Vietnam is a country full of history, stunning landscapes, and incredible food. Over 11 days, we explored it all—from the buzzing streets of Hanoi to the peaceful beaches of Nha Trang and the energetic vibes of Saigon. If you’re planning a trip, this Vietnam 11 day itinerary will walk you through everything while keeping it simple and fun!
Also, do check out my other blogpost on how we did the this Vietnam 11 day itinerrary in ~45k per person.
Vietnam 11 Day Itinerary
Days 1-4: Exploring Hanoi
Day 1: Getting Started in Hanoi
After an early check-in, we caught up on sleep (long flights are exhausting!). Post-lunch, we started exploring Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple, a beautiful spot right in the middle of the lake. Later, we went to see a Water Puppet Show, which was a fun way to learn about Vietnam’s traditions. After dinner, we went to the famous Train Street, where we experienced the thrill of trains passing just inches away from bustling cafes.
Day 2: Ha Long Bay Tour
We took a full-day trip to Ha Long Bay, booked via Klook. The tour started at 9 AM and offered a luxurious experience aboard a cruise ship. With lunch provided on the boat, we enjoyed breathtaking views of limestone karsts and emerald waters. We visited the Sung Sot Cave and hiked on the popular Ti Top Island. The views were breathtaking!
Pro tip: We booked the tour via Klook and used TopCashback to get an additional 10% cashback on our booking, making it a win-win!
Day 3:
Originally, we planned to visit Ninh Binh, but our kid wasn’t feeling great, so we kept it easy. Instead, we went to Lotte Tower, which has amazing city views, and later in the evening, did a hop-on-hop-off bus tour.
Pro tip: Don’t book Lotte Tower and bus tickets online; buy them at the counter for better pricing.
Day 4: Local Workshops & Heading to Danang
After breakfast, we checked out and did a half-day tour to Quang Phu Cau, where we participated in a hat-making workshop and visited an Incense Village. This place has recently become very popular on account of its Instagram-worthy photos. That evening, we took a flight to Danang for the next part of our journey.
Pro tip: For booking Quang Phu Cau, dont show any urgency in booking. Book just a couple of days before. We noticed that discounts were higher for tours in the next 7 days over the tours beyond the 7 days.
Days 5-7: Danang, Hoi An & Bana Hills
Day 5: Coconut Boat Ride & Hoi An
Since our flight was delayed, the day started late. In the afternoon, we did a coconut boating tour and explored Hoi An village. We booked this tour via GetYourGuide.com and again used TopCashback for extra savings. While Hoi An is famed for its beauty, we found it a bit overhyped and crowded for our liking.
Day 6: Marble Mountains & Staying in Bana Hills
We started with Marble Mountains—but heads up, there are two separate locations, so you need two tickets. If you plan to hike everything, give yourself at least 3 hours (not just 1-2 hours like most guides suggest).
From there, we headed to Bana Hills and checked into Mercure Bana Hills. We reached the cable car station at 3:30 PM and got to our hotel by 4:30 PM. Since most tourists were leaving, we visited the Golden Bridge in the evening itself, and wow—what an incredible experience! The fog rolled in, making everything look magical and heavenly, and best of all, no crowds! Later, we explored a French Village and took plenty of photos.
Day 7: More Bana Hills & Off to Nha Trang
Following breakfast, we continued exploring Bana Hills. Starting early enabled us to enjoy several attractions without the usual rush, including the popular Alpine roller coaster. Later, we explored more of Bana Hills at a leisurely pace before heading back in the evening to see Han Riverfront & Dragon Bridge, then boarded a train to Nha Trang.
Days 8-9: Relaxing in Nha Trang
Day 8-9: Beach & Chill Time
We hadn’t planned a packed itinerary for Nha Trang, preferring to relax and enjoy the beautiful views from our Novotel hotel and the nearby beach. These two days were all about unwinding and soaking in the sun. On the night of Day 9, we boarded a train to Saigon.
Days 10-11: Saigon & Saying Goodbye to Vietnam
Day 10: Cu Chi Tunnels & A Special Parade
Thanks to the kind folks at Le Meridien, we received an early check-in at 9 AM. After freshening up, we set off for the Cu Chi Tunnels tour, where we learned about Vietnam’s history. Coincidentally, we were in Saigon during the preparations for the 50th anniversary of reunification, which included an airshow practice in the morning and a military parade in the evening. While it was exciting to witness, he downside? Traffic jams made getting back really tough—we had to walk 30-40 minutes to our hotel.
Day 11: War Museum & Goodbye Vietnam
Checked out, visited the Vietnam War Museum, and learned a lot about the country’s past. Later, we headed to the airport for our flight home, wrapping up an amazing trip.
Vietnam is a land of diverse experiences, and our Vietnam 11-day itinerary allowed us to explore its rich culture, stunning landscapes, and warm hospitality. Whether you’re interested in history, adventure, or relaxation, Vietnam offers something for every traveller.
Hope this helps you plan your trip! In case you have any queries, do drop in a comment.
Disclaimer
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