North to South Vietnam Travel Itinerary: 10, 14 & 30-Day Plans

A north to south Vietnam travel itinerary typically follows the route from Hanoi to Ha Long Bay or Ninh Binh, then south through Hue, Hoi An, Ho Chi Minh City, and the Mekong Delta. With more than 1,700 km of road to cover, poor route planning can leave you spending entire days in transit instead of exploring. This guide covers three day-by-day itineraries, how to travel between destinations, the best seasons to visit, and estimated costs to help you plan your journey.

North to South Vietnam Itinerary at a Glance

Planning tips:

• Travel in one direction: Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City is about 1,700 km by road (Highway 1A). Order your stops north to south and book an open-jaw flight (into Hanoi, out of Ho Chi Minh City) so you never backtrack.
• Leave some slack: Travel times vary with transport and stops, so a little spare time keeps the trip relaxed.

1. Best Time to Travel from North to South Vietnam

The best months for the entire route are February through April, when the North is mild, Central Vietnam enters its dry season, and the South remains warm and dry. November and December are also great options, though you should expect a few rainy days along the central coast.

Because Vietnam spans multiple climate zones, there isn’t a single month with perfect weather everywhere. For instance, while Hanoi requires a warm jacket in January, Ho Chi Minh City is bright and sunny, and when autumn storms hit the central coast, the North stays pleasantly cool and dry.

Here is how the seasons compare by region:

Note: Tet (Lunar New Year) falls in January or February. Trains and buses sell out, prices rise and many shops close for several days, so book transport well ahead.

2. 10-Day North to South Vietnam Itinerary: The Highlights

Designed for first-time visitors, this 10-day itinerary covers Vietnam’s main highlights: Hanoi, Halong Bay, Hue, Hoi An, Ho Chi Minh City, and Phu Quoc. To maximize your time, be sure to book your domestic flights early for Hanoi → Hue, Da Nang → Ho Chi Minh City, and Ho Chi Minh City → Phu Quoc.

2.1. Stage 1 (Days 1 – 3): Hanoi → Halong Bay → Hue

• Day 1: Hanoi.
  • Explore the vibrant Old Quarter, stroll around Hoan Kiem Lake to visit Ngoc Son Temple, and take in historic sites like St. Joseph’s Cathedral and the Temple of Literature.
  • Must-try treats: pho, bun cha, and traditional egg coffee.
• Day 2: Hanoi → Halong Bay.
  • Head to Tuan Chau Harbor to board an overnight cruise, where you will explore Sung Sot (Surprise) Cave, kayak through scenic lagoons, and watch the sunset from the deck.
  • Must-try treats: enjoying a fresh seafood dinner and evening squid fishing.
• Day 3: Halong Bay → Hue
  • Start your day with morning Tai Chi and a visit to a local pearl farm before disembarking at noon to catch an evening flight from Noi Bai Airport (HAN) to Hue.
  • Must-try treats: Bun Bo Hue and royal Che.

2.2. Stage 2 (Days 4 – 6): Hue → Da Nang → Hoi An

• Day 4: Hue
  • Discover Hue’s rich imperial history at the UNESCO-listed Imperial Citadel, visit Thien Mu Pagoda along the Perfume River, and admire the intricate design of Khai Dinh Tomb.
  • Must-try treats: Banh Beo, Banh Nam, Banh Loc, and salted coffee.
• Day 5: Hue → Hoi An via Hai Van Pass.
  • Travel across the scenic Hai Van Pass overlooking Lang Co Bay, stop by the Marble Mountains in Da Nang, and arrive in Hoi An just as the colorful lanterns light up the streets.
  • Must-try treats: Cao Lau, Mi Quang, and Banh Mi.
• Day 6: Hoi An and Ba Na Hills
  • Tour historical landmarks in the Ancient Town like the Japanese Covered Bridge, Tan Ky Old House, and Fujian Assembly Hall, then ride the cable car up to Ba Na Hills to visit the iconic Golden Bridge and French Village.

