Vietnam Itinerary Planner: The Perfect Vietnam Backpacking Route!

How long should you plan for your Vietnam Itinerary? Will two or three weeks be enough time in the country? Or is it better to plan for a full 30 days (one month)? And if so, should you get a visa in advance? If you’re currently pondering your Vietnam backpacking itinerary – then this article is for you!

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• Vietnam backpacking travel guide
• When is the best time of year to visit Vietnam?
• Best tours in Vietnam

One Month in Vietnam Itinerary!

Here, we present our one month Vietnam itinerary! This trip can be done North to South or South to North, depending on whether you are flying into Hanoi Airport or Ho Chi Minh International Airport. The skinny shape of the country is conducive to an awesome road trip, motorbike adventure, hop-on, hop-off train journey or bus-hopping voyage! This is the most popular Vietnam backpacker route today…

Hanoi – Day 1-2

Throw yourself in at the deep end and start your adventure in the crazy capital of Hanoi. Once you figure out how to cross the road and learn how to sip the sickly sweet Vietnamese coffee, you’ll really start to get into the swing of things! 

Pay a visit to the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum which houses the embalmed body of the Father of the Nation, Ho Chi Minh and witness a fascinating slice of communist history. Wander around the pretty Hoan Kiem Lake, stop for some street food in the Old Quarter (you must try Bun Cha!) teamed with a refreshing glass of Bia Hoi (street beer) no matter what time of day it is! 

A great way to get to know the city (through your stomach!) is by taking a food tour. We love this Hanoi Street Food Tour where you get to sample a variety of 15 Vietnamese delicacies whilst exploring the backstreets and quirky corners of the city. It’s the perfect way to set you up for more foodie adventures as you travel down south. The same company also run an excellent half-day Hanoi Bicycle Tour.

Read more things to do in Hanoi here.

Where to stay in Hanoi? – When it comes to choosing a hostel in Hanoi, a backpacker is spoilt for choice! The best place to base yourself is the Old Quarter and many of the hostels have great features like rooftop bars, free walking tours and even free beer happy hours! Vietnam Backpackers Hostels is super popular for a reason, as well as Chien Hostel, which has an awesome rooftop bar with great views across the city. For more options (25 to be precise!) check out our list of best hostels in Hanoi here.

Halong Bay – Day 3-5

Get out of the city and set off for one of the ‘not-to-be-missed’ adventures in Vietnam – a cruise on the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Halong Bay! If you’re looking to party on a luxury boat with a young travelling crowd, the Oasis Bay Party Cruise is your go-to boat trip. The Halong Hideaway Tour is also a great social option for budget backpackers (it’s the cheapest Halong Bay tour around!). 

If you’re looking to avoid the crowds, an alternative to Halong Bay is the less touristy Lan Ha Bay. It’s no less beautiful than Halong, with huge limestone karsts dotted with tiny white beaches and intriguing caves. The advantage? It’s much quieter! Check out this 3-Day Lan Ha Bay Tour where you’ll spend the night in a homestay in Lan Ha Bay and feel a million miles away from the hustle and bustle of Hai Phong Harbour!

Or, if you fancy a more DIY experience of Halong Bay, check out this step-by-step guide by a budget backpacker who arranged a tour from Cat Ba Island. Still not sure how to explore Halong Bay? Read more about how to choose the right Halong Bay Tour here.

Where to stay in Halong Bay? – For those of you wanting to explore the Halong Bay and Lan Ha Area, the place to base yourself is Cat Ba Island. From here, you can arrange tours out into the bay, go trekking, cycling or visit the intriguing ‘Hospital Cave’. For a decent hostel, check out Secret Garden or Cannon Fort Hostel which were recommended by travellers in our Facebook Group. (Which if you haven’t joined yet, is a jolly good place to be…)

Sapa – Day 6-8

You’ll pass in and out of Hanoi again on your way to the mountainous city of Sapa. The best way to get here is to take the overnight train from Hanoi which takes around 8 hours. From Sapa, you can arrange treks in the mountains, as well as homestays with the hill tribe communities that live here (Black Hmong, Red Dzao, Thai, Tay Giáy and Phù Lá). Check out this article about hiking in Sapa written by a traveller from the UK. If you’re looking for a fantastic trek and homestay experience, check out the 2-day Real Sapa Experience by Friends of Travel.

