Tour in Vietnam in one month: 3 options to absolutely enjoy!

Would you like a trip to Vietnam in a month?

Vietnam is full of magnificent places. It offers almost all incredible landscapes: cities, countryside, mountains, heavenly beaches, bay, forest, desert...

Do you have one month to do a tour in Vietnam? It’s super ideal! You can explore in depth from the North to the South of the country.

In this article, discover with us ideas for itineraries in one month in Vietnam. Our goal is to make your trip easier and to know what to see and do in Vietnam for a month.

1. Ideas for itineraries from North to South under the sign of authenticity

Are you looking for discoveries in still remote regions? This first option is for you. Read on!

This 30-day tour will introduce you to the most authentic regions of the country. You have 2 weeks to explore the North-West and Northeast of Vietnam off the beaten track. You contemplate a variety of breath-taking landscapes and experience memorable moments by making unique encounters with the local population. The rest of the time, you still visit the country's must-see attractions before spending a seaside stay at the end of your stay.

Here is the program in brief:

Day 1: Hanoi – arrival
Day 2: Hanoi – city tour

Day 3: Hanoi – Nghia Lo
Day 4: Nghia Lo – Tu Le – Mu Cang Chai
Day 5: Mu Cang Chai – Sapa
Day 6: Sapa – Bac Ha
Day 7: Bac Ha – Xin Man – Hoang Su Phi – Ha Giang
Day 8: Ha Giang – hiking
Day 9: Ha Giang – Dong Van
Day 10: Dong Van – Meo Vac – Bao Lac
Day 11: Bao Lac – Cao Bang
Day 12: Cao Bang – Ban Gioc – Cao Bang
Day 13: Cao Bang – Ba Be
Day 14: Ba Be – Hanoi

Day 15: Hanoi – Ninh Binh
Day 16: Ninh Binh – Halong Bay – Lan Ha Bay
Day 17: Halong Bay – Hanoi – flight to Da Nang – Hoi An

Day 18: Hoi An – city tour
Day 19: Hoi An – Hue
Day 20: Hue – city tour

Day 21: Hue – flight to Ho Chi Minh – city tour
Day 22: Ho Chi Minh – Ben Tre – Cai Lay
Day 23: Cai Lay – Sa Dec – Long Xuyen
Day 24: Long Xuyen – Tra Su – Chau Doc
Day 25: Chau Doc – Ha Tien
Day 26: Ha Tien - Phu Quoc – seaside stay

Day 27: Phu Quoc – seaside stay
Day 28: Phu Quoc – seaside stay
Day 29: Phu Quoc – flight to Ho Chi Minh
Day 30: Ho Chi Minh – departure

Characteristics of each region in the circuit:

* Hanoi – Ninh Binh – Halong Bay region (5-6 days)

These are provinces located in the Red River Delta and the coastal area of Northern Vietnam. They have flat terrain and are known for their natural beauty and cultural and historical richness.

- Hanoi: this city, the capital of Vietnam, has a thousand-year-old historical and cultural wealth and wonderful gastronomy. Between the Restored Sword Lake, the Temple of Literature, the One-pillar Pagoda, and some interesting museums, Hanoi has plenty of surprises in store for you and promises you a real dive into the heart of traditional Vietnamese culture.

- Ninh Binh: nicknamed Halong Bay on land, Ninh Binh was recently named one of the best tourist destinations of 2023 by Forbes magazine. This region is characterized by its temples, pagodas of the former royal capital and picturesque nature, covered with rice fields and bristling with impressive karst formations in Tam Coc, Van Long or Trang An. This beautiful natural setting was chosen for shooting scenes from several well-known films such as Indochina or Kong: Skull Island. In 1-2 days, you will take advantage of the time to appreciate this sublime place which perfectly combines cultural and natural discoveries.

- Halong Bay: Majestic, impressive, spectacular... There are not enough adjectives to describe this eighth wonder of the world. This place is home to nearly 2000 karst islands and islets. Thanks to its exceptional aesthetic values, this bay will appeal to thousands of travellers. Taking a cruise in the bay is always the best way to discover this wonder. You board a fully equipped and comfortable cruise. By taking a cruise, you will contemplate the most magnificent landscapes of the bay.

>> Read more: Top 10 in Halong Bay: the must-sees and things to do

* Northwest Region: Nghia Lo – Mu Cang Chai – Sapa (5-7 days)

For those who dream of being able to contemplate the beautiful rice terraces, the Northwest is certainly first on the list. Known for some of the most beautiful rice terraces in the world, the North-West of Vietnam invites you to immerse yourself in captivating nature and still authentic culture. The best way to discover this region is to hike through these breath-taking natural settings. This is an opportunity to meet several ethnic minorities and spend a night with them. Despite the arrival of new technologies, they remain very attached to their morals and traditions.

>> Read more: Tour in the Northwest of Vietnam : Where to go? Which itinerary? What to do? How many days?

