Vietnam is one of those countries where every day feels completely different. In less than two weeks, you can explore Hanoi’s culture and street life, cruise through the emerald waters of Lan Ha Bay, discover imperial heritage in Hue, slow down in lantern-lit Hoi An, and finish with southern Vietnam’s energy and countryside charm.
This Vietnam Itinerary is designed for first-time visitors who want a smooth, well-paced route from north to south—without feeling rushed. It blends iconic highlights with local experiences, including a home-cooked dinner and a full-day Mekong adventure, making it ideal for travelers who want both comfort and authenticity.
Vietnam Itinerary Overview (12 Days)
This route follows a classic north-to-south journey with smart pacing and minimal backtracking.
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Day 1: Arrival in Hanoi
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Day 2: Hanoi Old Quarter + Jeep tour
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Day 3: Overnight cruise (Ha Long Bay / Lan Ha Bay)
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Day 4: Lan Ha Bay exploration + transfer to Hue
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Day 5: Hue city tour + local living moment
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Day 6: Transfer to Hoi An + walking tour
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Day 7: Hoi An hidden gems by Vespa
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Day 8: Free day in Hoi An
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Day 9: Fly to Ho Chi Minh City + city tour
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Day 10: Cu Chi Tunnels exploration
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Day 11: Mekong Delta full-day tour
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Day 12: Departure day
Best for: first-time travelers who want both highlights and meaningful local moments
Pace: balanced, with free time built in
Style: comfortable and curated (ideal for private or customized travel)
Why This Vietnam Itinerary Works for First-Time Visitors
Vietnam is long, and many first-time travelers underestimate travel times. This itinerary solves that by combining:
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A strong north-to-south structure
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One overnight cruise to experience Vietnam’s most iconic landscape
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A cultural heritage stop in Hue
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A slower base in Hoi An with a free day
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A southern finish with both history and countryside
Instead of moving every day, you’ll have breathing room in key destinations—especially in central Vietnam, where many travelers wish they had more time.
What to Book in Advance
To keep this itinerary smooth, these are the most important bookings:
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Lan Ha Bay / Ha Long Bay overnight cruise
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Domestic flight: Da Nang → Ho Chi Minh City
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Hotels in Hoi An (especially during peak season)
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Transfers and private transport (optional, but highly recommended)
Vietnam Itinerary Day-by-Day
Day 1: Arrival Day (Hanoi)
Welcome to Vietnam. Your first day is all about settling in and adjusting to the pace of Hanoi.
Suggested plan:
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Check in and take a short walk around your neighborhood
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Grab your first Vietnamese coffee (iced coffee is a must)
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Keep it simple with a relaxed dinner—pho, bun cha, or banh mi
Travel tip:
Hanoi can feel intense on arrival. Don’t over-plan today. A slow first evening helps you enjoy the city more from Day 2 onward.
Day 2: Hanoi Old Quarter + Jeep Tour
Today is where Hanoi really comes alive. This itinerary includes a city experience that’s perfect for first-timers: a guided Jeep tour that helps you understand Hanoi beyond the surface.
Morning:
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Explore Hanoi’s Old Quarter with a local perspective
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Enjoy a Hanoi Jeep tour (great for culture, history, and street-life scenes)
Afternoon:
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Free time for cafés, shopping, or relaxed wandering
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Optional: egg coffee, Train Street (if open), or a short food walk
Why it works:
Hanoi is best experienced through its street energy. A tour early in your trip helps you understand the city quickly and makes the rest of your time more confident.
Day 3: Overnight Cruise (Ha Long Bay / Lan Ha Bay)
A cruise is one of Vietnam’s classic first-time experiences—and Lan Ha Bay is often considered the quieter, more relaxed alternative to central Ha Long Bay.
What to expect:
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Morning transfer from Hanoi to the bay
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Cruise check-in around midday
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Afternoon kayaking or bamboo boat ride
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Sunset views from the deck
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Dinner onboard and a calm evening in the bay
Travel tip:
Choose a cruise with fewer cabins if you want a quieter experience. Lan Ha Bay is especially good for travelers who prefer a less crowded route.
Day 4: Lan Ha Bay Exploration + Transfer to Hue
Start the morning with peaceful bay views, then shift into central Vietnam.
Morning:
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Early cruise activity (sunrise, kayaking, short cave visit)
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Brunch onboard and return to the harbor
Afternoon:
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Transfer onward to Hue
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Evening free to relax after a travel day
Local tip:
Keep your Hue evening light—this day is a mix of nature and transit, so a calm dinner and early night is ideal.
Day 5: Hue City Tour + Local Living Moment
Hue is Vietnam’s former imperial capital, and this day focuses on history, culture, and one of the most memorable elements of this itinerary: a local living experience.
Morning:
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Hue city tour (Imperial Citadel, tombs, or pagodas depending on your interests)
Hue adds cultural depth and history to a north-to-south Vietnam itinerary.
Afternoon:
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Free time to explore the riverfront or relax
Evening:
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Local living moment with a home-cooked dinner
Why it’s special:
This is the kind of experience travelers remember most—sharing food, stories, and daily life beyond typical tourist stops.
Travel tip:
Hue is calmer than Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City. It’s a great place to slow down, reset, and enjoy cultural depth.
