Vietnam – The Complete 1 Month Itinerary for 2024
When traveling around South East Asia these days and speaking to other travelers you will notice that for many people, Vietnam is the one. It’s their favorite country in Asia, and more, it’s their favorite country full stop.
We are the same. For us, it is our favorite country we have visited. Nowhere else packs in so much into such a small country, especially not for such a great price.
In this comprehensive travel guide, we’ll take you on a journey through Vietnam, providing you with essential tips, insights, and a carefully curated itinerary to make the most of your trip.
Our Vietnam travel itinerary starts in the north of the country and finishes in the South, but of course, a South to North route would work just as well!
So pack your bags, let’s dive in!
Hanoi (3 days)
Start your month-long trip in the fun-filled capital of Vietnam – Hanoi! As soon as you enter this city, you will feel its intensity. Best explored on foot, spend some time getting lost amongst the narrow streets of the Hanoi Old Quarter.
Here you will find traditional buildings, beautiful ancient temples, the best street food, and the craziest traffic!
Walk around the majestic Hoan Kiem Lake and soak in the city atmosphere from one of the many coffee shops. Hanoi is certainly best over the weekend when the Old Quarter’s streets are closed to vehicles.
Hanoi’s cultural sites include the Temple of Literature, Hỏa Lò Prison, the impressive Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, and St Joseph’s cathedral.
How to get to Hanoi: Hanoi’s airport is located 30km in the north. You can grab a taxi (40 min – $10) or take bus n86 (1h 15 – 45,000 VND – $1.88) to the bus station in town.
Where to stay: Stay in the Old Town or near the Hoan Kiem Lake.
- Flower Boutique Hotel $
- Emerald Water Hidden Valley $$
- Hotel du Lac $$$
Ha Giang Loop (4 days)
From Hanoi, head northwards. Your next stop is Ha Giang for an unforgettable motorbike loop in one of the most undiscovered regions in Vietnam. Starting from Ha Giang town, this motorbike road trip takes 3 to 5 days and was our favorite experience in South-East Asia.
You will ride on the most impressive mountain passes bordering China, cross through traditional villages, encounter local ethnicities, and marvel at the truly majestic landscapes.
Each night, you will stay in a remote town in the mountains and eat the best local food. As a minimum, we recommend taking at least 3 days to complete the loop.
You can do it independently (renting your own bike) or you can join a group tour, both options are popular.
Best Itinerary for the Ha Giang Loop
- Day 1: Ha Giang – Quan Ba – Yen Minh (100km)
- Day 2: Yen Minh – Lung Cu – Dong Van (87km)
- Day 3: Dong Van – Meo Vac – Du Gia (93km)
- Day 4: Du Gia – Quan Ba – Ha Giang (97km)
How to get to Ha Giang: From Hanoi, there are direct buses to Ha Giang town – it takes 6 hours and costs $10
Where to stay: see our Ultimate Guide to the Ha Giang Loop for all the details
Cat Ba Island – Han La bay Cruise (3 days)
After the frenetic Ha Giang Loop adventure, it’s time to relax in Cat Ba Island.
Less touristic and crowded than its more famous sister, Ha Long Bay, Cat Ba is the perfect gateway to discover the unspoiled Han La Bay.
The small but mighty island of Cat Ba is worthy of a visit in its own right. It is home to beaches, trails, caves, a lush national park, and is closeby to a few floating fishing villages.
Of course, the main reason to visit Cat Ba is because it is the perfect stopping-off point before embarking on a trip around the incredible Han La Bay. Best done as a 1-night cruise, Han La Bay is an untouched paradise. Your cruise ship will traverse the waterways between the thousands of limestone karsts strutting out of the water.
How to get to Cat Ba Island: From Ha Giang, take a night bus to Cat Ba town – it takes 12 hours and costs around $24.
Where to stay: Stay in Cat Ba Town where there are many hostels, hotels and bungalows for every budget.
Tam Coc – Ninh Binh Province (4 days)
Known as the Ha Long Bay on land, Ninh Binh province is a jewel of Vietnam. Base yourself in Tam Coc to enjoy the tranquility of the rice paddies, visit ancient pagodas, and see natural reserves. The best way to discover the region is by cycling in the countryside with its endless rice fields and limestone mountains. You can also explore the beauty of this region floating on a wooden boat glimpsing at the varied wildlife.
How to get to Ninh Binh: From Cat Ba Island, book a direct transfer to Ninh Binh with Cat Ba Express. This transfer includes a 40 minutes bus, a short fast boat and another 3 hours bus drive for $13.
Where to stay: Tam Coc or Trang An are great areas to explore the Ninh Binh Province. There are many homestays and bungalows with beautiful views of the countryside.
Phong Nha (2 days)
Phong Nha is a paradise destination for adventure lovers. Home to the largest cave in the world, there is so much to discover in this unspoiled part of Vietnam. Take at least two days to trek the dense jungle of Phong Nha Ke Bang National Park and explore the diverse incredible caves. The famous Paradise Cave or the Dark Cave are easy to visit and provide breathtaking natural beauty. Otherwise, do a guided trek to the most remote caves or an overnight experience including camping in the cave. There are other fun activities to do in the countryside surrounding Phong Nha like the Duck stop or a visit to Bon Lai Sing Nature Farm.
