What’s the largest thing you’ve ever seen someone transport on a motorbike? After finishing our 12 day Vietnam itinerary, I can confidently say it was either three passengers or five boxes of computer monitors.
But that’s not the only surprising thing you’ll see in this fascinating country. As you travel through Vietnam, you’ll often be surrounded by breathtaking landscapes, the scent of incense drifting through peaceful temples, and everyday life unfolding right on the streets.
Vietnam can be both exciting and overwhelming, so here’s my field-tested 12-day Vietnam travel route based on my personal experience traveling from Hanoi to Da Nang in 2026.
Duration
12 days
Pace
Moderate
Transportation
Flight /Grab taxi
Vjetnam itinerary overview
- Part 1 – Northern Vietnam itinerary
- Part 2 – Central Vietnam itinerary
- Is Vietnam worth visiting?
- What else to see in Asia?
Part 1 – Northern Vietnam itinerary
We’re starting our trip in Northern Vietnam, a region known for its dramatic landscapes. But before we escape into the serenity of turquoise waters and majestic limestone cliffs, we’re throwing ourselves straight into the chaotic carousel of Vietnam’s capital: Hanoi.
Day 1–4 of Our Vietnam itinerary: Hanoi
In the streets of Hanoi you’ll find vendors serving food to people sitting on tiny plastic chairs. An open-air haircut happening on the pavement, completely unbothered by the passing traffic. Motorbikes create traffic jams in a roundabout because everyone seems to be moving in their own direction like the fish in the sea. And in the suburbs you’ll find rice fields with old gravestones quietly nested in them.
Hanoi is a city of sharp contrasts — and many of them are the things you won’t find in the photos.
You can find my full Hanoi travel story in a dedicated blogpost.
Or read the itinerary overview here.
Day 1
After surviving the long immigration queues, we called a Grab taxi to get into the city and checked into our hotel.
We considered taking the bus, but after hearing we’d need to wait around an hour and then spend more than another hour travelling, we decided the extra cost of a Grab was well worth it.
Explore Hanoi Old Quarter
In the Old Quarter, you’ll pass people chatting on tiny plastic stools, vendors selling everything from tropical fruit to knock-off goods, and locals going about their daily lives entirely on the streets.
It’s overwhelming, noisy, often smelly, and exciting all at once.
~8 min walk
Have a drink at Train street
Grab a drink and watch a train squeeze between rows of cafés, passing so close you could almost touch it.
Depending on your personality, this will either be the most relaxing stop of the day—sitting back with a beer as the train passes—or the biggest adrenaline rush.
Day 2
Vietnam Military History Museum
This is a great place to understand more about Vietnam’s history from the Vietnamese perspective.
Here, you can learn about the Vietnam–America War while seeing military aircraft, tanks, and other equipment up close.
~35 min Grab ride
Food tour
From speaking with our local guides, it feels like food might be a Vietnamese love language.
During our food tour, we tried some of the country’s most famous dishes, many filled with herbs and vegetables I didn’t even know the names of. It was also a great way to learn about Vietnamese dining traditions and understand the importance of food in everyday life.
~13 min walk
A Must-try drink for your Vietnam itinerary: coffee
Vietnam has several signature coffee styles, and each one is surprisingly different.
Egg coffee doesn’t taste like eggs at all—it is more like a silky, frothy, slightly earthy dessert. Coconut coffee feels like a mix between a coconut ice cream shake and coffee, while salt coffee combines sweetness with a subtle salty flavour.
Ngọc Sơn temple on Hoàn Kiếm lake
A peaceful stop in the middle of Hanoi’s legendary lake.
This beautiful little temple is connected to local legends and is home to two enormous preserved turtles.
~18 min walk
Head spa
End the chaos with one of the most relaxing 90-minute head spas.
Between the neck massage, relaxing hair wash, and warm herbal eye patches, you’ll probably fall asleep.
Originally, we only planned to spend 2.5 days in Hanoi before continuing to Sa Pa for two days. However, the weather forecast predicted nonstop rain, so we had to completely change our plans and stay in Hanoi longer.
