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ITINERARY
12 Days in Vietnam: for First Time Visitors
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ITINERARY
12 Days in Vietnam: for First Time Visitors
For first time visitors who want to see everything! Hanoi's charm, UNESCO Halong Bay, Sapa's rice paddies, Ho Chi Minh's heart & chill Mekong Delta.
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Highlights

Action packed itinerary
Cover Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City
See Halong Bay UNESCO Heritage Site
Experience authentic Vietnamese cooking
Learn about Vietnamese coffee
Trek Sapa with award winning social enterprise
Discover the story of Cu Chi Tunnels with a Local
See the Mekong Delta by Bicycle
Meet local craftsmen

Day-by-day

  • Overview
  • Day 1
  • Day 2
  • Day 3
  • Day 4
  • Day 5
  • Day 6
  • Day 7
  • Day 8
  • Day 9
  • Day 10
  • Day 11
  • Day 12
Why this works
  • See the highlights of both North and South Vietnam in one trip.
  • This combines all the must-sees of Vietnam (eg Halong Bay, Sapa), with hidden gems like chill Mekong Delta and hidden spots in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh.
  • This itinerary dives deep into Vietnamese culture with language lessons, market visits, and homestays with locals.
  • Explore hidden gems like Saigon's slums and the Mekong Delta by bicycle, getting an authentic taste of Vietnam's diverse landscapes and people.
Day 1
1
Arrive in Hanoi
Arrive in Hanoi
Arrive in Hanoi, settle in and stroll through Old Quarter
Day 2
1
Learn a Bit of Vietnamese
Learn a Bit of Vietnamese
Start your journey by learning a bit of the language and meeting locals.
5.0
4km
10 mins
2
Market to Meal Vietnamese Cooking Class
Market to Meal Vietnamese Cooking Class
Explore local markets and learn how to make delicious local food with an expert cook.
5.0
Day 3
1
Start Your Halong Bay Overnight Cruise
Start Your Halong Bay Overnight Cruise
Head to the UNESCO heritage sight of Halong Bay on a luxurious overnight cruise.
5.0
Day 4
1
Take in Last of Beautiful Bay Views
Take in Last of Beautiful Bay Views
While on board not only will you be able to take in beautiful views, but also enjoy a bit of luxury.
5.0
147km
2 hrs
2
Bus to Sapa
Bus to Sapa
Catch the bus to Sapa
4.6
Day 5
1
Arrive to Sapa
Arrive to Sapa
Arrive early in the morning to Sapa. You can sleep in on the bus before you start your day.
4.6
45 mins
2
Hike & Homestay with Social Enterprise
Hike & Homestay with Social Enterprise
Hike the famous Sapa rice terraces and spend a night with locals at a homestay.
4.8
Day 6
1
Wake up in Quiet Homestay & Hike to Sapa
Wake up in Quiet Homestay & Hike to Sapa
Hike back to Sapa town after spending a restful night at the homestay.
4.8
2 hrs
2
Train back to Hanoi
Train back to Hanoi
Experience a more luxurious mode of travel in a VIP cabin on a trip from Sapa to Hanoi.
4.5
Day 7
1
Arrive to Hanoi
Arrive to Hanoi
Arrive to Hanoi refreshed after a night on the train.
4.5
262km
3 hrs+
2
Fly to Ho Chi Minh City
Fly to Ho Chi Minh City
Head to the Hanoi Airport and go down south to Ho Chi Minh City.
1708km
2 hrs
3
Arrive to Ho Chi Minh City
Arrive to Ho Chi Minh City
Arrive to Ho Chi Minh City and head to your hotel to settle in.
Day 8
1
The Art of Vietnamese Coffee
The Art of Vietnamese Coffee
Start your day with a cup of coffee and learn how to make it Vietnamese style.
4.9
10km
26 mins
2
Explore Saigon's Hidden Slums
Explore Saigon's Hidden Slums
Go off the beaten path and explore a hidden side of the city with a local guide.
5.0
Day 9
1
Discover Cu Chi Tunnels
Discover Cu Chi Tunnels
Learn about the history of Cu Chi tunnels with a local and visit her home.
5.0
10km
28 mins
2
Meet a Local Rum Distiller
Meet a Local Rum Distiller
Make it an interesting evening and meet a local spirit maker.
5.0
Day 10
1
Start  2D1N Mekong Delta Cycling Tour
Start 2D1N Mekong Delta Cycling Tour
Witness the fabled Mekong Delta on bicycle. Spend the night at a local homestay.
5.0
Day 11
1
Cycle Through Serene Villages
Cycle Through Serene Villages
Cycle through Mekong villages and meet the locals.
5.0
Day 12
1
Fly Out
Fly Out
Head back home or your next destination.
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