Note: During the rainy season, most of the caves are closed due to flooding.
How to get to Phong Nha: From Ninh Binh, take a direct bus (7 hours –$15) to Phong Nha. You likely arrive at 4 am so arrange a pickup with your guest house.
Where to stay: There are several nice homestays in Phong Nha. We stayed at Phong Nha Tuan Garden House which was great.
Hue (2 days)
On your way to South Vietnam, the city of Hue is a great stop to learn about the history of Vietnam. Spend the morning in the UNESCO-listed Imperial City filled with temples, palaces, colorful gates, and lovely gardens. The old capital of Vietnam is pleasant to walk around and is also home to the Tombs of the Emperors, the Thien Mu Pagoda, and a local market situated on the Perfume River.
Don’t miss out on the distinctive local cuisine in Hue with specialties like the Bun Bo Hue (spicy beef noodle soup) and Banh Khoai (savory pancakes).
How to get to Hue: If you are interested in the Vietnam War, take the DMZ bus from Phong Nha to Hue including stops at the Vinh Moc Tunnels and Ben Hai River leaving at 6 am (250K VND – $10). Otherwise, take a 3 hour bus to Hue ($7)
Where to stay: Stay in Hue City Center (near Hue Night Walking Street). You will be closed to the restaurants, bars and the Imperial Citadel. We stayed at Candy Inn, owned by a lovely family.
Hai Van Pass to Hoi An (1 day)
One of the most beautiful mountain passes in Vietnam lies between Hue and Hoi An. Hire your bike in Hue and drive the scenic 21km coastal road between mountains and ocean views. The trip should take 3 to 5 hours stopping at Lang Co or Elephant Springs. Once in Danang, visit Lady Buddha after crossing the Dragon Bridge or the Marble Mountains on your way to Hoi An!
If you are not comfortable driving, you can book an Easy Rider tour (riding behind a driver on the motorbike) or take the train to Danang.
Hoi An (4 days)
Hoi An is arguably the prettiest town in Vietnam. This old town boasts well-preserved architecture with old temples, ancient merchant houses, and French colonial buildings lit up by hundreds of lanterns.
The stunning countryside has so much to offer such as bike rides in narrowed roads between rice paddies leading to long strip of beach. It’s also the best place in Vietnam to do a cooking class and try the famous Banh Mi!
How to get to Hoi An: The cheapest way is to take a direct bus or van from Hue to Hoi An. (around 3 hours -$10). Alternatively, if you want to enjoy the beautiful views, take a train from Hue to Da Nang (2h30 – $7) and catch a bus from Da Nang to Hoi An ($5).
If you have time, we recommend to drive through the Hai Van pass as mentioned above.
Where to Stay: Hoi An is filled with lovely hotels and homestays. Hoianese Central villa – close to the old town but not as busy.
Dalat – (3 days)
Known as the ‘City of Eternal Springs’ for its mild year-round climate, Dalat has a strong French heritage. This unique destination is 1500m above sea level and is surrounded by beautiful pinewood forests, stunning waterfalls, and mountain peaks.
Dalat is one of the most visited tourist destinations in Vietnam, but it doesn’t feel crowded or inauthentic.
Here is where the thrill seekers come to unwind – canyoning, white water rafting, ziplining, mountain biking. You name it, it is here.
If adrenaline activities aren’t for you, Dalat is still certainly worth the visit, its calm and tranquil mountain landscapes are a respite from the bigger, busier cities of the country. Added to that, the city has a few more peculiar attractions as well, including the one-and-only “crazy house” – a crazy architectural delight only found here.
Ho Chi Minh – including one night in Mekong (4 days)
From Dalat, continue southward to your last stop, the buzzing Ho Chi Minh City. Also known as Saigon, the largest city in Vietnam has a strong history shaped by French colonization and the Vietnam War.
Walk around the high skyscrapers and visit the city’s old iconic landmarks such as Notre Dame de Saigon and the Central Post Office. Home to the most incredible street food, taste the innovative seafood dishes and the best Phos in Vietnam.
Don’t miss the deeply moving War Remnants Museum documenting the atrocities and impact of the Vietnam War.
From Ho Chi Minh, do a day trip to visit the Chi-Chi Tunnels – this impressive underground network of connecting tunnels was used by the Viet Congs to hide and supply food and weapons during the Vietnam war.
Alternatively, visit the fascinating Mekong Delta. Most tours include a boat ride on the Mekong, a coconut candy shop, a honey factory, and a tasting of local fruits. You can also go by yourself for a more authentic experience.
Both are quite touristy but worth doing.
How to get to Ho Chi Minh : From Dalat, you have two options to get to Ho Chi Minh. The fastest way is to take a 55 minutes flight but it’s more expensive.
Otherwise, you can catch a night bus (7-8 hours – $15).
Where to Stay in Ho Chi Minh: We recommend staying in District 1, Saigon downtown, to be close to all main attractions!
Other ideas in Vietnam : Cao bang, Cai baie, Sapa