Tip: Visit the Golden Bridge early in the morning or mid-afternoon to avoid tour groups.

2.3. Stage 3 (Days 7 – 8): Hoi An / Da Nang → Ho Chi Minh City

• Day 7: Da Nang → Ho Chi Minh City
  • Take a quick flight from Da Nang (DAD) to Saigon to spend the day exploring key city landmarks including the Independence Palace, War Remnants Museum, Notre-Dame Cathedral, Central Post Office, and Ben Thanh Market.
  • Must-try treats: Com Tam, Hu Tieu Nam Vang, and Ca Phe Sua Da.
• Day 8: Cu Chi Tunnels
  • Crawl through the historic wartime tunnels and sample boiled cassava with peanut salt before returning to the city for an evening walk along Nguyen Hue Pedestrian Street or shopping at Bitexco Financial Tower.

2.4. Stage 4 (Days 9 – 10): Ho Chi Minh City → Phu Quoc Island

• Day 9: Ho Chi Minh City → Phu Quoc
  • Fly from SGN to PQC to relax on the white sands of Bai Sao Beach, catch a picturesque sunset at Dinh Cau Shrine, and enjoy fresh seafood at the Night Market.
  • Must-try treats: herring salad (Goi Ca Trich), grilled sea urchin, and Bun Quay.
• Day 10: Departure
  • Enjoy a final morning swim or tour a local pepper or pearl farm for unique souvenirs before heading to Phu Quoc International Airport for your flight home.

Tip: Spend an evening at Grand World for its water shows. Pack fish sauce carefully, as most airlines have special rules for it.

3. 14-Day North to South Vietnam Itinerary: The Full Experience

This two-week route expands on the essential sights by introducing the northern mountain ranges, Central Highlands, and Mekong Delta. To keep transit smooth, book your domestic flights well in advance: Hanoi → Hue, Da Nang → Da Lat, Da Lat → Ho Chi Minh City, and Can Tho → Phu Quoc.

3.1. Stage 1 (Days 1 – 4): Hanoi → Ha Giang → Halong Bay → Ninh Binh

• Day 1: Hanoi
  • Walk through the lively Old Quarter, take in Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple, and visit St. Joseph’s Cathedral alongside the Temple of Literature.
  • Must-try treats: pho, bun cha, and egg coffee.
• Day 2: Hanoi → Ha Giang
  • Depart early toward the northern mountains to traverse stunning limestone peaks and wind through Ma Pi Leng Pass above the Nho Que River, stopping overnight in Dong Van.
  • Must-try treats: Chao Tau Tau and delicate steamed rice rolls.
• Day 3: Ha Giang → Halong Bay
  • Arrive at Tuan Chau Harbor to board your bay cruise, where you’ll spend the day exploring Sung Sot (Surprise) Cave, kayaking through karst formations, and relaxing with a seafood dinner and evening squid fishing.
• Day 4: Halong Bay → Ninh Binh → Hue
  • Glide through the UNESCO-protected Trang An caves on a traditional sampan boat and climb Mua Cave for panoramic views over Tam Coc before catching an evening flight from Hanoi to Hue.
  • Must-try treats: crispy rice (Com Chay) and local mountain goat.

Tip: Take a sleeper limousine or private car to Ha Giang so you can rest, and wear sturdy shoes for the 500 steps up Mua Cave.

