13 days in Vietnam

Spending 13 days in Vietnam will offer you a glimpse into history, culture, and people of this dazzling country.

Welcome to Vietnam, the precious gem of Southeast Asia! Travel to Vietnam in 13 days, you will explore different aspects of our country: chaotic streets in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, emerald rice fields and imposing mountains in Northern region, stalactites in Ha Long Bay, picturesque coastal villages in Central Vietnam, and finish with exciting floating markets in the Mekong Delta. You can also blend in Cambodia, Laos, or Thailand for a multi-country tour. Discover with us the best places to visit during 13 days in Vietnam, some suggested Vietnam itinerary ideas, and estimated budget for your upcoming travel.

Why spend 13 days in Vietnam

The country spans mountains, deltas, and coastlines, which makes 13 days perfect for a thorough, leisurely exploration. In compared to short trips such as 3-4 day Vietnam itineraries and mid size tour like 7 days in Vietnam only touch on key spots, 13 days allow you to visit the main destinations in Vietnam or incorporate a cross-border extension to Cambodia’s Angkor Wat or Laos’ tranquil temples. The free days during the trip can add more depth, like a relaxed day at the beach or a day discovering Sapa local markets.

A Vietnam itinerary 13 days fits:

• First-timers discovering Vietnam’s culture, nature, and history, and want to add an optional neighboring country highlight.
• Adventurers who want diverse experience from city energy, rural hikes, or temple explorations.
• Families or couples balancing sightseeing with freetime for interactive experience, like workshops or cycling tour.

Key themes to shape your journey

Vietnam and its neighbors deliver many experiences for your 13 days in Vietnam. Here are some of our themes to guide your Vietnam tours in 13 days, suited to various preferences.

Heritage trails

Trace Vietnam’s storied past in Hanoi’s colonial architecture or Hue’s imperial forts, extended to Cambodia’s Angkor or Laos’ royal sites. Stroll Ninh Binh’s ancient ruins or join a Hoi An tailoring session, linking with locals through guided walks and craft workshops for a deeper historical connection.

Outdoor thrills

Vietnam’s terrain calls for action, from Sapa’s terrace climbs to Ha Long Bay’s cave paddles. Hike Da Lat’s highlands or cycle Mekong paths. For a border twist, trek Laos’ jungles. Eco-guided tours in Phong Nha or Cat Ba mix excitement with care for the environment, suiting thrill-hunters.

Local life immersion

Step into everyday Vietnam through Can Tho’s market chats or Da Nang’s village stays. Add Cambodia’s lake communities for a regional flavor. This theme features homestay dinners, farmer visits, and street-side talks, helping you experience the warmth and routines of local communities.

Coastal relaxation

Combine relaxation with discovery: lounge on Phu Quoc’s sands while touring Hue’s tombs. Blend Laos’ riverside calm with Vietnam’s coastal vibes. This theme pairs downtime in eco-resorts with nearby sites like Hoi An’s bridges or Siem Reap’s markets, great for recharging with a cultural edge.

Cost & Estimated budget

It is extremely important to prepare travel costs and itinerary to visit Vietnam. Vietnam’s tourism industry offers top-notch services at budget-friendly prices, making it a standout destination in Southeast Asia. Normally, you will spend around US $15 to 100 per day in Vietnam, depending on whether you use backpacking or luxurious services.

• Accomodation: Hostels in Vietnam start at only US $5/night with the most basic facilities, and you may have to share bathrooms and toilets with other tourists. For more privacy, you can choose a hotel from 2 to 5-star at around US $15-200, including breakfast. Do not limit yourself in only one kind of accommodation! For 13 days in Vietnam, you may want to try various options, from hotels in cities to homestays in the countryside so that you and your family can interact with the locals.
• Transportation: Navigate city centers with ease using taxis or Grab apps for $2-5 per ride. For intercity travel, you can choose from sleeper buses ($20-30), overnight trains (e.g., Hanoi-Hue, $18-20), or by quick domestic flights ($30-50). Flights to Cambodia or Laos cost ~$100-150.
• Meal: Vietnam is famous for its gastronomy, the food is cheaper and tastier compared to other Southeast Asian countries. You can find street food everywhere, so meals are definitely not your concern on a 13-day tour to Vietnam. Savor pho, banh mi, or bun cha at street stalls for $1,5-4. Luxury travelers can enjoy fine dining at top resorts for $50-100/meal.

