9 days in Vietnam are fine to have interesting tour itineraries with travelers to visit Vietnam for the first time and also good for those who return Vietnam.
With nine to ten days, travelers can visit the whole Vietnam, more in deep in each part of the country or combine with nearby countries Cambodia or Laos.
How to spend 9 days in Vietnam? Would you like another itinerary or suggestion? Please let us know or customize your Vietnam trip or check out our Vietnam tours.
9 Days in Vietnam
Best tour itinerary
Day 1: Ho Chi Minh City Arrival
Touch down in vibrant Ho Chi Minh City. Meet your local host and settle in. Unwind or take an evening stroll through neon-lit boulevards buzzing with energy and life.
Day 2: Ho Chi Minh City Tour – Cu Chi Tunnels
Journey to the historic Cu Chi Tunnels, a vast underground maze. Return to explore French colonial landmarks, bustling alleys, and iconic war relics across this dynamic southern metropolis.
Day 3: HCMC – Flight to Da Nang – Hoi An
Fly north to coastal Da Nang, with scenic transfer to Hoi An. Visit cultural sites en route, then soak in the enchanting ambience of lantern-lit lanes and riverside cafés.
Day 4: Hoi An
Wander cobblestone alleys, discover hidden temples, or cycle past rice paddies. Optional experiences include traditional fishing, basket boat rides, or custom tailoring in this charming heritage town.
Day 5: Hoi An – Da Nang – Flight to Hanoi
Leave central Vietnam behind with a flight to the capital. Arrive in Hanoi and enjoy a tranquil evening, perhaps with a lakeside coffee or traditional water puppet performance.
Day 6: Hanoi – Ha Long (Overnight on boat)
Cruise into the emerald waters of Ha Long Bay. Marvel at limestone towers, explore sea caves, and savor fresh seafood aboard a deluxe boat under starlit skies.
Day 7: Ha Long – Ninh Binh
Greet the morning with bay views, then disembark. Travel inland to peaceful Ninh Binh, famed for its river valleys, cave temples, and postcard-worthy limestone cliffs.
Day 8: Ninh Binh – Hanoi
Drift through lush waterways in Trang An or climb to panoramic peaks. Afterward, return to Hanoi for a relaxed evening amid lively markets and historic street corners.
Day 9: Hanoi City Tour – Departure
Uncover the soul of Hanoi with visits to cultural icons, leafy boulevards, and timeless temples. Wrap up with final reflections before your onward journey or homebound flight.
Hoi An Ancient Town – Biking Tour should be a part of your 9 days in Vietnam tour
North to South
Most tours in Vietnam typically begin in Hanoi, as it is home to the country’s largest international airport. A half-day or full-day city tour of Hanoi is usually sufficient before continuing to nearby destinations:
- Ha Long Bay (180 km from Hanoi):
Explore this UNESCO World Heritage site with tours ranging from 1 to 3 days. Options include day trips or overnight cruises among limestone islands. - Ninh Binh (100 km from Hanoi):
Known for scenic spots like Hoa Lu, Tam Coc, Bich Dong, Van Long Lagoon, and the Trang An nature reserve. A 1- or 2-day visit is ideal. - Sapa (350 km from Hanoi):
Accessible via overnight train or by road, Sapa offers stunning mountain landscapes and cultural encounters with ethnic minority communities. Typically explored over 2–3 days. - Mai Chau (180 km from Hanoi):
A peaceful valley known for stilt houses and ethnic culture. Suitable for a 1- or 2-day getaway from the city.
From northern Vietnam, travelers often head south to the Central Region, which includes Hue, Da Nang, and Hoi An. A short 1-hour flight from Hanoi gets you to either Hue or Da Nang.
- Hue:
Former imperial capital featuring the ancient Citadel, the Perfume River, and the Forbidden Purple City. A full-day tour covers most key sights. - Da Nang & Hoi An:
Known for beautiful beaches, resorts, and cultural heritage. Spend 2 to 3 days exploring Hoi An’s Old Town and Da Nang’s coastal attractions.
Next, head further south to Ho Chi Minh City and the surrounding areas:
- Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon):
Vietnam’s largest city, offering historical landmarks and nearby attractions such as the Cu Chi Tunnels and the Cao Dai Holy See. - Mekong Delta:
A lush region of rivers, canals, and floating markets. Ideal for day or overnight trips to experience local life on the water.
