15 days in Vietnam

15 days in Vietnam the ideal window to savor its full spectrum from northern mists to southern sands.

A 15-day tour in Vietnam features trekking though Sapa’s emerald landscape, lantern walks in Hoi An, delta drifts in the Mekong, and island lounging in Phu Quoc, and focus on immersion (UNESCO sites, street feasts, friendly encounters with locals). It is fine to travel to Vietnam from North to South or vice versa and combine the trip with Cambodia, Laos or other nearby country in this 2 weeks. Discover how to spend 15 days including some of the best places to visit, with mix-and-match options, things to do, and practical planning tips for your upcoming trip.

Why spend 15 days in Vietnam

The country spans mountains, deltas, and coastlines, which makes 15 days perfect for a thorough, leisurely exploration. Short trips such as 3-4 day Vietnam itineraries and mid-size tours for 1 week in Vietnam focus on key spots, 15 days allow you to visit the main destinations in Vietnam or incorporate a cross-border extension to Laos’ tranquil temples or Cambodia’s ancient ruins. There are more free time during these trip providing more depth, like a relaxed beach day in Phu Quoc or a full day discovering Ba Na Hills and the iconic Golden Bridge in Da Nang. Here’s why it worth the extra days:

Spend a full day discover Ba Na Hills and Golden Bridge.

• Deeper regional balance: 15 days in Vietnam allow you to fully discover the North (cultural core), Central (heritage hubs), and South (tropical retreats) with multi-country tour extension.
• Affordable depth: Vietnam travel is still budget-friendly. Your budget for 15 days in Vietnam starts at only $900/person, allowing you to explore freely without worrying about breaking the bank.
• Weather flexibility: 15 days ensures enough flexibility so you can work around your itinerary without worrying about losing an entire day in case of a storm.
• Rich variety: Things to do in Vietnam in 15 days span pho stalls to cave swims—solo travelers, couples, or groups will all find tailored joys.
• Smooth travel: Budget-friendly domestic flights and overnight trains (e.g., Hanoi-Sapa, 8 hours) make it effortless and save more time to discover.

Many of our clients choose to stay 15 days in Vietnam for its “just right” pace and even expand for more off-grid spot. These 15-day Vietnam itineraries is most suited for:

• First-time visitors discovering Vietnam’s culture, nature, and history, and want to add an optional neighboring country highlight.
• Returning visitors looking for deeper dives—like a homestay in Mai Chau or a trip to a fishing village in Phu Quoc.
• Adventurers who want diverse experiences from city energy, rural hikes, or island snorkeling.
• Families or couples balancing sightseeing with free time for interactive experiences, like cooking workshops or family cycling tours.

Key themes to shape your journey

Shape your 15 day Vietnam itinerary ideas with these themes, each a simple idea to mix culture, adventure, and ease. They’re flexible, allowing you to mix and match to suit your tastes.

• Cultural immersion: Dive into Vietnam’s past with Hanoi’s temples, Hue’s royal citadels, and Hoi An’s ancient ports. Extend to Cambodia’s Angkor or Laos’ wats for regional history. Join guided walks or artisan workshops to connect with stories, with time for Phu Quoc’s pearl farm visits.
• Nature and adventure: Explore Sapa’s terraced hills, Ha Long’s cave-filled bays, or Mekong’s mangrove paths. Add Laos’ waterfalls or Vietnam’s Phong Nha caves for eco-adventures. Guided treks and sustainable cruises balance thrills with care, plus island snorkeling in Phu Quoc.
• Cuisine discovery: Savor Hanoi’s pho, Hoi An’s cao lau, or Phu Quoc’s grilled fish. Join cooking classes or market tours for authentic bites. Extra days let you linger at Can Tho’s floating stalls or Siem Reap’s spice markets, making food a highlight of things to do in Vietnam in 15 days.
• Beach and relaxation: Blend beach days in Nha Trang or Phu Quoc with light tours of Hue’s tombs or Da Nang’s hills. Pair with Laos’ calm riverside or Cambodia’s temple calm. Eco-lodges and spa stops offer recharge amid cultural dips.
• Hidden gems: Venture to Mai Chau’s stilt houses, Cat Ba’s quiet islands, or Mekong’s lesser-known villages. Add Cambodia’s lake hamlets for unique encounters. 15 days in Vietnam gives space for local homestays and off-grid chats with the locals, sparking authentic moments.

