1. Overview
Vietnam is one of the most attractive destinations in Southeast Asia, where breathtaking natural beauty, unique cultural heritage and rich cuisine converge. From the majestic mountains in the North, historical relics and beaches in the Central, to the vibrant life and river areas in the South, each region offers unforgettable experiences.
This article introduces the latest Vietnam itinerary – a suggested itinerary designed specifically for international travelers, helping you optimize your time, access outstanding destinations and deeply feel the Vietnamese identity through each step.
2. The ideal time to travel to Vietnam
Depending on the region in Vietnam you want to travel to, choose the best time to travel.
For Northern Vietnam, you should travel in Spring (March – April) because the weather is cool, flowers are blooming, suitable for you to experience festivals. Besides, you can also come here in Autumn (September – November) to feel the cool, dry air, clear blue sky, ideal for visiting scenic spots.
For Central Vietnam, the right time to travel is in the Dry Season (February – August). You will enjoy beautiful sunny days, little rain, calm sea, favorable for outdoor activities and swimming.
For Southern Vietnam, the Dry Season (December – April) is the right time for tourism activities because the weather at this time will be beautiful, sunny, dry, favorable for exploring the rivers of the West and big cities.
Lim Festival is a national intangible cultural heritage, the largest Spring festival in Bac Ninh province (Northern Vietnam). (Source: internet)
3. How to move to and within Vietnam
Getting to Vietnam: Major international airports include Noi Bai (Hanoi) in the North, Da Nang (Da Nang) in the Central, and Tan Son Nhat (Ho Chi Minh City) in the South.
Domestic travel:
- Airplane: Fastest option for traveling between distant regions (e.g. Hanoi – Da Nang, Da Nang – Ho Chi Minh City).
- Train: Provides scenic views along the coast or mountains, suitable for long or medium distances.
- Coach/bus: Cost-effective, suitable for traveling between neighboring provinces or within a region.
- Getting around the city: Taxi, motorbike (rented or technology car services such as Grab, Be, Xanh SM), public bus, and metro (developing in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City) are popular options.
Unique travel itinerary from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City by train. (Source: internet)
4. Vietnam itinerary from North to South
4.1. The North: Discovering thousands of years of culture and majestic mountains and rivers
Northern Vietnam is the cradle of wet rice civilization, preserving profound historical and traditional cultural values and possessing natural wonders recognized by UNESCO.
4.1.1. Hanoi
The thousand-year-old capital is where Vietnam’s typical historical and cultural values are preserved. Visitors can clearly feel the traditional and modern rhythm of life right in the heart of the city.
Begin your Vietnam itinerary with a visit to Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, Presidential Palace to learn about the life and career of the great leader of Vietnam. Besides, visit the One Pillar Pagoda, Temple of Literature – Quoc Tu Giam, learn about the ancient architecture and education of Vietnam.
Plan a city tour at Hoan Kiem Lake, check in the symbols of Ngoc Son Temple, The Huc Bridge, Turtle Tower, and enjoy a Trang Tien ice cream on the way. After that, watch water puppetry at Thang Long Puppet Theater, or discover Ho Chi Minh Museum, Museum of Ethnology, Vietnam Military Museum…
Don’t forget to stroll around Hanoi’s Old Quarter and famous markets to enjoy local specialties such as pho, bun cha, sticky rice, banh com and buy yourself some souvenirs.
4.1.2. Quang Ninh
Featured with Ha Long Bay – World Natural Heritage, Quang Ninh is an ideal destination for those who love sea and island landscapes and outdoor activities.
Discover the majestic beauty of Ha Long Bay – a UNESCO World Heritage Site, by cruise or kayak through unique limestone caves such as Sung Sot Cave and Thien Cung Cave. This is an experience you should not miss in your Vietnam itinerary.
Besides, try experiencing coastal life on Co To Island or Quan Lan Island, where the wild beauty, clear blue beaches, fine white sand and friendly people are still preserved. Enjoy fresh seafood at Ha Long market or coastal restaurants – especially sea worms, tu hai, sam and khen.
Ha Long Bay is a bay with unique beauty, the most famous in Vietnam and attracts many international tourists. (Source: internet)
4.1.3. Ninh Binh
Dubbed “Ha Long Bay on land”, Ninh Binh impresses with its majestic limestone landscapes, ancient capital relics and unique eco-tourism experiences.
One of the activities not to be missed is to visit the Trang An scenic complex by boat to weave through the limestone mountains, magical caves and sacred temples located along the river.
