11 days in Hanoi, Da Nang & Ho Chi Minh City Itinerary

The capital of Vietnam, Hanoi has bounded back from the effects of war, and today serves as a bustling commercial and cultural hub bursting at the seams.

Your cultural itinerary includes sights like Old Quarter and Fine Arts Museum (Bao Tang My Thuat). Get some historical perspective at Temple of Literature & National University and Chùa Lý Triều Quốc Sư. Next up on the itinerary: take in the spiritual surroundings of Chua Tran Quoc, steep yourself in history at Hoa Lo Prison, get engrossed in the history at Ancient House, and indulge in some personalized pampering at La Belle Vie Spa.

To see more things to do, photos, where to stay, and tourist information, go to the Hanoi road trip planner.

Kuching, Malaysia to Hanoi is an approximately 9.5-hour flight. The time zone changes from Malaysia Time to Indochina Time, which is usually a -1 hour difference. You will leave for Da Nang on the 17th (Mon).

A curious mix of developed beachfront tourism and untouched local city life, Da Nang presents an often-overlooked but authentic and welcoming picture of central Vietnam.

Your inner history buff will appreciate Mỹ Sơn and Bang An Tower. Museum-lovers will appreciate Precious Heritage by Rehahn and Da Nang Museum. Go for a jaunt from Da Nang to Hoi An to see Spas about 1h 5 min away. And it doesn't end there: stop by Tabalo Outdoor, admire the masterpieces at Da Nang Fine Arts Museum, see the interesting displays at Museum of Sa Huynh & Champa Culture, and enjoy the sand and surf at My Khe Beach.

To find traveler tips, ratings, more things to do, and tourist information, you can read our Da Nang trip builder.

You can fly from Hanoi to Da Nang in 3 hours. Other options are to fly; or drive; or take a bus. Cap off your sightseeing on the 21st (Fri) early enough to catch the flight to Ho Chi Minh City.

Formerly known in the West as Saigon and affectionately referred to as the "Pearl of the Far East," Ho Chi Minh City is a study of old and new, woven and piled together in a fast-paced urban hub.

On the 22nd (Sat), get engrossed in the history at War Remnants Museum and then pause for some serene contemplation at Catholic Church Huyen Sy.

To see maps, photos, other places to visit, and more tourist information, refer to the Ho Chi Minh City driving holiday site.

Traveling by train from Da Nang to Ho Chi Minh City takes 20 hours. Alternatively, you can fly; or drive; or take a train. In April, daily temperatures in Ho Chi Minh City can reach 41°C, while at night they dip to 30°C. Cap off your sightseeing on the 23rd (Sun) early enough to catch the flight back home.