Travelling through Vietnam from north to south is one of the most iconic journeys in Southeast Asia. The country stretches over 1,600 km and offers an impressive variety of landscapes: ancient capital cities, emerald mountains, UNESCO heritage towns, white sandy beaches and the endless waterways of the Mekong Delta.

This guide outlines the ideal 14–21 day itinerary for travellers who want to experience the best Vietnam has to offer in a single trip. It is based on our signature route: Vietnam From North to South.

But more importantly, this article shows that this itinerary is only a starting point. At Vietnam CK, most clients prefer a custom-made route tailored to their interests, travel style, pace, budget and preferred destinations.

If you already know that you want something personalized, you can go directly here: Customize Your Trip.

Vietnam’s long shape makes a north–south direction the most natural and efficient route. Travellers get:

✔ The best mix of culture, nature and cities

Hanoi and Saigon offer two completely different experiences.

✔ Logical travel flow

Start from the cooler northern climate and gradually move into warmer central and southern regions.

✔ Minimal backtracking

Most major sites are neatly lined along a straight route.

✔ Easy domestic flights & trains

Perfect for combining slow travel with comfortable express connections.

14 days

Great for travellers with limited time. You will cover all key highlights but at a faster pace.

16–18 days

The most popular choice. Well-balanced travel rhythm.

20–21 days

Ideal if you want extensions such as Sapa, Ninh Binh, Phu Quoc, Mui Ne, or extra nights in Hoi An.

You can read more about the itineraries here.

This is the most common version chosen by travellers visiting Vietnam for the first time.

Day 1–3: Hanoi – The Historical Heart of Vietnam

Hanoi is a city with soul — ancient pagodas, hidden cafés, French colonial streets and the atmospheric Old Quarter.

Highlights:

• Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum Complex

• Temple of Literature

• West Lake + Tran Quoc Pagoda

• Water Puppet Show

• Train Street (updated rules apply)

Add-ons:
Food tour, craft villages, local market experience.

Day 3–5: Ha Long Bay or Lan Ha Bay – UNESCO Wonder

No visit to Vietnam is complete without sailing through the emerald karst mountains of Ha Long Bay.

Most travellers choose:

• 2-day cruise (recommended)

• 3-day cruise (extra caves & kayaking)

Vietnam CK works only with verified cruise partners offering safe and high-quality ships.

Day 5–7: Ninh Binh – “Ha Long Bay on Land”

Rice paddies, limestone mountains and peaceful riverside landscapes.

Included highlights:

• Trang An boat ride

• Hoa Lu Ancient Capital

• Mua Cave viewpoint

Optional extensions:
Bai Dinh Pagoda, cycling tours, countryside homestays.

Day 7–10: Hue – Imperial City & Royal Cuisine

Hue is Vietnam’s former capital and the home of the last Nguyen Dynasty.

What you’ll see:

• Hue Imperial Citadel

• Thien Mu Pagoda

• Royal tombs of Minh Mang or Khai Dinh

• Perfume River cruise

Travel between Ninh Binh and Hue is usually by comfortable overnight train or domestic flight.

Day 10–13: Hoi An – The Most Charming Town in Vietnam

Hoi An is a UNESCO-protected treasure with lantern-lit streets and peaceful rivers.

Highlights:

• Ancient Town walking tour

• An Bang Beach

• My Son Sanctuary (UNESCO)

• Countryside cycling

• Tailor-made clothes in 24 hours

Many clients choose to stay here longer — and we fully agree!

Day 13–15/17: Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)

A vibrant, modern megacity with a deep historical past.

Top attractions:

• Cu Chi Tunnels

• Reunification Palace

• Notre-Dame Cathedral

• Ben Thanh Market

• Nguyen Hue walking street

Nightlife, food and rooftop bars in Saigon are world-class.

Day 15–16/18: Mekong Delta – Floating Villages & Rice Fields

Finish your adventure in the peaceful Mekong region.

Options include:

• Cai Rang floating market

• Ben Tre coconut village

• Overnight Mekong lodge stay

• Mekong River cruise option

This Is Only a Sample Itinerary — The Best Trip Is Custom-Made

While the North–South route is a fantastic introduction for first-time visitors, it’s important to understand:

Every traveller is different.

Some people prefer beaches.
Some prefer mountains.
Some travel as couples, families, seniors or solo.
Some travel slowly, others quickly.
Some love luxury, others want a real local experience.

That’s why Vietnam CK offers a full Custom Trip Builder, where you can choose:

• destinations

• preferred pace

• accommodation standard

• experiences

• special requests (photography, food, culture, eco-travel, adventure…)

Our travel experts then prepare a tailor-made itinerary — often better priced and more efficient than fixed tours. 👉 Create your personalized Vietnam route here.

1. North + Highlands Route

Sapa, Ha Giang, Ban Gioc Waterfall.

2. Central Vietnam Focus

Hoi An, Hue, Da Nang, Quy Nhon.

3. South Vietnam + Beaches

Saigon → Mekong → Phu Quoc → Con Dao.

4. Classic Route With Cambodia

Finish in Siem Reap (Angkor Wat) or Phnom Penh.

5. Luxury Version

5-star cruises, boutique resorts, private drivers, scenic flights.

When you book a tour with Vietnam CK, you’re not just choosing a travel company—you’re choosing a movement. A movement that believes in fair wages, cultural preservation, and community upliftment. We believe travel should be transformative—not just for the traveler, but for the people and places they encounter. Our mission goes beyond crafting unforgettable journeys across Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, and Myanmar (Burma). We’re here to uplift local communities, empower families, and create sustainable opportunities for those who make your adventure possible.

• Licensed travel agency based in Vietnam
• 5.0 ★ rating from Google with verified reviews
• Expertise in custom-made itineraries
• Local experience
• Secure payment system
• Express Vietnam visa service (4–24 hours)
• Dedicated assistance before and during your trip

A north–south route is the perfect way to experience the highlights of Vietnam — but it’s only the beginning. Every traveller has a different vision of their dream holiday, which is why a fully customized itinerary is always the best choice.

Use this sample route as inspiration, then let Vietnam CK create a tailor-made journey designed exactly for you.