Vietnam rewards curiosity. Millennia of dynastic rule, French colonial layers, and a modern entrepreneurial spirit meet in a long, coastal country where karst-studded bays, imperial citadels, and mega-cities coexist. From steaming pho at dawn to sunset lanterns on the Thu Bon River, this itinerary strings together the country’s greatest hits with space for serendipity.

Expect big flavors and bigger smiles. Hanoi sharpens your senses in the Old Quarter, central Vietnam slows time in Hoi An’s amber glow, and Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) surges with energy, markets, and cafés. Side trips—Ha Long Bay, Da Nang’s beaches, Hue’s palaces, and the Mekong Delta—add nature and history without overextending travel days.

Practical notes: most travelers now use Vietnam’s e-visa system (check your nationality and apply in advance). Weather varies by region; pack layers for the north in winter and prepare for showers in central Vietnam from roughly September to November. Grab ride-hailing works well in cities, ATMs are common, and street food is both delicious and widely loved by locals—follow the crowds.

Hanoi

Hanoi is Vietnam’s cultural capital: lakeside temples, tree-lined boulevards, and a maze-like Old Quarter where guild streets still echo former trades. Egg coffee was invented here in 1946—rich, silky, and perfect after a morning stroll around Hoàn Kiếm Lake.

Settle into the rhythm of small stools and big flavors, water puppet drums, and evening promenades beneath glowing red bridges. Use Hanoi as a springboard for a Ha Long Bay cruise or a day in the limestone countryside of Ninh Bình.

Days 1–4: Old Quarter essentials and Ha Long Bay side trip

Getting in: Fly into Hanoi (Noi Bai International). Search fares on Trip.com flights or Kiwi.com. A taxi or Grab to the Old Quarter takes ~45 minutes (roughly $12–18).

Orientation stroll: Circle Hoàn Kiếm Lake, visit Ngọc Sơn Temple, and catch the Thăng Long Water Puppet Theatre for a centuries-old folk art performance. Wander the Old Quarter’s guild streets (Hàng Bạc for silver, Hàng Gai for silk), then cross Long Biên Bridge at golden hour, designed by Gustave Eiffel’s firm.

Classic Hanoi sights: The Temple of Literature (Vietnam’s first national university, founded 1070), the Presidential area and One-Pillar Pagoda, and the Hoa Lò Prison museum for sober context. West Lake’s Tran Quoc Pagoda pairs well with a lakeside coffee stop.

Ha Long Bay overnight (1–2 days): On Day 2 or 3, take a 2.5–3 hour expressway shuttle from Hanoi (about $10–15) to Ha Long or Hạ Long–Tuần Châu port. Midrange 1-night cruises typically run $150–250 per person including meals, kayaking into sea caves (Luon Cave), and views from Titop Island. Prefer land limestone? Ninh Bình’s Tràng An boat ride and Múa Caves viewpoint make a stunning day trip (~2 hours by car each way).

Breakfast & coffee:

• Cà Phê Giảng – Original egg coffee; whisked yolk, robusta espresso, and history in a cup.
• Blackbird Coffee – Carefully sourced Vietnamese beans, pour-overs, and quiet corners.
• The Note Coffee – Sticky-note-covered café by the lake; sweet, busy, and fun.

Lunch favorites:

• Phở Gia Truyền Bát Đàn – Old-school beef pho; come early and follow local bowl etiquette.
• Bún Chả Hương Liên – Smoky grilled pork with herbs and noodles; the Obama combo is a nod to 2016.
• Bánh Cuốn Gia Truyền – Delicate steamed rice rolls with minced pork and wood ear mushrooms.

Dinner & evening:

• Chả Cá Thăng Long – Turmeric-dill catfish, a true Hanoi specialty, cooked table-side with peanuts and herbs.
• Quán Ăn Ngon (18 Phan Bội Châu) – One-stop sampler of regional Vietnamese classics in a pretty courtyard.
• Pizza 4P’s Tràng Tiền – Home-made mozzarella and inventive pies if you need a break from noodles.
• Cap the night with fresh bia hơi at “Beer Corner” off Tạ Hiện Street; it’s lively but friendly.

