An Open Draft Open to the Unexpected

This page is not a fixed guide, but a deliberately open draft. A foundation, a starting point. Because when it comes to traveling in Vietnam, there’s one thing to understand: the possibilities are almost endless.

There is no right or wrong itinerary, no perfect route. The main thing is to take the time to live, savor every moment, and have the freedom to change your mind, your route, your city… or your entire plan. If you like a place? Stay there. Get cancellation insurance if needed, but give yourself that flexibility.

After all, holidays are not a race against time. They’re about rest, pleasure, and a touch of the unexpected.

My best advice?

When you land in Saigon or Hanoi, start slowly: two or three nights to acclimatize. Then, organize your trip day by day. You’ll quickly see that anything is possible in Vietnam. Buses leave at all hours, trains can be caught the day before, hotels can be booked in a minute.

The country seems to run on chaotic organization, but in reality, it’s ultra-efficient. It’s organized chaos… and it works like a charm.

If you’re only staying for 15 days, avoid trying to see everything. The country is long, very long. If you’re in the north, stay in the north. Same for the south. It’s better to explore one area thoroughly than to rush through the whole country.

And remember: the best trip is often the one you didn’t plan.

Traveling in Vietnam in 15 Days: Quality Over Quantity

Traveling in Vietnam in 15 days means immersing yourself in varied landscapes, a rich culture, and unique cuisine. Yet, many travelers make the mistake of trying to see everything in record time, rushing from one stop to another. The result: fatigue, stress, and blurry memories.

To truly enjoy your holiday, it’s essential to optimize your itinerary and prioritize quality over quantity. Here’s why and how to organize your trip to experience the best of Vietnam, without rushing.

Why Spend at Least 2 Nights at Each Stop?

Spending only one night in each destination may seem tempting to “see it all,” but it’s a false good idea. Here’s why it’s crucial to stay at least two nights at each stop (except, possibly, for the last night before departure):

• Holidays are meant to be enjoyed, not to rush from point A to point B.

• Each transfer (especially by plane) easily takes up half a day: airports are often far from the center, you need to arrive 2 hours before the flight, wait for luggage, transfer to your new accommodation… In the end, a one-hour trip can take 4 to 5 hours out of your day.

• Arriving late, leaving early: you don’t get to enjoy the place, the atmosphere, or the activities.

• Taking time to settle in, discover, and rest is also part of fully experiencing Vietnam.

• Optimizing your route means maximizing pleasure and minimizing fatigue.

Choosing Your Itinerary According to the Season

Vietnam stretches over 1,600 km from north to south, with very different climates depending on the region and season:

• North (Hanoi, Ha Long Bay, Sapa): ideal from October to April (cool and dry).

• Center (Hue, Hoi An, Da Nang): pleasant from February to August (dry season).

• South (Ho Chi Minh City, Mekong Delta, beaches): warm all year, dry season from December to April.

Before choosing your route, check the weather for each region to make the most of the landscapes and activities.

Which Region to Choose for 15 Days in Vietnam?

The answer depends on the season, your preferences (nature, culture, beaches), and your pace. Here are the ideal routes by region, all planned with at least two nights per stop.

The North of Vietnam: Mountains, Ethnic Groups, and Mystical Landscapes

• Hanoi: culture, alleys, street food.

• Ninh Binh: boat cruise, rice fields.

• Lan Ha Bay / Cat Ba: peaceful cruise, secret beaches.

• Mai Chau or Pu Luong: immersion in ethnic villages.

• Ha Giang (adventure option): spectacular roads and authenticity.

Best time: October to May (less rain, good visibility).

The Center of Vietnam: History, Culture, and Turquoise Sea

• Hue: imperial tombs, peaceful atmosphere.

• Phong Nha: exploration of grand caves.

• Da Nang: modern and seaside city.

• Hoi An: UNESCO-listed old town, rice fields, beaches.

• My Son / Ba Na Hills (possible day trips).

Best time: February to September (sunny, dry). Beware of rain in October-November.

The South of Vietnam: Tropics, Rivers, and Beaches

• Ho Chi Minh City: museums, nightlife, Chinatown.

• Mekong Delta (Vinh Long, Can Tho): floating markets, aquatic life.

• Chau Doc / Tra Su: nature and ethnic groups.

• Phu Quoc or Con Dao: dream beaches, relaxation.

Best time: November to April (dry season).

North + Center with a Beach Stop (Da Nang or Nha Trang)

• Hanoi + Ninh Binh + Lan Ha Bay: first week cooler and greener.

• Da Nang or Nha Trang: beach break, massages, snorkeling.

• Hoi An: smooth transition between culture and relaxation.

Best time: April to August.

South + Center for a Tropical and Cultural Trip

• Ho Chi Minh City + Mekong Delta: warm people and nature.

• Flight to Da Nang: beaches, rest, excursions.

• Hue + Hoi An: history and charm.

