15 days in Southeast Asia 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.

Kick off your visit on the 22nd (Sun): get the lay of the land with Walking tours. On the 23rd (Mon), you'll have a packed day of sightseeing: appreciate the extensive heritage of Old Quarter, view the masterpieces at A Dong Art Gallery, and then contemplate the waterfront views at Lake of the Restored Sword (Hoan Kiem Lake).

For other places to visit, photos, ratings, and more tourist information, you can read our Hanoi trip maker.

If you are flying in from India, the closest major aiports are Noi Bai International Airport and Van Don International Airport. Finish your sightseeing early on the 23rd (Mon) to allow enough time to drive to Ninh Binh.

A fairly nondescript town, Ninh Binh acts as a base for explorations of the province of the same name, with the karst landscape and lush valleys that surround the town offering a wealth of scenic vistas of rice paddies and rugged rocks.

Take a break from Ninh Binh with a short trip to Bai Dinh Pagoda in Gia Sinh, about 34 minutes away. Next up on the itinerary: look for gifts at Minh Trang Handmade, don't miss a visit to Hoa Lu Temples of the Dinh & Le Dynasties, tour the pleasant surroundings at Van Long Nature Reserve, and indulge in some personalized pampering at Mai Spa.

To see other places to visit, traveler tips, maps, and other tourist information, refer to the Ninh Binh online attractions planner.

You can drive from Hanoi to Ninh Binh in 2 hours. Other options are to take a bus; or take a train. In January in Ninh Binh, expect temperatures between 23°C during the day and 17°C at night. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 27th (Fri) early enough to drive to Ha Long.

Hạ Long is the capital city and 1st-class provincial city of Quảng Ninh Province, Vietnam. Kick off your visit on the 28th (Sat): head off the coast to Hon Ga Choi Island, then head off the coast to Cat Ba Island, then explore the activities along Hạ Long Bay, and finally browse the eclectic array of goods at Ha Long Market. On your second day here, add some adventure to your tour with a kayaking and canoeing tour.

To see reviews, photos, and tourist information, read our Ha Long road trip site.

Traveling by car from Ninh Binh to Ha Long takes 3 hours. Cap off your sightseeing on the 30th (Mon) early enough to go by car to Da Nang.

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.

Take a break from Da Nang with a short trip to Mỹ Sơn in Duy Phu, about 1h 5 min away. Pack the 2nd (Thu) with family-friendly diversions at Ba Na Hills SunWorld. There's much more to do: tour the pleasant surroundings at The Marble Mountains, examine the collection at Da Nang Museum of Cham Sculpture, indulge in some culinary diversions at a local gastronomic tour, and don't miss a visit to Marian Shrine of the Lady of Tra Kieu.

To see reviews, where to stay, more things to do, and tourist information, you can read our Da Nang trip itinerary website.

You can drive from Ha Long to Da Nang in 16 hours. In January, daily temperatures in Da Nang can reach 29°C, while at night they dip to 22°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 3rd (Fri) so you can drive to Hoi An.

Indisputably one of Vietnam's most atmospheric destinations, Hoi An contains a World Heritage-listed old town boasting over 2,000 years of culture and history.

Kick off your visit on the 4th (Sat): admire the masterpieces at Precious Heritage by Rehahn, then stop by Phu Phu Cloth Shop, then snap pictures at Japanese Covered Bridge, and finally make a trip to Hoi An Ancient Town. Here are some ideas for day two: enjoy the sand and surf at Cua Dai Beach, then let your taste buds guide you at a local gastronomic tour, and then indulge in some personalized pampering at some of the best spas.

For ratings, traveler tips, other places to visit, and more tourist information, read our Hoi An trip builder tool.

Getting from Da Nang to Hoi An by car takes about an hour. Other options: drive; or take a bus. In February in Hoi An, expect temperatures between 30°C during the day and 23°C at night.