Where to stay: Base in the Old Quarter for walkability or the French Quarter for a calmer, leafy vibe. Browse stays on VRBO Hanoi or compare hotels on Hotels.com Hanoi.

Move to central Vietnam (morning of Day 5): Fly Hanoi → Da Nang (1h20; ~$35–90) via Trip.com or Kiwi.com. Prefer rails? The Reunification Line sleeper is scenic (Hanoi → Da Nang ~15–16 hours; soft-sleeper ~$30–55)—search Trip.com trains. Da Nang to Hoi An is a 45–60 minute transfer by car or shuttle ($6–25).

Hoi An

Hoi An is a preserved trading port where Chinese assembly halls, Japanese bridges, and Vietnamese shophouses glow under silk lanterns. Tailors can craft a suit or dress in 24–48 hours, and pedal paths run from coconut groves to An Bàng Beach.

The town uses a sightseeing ticket that grants entry to a set number of historic sites—carry it with you when exploring the Ancient Town. Evenings are magic: riverboats drift by, musicians tune up, and the aroma of cao lầu noodles drifts through the alleys.

Days 5–8: Ancient Town, beaches, and day trips to Da Nang and Hue

Hoi An highlights: Visit the Japanese Covered Bridge (symbol of the city), the Assembly Hall of the Fujian Chinese Congregation, and Tan Kỳ Ancient House. Join a lantern-making workshop, then take a sunset boat ride on the Thu Bồn River.

Active countryside: Cycle to Trà Quế Vegetable Village for herb gardens and a farm-to-table lunch. In Cam Thanh, bamboo basket boats weave through nipa palms—go early to avoid the crowds and kitschy shows.

Beach time: An Bàng Beach offers relaxed cafés and loungers; head to early morning swims or late afternoons for gentler sun. For a day club vibe, check the strip north of An Bàng where beach bars put out beanbags before sunset.

Day trip to Da Nang (40–60 minutes): Climb the Marble Mountains’ pagodas and caves, then sweep the coast from Mỹ Khê Beach to the Lady Buddha at Linh Ứng Pagoda. Families often add Bà Nà Hills for the Golden Bridge; budget ~$35–45 for cable car/park entry and a full day.

Hue sampler (long day, or overnight): Travel via the Hải Vân Pass by train or car for superb ocean views (Da Nang → Huế ~2.5–3 hours). Explore the Imperial City, Thien Mu Pagoda, and a royal tomb (Khai Định’s mosaics are stunning). Try a Perfume River sunset before returning.

Breakfast & coffee:

• Hoi An Roastery – Multiple outlets, consistent espresso and local beans.
• Reaching Out Tea House – A serene, speech-free experience staffed by hearing-impaired servers; exquisite teas and cookies.
• Espresso Station – Compact café known for creative cold brews and coconut coffee.

Street food & lunch:

• Bánh Mì Phượng – Famous baguettes stuffed with pate, herbs, and roast pork; worth the line.
• Madam Khanh – The Banh Mi Queen – Crunchy, balanced sandwiches; get the spicy version.
• Cao Lầu Thanh – The signature noodle of Hoi An: chewy noodles, herbs, and sliced pork.
• White Rose Restaurant – Delicate shrimp dumplings made from a local family recipe.

Dinner & drinks:

• Morning Glory Original – Ms. Vy’s refined takes on central Vietnamese classics; book ahead.
• Bale Well – DIY skewers, herbs, and rice paper; fun, messy, memorable.
• Mango Mango – Riverfront with creative cocktails and a festive vibe before lantern-lit strolls.
• For seafood by the sand, head to An Bàng’s Seaweed Restaurant or Soul Kitchen for live music nights.

Where to stay: Stay within walking distance of the Ancient Town for ambience, or base near An Bàng Beach for lazy mornings and seafood dinners. Compare homes on VRBO Hoi An or browse hotels on Hotels.com Hoi An.

Move south (morning of Day 9): Transfer to Da Nang Airport (45–60 minutes) and fly to Ho Chi Minh City (1h20; ~$30–80) via Trip.com flights or Kiwi.com. By train, Da Nang → Saigon is ~16–18 hours; soft-sleeper ~$40–65—search Trip.com trains.

