How long is a tour in Vietnam? Before embarking on a trip to Vietnam, it’s essential to consider the duration of the tour. This comprehensive travel guide provides valuable insights into the different types of tours available, each offering a unique timeframe for exploring the country.
How Long Is A Tour In Vietnam: 3 Perfect Alternatives
Compact Vietnam Tour: 7 Days With Hidden Gems
In just seven days, tourists may have the chance to see the entire nation. This comprehensive plan covers all the must-see destinations in Vietnam, so you may experience the finest of the country with minimal effort. The country’s natural beauty, historical sites, and vibrant culture will all be on display without making you feel hurried.
Best for
If you are a first-time visitor to Vietnam and only want to see the highlights, this is the perfect length of vacation for you. It’s ideal for people who are always on the go but still want to see the many different things Vietnam has to offer on their visit.
Suggested Itinerary
Day 1: Ho Chi Minh City Arrival – Cu Chi Tunnels
- Arrive in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam’s largest metropolis.
- Explore the Cu Chi Tunnels, an extensive network used during the Vietnam War.
- Watch an introductory video and navigate through the widened tunnel sections.
- Sample Viet Cong soldier cuisine with cassava and tangy tea.
Day 2: Ho Chi Minh City – Mekong Delta
- Visit the Vinh Trang Pagoda in My Tho.
- Embark on a leisurely boat ride along the Mekong River, observing stilt houses and fishing villages.
- Enjoy a hand-rowed sampan cruise through Ben Tre’s less-touristy canals.
- Experience local life: taste seasonal fruits, enjoy honey tea, and listen to folk music.
Day 3: Ho Chi Minh City Tour – Flight to Da Nang
- Tour key city highlights: Notre Dame Cathedral, City Hall, Opera House, Rex Hotel, and Central Post Office.
- Explore Ben Thanh Market, Reunification Palace, and War Remnants Museum.
- Visit the Jade Emperor Pagoda and enjoy a view from Bitexco Tower.
- Fly to Da Nang and transfer to your hotel.
Day 4: Da Nang – Hoi An Exploration
- Cycle through rice fields to Cam Thanh coconut village.
- Visit Tra Que vegetable village and learn about organic farming.
- Tour Hoi An Ancient Town: Chinese Assembly Hall, old houses, and Japanese Bridge.
- Enjoy street food and release lanterns on the river.
Day 5: Ba Na Hills – Flight to Hanoi
- Ride the world’s longest single-rope cable car to Ba Na Hills.
- Visit Linh Ung Pagoda, French villas, and walk on the Golden Bridge.
- Experience the hill climbing train and explore Debay Ancient Wine Cellar.
- Fly to Hanoi in the afternoon.
Day 6-7: Halong Bay Overnight Cruise
- Board a traditional junk boat for an overnight cruise in Halong Bay.
- Visit Sung Sot Cave and enjoy onboard activities.
- Practice morning Tai Chi and kayak through caves.
- Return to Hanoi for a water puppet show.
> See Detailed Tour: History, Landscapes and Culture Journey – Vietnam Tour Package
Classic Vietnam Itinerary: A Two-Week Adventure
Traveling to Vietnam on this schedule will give you a taste of the country’s rich history, beautiful landscapes, and vibrant culture. There are plenty of big cities, rural locations, and coastal regions to see in just two weeks. By engaging in this tour, you can make better use of your time and learn more about the area at your own pace.
Best for
Families that require a mix of active pursuits and downtime will find this length to be ideal. Additionally, it’s perfect for couples seeking a combination of adventure and romance, since it provides ample time for both sightseeing and intimate activities.
Suggested Itinerary
Day 1-2: Hanoi – Capital City Charms
- Immerse yourself in the vibrant chaos of Hanoi’s Old Quarter, brimming with timeless streets and markets.
- Experience the scholarly serenity of the Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first national university.
- Stroll around the peaceful Hoan Kiem Lake and end your day with a traditional water puppet show.
- Visit the Ho Chi Minh Memorial Complex, including the Mausoleum and House on Stilts.
- Explore the Museum of Ethnology and sample local dishes like Pho and Egg Coffee.
Day 3-5: Sapa – Mountain Retreat and Ethnic Cultures
- Travel to Sapa, northern Vietnam’s premier trekking base.
- Trek through breathtaking landscapes to villages like Suoi Ho, Matra, and Ta Phin.
- Interact with ethnic minority groups such as the Red Dzao and Black H’mong.
- Experience the colorful Bac Ha Sunday Market, a kaleidoscope of local culture and trade.
- Take a scenic boat trip through the countryside to Bao Nhai Village.
Day 6-7: Halong Bay – Limestone Karst Wonderland
- Cruise the emerald waters of Halong Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
- Explore magnificent caves like Sung Sot and kayak through hidden lagoons.
- Practice Tai Chi on deck at dawn and swim at secluded beaches.
- Enjoy fresh seafood and participate in cooking demonstrations onboard.
Day 8-10: Hoi An – Ancient Town and Culinary Delights
- Wander through Hoi An’s UNESCO-listed Ancient Quarter.
- Cycle to local villages and learn about traditional farming and fishing.
- Take a basket boat ride in the Water Coconut Palm Forest.
- Embark on a street food tour, sampling local specialties.
- Enjoy a day at leisure for shopping, relaxation, or optional cooking classes.
Day 11-12: Hue – Imperial City Exploration
- Visit the grand Hue Citadel, home to the last Vietnamese monarchy.
- Cruise the Perfume River and visit the iconic Thien Mu Pagoda.