Early morning atmosphere in Cai Rang floating market.

Cost & Estimated budget

Planning your 15 days in Vietnam cost is key to a seamless trip. Vietnam’s tourism shines with affordable yet quality experiences, rivaling Thailand for value. Normally you will spend $15-120/day in Vietnam depending on whether you use budget or luxurious services.

• Accommodation: Hostels start at $15-20/night with shared facilities. Mid-range hotels (2–3 stars) cost $15–50/night, including breakfast. Luxury hotels or resorts (e.g., Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi) range from $100–300/night.
• Transportation: Taxis or Grab rides within cities cost $2–5. Intercity travel includes sleeper buses ($20–30), overnight trains (e.g., Hanoi–Hue, $18–25), or domestic flights ($30–60). Flights to Cambodia cost $100–150 one-way.
• Meals: Street food like pho, banh mi, or bun cha costs $1.5–4 per meal. Mid-range at a local restaurants charge $5–15, while luxury dining at top resorts runs $50–100/meal.
• Activities: Entry fees for attractions (e.g., temples, museums) range from $1–5. Guided tours, such as at Hue Imperial Citadel or at Cu Chi Tunnels, cost $30–100. Cooking classes or craft workshops average $20–50.

Average cost for a 15-day tour

• Backpacker’s trip: $1200–1500, including hostels, street food, buses, and self-guided activities.
• Mid-range tours: $1800–2800, with boutique hotels, local restaurants, domestic flights, and guided tours.
• Luxury tours: Starting from $2000, you can find 5-star resorts, private transfers, gourmet dining, and bespoke experiences.

You can design your trip to your liking, while still saving 10–20% when partnering with Paradise Travel. Our experts will design a complete travel package for you combining airplane tickets, private car transfer, tour guide, accommodation and sightseeing tours (e.g. Halong Bay cruise, Angkor Wat tour).

See our guide to budget travel to Vietnam for more planning tips.

Suggested itinerary for 15 days in Vietnam

Here are some of our Vietnam travel itineraries covering Vietnam’s most iconic destinations from north to south, with an optional extension to Cambodia for a multi-country adventure. These tours balance cultural immersion, outdoor activities, and relaxation, promoting sustainable tourism through eco-cruises and community-based experiences.

Option 1: 15 days Vietnam cultural exploration

Embark on a 15-day cultural odyssey through Vietnam, starting in the vibrant capital of Hanoi, where you’ll wander the historic Old Quarter and savor iconic street food. Dive into the serene valleys of Mai Chau, staying in a traditional stilt-house homestay and cycling through lush rice paddies. Explore Ninh Binh’s ancient ruins and dramatic karsts, followed by an eco-friendly cruise through Halong Bay’s emerald waters, kayaking among limestone peaks. Journey to Phong Nha’s UNESCO-listed caves, then immerse yourself in Hue’s imperial heritage with visits to royal tombs and pagodas. Stroll Hoi An’s lantern-lit Ancient Town, joining a cooking class to master Vietnamese dishes, and conclude in Ho Chi Minh City’s dynamic streets, exploring historic landmarks and the Mekong Delta’s vibrant waterways. This itinerary blends cultural depth with sustainable practices, such as eco-cruises in Halong Bay and homestays in Ninh Binh, while offering interactive experiences like cyclo rides and craft workshops. Add a Hanoi street food tour or a Hoi An tailoring session for extra charm, creating a perfect north-to-south journey rich in history and local flavor.

Trekking trails in Mai Chau.

