How Many Days In Vietnam: Time & Experience Suggestions

How Many Days In Vietnam

If Vietnam is on your radar for your next global adventure but you are uncertain on how much time to allocate, this article will present recommendations on how many days in Vietnam are best for travelers, along with essential advice.

Are you considering a tour in Vietnam? Leave us a message and our team will get in touch with you soon.

Travel Vietnam Overview

Is Vietnam safe to visit?

In general, getting around Vietnam is safe. Violent crime is rare and the people are kind. In busy cities like Ho Chi Minh and Hanoi, though, be careful of both excessive traffic and small-time thieving. Most visitors have trouble-free experience if they follow some basic safety measures.

Is it worth visiting Vietnam?

Vietnam has been ranked as Asia’s Leading Destination by the World Travel Awards 6 times during the periods of 2018-2019 and 2021-2024. The destination is highly regarded for its rich cultural diversity, authenticity, and accessibility for various travel budgets, along with continually improving infrastructure and service quality.

How to visit Vietnam

Tourists primarily access Vietnam through major airports in Hanoi, Da Nang, and Ho Chi Minh City. As of August 2023, the E-Visa for Vietnam is now valid for up to three months for citizens of all countries. Additionally, certain nationalities are granted visa exemptions for specific durations. Be sure to check your visa eligibility and determine the time you have available for your trip.

Visit Vietnam and meet friendly locals
Visit Vietnam and meet friendly locals

How many days in Vietnam is enough?

For those with limited time, spending less than a week in Vietnam is perfect for exploring the country’s highlights in just a few days, thanks to the proximity of famous travel destinations that can be visited in a single day.

However, to truly experience the richness of Vietnamese culture, 7–10 days is ideal, allowing you to blend the best attractions while having ample time to appreciate the country’s landscapes and traditions.

If you have more time, you can delve deeper into the culture and connect with local communities. A two-week itinerary or more enables you to explore Vietnam from North to South, experiencing the vibrant city streets, the untouched natural beauty of the mountains, and the stunning coastal beaches.

In summary, you can travel in Vietnam for a minimum of 3–5 days, ideally 7–10 days, and if you wish to immerse yourself more deeply, consider spending about two weeks or more.

Where to travel in Vietnam with different time budgets
Where to travel in Vietnam with different time budgets

Short-term Holiday: 3-5 days

With a limited amount of time in Vietnam, we recommend focusing on a single region to optimize travel time and make the most of your trip. You can combine visits to 1 to 4 destinations in your itinerary. Below are a few suggested routes:

North Vietnam: Starting from the capital city of Hanoi, you can explore nearby spots like Ninh Binh, Halong, or Hai Phong. Alternatively, you might want to venture into the mountainous regions like Mai Chau, Sapa, Ha Giang, Cao Bang, or Bac Kan. Keep in mind that travel to the mountain areas takes longer, around 5 to 6 hours, whereas the plains destinations are just 2 to 3 hours away.

Central Vietnam: This region boasts stunning coastal destinations such as Da Nang, Hoi An, Hue, Quang Binh, Phu Yen, Khanh Hoa, Ninh Thuan, and Binh Thuan. The Central Highlands, with its boundless natural beauty, is also worth considering.

South Vietnam: Known for the “Pearl of the Far East” Ho Chi Minh City and the surrounding Mekong Delta region, which includes places like My Tho, Ben Tre, Cai Be, Can Tho, Chau Doc, and more.

The budget for short trips ranges from around 400 to 800 USD per person. You can either book a package tour, a day tour, or create your own itinerary for the trip.

Week-long Escape: 7 – 10 days

A 7 to 10-day trip to Vietnam is ideal for comfortably experiencing the rich culture and stunning landscapes across 2 to 3 regions, including the North, Central, and South. The budget for the trip is approximately 800 to 1,500 USD per person.

Travelers can visit Vietnam for a few days to a few weeks
Travelers can visit Vietnam for a few days to a few weeks

This is a 10-day classic itinerary for your reference. The journey begins in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam’s most economically developed city, then you will explore the surrounding Mekong Delta by water. Next, fly to Central Vietnam to discover man made wonders and the rich regional culture. Finally, fly to the capital, Hanoi, and end your trip with a relaxing cruise trip in Halong Bay.

