12 days in Vietnam

Spending 12 days in Vietnam provides enough time to visit most of the country’s top highlights or to combine your trip with visits to Laos and/or Cambodia.

Embark on 12 days in Vietnam to explore vibrant cities, serene highlands, and pristine beaches, with the option to extend into Cambodia, Laos, or Thailand for a cross-border adventure. This Vietnam itinerary 12 days is perfect for solo travelers wandering bustling streets in Hanoi, couples relaxing on pristine shores of Phu Quoc island, or families uncovering Hue’s imperial history. Travelers can start from Hanoi and end the trip in Ho Chi Minh City or vice versa, and add a part of Cambodia or Laos in this period of time. Discover some of our suggestions for Vietnam tour itinerary, featuring a multi-country blend, timeless cost estimates, and practical tips.

Why spend 12 days in Vietnam

Vietnam’s diverse landscapes, from northern mountains to southern deltas, paired with neighbors like Cambodia and Laos, make 12 days in Vietnam ideal for a rich, unhurried journey. While shorter 7-10 day trips cover fewer regions, or 14-day itineraries grant more free time, 12 days is the perfect fit for you to explore the whole country or add a cross-border hop, like Cambodia’s Angkor Wat or Laos’ Luang Prabang. The extra days compared to an 11-day Vietnam itinerary allow deeper exploration, such as Ninh Binh’s karsts or Da Lat’s coffee farms. A Vietnam itinerary 12 days suits:

• First-time visitors seeking a full taste of Vietnam’s culture, nature, and history, with an optional cross-border twist.
• Adventure seekers mixing urban vibes, jungle treks, or ancient temples.
• Families or couples craving relaxation and lasting memories, like beach days or romantic dinners.

Kayaking through misterious caves in Ha Long Bay.

Key themes to shape your journey

Vietnam and its neighbors offer vibrant experiences for your 12 days in Vietnam. Here are four themes to inspire your Vietnam itinerary 12 days, tailored to diverse interests.

Cultural immersion

Dive into Vietnam’s heritage in Hanoi’s lively Old Quarter or Hue’s ancient citadels, paired with Cambodia’s Angkor Wat or Laos’ golden temples. Join a Hoi An lantern-making class or visit Ninh Binh’s ancient capital, connecting with locals through markets and crafts for a rich cultural experience.

Nature escapes

Explore Vietnam’s stunning landscapes, from Sapa’s misty terraces to Ha Long Bay’s limestone caves. Trek Phong Nha’s jungles or kayak Mekong canals. Add Laos’ waterfalls for a cross-border thrill. Eco-tours in Can Tho or Cat Ba blend adventure with sustainable travel, perfect for nature lovers.

Foodie adventures

Savor Vietnam’s flavors, from Hanoi’s pho to Hue’s spicy bun bo Hue. Visit Mekong Delta’s floating markets for fresh fruits or Cambodia’s night markets for fish amok. Cooking classes in Hoi An or coffee tours in Da Lat let you taste and learn regional specialties.

Relaxation & exploration

Balance adventure with calm: relax on Phu Quoc’s beaches, enjoy Hue’s river cruises, or unwind in Da Lat’s spas. Add Cambodia’s serene temples for peaceful moments. This theme mixes light treks or boat rides with downtime in eco-lodges or luxury resorts, ideal for couples or families.

Phu Quoc is the tropical paradise of Vietnam.

Cost & Estimated budget

Plan your Vietnam tours, or with a hop to Cambodia, Laos, or Thailand, with these timeless cost estimates and practical tips.

• Accommodations: Find cozy 2 or 3-star hotels in cities like Hanoi, Da Nang, or Ho Chi Minh City for $20-50/night. For a touch of luxury, indulge in 5-star resorts like Amanoi or InterContinental Danang from $200/night. Backpackers can opt for vibrant hostels at $4-6/night, sharing rooms with fellow travelers.
• Transportation: Navigate city centers with ease using taxis or Grab apps for $2-5 per ride. For travel between cities, choose from sleeper buses ($20-30), private cars ($40-60/day), scenic trains (e.g., Hanoi-Hue, $40-60), or quick domestic flights ($30-50). Flights to Cambodia or Laos cost ~$100-150.
• Meals: Vietnam’s culinary scene is a highlight, with delicious dishes at low costs compared to other Southeast Asian countries. Savor pho, banh mi, or bun cha at street stalls for $1.5-4.0. Luxury travelers can enjoy fine dining at top resorts for $50-100/meal.

