28-day travel plan from saigon to hanoi

Day 1 – Saigon: Arrival

Morning: Land in Saigon. Transfer to your hotel and get settled.

Afternoon: Walk around District 1, the heart of Saigon. Witness the city’s lively atmosphere.

Evening: Have your first Vietnamese meal at a local restaurant. Try Pho, a famous Vietnamese noodle soup.

Day 2 – Saigon: Historical Sites

Morning: Visit the War Remnants Museum to understand Vietnam’s war history.

Afternoon: Continue to the Reunification Palace, a significant symbol of the country’s past.

Evening: Explore Ben Thanh Market. Try local street food.

Day 3 – Saigon: Architectural Landmarks

Morning: Visit the Saigon Central Post Office and Notre Dame Cathedral.

Afternoon: Explore the City Hall and Opera House, showcasing French colonial architecture.

Evening: Walk around Nguyen Hue Walking Street and enjoy local foods.

Day 4 – Saigon to Cu Chi Tunnels: Remnants of War

Morning: Travel to the Cu Chi Tunnels, an extensive underground network used during the Vietnam War.

Afternoon: Explore the tunnels and witness various wartime exhibits.

Evening: Return to Saigon. Relax and have a leisurely dinner.

Day 5 – Saigon to Mekong Delta: River Exploration

Morning: Head to Mekong Delta, known as the ‘Rice Bowl of Vietnam’.

Afternoon: Take a boat ride exploring local villages and taste fresh tropical fruits.

Evening: Back to Saigon. Have dinner at a Southern Vietnamese cuisine restaurant.

Day 6 – Saigon to Da Lat: City of Eternal Spring

Morning: Travel to Da Lat, known for its cool climate and French colonial architecture.

Afternoon: Explore Datanla Waterfall and enjoy the Alpine coaster ride.

Evening: Dine at one of Da Lat’s homely restaurants.

Day 7 – Da Lat: Flower City

Morning: Visit the Dalat Flower Gardens and the Bao Dai Summer Palace.

Afternoon: Enjoy a scenic ride on the cable car to Truc Lam Monastery.

Evening: Experience Da Lat’s Night Market and try local street food.

Day 8 – Da Lat to Nha Trang: Seaside Retreat

Morning: Journey to Nha Trang, a beach city known for its sandy beaches.

Afternoon: Relax on the beach or enjoy water sports activities.

Evening: Dine at a beachfront seafood restaurant.

Day 9 – Nha Trang: Island Hopping

Morning: Take a boat tour to nearby islands and snorkel in the clear waters.

Afternoon: Continue island hopping and enjoy a seafood lunch on one of the islands.

Evening: Experience Nha Trang’s vibrant nightlife at popular beach bars.

Day 10 – Nha Trang to Hoi An: Ancient Town

Morning: Travel to Hoi An, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Afternoon: Explore Hoi An’s Ancient Town, visiting landmarks like the Japanese Covered Bridge.

Evening: Marvel at the lantern-lit streets and dine at a local restaurant.

Day 11 – Hoi An: Countryside Exploration

Morning: Take a bike tour to the countryside, visit local farms.

Afternoon: Take a boat ride on the Thu Bon River, observe traditional fishing methods.

Evening: Enjoy a traditional Vietnamese performance at Hoi An Theater.

Day 12 – Hoi An: Craft and Cuisine

Morning: Visit local craft workshops; learn to make a lantern.

Afternoon: Participate in a Vietnamese cooking class; learn to cook local dishes.

Evening: Savour the dishes prepared during your cooking class.

Day 13 – Hoi An to Hue: Imperial City

Morning: Travel to Hue via Hai Van Pass. Enjoy the stunning coastal views.

Afternoon: Visit the Imperial Citadel, home to the former Imperial family.

Evening: Take a peaceful boat trip on the Perfume River. Dine at a riverside restaurant.

Day 14 – Hue: Historical Explorations

Morning: Visit the Thien Mu Pagoda and explore the Tomb of Minh Mang.

Afternoon: Continue to the Tombs of Tu Duc and Khai Dinh.