If you’re luckier with the weather, you could easily shorten Hanoi to two days in your own Vietnam itinerary. In my opinion, that would be enough.
I can’t believe I’m saying this because it’s a first for me, but four days in Hanoi felt slightly too long personally.
Planning tip for your Vietnam itinerary
One of our biggest mistakes was booking non-refundable accommodation in Sa Pa.
Since most attractions there are outdoors, your experience depends heavily on the weather. If possible, choose accommodation with free cancellation so you can adjust your plans after arriving in Vietnam if the forecast isn’t on your side.
Day 3
Jeep tour to Hanoi’s countryside
If you want to understand a country beyond what AI summaries can tell you, take a guided tour.
This was one of those experiences where having a local guide made a huge difference. Our guide told us about rice farming, made us lotus leaf tea, explained worship traditions in temples, and even taught us about the Vietnamese tradition of burying ancestors twice.
What?
These are exactly the kinds of details we would have completely missed without including a guided tour in our Vietnam itinerary.
Grab ride
Ho Chi Minh square
A visit to Ho Chi Minh Square gives you a better understanding of who Ho Chi Minh was and how much he means to Vietnamese people.
Here, you can see his mausoleum and his surprisingly simple wooden stilt house.
~20 min walk
Temple of Literature (Optional)
If you still have energy left, you could visit the Temple of Literature, though I found that it shares many similarities with other temple complexes across Vietnam, so you’ll get your fair share of temples in this itinerary even if you skip it.
This large temple complex was once Vietnam’s first university and is known for its stone turtles carrying tablets with the names of scholars who studied here.
Day 4
Hỏa Lò Prison
The dark walls of Hỏa Lò Prison tell two contrasting stories.
It documents the harsh conditions faced by Vietnamese political prisoners under French rule, and later American POWs, who were shown playing football and receiving care packages.
~24 min walk
Imperial Citadel of Thăng Long
This stop on our Vietnam itinerary combines several layers of history in one place.
Walking through the grounds, you’ll find peaceful gardens, ancient palace remains, archaeological sites, and even underground military bunkers.
It’s an unusual mix of attractions that makes the visit much more interesting than simply looking at old ruins.
~11 min Grab ride
West Lake (optional)
If you want a break from Hanoi’s busy streets, West Lake offers a slower, more peaceful side of the city.
The large lake is also home to a temple with a beautiful terracotta pagoda.
~11 min Grab ride
Hanoi night market (on weekends)
The Hanoi Night Market is less surprising than the famous night markets in China, but it is still a fun evening experience.
You’ll find everyday goods like clothes and souvenirs, as well as snacks ranging from fruit to tentacles on sticks.
~17 min walk
Vietnamese massage
After several busy days exploring Hanoi, a traditional Vietnamese massage is the perfect way to end your time in the city.
Just be prepared—it isn’t the gentle, relaxing type of massage. They will stretch, twist, and work on every knot in your body.
But you’ll leave feeling completely relaxed and ready for the next part of your Vietnam adventure.
After Hanoi overwhelmed our senses every day, we were ready for a peaceful break in a much smaller town surrounded by nature.
Let me introduce you to Ninh Bình.
Day 5 – 7 of our Vietnam travel itinerary: Ninh Binh
There’s a side of Vietnam hidden between lush green rice fields, oddly shaped mountains, and lotus ponds—where the honking of scooters gives way to cicadas and frogs, and life is simply less busy, less chaotic. If you enjoy serene but surprise boat rides, cycling by the rice fields and endless photo opportunities, you’ll love this part of our Vietnam itinerary.
You can read my full Ninh Bình travel story in a separate post.
Or, if you’re just looking for a summary, here’s how we spent days 5-7 of our Vietnam itinerary.
Day 5
We used a door-to-door limousine bus service, which was a convenient and hassle-free way to get there.
Bike ride through the rice fields
Rent a bike—this will be your transport for the rest of the day—and cycle out of Tam Cốc, where towering limestone cliffs rise above rice fields rippling in the wind.
Turn down any quiet side road and the traffic noise quickly disappears, replaced by cicadas.
