You have a plan to travel to Vietnam, it is surely an excellent idea because Vietnam is one of the most exciting destinations in Asia.

Vietnam is a long country from North to South with 2,000 km between the capital of Hanoi and the large economic hub of Ho Chi Minh City. A Vietnam tour in 15 days is the minimum duration to discover this magical land of the Dragon.

In this article, we will address the question of what to do, and which itinerary for a Vietnam tour in 15 days. We are going to list the essentials that you must include for your first discovery of Vietnam with the activities to do in each destination. Then, we will establish an ideal itinerary that connects all these destinations for a Vietnam tour in 15 days. This will help you to make a first idea for the visits, and the durations to make your first trip to Vietnam successful.

First of all, we recommend that you do the circuit from North to South for two reasons:

- Chronology of Vietnam: The first Vietnamese kingdoms emerged in the Northern Red River delta. Over time, Vietnam grew and eventually absorbed the Cham kingdoms in the centre in the 17th century and then conquered the Mekong Delta in the late 18th century. So a tour from North to South Vietnam allows you to easily understand the history of Vietnam during visits to historical sites, old towns, temples, and pagodas.

- Climate: The climate of Vietnam is very different between the North and the South. If the North has four distinct seasons, the South, where it is hot all year round, only has two, dry and rainy seasons. A trip from the North to the South of Vietnam allows you to slowly adapt to the cool northern climate for the first few days. And what's more, this allows you to enjoy seaside stays on sunny beaches to end your stay in Vietnam in style.

When it comes to travel, we strongly advise you to rent a car in Vietnam, always with a driver. In fact, driving in Vietnam poses significant risks, especially when you are navigating with thousands of two-wheelers for the first time, even if you have an international driving license. Simple solution, a local travel agency in Vietnam can quickly find a car with a driver for you.         

And there you have it, let's discover the essentials for a 15-day Vietnam tour.

SUMMARY:

Step-by-step itinerary:

      Step 1: Hanoi
      Step 2: Halong Bay – Wonder of the World
      Step 3: Tam Coc – Ninh Binh (Halong Bay on land)
      Step 4: Pu Luong – Thai Valley
      Step 5: Hue – Ancient capital of Vietnam
      Step 6: Hoi An
      Step 7: Ho Chi Minh City
      Step 8: Mekong Delta

Example of a 15-day Vietnam tour itinerary

Step-by-step itinerary

Arrive in Hanoi by plane via Noi Bai Airport which is 40 km from the city centre. An individual car or taxi 40 minutes away.

Step 1: Hanoi

(2 days recommended)

What to do in Hanoi?

Founded in 1010 by King Ly Thai To, the thousand-year-old capital of Vietnam, also the cradle of Vietnamese civilization, is known for its rich cultural and historical heritage. Hanoi awaits you with many remarkable monuments to visit, museums, old quarters, temples, pagodas…

Sites to discover:

- The historical monuments of Ba Dinh, the historical and political heart of Vietnam with the most important buildings of the Vietnamese government, seat of Parliament, Presidential Palace, mausoleum of President Ho Chi Minh and his house on stilts.

- The Single Pillar Pagoda, a few minutes from Ho Chi Minh's mausoleum, erected in 1049 in the shape of a Lotus, is one of the emblems of Hanoi.

- The Temple of Literature created in 1070 by King Ly, is renowned for being the first university in Vietnam and is absolutely not to be missed.

- The French Quarter in Hanoi was built by the French at the beginning of the 20th century. Monuments are remaining intact despite time: Hanoi Opera House, Hanoi train station, Saint Joseph’s Cathedral, Hotel Métropole…

- The Hanoi Museum of Ethnography: the fruit of Franco-Vietnamese cooperation which is an attractive site for visitors wishing to discover the cultures of 54 ethnic groups in Vietnam.

- The Tran Quoc Pagoda dating from the 6th century, located on the banks of West Lake (Ho Tay), is one of the first pagodas in Hanoi.

- The Quan Thanh Temple, not far from the Tran Quoc pagoda, is one of the four most important temples, supposed to protect the Vietnamese capital.

- The old town of Hanoi or the famous district of 36 corporations which are specialized in artisanal trades. This place fascinates visitors with its unique atmosphere and its street food.

- West Lake, with an area of 500 ha, is dotted with traditional villages and centuries-old temples and pagodas.

