Planning the perfect Vietnam adventure in the future ? You’ve come to the right place! Vietnam is like a treasure chest bursting with vibrant cities, stunning landscapes, and flavors that’ll make your taste buds dance. Whether you’re a history buff, a foodie, or someone who just wants to kick back and soak up the culture, this 15 days in Vietnam itinerary has got you covered. From the bustling streets of Hanoi to the serene waters of the Mekong Delta, and everything in between, this trip will show you the very best of what Vietnam has to offer. So pack your bags, grab your sense of adventure, and get ready for an unforgettable journey through this incredible country.

15 days in Vietnam itinerary in brief

Day 1: Arrival in Hanoi

Day 2: Hanoi Discovery

Day 3: Hanoi – Overnight Cruise in Halong Bay

Day 4: Halong – Hanoi

Day 5: Hanoi – Duong Lam Ancient Village – Mai Chau

Day 6: Mai Chau – Pu Luong

Day 7: Pu Luong – Ninh Binh

Day 8: Ninh Binh – Hue 

Day 9: Hue Discovery

Day 10: Hue – Danang – Hoi An

Day 11: Hoi An Discovery

Day 12: Hoi An – Da Nang – Saigon 

Day 13: Saigon – My Tho – Tra Vinh 

Day 14: Tra Vinh – Can Tho

Day 15: Can Tho – Saigon – Departure

15 days in Vietnam itinerary in details

Day 1: Arrival in Hanoi

Welcome to Vietnam! Our driver will pick you up from the airport and take you to your downtown hotel. This 15 days in Vietnam itinerary begins in Hanoi, the capital city with a population of 5 million. After you touch down and grab your luggage, get ready to dive into the heart of Vietnam’s capital. Hoan Kiem Lake, the heart of Hanoi, is also known as the “Lake of the Restored Sword”. Learn all about the legend behind the lake with the help of our English-speaking guide, as you stroll through this unexpected greenery amidst the metropolitan city. The Ngoc Son Temple, nestled on a small island accessible via The Huc Red Bridge, offers a first glimpse of traditional Vietnamese architecture. The Turtle Tower, the emblem of the city, stands proudly in the middle of the lake.

Spend your first evening in the Old Quarter, where the streets are named after the goods they sold in the olden days. The tantalizing aromas of street food guide you to tasty culinary discoveries. Taste pho, the emblematic noodle soup, or indulge in Banh Mi, a Vietnamese sandwich with complex flavors.

Day 2: Discover Hanoi

Start your day with a cup of egg coffee—a weirdly delicious local specialty. Then, it’s off to Hanoi’s most emblematic monuments. The Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, an imposing grey marble edifice, pays tribute to the father of Vietnamese independence. A few steps away, the stilt house where Uncle Ho lived is a testament to the revolutionary leader's modesty. The One Pillar Pagoda, an 11th-century architectural gem, rises like a lotus flower from a pond. 

Your 15 days in Vietnam itinerary continues at the Temple of Literature, Vietnam's first university founded in 1070, with its successive courses and doctors' steles recounting the country's intellectual history. In the afternoon, the Museum of Ethnography immerses you in Vietnam's cultural diversity. Through objects, costumes, and models of traditional dwellings, discover the richness of the 54 ethnic groups that make up the Vietnamese mosaic. The day ends with a water puppet show, a centuries-old art form unique to Vietnam. Let yourself be transported by the magic of these figures dancing on the water, recounting legends and scenes of daily life to the sound of traditional music.

Day 3: Hanoi – Overnight Cruise in Halong Bay

Today, you’ll trade the hustle and bustle of the city for the tranquil waters of Halong Bay. As a UNESCO World Heritage site, Halong Bay is a must-have on your itinerary! Hop on a traditional junk boat and sail among thousands of fantastically shaped karst islets. A kayak or bamboo boat session then allows you to sneak into the hidden corners of the bay, as close as possible to this grandiose nature. Back on the cruise, a Vietnamese cooking class awakens your taste buds. Learn how to make crispy nem or delicate spring rolls with the help of a professional chef, who will be letting you in on the secrets of Vietnamese cuisine.

As the sun sets, raise a glass to one of the most magical places on earth. At nightfall, try your hand at squid fishing, a traditional activity of the bay's fishermen. You’ll sleep on the boat tonight, rocked by gentle waves.

Day 4: Halong – Hanoi

On the fourth day of your 15 days in Vietnam itinerary, wake up to a misty morning on the bay, and maybe join a tai chi session on the deck if you’re feeling zen. The slow, fluid movements of this ancestral martial art harmonize perfectly with the peaceful rising sun. After a light breakfast, a visit to a floating village immerses you in the unique daily life of the bay's inhabitants. Observe their floating homes and discover how these communities have adapted their way of life to this aquatic environment.

