One Month Vietnam Itinerary
Vietnam is one of my favorite countries in Southeast Asia.
From the breathtaking limestone landscapes and blue green rivers to the most warm and welcoming locals, this country is bound to leave you with a lasting impression.
I spent one month traveling up and down the country and felt like I barely scratched the surface.
Vietnam’s long and skinny geography lends itself to slow exploration and deep immersion so if you're visiting the country for the first time, I recommend a travel itinerary of at least four weeks.
Otherwise, if you’re working with limited time off, you can split your trip into two trips: two weeks in a north and then revisit the country for two weeks in the south.
So if you’re ready to dive into Vietnam’s rich cultural history, delicious cuisine, and pristine natural landscapes, here’s how to spend one month in Vietnam as a first-time visitor.
One Month Vietnam Route:
1 Day In Hanoi
4 Days In Ha Giang
3 Days In Sapa
3 Days In Cat Ba
3 Days In Hanoi
2 Days In Hue
3 Days In Hoi An
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North to South vs South To North
As I mentioned, Vietnam is a long and skinny country so it's best to move in one direction. It makes no sense to jump around from city to city and is more economical and sustainable to just work with the geography.
Most international flights come through Vietnam’s three main airports: Noi Bai in Hanoi, Da Nang Airport in central Vietnam, or Tan Son Nhat in Ho Chi Minh City.
For someone spending one month in Vietnam, I would recommend either flying into Hanoi (north) and traveling south or flying into Ho Chi Minh City (south) and traveling north.
Ben, the travel guide that took me from Hue to Hoi An, mentioned that most people travel from north to south and that there may be more transport options going in that direction.
With that in mind, I’ve organized this one month Vietnam travel guide from Hanoi in the north to Ho Chi Minh City in the south. If that doesn’t work with your specific itinerary, feel free to reverse this guide and work from south to north.
Quick Tips For Planning Your Vietnam Trip:
Vietnam requires most visitors to apply for a tourist visa. Check your visa requirements before booking anything!
Use 12Go to book transportation ahead of time. Trust me, you'll want to eliminate as much stress as possible.
Agoda is my favorite platform for accommodations in Vietnam. Filter by "homestays" or "travel sustainable" for more eco-friendly and responsible options.
Vietnam is a cash-based economy. Exchange your currency for Vietnamese Dong beforehand or do so at the airport as small shops might not be as reliable (aka some of them might try to scam you)
Always buy travel insurance when you're traveling for an extended time! You never know when you might get hurt or sick, so it's better to be prepared.
Hanoi - 1 Day
Start your journey off by flying into Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam. Noi Bai International Airport is the country’s second largest international airport and your best bet for finding a nonstop flight that will land you in the north.
But don’t get too settled in!
We’re actually only using Hanoi as a temporary stop-over before we travel a little further north to Ha Giang. So for your first day in Vietnam, you’ll drop your luggage off at temporary storage and spend the day exploring the Old Quarter.
Hanoi’s Old Quarter is the name commonly given to the historical urban core of the city, located outside the Imperial Citadel of Thăng Long. Spend your afternoon wandering the 36 charming guild streets, adjusting to Vietnamese traffic, enjoying some pho and egg coffee, visiting Bach Ma temple, and relaxing by Hoan Kiem Lake.
In the evening, you’ll pick up your luggage and get ready for your first overnight sleeper bus of the trip. We’re going to Ha Giang!
Ha Giang - 4 Days
Ha Giang is Vietnam's northernmost province.
It's best known for the Ha Giang Loop which is a (potentially dangerous) 420 km (260 mi) motorbike route that takes you through small ethnic minority villages, winding in and out of majestic limestone mountains, terraced rice paddies, and deep river valleys.
I first heard about it from a Vietnamese-American friend who said that it was the best part of their trip. Basically, you’ll spend four days and three nights riding a scooter and exploring the northern countryside in a slow and connected way.
However, unless you’re an experienced motorcyclist, you’ll have to sign up with a group tour and ride pillion. A local driver will take you around and you get to sit back, relax, and enjoy the views (though in my opinion, it wasn’t really that relaxing 😂).