* Northeast region: Ha Giang – Dong Van – Meo Vac – Bao Lac – Cao Bang – Ba Be (5-8 days)

Fascinating and sometimes little-known, the Northeast of Vietnam has so much to offer to travellers who venture there. From a simple stroll of a few hours to a sporty hike lasting several days, there is something for all tastes and levels. You will be amazed by the grandiose landscapes of the Dong Van Geopark, the green valleys of Cao Bang and the enchanting lakes of Ba Be...

This region is home to incredible ethnic diversity such as Hmong, Tay, Lolo, and Nung... Each of these ethnic groups is differentiated by their traditional costume in shimmering colours, but they have in common a wonderful sense of hospitality. During your stay in the Northeast, don't miss the opportunity to spend several nights with locals to taste this hospitality and discover their fascinating ancestral cultures.

>> Read more: Tour in the North-East of Vietnam : Where to go? Which itinerary? What to do? How many days?

* Central Region: Hue – Hoi An (2-3 days)

- Hue: Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Hue has preserved its imperial citadel and unique royal monuments under the Nguyen dynasty. It also has a wonderful culinary heritage and peaceful villages, lulled by the Perfume River.

- Hoi An: How not to succumb to the charm of Hoi An Ancient Town? This city constitutes an exceptionally preserved example of a Southeast Asian trading port from the 15th to the 19th century. At nightfall, the city lights up with thousands of colourful lanterns of multiple shapes which create a magical and romantic atmosphere. Hoi An gives you the impression that time seems to have stopped. This beautiful region is still full of charming villages and delicious, subtle and varied cuisine.

* Southern and Mekong Delta region (3 - 6 days)

- Ho Chi Minh (Sai Gon): This megacity in the South captivates travellers for its dynamism and modernity which contrasts with traditional Hanoi. However, Sai Gon preserves many vestiges of the colonial era. Strolling around the city and discovering its markets and must-see sites promises you an exceptional experience.

- Mekong Delta:

The Mekong Delta is undoubtedly a facet to unveil to complete your stay in Vietnam. Often nicknamed “the rice bowl” of Vietnam, the Mekong Delta actually remains one of the most fertile and populated regions of the country. About a 2-hour drive from Ho Chi Minh to arrive in another land where the meanders of the Mekong form a large number of canals and rivers which flow towards the sea. A bike ride and boat ride are the best to fully enjoy this place.

Please note that, from here, you can reach Cambodia via the Mekong by boat.

* Beaches in the South of Vietnam

- Phu Quoc Island: With its magnificent white sand beaches, lined with coconut trees, Phu Quoc will satisfy travellers who wish to end their vacation in Vietnam in the sun. For fans of trekking, its verdant primitive forests are an experience not to be missed.

>> Read more: Top 10 dream beaches in Vietnam

2. Idea for a lighter itinerary

In case you don't want to make a busy schedule in the high mountain region in the North of Vietnam and you are still looking for authentic discoveries with a lighter pace, choose the next 2nd option which preserves authenticity at the heart of experiences at each destination!

Program in brief:

Day 1: Hanoi – arrival
Day 2: Hanoi – city tour
Day 3: Hanoi – visit the surrounding villages

Day 4: Hanoi – Mai Chau
Day 5: Mai Chau – Pu Luong
Day 6: Pu Luong – hiking
Day 7: Pu Luong – Ninh Binh

Day 8: Ninh Binh – visit
Day 9: Ninh Binh – Halong Bay – Lan Ha Bay
Day 10: continuation of the cruise in the bay
Day 11: Halong – Hanoi – train to Dong Hoi

Day 12: Dong Hoi - Phong Nha – visit the caves
Day 13: Continuation of visit to Phong Nha
Day 14: Phong Nha – Vinh Moc – Hue
Day 15: Hue – city tour
Day 16: Hue – visit the surrounding villages
Day 17: Hue – Da Nang – Hoi An
Day 18: Hoi An – city tour and its villages
Day 19: Hoi An – seaside stay

Day 20: Hoi An – flight to Ho Chi Minh
Day 21: Ho Chi Minh – city tour
Day 22: Ho Chi Minh – Ben Tre – Cai Lay
Day 23: Cai Lay – Sa Dec – Long Xuyen
Day 24: Long Xuyen – Tra Su – Chau Doc
Day 25: Chau Doc – Ho Chi Minh

Day 26: Ho Chi Minh – flight to Con Dao Island
Day 27: Con Dao – seaside stay
Day 28: Con Dao – seaside stay
Day 29: Con Dao – flight to Ho Chi Minh
Day 30: Ho Chi Minh – departure

Characteristics of each region of this circuit:

By taking advantage of this tour, you can discover the Hanoi – Ninh Binh – Halong Bay region, the Centre (Hue – Hoi An), the South and the Mekong Delta as a first option. The difference between the 2 tours lies in the following destinations:

* Mai Chau – Pu Luong region (3-4 days)

It is a mountainous region, located not too far, 140 km from Hanoi. It is characterized by a variety of harmonious landscapes of karst mountains, rice terraces, deep forests, waterfalls, steep valleys and the traditional culture of the Thai, Muong ethnic group who have lived there for centuries. Like other mountain regions, this region will offer you beautiful hikes in the great outdoors and memorable encounters with the local population.

>> Read more: Combined Mai Chau – Pu Luong circuit: What to see and what to do?

