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.

Travelers can start from Hanoi and end the trip in Ho Chi Minh City or vice versa. Travelers can also add a part of Cambodia or Laos in this period of time. Would you like another itinerary or suggestion? Please let us know or customize your Vietnam tour or check out our Vietnam tour packages.

12 days in Vietnam travel plans

12 days across Vietnam from Hanoi

Hanoi – Halong Bay – Ninh Binh – Da Nang – Hoi An – Ho Chi Minh City – Mekong Delta

• 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

Some Vietnam culture practices and customs you should know when traveling to Vietnam

Vietnam travel map with main cities

Best tour itinerary in 12 days from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City

Day 1: Arrival in Hanoi – City Tour

Arrive in Hanoi and transfer to your hotel. Spend the afternoon exploring the Old Quarter, Hoan Kiem Lake, and enjoy a traditional water puppet show in the evening.

Day 2: Hanoi – Ha Long Bay (Overnight on Cruise)

Travel to Ha Long Bay and board a cruise. Sail among stunning limestone karsts, visit caves or a floating village, and enjoy sunset, seafood dinner, and overnight stay on board.

Day 3: Ha Long Bay – Ninh Binh

Start the morning with tai chi on deck and brunch as the cruise returns to port. Drive to Ninh Binh, known as “Halong Bay on land,” with scenic stops en route.

Day 4: Ninh Binh – Hanoi

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: Hanoi – Fly to Da Nang – Hoi An

Fly to Da Nang and transfer to the charming town of Hoi An. Enjoy a guided walking tour through the lantern-lit Old Town and visit historical merchant houses and temples.

Day 6: Hoi An Free Day or Optional Tour

Spend the day at leisure exploring Hoi An, relaxing on the beach, or joining an optional cooking class, cycling tour to Tra Que village, or visiting My Son Sanctuary.

Day 7: Hoi An Free Day

Enjoy another free day to unwind, shop for tailor-made clothes, or explore the countryside. Consider a boat ride on the Thu Bon River or a visit to An Bang Beach.

Day 8: Hoi An – Da Nang – Fly to Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)

Transfer to Da Nang for a flight to bustling Ho Chi Minh City. Upon arrival, explore the historic Ben Thanh Market or enjoy the vibrant nightlife and street food scene.

Day 9: Saigon – Cao Dai Holy See – Cu Chi Tunnels

Visit the colorful Cao Dai Temple in Tay Ninh and witness a noon ceremony. Continue to the Cu Chi Tunnels to learn about Vietnam War guerrilla warfare and underground life.

Day 10: Saigon – Mekong Delta Exploration

Head to the Mekong Delta for a boat cruise along narrow canals. Visit local villages, a coconut workshop, and fruit orchards. Enjoy lunch with a local family before continuing exploration.

Day 11: Mekong Delta – Return to Saigon

Take a morning boat trip through a floating market, then return to Saigon. Spend the evening shopping or enjoying rooftop dining with views of the city skyline.

Day 12: Saigon – Departure

Depending on your flight time, enjoy some last-minute shopping or sightseeing before your transfer to the airport for departure. End of services.

Floating Market on Mekong river

12 days in Vietnam from Ho Chi Minh City

Travelers can change above itinerary with start point from Saigon. Here is another itinerary with different destinations and start from HCM City:

Day 1: Arrival in Ho Chi Minh City

Arrive in Ho Chi Minh City, transfer to your hotel, and enjoy free time to rest or explore the vibrant downtown area.

Day 2: Ho Chi Minh City Tour – Cu Chi Tunnels

Visit key city landmarks, then explore the Cu Chi Tunnels to learn about underground life during the Vietnam War.

Day 3: Ho Chi Minh City – Flight to Da Lat

Fly to Da Lat, the romantic highland city. Visit the Crazy House or stroll around Xuan Huong Lake upon arrival.