If you’re feeling energetic you can even attempt the hike up Vietnam’s highest mountain Fansipan. (Did you know? There’s now a 6km-long cable car that climbs nearly 1,500 metres and takes you more than halfway there, then there are another 600 metres to reach the top!) If you’re feeling super adventurous and want to hike the mountain yourself, then check out the Extreme Fansipan Tour!

Where to stay in Sapa? – If you want more time to explore the countryside of Sapa then you might want to base yourself in Sapa Town. We love the Go Sapa Hotel or the Check In Sapa Hostel. Check out more options in our travel guide to Sapa here.

Optional: Ha Giang Loop – 3 Days

If you want to spend more time in the North, and you’re up for the motorbiking adventure of a lifetime, the Ha Giang Loop offers what some claim as the most spectacular scenery in Vietnam! There are plenty of amazing route detours you can take too, including to the stunning Ban Gioc Waterfall.

You can hire a motorbike from Hanoi and drive the route yourself, or if you’re not a confident driver, you can hire an easy rider (a local Vietnamese bike guide) to drive for you. Warning – there are a lot of accidents on this route and we advise that you do not attempt it unless you are an experienced rider. Another alternative is to do the True North Ha Giang Tour organised by Flipside Hostels, where you can either ride the bike yourself or ride pillion (on the back seat!) with a group of biking buddies!

Ninh Binh and Tam Coc – Day 9-10

Again, from Sapa, it makes sense to make a short stop in Hanoi before continuing your adventure southward. Just two hours outside of Hanoi you’ll find yourself in the beautiful Ninh Binh Province. You can reach here by motorbike if you fancy it, on a day tour from Hanoi (we recommend this Ninh Binh Tour with Friends Travel Vietnam), or by local bus or train if you want a more local experience. Ninh Binh is home to Tam Coc Village and Lake and the phenomena known as “Halong Bay on Land” as well as ancient temples, mysterious caves and amazing viewpoints. Read more about Tam Coc and Ninh Binh here.

Where to stay in Ninh Binh? – If you want to spend more than just a day in Ninh Binh, then why not spend a night at the lovely Tam Coc Green Garden Homestay with its lovely riverside views. Tam Coc Homestay is also a great option with a swimming pool, mountain setting and dorms from just $5 US per night!

Phong Nha National Park – Day 11-14

Home to the biggest cave in the world that was only discovered as late as 2010 (Hang Son Doong) Phong Nha Ke Bang National Park is a must stop on the backpacker trail. The attractions here are, of course, the caves, of which there are many that travellers can explore, although unfortunately, Han Soong Dong itself will be off-limits to most backpackers. (The cave has a 2-year waiting list and costs over $3,000 to visit!)

The countryside here is seriously beautiful and you can enjoy it by trekking, cycling or via a motorbike. While many backpackers try to cover the whole park in just 2 days, it’s worth staying at least 3-4 days here to really soak up the rural atmosphere of this beautiful part of Vietnam. Read more about Phong Nha here.

Where to stay in Phong Nha? – Phong Nha Farmstay or Easy Tiger Hostel are popular budget backpacker hostels in Phong Nha.

Hue – Day 15-16

This historical ancient city is worth a visit for a day or two. Hire a bicycle for a few dollars and explore the impressive Imperial Hue Citadel or the Tomb of the Former Emperors. Try some local street food such as ‘cơm hến’ baby clams or mussels from the Perfume River served with rice. Read more about Hue here.

Where to stay in Hue? – For a backpacker option, don’t miss Vietnam Backpackers Hostels Hue where there’s a lively bar and it’s easy to meet fellow travellers. If you’re looking for a more tranquil option, we love the Tam Family Homestay!

