15-Day Vietnam Explorer: Culture, Coastline & Charm

Your 15-day Vietnamese odyssey kicks off at Noi Bai International Airport in Hanoi, Vietnam’s capital city.

Meet our friendly guide and transfer to a charming hotel in the Old Quarter. After settling in, explore the bustling streets in Hanoi. Wander to Hoan Kiem Lake, or sip a rich egg coffee. Join a street food tour to sample banh mi and che (sweet dessert), or take a cyclo ride through the evening markets for silk scarves and lacquered crafts.

Spend your first night discover the vibrant nightlife in Hanoi.

For dinner, savor pho bo (beef noodle soup) at a family-run eatery, immersing yourself in Hanoi’s timeless energy.

Overnight in Hanoi, ready for a cultural journey.

After breakfast, embark on a full-day exploration of Hanoi’s cultural gems.

Visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, a solemn tribute to Vietnam’s leader, and the delicate One Pillar Pagoda, a wooden landmark steeped in legend. Stroll the Presidential Palace’s colonial gardens, then explore the Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first university. Savor a lunch of bun thang (herb-infused noodles) at a local spot.

Visit Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, located at Ba Dinh Square.

In the afternoon, delve into the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology, showcasing tribal costumes and housing from Vietnam’s 54 ethnic groups. Enjoy a cyclo tour through the Old Quarter’s vibrant streets, then watch a Water Puppet Show, where wooden figures dance on water to folk tunes. Dine on cha ca (turmeric fish) before returning to your hotel.

Overnight in Hanoi.

Enjoy breakfast, then depart for a 3-hour drive through the Red River Delta’s lush paddies to Halong Bay. Stop midway at a handicraft village to admire embroidered textiles and taste a local coffee.

Arrive at Halong Bay around noon, boarding a traditional wooden junk amid limestone karsts and emerald waters. Lunch is served with fresh seafood such as shrimp and squid.

Luxurious wooden junk boat in Halong Bay.

In the afternoon, explore Sung Sot Cave’s shimmering stalactites, then hike Ti Top Mountain for a stunning sunset view. Learn to make goi cuon (spring rolls) in a cooking demo, then enjoy a welcome drink and dinner on board.

Overnight on the junk.

Wake up early to embrace Halong Bay at dawn. Take a sampan to Luon Lagoon, gliding through a cave to a hidden turquoise pool. Return to enjoy breakfast while continuing to cruise through the bay.

Savor a final lunch of cha muc (grilled squid) before disembarking. Transfer to Noi Bai Airport for a 1-hour-20-minute flight to Da Nang, a coastal hub of modern charm.

Da Nang city.

Upon arrival, a local guide escorts you to your hotel. Spend the evening strolling the Han River, where the Dragon Bridge lights up in vibrant colors, or dine on mi quang (turmeric noodles) at a riverside vendor. Explore the night market for dried mango or relax with a beachside cocktail.

Overnight in Da Nang.

After breakfast, enjoy a leisurely day in Da Nang to shape your adventure.

Lounge on My Khe Beach’s soft sands, where turquoise waves and palm-shaded cafés beckon. Visit the Marble Mountains, climbing limestone peaks to uncover sacred caves and panoramic vistas. Bargain at Han Market for hand-embroidered bags or marvel at the Dragon Bridge’s serpentine form.

My Khe city beach, Da Nang.

For lunch, we recommend banh trang cuon thit heo (rice paper rolls with pork) at a bustling stall. In the afternoon, explore Non Nuoc village’s stone carvings or take a cycling tour along the coast.

In the evening, indulge in grilled scallops at a beachfront restaurant, then sip a cocktail at a rooftop bar overlooking the city.

Overnight in Da Nang.

Savor breakfast, then take another free day in Da Nang to explore its treasures.

Journey to Ba Na Hills via a scenic cable car, reaching the Golden Bridge, its golden span cradled by giant stone hands, and wander the French Village’s charming streets. Alternatively, try paddleboarding at My Khe Beach or visit the Cham Museum’s ancient sandstone sculptures. Enjoy a lunch of com ga (chicken rice) at a local eatery.

Golden Bridge on Ba Na Hills.

In the afternoon, relax with a spa massage or browse Da Nang’s markets for silk fans. For dinner, feast on fresh lobster at a beachside restaurant, followed by a stroll along the coast.

Overnight in Da Nang.

After breakfast, drive 45 minutes to Hoi An, a UNESCO-listed gem radiant with history.

Begin with a walking tour, crossing the Japanese Covered Bridge, a 16th-century marvel with intricate carvings, and visiting the Sa Huynh Museum to explore Hoi An’s ancient trade roots. Attend a lantern workshop to learn and create your silk lantern. Savor cao lau for lunch, Hoi An’s signature noodles, at a riverside restaurant.

Hoi An ancient town.

In the afternoon, take a Thu Bon River boat ride, visiting Thanh Ha ceramic village, where artisans shape pottery, and Kim Bong carpentry workshops crafting ornate furniture.

Return to Da Nang, dining on banh xeo (crispy pancakes) and enjoying a quiet evening by the city twinkling lights.

Overnight in Da Nang.

Enjoy breakfast, then check out and transfer to Da Nang International Airport for a short flight to Nha Trang, Vietnam’s beach paradise.