Book your adventure directly with your hostel or a tour group and they’ll help you arrange transportation and free luggage storage. I booked my experience with Buffalo Hostel in Hanoi.
Of course, there's more to do in the province than simply take a long ride through it, but since it's most famous for the loop, I highly recommend you at least consider booking a tour. It's one of the most adventurous (and simultaneously therapeutic) experiences that you can enjoy in Vietnam.
Things To Do In Ha Giang:
Obviously join a Ha Giang Loop Motorbike tour! Here's my full review of the experience.
Volunteer or opt for a cultural exchange at a local homestay
Take a multi-day trek through the northern mountains
Visit the Vietnamese-Chinese border and enjoy panoramic views at the Lung Cu Flag Tower
Take a quiet boat ride down Nho Que River
Tips for The Ha Giang Loop:
You get to take a day pack that they strap to the back of the bike for four days. Leave the rest of your luggage at the hostel.
Make sure you bring enough layers (here’s a full packing list). Sure, Vietnam is in South East Asia but the northern part is basically right in line with China and it gets pretty frosty in the mountains. If you have a waterproof and windproof layer, definitely bring that.
Don’t forget to tip your drivers! It’s hard work to drive for 8+ hours through rocky and mountainous roads!
The tour will end in the afternoon on the fourth day. Most people will take a bus back to Hanoi but you can ask your hostel or tour group to arrange a bus directly to Sapa.
Where To Stay In Ha Giang:
Most tours include accommodation but if you decide to visit the province on your own, here are some of the best places to stay in Ha Giang Town.
Sapa - 3 Days
When you're done exploring Ha Giang, travel west to Sapa.
This northern region was originally home to the Black H'mong ethnic minority group, but when the French took over in the 1900s, they displaced the locals and built the settlement into a mountain resort town.
Despite this, Sapa is still home to five different ethnic minority groups and famous for picturesque rice terraces, hot herbal baths, trekking, and the tallest mountain in Vietnam.
Things To Do In Sapa:
Rent a scooter to explore the local ethnic villages
Take a picturesque train and cable car ride up Fansipan mountain, the tallest mountain in Vietnam
Trek through the mountainous terrain with a local guide
Warm up with a Red Dao Herbal Bath
Enjoy specialty indigenous dishes like Thang Co (herbal stew), Com Lam (sticky rice in bamboo), and Cap Nach Pork (crispy roasted pork)
Where To Stay In Sapa:
Budget: Homestay 715 (starting at $17)
Mid-Range: Sapa Heaven House (starting at $32)
On your last day, take an overnight bus to Cat Ba.
Cat Ba - 3 Days
Now that we're done with the northern provinces, we'll head east to the bay.
Cat Ba Island is Ha Long Bay's less touristy and more affordable sister. It's located in the same geographical vicinity as the UNESCO heritage site so you get all the same stunning views with fewer crowds and less pollution.
I found Cat Ba Island to be a refreshing change to the mountain landscapes and enjoyed the slower pace of exploring the island by motorbike.
Things To Do In Cat Ba
Take a cruise of Lan Ha Bay
Kayak with bioluminescent plankton at night
Suntan on the beach at Cat Co Beach 1, 2, or 3
Visit Viet Hai fishing village and learn about the traditional way of life
Rent a scooter and explore the quiet townships on the island
Where To Stay On Cat Ba Island:
Hanoi - 3 Days
After spending some time in nature, it’s time to get back to the capital.
Hanoi is Vietnam's second most populated city and offers a distinct taste of northern Vietnamese culture.
Spend your first day wandering the French Quarter, museum hopping, and diving into the city's historical past by visiting the Presidential Palace and Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum. On your second day, travel north to the sophisticated West Lake neighborhood and spend your day getting familiarized with modern Hanoiian life. End your three-day stay with a day trip out to Incense Village or Ninh Binh to get a taste for the surrounding provinces.