Day 4: Da Lat Sightseeing

Explore Da Lat’s highlights including Bao Dai’s Palace, Truc Lam Zen Monastery, Datanla Waterfall, and enjoy cool mountain weather.

Day 5: Da Lat – Drive to Nha Trang

Drive through scenic mountain passes to Nha Trang, a coastal city known for beautiful beaches and lively seaside culture.

Day 6: Nha Trang Leisure Day

Relax on the beach or join optional activities like island hopping, mud bathing, or visiting the VinWonders amusement park.

Day 7: Nha Trang – Fly to Hanoi

Fly to Hanoi and enjoy a free evening exploring the Old Quarter’s street food, local cafes, and bustling night markets.

Day 8: Hanoi – Ha Long Bay Cruise

Travel to Ha Long Bay, board an overnight cruise, explore limestone caves, enjoy kayaking, and dine while sailing through stunning scenery.

Day 9: Ha Long – Hanoi – Night Train to Sapa

Return to Hanoi, visit local sites if time allows, then board the overnight train to Sapa in the northern highlands.

Day 10: Sapa Trekking and Ethnic Villages

Arrive in Sapa, trek through terraced fields and ethnic minority villages like Lao Chai and Ta Van. Overnight in Sapa.

Day 11: Sapa – Return Night Train to Hanoi

Spend the morning visiting a local market or Cat Cat village. Evening transfer to Lao Cai for overnight train back to Hanoi.

Day 12: Hanoi – Departure

Arrive early in Hanoi. Depending on your flight, enjoy last-minute shopping or sightseeing before airport transfer for departure.

12 days in Vietnam and Cambodia

Travelers can start the tour from Angkor Wat, Cambodia then take a flight to either Hanoi or Saigon then Hanoi. Alternatively, if travelers start the tour from Hanoi or Saigon, they can also combine with Angkor Wat.

Angkor Wat – Cambodia

Here is one of the most interesting itineraries ‘Highlights of Vietnam and Cambodia’ which is selected by many travelers:

Day 1: Arrival in Ho Chi Minh City
Arrive in bustling Ho Chi Minh City. Transfer to your hotel and enjoy free time to rest or explore the vibrant city center.

Day 2: Ho Chi Minh City Tour – Cu Chi Tunnels
Visit Notre Dame Cathedral, Central Post Office, War Remnants Museum, then explore the Cu Chi Tunnels, a historic underground resistance network.

Day 3: Ho Chi Minh City – Mekong Delta Excursion
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: Ho Chi Minh City – Flight to Siem Reap (Angkor Wat)
Fly to Siem Reap. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel and enjoy a cultural dinner or visit the local night market.

Day 5: Full-day Angkor Wat Exploration
Explore Angkor Wat, Angkor Thom, Bayon Temple, and Ta Prohm. Discover the grandeur of Khmer architecture and history with a local guide.

Day 6: Siem Reap – Morning Flight to Hanoi
Fly to Hanoi. Spend your afternoon exploring the Old Quarter, Hoan Kiem Lake, and enjoy a traditional water puppet show.

Day 7: Hanoi – Ha Long Bay Cruise
Drive to Ha Long Bay. Board an overnight cruise, visit limestone caves, kayak, and enjoy dinner on the bay under the stars.

Day 8: Ha Long – Hanoi – Night Train to Sapa
Return to Hanoi by midday. Enjoy free time before boarding the night train to Sapa, located in Vietnam’s scenic northern mountains.

Day 9: Explore Sapa’s Terraced Fields and Villages
Arrive in Sapa. Trek through lush valleys, visit ethnic minority villages such as Lao Chai and Ta Van. Overnight in Sapa.

Day 10: Sapa – Night Train Back to Hanoi
Spend the day exploring more of Sapa or visit a local market. Take the evening train back to Hanoi.

Day 11: Hanoi – Ninh Binh Discovery
Travel to Ninh Binh. Enjoy a boat ride in Tam Coc or Trang An and visit ancient temples in Hoa Lu. Overnight in Ninh Binh.