Best time: January to May to avoid extreme heat and rain.

Some Places in Vietnam

Exploring Ha Long Bay Differently: Junk Cruise, Hidden Caves, and Floating Villages

Located in the Gulf of Tonkin, Ha Long Bay is much more than a postcard cliché. Instead of following the classic tourist circuit, this article suggests a deeper exploration aboard a traditional wooden junk, far from the crowds. You’ll discover spectacular caves like Surprise Cave, secluded coves inaccessible to modern boats, and especially floating villages such as Vung Vieng, where you can observe the daily life of fishermen.

Hanoi in 2025: Between Ancient Pagodas, Street Food, and the Colonial Quarter

The vibrant capital of northern Vietnam, Hanoi is a city of contrasts. The article offers a guided walk through the old quarter, colonial relics around the Opera House and Hoan Kiem Lake, as well as iconic temples like the Temple of Literature or the One Pillar Pagoda. Gastronomy is explored through street markets and alleys where you can taste pho or bun cha.

Hue, Former Imperial Capital: Palaces, Royal Tombs, and Vietnam’s Forbidden City

Hue is the historical heart of imperial Vietnam. The former capital of the Nguyen dynasty, it houses the UNESCO-listed Imperial City, lavish tombs (Khai Dinh, Tu Duc), and the Thien Mu Pagoda on the Perfume River. The article will delve into Hue’s symbolic role in Vietnamese history and describe architecture inspired by both China and the surrounding nature. A sampan ride on the river will add a contemplative dimension.

Staying with Locals in Vietnam: Authentic Immersion from North to South

This travel story explores several regions (Sapa, Mai Chau, Ha Giang in the North, Ben Tre in the South) highlighting the experience of homestays. Through these encounters, you discover living traditions: shared meals, local crafts, daily rituals. The article includes testimonials from host families, photos of traditional wooden or brick stilt houses, and stories of hikes between rice fields and tropical forests.

Vietnam’s Iconic Pagodas: From Tam Coc to the Perfume Mountain

A spiritual journey through the country’s most remarkable pagodas. From Bich Dong Pagoda nestled in the limestone mountain of Tam Coc, to the mysterious Perfume Mountain and its cave temples, to the majestic Thien Mu Pagoda in Hue, each place is described in its historical, symbolic, and architectural context.

Vietnam’s Most Beautiful Treks: From Sapa to the Mountains of Ha Giang

For nature and hiking lovers, this guide explores the most beautiful trekking routes in Vietnam: the terraced rice fields of Sapa, the isolated valleys of Ha Giang, the mountains of Pu Luong, and Ba Be Lake. It includes maps, practical advice (difficulty level, accommodation, equipment), and hiking stories punctuated with encounters with Hmong, Tay, or Dao ethnic groups.

Saigon or Ho Chi Minh City? History, Must-See Neighborhoods, and Southern Ambiance

The city’s very name embodies contrasts: Saigon for colonial memories and vibrant life, Ho Chi Minh City for political modernity. The article offers a journey through lively Bui Vien Street, typical markets like Ben Thanh, colonial buildings, rooftop cafes, and hidden pagodas. It also covers war memories through the War Remnants Museum and the city’s role in the country’s economy.

Traveling in Vietnam in 2025: The Ideal Itinerary Between North, Center, and South

A complete guide to planning a balanced trip, without rushing, between Hanoi, Hue, Hoi An, Saigon, and the Mekong Delta. The focus is on the diversity of climates, landscapes, and cultures. Practical advice is given on transportation (train, domestic flights, local buses), accommodation choices (guesthouses, hotels, homestays), and activities (walks, visits, gastronomy, crafts).

Quy Nhon and Vinh Hy: Secret Gems of Vietnam’s Southeast Coast

Little known to Western travelers, these two destinations offer a peaceful alternative to crowded beaches. Quy Nhon charms with its pristine beaches, Cham temples, and coastal hiking trails. Vinh Hy is a small fishing port surrounded by turquoise coves, perfect for diving and boat trips.

Ben Tre and the Mekong Delta: Between Coconut Trees, Floating Markets, and Local Crafts

Ben Tre is nicknamed the “coconut province.” This travel story offers an immersion in delta river life: sampan rides, visits to craft workshops (coconut candy, brickworks), discovery of floating markets, and tropical orchards.

Can Tho, the Capital of the Mekong: Floating Markets, Khmer Temples, and Life on the Water

Can Tho is the economic and cultural center of the delta. The article guides the reader through the Cai Rang floating market at dawn, the city’s lively alleys, little-known Khmer pagodas, and museums dedicated to river life.

Phu Quoc: The Tropical Island of a Thousand Faces, Between Relaxation and Local Culture

Phu Quoc attracts travelers seeking beaches, but the island also boasts preserved forests, a national park, temples, night markets, and fishing villages. The article will describe the island’s different sides: discreet luxury, ecotourism, local immersion.