* Phong Nha – Ke Bang region (2-3 days)

Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a natural wonder of Vietnam. This place, which is home to an impressive number of cavities and caves crossed by rivers, will meet the expectations of travellers who love nature.

By boat and on foot, travellers can explore some of these beautiful caves such as the Phong Nha Caves or the Paradise Cave which contain incredible settings of geological formations of stalagmites and stalactites skilfully highlighted by plays of light. In addition, kayaking or a zip line course on the Chay River, accessible to everyone, young and old, is another original way to discover this magnificent natural setting from a unique and rare angle.

>> Read more: Top 10 things to do in Phong Nha Ke Bang National Park

* Seaside stay on the island of Con Dao

Located in the Southeast of Vietnam, the Con Dao archipelago, also called Poulo-Condore by the French, has everything to appeal to nature lovers. This island of rare beauty remains very little overcrowded compared to other tourist islands in the South of Vietnam. Let yourself be tempted by a moment of relaxation on the magnificent beaches of Con Dao at the end of your trip to Vietnam.

3. Combined itinerary idea of 2 options above:

With this option, you replace the Mai Chau – Pu Luong part with a trip to the Northeast. The rest is as in the 2nd option.

Here is the combined program in brief:

Day 1: Hanoi – arrival
Day 2: Hanoi – city tour

Day 3: Hanoi – Ha Giang
Day 4: Ha Giang – Quan Ba – Yen Minh – Dong Van
Day 5: Dong Van – Meo Vac – Bao Lac
Day 6: Bao Lac – Ba Be
Day 7: Ba Be – Hanoi

Day 8: Hanoi – Ninh Binh
Day 9: Ninh Binh – Halong Bay – Lan Ha Bay
Day 10: Continuation of the cruise in the bay
Day 11: Halong – Hanoi – train to Dong Hoi

Day 12: Dong Hoi - Phong Nha – visit the caves
Day 13: Continuation of visit to Phong Nha
Day 14: Phong Nha – Vinh Moc – Hue
Day 15: Hue – city tour
Day 16: Hue – visit the surrounding villages
Day 17: Hue – Da Nang – Hoi An
Day 18: Hoi An – city tour and its villages
Day 19: Hoi An – seaside stay

Day 20: Hoi An – flight to Ho Chi Minh
Day 21: Ho Chi Minh – city tour
Day 22: Ho Chi Minh – Ben Tre – Cai Lay
Day 23: Cai Lay – Sa Dec – Long Xuyen
Day 24: Long Xuyen – Tra Su – Chau Doc
Day 25: Chau Doc – Ho Chi Minh

Day 26: Ho Chi Minh – flight to Con Dao Island
Day 27: Con Dao – seaside stay
Day 28: Con Dao – seaside stay
Day 29: Con Dao – flight to Ho Chi Minh
Day 30: Ho Chi Minh – departure

4. INFORMATION YOU SHOULD ABSOLUTELY KNOW

4.1. When is the best time to go to Vietnam?

Vietnam enjoys a diverse tropical climate, which means weather conditions can vary greatly from region to region. The best time to travel to Vietnam depends on the region you want to explore and the type of vacation you want to enjoy. Still, you can easily find some favourable times to visit overall.

- Between November and December, a good climate is suitable for visits and excursions from North to South.
- Between March – May, is the best period to travel throughout the country.

4.2. How to obtain a Vietnam visa?

- According to the new law, from August 15, 2023, multiple entry Vietnam E-visa is issued to citizens of all countries and territories around the world for stays of up to 90 days.

Here are the 2 official Vietnamese government sites to request it:

https://evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn/web/guest/trang-chu-ttdt
https://dichvucong.bocongan.gov.vn/bocongan/bothutuc/tthc?matt=26277

- For citizens of Germany, France, Italy, Spain, United Kingdom, Russia, Japan, the Republic of Korea, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Finland and Belarus, a visa exemption for stays of less than 45 days is applied.

4.3. How to travel with a local travel agency?

Nowadays, there are a thousand ways to organize a trip abroad. You can book a tour offered by tour operators in your country. Additionally, many travellers tend to choose a local travel agency to organize their trip to Vietnam due to the following advantages:    

- By using a local incoming agency, you will obtain advice from real experts in the field. Their foreign language-speaking teams actually have deep knowledge of the destination in their pocket.    
- A local agency will be able to put together a personalized tour with you according to your wishes.
- Being a local expert, the local travel agency provides you with 24/7 on-site assistance, from the start to the end of your trip.    
- You will benefit from a local price, without intermediary costs. Additionally, an international money transfer is now easier than ever, with no worries about the risks associated with transferring money to another country.

=> To find a reliable local travel agency in Vietnam, all you need to do is find agencies on the internet with a reputation and good comments on forums. Then contact and specify your request. They will be able to design a tailor-made quote according to your departure date, your number of people, your budget, your desired type of category... Once the program is agreed, you will have to pay a deposit and wait for the departure date.

Please send us a tailor-made trip request or contact: sales@authentiktravel.com if you still want questions or itinerary ideas for your one-month trip to Vietnam! Our experienced English-speaking team is always available for any further information.

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