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Day 1-5: Hanoi – The Ultimate Starter
No better place to start your itinerary in Vietnam than the chaotic capital of Hanoi—a city full of history, culture, and delicious food. Ready to dive into the action? The Old Quarter is where it’s at, with narrow streets packed with vendors, shops, and motorbikes everywhere you look.
Top Activities To Do in Hanoi
- Wander the Old Quarter: Get lost in Hanoi’s maze of streets and soak up the local life.
- Visit Hoan Kiem Lake: A peaceful escape right in the city. Watch the locals practicing tai chi in the morning.
- Train Street: Grab a coffee and watch trains pass inches away from you!
- Egg Coffee at Giang Café: For sure, you’ve seen this on the ‘gram, and trust us, you’ve never had coffee like this before.
- Day Trip to Ninh Binh: Just a couple of hours from Hanoi, this spot is often called “Halong Bay on land.” You can book day trip here for a convenient travel experience!
How long to stay: 4-5 days
Start slow to ease into the chaos of Vietnam’s capital before moving on.
Day 6-12: Ha Giang Loop – The Road Adventure
The crown jewel of this itinerary in Vietnam… drum roll, please—the Ha Giang Loop. From Hanoi, take a bus or sleeper bus to Ha Giang (roughly 6-7 hours). Grab a motorbike (or join a guided tour), and get ready for the adventure of a lifetime, witnessing jaw-dropping views as you navigate the twists and turns of this loop. You’ll be awed by rugged mountains, deep valleys, and traditional hill tribe villages.
Top Activities To Do in Ha Giang
- Ride the Ha Giang Loop: Nothing else like it—windy mountain roads with stunning views everywhere.
- Stay in Homestays: Want to immerse yourself more in the culture? Stay a day and experience local life with ethnic families along the route.
- Ma Pi Leng Pass: Be prepared for this mountain pass to take your breath away.
- Dong Van Market: Visit on Sundays to see hill tribe people selling their goods and socializing.
How long to stay: 6-7 days
Take your time on the loop. Make sure to fully soak in the views and immerse yourself in the culture.
Use this ultimate guide for your Ha Giang Loop trip! Whether you ride the loop solo or join a guided tour, it’s all up to you!
Day 13-20: Cat Ba Island and Halong Bay – Sea and Chill
This next leg of your itinerary in Vietnam takes you to the coast. Return to Hanoi and catch a bus or train to Hai Phong, where you’ll transfer to a ferry to reach Cat Ba Island. It is the more chill, less touristy gateway to Halong Bay, so you get the best of both worlds. Adventure, beach vibes, and some seriously stunning scenery.
Top Activities in Cat Ba and Halong Bay
- Cruise Halong Bay: Book a boat cruise to see the famous limestone islands. Overnight on the water if you can.
- Kayaking in Lan Ha Bay: Skip the crowds and explore this quieter side of Halong Bay.
- Hike Cat Ba National Park: Get the heart pumping with a trek through the park for stunning views.
- Rock Climbing: If you’re into climbing, Cat Ba has some awesome spots.
How long to stay: 7-8 days
Make the most of your days by lounging on the beach or exploring the bay by boat.
Day 21-28: Sapa – Trekking Heaven
Head back to Hanoi from Cat Ba, then take an overnight train or bus to Sapa. Swap your swimsuits for hiking gear for this stop, which is home to Vietnam’s famous terraced rice fields. Trek, meet locals, and stay in homestays. Sounds like a good plan, right? A must for any backpacking itinerary in Vietnam.
Top Activities To Do in Sapa
- Trek Muong Hoa Valley: Hike through endless rice terraces and small villages.
- Stay in a Local Homestay: Experience authentic village life with a Hmong family.
- Fansipan Mountain: Trek to the top of Indochina’s highest peak. Feeling lazy? You can take the cable car and still be amazed by the stunning views.
- Sapa Markets: Get your hands on some handmade goodies at the local markets and take some as souvenirs!
How long to stay: 7-8 days
Trek, relax, repeat. Take it slow and enjoy Sapa’s laid-back vibes.
Day 29-35: Phong Nha – Cave Adventures
Ready for your next itinerary in Vietnam? From Sapa, head back to Hanoi and catch an overnight train or sleeper bus to Dong Hoi. From Dong Hoi, it’s a short bus ride to Phong Nha. It is home to some of the most incredible caves in the world. This is perfect for adrenaline junkies out there: explore underground rivers, zipline into caves, and trek through lush jungles.
Top Activities To Do in Phong Nha
- Son Doong Cave: Curious what the world’s largest cave looks like? This is it. It’s pricey and requires advance booking, but it’s definitely a once-in-a lifetime experience
- Phong Nha Cave: Hop on a boat to check out this stunning underground world.
- Paradise Cave: Massive chambers and stalactites make this a must-see.
- Dark Cave: Zipline into this cave and then swim, kayak, and explore the muddy tunnels.
How long to stay: 5-6 days
Plenty of caves and outdoor adventures, so plan for nearly a week here.