Average cost for a 12-day tour

A Vietnam itinerary 12 days averages $1200-1800 per person for budget to mid-range travelers, and starting from $2200 for luxury travelers, covering accommodation, meals, transport, and activities. Multi-country tours with Cambodia or Laos range from $1200-2000 (budget/mid-range), including international flights. These cost vary by travel style:

• Budget travel: ~$960-1200, with hostels or homestay, street food experience, and budget transport (e.g., buses, taxis).
• Mid-range tour: ~$1320-2400, with boutique hotels, local restaurants, private car transfer, and domestic flights.
• Luxury tour: >$2200, featuring 5-star resorts (e.g., Six Senses Ninh Van Bay, Sofitel Legend Metropole), tailored services, and gourmet dining.

To save money, you can travel to Vietnam with a local tour operator, such as Paradise Travel to bundle flights, accommodations, and customize activities (e.g., Ha Long Bay cruises, Siem Reap temple tours), saving 10-20% compared to planning on your own.

Best travel destinations in Vietnam for 12 days

• Hanoi: 2 days
• Ha Long: 2 days
• Ninh Binh: 1 day
• Da Nang – Hoi An: 3 days
• Ho Chi Minh City: 2 days
• Mekong Delta: 2 days

The best highlights of the North of Vietnam for those who travel Vietnam for the first time are Hanoi, Halong Bay, Ninh Binh, Mai Chau, Sapa. You can choose some of the destinations then continue with Hue, Da Nang, Hoian in the Central. The South of Vietnam is famous for Nha Trang beach, Da Lat, the metropolitan Ho Chi Minh City with nearby Cu Chi Tunnels, Cao Dai Holy See. Mighty Mekong delta and Phu Quoc Island are also attractive for many travelers.

Do you want to know what is the best time to visit these destinations? Check out our detailed guide to Vietnam seasons and climate.

Suggested itineraries for 12 days in Vietnam

Option 1: 12 days in Vietnam from North to South

Hanoi – Ha Long Bay – Ninh Binh – Hoi An – Ho Chi Minh City – Mekong Delta

Kick off your 12 days in Vietnam in Hanoi, wandering the lively Old Quarter, sipping egg coffee by Hoan Kiem Lake, and catching a vibrant water puppet show. Cruise Ha Long Bay’s emerald waters, kayaking through limestone caves and savoring fresh seafood under the stars. Drive to Ninh Binh, gliding through Tam Coc’s karst-lined rivers and exploring Hoa Lu’s ancient temples. Return to Hanoi for a relaxed evening, then fly to Da Nang and settle in Hoi An’s lantern-lit streets. Enjoy guided tours of historic merchant houses, plus two free days to cycle to Tra Que Village, join a cooking class, or relax on An Bang Beach. Fly to Ho Chi Minh City, browsing Ben Thanh Market’s stalls, then visit the colorful Cao Dai Temple and historic Cu Chi Tunnels. End in the Mekong Delta, cruising canals, visiting coconut workshops, and exploring Cai Rang’s bustling floating market. Ha Long’s eco-cruises and Mekong homestays support sustainable travel. Add a My Son Sanctuary tour or a Saigon rooftop dinner for extra charm. This Vietnam itinerary 12 days blends northern culture, central heritage, and southern vibrancy.

Discover Cai Rang floating market, one of best places to visit in Southern Vietnam.

Suggested itinerary

• Day 1: Arrive in Hanoi. Spend the afternoon exploring the Old Quarter, Hoan Kiem Lake, and enjoy a traditional water puppet show in the evening.
• Day 2: Travel to Ha Long Bay and board an overnight cruise. Sail among stunning limestone karsts, visit caves or a floating village, and enjoy sunset and seafood dinner.
• Day 3: Drive to Ninh Binh, known as “Halong Bay on land,” with scenic stops en route.
• Day 4: Explore the ancient capital Hoa Lu, then enjoy a sampan boat ride through Tam Coc’s limestone caves. Return to Hanoi in the afternoon and relax or explore at your leisure.
• Day 5: Fly to Da Nang and transfer to Hoi An. Enjoy walking through the Ancient Town, visit historical merchant houses and temples.
• Day 6-7: Free day in Hoi An for coffee, shopping, cooking class, cycling or beach time.
• Day 8: Transfer to Da Nang for a flight to Ho Chi Minh City. Explore Ben Thanh Market or enjoy the nightlife and street food scene.
• Day 9: Visit Cao Dai Temple in Tay Ninh and witness a spiritual ceremony. Head to Cu Chi Tunnels to learn about Vietnam War warfare and underground life.
• Day 10: Transfer to the Mekong Delta for a boat cruise along canals. Visit local villages, a coconut workshop, and fruit orchards. Enjoy meal with a local family.
• Day 11: Take a boat trip through Cai Rang floating market, then return to Saigon. Spend the evening shopping or enjoying rooftop dining.
• Day 12: Enjoy some last-minute shopping or sightseeing before departure flight.

