12 Days in Vietnam: 4 Itineraries Based on Your Interests

Yearning for an experience that'll fill your soul and Instagram feed with equal delight? Say hello to Vietnam - a land of astonishing contrasts, both serene and spirited. We have pieced together four dazzling 12-day itineraries that are as varied as the country's landscape. From heart-pumping adventures to luxurious escapes, there are best Vietnam tours here for everyone.

Itinerary #1: Essential Vietnam with Sapa Adventure

Ready to be captivated? This 12-day itinerary is your ticket to the breathtaking diversity of Vietnam. From the humming streets of Ho Chi Minh City to the peaceful mountains of Sapa, all the way to the ethereal beauty of Halong Bay - you won't miss a beat.

Your first stop, Ho Chi Minh City, is a sensory explosion. Explore its labyrinthine tunnels and learn about Vietnam's complex past. Then, feel the pulse of the Mekong Delta Cruise that ends in My Tho. Now that's a day brimming with rural charm! Cruise past fishing villages, make your own coconut candy, and sample local delicacies at a riverside eatery. You will get to end your day right back in Ho Chi Minh City, giving you more time to soak in the urban vibe.

On day 4, fly from Ho Chi Minh City to Hoi An via Da Nang. In Hoi An, you're in for a treat. The city's lantern-lit evenings and cobblestone streets are the perfect backdrop for a culinary adventure. You'll even get to craft your lantern, a memory you can take home with you!

Day 5 holds something extraordinary - My Son Holy Land! Sandwiched between scenic Hoi An visits, prepare to be awestruck by this UNESCO World Heritage Site. The ancient ruins tell tales of a bygone era that you don't want to miss this one. The lore, the architecture, and the serenity - it's like a journey through Vietnam's soul.

My Son

On to Hanoi - the city that elegantly blends tradition and modernity. Sample Vietnamese food, visit ancient temples, and walk through its millennia-old quarters.

The adventure doesn't stop there. Behold Sapa, a trekker's Eden! Picture yourself hiking across sweeping terraces and past stunning waterfalls, as you get acquainted with the area's indigenous tribes. Get your hiking boots ready, because these trails are bucket-list worthy!

Cap it off with a Halong Bay cruise. Picture yourself kayaking through limestone caves and waking up to a Tai Chi class on a cruise deck. This will be the Vietnam you've been dreaming of.

Recommended Tour Itinerary

Essential Vietnam with Sapa Adventure 13 DAYS Explore This Tour

Itinerary #2: Ha Giang Loop Adventure

Seeking an exotic retreat that combines adventure with culture? This 12-day Ha Giang Loop Adventure is for those who crave the road less traveled.

You'll be whisked through Ha Giang's winding loops, exploring ethnic villages and surreal landscapes. This tour goes beyond just scratching the surface, offering intimate experiences in Vietnam's northern frontier.

Begin your trip in Hanoi, the capital city where tradition and modernity co-exist. Get acquainted with Vietnamese history by visiting the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and the One Pillar Pagoda. The Old Quarter's lively streets beckon with the promise of unique souvenirs and delicious street food.

Old Quarter, Hanoi

Shift gears as you enter Ha Giang. This region is an amalgamation of stunning landscapes and rich culture. Visit Nam Dam Village to learn about the Dao minority and their unique clay homes. The UNESCO-recognized Dong Van Karst Plateau Geopark and Ma Pi Leng Pass promise views that you'll never forget.

In Cao Bang, your adventurous soul will find solace in Me Pia Pass and the iconic Ban Gioc Waterfall. This area offers some of Vietnam's most breathtaking natural attractions, including the wondrous Nguom Ngao Cave.

Cruise through Halong Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Kayak to floating villages, practice Tai Chi on the deck, or simply relax and admire the karst peaks that dot the emerald waters.

Wrap up your journey where you began, perhaps taking a little extra time to souvenir shop or revisit a favorite site from earlier in your trip.

Recommended Tour Itinerary

Ha Giang Loop Adventure 12 DAYS Explore This Tour

Itinerary #3: A Symphony of Culture, History, and Nature

Imagine spending 12 magical days diving deep into Vietnam's multifaceted personality. This itinerary is custom-built for you to do just that - a balanced blend of history, culture, nature, and of course, mouthwatering cuisine.

