If you desire a holiday where you can relax, yet also experience culture, cuisine and diverse scenery unlike your own, discover this article about things to do for 15-day itinerary in Vietnam. More than 2000 km of the length of the country are countless beautiful destinations that everyone wants to visit once. In particular, you will discover not only destinations with natural beauty but also destinations imbued with Vietnamese culture for generations.

Overview

With a trip to Vietnam, you will see the whole beauty of the country. From Ha Giang - the northern mountainous region with rolling mountains to Hanoi - the capital of Vietnam. Take some time to relax and cruise around stunning Halong Bay.  Continue to  Da Nang with the blue sea and white sand in the sunny central region and Hue, Hoi An where you can relax by the riverside and learn to cook Vietnamese cuisine. Finish your tour in the South, dive into the bustling streets of Ho Chi Minh City and go to the mangrove forests of the Mekong Delta. 

15-Day Itinerary in Vietnam

Day 1: Ha Noi

Day 2: Hanoi - Ha Giang

Day 3: Ha Giang

Day 4: Ha Giang

Day 5: Ninh Binh 

Day 6: Ha Long

Day 7: Hue

Day 8: Hue

Day 9: Hue - Hoi An

Day 10: Hoi An - Da Nang

Day 11: Da Nang

Day 12: Ho Chi Minh

Day 13: Tra Vinh

Day 14: Can Tho

Day 15: Departure

15 Day-Itinerary Details

Day 1: Ha Noi

Taking a morning flight to Noi Bai International Airport, you will not have to worry as there are many ways to get to the city center to check in by bus or taxi. Don't forget to enjoy a bowl of Pho Bo for breakfast to catch up with the life of the Hanoi people.

Let's visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum - a special and meaningful work for every Vietnamese. Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum is the place where the body of Uncle Ho - the great leader of Vietnamese people is located. Remember that you should pay attention to dressing politely, discreetly. You should pay attention to comply with regulations, avoid violations.The next place you visit will be the Temple of Literature. This is not only the first university in our country but also a place to keep cultural imprints - a thousand-year history of civilization. 

Enjoying Bun Cha - Hanoi's specialty at noon is a suggestion for you. It is one of the dishes that President Obama also enjoyed. In the afternoon, walking around Sword Lake and visiting Ngoc Son Temple will help you feel the peaceful life of Vietnamese people. The water surface look likes a large mirror reflecting the old trees, the ancient temple's roofs, pagodas, the willow trees, and high buildings reaching the blue sky.

In Hanoi, the lights in the evening are different from the morning. You can walk on the street along the Old Quarter, and feel the bustle of the eateries, restaurants, beer bars, that locals or tourists cannot ignore to relax and have fun. If you spend more time in Hanoi, never miss the top 10 of the best things to do and to visit in Hanoi.

Day 2: Mai Chau

Ha Giang - The rocky plateau at the top of the country not only possesses many beautiful landscapes, but it is also a place to preserve the unique cultural features of 22 highland ethnic groups. You will be able to drop your soul into the majestic natural scenery, admire the romantic colorful flower fields, the fun at the highland markets,...

About 6 hours from Hanoi by car, you can admire the majestic and beautiful scenery of the Northeast mountains. Please bring snacks to keep your trip energized.

After resting and having lunch, the next points in your Ha Giang discovery journey will be: Tham Ma Slope located at the gateway of Dong Van district, Vuong's Palace - a mysterious and unique place. The last point of the day is Lung Cu Flagpole. The Lung Cu flagpole is known as a historical relic and a sacred place in the northernmost part of Vietnam. 

In the evening, the temperature in Ha Giang gradually drops, remember to bring a jacket and a pair of shoes to keep your body warm. Don't miss the chance to enjoy Black Chicken Hot Pot in this weather.

Day 3: Ha Giang

On your second day in Ha Giang, you should get up early and enjoy the sunrise at the top of the mountain while the local farmers do the early morning chores. Joining the market in the morning will be an experience you can't forget when coming here.

After breakfast, we start the journey to discover the remaining spots on the Dong Van Karst Plateau. Ma Pi Leng Pass is the place known as the first Hung Quan of Vietnam and is also the most beautiful and majestic of the "Four Great Passes" of Vietnam - the four most dangerous passes in Vietnam. 