  • Day 1: Arrival in Ho Chi Minh City
  • Day 2: Explore Cu Chi Tunnels, City Tour & Shopping
  • Day 3: Mekong Delta Countryside by Boat
  • Day 4: Ho Chi Minh City to Da Nang, Beachside City
  • Day 5: Ba Na Hills and the Golden Bridge
  • Day 6: Coconut Village & Hoi An, UNESCO Heritage Town
  • Day 7: Da Nang to Hanoi, the Capital of Vietnam
  • Day 8: Hanoi City Exploration
  • Day 9: Ha Long Bay by Cruise
  • Day 10: Departure from Hanoi

Extended Adventure: 14 – 21 days

A 2-3 week journey is ideal for those who have the time and passion to explore a country more deeply than a typical vacation. This duration allows travelers to extend their stay at each destination and discover additional nearby attractions along the way. The budget for a trip of this length starts at a minimum of 1,500 USD.

Enjoying the different beautiful landscapes
Enjoying the different beautiful landscapes

With 14-21 days in Vietnam, this amount of time is ample for exploring destinations across all three regions of the country:

  • In the North: Starting from Hanoi, you can explore the lowlands and the mountainous provinces of the Northwest and Northeast.
  • In the Central: Discover the heritage trail from Thanh Hoa, Quang Binh, Hue, Hoi An, to the stunning coastal cities in the South Central region.
  • In the South: From Ho Chi Minh City, you can explore the Mekong Delta and the island of Phu Quoc.

Extensive Trip: 1 Month

No need to say much—spending a month or more in Vietnam will allow you to deeply understand the country and perhaps even begin to integrate into local life. You can explore all the major cities, enjoy the lowlands, venture into the mountains, relax by the sea, explore caves, and experience life like a local by sharing meals, drinking beer, trekking in the forests, or working on farms, etc. The budget for this trip starts at a minimum of 2,000 USD.

What is the best Time to Visit Vietnam?

Typically, the best time to visit is from September to April each year. The summer months can be quite hot and humid for travelers. However, if you are a bold traveler and don’t mind the rain or heat, any time is suitable.

If you are someone who carefully considers the best time to visit each destination in Vietnam, it can vary quite a bit. This is because the weather is unpredictable, and Vietnam’s regional diversity is shaped by its distinct natural conditions.

How many days in Vietnam suggestions
How many days in Vietnam suggestions

North Vietnam (Hanoi, Halong Bay, Sapa, Ha Giang, Cao Bang)

  • Best Time: October to April
  • Details: The weather is cool and dry, with little rain. This is ideal for trekking in Sapa during the rice season (September to October) and cruising in Halong Bay, where sea conditions are stable, allowing you to enjoy the clouds and the blooming flowers in the highlands from October to December. From May to October, it tends to be hot and rainy; however, accommodation costs during this period are approximately 5-10% lower compared to peak season.

Central Vietnam (Hue, Da Nang, Hoi An, Quang Binh)

  • Best Time: December to July
  • Details: This period offers warm, sunny weather, perfect for beach activities and sightseeing. From September to November, there are occasional storms from the sea and it is also the rainy season that may lead to flooding. However, areas in the South Central region, such as Binh Dinh, Phu Yen, Khanh Hoa, and Ninh Thuan, experience less rain and fewer storms, enjoying sunny weather year-round. The Central Highlands can be visited during the dry season from November to April.

South Vietnam (Ho Chi Minh City, Mekong Delta, Phu Quoc)

  • Best Time: All year round
  • Details: South Vietnam experiences a dry season from November to April. The rainy season runs from May to October, with a higher frequency of rainfall. However, sightseeing can still take place during this time. If you want to avoid the intense heat, it is best to steer clear of the months from April to June.
You can come to Vietnam for tourism, shopping, exploration, and relaxation
You can come to Vietnam for tourism, shopping, exploration, and relaxation

Can I Travel on a Budget in Vietnam?

Vietnam remains on the list of budget travel destinations, with average accommodation costing around $20 per night, meals about $5 each, transportation around $5 per day, and entrance fees approximately $5. If you are seeking less expensive travel spots, consider Ninh Binh, Hue, Quang Binh, the Mekong Delta, and the South Central Coastal Region and Central Highlands.

Vietnam is also well-suited for experiential travel, offering outdoor activities, historical and cultural exploration, or relaxation. If you enjoy retreating to luxurious locations, there are numerous resorts in Vietnam that meet high standards for accommodation and service, ranging from mountain retreats to seaside havens.

Summary

In summary, regarding how many days in Vietnam, you can allocate a minimum of 5 days for travel. Approximately 7 to 10 days is sufficient for a trip, and if you want to explore more deeply, you can stay longer. Rest assured that Vietnam is a safe and friendly destination, rich in natural beauty, cultural experiences, and affordable budgets, promising an exciting journey in Southeast Asia. You can refer to the tours on our website and feel free to reach out if you need any assistance or advice.

Explore more travel suggestions and updates for Vietnam & Indochina Travel on our Website | Facebook | Instagram.