Suggested itinerary

• Day 1: Arrive in Hanoi. Stroll Hoan Kiem Lake, visit Ngoc Son Temple, and savor pho at Pho Thin. Wander Ta Hien Street’s vibrant nightlife.
• Day 2: Hanoi Cultural Tour: visit the Temple of Literature, Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, and Vietnam Museum of Ethnology. Take a cyclo ride through the Old Quarter and enjoy a water puppet show at Thang Long Theatre.
• Day 3: Drive to Mai Chau, a serene valley of rice fields and ethnic villages. Check into a stilt-house homestay in Lac Village. Cycle through rice paddies and enjoy a traditional Thai dance performance before dinner with locals.
• Day 4: Trek to a local market in Mai Chau and learn about White Thai culture. Drive to Ninh Binh and check into an ecolodge.
• Day 5: Take a Tam Coc boat tour through limestone caves and rice paddies. Visit Bich Dong Pagoda and climb Hang Mua for stunning views. Enjoy a countryside cycling tour before dinner.
• Day 6: Explore Hoa Lu, Vietnam’s ancient capital. Drive to Halong Bay and board an eco-friendly junk boat for an overnight cruise. Kayak through karsts and savor a seafood dinner onboard.
• Day 7: Join a morning tai chi session and visit a pearl farm or floating village. Return to Hanoi at midday to shop at Dong Xuan Market or relax with an egg coffee by Hoan Kiem Lake.
• Day 8: Fly to Dong Hoi and transfer to Phong Nha. Check into a riverside homestay and explore the Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park visitor center. Dine on local grilled fish.
• Day 9: Tour Phong Nha Cave by boat and explore Paradise Cave’s dramatic stalactites. Cycle through nearby rural villages and enjoy a homestay dinner with local specialties.
• Day 10: Transfer by private car to Hue. Visit Dong Ba Market for the best non la in Vietnam and take a dragon boat tour on the Perfume River. Stroll the riverbank for peaceful moment before dinner at a local eatery.
• Day 11: Explore the Imperial Citadel, a UNESCO site, and visit Thien Mu Pagoda. Discover royal tombs such as Tu Duc or Khai Dinh. Dine on a imperial feast at a local restaurant.
• Day 12: Drive to Hoi An via Hai Van Pass, stopping midway at Lang Co Beach. In Hoi An, wander the Ancient Town’s lantern-lit streets and visit the Japanese Covered Bridge.
• Day 13: Join a cooking class to learn how to make banh xeo. Cycle to Tra Que Vegetable Village to dive in local life and relax at An Bang Beach. Return to the Ancient Town and take free time for souvernir or for a fresh cocktail by the river.
• Day 14: Fly from Da Nang to Ho Chi Minh City. Visit War Remnants Museum, Reunification Palace, and Ben Thanh Market. Free time in the evenning to discover the lively atmosphere and savor streetfood.
• Day 15: Savor a final banh mi and iced milk coffee in Saigon. Transfer to the airport for departure flight.

Option 2: 15 days in Vietnam beaches & countryside

Launch your 15-day adventure in Hanoi, soaking in the Old Quarter’s vibrant energy and savoring iconic egg coffee. Journey to Ha Giang’s rugged mountains, navigating the dramatic Ma Pi Leng Pass and connecting with H’Mong locals in Dong Van’s markets. Cruise Halong Bay’s emerald waters, kayaking through limestone caves, then explore Cat Ba Island’s national park and serene beaches. Discover Ninh Binh’s “Halong Bay on Land,” with boat tours through rice paddies and ancient temples. Immerse yourself in Hue’s imperial history, followed by Da Nang’s iconic Golden Bridge and Hoi An’s lantern-lit charm, where you’ll cycle to rural villages. Conclude with Phu Quoc’s pristine beaches, snorkeling in turquoise waters, and Ho Chi Minh City’s dynamic streets, blending urban buzz with Mekong Delta adventures. This itinerary emphasizes sustainable eco-cruises and homestays, offering thrilling activities like motorbike tours and snorkeling, plus cultural touches like cooking classes and craft workshops. Add a Ha Giang homestay dinner or a Phu Quoc fish sauce tour for extra flavor, creating a journey of natural wonders and countryside charm.