Day 36-43: Hue – Dive Into History
Just a bus or train ride away (about 3-4 hours) from Phong Nha, Hue is all about Vietnam’s imperial past. History, temples, and some seriously good food, it’s got it all here. If you’re into culture, this stop on your itinerary in Vietnam will be a highlight.
Top Activities To Do in Hue
- Imperial City: Walk through the remains of the old capital, full of temples, palaces, and history.
- Tombs of the Emperors: Want an eerie yet unique experience? Explore the beautiful royal tombs just outside the city.
- Boat Cruise on the Perfume River: Take in the scenery while floating down the river.
- Bun Bo Hue: You shouldn’t miss out on trying this famous spicy beef noodle soup that comes from Hue.
How long to stay: 4-5 days
4-5 days is enough to take in the history, but you could easily stay longer if you want to dive deeper into the culture.
Day 44-50: Hoi An – Relax and Recharge
From Hue, catch a short bus or train ride (3-4 hours) to Hoi An via Da Nang. If you want to take it easy and chill out a bit, Hoi An is the perfect spot. Stroll down lantern-lit streets, visit custom tailors, and enjoy the beautiful beaches. Spend some time relaxing for a week or so in your itinerary in Vietnam.
Top Activities To Do in Hoi An
- Cycle Through Rice Fields: Soak in the views while biking through the lush countryside.
- Lantern Festival: If you’re here on a full moon, you’ll catch the lantern festival—it’s magical.
- Bamboo Basket Boat Tour: Hop in one of these traditional round boats and paddle through the lush coconut palm forests along the river.
- Take a Cooking Class: Learn how to cook Vietnamese classics like spring rolls and pho.
How long to stay: 6-7 days
Hoi An is the ultimate chill-out spot, so stay for 6-7 days or as long as you like!
Check this guide for more activities to experience in Hoi An.
Day 51-55: Da Nang – City and Beach Vibes
Just a 45-minute bus ride away from Hoi An is Da Nang, a city that mixes laid-back beach life with urban cool. It’s the perfect next stop on your itinerary in Vietnam.
Top Activities To Do in Da Nang
- Golden Bridge: You’ve seen it on Instagram, now see it in real life—those giant hands holding the bridge are even cooler in person.
- My Khe Beach: Chill out on the beach and soak up the sun.
- Marble Mountains: Hike to the top for epic views over the coast.
- Dragon Bridge: Visit at night to see the dragon breathe fire.
How long to stay: 4-5 days
Perfect for beach time and exploring the city before heading further south.
Day 56-60: Ho Chi Minh City – End with a Bang
Fly from Da Nang (about 1.5 hours) and finish your itinerary in Vietnam in Ho Chi Minh City (aka Saigon). This city is a whirlwind of traffic, food stalls, and history. It’s the perfect way to wrap up two months in Vietnam.
Top Activities To Do in Ho Chi Minh City
- War Remnants Museum: A sobering look at the impact of the Vietnam War.
- Cu Chi Tunnels: Explore the underground tunnels used by the Viet Cong during the war.
- Ben Thanh Market: Bargain for souvenirs and try all the street food.
- Notre-Dame Cathedral: A beautiful French colonial building right in the heart of the city.
How long to stay: 5 days
Explore the sights, soak in the energy, and reflect on your epic trip.
Travel Tips for Backpackers
- Book buses and trains early: Vietnam gets busy, especially on weekends.
- Night buses save money: They double as accommodation, and they’re surprisingly comfortable.
- Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate: The heat and humidity can catch you off guard.
- Grab a SIM card: Super cheap and helpful for maps, translations, and staying in touch.
- Eat street food, but be smart: Stick to busy spots where you can see the food being cooked fresh.
- Learn a few basic Vietnamese phrases: The locals appreciate it when you try to speak their language, and it’ll make your travels smoother.
- Hello/Hi: Xin chào (Sin chow)
- Thank you: Cảm ơn (Gam uhn)
- Yes: Vâng (Vung)
- No: Không (Khong)
- How much is this?: Cái này bao nhiêu tiền? (Guy nyay bow nyee-u tee-en?)
- I don’t understand: Tôi không hiểu (Toy khong hee-u)
- Goodbye: Tạm biệt (Tahm bye-et)
Time to Explore Vietnam
Vietnam is a place that grabs hold of you and doesn’t let go. From bustling cities to peaceful countryside, this itinerary in Vietnam gives you the perfect mix of adventure, culture, and relaxation. With this 60-day route, you’ll experience the best of Vietnam without rushing. Just remember to keep an open mind, take it slow, and enjoy the journey. Vietnam’s beauty, people, and vibrant culture will stay with you long after you’ve left.
More Itinerary Guides To Check Out
My 60 Days Spending Breakdown While Travelling in Vietnam + Trip Report – by Travel and Live Free
One Month in Vietnam: A Complete Itinerary – by The Planet Edit
The Ultimate 3 Week Vietnam Itinerary – by Travelista
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