3.2. Stage 2 (Days 5 – 7): Hue → Da Nang → Hoi An

• Day 5: Hue
  • Spend the day touring Hue’s celebrated historical landmarks, including the Imperial Citadel, Thien Mu Pagoda along the Perfume River, and the ornate Khai Dinh Tomb.
  • Must-try treats: Bun Bo Hue, Banh Beo, Banh Nam, Banh Loc, and salt coffee.
• Day 6: Hue → Hoi An via Hai Van Pass
  • Take in sweeping ocean views over Lang Co Bay along the pass, stopping to explore the Marble Mountains and relax on My Khe Beach in Da Nang before continuing to Hoi An
  • Must-try treats: Mi Quang, Banh Trang Thit Heo, and fresh seafood.
• Day 7: Ba Na Hills and Hoi An
  • Take an early cable car ride up to the Golden Bridge at Ba Na Hills, then spend your afternoon wandering Hoi An’s Ancient Town to see the Japanese Covered Bridge, Tan Ky Old House, and Fujian Assembly Hall.
  • Must-try treats: Cao Lau, White Rose dumplings, and Banh Mi Phuong.

Tip: Stay after sunset to see the silk lanterns and float a candle lantern on the Thu Bon River.

3.3. Stage 3 (Days 8 – 10): Hoi An → Da Lat → Ho Chi Minh City

• Day 8: Da Nang → Da Lat
  • Fly inland to the cool Central Highlands to visit Truc Lam Zen Monastery, enjoy Tuyen Lam Lake, and ride the thrill-filled alpine coaster at Datanla Waterfall.
  • Must-try treats: chicken leaf hotpot (Lau Ga La E), grilled rice paper, and fresh artichoke tea.
• Day 9: Da Lat → Ho Chi Minh City
  • Enjoy a relaxing morning walk around Xuan Huong Lake and through the Da Lat Flower Park before taking an afternoon flight south to stroll Nguyen Hue Pedestrian Street at night.
  • Must-try treats: Com Tam, Hu Tieu Nam Vang, and authentic iced milk coffee.
• Day 10: Ho Chi Minh City and Cu Chi Tunnels
  • Spend your morning visiting the Independence Palace, War Remnants Museum, Notre-Dame Cathedral, and Central Post Office, followed by an afternoon excursion to the Cu Chi Tunnels
  • Must-try treats: crispy Banh Xeo.

3.4. Stage 4 (Days 11 – 12): Ho Chi Minh City → Can Tho (Mekong Delta)

• Day 11: Ho Chi Minh City → My Tho → Ben Tre → Can Tho
  • Visit Vinh Trang Pagoda and cruise across the Tien River into Ben Tre’s coconut canals by sampan, stopping at a local coconut candy workshop along the way to Can Tho.
  • Must-try treats: elephant-ear fish, grilled snakehead fish, and tropical fruits.
• Day 12: Can Tho
  • Board an early morning boat to experience the bustling Cai Rang Floating Market, then tour a rice noodle factory and the historic Binh Thuy Ancient House
  • Breakfast tip: enjoy fresh noodle soup or Bun Rieu served straight from a vendor’s boat.

Tip: Leave for the floating market by 5:30 AM for the busiest trading and the best light. At the orchards, enjoy Don Ca Tai Tu folk music with honey tea.

3.5. Stage 5 (Days 13 – 14): Can Tho → Phu Quoc Island

• Day 13: Can Tho → Phu Quoc
  • Fly directly from VCA to PQC to spend the day unwinding on Bai Sao Beach, catch the sunset at Dinh Cau Rock, and explore Grand World or the Night Market in the evening
  • Must-try treats: herring salad, grilled sea urchin, and Bun Quay.
• Day 14: Departure
  • Swim at Bai Khem or take a panoramic ride on the Hon Thom Cable Car to pick up local pepper or pearl souvenirs before flying home.

Tip: Black pepper and sim wine are easy souvenirs to pack; check your airline’s rules for fish sauce.

4. 30-Day North to South Vietnam Itinerary: The Complete Journey

Ideal for slow travelers and backpackers, this month-long journey ranges from northern mountain peaks in Sa Pa and Ha Giang to the serene southern beaches of Phu Quoc. Make sure to reserve your tickets early for the overnight Ninh Binh → Dong Hoi train and domestic flights for Da Nang → Quy Nhon or Nha Trang, Da Lat → Ho Chi Minh City, and Can Tho → Phu Quoc.