Transportation expense in Vietnam

Average cost for a 13-day tour

A Vietnam itinerary 13 days averages $1000-2000 per person for budget to mid-range travelers, and more than $3000 for luxury travelers, covering accommodation, meals, transport, and activities. Multi-country tours with Cambodia or Laos range from $1400-2400 (budget/mid-range) and may cost more than $3000 (for luxury travelers), including international flights. Costs vary by travel style:

• Backpacker’s trip: ~$1000-1,300, with hostels, street food, and self-transport (e.g., buses, taxis).
• Mid-range tour: ~$1500-2500, with boutique hotels, local restaurants, and domestic flights.
• Luxury tour: ~$3000, featuring all 5-star resorts (e.g., Amanoi, Sofitel Legend Metropole), bespoke services, and gourmet meals.

During your travel in Vietnam, you can team up with a tour operator, such as Paradise Travel, to package flights, lodging, and excursions (e.g., Ha Long cruises, Luang Prabang temple tours), cutting 10-20% off independent arrangements. Discover more in our guide on traveling to Vietnam on a tight budget.

Suggested itinerary for 13 days in Vietnam

Option 1: 13 days in Vietnam Classic Tour

Launch your 13 days in Vietnam in Hanoi, arriving at Noi Bai Airport and settling into the Old Quarter for a night stroll. Tour Hanoi’s highlights, including colonial buildings, historical relics, and a cyclo ride through narrow lanes. Cruise Ha Long Bay, swimming, kayaking, and watching the sunset over limestone karsts. Continue with a cooking class on board, then fly to Hue to discover the ancient capital’s poetic beauty. Tour the Imperial Citadel and royal tombs, then transfer to Da Nang, stopping at Lang Co Beach, and walk Hoi An’s lantern-lit streets. Enjoy two leisure days in Hoi An for beach relaxation or a My Son Sanctuary visit. Fly to Nha Trang for beach time, followed by an island boat trip. Fly to Ho Chi Minh City for a city tour, then explore the Mekong Delta’s floating markets and rural life. Ha Long’s eco-cruises and Mekong homestays promote sustainable travel. Add a Hoi An tailoring session or a Nha Trang mud bath for extra charm. This Vietnam itinerary 13 days offers a classic north-to-south journey blending culture and relaxation.

Hoi An riverside.

Suggested itinerary

• Day 1: Arrive at Noi Bai International Airport in Hanoi. Take free time to discover the city at night.
• Day 2: Hanoi City Tour: visit historical relics, colonial buildings and taking a cyclo ride in Hanoi Old Quarter.
• Day 3: Visit Ha Long Bay for a cruise trip. Go swimming and kayaking and enjoy sunset at the bay.
• Day 4: Continue exploring the bay and participate in a cooking class. Return to Hanoi for the flight to Hue.
• Day 5: Hue City Tour: discover the ancient capital of Vietnam and the Imperial Citadel.
• Day 6 – 7: Transfer to Da Nang, visit Lang Co Beach on the way. In Hoi An, spend free time to discover the ancient town, or lounging at nearby beaches.
• Day 8: Transfer to Nha Trang. Spend the day relaxing on the beach and discover local life.
• Day 9: Take a boat trip to visit some islands in Nha Trang.
• Day 10: Relax in Nha Trang. Fly to Ho Chi Minh City in the afternoon.
• Day 11: Ho Chi Minh City Tour: visit French influenced landmarks, China town, and discover the city’s lively atmosphere at night
• Day 12: Mekong Delta tour: visit floating markets, fruit garden and discover rural life.
• Day 13: Depart from Ho Chi Minh City.