Along the way, you might stumble across a forgotten roadside temple or even a line of ducklings crossing the road.
The scenery here is breathtaking.
~3km by bycicle
Bích Động Pagoda
An old temple hidden between towering limestone cliffs, reached through a triple-arched stone gate above a lily-covered pond.
Climb the path into the mountains and you’ll discover an incense-filled cave where hundreds of bats sleep overhead.
~1,6 km by bycicle
Buffalo Cave
A small café surrounded by murky ponds crossed by bamboo bridges, with a small cave hidden behind a waterfall.
You can stop for a drink, feed the ducks, and explore the cave, but the real charm of this place is its rugged, unpolished beauty.
Day 6
Tràng An boat ride (must do)
Without a doubt, this was the highlight of our time in Ninh Bình.
For three hours, you’ll glide through emerald waters between towering karst peaks. The peaceful scenery is mixed with a little adventure as your boat passes through cave tunnels—one so low you’ll need to duck—and stops at small island temples along the way.
~16km by motorbike
Bái Đính Pagoda (optional)
A huge temple complex famous for its impressive pagoda, but there is much more to see than just the towering building.
As you explore the grounds, you’ll pass halls filled with shimmering golden statues and walk through the impressive Hall of Arhats, lined with hundreds of individually carved stone statues and colourful rows of flags.
Day 7
Múa Cave
Before tackling the climb, take some time to enjoy the lotus-covered pond and the many photo opportunities around the base of the mountain.
Then make your way up the hundreds of steps to meet the famous stone dragon and take in one of the most gorgeous panoramic views in Ninh Bình.
The climb is tough in the heat, but the view at the top makes it completely worth it.
Transfer back to Hanoi
Why the backtrack, you may ask?
Well, we weren’t actually staying in Hanoi again. We only returned because our transfer to Hạ Long Bay—one of Vietnam’s must-see destinations—was picking us up there the following morning.
Day 8–9 of our Vietnam itinerary: Hạ Long Bay overnight cruise
This part of our Vietnam itinerary came with plenty of ups and downs.
Hạ Long Bay is absolutely gorgeous, with oddly shaped limestone cliffs rising from the water and disappearing into the misty skyline in the distance.
Relaxing on the boat is also a wonderful experience—although, ironically, you don’t get much time to actually relax.
Despite being advertised as a two-day cruise, you’re only actually on board for less than 24 hours, so you get much less time in the bay than you might expect.
Here’s a quick overview of how our Hạ Long Bay cruise went. Keep in mind that every ship follows a slightly different schedule.
Transfer to Hạ Long Bay
You could get to Hạ Long Bay on your own, but we chose a cruise package that included a bus transfer from Hanoi.
Because we were on a tight schedule, it was the easiest and most convenient option for us.
Lunch buffet on the ship
After boarding, you’ll be welcomed with a buffet lunch as the ship begins cruising through Hạ Long Bay.
The selection on our cruise was quite seafood-heavy, which I didn’t mind. The one dish that had snails listed on the name tag did scare me, though.
Kayaking
As part of the first excursion, we had the chance to paddle through a cave into a hidden lagoon surrounded by towering limestone cliffs.
Keep an eye on the rocks—you might even spot wild monkeys roaming above you.
Cave visit
Another excursion you’re likely to have on your cruise is a visit to one of Hạ Long Bay’s enormous limestone caves.
Step inside and explore vast chambers filled with impressive rock formations and try to find the three hidden “animals” inside the cave.
Dinner with live music
End the day with a multi-course dinner on the upper deck while live music plays in the background.
It turned out to be one of the most romantic evenings I’ve ever experienced.
Just keep in mind that drinks aren’t included and need to be paid for separately.
Tip for planning your Vietnam itinerary
When choosing a cruise, I would recommend picking a newer, more modern ship. I was having the time of my life until we returned to shore and my partner told me he had seen cockroaches on the ship but didn’t want to mention it because he knew I wouldn’t have been able to sleep.
Ti Tốp island
Climb the steps to the viewpoint on Ti Tốp Island for breathtaking 360-degree views across Hạ Long Bay.