4.1. Stage 1 (Days 1 – 11): Hanoi → Sa Pa → Ha Giang → Halong Bay → Ninh Binh

• Day 1: Hanoi
  • Take a walking tour of the 36 Guild Streets, wander around Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple, and visit St. Joseph’s Cathedral alongside the historic Temple of Literature.
  • Must-try treats: pho, bun cha, and egg coffee.
• Day 2: Hanoi → Sa Pa
  • Catch a morning sleeper bus or limousine van to Sa Pa, then trek down to Cat Cat Village to see local H’Mong crafts and scenic waterfalls.
  • Must-try treats: grilled skewers and bamboo-cooked sticky rice (Com Lam).
• Day 3: Sa Pa
  • Hike through Muong Hoa Valley past Lao Chai and Ta Van villages, ascend to Fansipan peak (3,143 m)—the “Roof of Indochina”—via cable car, and unwind with a Red Dao herbal bath.
• Day 4: Sa Pa → Ha Giang
  • Enjoy a scenic mountain drive to Ha Giang City, where you will prepare for the famous Ha Giang Loop. Must-try treats: Chao Tau Tau and fresh Banh Cuon.
• Day 5: Quan Ba → Dong Van
  • Ride through Heaven’s Gate, admire the Twin Mountains and Yen Minh pine forest, and visit the historic H’Mong King Palace.
  • Must-try treats: buckwheat cake and local corn wine.
• Day 6: Dong Van → Hanoi
  • Cross dramatic Ma Pi Leng Pass, ride a boat through Tu San Canyon on the Nho Que River, stop for lunch in Meo Vac, and return to Hanoi on an overnight limousine.
• Day 7: Hanoi → Halong Bay
  • Overnight cruise from Tuan Chau Harbor: Sung Sot (Surprise) Cave, kayaking, seafood dinner and squid fishing.
• Day 8: Halong Bay → Ninh Binh
  • Practice morning Tai Chi on deck before traveling to the ancient capital of Hoa Lu to explore the temples of the Dinh and Le Dynasties.
  • Must-try treats: mountain goat and crispy rice.
• Day 9: Trang An and Mua Cave
  • Take a serene sampan boat ride through the Trang An cave complex, then tackle the 500 steps up Mua Cave for unmatched sweeping views over Tam Coc.
• Day 10: Bich Dong Pagoda
  • Cycle past lush rice paddies to the cave-temple of Bich Dong and explore Thung Nham Bird Park.
  • Must-try treats: mountain snails (Oc Nui) and grilled river fish.
• Day 11: Ninh Binh → Dong Hoi
  • Enjoy a leisure day before boarding the overnight Reunification Express train headed south.

Tip: Rent a bicycle and ride through the Tam Coc rice fields in the late afternoon.

4.2. Stage 2 (Days 12 – 18): Ninh Binh → Quang Binh → Hue → Da Nang → Hoi An

• Day 12: Phong Nha
  • Take a riverboat directly into Phong Nha Cave and marvel at the massive interior cavern of Paradise Cave.
  • Must-try treats: Chao Canh and fresh seafood along Nhat Le Beach.
• Day 13: Dong Hoi → Hue via the DMZ
  • Drive along Highway 1A to cross the historic 17th Parallel at Hien Luong Bridge over the Ben Hai River
  • Must-try treats: Bun Bo Hue and Che Hem.
• Day 14: Hue
  • Spend the day exploring the Imperial Citadel, Thien Mu Pagoda, and the royal tombs of Khai Dinh and Tu Duc.
  • Must-try treats: Banh Beo, Banh Nam, Banh Loc, and salted coffee.
• Day 15: Hue → Da Nang via Hai Van Pass
  • Enjoy stunning ocean vistas over Lang Co Bay along the pass, stopping to tour the Marble Mountains and relax on My Khe Beach
  • Must-try treats: Mi Quang, Banh Trang Thit Heo, and fresh seafood.
• Day 16: Ba Na Hills → Hoi An
  • Ride the cable car to see the Golden Bridge, enjoy a buffet lunch at the summit, and head down to transfer to Hoi An.
• Day 17: Hoi An
  • Visit iconic sites like the Japanese Covered Bridge, Tan Ky Old House, and Fujian Assembly Hall, then launch a lantern boat on the Thu Bon River.
  • Must-try treats: Cao Lau, White Rose dumplings, and Banh Mi Phuong.
• Day 18: Bay Mau Coconut Forest. Ride in a traditional basket boat, try crab fishing, and participate in a farm cooking class to learn how to make Banh Xeo.