Option 2: 13 days in Vietnam adventure tour

Begin your 13 days in Vietnam in Hanoi, watching a Water Puppet show at Thang Long Theatre and sampling street food in the Old Quarter. Tour ancient streets, museums, pagodas, and colonial buildings. Cruise Ha Long Bay, sunbathing, swimming, and kayaking on the UNESCO site. Take an overnight train to Lao Cai, then trek to Sapa’s poetic Cat Cat Village, admiring rice terraces. Visit Lao Chai and Ta Van villages, then return by overnight train to Hanoi. Fly to Hue, tasting bun bo Hue by the Perfume River. Tour the ancient capital, then drive to Hoi An over Hai Van Pass, making a lantern in the Old Town. Fly to Ho Chi Minh City for a dynamic city tour, then visit floating markets and learn coconut candy-making in the Mekong Delta. Sapa’s community treks and Ha Long’s eco-cruises support sustainability. Add a Hoi An cycling tour or a Mekong homestay for adventure. This Vietnam itinerary 13 days is packed with thrills and cultural dives.

Rice terraces in Sapa.

Suggested ỉtinerary

• Day 1: Arrive in Hanoi. Watch a Water Puppet show at Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre. Savor a delicious dinner and free to discover the city at night.
• Day 2: Visit ancient streets, museums, pagodas, historical relics, and colonial buildings around Hanoi.
• Day 3: Halong Bay Cruise: enjoy sunbathing, swimming, and kayaking on the famous UNESCO Heritage site.
• Day 4: Check out cruise at 11:30 am. Return to Hanoi and take an overnight train to Lao Cai.
• Day 5: Transfer to Sa Pa. Take a short trek to Cat Cat Village and admire spectacular rice terraces.
• Day 6: Visit Lao Chai and Ta Van Village. Take overnight train back to Hanoi.
• Day 7: Afternoon flight to Hue. Spend the evening for a leisure walk around Perfume River’s banks and to try Bun bo Hue (Rice vermicelli and beef).
• Day 8: Hue City Tour: discover the Imperial Citadel, royal tombs, and visit the Dong Ba market for the best non la (Vietnamese traditional conical hat)
• Day 9: Drive to Hoi An over the Hai Van Pass. Walk around the Ancient Town in the evening, visit the 400-year-old Japanese Covered Bridge, explore the history of ancient houses, and learn how to make a lantern.
• Day 10: Fly to Ho Chi Minh City, also known as Saigon, the most dynamic city in Vietnam.
• Day 11: Ho Chi Minh City tour: visit historical landmarks and stroll through dynamic quarters.
• Day 12: Visit floating markets and learn coconut candy-making process in the Mekong Delta. Back to Saigon.
• Day 13: Go shopping in Ben Thanh Market before departing.

Option 3: 13 days in Vietnam and Laos

Start your 13 days in Vietnam in Ho Chi Minh City, checking into District 1 and discovering the city’s vibrant energy. Tour historic buildings and colonial architecture, then visit the Cao Dai Holy See and Cu Chi Tunnels. Transfer to Da Nang and tour Hoi An’s lantern-lit Old Town. Leisure in Hoi An, then head to Hue for a city tour of the ancient capital. Transfer to Hanoi for a cyclo ride around Hoan Kiem Lake. Fly to Luang Prabang for a city tour of temples and Mount Phousi sunset. Spend time at Kuang Si Waterfall, then transfer to Vientiane for a tour of Buddhist landmarks. Hoi An’s artisan co-ops and Luang Prabang’s community tours promote sustainability. Add a Hue river cruise or a Vientiane market visit for charm. This Vietnam itinerary 13 days blends Vietnam’s south-central-north with Laos’ serene heritage.