Day 12: Ninh Binh – Hanoi Airport Departure
Relax in the morning. Transfer back to Hanoi for your international flight. End of tour.

Beautiful rice terraces in northern Vietnam highland

12 days in Vietnam and Laos

Luang Prabang, famous for its countless Buddhist temples, is a perfect place in Laos to relax and experience a slower, simpler way of life

Here is an option to combine highlights of Vietnam and Luang Prabang, Laos:

Day 1: Arrival in Hanoi – City Exploration
Arrive in Hanoi. Visit the Old Quarter, Hoan Kiem Lake, and enjoy a traditional water puppet show or sample local street food.

Day 2: Hanoi – Ha Long Bay Overnight Cruise
Drive to Ha Long Bay. Board a cruise to explore limestone islands, visit caves, kayak, and enjoy sunset dinner and overnight on board.

Day 3: Ha Long Bay – Ninh Binh
Cruise back to shore with brunch. Transfer to Ninh Binh, enjoy the peaceful countryside and overnight stay surrounded by karst landscapes.

Day 4: Ninh Binh – Hanoi
Explore Hoa Lu ancient capital and take a sampan boat ride through Tam Coc or Trang An. Return to Hanoi for overnight.

Day 5: Hanoi – Fly to Luang Prabang
Fly to Luang Prabang, Laos. Transfer to your hotel, then enjoy a sunset view from Mount Phousi and visit the night market.

Day 6: Discover Luang Prabang
Visit the Royal Palace, ancient temples, and Kuang Si Falls. Optionally join the early morning alms-giving ceremony with local monks.

Day 7: Luang Prabang – Fly to Ho Chi Minh City
Fly to Ho Chi Minh City. Free afternoon to explore Ben Thanh Market or enjoy a rooftop drink in the vibrant city center.

Day 8: Cao Dai Holy See – Cu Chi Tunnels
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: Mekong Delta – Overnight in Can Tho
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: Can Tho – Return to Ho Chi Minh City
Visit the famous Cai Rang Floating Market in the early morning. Return to Ho Chi Minh City in the afternoon and relax.

Day 11: Ho Chi Minh City Tour and Shopping
Visit Reunification Palace, Notre Dame Cathedral, and War Remnants Museum. Afternoon free for shopping or relaxing before your final night in Vietnam.

Day 12: Departure from Ho Chi Minh City
Free time depending on your flight schedule. Transfer to the airport for your departure. End of tour.

A calm street in Luang Prabang

Budgets for 12 days in Vietnam

• 3 star hotel without flight: 109 – 1250 $US/ person for double/ twin sharing
• 4 star hotel without flight: 1380 – 1550 $US/ person for double/ twin sharing
• 5 star hotel without flight: 1550 – 1950 $US/ person for double/ twin sharing
• Flight from 80$US/ 1 way (North/ South to Central), from 150$US/ 1 way North to South or vice versa

Of course the budgets for these 12 days depend much on what travelers can afford. To save money, travelers can choose suitable downtown 2 or 3 star hotels from 30-40 $US/ night, eat in local restaurants or street foods, check for tourist buses for main and long routes, book cheap air tickets with Vietnam Airlines, Vietjet Air or Jetstar

Recommended Vietnam tours in 12 days

• Most interesting destinations of Vietnam – 12 Days/ 11 Nights
• Memory of Vietnam with Saigon to Hanoi Highlights – 12 Days/ 11 Nights
• Paradise Family Vacation In Vietnam – 12 Days/ 11 Nights
• Northwest Vietnam Hill Tribes Exploration – 12 Days/ 11 Nights
• Vietnam and Cambodia World Heritage Sites – 12 Days/ 11 Nights
• Vietnam highlights tour for family – 11 Days/ 10 Nights
• Northern Vietnam Exposure Tours – 11 Days/ 10 Nights

Are you interested in a 12-day tour to Vietnam with Paradise Travel? Share us your ideas on the comment box below!