4.3. Stage 3 (Days 19 – 23): Hoi An → Quy Nhon → Nha Trang → Da Lat

• Day 19: Hoi An → Quy Nhon
  • Drive along the Central Coast to explore the dramatic Eo Gio cliffs and pristine Ky Co Beach.
  • Must-try treats: jellyfish noodle soup (Bun Sua) and jumping shrimp pancakes.
• Day 20: Quy Nhon → Nha Trang
  • Follow the coast past Dai Lanh Beach to visit the historic Po Nagar Cham Towers.
  • Must-try treats: grilled pork rolls (Nem Nuong) and fresh seafood.
• Day 21: Nha Trang islands
  • Take a speedboat to Hon Mun and Hon Tam for snorkeling, beach relaxation, and a seafood barbecue on board.
• Day 22: Nha Trang → Da Lat
  • Climb through Khanh Le Pass into the mountains to visit Xuan Huong Lake and the unique Crazy House
  • Must-try treats: Lau Ga La E, Banh Trang Nuong, and highland coffee.
• Day 23: Da Lat
  • Ride the cable car to Truc Lam Zen Monastery, experience the Datanla alpine coaster, and tour a pine-forest coffee farm while sampling artichoke tea and strawberry desserts.

4.4. Stage 4 (Days 24 – 26): Da Lat → Ho Chi Minh City

• Day 24: Da Lat → Ho Chi Minh City
  • Browse Da Lat Market, travel south by flight or express shuttle, and enjoy an evening stroll on Nguyen Hue Pedestrian Street.
  • Must-try treats: Com Tam and iced milk coffee.
• Day 25: Ho Chi Minh City.
  • Tour city highlights including the Independence Palace, War Remnants Museum, Notre-Dame Cathedral, Central Post Office, and Ben Thanh Market.
  • Must-try treats: Hu Tieu Nam Vang and fresh Banh Mi.
• Day 26: Cu Chi Tunnels and Cho Lon.
  • Spend the morning exploring the historic Cu Chi Tunnels, followed by an afternoon in Chinatown (District 5) visiting Binh Tay Market and Thien Hau Temple.
  • Must-try treats: dim sum and traditional herbal drinks.

4.5. Stage 5 (Days 27 – 30): Ho Chi Minh City → My Tho → Ben Tre → Can Tho → Phu Quoc

• Day 27: Ho Chi Minh City → My Tho → Ben Tre → Can Tho
  • Visit Vinh Trang Pagoda, cross the Tien River, paddle Ben Tre’s coconut canals, and stop at a local coconut candy workshop.
  • Must-try treats: elephant-ear fish and grilled snakehead fish.
• Day 28: Can Tho → Phu Quoc
  • Visit Cai Rang Floating Market and a local rice noodle factory in the morning before flying VCA to PQC to spend the evening at Grand World or the Night Market.
• Day 29: Phu Quoc
  • Unwind on Bai Sao, ride the Hon Thom Cable Car, and enjoy the sunset from Dinh Cau Rock.
  • Must-try treats: herring salad, grilled sea urchin, and Bun Quay.
• Day 30: Departure
  • Enjoy a final swim at Bai Khem and shop for black pepper or pearl souvenirs before flying home.

Tip: Book the Hon Thom cable car and attraction tickets online in advance to skip the lines.

