26 days in Vietnam 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.

On the 30th (Thu), spend a fun day on foot with Walking tours. The adventure continues: explore the activities along Lake of the Restored Sword (Hoan Kiem Lake), see Off-Road Tours, contemplate the long history of Temple of Literature & National University, and view the masterpieces at Klimt Art Gallery.

To find traveler tips, where to stay, ratings, and tourist information, use the Hanoi online travel route planner.

Brussels, Belgium to Hanoi is an approximately 17.5-hour flight. The time zone changes from Central European Standard Time to Indochina Time, which is usually a 6 hour difference. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 2nd (Sun) to allow time to travel to Halong Bay.

Halong Bay encompasses a cluster of verdant limestone islets that jut out from the sea and make up an enchanting setting recognized as a World Heritage Site.

Start off your visit on the 2nd (Sun): step off the mainland to explore Ti Top Island and then Head underground at Sung Sot Cave. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the next day: explore the activities along Bai Tu Long Bay, explore the activities along Hạ Long Bay, then browse the eclectic array of goods at Ha Long Market, and finally step off the mainland to explore Hon Ga Choi Island.

For where to stay, more things to do, and other tourist information, use the Halong Bay online visit planner.

You can do a combination of bus and ferry from Hanoi to Halong Bay in 5 hours. Other options are to do a combination of train, car, and ferry; or do a combination of bus, flight, and ferry. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 4th (Tue) early enough to travel 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. There's lots more to do: explore the fascinating underground world of Trang An Grottoes, surround yourself with nature on a nature and wildlife tour, explore the striking landscape at Tam Coc-Bich Dong, and get outside with Outdoor Activities.

For where to stay, other places to visit, ratings, and tourist information, read our Ninh Binh online day trip planner.

Traveling by combination of ferry, car, and bus from Halong Bay to Ninh Binh takes 6 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of ferry and bus. In April in Ninh Binh, expect temperatures between 32°C during the day and 26°C at night. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 8th (Sat) to allow time to travel to Hue.

Nestled on the banks of the Perfume River, the city of Hue remains most famous as the former home of the Nguyen Dynasty, the influence of which remains evident in local palaces, temples, forts, and museums.

Spend the 10th (Mon) wandering through the wild on a nature and wildlife tour. There's much more to do: contemplate the long history of Imperial City, browse the exhibits of Green Bamboo Art Gallery, make a trip to Tu Hieu Pagoda, and admire the landmark architecture of Thien An Monastery.

To see photos, reviews, and tourist information, go to the Hue trip planner.

Traveling by combination of bus and flight from Ninh Binh to Hue takes 6 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a bus. When traveling from Ninh Binh in April, plan for a bit warmer days and about the same nights in Hue: temperatures range from 37°C by day to 26°C at night. Wrap up your sightseeing by early afternoon on the 11th (Tue) to allow enough time to drive 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.

Venture out of the city with trips to Hoi An (Japanese Covered Bridge, Spas, &more). There's lots more to do: explore the striking landscape at The Marble Mountains, stop by KaHoLi store, don't miss a visit to Marian Shrine of the Lady of Tra Kieu, and snap pictures at Tran Thi Ly Bridge.

To see ratings, photos, more things to do, and other tourist information, refer to the Da Nang trip planner.

You can drive from Hue to Da Nang in 2 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus; or take a train. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 14th (Fri) so you can catch the flight to Da Lat.

While often referred to as "City of a Thousand Flowers," "City of a Thousand Pines," and "City of a Thousand Palms," you'd be right in thinking that numbers far greater than a thousand have given Da Lat its reputation as a fertile agricultural heartland.

Da Lat is known for sightseeing, nature, and historic sites. Your trip includes some of its best attractions: paddle through the water with a kayaking and canoeing tour, get outside with Outdoor Activities, take in the dramatic scenery at Datanla Falls, and contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Linh Phuoc Pagoda.

Plan a Da Lat trip in moments using our itinerary builder.

You can fly from Da Nang to Da Lat in 3 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or do a combination of train and taxi. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 17th (Mon) to allow time to fly 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 19th (Wed), spend an adventurous day with a kayaking and canoeing tour. There's much more to do: don't miss a visit to Cu Chi Tunnels, relax and rejuvenate at some of the best spas, contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Emperor Jade Pagoda, and indulge in some culinary diversions at a local gastronomic tour.

To see more things to do, other places to visit, ratings, and other tourist information, use the Ho Chi Minh City travel route app.

You can fly from Da Lat to Ho Chi Minh City in 3 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or do a combination of taxi and train. In April, plan for daily highs up to 41°C, and evening lows to 30°C. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 21st (Fri) so you can catch the flight back home.