Land in Ho Chi Minh City, where the old and the new blend seamlessly. Uncover wartime secrets in the intricate network of Cu Chi Tunnels. Then zoom around on a vintage Vespa, tasting street food that'll rock your world.

Switch gears in the Mekong Delta. Navigate through waterways in a long-tail boat, flanked by thick mangroves. Bargain for tropical fruits on a floating market, and feel the heartbeat of the delta.

Step back in history in Hue. Wander through the Imperial Citadel with its grand palaces and ornate pagodas. In Hoi An, take part in a local cooking class where you can master delicious dishes you'll be eager to recreate when you return home.

Cooking Class

Hanoi calls next. Picture narrow streets, buzzing with activity. Get cozy in a cyclo and let your driver weave through the labyrinth that is the Old Quarter. From the history-soaked Ho Chi Minh's House on Stilts to the serene Hoan Kiem Lake, Hanoi has it all.

End on a high note in Halong Bay. As your boat glides through the still waters, towering limestone cliffs rise to greet you. Experience the tranquility of morning Tai Chi, silhouetted against the dawning sky.

Recommended Tour Itinerary

Vietnam Food Tour and Vespa Exploration 12 DAYS Explore This Tour

Itinerary #4: The Best of Vietnam in Luxury

Ready for an adventure that offers an intoxicating blend of traditional charm and modern luxury in Vietnam? Look no further.

Your journey unfolds from the pulsating streets of Ho Chi Minh City and concludes amidst the emerald waters of Lan Ha Bay. This tour doesn't just skim the surface; it delves deep into Vietnam's rich tapestry - perfect for first-timers and seasoned travelers looking for that extra dash of opulence.

Start by absorbing Ho Chi Minh City's vibrant energy, where you'll reside at the prestigious InterContinental Saigon, a 5-star marvel that knows luxury service very much. Visit must-see landmarks like the Reunification Palace and Notre Dame Cathedral, then indulge in a themed lunch that takes your taste buds on an Italian sojourn.

Switch gears and drift into the tranquil Mekong Delta. Your floating accommodation will be Song Xanh Sampan, which glides through waterways adorned with lush landscapes and quaint villages. A day here feels like a page torn from an adventure novel.

Next up, Hoi An. Your accommodation here is the Anantara Hoi An Resort, a luxurious retreat that is a stone's throw from the UNESCO-listed Hoi An Ancient Town. The ancient town is an Instagrammers' paradise - colorful streets, heritage buildings, and delectable food. Don't miss the candlelit dinner on a bamboo raft. It's as romantic as it sounds!

In Hanoi, culture seeps from every corner. Your stay is booked at the InterContinental Hanoi Westlake, a sanctuary that perches elegantly on the edge of the city's largest freshwater lake. Visit venerable sites like the Temple of Literature and One Pillar Pagoda, then hop on a cyclo through the Old Quarter. The day wraps up with a private audience with a traditional water puppetry artist. 

Finally, luxury calls from Lan Ha Bay. Aboard the Orchid Premium Cruise, you're treated to plush accommodations and endless panoramas of karst landscapes. Enjoy activities like kayaking and night squid fishing, or just revel in the breathtaking scenery.

Recommended Tour Itinerary

Luxury Vietnam Tour with Lan Ha Bay 12 DAYS Explore This Tour

Related Articles

Where to Stay in Vietnam: Top 10 Luxury Hotels & Resorts

Wow, what a journey through Vietnam's stunning vistas and rich culture, right? But guess what? The adventure doesn't have to stop here. If you're yearning for more, why not take your escapade to the next level with a multi-country tour? Thailand's serene beaches, Cambodia's ancient temples, Laos' tranquil countryside, and Singapore's urban buzz make fabulous neighbors for Vietnam.

Whether you're interested in just Vietnam or in crossing borders for a broader Southeast Asian trip, we've got you covered. Don't wait - start your Vietnam tour of a lifetime with us!