Explore Tam Coc – Bich Dong, known as “Ha Long Bay on land”, with golden rice fields stretching along both sides of the poetic Ngo Dong River. Along with that, visit Bai Dinh Pagoda, the largest pagoda in Southeast Asia with majestic architecture and impressive spiritual space.
4.1.4. Lao Cai
Lao Cai is a convergence of the Northwest mountains, ethnic minority identities and cool climate all year round. Sapa town is a prominent destination attracting international tourists who love nature and trekking.
Your Vietnam itinerary will become even more interesting when you arrive in Sa Pa, walk among the terraced fields in the ripe rice season and check-in at villages such as Cat Cat, Ta Van, where the H’Mong and Dao people live. Experience conquering Fansipan peak – the roof of Indochina by modern cable car or trekking along challenging mountain roads.
You should also stop by Ta Phin village to bathe in Dao herbal medicine and exchange culture with local people. Overmore, experience Bac Ha market (on Sunday), where you can admire the colorful costumes of ethnic minorities and buy unique handicrafts.
The impressive beauty of the “roof of Indochina” Fansipan peak in Sa Pa, Lao Cai. (Source: internet)
4.1.5. Ha Giang
The northernmost region of the country fascinates visitors with its breathtaking mountain passes and majestic rocky plateau scenery. This is an ideal destination for tourists who love adventure and exploring indigenous culture.
Walking on the Happiness Road to the Dong Van stone plateau, you will admire the majestic limestone mountains and the vast fields of buckwheat flowers. Don’t forget to visit Dong Van ancient town, enjoy morning coffee amidst the mountain air and ancient architecture.
Add to your Vietnam itinerary the Conquering Ma Pi Leng Pass, one of the “four great mountain passes” of Vietnam, overlooking the winding green Nho Que River below. Not to be missed are the highland markets such as Dong Van market, Meo Vac market, come and join to witness the beauty of the cultural identity of ethnic minorities.
4.2. Central Vietnam: Heritage land and charming beaches
Central Vietnam is famous for its UNESCO-recognized world cultural heritages, beautiful beaches and unique cuisine.
4.2.1. Da Nang Province—Blending modernity and heritage
Da Nang Province is an ideal destination for a journey to explore the Central region, where natural beauty, modern life, and long-standing heritage values intersect.
In the city center, visitors can stroll across the Dragon Bridge and the Love Bridge and admire the spectacular fire and water spraying show on weekends. Don’t miss Ba Na Hills with its cloud-topped cable car, the famous Golden Bridge, and the Fantasy Park entertainment area. The blue My Khe beach and the sacred Ngu Hanh Son are also destinations not to be missed.
Not far from the center, Hoi An ancient town—a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site—offers an ancient and peaceful space with colorful lanterns, the Japanese Covered Bridge, the Tan Ky Ancient House, the Phuc Kien Assembly Hall, and experiential activities such as making lanterns, dyeing fabric, and learning to cook with the locals.
Local cuisine is also an unforgettable highlight: from Quang noodles, banh xeo, and bun ca to rice paper rolls with pork and sam bo luong at Han market to cao lau, banh bao-banh vac, and Hoi An’s famous Phuong bread, all contribute to creating a memorable Vietnam itinerary.
The beauty of Hoi An Ancient Town – UNESCO World Heritage. (Source: Internet)
4.2.3. Hue
The ancient capital of Hue retains the quiet beauty of a golden age with a system of tombs, temples and royal palaces. This is an ideal stopover for those who love history and peaceful space.
Your Vietnam itinerary will not be complete if you miss the Hue Imperial City, the Imperial City and the tombs of the Nguyen Dynasty kings such as Khai Dinh Tomb and Minh Mang Tomb to learn about the last dynasty of Vietnam.
An activity not to be missed is taking a dragon boat ride on the Perfume River, listening to Hue folk songs and enjoying the poetic scenery on both banks. Along with that, enjoy royal cuisine with elaborately presented dishes such as banh beo, banh nam, nem lui, com hen and Hue sweet soup with many flavors.
4.2.4. Quang Binh
Quang Binh is famous worldwide for its magnificent cave system in Phong Nha – Ke Bang National Park. This place is a paradise for nature lovers and adventurers.
Explore Phong Nha – Ke Bang, a World Natural Heritage, by visiting majestic caves such as Phong Nha, Thien Duong, and Toi caves, or experience an adventure tour to explore Son Doong cave – the world’s largest cave.