Things To Do In Hanoi
Catch a traditional water puppet show
Go museum hopping: check out the National Museum of Vietnamese History, the Vietnamese Women’s Museum, and the Hoa Lo Prison Museum
Experience all the delicious northern eats: Phở, Bánh Mì, Chè, Cà Phê Trung, Bún Chả, and Chả Cá Lã Vọng
Take a day trip to nearby cultural villages or national parks
Visit Hanoi Train Street and shop for trinkets in Old Quarter
Where To Stay In Hanoi:
The best neighborhood to stay in Hanoi for first-time visitors is in Old Quarter.
Hue - 2 Days
We’re finally heading to central Vietnam!
The drive from Hanoi to Hue is 11 hours long so I recommend taking a nonstop, 1-hour flight directly to Hue. Hue is a charming city in central Vietnam that was the capital during the Nguyen Dynasty from 1802 - 1945.
It was incredibly rainy and cold when I visited in January, but I still had a great time wandering the imperial citadel, eating bo bun hue, and visiting the different tombs of the previous emperors.
Things To Do In Hue
Take a walking tour of the imperial citadel and forbidden city
Visit the Hue Museum of Royal Antiquities
Go on a Royal Tombs Tour and visit the tombs of Emperors Minh Mang, Khải Định, and Tu Duc
Try central Vietnamese cuisine: Bún Bò Huế, Cà Phê Muối, Bánh Bèo, Bánh Khoái Huế, Cơm Hến
Take a day trip to Da Nang to see the Dragon Bridge and Marble Mountain
Where To Stay In Hue:
Hoi An - 3 Days
Hoi An is my favorite city in Vietnam.
Despite how touristy it is, there's just something undeniably charming about how the whimsical handmade lanterns line the old city's romantic canals and picturesque houses. It often gets compared to Venice (which is one of my favorite spots in Italy), so I guess it checks out as to why I love it. (We stan a consistent girlie.)
Hoi An is only a three-hour drive from Hue and if you book a transportation tour, you can make an entire adventure out of it. The one I booked stopped at marble mountain, the Hai Van Pass, and Da Nang.
Hoi An is a well-preserved ancient town built on canals. What’s exciting about this former port city is that you can still clearly see its melting-pot history through the architecture and food. Every full moon, Hoi An also hosts a special lantern festival that is definitely worth checking out.
Things To Do In Hoi An:
Wander old town. It's one of the safest and most walkable cities in Vietnam.
Get a custom tailored dress or suit
Catch a show at Hoi An Memories Land
Enjoy street food and shop for souvenirs at Hoi An night market
Take a ride in a coconut basket boat and explore Cam Thanh Village
DIY your own paper lanterns
Take a boat ride and release floating lanterns on the river if you happen to be in town on a full moon (or just take videos of other people doing it because it's not the most sustainable thing...)
Where To Stay In Hoi An:
Nha Trang - 2 Days
After taking some time to soak in the culture of these old cities, it’s time to explore a ritzier side of town.
Nha Trang is a coastal resort town known for its beaches, diving sites and offshore islands. It's a popular travel destination for locals and foreigners alike and while it’s definitely more touristy than some other cities in Vietnam, it's still worth seeing!
Things To Do In Nha Trang:
Sunbathe by the beach. Some popular ones include Bãi biển Nhũ Tiên, Robinson Beach, and Trần Phú
Go on an island hopping and snorkeling tour (if the season allows)
Visit the world's biggest buddha at Long Son Pagoda
Spend a day at the Vinwonders Nha Trang amusement park
Learn about the Champa Kingdom and visit the Po Nagar temple complex
Experience scuba with a certified instructor
Where To Stay In Nha Trang:
Da Lat - 4 Days
This one month Vietnam itinerary truly does take you across all climates and terrains because right after the beach, we’re heading back into the high mountains!
Da Lat is the capital of Lam Dong Province in southern Vietnam’s Central Highlands. It’s known for its distinctive temperate climate that produces incredible agricultural products like flowers, coffee, honey, fruit, milk, and so much more.
Make sure that you pack plenty of layers because while it's typically warm and sunny during the day, it can get quite breezy at night!
