12 days in Vietnam

As tour guides and planners, we’ve witnessed countless first-time visitors, filled with excitement mixed with confusion: How to make the most of 12 days in Vietnam without missing out on the highlights? If you’re a first-time international traveler to Vietnam, 12 days is truly an ideal amount of time. It’s enough to cover all three regions of Vietnam – North, Central, and South – without exhausting you.

Discover with us must-see destinations, what to eat, and what to do to experience local culture authentically. We’ll also share some helpful tips from our personal experience: from bargaining at the market to avoiding crowds. Hopefully, you’ll have a ready-made, easily customizable plan for your upcoming solo, couple, or family trip to Vietnam.

Why spend 12 days in Vietnam

12 days in Vietnam is enough for a classic North-to-South or South-to-North trip. We designed this itinerary as it’s most efficient for first-time travelers, minimizing travel in opposite directions and maximizing the experience. We believe cramming too much into one trip can lead to fatigue. Therefore, we recommend prioritizing a reasonable pace, with about 2-3 days of rest and relaxation between the main attractions like Hanoi, Hoi An or Ho Chi Minh City. 12 days in Vietnam is enough time for sightseeing and historical explorations, while still include exploring street food and engaging in interactive activities such as cooking classes or handicraft workshops. These are things you won’t have enough time to experience if you only plan for about 7 days in Vietnam. This timeframe is also flexible: If you prefer mountains, you can easily replace beach trips with a short trip to the highlands such as Sapa.

Sapa’s rice terraces and ethnic villages.

Cost & Estimated budget for 12 days in Vietnam

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 $2-3. Luxury travelers can enjoy fine dining at top resorts for $50-100/meal.

Average cost for a 12-day tour in Vietnam

A Vietnam itinerary 12 days averages $1500-2000 per person for budget to mid-range travelers, and starting from $2200 for luxury travelers, covering accommodation, meals, transport, and activities. These cost vary by travel style:

• Budget travel: ~$1000-1500, with local hostels or homestay, street food experience, and budget transport (e.g., train, bike).
• Mid-range tour (Recommended): ~$1500-2500, with boutique 3-4 star hotels, local restaurants, private car transfer, and domestic flights.
• Luxury tour: Starting from $3000, 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.

Vietnam also has luxury accommodations that are just as good as those in other countries.

Best travel destinations in Vietnam for 12 days

Where to go during 12 days in Vietnam? If you’re planning a 12-day trip to Vietnam, focus on a balanced north-to-south route to avoid overload. Here are notable destinations with suggested durations, you can pick 4-6 from this list  based on your vibe (nature, culture, or beach). From our experience, starting North is ideal for the most awe-inspiring landscape.

North Vietnam highlights (Focus on nature and culture)

• Hanoi (2 days): Dive into the bustling Old Quarter with its narrow streets filled with street food stalls, ancient temples, and vibrant markets; don’t miss exploring Hoan Kiem Lake for a perfect introduction to Vietnamese urban life.
• Ha Long / Lan Ha Bay (2 days): Embark on emerald-water cruises through dramatic limestone karsts. We suggest opting for Lan Ha Bay for its quieter, more sustainable atmosphere compared to the busier Ha Long, and complete your trip with kayaking through hidden lagoons and cave explorations.
• Ninh Binh (1 day): This area offers serene boat rides through lush rice paddies, rivers, and ancient temples, with highlights like Trang An grottoes and panoramic hikes at Hang Mua for breathtaking views.
• Sapa (3 days): Wander through terraced rice fields that change colors with the seasons, visit ethnic minority villages, and trek scenic trails. Sapa is a hiker’s paradise with cool mountain air and opportunities for homestays to immerse in local hill tribe cultures.
• Mai Chau & Pu Luong (2-3 days): Escape to peaceful valleys dotted with traditional stilt houses and rice terraces; enjoy cycling tours, traditionnal dance performances, and eco-friendly homestays for a relaxing contrast to busier northern areas.

Central Vietnam highlights (Focus on history)

• Hue (1 day): Explore the historic Imperial Citadel and royal tombs along the Perfume River, delve into Vietnam’s imperial past through boat rides and visits to ornate palaces that reflect royal heritage.
• Da Nang & Hoi An (3 days): In Da Nang, admire modern bridges and beaches, then head to Hoi An’s ancient town with its glowing lanterns, tailor shops, and riverside cafes. Hoi An is the most popular attraction in Vietnam for it for the nostalgic vibe, authentic interactive experiences, and nearby beaches like An Bang or Cua Dai.

The charming Hoi An ancient town.

South Vietnam highlights (Focus on urban energy and relaxation)

• Nha Trang (2-3 days): Relax on pristine white-sand beaches with crystal-clear waters perfect for snorkeling and diving. The area also offers vibrant nightlife, seafood markets, and nearby islands for day trips.
• Da Lat (2-3 days): An enchanting highland retreat, with cool climate, French colonial architecture, and lush pine forests. This destination is perfect for nature lovers seeking a refreshing break from the heat, or couples seeking a tranquil retreat with romantic scenery.
• Ho Chi Minh City (2 days): Immerse yourself in the metropolitan energy of this bustling city, visiting war history sites like the War Remnants Museum, vibrant markets such as Ben Thanh, and nearby attractions including the Cu Chi Tunnels for a glimpse into Vietnam’s resilient past.
• Mekong Delta (2 days): The intricate network of rivers and canals in Southern Vietnam is ideal for boat exploration. Experiencing unique shopping at floating markets like Cai Rang, sampling fresh tropical fruits, and visiting local workshops for an insight of authentic southern Vietnam’s life.
• Phu Quoc island (2-3 days): The tropical paradise of Vietnam with powdery beaches, lush jungles, and beautiful sunset. The island is ideal for water activities like kayaking, surfing or simply relaxing at resorts, making it a perfect finale for most classic Vietnam tours.

For first-time travelers in Vietnam, we often recommend starting with Northern staples like Hanoi, Halong Bay, and Ninh Binh for their iconic appeal, then transitioning to Central spots such as Hue and Hoi An for cultural depth, and wrapping up in the South with Ho Chi Minh City and the Mekong Delta.

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

Below are two of the most popular itineraries we usually recommend to our clients. These are just examples, and the choice of destinations is entirely flexible, but you can use them as a basis for planning your 12-day trip 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.

Local experts’ opinion about 12 days in Vietnam

After 12 days of traveling in Vietnam, you will not only “check in” at famous landmarks but also truly feel the soul of Vietnam: from the warm vibrancy of the cities, the diverse beauty of the natural landscapes, the tranquility of the countryside… Vietnam in 2026 is becoming increasingly tourist-friendly: easy e-visa access, convenient logistics between destinations, and countless other options to choose.

Whether you have ample time to explore leisurely or just enough to catch a glimpse of the country, we hope your trip to Vietnam will leave you with unforgettable impressions. To help make your trip perfect, we invite you to take a look at our latest guide travel to Vietnam in 2026. Have a wonderful time in Vietnam, and see you on the streets of Saigon or the beaches of Hoi An!