Planning your first Vietnam trip? Discover how many days you need and the best time to explore Vietnam’s highlights — from Ha Long Bay to the Mekong Delta.
How Many Days in Vietnam? Your Ultimate 2025 Travel Guide
Vietnam stretches over 1,600 kilometers, offering diverse landscapes — from misty mountains in the North to sunny beaches in the South.
If you’re planning your first trip, the biggest question is: How many days should you spend in Vietnam?
This guide helps you plan the perfect itinerary — whether you have 5 days, 2 weeks, or a full month — and choose the best season to visit each region.
How Many Days Do You Need in Vietnam?
The ideal trip length depends on your travel style, pace, and interests.
Photo: Unsplash
- A 2-week trip is recommended for first-timers to see the highlights of Vietnam, covering the North, Central, and South without feeling rushed.
- For a shorter trip, about 7 days is perfect to focus on either the North (Hanoi, Ha Long Bay, Ninh Binh) or the South (Ho Chi Minh City, Mekong Delta).
- With 3–4 weeks, you can explore deeper into regions like Sapa, Phong Nha, or Phu Quoc, and enjoy a slower, more authentic pace of travel.
Explore more: Best places to visit in Vietnam by Vietnamese local tour guide
5-Day Vietnam Itinerary – Short but Sweet
If you’re short on time, focus on one region for a memorable experience.
Option 1: Northern Highlights
Photo: Hoang Vu Tuyen
- Day 1–2: Explore Hanoi’s Old Quarter, coffee culture, and street food.
- Day 3–4: Cruise through Ha Long Bay.
- Day 5: Visit Ninh Binh or shop before departure.
You may interested in: Creating Lasting Memories on a Day Trip to Ha Long Bay from Ha Noi
Option 2: Southern Escape
Photo: Innoviet Travel
- Day 1–2: Discover Ho Chi Minh City’s historic landmarks.
- Day 3–4: Visit the Mekong Delta and floating markets.
- Day 5: Enjoy local cuisine and relax before your flight.
Discover more: Planning Your Visit: How to Experience Floating Markets from Ho Chi Minh City
7 to 10 Days – The Classic Vietnam Journey
A 7–10 day trip lets you experience Vietnam’s diversity without rushing.
Sample 10-Day Itinerary (North to South):
- Day 1–2: Hanoi – culture, temples, train street.
- Day 3–4: Ha Long Bay overnight cruise.
- Day 5–6: Fly to Da Nang, explore Hoi An Ancient Town.
- Day 7–8: Beach time or countryside cycling.
- Day 9–10: Fly to Ho Chi Minh City, visit Cu Chi Tunnels & Mekong Delta.
You may also like: How I Discovered the Real Vietnam in Just One Weekend From Ho Chi Minh City?
2 Weeks in Vietnam – The Ultimate North to South Adventure
With two weeks, you can travel from the capital to the delta at a relaxed pace.
Photo: Hau Nguyen
Suggested Route:
- Days 1–3: Hanoi – Ninh Binh – Ha Long Bay.
- Days 4–6: Hue – explore the Imperial Citadel.
- Days 7–9: Hoi An – cooking classes, beaches, local markets.
- Days 10–11: Ho Chi Minh City – history and street food.
- Days 12–14: Mekong Delta – stay in a riverside homestay.
Discover more: Discover Vietnam Differently: The Case for Slow Travel in Cu Chi and the Mekong Delta
3 Weeks or More – The Slow Traveler’s Dream
If you have more time, explore Vietnam beyond the main cities:
- Ha Giang Loop – dramatic mountain roads and ethnic culture.
- Phong Nha – explore record-breaking caves.
- Da Lat – pine forests, waterfalls, and coffee farms.
- Phu Quoc Island – white-sand beaches and tropical sunsets.
Explore next: Exploring Hà Giang in Spring: A Tapestry of Blossoms and Culture
Best Time for a Vietnam Trip – Choosing the Perfect Season to Visit
Vietnam’s weather differs by region — here’s how to choose the right season.
Photo: Innoviet Travel
Northern Vietnam (Hanoi, Ha Long Bay, Ninh Binh, Sapa)
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Best time: October to April – cool and dry.
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Avoid: June–August – hot and humid.
Central Vietnam (Hue, Da Nang, Hoi An)
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Best time: February to August – sunny and calm seas.
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Avoid: September to November – typhoon season.
Southern Vietnam (Ho Chi Minh City, Mekong Delta, Phu Quoc)
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Best time: December to April – warm and dry.
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Avoid: May to November – rainy but still manageable.
Further reading: Backpacking Vietnam: A Budget-Friendly Guide
Tips for Planning Your Vietnam Itinerary
- Transportation: Use domestic flights or sleeper trains between cities.
- Visa: Most travelers can apply for a 90-day e-Visa online.
- Connectivity: Local SIM cards (Viettel, Mobifone) are affordable and reliable.
- Money-saving tips: Eat local, use Grab, and book early for better deals.
Useful guide: Vietnam Travel Tips for First-Time Visitors
Ready to Plan Your Vietnam Trip?
From Ha Long Bay’s emerald waters to Hoi An’s lantern-lit streets and Saigon’s modern energy, Vietnam offers endless experiences for every traveler.
Start planning your Vietnam trip today:
Browse our Vietnam itineraries, check recommended tours, or contact our local experts for a customized travel plan.
Vietnam Package Tour - Immersive 15-Day Journey Through Vietnam's Heart and Soul (innoviet.com)
Saigon Walking Tour - Sai Gon Hidden Alleys
Small Group Saigon Walking Tour
Half-Day Ho Chi Minh City Walking Tour
Vietnam Package Tour - Immersive 15-Day Journey Through Vietnam's Heart and Soul (innoviet.com)
1-day Mekong tour from Can Tho | The Myst Mekong
Cu Chi Tunnels & Mekong Rural Life
Mekong Delta 1-Day Tour - Ben Tre boat and bike experience
Mekong Delta homestay 2 days tour with cycling trip in non-touristy villages
Mekong Delta tour 3 days with homestay - cycling - Cai Rang floating market
We hope that your experience will be nothing short of amazing
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