I am now convinced that every hike in Vietnam, no matter how big or small, feels exhausting in the heat.
But the view at the top made every step worth it.
Breakfast buffet
Enjoy breakfast on board before checking out and returning to the harbour.
Transfer to Hanoi airport
After returning to shore, we headed back to Hanoi before making our way straight to the airport.
Vietnam itinerary planning tip
If you’re booking a flight on the same day your Hạ Long Bay cruise ends—as we did—make sure you leave yourself a generous time buffer.
The drive back to Hanoi Airport takes a while, and our transfer didn’t even arrive to pick us up until more than an hour after we returned to shore. On top of that, shuttle buses and limousine services usually make a mandatory 15–30 minute stop for coffee and toilet breaks along the way.
It’s worth allowing extra time rather than risking missing your flight.
Flight to Da Nang
Now it was time to continue our journey to Central Vietnam.
Domestic flights in Vietnam are inexpensive and quick, making them the easiest way to cover this distance.
Part 2 – Central Vietnam itinerary
Central Vietnam feels like a completely different chapter of our trip.
Many travellers prefer Northern Vietnam for its dramatic landscapes, history, and deeper cultural immersion, but for my senses, Central Vietnam felt easier to digest.
Da Nang, with its beautiful beaches and historic sights all within easy reach, is the perfect mix of laid-back holiday vibes and cultural exploration.
You can spend the morning relaxing by the sea, the afternoon exploring ancient temples and caves, and the evening watching a bridge transform into a giant flamethrower.
How cool is that?
If you’d like a deeper dive into everything Da Nang has to offer, check out my full Da Nang travel guide.
Da Nang is also perfectly positioned for easy day trips to the ancient imperial city of Huế and the famous old town of Hội An, both packed with historic gems.
So don’t assume you’ll experience less of Vietnam’s essence here. Central Vietnam simply delivers it in a softer, more laid-back way.
Here’s how we managed to squeeze all of that into just three days.
Day 10-11 drive from Da Nang to Hue and back
Day 10
If you want to follow this itinerary exactly, you’ll need your own set of wheels.
But if you don’t feel comfortable riding yourself or don’t have a licence, don’t worry—you can also hire an Easy Rider who will do the driving while you sit back and enjoy the scenery.
Lady Buddha & Monkey Mountain
As a warm-up for the day’s adventure, head to the Sơn Trà Peninsula to see the towering Lady Buddha statue and the peaceful temple complex surrounding it.
You’ll also meet plenty of wild monkeys roaming around. They’re hilarious to watch.
After this first stop, you’ll either be excited to hit the road or questioning this road trip entirely.
Drive the Hải Vân Pass
Imagine the road stretching out in front of you, winding its way along the mountainside. On one side, a cliff face blanketed in lush greenery towers above. On the other, the land falls away dramatically to the sea below. This is the famous Hai Van Pass. Would you dare take on this motorbike adventure while travelling through Central Vietnam?
It was definitely an adventure—just not at all the one I expected. So read our full motorbike travel story to find out why.
~100 km ride
If you start early, like we did, you’ll most likely roll into Huế before 5 p.m. But after the long ride, you’ll probably want a little time to recover.
We still had enough energy left to explore one of Huế’s markets before it closed for the night.
Đông Ba Market in Huế
Walking through Dong Ba market feels like navigating a maze.
You’ll pass stalls selling dried fruit and nuts, giant seed-covered wafers, piles of spiky durians, fresh fish and shellfish, sports shoes, socks, colourful knock-off T-shirts, and the iconic Vietnamese conical hats.
It’s hot, noisy, and filled with smells your nose probably isn’t used to—but that’s exactly what makes it such an experience.
We ended up buying some exotic fruit for dinner.
Tip for your Vietnam trip
Many hotels in Vietnam don’t allow durian or mangosteen in rooms because of their strong smell, so check the hotel rules before buying them.
~14 min walk
Huế promenade & Trường Tiền Bridge
Once the sun goes down and the temperatures finally become bearable, the city comes alive. Start your evening walk at Trường Tiền Bridge, where colourful lights reflect beautifully on the Perfume River.