- Hoan Kiem Lake or legendary lake of the restored sword, is the soul of the old city of Hanoi.

- The Long Bien Bridge, the former Paul Doumer Bridge built in 1902 which spans the Red River, is also emblematic of Hanoi.

Activities to do:

- Go around in a rickshaw ride to discover the old town of Hanoi

- Water puppet show on the banks of the Hoan Kiem lake

- Walk around Hoan Kiem Lake

- Sunset to admire on the Red River at the Long Bien bridge

The surroundings of Hanoi:

There is no shortage of ideas for discovering the surroundings of Hanoi, some 50 km from the city centre. A day trip allows you to see some cultural attractions with temples, pagodas and traditional villages.

- Duong Lam Ancient Village and its many traces of the past is an exceptional historical vestige. Located 30 km from Hanoi, Duong Lam retains around fifty traditional Viet houses with communal houses, temples and especially its Mia pagoda housing hundreds of Buddha statues.

- The pagodas of Tay Phuong (Western pagoda) and Thay (master) are original traditional architectures.

- Nom ancient village, 30 km from Hanoi, is worth a visit with its magnificent pagoda and ancient houses.

- Bat Trang Village, 20 km from Hanoi, specialises in porcelain and is a place to see in groups or with family.

>> Read more: 7 things to do during a family trip to Hanoi

Step 2: Halong Bay – Wonder of the World

(2 days and 1 night recommended)

Distance: 160 km from Hanoi

How to get there? By train, local buses, private car or junk company shuttles (recommended) 

What to visit?

Halong Bay is a key site that is always included in your stay in Vietnam. It is recognized as a World Heritage Site for its exceptional beauty and geological value.

There are several excursions in Halong Bay.
- 1-day excursion: departure from Hanoi, and a 4-hour cruise to visit the islands. We do not recommend this excursion, because it is too short and too rushed!

- Cruise in 2 days and 1 night: this excursion is the most chosen by travellers to discover the bay aboard a junk at night.

- Cruise in 3 days: if you have more time, it is advisable to take this cruise to fully enjoy your stay in Halong Bay. 

What to do in Halong Bay?

- Countless islands and karst islets in strange shapes: a pair of rooster and hen, finger, dog, sail, turtle...

- The villages of fishermen living in floating rafts

- Caves filled with magnificent stalactites

- Swimming on deserted beaches in summer              

- Kayaking between karst islands and islets

>> Read more: 

- 27 Best things to do in Halong Bay, Vietnam

- Top 10+ Boats and Junks for Halong Bay Cruise (Updated 2023)

Step 3: Tam Coc – Ninh Binh (Halong Bay on land)

(1 day recommended)

Distance: 100 km from Hanoi

What to do in Ninh Binh, nicknamed Halong Bay on land?

The former capital of Vietnam in the 10th century, this region seduces with its postcard landscapes with limestone rocks emerging between rice fields and rivers.

- The sampan ride in different areas between limestone formations: the Trang An landscape complex, the Tam Coc Valley, the Van Long nature reserve, the Thung Nham Valley and the Kenh Ga floating village.

- Bike ride in the countryside of the Red River Delta

- The ancient capital of Hoa Lu with the Dinh Temples dating from the 10th century.

- The Phat Diem Cathedral, built more than 100 years ago, impresses with its original architecture of stone and wood which mixes Western and Vietnamese styles.

- Bai Dinh Pagoda, one of the most important pagodas in Vietnam

- Ninh Van stone sculpture village

>> Read more: Top things to do in Ninh Binh

Step 4: Pu Luong – Thai Valley

(1 – 2 days recommended)

Distance: 200 km from Hanoi or Ninh Binh (Halong Bay on land)

What to do in Pu Luong?

Pu Luong is a nature reserve still far from the tourist masses which is renowned for its magnificent rice terraces. A stay in Pu Luong allows you to appreciate the typical landscapes of the North but also to meet the ethnic inhabitants of Thai and Muong.

- The Kho Muong Village of the Thai ethnic group with the possibility of spending the night with locals. Surrounded by limestone mountains, this small hamlet awaits you to discover traditional houses on stilts. You will have the opportunity to visit a cave with magnificent stalactites.

- The Don Village sleeps in the valley of magnificent rice terraces and is home to two hundred Thai families. To stay there, you can choose to sleep with locals or in one of the reasonably comfortable hotels.