—> Getting to Hoi An

In between Hue and Hoi An lies what Jeremy Clarkson from Top Gear called “one of the best coastal roads in the world”, the legendary “ribbon of perfection” known as the Hai Van Pass. Instead of getting the bus (which doesn’t pass over the road), many backpackers decide to take a Hai Van Pass motorbike or Hai Van jeep tour to experience the high mountain pass with the wind in their face! The views are incredible, you’ll stop at historical sites and deserted beaches along the way and you’ll no doubt make travel buddies who you can explore Hoi An with! It’s a must-do backpacker experience.

Hoi An – Day 17-19

Hoi An is located on the central coast of Vietnam, an ancient colonial town (now a UNESCO World Heritage site) which was founded as a trading port in the 13th century. Today, it’s Instagram heaven for travellers to sip a latté by the river and a cheap place to get a tailor-made suit!

Many people take the popular Hoi An Street Food Tour and sample delicious local delicacies such as Bahn Xeo (prawn pancakes) and Cau Lau (pork soup) as they explore the city. Those craving the beach will be pleased to hear that An Bang Beach is only 20 minutes bicycle ride from the town offering clear cool seas and water sports, even surfing at certain times of the year. 

If you’ve always wanted to try SUP (Stand Up Paddle Boarding) Hoi An is a great place to do it with the awesome SUP Monkey tours for backpackers where you can explore the rivers and waterways of Hoi An and see the city from a totally different perspective. There’s also the interesting Tam Thanh Mural Village, which is worth a day trip – a small fishing village that’s been made into a living art gallery by local artists, as well as the nearby My Son Sanctuary – home to ancient ruins from the Champa era of Vietnam. Read more about Hoi An here.

Where to stay in Hoi An? – Yes, Vietnam Backpackers Hostel do have a branch in Hoi An, and it has a swimming pool, a lively bar and daily activities! There’s also the nearby Tribee Hostel (Tribee Ede – which has a swimming pool) or if you prefer to base yourself right by the beach in An Bang (a great option!) then Under The Coconut Tree Homestay is a good choice.

Optional stopover:

Spend a night or two at the brand new first-ever ‘backpacker resort’ of Ninhvana. Located on the secluded and stunningly beautiful Ninh Van Bay, this is a new concept in luxury backpacker hostels. There are loads of activities from kayaking to trekking, yoga, cliff jumping, jungle trekking, free bicycles, plus lots of partying! It’s a great place to relax and take some “time out” on your backpacking Vietnam route! Read our full review of Ninhvana here.

Dalat – Day 20-23

Head next to the town dubbed as the ‘Alps of Vietnam’, the old French colonial hill station of Dalat, now a popular place for outdoor adventures like rock climbing, rafting, mountain biking and canyoning. The temperatures here are cooler than the rest of the country which enables the area to make some pretty decent wine – always a bonus when backpacking in Southeast Asia! Read more about Dalat here.

Where to stay in Dalat? – For a cheap and cheerful place to stay in Dalat, look no further than Redhouse Backpacker Hostel. If you’re looking for something more upmarket, check out ‘A Little House‘ which is a more flashpacker option that gets superb reviews.

Mui Ne – Day 24-27

To reach Mui Ne, you’re not going to get the bus as there’s a much much better way to get there! Throw your backpack in the back of a van and take to the road on a mountain bike for this three-hour journey. The best bit? It’s all downhill! Once in Mui Ne, you can enjoy relaxing on the beach, try a spot of kitesurfing or visit the nearby white and red sand dunes. Photo opportunities just don’t get much better than this. Read more about Mui Ne here.

Where to stay in Mui Ne? – Mui Ne Hills Hotels have a variety of different hotels and hostels to suit all budgets! You can also check out Mui Ne Backpacker Village which is another budget backpacker option.

Ho Chi Minh City – Day 28-30

HCMC, formerly known as Saigon, is the country’s biggest city and home to more motorbikes than you ever thought possible to see on the roads! From here you can brush up on your Vietnamese history by visiting the American War Museum and the nearby Cu Chi Tunnels, an underground network of tunnels where Vietnamese soldiers hid during the war. Read more about Ho Chi Minh City.