Evening: Sample traditional Hue cuisine at a local restaurant.

Day 15 – Hue to Phong Nha: Natural Wonders

Morning: Journey to Phong Nha. Check into your accommodation.

Afternoon: Visit the Phong Nha caves and marvel at the spectacular rock formations.

Evening: Enjoy a quiet evening in Phong Nha town. Dine at a local eatery.

Day 16 – Phong Nha: Cave Exploration

Morning: Take a guided tour of the Paradise Cave, the longest dry cave in Asia.

Afternoon: Explore the Dark Cave, with exciting activities like ziplining and mud bathing.

Evening: Relax and enjoy a peaceful evening in Phong Nha.

Day 17 – Phong Nha to Ninh Binh: Landscapes and Temples

Morning: Travel to Ninh Binh, known as the “Halong Bay on Land”.

Afternoon: Visit the ancient capital of Hoa Lu and the Trang An Grottoes.

Evening: Dine at a local restaurant in Ninh Binh.

Day 18 – Ninh Binh: Rural Vietnam

Morning: Take a boat trip to Tam Coc to admire the stunning karst landscapes.

Afternoon: Cycle to the Bich Dong Pagoda and enjoy the panoramic views.

Evening: Enjoy local dishes for dinner in Ninh Binh.

Day 19 – Ninh Binh to Hanoi: Capital City

Morning: Journey to Hanoi. Check-in to your accommodation.

Afternoon: Visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and the Presidential Palace.

Evening: Wander around the Old Quarter and sample Hanoi’s famous street food.

Day 20 – Hanoi: City Landmarks

Morning: Visit the Temple of Literature and the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology.

Afternoon: Explore the Hoan Kiem Lake area and visit Ngoc Son Temple.

Evening: Watch a traditional water puppet show and have dinner at a local restaurant.

Day 21 – Hanoi: Arts and Crafts

Morning: Visit the Vietnam Fine Arts Museum and the Vietnam Women’s Museum.

Afternoon: Travel to the Bat Trang Pottery Village to learn about traditional pottery-making.

Evening: Dine at a restaurant in Hanoi, featuring Northern Vietnamese cuisine.

Day 22 – Hanoi to Sapa: Mountain Retreat

Morning: Travel to Sapa, known for its stunning terraced rice fields.

Afternoon: Hike to Cat Cat Village, home to the H’mong ethnic group.

Evening: Dine at a local restaurant in Sapa town.

Day 23 – Sapa: Ethnic Villages

Morning: Hike to Y Linh Ho and Lao Chai villages, experience ethnic cultures.

Afternoon: Continue your trek to Ta Van Village, enjoy breathtaking views.

Evening: Rest and have dinner at a homestay in Ta Van Village.

Day 24 – Sapa to Hanoi: Leisure Day

Morning: Spend the morning at your leisure in Sapa.

Afternoon: Return to Hanoi. Check-in to your hotel and rest.

Evening: Dine at a local restaurant in Hanoi.

Day 25 – Hanoi to Halong Bay: UNESCO World Heritage Site

Morning: Journey to Halong Bay, known for its emerald waters and limestone islands.

Afternoon: Board a cruise to explore the bay’s caves and islands.

Evening: Enjoy a seafood dinner onboard. Participate in night squid fishing, if desired.

Day 26 – Halong Bay: Exploration

Morning: Continue your cruise. Visit more caves and beaches.

Afternoon: Enjoy activities like kayaking and swimming.

Evening: Experience a cooking class onboard and enjoy your final dinner in the bay.

Day 27 – Halong Bay to Hanoi: Farewell Dinner

Morning: Return to Hanoi. Spend the day at your leisure.

Afternoon: Shop for souvenirs at the Old Quarter.

Evening: Celebrate your journey with a farewell dinner at a fine dining restaurant in Hanoi.

Day 28 – Departure from Hanoi

Morning: Enjoy your last morning in Hanoi.

Afternoon: Transfer to the airport for your flight home.

Evening: Depart from Hanoi, bringing home unforgettable memories and experiences.