- Hikes through the villagers' trails, from the villages of Thais and Muong to Eo Ken, Lan Trong and Lan Ngoai.

- Bamboo raft ride on the Chieng Lau River.

- Relaxing swim in the waterfalls of the village of Hieu.

>> Read more: Pu Luong Vietnam, what to do in 2 or 3 days?

Step 5: Hue – Ancient capital of Vietnam

(2 days – 3 days recommended)

What to do in Hue?

As the former royal capital of Vietnam between 1802 and 1945, Hue bore witness to the ups and downs of the last Vietnamese feudal dynasty. This romantic city which is reflected in the Perfume River, retains a formidable cultural heritage with numerous historical monuments, ancient houses, temples and pagodas. 

- The citadel of Hue encloses the imperial city, the royal palaces and museums and the old temples 

- The Heavenly Lady Pagoda (Thien Mu), dating from 1501

- Tu Hieu Pagoda                                   

- The tombs of the emperors: Minh Mang, Tu Duc, Khai Dinh

- Thanh Tien craft villages making paper flowers and Sinh folk prints

- Thuy Xuan incense stick village           

- The ancient village of Thuy Bieu                  

- The Old An Hien garden house

- Thanh Toan covered bridge                       

- The cruise on the Perfume River

>> Read more: 10 things to do in Hue

Step 6: Hoi An

(3 days recommended)

A former bustling trading port from the 15th to the 17th century, Hoi An preserves a surprising heritage which is made up of old houses, temples and pagodas which have not changed despite the centuries. This old town also charms travellers with its hospitality and its heavenly beaches, notably Cua Dai, Ha My and An Bang. 

What to do in Hoi An?

- Chinese congregations: Phuc Kien, Trieu Chau.

- Old wooden frame houses: Tan Ki, Quan Thang, Phung Hung.

- The famous Hoi An covered bridge with its small temple.

- Sampan cruise on the Thu Bon River to admire the sunset at Cua Dai.

- Thanh Ha porcelain village.

- Kim Bong wood carving village.

- Peasant work in the market gardening village of Tra Que.

- The round sampan rides to the coconut village of Bay Mau.         

- Excursions by bike or motorbike to visit the countryside of Hoi An.

- The heavenly beaches of Hoi An: Ha My, Cua Dai, An Bang.

- Cham Island or Cu Lao Cham: a day to spend swimming and snorkelling.

- The surroundings of Hoi An: the sanctuary of My Son, treasure of the kingdom of Champa lost in the Centre.

>> Read more: What to do in Hoi An in 1, 2 or 3 days?

Step 7: Ho Chi Minh City

(1 day recommended)

A must for a 15-day stay in Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Saigon) invites you to immerse yourself in the excitement of the economic capital that never sleeps. This young city, more than 300 years old, retains a remarkable heritage with numerous colonial architectures but also the buildings of the former government of South Vietnam before the war.

What to do in Ho Chi Minh City?

- Sai Gon Cathedral: a French souvenir that reminds us of a little Paris in the Far East.

- The central post office and the Dong Khoi district (formerly rue Catinat)             

- The Reunification Palace is the former palace of the President of the Republic of South Vietnam before 1975.

- The War Museum, the most visited museum in the city which displays images of the American Vietnam War. 

- The Ben Thanh market is the large market where you will find all the artisanal products of Vietnam.

- The Chinese district with its Cho Lon market and its Thien Hau temple.

The surroundings of Ho Chi Minh City:                                  

- The Cu Chi tunnel: located 70 km from the city, Cu Chi is a site known during the Vietnam War. The Vietcong built a 250 km tunnel system to fight against the Americans. This site symbolizes the patriotism, the courage of Vietcong soldiers.

- The Holy See of Caodaism in Tay Ninh: 120 km from the city, this religious site is known as the seat of the most important religion in the South with more than 2 million faithful people. Caodaism is a religion that mixes all religions and beliefs existing in Vietnam.

>> Read more: Top 12+ best things to do in Ho Chi Minh City

Step 8: Mekong Delta

(2 – 3 days recommended)

The largest rice basket in Vietnam, the Mekong Delta is a lush region covered with rice fields, orchards, arroyos and typical villages. This region is also known for its floating markets that are not to be missed to immerse yourself in local life.

We advise you to take the cruise on the Mekong in 1 or 2 days to visit the orchards while tasting exotic fruits like banana, dragon fruit, mango, lychee... 