Dong Van Old Quarter

Suggested itinerary

• Day 1: Arrive in Hanoi. Check into an Old Quarter hotel and explore Hoan Kiem Lake. Savor egg coffee and wander Ta Hien Street’s lively bars.
• Day 2: Drive to Ha Giang, a rugged northern province. Check into a homestay in Dong Van and enjoy a dinner of local specialties.
• Day 3: Embark on a motorbike or private car tour for the Ha Giang Loop, visiting Ma Pi Leng Pass and Lung Cu Flag Tower. Interact with H’Mong locals and dine at a village homestay.
• Day 4: Explore Dong Van Market and return to Hanoi. Free time to relax at your hotel or go out for a street food tour.
• Day 5: Drive to Halong Bay for an overnight cruise, kayak through limestone karst, and visit Sung Sot Cave. Enjoy a seafood dinner onboard.
• Day 6: Join a morning tai chi session and sail to Cat Ba Island. Check into a beachfront hotel and go on a trek in Cat Ba National Park.
• Day 7: Kayak in Lan Ha Bay and relax at a sandy beach. Drive to Ninh Binh and check into an ecolodge.
• Day 8: Take a Trang An boat tour, a UNESCO site, and visit Bai Dinh Pagoda, Vietnam’s largest Buddhist complex. Cycle through rice fields and enjoy a homestay dinner.
• Day 9: Visit Hoa Lu’s ancient temples. Return to Hanoi for a short flight to Hue. Upon arrival, take a leisure stroll along the Perfume River and dine on bun bo Hue.
• Day 10: Explore Thien Mu Pagoda and Tomb of Emperor Khai Dinh. Drive to Da Nang via Hai Van Pass. Relax at My Khe Beach, dine on seafood and sip a fresh cocktail at a seaside bar.
• Day 11: Visit Marble Mountains and Ba Na Hills’ Golden Bridge. Drive to Hoi An and wander the Ancient Town in the evenning.
• Day 12: Cycle to Cua Dai Beach and visit My Son Sanctuary. Return to Da Nang for a flight to Phu Quoc. Relax at Sao Beach and dine on fresh seafood.
• Day 13: Take a boat tour to An Thoi Islands for snorkeling. Visit a fish sauce factory and Phu Quoc Night Market. Enjoy a sunset seafood dinner.
• Day 14: Relax at Bai Dai beach or explore VinWonders Phu Quoc. Fly to Ho Chi Minh City and take free time in the evenning to discover the vibrant nightlife of Saigon.
• Day 15: Stroll through Ben Thanh Market to shop for souvenir. Depart from Tan Son Nhat International Airport.

Option 3: 15 days in Vietnam and Cambodia

This 15-day journey begins in Ho Chi Minh City’s vibrant District 1, where you can explore French colonial landmarks and sovor southern delicacies like banh xeo. Venture to the Mekong Delta’s lush waterways, visiting Ben Tre’s coconut groves and local workshops. Discover Da Nang’s stunning Golden Bridge and Hoi An’s enchanting Ancient Town, where you’ll craft lanterns and cycle through rural villages. Immerse yourself in Hue’s imperial history, exploring royal tombs and pagodas along the Perfume River. Journey north to Hanoi, wandering the Old Quarter’s narrow streets and enjoying a water puppet show, followed by an eco-friendly cruise through Halong Bay’s limestone karsts. Conclude in Cambodia, exploring Phnom Penh’s Royal Palace and Siem Reap’s majestic Angkor Wat, a UNESCO marvel. This itinerary promotes sustainable tourism through eco-cruises and community tours, blending Vietnam’s cultural richness with Cambodia’s ancient heritage. Add a Mekong homestay or an Angkor Wat sunrise tour for unforgettable moments, creating a seamless multi-country adventure.

Learn how to make coconut candies in Ben Tre.