Kuang Si falls.

Suggested itinerary

• Day 1: Arrive in Ho Chi Minh City. Spend time around District 1 to see the vibrant aspect of this city.
• Day 2: Ho Chi Minh City Tour: discover historic buildings and colonial architecture around the city.
• Day 3: Day tour to Cao Dai Holy See and Cu Chi Tunnels, an underground hideout during the Vietnam War.
• Day 4-5: Fly to Da Nang and transfer to Hoi An. Enjoy free time strolling through Ancient Town’s streets, discover rural villages, or relax on nearby beaches. Transfer to Hue the next afternoon.
• Day 6: Hue City Tour: visit the Imperial Citadel, royal tombs, and shop in the Dong Ba market
• Day 7: Transfer to Hanoi. Take a cyclo ride around Hoan Kiem Lake area.
• Day 8: Free time in Hanoi in the morning. Fly to Luang Prabang in the afternoon.
• Day 9: Luang Prabang City Tour: visit some most famous temples and enjoy sunset view at Mount Phousi.
• Day 10: Spend time around Kuang Si Waterfall.
• Day 11: Transfer to Vientiane.
• Day 12: Vientiane city tour: Visit some Buddhist landmarks around the city.
• Day 13: Depart from Vientiane.

Option 4: 13 days in Vietnam and Cambodia

Kick off your 13 days in Vietnam in Hanoi, checking into the Old Quarter and discovering the Night Market if it’s the weekend. Tour the city’s highlights, then cruise Ha Long Bay, kayaking caves and enjoying a sunset. Return to Hanoi and fly to Hue for a tour of the last imperial family. Transfer to Da Nang, relaxing at Lang Co Beach, and visit Hoi An. Leisure in Hoi An, then fly to Ho Chi Minh City for a dynamic tour. Transfer to Phnom Penh, Cambodia, touring the National Museum, Royal Palace, and Wat Phnom. Fly to Siem Reap for the North Gate of Angkor Thom and a full day at Angkor Wat. Siem Reap’s community tours and Ha Long’s eco-cruises support sustainability. Add a Hoi An lantern-making class or a Phnom Penh river walk for extra flavor. This Vietnam itinerary 13 days blends Vietnam’s north-central-south with Cambodia’s ancient wonders.

Ancient temple in Angkor Wat, Cambodia.

• Day 1: Arrive in Hanoi. Discover the vibrant Night Market at the Old Quarter.
• Day 2: Hanoi City Tour: walking through narrow streets, ancient temples, and roaming vendors.
• Day 3: Halong Bay Cruise
• Day 4: Check out cruise at 11.30 am. Transfer back to Hanoi and fly to Hue.
• Day 5: Hue City Tour: discover the last imperial family in Vietnam.
• Day 6: Relax at Lang Co Beach and transfer to Da Nang.
• Day 7: Visit Hoi An Ancient Town. Fly to Ho Chi Minh City in the late afternoon.
• Day 8: Ho Chi Minh City tour: discover French-influenced architecture, China town, and modern night life.
• Day 9: Transfer to Phnom Penh. Spend time to relax at hotel or discover nearby markets.
• Day 10: Phnom Penh City Tour: See main landmarks such as National Museum, Royal Palace, Silver Pagoda, and Wat Phnom.
• Day 11: Fly to Siem Reap. Visit the North Gate of Angkor Thom.
• Day 12: Spend time at Angkor Wat
• Day 13: Depart from Siem Reap.

What to do for 13 days in Vietnam

13 days in Vietnam to enough to see every highlight of our country from north to south or vice versa. Let’s take a look at this itinerary to arrange a suitable time for each destination on your tour.

2 days in Hanoi

The vibrant capital city has plenty of things to enjoy, from mouthwatering street food, traditional art performances, to glorious history and culture of a place which remains intact after wars and colonial era.