After that, it’s back to Hanoi. Spend your afternoon exploring more of the city’s nooks and crannies or just enjoy a leisurely stroll around the French Quarter, where you can see colonial architecture that’s still standing strong despite the years. End your day with some Bia Hoi—fresh beer that’s cheaper than water!

Day 5: Hanoi – Duong Lam Ancient Village – Mai Chau

On the fifth day, you leave the hustle and bustle of the capital to discover the Vietnamese countryside. Your first stop is Duong Lam Ancient Village. What makes this national heritage site worth the visit, is that, one: it’s the birthplace of two of Vietnam’s greatest kings and heroes–Ngo Quyen and Phung Hung; and two: it’s an open-air museum of traditional architecture. The village is filled with ancient laterite houses, some over 300 years old, that are still preserved and intact to this day. Take a break from all the walking in the village with a nice workshop at Doai’s Creative, where you can create your own art piece on discarded clay tiles!

Next, make your way to Mai Chau, a peaceful valley surrounded by green mountains and dotted with stilt houses. In the evening, enjoy a dinner and a show at a local’s, with a traditional Thai dance performance, accompanied by local specialties. You’ll spend the night with the local family at their lovely stilt house, completing your fifth day of the 15 days in Vietnam itinerary.

Day 6: Mai Chau – Pu Luong

Wake up to the sounds of roosters and head out for a trek through the stunning rice fields of Mai Chau. Fresh morning air, birds chirping, and the rustling of rice plants in the breeze create a unique and peaceful atmosphere. Visit the Thai villages, watch the farmers at work, and witness the delicate weaving of silk, an ancestral technique handed down from generation to generation.

The afternoon takes you to the Pu Luong nature reserve, a natural gem still untouched by mass tourism. With terraced rice fields, bamboo forests, and tiny villages, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped into a postcard. Spend your day hiking, exploring, bamboo rafting, and just soaking in the pure beauty of nature. Tonight, stay in a cozy eco-lodge, where the night sounds are your lullaby.

Day 7: Pu Luong – Ninh Binh

Say goodbye to Pu Luong and hello to Ninh Binh, often called the “Halong Bay on land” because of its limestone mountains rising from the rice paddies. Your 15 days in Vietnam itinerary continues with a cruise to Trang An, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Hop on a sampan boat and let a local rower take you through the Trang An Grottoes, navigating through rivers and natural caves, sometimes so low that you have to bend over, adding a touch of adventure to your trip.

The afternoon is dedicated to a visit to the Bai Dinh Pagoda, the largest Buddhist complex in Vietnam. The immensity of the site, its many temples and giant Buddha statues, are simply impressive. Opt for an electric car ride around the complex to save time, because you won’t be able to visit all of Bai Dinh Pagoda on foot in just one afternoon.

Day 8: Ninh Binh – Hue

The eighth day of your 15 days in Vietnam itinerary begins with a visit to the ancient capital of Hoa Lu. The remains of temples dedicated to the kings of the Dinh and Le dynasties bear witness to the city's past grandeur. A final boat trip to Tam Coc–Bich Dong, offers a last glimpse of the region's spectacular karst landscapes.

In the evening, you’ll take a scenic drive to the historic city of Hue on a comfortable sleeper train. This rail journey is an experience in itself, allowing you to cross Vietnam from North to Center.

Day 9: Discover Hue

Today is all about diving deep into Hue’s royal past. Start with the Imperial City—it’s like a Vietnamese version of the Forbidden City, but with more dragons. Explore the Thien Mu Pagoda, a towering symbol of Hue, and then cruise along the Perfume River. In the afternoon, visit the royal tombs of emperors—you’ll notice they had a flair for the dramatic, even in death. Wrap up your day with a sunset view from Vong Canh Hill.

The day ends with a cruise on the Perfume River. As the sun sets, tinting the sky with shimmering colors, you admire the banks dotted with pagodas and traditional villages. Dinner on board, featuring the flavors of Hue's imperial cuisine, rounds off this day of discovery on your 15 days in Vietnam itinerary.

Day 10: Hue – Danang – Hoi An

It’s day 10 of your 15 days in Vietnam itinerary, time to hit the road to Hoi An, but not before a quick stop in Danang. The route follows the famous Cloud Pass road, offering spectacular views of the coast. Check out the stunning Marble Mountains and the impressive Dragon Bridge that breathes fire on weekends (seriously!). A stop at the Marble Mountains allows you to explore this group of five marble and limestone hills. The Huyen Khong cave, with its carved Buddhas and natural skylight, creates a mystical atmosphere. Visit the stone-carving village of Non Nuoc, at the foot of the mountains, and learn about an age-old craft.