Option 2: 12 days in Vietnam from Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh City – Da Lat – Nha Trang – Hanoi – Ha Long Bay – Sapa 

Travelers can change above itinerary with starting point from Saigon. Begin your 12 days in Vietnam in Ho Chi Minh City, exploring District 1’s vibrant markets and savoring banh mi. Tour historic sites and the Cu Chi Tunnels, learning about wartime history. Fly to Da Lat, strolling romantic Xuan Huong Lake and visiting quirky Crazy House. Explore Bao Dai’s Palace and Datanla Waterfall, then drive through scenic mountains to Nha Trang’s sunny beaches. Relax or try island hopping, followed by a flight to Hanoi’s bustling Old Quarter. Cruise Ha Long Bay, kayaking through limestone caves and enjoying seafood feasts. Take an overnight train to Sapa, trekking rice terraces and visiting Lao Chai and Ta Van villages. Explore Cat Cat village or a local market before returning to Hanoi by train. Mekong homestays and Ha Long’s eco-cruises promote sustainability. Add a Da Lat coffee tour or a Hanoi water puppet show for variety. This Vietnam itinerary 12 days mixes southern energy, highland charm, and northern beauty.

Enjoy lakeside coffee by the peaceful Xuan Huong lake in Da Lat.

Suggested itinerary

• Day 1: Arrive in Ho Chi Minh City, enjoy free time to rest or explore the downtown area.
• Day 2: Visit key city landmarks, explore Cu Chi Tunnels to learn about underground life during the Vietnam War.
• Day 3: Fly to Da Lat, the romantic highland city. Visit the Crazy House or stroll around Xuan Huong Lake upon arrival.
• Day 4: Explore Da Lat’s highlights including Bao Dai’s Palace, Truc Lam Zen Monastery, Datanla Waterfall.
• Day 5: Drive through scenic mountain passes to Nha Trang. Take time to relax on beautiful beaches and enjoy lively seaside culture.
• Day 6: Relax on the beach or join optional activities like island trip, snorkeling, mud bathing, or visiting the VinWonders amusement park.
• Day 7: Fly to Hanoi. Enjoy a free evening exploring the Old Quarter’s street food, local cafes, and bustling night markets.
• Day 8: Travel to Ha Long Bay. Board an overnight cruise, explore limestone caves, enjoy kayaking, and enjoy diner on board.
• Day 9: Return to Hanoi. Visit local sites if time allows, then board the overnight train to Sapa in the northern highlands.
• Day 10: Arrive in Sapa. Trek through terraced fields and ethnic minority villages.
• Day 11: Visit a local market in the morning. Transfer to Lao Cai for overnight train back to Hanoi.
• Day 12: Arrive early in Hanoi. Enjoy last-minute shopping or sightseeing before departure flight.

Option 3: 12 days in Vietnam and Cambodia

Ho Chi Minh City – Mekong Delta – Siem Reap – Hanoi – Ha Long Bay – Sapa – Ninh Binh

For a mix of Vietnam and Cambodia tours, travelers can start the tour from Angkor Wat, Cambodia then take a flight to either Hanoi or Saigon. Alternatively, if travelers start the tour in Vietnam, they can also combine with a trip to Cambodia later on. For example, start your 12 days in Vietnam in Ho Chi Minh City, browsing Ben Thanh Market and savoring pho. Tour the Reunification Palace and Cu Chi Tunnels, then cruise the Mekong Delta’s canals, sampling tropical fruits in local villages. Fly to Siem Reap, Cambodia, exploring Angkor Wat’s majestic temples and Ta Prohm’s jungle ruins. Fly to Hanoi, strolling the Old Quarter and catching a water puppet show. Cruise Ha Long Bay, kayaking through limestone caves and dining on grilled squid. Take an overnight train to Sapa, trekking through rice terraces and visiting Lao Chai and Ta Van villages. Return to Hanoi, then head to Ninh Binh for a serene Tam Coc boat ride and Hoa Lu’s ancient temples. Cambodia’s community tours and Ha Long’s eco-cruises support sustainability. Add a Siem Reap cooking class or a Ninh Binh cycling tour for extra flavor. This Vietnam itinerary 12 days blends Vietnam’s vibrancy with Cambodia’s ancient wonders.

Sapa’s rice terraces during harvest season.