Where to stay in Ho Chi Minh City? – Pham Ngu Lao is the backpacker district of Ho Chi Minh City where you’ll find loads of cheap hostels, restaurants and travel agencies. Flipside Hostel is a friendly choice with a nice rooftop bar, as is Hangout Hostel or the quirky Common Room Project. For a flashpacker option, check out the Chill Suites.

Optional excursion:

A tour to the Mekong Delta is one of the most popular excursions from Ho Chi Minh City. This unique part of Vietnam is a maze of canals, floating villages and tiny bridges over waterways. Many of the local hostels and travel agents will offer you a day trip which includes a boat trip and a local lunch, but if you’re looking for something different, check out the Mekong Madness Adventure offered by Flipside Hostels. Read an in-depth Mekong Madness bike tour review here.

Got a few days left to spare?

Depending on how long it’s taken you to travel from the North of Vietnam to the South, you may have a few days extra in the country before your visa expires and you have to leave. If that’s you and you’re wondering how to spend a few extra days, then why not head to the beautiful Phu Quoc Island to relax on the beach and reflect on the trip of a lifetime!

Where to stay on Phu Quoc Island? – As Phu Quoc Island continues to attract more backpackers, there are some great value for money hostels appearing. Check out Phu House Hostel with dorms from $7 US per night or Orchid Guesthouse, which has the added bonus of a swimming pool from just $14 US per night. Search more places to stay on Phu Quoc Island here.

3 Weeks in Vietnam Itinerary

Looking for more Vietnam Itineraries?

If you don’t quite have one month to spend, then the above itinerary can be adapted to a 3 week Vietnam Itinerary or even a 2 week. You would just need to spend less time in each place or miss out on a few of the stops mentioned above. Here’s what we’d recommend for the perfect 3-week travel route! (A few ideas on things to do below, see more advice above or in the individual travel guides…)

• Hanoi – 2 days (Soak up the city, go sightseeing, gorge on Vietnamese street food!)
• Halong Bay – 3 days (Spend 3 spectacular days in this UNESCO World Heritage site on a Halong Bay Tour.)
• Sapa – 2 days (Go trekking in Sapa amongst the lush green rice terraces and spend a night with the ethnic minority village.)
• Ninh Binh – 2 days (Explore ‘Halong Bay on Land’ independently or on a Ninh Binh Tour.)
• Phong Nha National Park – 3 days (Go hiking, swimming in rivers and explore some of the biggest caves on the planet!) 
• Hue – 1 day (Go sightseeing in the historical city.)
• Hoi An – 3 days (Wander the colonial streets, take a Hoi An street food tour or visit An Bang Beach or the Cham Islands.)
• Dalat – 2 days (Enjoy the cooler temperatures and adventure activities in the ‘Alps of Vietnam’.)
• Mui Ne – 2 days (Relax on the beach or try surfing or kiteboarding in Vietnam’s water sports capital.)
• Ho Chi Minh City – 1 day (Enjoy the hectic pace of Vietnam’s largest cities.)

= 21 days in Vietnam!

2-Week Vietnam Itinerary

If you only have two weeks in Vietnam, we recommend skipping a few places on the list so that you aren’t rushing around like a headless chicken! Here’s what we advise for a fantastic two weeks in Vietnam!

• Hanoi – 2 days
• Halong Bay – 3 days
• Sapa – 2 days
• Hue – 1 day
• Hoi An – 3 days
• Dalat – 2 days
• Ho Chi Minh –  1 day

= 14 days in Vietnam!