Next, let's experience the boat on Tu San Alley - Nho Que River. Tu San Alley is known as the deepest canyon in Southeast Asia and is located in a valley with unique geological tectonics in Vietnam. You will see the beautiful space of the mountains and forests of the Northwest and take beautiful virtual pictures by the river.

Day 4: Ha Giang - Ninh Binh

Coming to Ninh Binh, you can't skip Trang An complex, a world heritage recognized by UNESCO. Trang An is nestled in the gentle beauty of green mountains. The quiet and contemplative natural beauty of the same time has made many people come to Trang An once more. The Trang An Tourism Complex is very large. If you go in the summer, you should equip more conical hats and sunscreen, and go in to buy rain, a thin raincoat is extremely important. You should also bring drinking water.

In Vietnam, there is also a miniature version of the "Great Wall" - Mua Cave. It has a poetic and charming natural setting. Ngoa Long Peak on Mua Cave is a "must-visit" site with the long, steep stairs on the mountain slope. On the way up to Mua Cave, you will also see a beautiful blooming Dam Sen. If you go in May or June, you will see a beautiful picture at the foot of this place.

Coming to Ninh Binh, do not forget to enjoy specialties such as mountain goat meat, burnt rice, fish salad,....

Day 5: Ninh Binh - Ha Long

HaLong Bay is an extremely famous tourist destination in Quang Ninh, recognized by UNESCO twice as a World Natural Heritage Site. Coming here, you cannot neglect experiences such as kayaking in Luon Cave, exploring mysterious caves such as Sung Sot Cave, relaxing swimming on Titop Island, or taking a cruise on the bay. The activities all bring different interesting feelings.

In the afternoon, you can visit the Quang Ninh Museum. Quang Ninh Museum is likened to a mysterious black pearl in HaLong Bay. With a simple but extremely luxurious design. Quang Ninh Museum has a unique feature, not mixed with any other museum in Vietnam. Coming here, you not only bring back beautiful photos but also discover the historical and cultural beauties of Quang Ninh.

In the evening, you are free to have fun exploring the Night Market, walking the street, ... enjoy the specialties of Quang Ninh. 

Day 6: Ha Long - Hanoi - Hue

Ba Vang Pagoda located on Ba Vang mountain in Quang Ninh is a beautiful landscape that captivates many domestic and foreign tourists. It is not only a spiritual tourist destination but also a charming natural landscape with interesting experiences. 

In the afternoon, we return to Hanoi and then travel to Hue, continuing our 15-day stay in Vietnam. It seems that each city of Vietnam has its nickname: Hanoi is a thousand years of civilization, Saigon is the pearl of the far East, and Hue is the land of dreams, the land of the ancient capital despite having passed hundreds of years, but still, the perspectives, gentle, passionate look as time always slows down here.

After a day of traveling from North to Central, you can relax by walking along the Huong River, watching Trang Tien Bridge and Hue city light up beautifully in the evening. Don't miss the Huong River Cruise experience. Ca Hue on the Huong River is a unique art form of the people of the ancient capital, preserved and developed over hundreds of years.

Day 7: Hue

Wake up here, and don't forget to enjoy a bowl of Hue beef noodle soup. Let's go straight to the first place on the schedule - Hue Imperial City.

Hue Imperial City is a place that any Hue travel experience cannot ignore. This has been recognized as a UNESCO cultural heritage world. Hue Citadel has an area of 520 hectares.

Traveling to Hue for the first time, how can you not visit Thien Mu Pagoda? Thien Mu Pagoda is located right on the Huong River, overlooking the poetic and charming scenery. The pagoda is not too big, but it was built into a combination of unique works like the Great Hall of Hung and the octagonal Phuoc Duyen tower. If you come to Thien Mu in the late afternoon, don't forget to linger to watch the golden sunset on the Huong River.

On the last day in Hue, you should enjoy all the famous dishes here such as Che Hue, Hen Rice, Beo Cake, Nam cake, ….

