Are you going to Vietnam? Then you have come to the right place! Vietnam is a big country and it can therefore be quite difficult to make a complete travel itinerary. Therefore, we have made this travel guide for a complete 4-week travel itinerary for Vietnam. In this travel guide, you will find cultural kicks, beautiful beaches, and breathtaking nature. So, keep reading and you will find inspiration, ideas, and temptations for your trip to Vietnam.
When going to Vietnam you need a plan – especially if your time is limited. A visit to either North or South Vietnam can easily be done in 1 or 2 weeks. If you want to see most of the country, 3 weeks should be your minimum. But even 3 weeks could feel limited. A 4-week route in Vietnam is therefore the most optimal option. Within 4 weeks it is possible to experience the biggest attractions, the hidden gems, the cultural heritage, and cute small towns. So, within 4 weeks you have the possibility to take it all in and not rush through.
4-week Travel Itinerary
Below you can find our complete 4-week travel itinerary for Vietnam. This 4-week itinerary is a day-to-day route in Vietnam.
Day 1 – 2: Hanoi
Hanoi is the capital of Vietnam. It has a lot to offer, so whether you like attractions, culture, or city vibes you can be sure that there is something for you. Use your first days in Vietnam for sightseeing. Take a walk to Train Street and be amazed by the tight space. Discover the Old Quarter of Hanoi and get close to the Vietnamese culture in Hanoi. If you are lucky you can visit Hanoi Night Market.
You will have time for the rest of the sightseeing after your days on Ha Long Bay.
Hanoi to Ha Long Bay
If you have booked a cruise on Ha Long Bay transfer from Hanoi will probably be part of your package. If not we would recommend you arrange for it as the port with all the boats can be crowded and confusing.
Day 3 – 5: Ha Long Bay
Ha Long Bay is a must-see when traveling in Vietnam. The limestone karsts, caves, and floating villages are something you can’t miss when in Vietnam.
You can make a trip to Ha Long Bay that suits you the most. If time is limited you can arrange a day-trip. However, 2 or 3 nights on a cruise is the best possible way to experience the amazing Ha Long Bay if you ask us.
Day 6 – 7: Hanoi (again)
Hanoi is a historic city with many monuments and temples. The route around the city is walkable but for your own (and your legs’) sake we would recommend the hop-on-and-off-bus. You can read more about this kind of sightseeing right here.
Hanoi to Ninh Binh
Getting from Hanoi to Ninh Binh is quite easy – just hop on the direct train.
Day-trip to Ninh Binh
A day-trip to Ninh Binh should be on your to-do list when in Vietnam. The nature in Ninh Binh is breathtaking – especially at Trang An. If you have extra time we would recommend an overnight stay so you have even more time to explore Ninh Binh.
Hanoi to Hué
The easiest and most comfortable way of getting to Hué is by the direct train from Hanoi. If you want to save money take the night train – that way you will have your accommodation for the night covered.
Day 8 – 10: Hué
Hué is known as the royal capital of Vietnam. You will experience a long and respected history when visiting this city. Thus it is a perfect destination for history-lovers. But don’t worry, if history isn’t for you there is also beautiful architecture, exciting museums, and the former emperor’s beautiful burial sites.
Hué to Da Nang
Like many of the other destinations in Vietnam, the train is the best, quickest, and easiest way to get from Hué to Da Nang.
Day 11 – 14: Da Nang
Da Nang is a pulsating city where you get your first experience with city life in Vietnam. Here you can go shopping, eat delicious food (both Vietnamese and international) and enjoy light shows at night.
Da Nang is also surrounded by beautiful nature. Marble Mountains and Son Tra Peninsula were two of our favorites. As an extra plus the beaches are super nice so you can easily cool down and relax at one of the trendy beach clubs.
Da Nang to Hoi An
Getting from Da Nang to Hoi An can be a bit tricky as there aren’t any trains for you to hop on. The most common type of transportation to Hoi An is either taxi or bus. We drove by car as it was the easiest way for us because of all our luggage.
Day 15 – 19: Hoi An
Hoi An is a city where no one is stressed. Here you find a relaxed attitude to everyday life. In the old town of Hoi An, you find colorful houses, no motorized vehicles, and small cute shops. Because of this Hoi An is one of our favorite stops on our 4-week Vietnam route.
Use your time to recharge your energy. Explore the surroundings, the nice beaches, or ride a bike through lush rice paddies.
Hoi An to Ho Chi Minh
The easiest way to get from Hoi An to Ho Chi Minh is to drive back to Da Nang and from there fly to Ho Chi Minh. If you are lucky you may find some cheap tickets!
Day 20 – 21: Ho Chi Minh
Ho Chi Minh, also known as Saigon, is the second-largest city in Vietnam. Here you get a feel of a real metropolis – with rich neighborhoods and designer labels. But it is also possible to experience a more budget-friendly side of Ho Chi Minh. The big market Ben Thanh is an example of this. It is also possible to do some sightseeing – the War Remnants Museum is a must-see. Lastly, if you are in need of a dance floor you should visit one of the many sky bars – here you will also get an incredible view of the city.
Ho Chi Minh to Chau Doc
To get to Chau Doc from Ho Chi Minh you should hop on a direct bus.
Day 22 – 23: Chau Doc
The trip to Chau Doc was spontaneous on our part. But we agree that it was worth the long bus ride. The city is by the Cambodian border and the nature in this area is quite amazing.
Our primary reason for visiting Chau Doc was Tra Su Forest. This is a bird sanctuary in a wetland. For us, it was worth a total of 16 hours on a bus and extra money on a hotel. But if it is not for you it is possible to make use of the days in one of the other cities or one of our suggestions further down.
Day 24 – 25: Ho Chi Minh (again)
Use the last days of your trip wandering around Ho Chi Minh – spotting murals, shopping, and enjoying Vietnamese culture.
Day 26: Journey home
The last day of this 4-week travel itinerary is the journey home – or if you are lucky to travel to another country.
Suggestions for a Vietnam travel itinerary
If 4 weeks in Vietnam isn’t enough for you we have come up with some suggestions for further destinations in Vietnam.
Sapa
Sapa is known as the second biggest attraction in Vietnam – only outmatched by the amazing Ha Long Bay. It is an incredible trekking spot in beautiful nature. The town is in northern Vietnam and can therefore easily be combined with your stay in Hanoi.
Da Lat
Da Lat lies in the Vietnamese highland. The climate is chillier as opposed to the rest of Vietnam. The surroundings are amazing – with waterfalls and French architecture.
Phu Quoc
If you are ready to treat yourself, a visit to Phu Quoc is the way to do it. On this tropical island, you find bounty beaches, a national park, and local markets. This is the perfect way to relax and recharge your batteries.