Ho Chi Minh City

Saigon is Vietnam turned up: a city of scooters, coffee labs, and historic landmarks. French-era architecture frames modern towers, and every block hides a great bowl of something.

Use District 1 for easy sightseeing, detour to District 3 for leafy cafés, and consider Chợ Lớn (Chinatown) for late-Qing temples and markets. Balance big museums with micro adventures in alleys and food courts.

Days 9–12: Saigon icons, Cu Chi Tunnels, and the Mekong Delta

City walk: Start at the Central Post Office (Gustave Eiffel’s touch) facing Notre Dame Cathedral (ongoing restoration), then stroll Nguyễn Văn Bình “Book Street.” Continue to the Independence Palace, War Remnants Museum, and Ben Thanh Market for souvenirs and a fresh-sugarcane pick-me-up.

Chinatown (Chợ Lớn): Visit Thien Hau Temple for coiled incense and ceramic friezes, then snack your way through Binh Tay Market. Look for old-school phin coffee at tiny, timeworn cafés.

Cu Chi Tunnels (half day): Morning departures avoid heat. It’s ~1.5 hours by road; speedboat options up the Saigon River shave time and add scenery. Expect narrow tunnels, poignant exhibits, and guides who balance history with safety—skip crawling if you’re claustrophobic.

Mekong Delta (full day): Ben Tre or Cai Be trips include coconut workshops, sampan rides on palm-lined canals, and a countryside lunch. If you have the energy, an overnight in Cần Thơ adds the Cai Rang floating market at dawn before heading back.

Coffee & breakfast:

• The Workshop – Third-wave roastery in a bright loft; superb pour-overs and espresso.
• Shin Coffee – Meticulous roasting and tasting flights for coffee geeks.
• Bánh Mì Huynh Hoa – Towering, meat-heavy baguettes; split one if you’re pacing yourself.

Lunch classics:

• Phở Hòa Pasteur – A Saigon institution for southern-style pho with fresh herb baskets.
• Cơm Tấm Ba Ghiền – Broken rice with caramelized pork chop and pickles; pure comfort.
• Bánh Xèo 46A – Crispy turmeric crepes with herbs and lettuce wraps—dip liberally in nước chấm.

Dinner & drinks:

• Cục Gạch Quán – Vintage villa serving home-cooked southern dishes; order claypot caramelized fish.
• Nhà Hàng Ngon 138 – Garden setting with a wide sweep of regional specialties; great for groups.
• Pasteur Street Brewing Co. – Craft beers with Vietnamese ingredients (jasmine IPA, tropical sours).
• Saigon Saigon Rooftop Bar – Historic terrace above Lam Sơn Square; live music and skyline views.

Where to stay: District 1 keeps you central for museums and markets; District 3 is calmer with leafy streets and cafés; Thảo Điền (Thu Duc City) suits longer stays with riverfront dining. Explore options on VRBO Ho Chi Minh City or compare on Hotels.com Ho Chi Minh City.

Flying out: Most international departures leave from Tan Son Nhat (SGN). Search fares on Trip.com flights or Kiwi.com.

Suggested pacing at a glance

Days 1–4: Hanoi base with an overnight Ha Long Bay cruise or a Ninh Bình day trip.

Days 5–8: Hoi An base; day trips to Da Nang and (optionally) Hue.

Days 9–12: Ho Chi Minh City base; half-day Cu Chi and full-day Mekong Delta.

Throughout the trip, build in early starts to beat heat and crowds, and keep afternoons open for cafés or siestas. Vietnam rewards flexibility: if a market or festival lures you off plan, follow it.

Estimated intercity costs (per person): Hanoi → Da Nang flight $35–90; Da Nang → HCMC flight $30–80; Sleeper trains $30–65 depending on class; Airport/port shuttles typically $6–25 per ride.

In 12 days, you’ll taste the north, center, and south without rushing. The through-line is flavor and story: steaming bowls, lantern-lit nights, and rivers that tie Vietnam’s past to its future.