Participate in adventure activities such as ziplining, kayaking, rock climbing or swimming in the turquoise waters of the caves. Spend time relaxing at eco-tours such as Nuoc Mooc stream, Chay river – Toi cave, where there is pristine nature and fresh air.
4.2.5. Khanh Hoa
Khanh Hoa is famous for the vibrant coastal city of Nha Trang, known for its long beaches and luxury resorts. It’s a top choice for international travelers seeking a relaxing beach vacation.
You can swim, unwind at seaside or island resorts, or join island-hopping tours to Dao Yen – Hon Noi, Hon Mun, Hon Tam, and Hon Mot for snorkeling, water sports, or simply relaxing on a boat.
To explore local culture and cuisine, visit Dam Market to shop for dried seafood, bird’s nest, and souvenirs, and enjoy local specialties like Binh Ba lobster, jellyfish noodles, seafood pancakes, and Ninh Hoa grilled spring rolls.
The poetic natural space of Yen Island – Hon Noi, Nha Trang. (Source: internet)
4.3. The South: Urban vitality and rustic river features
Southern Vietnam stands out with the dynamism of its big cities, along with the peaceful, rich beauty of the Mekong Delta.
4.3.1. Ho Chi Minh City
As the largest economic and cultural center of the country, Ho Chi Minh City is not only famous for its French architectural works such as Notre Dame Cathedral, the Central Post Office, and Independence Palace, but also an ideal starting point for the journey to explore the South in the Vietnam itinerary.
Visitors can visit Ben Thanh Market, stroll along Nguyen Hue Walking Street, enjoy street food, and feel the modern, dynamic pace of life. In addition, do not miss a visit to the Cu Chi Tunnels; explore the unique underground tunnel system hundreds of kilometers long that was used during the war.
A few hours away from the center, Vung Tau offers fresh sea air and beautiful scenery. Visitors can climb the statue of Christ the King to see the whole view of the coastal city, swim at Bai Sau, explore peaceful beaches such as Bai Dua and Bai Chi Linh, and enjoy fresh seafood right on the beach. Do not forget to visit Vung Tau lighthouse, Bach Dinh, and Niet Ban Tinh Xa, where beliefs and French architectural imprints are harmoniously combined.
4.3.2. Mekong Delta
This fertile land is famous for its intricate river system, unique floating markets and distinctive garden life. This is an ideal place for international tourists to learn about river culture and traditional agricultural lifestyle.
One of the most popular activities here is visiting Cai Rang Floating Market (Can Tho) in the early morning – one of the largest floating markets in the West, where goods are traded on boats in the middle of bustling rivers.
Visit the coconut candy village in Ben Tre, Cai Mon fruit garden or eco-tourism areas to enjoy the rustic and peaceful countryside atmosphere. Join the sampan tours through the coconut forest, enjoy Southern folk music and experience a rustic meal with the locals.
If you love adventure, conquer Sam Mountain (An Giang), visit the sacred Ba Chua Xu Temple and admire the vast rice fields from the top of the mountain.
Cai Rang – the largest floating market in the West, attracts many tourists to visit. (Source: internet)
4.3.3. Phu Quoc (An Giang)
Phu Quoc Pearl Island is a resort paradise with blue sea, white sand and diverse ecosystem. This is an ideal destination for couples, families or tourists who want to enjoy a complete vacation.
Complement your Vietnam itinerary with a relaxing vacation in Phu Quoc: relax on pristine beaches such as Bai Sao, Bai Dai, sunbathe and enjoy the clear blue waters of the pearl island in the middle of the Gulf of Thailand.
You can refer to other entertainment venues such as Grand World Phu Quoc, VinWonders, Vinpearl Safari – the most modern entertainment and resort complex in Southeast Asia. If you love exploring, Phu Quoc prison, which marks the painful but heroic history of the Vietnam War, will be an impressive destination for you.
Phu Quoc in Top 3 most beautiful islands in Asia – Pacific in 2025. (Source: Government News )
4. Conclusion
The journey to explore Vietnam from North to South offers international visitors a variety of experiences. Whether you are a nature lover, a history buff or looking for a relaxing vacation, you will always have the right choice for your trip in this country. With expertly curated services and a well-planned Vietnam itinerary, Asia Luxury Travel is ready to accompany you on every step of your unforgettable journey through this beautiful country.
5. Contact
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Website: https://asialuxurytravels.com/
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