We visited Vietnam in 2018 and were fascinated by its pristine nature, Vietnamese culture, delicious food, great coffee, and friendly locals.

Vietnam is one of the most diverse counties in Southeast Asia and has unique something for every traveler. The country is enriched with its history and captivating centuries-old architecture, vibrant city culture, majestic rice fields, stunning landscape, offbeat adventures, exploring caves, country villages, nature hiking, and relaxation on beaches, the country will arouse all your travel minds and drive you in from all angles.

What are you waiting for?

Enjoy the thrill, and tranquility of the place with us!

5 epic destinations from North to South: a complete guide for Vietnam trip itinerary

Hanoi

Sapa

Hoi An

Saigon (Ho Chi Minh)

Day 1 - 3 Hanoi

Hanoi is a city full of crowds, good food stalls, and flea markets. We would suggest a walking tour, or you can take a rickshaw to explore the beautiful city in a day. Take a walk around Hoan Kien lake and spend time over there, visit Tran Quoc Pagoda, Hoa Lo Prison, and Nah tho lon (St. Joseph’s cathedral). Christmas is the best time to visit this roman catholic cathedral. You can watch a water puppetry theatre; it is another wonderful experience to spend an evening in the city.

You can have a taste of egg coffee in any café in Hanoi. For a dinner, don’t forget to have their regional specialty like Bun Cha, Pho.

You can spend half of your day exploring the old quarter of Hanoi is enriched with full of colonial architecture, Buddhist temples, and a charming atmosphere, make-like narrow lanes. It is a fun way to experience the best of Hanoi in Vietnam.

On the second day, you can plan a trip to Halong Bay. From Hanoi, it is just a two and a half hr. journey. There are various cruise options like Swan cruise, and you can book it beforehand. The cruise journey along the island is a must-to-do experience to gaze at the breathtaking view of Halong Bay, indulge in scrumptious delicacies, wandering around on a boat to explore floating villages and markets, and secret caves.

On the third day, you may visit Tam Coc and Hoa Lu in the Ninh Binh region. Tam Coc is a natural paradise in this region where you can travel after exploring the vibrant city culture in Hanoi. After visiting this place, headed towards the ancient citadel Hoa Lu. The place used to be the capital of Vietnam during the 10th and 11th centuries. You can visit both places on one day tour.

Where to stay in Hanoi: Old quarter is the best option in Hanoi to stay.

Day 4-7 Sapa

From Hanoi, you can travel by train from GA HA NOI railway station to reach Sapa. It’s an overnight journey and a budget-friendly trip.

Sapa is a region in Vietnam’s northwest and the place is blessed with awe-inspiring natural beauty, wonderful forest hike options, fascination with different cultural tribes, and iconic paddy fields. You can navigate these hikes by yourself or can take a private tour guide. The local guide is the best option to explore those beautiful villages, and get to know about their local culture, language, and food. They will never let you get bored during the whole hiking.

The most popular attraction spot in Sapa is the highest mountain range, Fan Si Pan Mountain, CATCAT village, Sapa main market, and Sapa love market. The best option to stay here is the Go Sapa hostel. It’s just a few mins away from the main town.

You can start your next day with nature hiking from Lao Chai to Ta Van village. In this village, you can spend your night with friendly locals. Joy’s House is the best homestay option here. Even you get an option to have their local delicacies while staying with them.

On the very next day after having your breakfast, head towards Ta Phin village. Then again back to Sapa and stay overnight.

Try to make your plan to visit Sapa on the weekend because when you are in Sapa, a visit to Bac Ha Sunday market is a must. Start the tip in the early morning so that you can spend half of the day at the market. You can travel to Ban Pho village from there and it’s just 15 mins away. You will get more information about Bac Ha market on our new upcoming blogs. Stay tuned!

Day 8-10 Hoi An

We reached Lao Chai around 4 pm and directly traveled towards Hanoi (Noi Bai) airport to catch a night flight for Hoi An. We arrived Hoi An (DA NANG) airport at the midnight and from there we took a cab to reach Areca Homestay, 30 mins drive away from the airport. Located in the heart of the city, this homestay is a perfect place for backpackers, families, or solo travelers.

We spent three days in Hoi An and wish if we could spend more than a week in Hoi An. It is simply fun to discover Hoi An's old quarter by just walking anytime, especially at night. Once the sun sets down, the city gets dazzled with vibrant color lanterns and just looks magical around. Visiting Hoi An during the lantern festival is the best time.

Old house architecture, Japanese covered bridge, and the central market at night attract the travelers most in Hoi An. Indulge yourself in shopping here. If you are a beach bum, An Bang beach is there to have some relaxation.

We would suggest spending at least two days exploring the timeless beauty of this old town.

From Hoi An, you may plan for a one-day visit to My Son, which is one of the best destinations of Hindu architecture in Southeast Asia, constructed by Champa Kingdom (3rd Century).

We traveled to My Son by bus from our homestay in Hoi An and a boat back to Hoi An. The boat will drop you off at Thu Bon riverbank where you can unwind yourself while sitting in any café across the river.

Day 11-12 Ho Chi Minh (Saigon)

We had taken a night flight from Hoi An to reach Saigon and stayed at a hotel near the airport. It is recommended to stay at Bui Vien walking street, one of the most happening streets in Saigon. The evening is the best time to explore the lively city streets and go to a spa for pampering yourself at a very cheap price.

We started early the next morning to visit the Mekong Delta, where we spent half of our day. It was a planned tour and there was nothing to explore. Only we enjoyed honey tea, food, and a boat ride on the Mekong Delta River.

When you are in Saigon, don’t forget to visit the beautiful Cao Dai temple. You must start your journey to reach the temple in the early morning to attain the prayer. To get more insights on Saigon, please follow our blogs!

You can also plan for Cu Chi tunnels along with the temple on the same day.

On the 13th day of our journey, we took a flight to reach Delhi.

Other travel tips:

Best time to visit: Feb’ to April

Language: Vietnamese is the official language / English

Currency: Vietnamese Dong

Cost for two people: 2,35,728 INR

Money exchange @ GOVT. BANKS: VIETCOM BANK

Document needed: PASSPORT

New sim card: AVAILABLE AT HOTEL RECEPTION or TRAVEL AGENCY ~ COST 10$

Southeast Asia online taxi service: “GRAB TAXI” APP

Local tour guide: THOA SO (CHYAO; @ SAPA: +84948918613); PINH (@ SAPA; +841685780676);

Visa – it’s easy to apply for a visa for citizens of most countries like India. You can apply for an e-visa and collect the visa on arrival from the airport. It is valid for 30 days

Vietnam is absolutely safe for solo women travelers, couples, and families.

Visit our Vietnamese food blog to get the real flavor of Vietnam.