Check our Vietnam tour page for more tour programs in details
Hanoi, a MUST-SEE travel destination in Vietnam
Suggested itinerary in 9 days in Vietnam from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City
Day 1: Hanoi Arrival
Arrive in Vietnam’s capital. Enjoy a quiet evening wandering by lakeside paths, tasting street food, or relaxing after your journey at a cozy local café.
Day 2: Hanoi – Ha Long (Overnight Cruise)
Travel to Ha Long Bay. Board a traditional cruise, savor fresh seafood, explore limestone caves, and admire surreal seascapes as the sun sets over emerald waters.
Day 3: Ha Long – Ninh Binh
Disembark after breakfast. Drive through peaceful countryside to Ninh Binh, a region of karst peaks, ancient temples, and lush river landscapes unlike anywhere else.
Day 4: Ninh Binh – Hanoi
Drift through tranquil waterways at Trang An or Tam Coc, visit historic pagodas, then return to Hanoi for a relaxing evening in the vibrant Old Quarter.
Day 5: Hanoi – Da Nang – Hoi An (Afternoon Flight)
Fly to Da Nang. Transfer to Hoi An, a charming town of lantern-lit streets, ancient architecture, and riverside beauty steeped in culture and craftsmanship.
Day 6: Hoi An
Delight in Hoi An’s heritage – visit local markets, bike to the countryside, join a cooking class, or unwind on a nearby golden beach.
Day 7: Hoi An – Da Nang – Ho Chi Minh City (Afternoon Flight)
Morning at leisure. Fly south to Ho Chi Minh City. Dive into its vibrant energy with rooftop views, buzzing night markets, or colonial-era boulevards.
Day 8: HCM City – Mekong Delta – HCM City
Explore the Mekong Delta by boat. Visit floating markets, sample tropical fruits, meet local artisans, and experience life along the maze of river canals.
Day 9: HCM City Tour – Departure
Tour highlights like the Reunification Palace, War Museum, and Ben Thanh Market. Enjoy a final Vietnamese meal before transfer to the airport for departure.
The tour can be customized with 1 day more or less, add or remove places upon travelers’ interests
9 days in Vietnam from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City
South to North
Day 1: Ho Chi Minh City Arrival
Arrive in dynamic Saigon. Settle into your hotel and take in the vibrant streets, local flavors, and buzzing motorbike-filled atmosphere at your own pace.
Day 2: HCM City Tour – Cu Chi Tunnel
Uncover wartime secrets at Cu Chi Tunnels. Return for a city tour featuring French architecture, bustling markets, and the historic Reunification Palace.
Day 3: HCMC – Mekong Delta – HCMC
Cruise through the Mekong’s winding canals. Visit local villages, see traditional crafts, and sample exotic fruits in this lush, water-bound world of rural charm.
Day 4: HCMC – Hanoi (Flight)
Fly north to Vietnam’s capital. Enjoy a peaceful evening discovering lakeside walks, quiet pagodas, and the graceful rhythm of Hanoi’s centuries-old streets.
Day 5: Hanoi – Mai Chau
Drive through scenic mountains to Mai Chau. Experience authentic village life among stilt houses, rice paddies, and welcoming ethnic Thai communities.
Day 6: Mai Chau – Hanoi
Join a short trek through green valleys, visit local artisans, then return to Hanoi refreshed by the serene beauty of Vietnam’s countryside.
Day 7: Hanoi – Ha Long
Journey to Ha Long Bay. Board a cruise and glide past towering limestone islands, enjoying panoramic views and fresh coastal breezes.
Day 8: Ha Long – Hanoi
Wake to sunrise on the bay. After brunch on board, return to Hanoi with free time to explore its hidden cafés or shop for souvenirs.
Day 9: Hanoi – Departure
Conclude your journey with a visit to key landmarks or a final bowl of pho before transferring to the airport for your onward flight.
Vietnam & Laos or Cambodia
Travelers can combine North or South of Vietnam with Cambodia (Angkor Wat) or Laos (Luang Prabang). Check our Vietnam Cambodia tours page for more tour programs which combine Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia…
9 days North Vietnam with Laos
Day 1: Hanoi Arrival
Arrive in Vietnam’s historic capital. Settle in and take a gentle stroll through Old Quarter lanes or unwind beside peaceful Hoan Kiem Lake.
Day 2: Hanoi – Ha Long (Overnight Cruise)
Travel to Ha Long Bay. Sail among majestic limestone pillars, explore hidden caves, and enjoy sunset dining aboard a traditional wooden cruise ship.