Having endured Chinese and French colonization, together with the American War, Hanoi is rich in historical heritage. Spending 2 or 3 days in Hanoi, travelers can have a chance to see all highlights of the city as well as some attractions in the rural area like Duong Lam Ancient Village and Van Phuc Silk Village.

Where to stay in Hanoi

You can find plenty of hotels and hostels around the capital city. We recommend these three places for its high-quality service and utmost attention to detail:

• Apricot Hotel (136 Hang Trong Street): This is a luxurious hotel, very close to the center of Hanoi. This hotel offers splendid view to Hoan Kiem Lake from its rooftop bar and swimming pool.
• Sunline Paon Hotel (27 Hang Thung Street): This hotel promises you a comfortable accommodation with 49 twin and double rooms and excellent amenities.
• Quoc Hoa Premier Hotel (10 Bat Dan Street): Located on one of the renowned 36 ancient streets in Hanoi, Quoc Hoa Premier Hotel is surrounded by local restaurants, sightseeing spots, and entertainment.

What to eat in Hanoi

Vietnam is famous for its diverse and balanced cuisine, and Hanoi is where you can try some most delicious dishes in our country. Here are some addresses you should note on your travel wishlist:

• Pho: 10 Ly Quoc Su Street
• Bun cha Huong Lien (or Bun cha Obama): 24 Le Van Huu Street
• Cha ca (grilled fish): 14 Cha Ca Street
• Banh cuon Thanh Van: 12 Hang Ga Street
• Sticky rice (xoi): Xoi Cat Lam 24B Duong Thanh Street
• Mien luon (eel vermicelli): 87 Hang Dieu Street
• Banh mi Nguyen Sinh (Vietnamese baguette): 17 -19 Ly Quoc Su Street. For a more luxurious option, you can try this food at Sofitel Metropole Hotel, 15 Ngo Quyen Street.
• Egg coffee: Café Dinh at 13 Dinh Tien Hoang Street

2 days in Ha Long Bay

Halong Bay in North Vietnam is a place that can help in giving your senses a treat. This place is bestowed with breathtaking natural wonders and is dotted with 1600 limestone islands and islets covering a 1500-square-meter area.

Some tips for your perfect cruise to Halong Bay:

• Book via a prestigious channel; do not just randomly choose a travel agent! They cannot promise you a high-quality vessel and suitable cruise activities.
• The best times to visit Halong are spring (from March to early May) and autumn (late September to November). However, many cruises have promotion during off-season (May to September).
• Remember to wear life jackets when kayaking.
• Save our planet, do not litter into the water.

2 days – 3 nights in Sapa

Sapa is a paradise for adventurous tourists and culture lovers thanks to its spectacular sceneries, natural spots and ethnic tribe communities. Especially, if you desire to conquer the top of Fansipan Mountain, the highest mountain in Vietnam at 3,143 m, Sapa is your starting point.

You can include these places on your Sapa tour:

• Ethnic villages: Cat Cat, Lao Chai, Giang Ta Chai, Ta Van, Sin Chai
• Ham Rong Mountain
• Sapa Church
• Mount Fansipan
• Muong Hoa Valley
• Silver Waterfall

2 days in Da Nang and Hoi An

On the way from Hue to Da Nang, you will definitely pass Hai Van Pass, the highest pass in Vietnam. Spend time at My Khe Beach and Marble Mountain and get an amazing view of the city.

42 km from the city center, Ba Na is the mountaintop resort complex which contains many luxury restaurants, world-class accommodations and entertainment. Taking a cable car to Ba Na, you can admire the magnificent view of misty mountains and escape from the heat of summers. Especially, do not miss a chance to admire the gorgeous Golden Bridge (Cau Vang) that was praised on CNN for its unique architecture.

Your trip to Vietnam cannot be complete without visiting Hoi An. From the Japanese Covered Bridge, ancient houses to street food vendors and lantern shops, Hoi An has everything you need for a perfect trip. See this map for some landmarks in Hoi An:

2 days in Nha Trang

Thanks to its turquoise beaches, Nha Trang is a paradise for water sports such as scuba diving, snorkeling, and surfing.

