18 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.

You'll find plenty of places to visit near Hanoi: Ninh Binh (Tam Coc & Trang An Grottoes). The adventure continues: wander the streets of Old Quarter, paddle through the water with a kayaking and canoeing tour, explore the activities along Lake of the Restored Sword (Hoan Kiem Lake), and take in the spiritual surroundings of Temple of Literature & National University.

To see ratings, maps, photos, and other tourist information, read Hanoi online tour planner .

Shenzhen, China to Hanoi is an approximately 6-hour flight. You can also do a combination of train and flight; or drive. You'll gain 1 hour traveling from Shenzhen to Hanoi due to the time zone difference. Cap off your sightseeing on the 8th (Tue) early enough to travel to Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park.

Marked by underground rivers, famous caves, limestone cliffs, and tropical rainforests, Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park wows visitors with a spectacular range of landscapes and wildlife.

On the 8th (Tue), explore the fascinating underground world of Phong Nha Caves, then experience rural life at The Duck Stop, and then Head underground at Hang Toi (Dark Cave). On your second day here, explore the fascinating underground world of Son Doong Cave and then explore the fascinating underground world of Paradise Cave.

To find where to stay, reviews, traveler tips, and tourist information, go to the Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park trip planner.

Traveling by combination of flight and taxi from Hanoi to Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park takes 5.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or do a combination of flight, train, and taxi. Cap off your sightseeing on the 10th (Thu) early enough to go by car 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.

On the 10th (Thu), steep yourself in history at Tomb of Tu Duc, steep yourself in history at Tomb of Minh Mang, then steep yourself in history at Thien Mu Pagoda, then steep yourself in history at Imperial City, and finally make a trip to Luc Bo Culture Space.

To find photos, ratings, traveler tips, and tourist information, read Hue trip itinerary planning app .

Getting from Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park to Hue by car takes about 3 hours. Other options: take a bus; or do a combination of taxi and train. Expect a daytime high around 34°C in October, and nighttime lows around 26°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 11th (Fri) early enough to 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 11th (Fri): explore the striking landscape at The Marble Mountains, then make a trip to Hoi An Ancient Town, then make a trip to Japanese Covered Bridge, and finally indulge in some personalized pampering at some of the best spas.

To find reviews, where to stay, photos, and other tourist information, read Hoi An sightseeing site .

Traveling by car from Hue to Hoi An takes 3 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train; or take a bus. October in Hoi An sees daily highs of 35°C and lows of 28°C at night. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 12th (Sat) early enough to travel 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.

Ho Chi Minh City is known for museums, nightlife, shopping, spas, and historic sites. Your plan includes some of its best attractions: make a trip to Cu Chi Tunnels, stroll around Cong Vien 30-4, ponder the world of politics at Central Post Office, and browse the eclectic array of goods at Ben Thanh Market.

To find where to stay, maps, other places to visit, and other tourist information, read our Ho Chi Minh City online trip maker .

Getting from Hoi An to Ho Chi Minh City by flight takes about 2 hours. Other options: do a combination of train and flight; or drive. In October, daily temperatures in Ho Chi Minh City can reach 38°C, while at night they dip to 28°C. On the 14th (Mon), wrap the sightseeing up by early afternoon so you can travel back home.