From there, continue along the riverside promenade, which eventually turns into a wooden walkway illuminated by changing LED lights.
This became one of my favourite parts of Huế—not because of the lights, but because of the people.
You’ll see couples chatting, families going for evening walks, children playing football or badminton, and entire families enjoying picnics with home-cooked meals spread across the grass.
Meanwhile, the next generation of motorbike riders practises on tiny illuminated bicycles in the square. Hue is not a small town but it has that home town vibe.
It reminded me of one of those simple pleasures in life that we somehow seem to have lost.
Day 11
Minh Mạng Tomb in Huế
Don’t picture a gloomy cemetery.
The tomb is more like a large royal estate surrounded by peaceful gardens and beautiful historic buildings. It almost feels like someone’s forever retirement villa.
The complex is divided into three main sections.
First, you’ll walk past rows of stone guardians, including soldiers, elephants, and horses, before reaching a pavilion with a huge stone tablet.
Information is fairly limited, so this is one place where having a guide would really help.
Further on, you’ll find several beautiful buildings, with the central one featuring red columns, richly decorated blue and red panels, golden details, and an altar.
Finally, you’ll reach a perfectly symmetrical garden with a bridge crossing a murky pond, flanked by two towering stone obelisks.
The emperor’s actual tomb lies behind a large stone wall and isn’t open to visitors.
It’s a peaceful place and quite different from any tomb I’d visited before.
That said, there was quite a bit of construction during our visit and, combined with the intense heat, we didn’t stay as long as we had planned.
Drive back to Da Nang
If you did a one-way rental or hired an Easy Rider, you could also consider taking the train back instead. If possible, aim to be back in Da Nang in time for dinner and the evening’s grand finale.
~66 km ride
Lang Co bay
The road follows the lagoon, with deep blue mountains rising beyond the still water. On calm days, the surface reflects the sky, creating a stunning mix of different shades of blue. It’s a picturesque place to get off the bike, stretch your legs and take some photos.
~30 km ride
Dragon Bridge fire show
If you’re in Da Nang on a Friday, Saturday, or Sunday, don’t miss the Dragon Bridge breathing real fire. The flames are so intense you can feel the heat even from the riverside.
It’s one of the most unique things we saw anywhere in Vietnam.
Love lock pier & Dragon carp
If you’ve ever been to Singapore, you’ve probably met the Merlion—half lion, half fish. Da Nang has its own mythical guardian: the Dragon Carp, a half-dragon, half-fish creature that continuously spits water into the river while standing watch over the pier.
Day 12 of Our Vietnam Travel Itinerary: Da Nang
My Khe beach
Spend the morning relaxing on Da Nang’s long sandy beach with a fresh coconut in hand.
After several busy days of sightseeing, it was the perfect place to slow down and recharge.
~20 min Grab ride
Marble Mountains
Explore a beautiful complex of panoramic viewpoints, ancient temples and impressive caves.
One of the caves even depicts the Buddhist version of hell, making it one of the most unusual temple complexes we visited during our trip.
~45 min Grab ride
Evening trip to Hội An
We didn’t have enough time to spend a full day in Hội An, but we were determined to see it anyway.
Evening is the perfect time to visit, when hundreds of lanterns light up the streets, canals and boats, while smaller lanterns float gently on the water.
On this dreamy note, our Vietnam itinerary comes to an end.
Is Vietnam worth visiting?
Vietnam wasn’t always easy. We had to overcome the fear of crossing streets where no one seems to stop for pedestrians, got burnt to a crisp in the Central Vietnam sun, discovered that “2-day cruises” aren’t always two days, and learned plenty of other lessons the hard way.
But those imperfect moments are also what made this trip so memorable. Combine them with the gorgeous nature, the overwhelming depth of history, and traditions so different from the ones we grew up with, and you end up with the kind of trip you’ll be telling your friends about for hours.
So if you’re looking for perfect and easy – you won’t find it here. But if your looking for adventure then pack your bags.
I hope our favourite experiences inspire you to plan your own Vietnam itinerary—and that our mistakes help make yours just a little bit smoother.
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