Day 8: Hoi An

Walking along the ancient streets of Hoi An, you will see the Hanoi Old Quarter - an urban area outside Thang Long citadel. Today, this is still a famous neighborhood bustling, trading with many industries, each road here is typical for a separate industry. Hoi An ancient town is more "gentle", even though it was a busy international trading port, a meeting place for Japanese, Chinese, and Western merchant ships during the XVII and XVIIIcenturies. Hoi An has now become an attractive destination for domestic and foreign tourists. 

There is a lot of bold architecture from many countries in Hoi An:  Cau Bridge, Tan Ky's ancient house, The Chinese assembly hall,... On the way to Hoi An, you can also enjoy special dishes here. Please refer to Hoi An culinary day tour.

Another experience at night when coming to Hoi An, although simple but extremely attractive and interesting, is walking around the old town which is adorned with the brilliant colors of lanterns. The experience of sitting on a boat and releasing lanterns on the Hoai River will be a memorable memory during your trip to Vietnam.

Day 9: Hoi An - Da Nang

In Hoi An, you also cannot miss the opportunity to visit artisan villages. About 4 km from Hoi An ancient town, you will come to Thanh Ha Pottery Village - one of the largest ceramic parks in Vietnam and a "unique" ceramic museum of our country. From the park gate, go a few hundred meters deep into the pottery village. In addition, you can also make beautiful small ceramic works with your own hands under the guidance of skilled craftsmen. What an unforgettable experience, isn't it?

3km from Hoi An, another place you should not miss is the Bay Mau Coconut Forest. Coming to this place, you will enjoy the fresh air of the green coconut forest and the moments of sitting in a basket boat to travel peacefully and leisurely. Visiting the coconut forest, you will experience folk entertainment activities and lively underwater performances such as basket dance in the middle of the river, fishing in the coconut forest, ... and don't forget to enjoy nipa palm here.

So end the journey in Hoi An, get in the car and we will return to the beautiful coastal city of Da Nang. If you come to Da Nang on Saturday, or Sunday, do not miss the opportunity to see the most beautiful Da Nang Dragon Bridge spray water and fire at 9 pm.

Day 10: Da Nang

Find out some information about Da Nang travel earlier to have an impressive journey in this livable city. Ba Na Hill is a place that cannot skip when coming to Da Nang. You can spend a day having fun at this place. Climb the mountain by cable car system with 2 world records, explore and participate in exciting games at the largest indoor amusement park in Vietnam Fantasy Park: Free fall tower, dinosaur park, Road fiery racing, Wine Cellar, Linh Ung Pagoda, …

However, when coming to the coastal city, swimming is always a natural thing. Da Nang has many beautiful beaches such as My Khe Beach - Top 25 most beautiful beaches in Asia in 2021, Non Nuoc Beach - Da Nang beach is in the top most beautiful on the planet, Bac My An Beach - beautiful Da Nang beach especially when the afternoon falls….

Day 11: Da Nang

In the morning, when you wake up in Da Nang, you can enjoy a bowl of Quang noodles or extremely rich cakes: banh beo, banh nam, banh bot loc, banh can, banh dam,....

Ngu Hanh Son is a masterpiece of the natural landscape that nature bestows on the land of Da Nang. There is a harmonious beauty of the natural eco-region interwoven with the spiritual, cultural, and historical life. One of the most beautiful places here is Huyen Khong Cave.

We go to visit Linh Ung Pagoda in Son Tra peninsula.From the top of Linh Ung Pagoda, you can admire the vast sea and sky of Da Nang city.

In addition to Linh Ung Pagoda, on Son Tra Peninsula, there are many other places such as Tien Sa Port, Mui Khe, Monkey Island, .... Possessing a cool climate all year round, with shady forests and diverse flora and fauna ecosystems, Son Tra peninsula has a great attraction for tourists. It is also an ideal destination, bringing you unprecedented exciting experiences such as snorkeling, windsurfing, skydiving…

Day 12: Ho Chi Minh City

Continuing the journey in 15 days in Vietnam, let's come to HCM City, start the journey to discover the rest of the S-shaped strip of land. Not bearing the ancient beauty like Hanoi capital, or dreaming like Hue and Da Lat cities, Ho Chi Minh City has the beauty of a young, dynamic city. You should come here at least once in your life to feel the bustling atmosphere here.