Day 3: Ha Long – Hanoi – Night Train to Sapa
Wake to sunrise over emerald waters. Return to Hanoi, enjoy dinner, then board an overnight sleeper train bound for the misty mountains of Sapa.
Day 4: Sapa
Arrive in Sapa and trek through terraced hillsides. Visit ethnic minority villages and immerse yourself in rich cultures and dramatic alpine scenery.
Day 5: Sapa – Night Train to Hanoi
Spend the day exploring local markets or taking a final hike before returning to Lao Cai station for your overnight journey back to Hanoi.
Day 6: Hanoi – Ninh Binh – Hanoi
Day trip to Ninh Binh’s stunning landscapes. Drift through cave rivers in Trang An, climb to panoramic views, and explore ancient Hoa Lu temples.
Day 7: Hanoi City Tour – Luang Prabang (Afternoon Flight)
Discover Hanoi’s cultural gems: the Temple of Literature, Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, and more. Fly to Laos and arrive in tranquil Luang Prabang.
Day 8: Luang Prabang
Witness monks collecting alms at dawn, visit golden-roofed temples, cruise the Mekong River, or hike to Kuang Si Falls’ turquoise cascades.
Day 9: Luang Prabang – Departure
Enjoy a final morning exploring quiet lanes or local craft markets before your transfer to the airport for departure.
There is also another option for North Vietnam with Cambodia and travelers can replace Luang Prabang by Angkor Wat.
9 days North Vietnam with Laos
South Vietnam & Cambodia
Day 1: Ho Chi Minh City Arrival
Arrive in Ho Chi Minh City, the bustling southern hub. Settle in and explore vibrant streets, savoring street food and the city’s lively ambiance.
Day 2: HCM City Tour – Cu Chi Tunnel
Discover the history of Vietnam at Cu Chi Tunnels, then return to the city for a tour of colonial-era buildings and the War Remnants Museum.
Day 3: HCMC – Mekong Delta (Can Tho)
Venture to the Mekong Delta, cruising the waterways to Can Tho. Explore floating markets and rural life, experiencing the lush charm of southern Vietnam.
Day 4: Can Tho – Chau Doc
Travel to Chau Doc, a riverside town with a rich mix of cultures. Visit floating villages and admire the serene beauty of the riverbanks.
Day 5: Chau Doc – Phnom Penh (Boat)
Cruise along the Mekong River to Phnom Penh. Arrive in Cambodia’s capital, where French colonial history meets vibrant local life along the riverside.
Day 6: Phnom Penh
Tour Phnom Penh’s key sights, including the Royal Palace, Silver Pagoda, and the sobering Killing Fields, to understand Cambodia’s poignant past.
Day 7: Phnom Penh – Angkor Wat
Fly to Siem Reap and visit the awe-inspiring Angkor Wat temple complex. Marvel at its intricate carvings and towering spires at sunset.
Day 8: Angkor Wat
Explore the vast Angkor Archaeological Park, discovering the majestic Bayon Temple, Ta Prohm’s jungle roots, and other iconic temples within this UNESCO World Heritage site.
9 days South Vietnam with Cambodia
Budgets for 9 days in Vietnam:
- 3 star hotel without flight: 750 – 950 $US/ person for double/ twin sharing
- 4 star hotel without flight: 1100 – 1250 $US/ person for double/ twin sharing
- 5 star hotel without flight: 1350 – 1650 $US/ person for double/ twin sharing
- Flight from 80$US/ 1 way (North/ South to Central), from 150$US/ 1 way North to South or vice versa.
Recommended tours
- Vietnam Nature Trails Adventure – 9 Days/ 8 Nights
- Vietnam beautiful beaches – 9 Days/ 8 Nights
- Vietnam tour in 10 days from Hanoi
- Sink into the culture of Vietnam tour
- Beach Resorts of Central and South Vietnam
- Highlights of Vietnam tours for family
Are 9 days in Vietnam enough for you to discover the country? We’d love to hear your ideas on the comment box below!
Hello, Am Siva. Could help with 9 days itinerary for Vietnam and the costing at 4-star hotel.. This is for two adults.
We are landing in Hanoi on March 28(Friday) at 2.10 am / 2.10 hrs and flying out from Ho chi min on April 07(Monday) at 2.40 am / 2.40 hrs.
Cam on !!
Dear Siva,
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