On the other hand, an excursion lasting more than 3 days is not recommended to avoid similar landscapes along the water.

>> Read more: Top 10 unmissable activities in the Mekong Delta

Example of a 15-day Vietnam tour itinerary

PROGRAM IN BRIEF

Day 1: Hanoi-arrival: Welcome to Hanoi, a walking tour of the must-see sites of the old quarter (B) (Driver)
Day 2: Hanoi - city tour: Visit the Temple of Literature, choose some of the city's museums, explore the French Quarter, walk around the West Lake, experience a water puppet show (B, L) (Guide+driver)
Day 3: Hanoi – Mai Chau – Mai Hich: Visit the Muong village and the Thung Khe pass, discover of Thai culture in Mai Hich, night at homestay (B, L, D) (guide+driver)
Day 4: Mai Chau – Pu Luong: From Mai Hich to Pu Luong: easy hike in the Muong country (B, L, D) (guide+driver)
Day 5: Pu Luong – Ninh Binh: Visit Hoa Lu ancient capital, boat trip on Tam Coc - nicknamed Halong Bay on land, bike ride to the Bich Dong pagoda and the Thai Vi temple (B, L, D) (Guide+driver)
Day 6: Ninh Binh – Halong Bay – Lan Ha Bay: Cruise on Lan Ha Bay, kayaking in Au Ech and swimming in Tra Bau, culinary demonstration (B, L, D) (Guide+driver)
Day 7: Halong Bay – Hanoi – flight to Hoian: Exploration of Trung Trang Cave, visit Cat Ba National Park, transfer to the airport, depart to Da Nang (B, L) (Guide+driver)
Day 8: Hoian-city tour: Bike ride in Cam Thanh - Tra Que villages, cooking class in Tra Que. Hoi An Old Town Tour (B, L) (Guide+driver)
Day 9: Hoian – My Son – Hoian: My Son Sanctuary, Champa culture, unique architectural remains (B, L) (guide+driver)
Day 10: Hoian – Hue: Departure for Hue to discover the Cham sculpture museum and the Cloud Pass, visit the Thien Mu pagoda and the Khai Dinh tomb (B, L) (Guide+driver)
Day 11: Hue – city tour: Welcome to Hue, boat trip on the Perfume River, bike ride in traditional craft villages, visit Hue Citadel (B, L) (Guide+driver)
Day 12: Hue – Ho Chi Minh City: from Hue, flight to Saigon. Discovery of Saigon: Independence Palace, central post office, Chinatown, Quan Am Pagoda (B, L) (guide+driver)
Day 13: Ho Chi Minh – Ben Tre – Can Tho: Boat trip on the Ben Tre river, bike ride to Nhon Thanh village, experience local life, meeting with locals (B, L) (guide+driver)
Day 14: Can Tho – Ho Chi Minh: Visit the liveliest market of Cai Rang, the orchard and the old house of Binh Thuy (B, L) (Guide+driver)
Day 15: Ho Chi Minh – departure flight (B) (driver)
Note (B: breakfast, L: Lunch, D: Dinner)

PRICE: Price in $ (US USD/person)

This is a tailor-made and private tour. It can be modified according to your wishes and your budget.

Inclusions                                                                                          :
- Private English-speaking tourist guide according to the itinerary
- Entrance fees and tickets mentioned in the program
- Selected accommodations with daily breakfast
- 2-day 1-night cruise to Halong Bay aboard the 4* Peony junk (for both options)
- Boat: Tam Coc, Cam Thanh, Sinh - Tien Non, Ben Tre, Cai Rang
- Private transport following the itinerary
- Airline tickets: VN181 HAN - DAD (Vietnam Airlines - Economy), VN1371 HUI - SGN (Vietnam Airlines - Economy)
- Meals: Breakfast: 14, Lunch: 13, Dinner: 04
- Bike: Mai Chau, Ninh Binh, Hoi An, Hue, Ben Tre
- Kayak: Halong
- Hobbies: Water puppetry, Squid fishing, Beach, Tai Chi Class, Foot massage
- Cooking classes: Halong (onboard), Tra Que
- Service Fees and Taxes

Exclusions
- International flight from/to your country
- Travel Insurance
- Personal expenses
- Tips
- All others not mentioned in the program

Have a good trip!

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