Suggested itinerary

• Day 1: Arrive in Ho Chi Minh City. Check into a hotel in District 1 and visit French-influenced landmarks such as Notre-Dame Basilica and Saigon Central Post Office. Stroll Nguyen Hue Walking Street at night and hunt for savory streetfood.
• Day 2: Discover Vietnam’s history visiting the War Remnants Museum and Reunification Palace, Cu Chi Tunnels. Enjoy a rooftop dinner with city views.
• Day 3: Drive to Ben Tre and take a boat tour through Mekong canals. Visit a coconut candy workshop and sample tropical fruits at a local garden. Return to Ho Chi Minh City to rest or enjoy a fresh beer at Ta Hien Street.
• Day 4: Fly to Da Nang (1.5 hours). Lounge at My Khe beach and visit the Marble Mountain. Dine on seafood at a beachfront restaurant.
• Day 5: Take a cable ride to Ba Na Hills to admire the iconic Golden Bridge. Drive to Hoi An, walk the Japanese Covered Bridge, discover ancient alleys, and visit artisans shop houses. After dinner, join a lantern-making workshop.
• Day 6: Visit My Son Sanctuary, a UNESCO-listed Cham temple. Cycle to Tra Que Vegetable Village and take a lantern boat ride on the Thu Bon River. Enjoy a riverside dinner.
• Day 7: Drive to Hue via Hai Van Pass, stopping at Lang Co Beach. Visit Thien Mu Pagoda on arrival. Dine on bun bo Hue.
• Day 8: Explore the Imperial Citadel and Tomb of Emperor Tu Duc. Take a dragon boat on the Perfume River. Enjoy a traditional style dinner at a local restaurant.
• Day 9: Visit Dong Ba Market for non la shopping. Fly to Hanoi. Enjoy a light dinner in the Old Quarter.
• Day 10: Hanoi City Tour: visit Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, Temple of Literature, and Tran Quoc Pagoda. Take a cyclo ride in the Old Quarter and watch a water puppet show. Dine on pho at a traditional restaurant.
• Day 11: Drive to Halong Bay. Board a family-friendly cruise, kayak through limestone karst, and visit Sung Sot Cave. Enjoy a seafood dinner onboard.
• Day 12: Join a morning tai chi session and visit a pearl farm/floating village. Return to Hanoi and relax with a street food tour.
• Day 13: Fly to Phnom Penh in Cambodia. Explore local markets or relax at a riverside hotel. Dine on a cultural Khmer dinner along with a traditional dance.
• Day 14: Tour the Royal Palace, Silver Pagoda, and National Museum. Fly to Siem Reap and visit the North Gate of Angkor Thom. Dine on local Cambodian cuisine.
• Day 15: Explore Angkor Wat at sunrise, marveling at its intricate carvings. Depart from Siem Reap, ending on your Vietnam-Cambodia journey.

Best places to visit in Vietnam

Vietnam is full of enchanting sites and places steeped in history, and so is the entire Southeast Asian region. Here are places travelers should not miss in their 15 days in Vietnam:

• Hanoi Capital: 2 days
• Ha Long Bay: 1-2 days
• Sapa: 2-4 days
• Ha Giang: 3-4 days
• Ninh Binh (Hoa Lu, Tam Coc, Van Long, trang An): 1-2 days
• Mai Chau: 1-2 days
• Hue: 2-3 days
• Da Nang + Hoi An: 2-4 days
• Nha Trang: Beach relax
• Da Lat: 2-3 days
• Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon): 1 – 3 days
• Mekong Delta: 1 – 4 days
• Phu Quoc: Beach relax day

Other interesting travel destinations near Vietnam:

• Siem Reap – Cambodia
• Phnom Penh – Cambodia
• Luang Prabang – Laos
• Vientiane – Laos
• Yangon – Myanmar
• Mandalay – Myanmar
• Bagan – Myanmar
• Inle Lake – Myanmar

Local experts’ opinion on 15 days in Vietnam

A 15-day journey through Vietnam, with an optional Cambodia extension, offers a vibrant mix of culture, nature, and adventure. These itineraries are flexible: you can swap a trekking day in Sapa for another beach day or cut a free day in Hoi An for more time in Cambodia. More than a sightseeing, you can connect with locals through homestays, cooking classes, or cyclo rides to uncover Vietnam’s warmth and charm in these 15 days. Ready to plan your dream travel to Vietnam? Contact Paradise Travel for a customizable Vietnam tours tailored to your preferences.