Then, it’s off to Hoi An, the most charming town in Vietnam. This UNESCO World Heritage city welcomes you with its cobbled streets and ancient houses with colorful facades. An initial stroll through the old town allows you to soak up its unique atmosphere, a blend of Chinese, Japanese, and European influences. At night, the town lights up with colorful lanterns—it’s pure magic.

Day 11: Discover Hoi An

The eleventh day of your 15 days in Vietnam itinerary is entirely devoted to discovering Hoi An. Hoi An is all about getting lost in the old town’s narrow streets. Start your day with a visit to the Japanese Covered Bridge and the Assembly Hall of the Fujian Chinese Congregation. Ancient merchant houses, such as the Tan Ky House, offer a fascinating glimpse into the lives of the wealthy merchants of yesteryear. Next, indulge in some retail therapy—Hoi An is famous for its tailors, so why not get a custom suit or dress made?

In the afternoon, take part in a lantern-making workshop, one of the city's most emblematic crafts. Under the guidance of local craftsmen, create your own lantern, a unique souvenir of your visit. As night falls, Hoi An is decked out in thousands of colorful lanterns. This enchanting atmosphere invites you to take a final stroll along the Thu Bon River, or perhaps release a lantern on the river and make a wish.

Day 12: Hoi An – Da Nang – Saigon

This 15 days in Vietnam itinerary continues with a final visit to Hoi An's central market. This is an opportunity to sample the region's culinary specialties, such as cao lau, unique noodles made with water from the city's century-old wells. The drive to Da Nang airport is punctuated by a stop at the Cham Museum, home to the world's largest collection of Cham art. These elegant sculptures bear witness to the past grandeur of this vanished civilization.

Bid farewell to Hoi An and fly to Saigon (aka Ho Chi Minh City), the biggest and busiest city in Vietnam. After settling in, take a walk down Dong Khoi Street—it’s like the Champs-Élysées of Saigon, but with more motorbikes. Visit the historic Reunification Palace and the War Remnants Museum for a sobering look at Vietnam’s history. In the evening, hit up a rooftop bar and take in the dazzling cityscape.

Day 13: Saigon – My Tho – Tra Vinh 

Day 13 of your 15 days in Vietnam itinerary takes you to the Mekong Delta, where life moves a little slower. In My Tho, embark on a cruise on the “river of the nine dragons”  floating past stilt houses, fruit orchards, and rice paddies. A visit to an island allows you to sample juicy tropical fruits and honey tea while observing the artisanal production of coconut sweets. The journey continues to Tra Vinh, a region known for its strong Khmer influence. The Ang pagoda, one of the oldest and most beautiful Khmer pagodas in the delta, bears witness to this rich cultural history. An evening at the Tra Vinh night market is an opportunity to sample local specialties and soak up the unique atmosphere of the delta.

Day 14: Tra Vinh – Can Tho

Rise and shine! Today, you’ll head deeper into the Mekong Delta, ending up in Can Tho. This is the heart of the delta, famous for its bustling Cai Rang Floating Market. Day 14 begins with a visit to some of the Khmer pagodas around Tra Vinh, each telling a chapter of the region's turbulent history. The road to Can Tho, the flagship destination of this 15 days in Vietnam itinerary, is punctuated by stops in villages where you can observe rural life and traditional farming activities. 

In Can Tho, the Quang Duc pagoda impresses with its blend of Vietnamese and Khmer architecture. A stroll along the canals allows you to observe the waterfront life so characteristic of the delta. The evening ends at the lively Ninh Kieu night market on the banks of the Mekong, where you can sample the culinary specialties of the South. Spend the night in Can Tho, enjoying the laid-back vibe.

Day 15: Can Tho – Saigon – Departure

The last day of your 15 days in Vietnam itinerary starts early, with a visit to the Cai Rang floating market. Grab a coconut, hop on a boat, and enjoy the vibrant scene. It's a fascinating sight to see these boats loaded with fruit and vegetables, calling out to each other and trading in the middle of the river. This early-morning hustle and bustle offers one last powerful image of the Mekong Delta. The return to Saigon marks the end of your tour. Depending on your flight time, you might have a chance to do some last-minute shopping or just relax in a café, sipping on some Vietnamese iced coffee. When it’s time to go, head to the airport and wave goodbye to this beautiful country, taking with you memories (and maybe a tailor-made suit) that will last a lifetime. End of our services.

How to book a 15 days Vietnam tour package?

To book the best 15 days in Vietnam itinerary with a local travel agency, don’t hesitate to reach out to the experts at Vietnam Original Travel. As a local travel agency, we offer unrivaled local expertise, tailor-made tours with experienced English-speaking guides, and an authentic approach that takes you off the beaten track. Our in-depth knowledge of the country, combined with personalized customer service and excellent value for money, guarantees a unique and immersive travel experience. You can also contact us to compare offers and discuss your preferences. And with all that said, happy travel!

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