Suggested itinerary

This itinerary is based on the one of our most interesting itineraries ‘Highlights of Vietnam and Cambodia‘ selected by many travelers:

• Day 1: Arrive in Ho Chi Minh City. Enjoy free time to rest or explore the city center.
• Day 2: Visit Notre Dame Cathedral, Central Post Office, War Remnants Museum, then explore the Cu Chi Tunnels, a historic underground resistance network.
• Day 3: Travel to the Mekong Delta. Enjoy a boat cruise, visit local villages, and sample tropical fruits before returning to Ho Chi Minh City.
• Day 4: Fly to Siem Reap. Upon arrival, enjoy a cultural dinner or visit the local night market.
• Day 5: Guided tour to explore Angkor Wat, Angkor Thom, Bayon Temple, and Ta Prohm.
• Day 6: Fly to Hanoi. Spend the afternoon exploring the Old Quarter, Hoan Kiem Lake, and enjoy a traditional water puppet show.
• Day 7: Drive to Ha Long Bay. Board an overnight cruise, visit limestone caves, kayak, and enjoy dinner on board.
• Day 8: Return to Hanoi by midday. Enjoy free time before boarding the night train to Sapa, located in Vietnam’s scenic northern mountains.
• Day 9: Arrive early in Sapa. Trek through lush valleys, visit ethnic minority villages and enjoy meal with a local family.
• Day 10: Spend the day exploring more of Sapa or visit a local market. Take the evening train back to Hanoi.
• Day 11: Travel to Ninh Binh. Enjoy a boat ride in Tam Coc or Trang An and visit ancient temples in Hoa Lu.
• Day 12: Spend the morning to relax before transfer back to Hanoi for your international flight.

Option 4: 12 days in Vietnam and Laos

Hanoi – Ha Long Bay – Ninh Binh – Luang Prabang – Ho Chi Minh City – Mekong Delta

Luang Prabang, famous for its countless Buddhist temples, is a perfect place in Laos to relax and experience a slower, simpler way of life. Your 12 days in Vietnam and Laos start in Hanoi, where you will explore the bustling Old Quarter and enjoying a water puppet show. Cruise Ha Long Bay’s emerald waters, kayaking caves and savoring seafood. Head to Ninh Binh for a serene Tam Coc boat ride and Hoa Lu’s ancient temples. Fly to Luang Prabang, Laos, a UNESCO gem, to visit Wat Xieng Thong and Kuang Si Falls, or join the monks’ alms-giving ceremony. Fly to Ho Chi Minh City, touring the vibrant Ben Thanh Market and historic Cu Chi Tunnels. Visit the colorful Cao Dai Temple, then cruise the Mekong Delta’s Cai Rang floating market, cycling orchards and sharing meals in Can Tho. Ha Long’s eco-cruises and Mekong homestays promote sustainable travel. Add a Luang Prabang cooking class or a Saigon rooftop dinner for romance. This Vietnam itinerary 12 days blends Vietnam’s culture with Laos’ serene heritage.

Saigon’s colonial architecture.

Suggested itinerary

• Day 1: Arrive in Hanoi. Visit the Old Quarter, Hoan Kiem Lake, enjoy a traditional water puppet show or sample local street food.
• Day 2: Drive to Ha Long Bay. Board an overnight cruise to explore limestone islands, visit caves, kayak, and enjoy sunset dinner on board.
• Day 3: Cruise back to shore after brunch and transfer to Ninh Binh. Enjoy the peaceful countryside atmosphere surrounded by karst landscapes.
• Day 4: Explore Hoa Lu ancient capital and take a sampan boat ride through Tam Coc or Trang An. Return to Hanoi to rest or continue exploring the vibrant nightlife.
• Day 5: Fly to Luang Prabang, Laos. Climb Mount Phousi near the city center and visit the night market.
• Day 6: Visit the Royal Palace, ancient temples, and Kuang Si Falls. Optionally join the early morning alms-giving ceremony with local monks.
• Day 7: Fly to Ho Chi Minh City. Enjoy a free afternoon to explore Ben Thanh Market or a rooftop drink with a panoramic view of the city center.
• Day 8: Visit the colorful Cao Dai Temple in Tay Ninh, then explore the Cu Chi Tunnels used by Viet Cong soldiers during the war.
• Day 9: Travel to the Mekong Delta. Cruise narrow canals, visit a local village, and enjoy a peaceful night in the riverside city of Can Tho.
• Day 10: Wake up early to visit Cai Rang Floating Market. Return to Ho Chi Minh City in the afternoon and relax.
• Day 11: Visit iconic landmarks in Ho Chi Minh City such as Reunification Palace, Notre Dame Cathedral, and War Remnants Museum. Take a free evening for shopping or relaxing.
• Day 12: Enjoy free time depending on your flight schedule before transfer to the airport for your departure.

Local experts’ opinion about 12 days in Vietnam

12 days in Vietnam, or paired with Cambodia, Laos, or Thailand, offer a vibrant mix of cities, beaches, and ancient ruins. These Vietnam itinerary 12 days options are flexible: You can swap a trek for a market visit or spend more day to relax on Phu Quoc’s shores if caves aren’t your thing. Discover a hidden Mekong village or share a romantic dinner under the stars – the region’s magic lies in these moments. We hope that our suggestions above sparks your wanderlust. For more inspirations and additional tips, check out our latest guide on travel to Vietnam in 2026, or contact us for a custom adventure.