and light days alternate so you don’t burn out
Ho Chi Minh City
Ho Chi Minh City
Crawl through Vietnam War tunnel networks used by Viet Cong fighters — booby traps, command bunkers, and jungle paths
$22 Verified Apr 2026 Year-round; dry season (Nov–Apr) is more comfortable. Tunnels are hot and humid in wet season (May–Oct); depart early to avoid midday heat. 📍 Map
Ho Chi Minh City's most visited museum — a powerful and unflinching documentation of the Vietnam War
$2 Verified Apr 2026 Year-round indoor attraction. Busiest in the morning; arrive before 9am for smaller crowds. 📍 MapDistrict 1 (Ben Nghe) / District 3 / Pham Ngu Lao
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. 📍 MapWalk 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. 📍 MapOld 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). 📍 MapWatch a 1,000-year-old Vietnamese art form on a water stage with live traditional orchestra beside Hoan Kiem Lake
$4 Verified Apr 2026 Year-round; book ahead during peak months (Oct–Apr) when evening shows sell out quickly. Book this tour → 📍 MapOld 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. 📍 MapPaddle 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). 📍 MapHa Long Bay — aboard cruise vessel
Check out of your hotel, grab a final breakfast, and head to the airport. Safe travels from Ha Long Bay!
Where You’ll Stay
Estimated total: $260–$390
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
$150 – $1,500 per person for 5 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.