5. North to South Vietnam by Motorbike Itinerary

Whether you ride independently or travel with an Easy Rider guide, you will choose between two primary routes:

• National Highway 1A: While it is the fastest option on paper, it is heavily trafficked by trucks and sleeper buses, making it more tiring and less suitable for a long ride.
• Ho Chi Minh Highway: Running inland through tranquil valleys, mountain ridges, and historic passes, this route offers light traffic and far superior scenery.

Our pick: ride the Ho Chi Minh Highway and add a few coastal sections such as Hai Van Pass. For maps, see our Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh motorbike routes guide and Ho Chi Minh Trail motorbike map.

Trip duration: Plan for 12 to 21 days to ride from Hanoi to Saigon, covering roughly 150 to 250 km per day.

Sample North to South Motorbike Itinerary

Documents you need:

• Driver’s License: You need a valid motorcycle license from your home country paired with a 1968 Convention IDP for motorbikes over 50cc; check your eligibility in our Vietnam motorcycle license guide.
• Travel Insurance: Since standard policies often exclude motorcycling, verify that your plan covers riding and medical evacuation by referring to our motorcycle travel insurance guide.

6. How to Travel from North to South Vietnam

Most travelers mix several types of transport to balance time, budget and comfort. Here is how they compare:

How to combine them:

• Fly the longest legs, especially Hanoi → Hue / Da Nang and Da Nang → Saigon.
• Take the train from Hue to Da Nang, where the track hugs the coast.
• Use a limousine van for anything under four hours.

7. Tips for Planning Your North to South Vietnam Itinerary

Seven quick tips to make a long trip run smoothly:

• Book open-jaw flights. Save time by flying into Hanoi (HAN) and departing from Ho Chi Minh City (SGN) or Phu Quoc (PQC).
• Time your route carefully. Plan to reach the South before May to enjoy its dry season, and travel through Central Vietnam early in the year to avoid the heavy September to December rains.
• Pace yourself. Avoid scheduling more than two long travel days back-to-back, and try to stay at least two nights at each major destination.
• Reserve early for busy seasons. Book flights, train sleeper berths, and hotels well in advance if traveling during Tet (January/February) or the summer peak (June–August).
• Pack for varied climates. Bring a warm jacket for cooler mountain areas like Sa Pa, Ha Giang, and Da Lat, a rain layer for Central Vietnam, and breathable clothing for the South.
• Stay connected and carry cash. Pick up a local SIM card upon arrival for mobile data and keep Vietnamese Dong on hand for street food, markets, and local transport; see our Best SIM Card for Vietnam guide for details.
• Get a 90-day e-Visa. Apply online for the official multiple-entry e-Visa before you leave.

8. FAQs

8.1. Is it better to travel Vietnam north to south or south to north?

North to south is most popular because it transitions smoothly from northern mountain culture to southern beaches. However, choose based on seasonal weather and flight deals.

8.2. Can you travel from north to south Vietnam by train?

Yes. The 1,726 km Reunification Express connects Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City along the coast, offering scenic day rides (like Hue to Da Nang) and 4-berth sleeper cabins for overnight journeys.

8.3. Can you ride a motorbike from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City?

Yes. Riding the 1,800 – 2,000 km route takes 14 to 21 days. For safety and lighter traffic, use the inland Ho Chi Minh Highway, and ensure you have a valid motorcycle license with a 1968 Convention IDP.

For guided tours without logistical stress, book with Motorbike Tour Expert. Our local guides offer over 15 years of experience leading rides across Vietnam.

Every tour includes:

• An English-speaking guide who doubles as your mechanic and photographer
• Full protective gear: helmet, gloves, and knee, elbow and body armor
• Airport or hotel pickup for hassle-free arrivals
• Custom private tours tailored to your dates, or the option to join a group departure if traveling solo

To see what a long ride looks like, explore our Ho Chi Minh Trail tours or the 17-Day Motorbike Tour Around Vietnam.