Tourists can find a variety of entertainment from fancy restaurants, bars, and clubs along Tran Phu Beach on your 13 days in Vietnam. For more off-the-beaten-track options, take a boat trip to Hon Mun (Mun Island), Hon Tre (Bamboo Island), and Hon Tam (Tam Island).

Apart from the beaches, you can discover Cham culture and architecture in this city. Known as Kauthara under the Champa, Nha Trang is the home to the famous Po Nagar Tower from the ancient kingdom of Champa.

2 days in Ho Chi Minh City

With 2 or 3 days in Ho Chi Minh City, you can see several picturesque spots as well as interact with light-hearted and friendly people here.

Where to stay in Ho Chi Minh City

• Silverland Jolie Hotel & Spa: This 3-star hotel offers travelers a fantastic view of the Saigon River and Bach Dang Pier. You can walk to some attractions from the hotel for about 10 minutes.
• Hotel Continental Saigon: Featuring French colonial décor, all rooms in this hotel promise you a comfortable stay with high-quality amenities.
• Sofitel Saigon Plaza: This hotel features luxurious accommodation, a fitness centre and swimming pool at the heart of Saigon.

What to eat in Ho Chi Minh City

As a metropolitan city, you can find every regional food in Ho Chi Minh City. On your 13 days in Vietnam, we suggest some addresses to ‘eat like a local’ in this vibrant city:

• Banh mi: Banh mi Huynh Hoa at 26 Le Thi Rieng Street, Ben Thanh Ward, District 1
• Pho: You will find Pho in the south of Vietnam will taste differently from what you try in Hanoi. We recommend trying this dish at Pho Phuong, 25 Hoang Sa Street, Da Kao Ward, District 1.
• Bun mam (Noodle soup with fermented fish sauce): 144 Khanh Hoi Street, Ward 6, District 4.
• Hu tieu: Hu tieu Nam Vang Nhan Quan, 488 Nguyen Thi Minh Khai, Ward 2, District 3.
• Bun thit nuong (Rice noodle with grilled pork): 195 Co Giang Street, District 1.
• Banh xeo (Vietnamese pancake): 46 Dinh Cong Trang Street, Tan Dinh Ward, District 1.
• Com tam (Broken rice): 77 Bui Vien Street, District 1

Cu Chi Tunnels + Cao Dai Holy See Itinerary: 1 Day

Cu Chi Tunnels and Cao Dai Holy See are two must-see attractions nearby Ho Chi Minh City.

The Great Holy See Temple, built in 1926, is considered one of the most striking structures in all of South-East Asia. It is the headquarters of the unique Cao Dai sect, a religion with a hybrid of Buddhism, Christianity & Confucianism.

After that, let’s prepare for the coolest and the most ingenious place ever – Cu Chi underground tunnels. The network of over 200 km of tunnels was used during the Vietnam War for Viet Cong to hide.  Going down the tunnel, you will be amazed at how interconnected the tunnels were, just like a spider web! After your discovery time here, do not forget to try cassava, guerrilla’s food in the wartime.

Watch this video for the exhilarating experience when crawling Cu Chi Tunnels:

Local experts’ opinion on 13 days in Vietnam

13 days in Vietnam, or paired with Cambodia or Laos, offer a vibrant mix of cities, beaches, and ancient ruins. These Vietnam itinerary 13 days options are flexible. You can swap a trek for a market visit or relax in Hoi An’s cafés if temples aren’t your vibe. Discover a hidden Mekong village or share a meal with locals – the region’s charm lies in these moments. Are you ready to plan your Vietnam tours and beyond? Contact us for a custom adventure for you and your family.

In addition, if you have more time to explore Vietnam and its neighboring countries, we invite you to check out our latest guide on how to spend 15 days in Vietnam.