Day 6: Transfer to Hoi An + Walking Tour
Hoi An is the romantic heart of central Vietnam. After the culture of Hue, Hoi An brings a different vibe—charming, walkable, and full of atmosphere.
Morning:
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Transfer from Hue to Hoi An (scenic route)
Afternoon:
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Walking tour of Hoi An Ancient Town
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Visit lantern streets, old houses, and riverside corners
Travel tip:
Hoi An is at its most peaceful early in the morning. Even if you explore today, plan to walk again at sunrise for a completely different experience.
Day 7: Hoi An Hidden Gems by Vespa
This is one of the most exciting and unique days of the itinerary. A Vespa tour gives you the freedom to explore beyond the old town and discover local corners most travelers miss.
What this day can include:
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Countryside roads
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Local workshops and small villages
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Food stops and hidden cafés
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A more adventurous and immersive experience
Why it works:
Hoi An is popular, and a Vespa tour helps you see a deeper side—faster, more fun, and more authentic.
Day 8: Free Day in Hoi An (Optional Activities)
This day is intentionally open. It’s what makes the itinerary feel relaxed instead of packed.
Ideas for your free day:
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Beach time at An Bang
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Cooking class
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Spa and slow cafés
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Tailor-made clothing (start early, not last minute)
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Day trip to Da Nang or Marble Mountains
Travel tip:
Hoi An is one of the few places in Vietnam where doing “less” often feels like the best choice.
Day 9: Fly to Ho Chi Minh City + City Tour
Time to shift into southern Vietnam. Ho Chi Minh City is energetic, modern, and exciting—especially for food and café culture.
Morning:
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Flight to Ho Chi Minh City
Afternoon:
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Ho Chi Minh City tour (highlights, history, and street life)
Evening:
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Rooftop views or a café-hopping night
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Try southern classics like com tam or hu tieu
Travel tip:
Use Grab for transport. It’s the easiest way to move around safely and efficiently.
Day 10: Cu Chi Tunnels Exploration
This day adds depth and historical understanding to your trip.
What to expect:
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Underground tunnel systems
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War history context
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A powerful look at Vietnam’s past
Travel tip:
Go with a quality tour that provides meaningful storytelling—not just a quick visit. The history makes the experience.
Day 11: Mekong Delta Full-Day Tour
End your itinerary with one of the most beautiful contrasts to city life: the Mekong Delta.
What you’ll experience:
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River life and countryside landscapes
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Small villages and traditional daily life
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Boats, canals, and fresh tropical fruit
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A slower pace that feels refreshing after big cities
Travel tip:
A full-day tour allows you to experience the Mekong properly, without feeling rushed.
Day 12: Departure Day
Your last day depends on your flight time.
If you have a free morning:
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Coffee + breakfast in a local café
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Quick souvenir shopping
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One final relaxed walk before heading to the airport
Travel tip:
Leave extra time for traffic. Ho Chi Minh City can be unpredictable during peak hours.
Optional Upgrades and Custom Variations
This Vietnam Itinerary can be customized depending on your travel style.
If you want more beach time
Add an extra night in Hoi An and reduce one city day in Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City.
If you love mountains and trekking
Add Sapa before Ha Long Bay and extend your trip to 14 days.
Internal link suggestion: Sapa Travel Guide
https://maverickjourneys.com/sapa-travel-guide/
If you want a calmer route
Remove Cu Chi Tunnels and replace it with an extra day in Hoi An or a second Mekong experience.
Travel Tips for First-Time Visitors (Quick Guide)
Fly for long distances
Vietnam is long. Domestic flights save time and energy, especially for north-to-south routes.
Build in free time
Hoi An and Hue are best enjoyed slowly. This itinerary includes free time so you don’t feel exhausted.
Pack light
This itinerary includes multiple destinations. A carry-on style suitcase makes transfers much easier.
Final Thoughts: The Best Vietnam Itinerary for First-Time Visitors
This Vietnam Itinerary is a perfect first-time route. You’ll see Vietnam’s most iconic landscapes, experience cultural depth, and still have space to slow down and enjoy local moments.
From Hanoi’s street life to Lan Ha Bay’s calm waters, Hue’s imperial heritage, and Hoi An’s lantern nights—this itinerary gives you a complete picture of Vietnam without feeling rushed.
FAQs: Vietnam Itinerary (First-Time Visitors)
Is 12 days enough for Vietnam?
Yes. Twelve days is enough to experience Vietnam’s key highlights across the north, central, and south with a balanced pace.
Why include Hue in a first-time Vietnam itinerary?
Hue adds cultural depth and historical context, and it breaks up travel between the north and central Vietnam in a very meaningful way.
Is Lan Ha Bay better than Ha Long Bay?
Lan Ha Bay is often quieter and feels more relaxed, while Ha Long Bay is the classic iconic route. Both are beautiful—your experience depends on the cruise quality.
How much travel time is there in this itinerary?
This itinerary is designed to minimize long overland transfers, using flights for long distances and keeping transport days realistic.
Can I do this Vietnam itinerary independently?
Yes, but you’ll need to arrange transport and tours carefully. Many travelers prefer a private or customized trip for smoother logistics, especially with cruises and regional transfers.