- Explore the vibrant Dong Ba Market and sample Bun Bo Hue.
- Tour the elaborate tomb of Emperor Tu Duc and watch the sunset from Vong Canh Hill.
Day 13-15: Ho Chi Minh City and Mekong Delta
- Tour key city sites: Notre Dame Cathedral, War Remnants Museum, and Ben Thanh Market.
- Explore the Cu Chi Tunnels and learn about their role in the Vietnam War.
- Visit the colorful Cao Dai Temple and observe a unique religious ceremony.
- Take a day trip to Ben Tre in the Mekong Delta, cruising through coconut forests and visiting local workshops.
- Enjoy a final evening in Saigon, perhaps with rooftop drinks overlooking the city.
- Depart from Ho Chi Minh City.
Extended Explorations: 3-4 Week Vietnam Odyssey
This tour opens the door to further cultural immersion, outdoor excursions, and community engagement as you travel around the country’s varied regions. With more time at your disposal, you can see less popular sights and completely immerse yourself in Vietnamese culture.
Best for
Those in a committed relationship who like to make cherished memories through shared experiences may appreciate the lengthier duration. Additionally, it is an ideal location for adventurers and explorers looking to discover Vietnam’s lesser-known gems, take part in more strenuous activities, or volunteer.
Suggested Itinerary
Days 1-3: Hanoi
- Arrive in Hanoi, transfer to hotel in Old Quarter.
- City tour including Ho Chi Minh Memorial Complex, Temple of Literature, Hoa Lo Prison.
- Explore Old Quarter and sample street food such as Nom Du Du, Banh Mi Pa Te, Hanoi Dish Bun Cha
- Authentic cooking class and market visit.
- Free time to explore Hanoi.
Days 4-5: Halong Bay
- Transfer to Halong Bay.
- Overnight cruise in Halong Bay.
- Stay active with outdoor activities: cave exploration, kayaking, Tai Chi class.
- Return to Hanoi for overnight stay.
Days 6-7: Mai Chau
- Scenic drive to Mai Chau valley.
- Walking/cycling tour of ethnic villages: Pom Coong and Lac villages, ethnic Thai village, etc.
- Visit Mo Luong and Chieu caves with thousand-year-old stalactites and stalagmites are nature’s masterpieces.
- Cycling tour through local countryside to explore more deeply about cultural traditions.
- Home-hosted meals and cultural experiences.
Days 8-9: Ninh Binh and Nam Dinh
- Transfer to Ninh Binh.
- Sampan ride at Van Long Nature Reserve, northern Vietnam’s biggest marsh.
- Visit Hoa Lu ancient capital, situated where Vietnam’s Ancient Capital formerly stood, dating all the way back to the eleventh century.
- Cycling and hiking for panoramic views.
- Drive to Xuan Thuy National Park in Nam Dinh, within the Red River Delta’s coastline zone.
- Boat trip in wetlands, birdwatching.
- Homestay experience in local village.
Days 10-11: Phong Nha National Park
- Train journey to Dong Hoi.
- Explore Phong Nha Cave and Paradise Cave.
- Spend your free time at Chay Lap Farmstay.
Days 12-13: Hue
- Train journey to Hue.
- City tour including Citadel, Imperial Palace, Tu Duc Tomb.
- Dragon boat ride on Perfume River, visit Thien Mu Pagoda.
- Experience at Truc Chi Garden workshop.
Days 14-17: Hoi An and surroundings
- Scenic drive from Hue to Hoi An via Hai Van Pass.
- Walking tour of Hoi An Ancient Town and street food discovery tour.
- Visit My Son Holy Land in a geological depression encircled by a ring of mountains.
- Free time for beach, cooking classes, or tailoring.
- Optional activities: yoga, cycling, market visits.
Days 18-19: Buon Ma Thuot
- Flight from Da Nang to Buon Ma Thuot.
- Explore Buon Ma Thuot, the coffee capital of Vietnam.
- Visit Trung Nguyen coffee village and Ethnographic Museum.
- Experience Kien Cuong Civet Coffee Garden.
- Full-day elephant experience at Yok Don National Park.
Days 20-21: Da Lat
- Drive to Da Lat via Lak Lake, visit D’ray Nur and Dray Sap waterfalls.
- City tour of Da Lat including Bao Dai’s Summer Palace, Truc Lam Zen Monastery.
- Visit Hang Nga Crazy House, XQ Embroidery workshop, and central market.
Days 22-25: Nha Trang
- Scenic drive from Da Lat to Nha Trang.
- Day cruise in Nha Trang Bay with Emperor Cruise.
- Two full days at leisure to enjoy the beach and resort amenities.
Days 26-27: Mekong Delta
- Flight to Can Tho.
- Overnight cruise on Bassac Vessel through Mekong Delta.
- Visit local villages and cottage industries to learn about local life.
- Explore Cai Be floating market.
- Transfer to Ho Chi Minh City.
Days 28-29: Ho Chi Minh City
- City tour including Reunification Palace, War Remnants Museum, Notre-Dame Cathedral.
- Visit Fito Museum and Jade Emperor Pagoda.
- Day trip to Cu Chi Tunnels and Cao Dai Temple.
Day 30: Departure
- Transfer to Ho Chi Minh City International Airport for departure.
Wrapping Up
Our goal is to provide the best answers for the question “How long is a tour in Vietnam”, but ultimately, the perfect duration depends on your interests and schedule. Whether you’re looking for a quick highlights trip or an extended adventure, Asia Pioneer DMC can help tailor a Vietnam experience that’s just right for you. Feel free to reach out and create your ideal journey!