Take the time to visit places imbued with Vietnamese history such as Independence Palace, Vietnam History Museum, Nha Rong wharf, and Ben Thanh market, .... These are all tourist icons of Saigon that you must have heard of. An extremely suitable form of transportation for the journey to Ho Chi Minh is the bus around the city City tour Saigon. With this form, you just need to sit in the car and walk around the city to find the famous attractions here. During the tour, you will easily see the most famous landmarks in Saigon.

The place you should visit in the evening is Nguyen Hue Walking Street. When coming to Nguyen Hue street, you will see a long road connecting the Saigon riverside districts with the first city center. On this street, there are many kinds of food that you can try. You can refer to Saigon Street Food Tours.

Day 13: Cai Be - Tien Giang

3 km from Ho Chi Minh City, the first attraction of the journey is Cai Be Floating Market - one of the most famous river markets in the Mekong Delta. You will be able to see the scene of a morning market in the West, and see how people exchange and buy, and sell on the river.

The market usually opens very early, usually around 3-4 am, and the market has begun to be crowded with boats. But to be able to enjoy the beauty of the river trade and take satisfactory pictures. 

The next attraction is Tan Phong Island, one of the big and famous islands of the West. The boat takes you surfing on the cool green canals, through the rows of nipa palm trees to reach the island. Arriving on the island, you can go ashore to visit and walk the peaceful scenery of the river and the land of Nine Dragons. While enjoying the sweet fruit, you will also hear the Southern Don Ca Tai Tu - a traditional folk art form of the people of the West. The experience of lying in a hammock in the way of Southern people will bring moments of extreme relaxation and comfort.

If time allows, you can go to the traditional production facilities of the people in the West. You will visit and learn some crafts of the people here like making com, making rice paper, making coconut candy, beekeeping for honey… and have the opportunity to enjoy honey tea cups at the Honey Furnace.

Day 14: Chau Doc 

In addition to cultural life, here is also very famous for spiritual cultural life. Sam Mountain relic cluster is the destination when visiting An Giang. The name Sam mountain was formed perhaps because, from a distance, the mountain looks like a Sam lying in the middle of the field. It is said to be a cluster of relics because there are 200 temples, pagodas, temples, and shrines scattered from the foot of the mountain, from the mountainside to the top.

The first point to visit is Tay An Co Tu - a Mahayana temple. With the appearance of Indian temples, the architecture is in harmony with the natural landscape, creating splendid beauty. The pagoda is one of the famous destinations of the Sam mountain.

Going 150m further, you will visit Ba Chua Xu Temple - an architectural work in the style of the word "national", with four square roofs, roofed with blue pipe tiles.From weekdays to the day of the goddess, people from all over the world come here to attend the ceremony, offer incense, and pray for blessings.

Another famous place is the Tomb of Thoai Ngoc Hau. His name is Nguyen Van Thoai, and a famous general of the Nguyen Dynasty, has many merits with the local people in organizing the digging of two important canals in An Giang.

In Chau Doc, to visit the Tra Su Melaleuca forest, you will have to get on a motorboat to feel all the wild beauty of the typical flooded forest in An Giang. Here, not only the sound of motorboats, but you also hear the singing of some brave birds and will see the nests of birds in the tall trees.

Day 15: Can Tho 

After breakfast, arrive at Ninh Kieu wharf, and get on a boat to visit Cai Rang Floating Market, the largest floating market in the West. Friendly smiles, honest eyes, and cheerful purchase invitations will shake the hearts of visitors. The experience of having breakfast noodles on the floating market will be an experience you should not miss.

If you stay in Can Tho for about 2 days, we suggest trying this comprehensive what to do in Can Tho during two days of your Vietnam tour. 

The Mekong Delta is famous for its colorful fruit gardens, leaving behind the hustle and bustle of the city, you will get lost in the luxuriant, fruit-laden orchard with plum, guava, dragon fruit orchards, durian, mangosteen… (seasonal fruit) The fruits that are certainly only found in tropical countries like Vietnam.

Above is a suggestion for 15 days in Viet Nam by Vietnam Original Travel. However, if you want to have other experiences with Vietnam or want to make your own, please contact us. We are ready to help you have the best experience in Vietnam.

>>> Vietnam Tour 15 Days