Check into your hotel and explore the coastal city. Stroll along Nha Trang’s golden shoreline, or visit Dam Market for dried squid and mango sticky rice. After a seafood lunch of grilled prawns, relax on the beach or swim in the hotel pool.

Join a sunset cruise for views of Nha Trang’s skyline, or dine on bun cha ca (fish cake noodle soup) at a local spot. Browse the Nha Trang Night Market for pearl jewelry or handmade crafts.

Enjoy serene sunset over Nha Trang Bay.

Overnight in Nha Trang.

After breakfast, dive into a free day in Nha Trang’s tropical haven.

Join a snorkeling or scuba diving session on Hon Mun Island to discover coral reefs and colorful fishes. Visit the ancient brick temples of Po Nagar Cham Towers, or indulge in a mud bath at Thap Ba Hot Springs. Savor a lunch of com tam (broken rice with pork) at a beachside stall.

Snorkeling sessions in Hon Mun Island, Nha Trang

In the afternoon, explore Vinpearl Amusement Park’s rides and aquarium, or relax on the beach with a fresh drink. For dinner, enjoy a seafood platter with grilled lobster, then stroll Nha Trang’s lively promenade for seashell crafts.

Overnight in Nha Trang.

Savor breakfast, then enjoy another day of leisure in Nha Trang.

Relax and sunbathe on Tran Phu beach, or visit the Oceanographic Institute’s rare marine exhibits. Opt for a boat trip to Hon Tam Island’s pristine shores. Lunch on nem nuong (grilled pork skewers) at a local spot.

In the evening, dine on fresh crab at a beachfront restaurant, then browse Nha Trang’s night market for souvenirs.

Overnight in Nha Trang.

After breakfast, check out and drive 4-5 hours through coastal roads to Mui Ne, a serene corner of Binh Thuan province.

Check into a beachfront resort and relax by the pool or stroll Mui Ne’s quiet shoreline, dotted with fishing boats. Visit a fish sauce factory to learn about Vietnam’s culinary staple, or sip a coconut at a beachside café. For lunch, try banh canh cha ca (fish cake noodle soup) at a local stall.

Mui Ne Beach is famous for its long stretches of white sand.

In the evening, dine on grilled fish with tamarind sauce, followed by a sunset walk along the beach.

Overnight in Mui Ne.

Enjoy breakfast, then explore Mui Ne’s surreal beauty.

Visit the Red and White Sand Dunes at sunrise, where golden sands stretch like a desert mirage. Wade through the Fairy Stream, its shallow waters flanked by colorful limestone cliffs. Try kitesurfing on Mui Ne’s windy shores or rent a jeep to roam the dunes. Savor lunch at a local eatery.

The White Sand dunes in Mui Ne.

Relax on the beach or browse shops for coconut candy and woven mats. For dinner, enjoy grilled seafood under the stars, soaking in Mui Ne’s laid-back charm.

Overnight in Mui Ne.

After breakfast, check out and drive 5-6 hours to Ho Chi Minh City, a dynamic city buzzing with energy. Check into a modern hotel in the city’s vibrant center.

Discover the vibrant nightlife in Ho Chi Minh City.

Explore Ben Thanh Market, its stalls brimming with silk ao dai and dried shrimp, or stroll the Saigon River’s scenic promenade. Sip a ca phe sua da (iced coffee with milk) at a sidewalk café. For lunch, com tam (broken rice with pork chop) is a must-try.

Wander Nguyen Hue Walking Street, alive with street performers, or visit boutique shops in Dong Khoi Street. Dine on hu tieu (southern noodle soup) at a trendy restaurant and feel the city’s pulse.

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.

Start with breakfast, then depart for the Cu Chi Tunnels, a 2-hour drive into Ho Chi Minh City’s countryside.

Watch a documentary on this wartime network, crawl through widened tunnels, and see relics like mantraps and B52 bomb craters. Explore a preserved American tank and learn about guerrilla tactics. Head to a local restaurant and enjoy a rustic lunch of pho bo and tapioca.

Illustration Model in Cu Chi Tunnels

Return to Ho Chi Minh City for a citytour, visiting the Reunification Palace, a modernist icon of Vietnam’s history. Admire the Notre Dame Basilica’s French elegance, the ornate Central Post Office, and the poignant exhibits in the War Remnants Museum. Dine on goi ga (chicken salad) and browse Ben Thanh’s night market for lacquered bowls.

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.

Enjoy a final breakfast at hotel.

Visit Ben Thanh Market for souvenirs like lacquered chopsticks or explore the Jade Emperor Pagoda’s incense-filled halls. Stroll Dong Khoi Street’s boutiques or savor a farewell lunch of bun thit nuong (grilled pork noodles) at a local spot. Take a final walk along the Saigon River banks, alive with vendors and cyclists.

Visit Ben Thanh Market for colorful souvenirs and local artisans.

Your driver transfers you to Tan Son Nhat International Airport for your onward flight. Safe travels, and we hope to see you again!

Unleash your wanderlust with the 15-Day Vietnam Explorer, a captivating journey from Hanoi’s historic streets to Ho Chi Minh City’s vibrant pulse, passing through Halong Bay’s karsts, Hoi An’s lanterns, and Mui Ne’s dunes. Paradise Travel’s Vietnam tours ensure a perfect mix between rich culture, stunning coastlines, and timeless charm. Travel to Vietnam with us and get ready for an unforgettable odyssey!