Things To Do In Da Lat:
Wander the city on foot and enjoy landmarks like Da Lat marketplace, Domaine de Marie, Crazy House, and Dinh I and III
Go on a waterfall tour and visit Elephant Waterfall, Datanla Waterfall, and Pongour Waterfall
Rent a bike or scooter and explore the central highlands
Go cloud chasing and watch a magical sunset over the central valleys
Enjoy the peace and quiet of Truc Lam Zen Monastery
Learn all about Vietnam's agriculture industry with a visit to local coffee, honey, flower, and fruit farms
Where To Stay In Da Lat:
Mid-Range: Ben Ben Hotel (starting at $44)
Can Tho - 2 Days
A trip to Vietnam would be incomplete without a trip to the Mekong Delta.
Can Tho is only 3 hours away from Ho Chi Minh city so set aside one day towards the end of your itinerary to experience traditional southern charm of beautiful floating markets, intricate temples, and delicious food.
Things To Do In Can Tho:
Take a tour to Cai Rang Floating Market and enjoy breakfast right on the river
Go to a noodle-making factory to learn about Hu Tieu is made (this is my favorite Vietnamese noodle!)
Shop and eat at the night market
Visit the Binh Thuy Ancient House
Enjoy local eats: Bánh hỏi, Bánh Xèo, Canh Chua Cá, fish sauce hot pot
Where To Stay In Can Tho:
Ho Chi Minh City - 4 Days
It's the end of our journey!
We'll wrap it up with the biggest and busiest city in Vietnam--Ho Chi Minh City (sometimes called Saigon).
This bustling metropolis is home to almost 9 million people and known as the financial center of the country. This former capital offers an eclectic blend of the traditional with the modern and is definitely one of the most lively cities that I’ve ever visited.
Things To Do In Ho Chi Minh City:
Watch the jaw-dropping A O Show (a cultural show) at the historic Saigon Opera House
Wander the bustling streets of District 1
Tour the Cu Chi Tunnels, underground tunnels that Viet soldiers used for guerrilla attacks during the Vietnam War
Visit the War Remnants Museum and the Southern Women’s Museum
Enjoy must-eat southern Vietnamese dishes: Bánh mì, Bún riêu, Cơm tấm, Bánh khọt, Gỏi cuốn, Bánh tráng trộn
Visit mangroves and monkeys at the Cần Giờ Biosphere Reserve
Where To Stay In Ho Chi Minh City:
3 Weeks Vietnam Itinerary
Slow travel is a privilege and not everyone can afford to spend an entire month abroad.
So if you need to shave a few days off the itinerary, here's how I would squeeze this 30 day agenda into three weeks.
Take a day off each of the following cities:
Hanoi
Cat Ba
Da Lat
Ho Chi Minh City
Then depending on the time of year and your personal interests, eliminate either Nha Trang or Can Tho.
Nha Trang is a beach destination so if you're visiting during the winter, the water temperatures can be somewhat cold. Visibility is also poor during the winter so if your main goal was to go snorkeling, it might not be worth it.
Can Tho on the other hand is a small(ish) city that is somewhat hard to get around on your own. There are definitely some rural neighborhoods and the attractions tend to be spread, out so unless you want to take it slow or go on tours, it can be challenging to DIY.
When Is The Best Time To Visit Vietnam?
Vietnam passes through a multitude of climate zones so the best time to visit is going to depend on the specific region.
However, in general, it's best to visit between November and April, when skies are clear and weather is moderate in the south and somewhat chilly (but not too cold) in the north.
How To Plan Your Vietnam Trip:
I hope that this one month Vietnam itinerary provided you with a clear outline of how you should spend 30 days in the country.
The best way to plan your trip is to first buy your plane tickets and book your accommodations. From there, you can begin to create a rough outline of your agenda and if you're the spontaneous type, you can even book as you go!
Vietnam's tourism industry is growing at a rapid pace and you'll have no shortage of homestays and tour providers to explore the country with.
Despite the fact that I spent an entire month there, I'm desperate to return and explore some of the off-the-beaten-path regions in a more sustainable way. However, if it's your first time visiting the country, I recommend sticking to the typical route and experiencing the best that the country has to offer.
Pack your travel capsule wardrobe, book your Hanoi accommodations, and let's get to adventuring!
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