1-Week Vietnam Itinerary

If you’re short on time and only have one week to spend in Vietnam, we highly recommend not trying to cram in too much and suggest that you choose one region and explore as much as you can. For example, only look at travelling in the North, Central or South of Vietnam. You can always come back and explore another region on another trip! One week simply isn’t enough to cover the length of the country. Here are some suggestions…

Suggested one-week itinerary in the North of Vietnam

(Flying in and out of Hanoi International Airport)

• Hanoi – 1 day
• Halong Bay – 3 days
• Sapa – 2 days
• Ninh Binh – 1 day

Suggested one-week itinerary in Central Vietnam

(Flying in and out of Danang International Airport)

• Hue – 1 day
• Hai Van Pass Tour (from Hue to Hoi An) – 1 day
• Danang – 1 day
• Hoi An – 2 days
• An Bang Beach – 1 day
• Trip to Cham Islands for diving/snorkelling – 1 day

Suggested one-week itinerary in South Vietnam

(Flying in and out of Ho Chi Minh International Airport)

• Ho Chi Minh City – 2 days
• Mekong Delta – 2 day Mekong Madness Tour
• Phu Quoc Island – 3 days

Vietnam Itinerary FAQS

How long is the Vietnam visa on arrival?

From May 2018, the Vietnamese Government began to offer a 15-day visa exemption into Vietnam for a further five European nationalities (UK, Germany, France, Spain and Italy). This now makes 13 countries in total that are granted a 15-day pass upon entry to the country and do not have to arrange a visa in advance. (For some reason lucky Chilean citizens get 90-days!)

Backpackers of the chosen nationalities, in an attempt to save money and avoid the hassle of having to sort out their visas in advance, are taking advantage of the 15-day free offer. However, once they arrive in Vietnam and quickly realise that there is so much to see and do, not to mention how cheap travel in Vietnam is, they quickly regret this decision!

Can I Extend my 15-day exemption visa?

Extending your 15-day entry visa once you are already in Vietnam can be a struggle and cost much more than $25 USD! (The last quote we received from a travel agent in a Vietnam Expat Facebook group was $47 USD for a further 15 days.)

If you are following the Southeast Asia backpacking trail and you’re flexible on time, it’s a much better idea to apply for a 30-day e-visa in advance as you’ll most certainly end up saving money and alleviating stress in the long run. Plus, 2 weeks in Vietnam is just not enough!

How do I get a 30-day visa for Vietnam?

To get a 30-day eVisa to Vietnam, the cost is just $25 USD and it can be done super easily online via the official Vietnamese government website. The whole process takes just three working days and all you have to do is fill in a form online and upload a scan of your passport as well as a recent passport photo.

You’ll be emailed the eVisa and invitation letter and you need to print it out and show it at the airport when you arrive in Vietnam. It’s as simple as that. More on visas for Vietnam here.

What’s the official Vietnamese visa website?

Be aware. There are many visa and travel agencies posing as the official government website. The official eVisa website is: https://evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn/

Should I backpack Vietnam North to South or South to North?

This is a frequently asked question in our Facebook community and there’s really no correct answer. Many prefer the idea of backpacking North to South as the North tends to have a cooler climate and people prefer the weather to gradually get hotter along the way. Plus, there are more beaches in the South to relax after your adventure! ? Basically, your next destination determines the answer to this question. Do you want to exit from Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City?

How do I travel through Vietnam?

You can travel by public bus or train (there’s a line which runs the length of Vietnam from North to South). If you’re feeling independent and want the freedom to stop wherever you please then you can even rent (or buy) a motorbike at one end and drop it off at the other end! Hell, some crazy dudes even bicycle the length of the country!

Top Tip for Bikers – “If you want to explore Vietnam by motorbike then it’s best to rent one (much easier and less paperwork than buying a bike). Try the guys at Flamingo Travel in Hanoi in the Old Quarter, Dao Duy Tu, Hoan Kiem District. You can ride from Hanoi to Hoi An or all the way to Saigon, D1 to drop off the bike after your adventure. Great reliable bikes and service, the owner, Mr Hung Nguyen, is a top bloke too.” – Rory

If you need any more help planning your Vietnam backpacking itinerary, be sure to connect with us in our Facebook Community!

Nikki Scott | Founder & Editor

Nikki is the founding editor of South East Asia Backpacker and The Backpacker Network. In her early twenties, she left her home in the North of England on a solo backpacking adventure and never returned! After six months on the road, she founded a print magazine that became legendary on the Banana Pancake Trail. The rest is history.

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