Meeting the Ethnic Minorities of Northern Vietnam: A Forgotten Vietnam

This ethnographic report takes the reader to the provinces of Ha Giang, Bac Ha, Sapa, or Lai Chau. You’ll discover the traditions, clothing, languages, and rituals of the Hmong, Dao, Tay, or Nung. Interviews, local legends, and descriptions of traditional festivals will enrich this human panorama of deep Vietnam.

The Legacy of Indochina in 2025: Architecture, Colonial Cafés, and Nostalgia for Another Era

This article focuses on the colonial influence still visible in some Vietnamese cities. Hanoi, with its yellow villas and green shutters; Saigon and its Continental Hotel; Dalat and its French chalets perched in the mountains. A journey through history, colonial-era writers, literary cafés, old railways, and architectural restoration efforts.

15 Days Is Short. But Well Planned, It’s Unforgettable

You don’t come to Vietnam to see everything. You come to feel, to taste a plural culture, to open yourself to deep Asia without stress. The secret to a good itinerary? Fewer transfers, more presence.

These routes are designed for that: savor, explore, and leave with a lighter mind.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best time to visit Vietnam?

The best time depends on the regions. The north (Red River Delta region) is pleasant from March to May or September to November. The south, more tropical, is best visited from December to April. For trips combining several areas, leaving in April or November helps avoid heavy rains and stifling heat.

Do you need a visa to travel to Vietnam?

For a short stay (less than 45 days), many nationalities do not need a visa, especially for a simple stay in Vietnam. However, for a combined Vietnam-Cambodia trip or a longer stay, an e-visa is often required. Phnom Penh and Angkor also have separate formalities.

What are the must-see destinations in Vietnam?

The country offers impressive diversity:

• In the north: Ha Long Bay (UNESCO World Heritage karst site), Hanoi, the Red River region, Ninh Binh (“inland Ha Long”)

• In the center: Hue, Hoi An, Da Nang

• In the south: Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City), the Mekong Delta, Mui Ne

• For off-the-beaten-path travelers: Ha Giang, Bai Tu Long, the Central Highlands

What is the difference between northern and southern Vietnam?

Northern Vietnam is more mountainous, steeped in ancient Viet culture, with unique karst landscapes and a strong Confucian and Buddhist influence. Southern Vietnam, more open, warmer, and business-oriented, is home to major cities, beaches, and the country’s economic heart.

Can you rent a scooter to visit Vietnam?

Yes, it’s one of the most popular ways to get around. However, pay attention to driving rules, which can be unclear for foreigners. An international license is strongly recommended. A scooter lets you access remote areas, especially in the north (such as mountain roads to Sapa or Ha Giang).

What is “inland Ha Long”?

It refers to the Ninh Binh region, nicknamed so because it offers a landscape similar to Ha Long Bay… but on land! You’ll find spectacular limestone formations crossed by rivers. A boat trip in Tam Coc or Trang An is a highlight of any stay.

What type of itinerary to choose for a first trip to Vietnam?

A classic two-week Vietnam itinerary will include Hanoi, Ha Long Bay, Hue, Hoi An, and Saigon. For nature or culture lovers, a detour to the northern mountains or an extension to Cambodia (Angkor, Phnom Penh) offers an even richer experience.

What typical dishes should you absolutely try?

Pho is the national dish par excellence, a noodle soup served for breakfast. But you’ll also find banh mi (French-style sandwich), bun cha (grilled pork vermicelli), and spring rolls. Each region has its specialties: the center is known for spicy dishes, the north for clear soups, the south for tropical fruits.

Is Vietnam a good choice for a family trip?

Absolutely. The country is safe, Vietnamese people are very welcoming, and tourist infrastructure is well developed. Holidays in Vietnam can easily be adapted to families: beaches, boat trips, cultural visits, and even bike rides through rice fields.

Is Vietnam a UNESCO World Heritage Site?

Yes, many Vietnamese sites are:

• Ha Long Bay

• The Hue complex

• The old town of Hoi An

• The My Son sanctuary

• Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park

Other places, such as the landscapes of Ninh Binh or certain Vietnamese cultural traditions, are also recognized or candidates.

How to combine a trip to Vietnam and Cambodia?

The Vietnam-Cambodia combo is very popular: you often start in the north of Vietnam (Hanoi, Ha Long), then head south (Saigon), and then move on to Cambodia via the Mekong. This allows you to discover the ancient Khmer empire in Angkor after exploring the Viet country.

Why do we say “Viet” or “Nam”?

These two terms come from the root of the name Vietnam: “Viet” refers to the people, “Nam” means south. They appear in culture, history, and language. For example, the majority ethnic group is called Kinh or Viet. This people live in a region historically called Dai Nam or Annam, depending on the period.

Where is the capital of Vietnam?

The capital is Hanoi, in the north of the country. It’s an ancient city, marked by over 1,000 years of history, influenced by China, France, and Viet identity. It’s also an ideal starting point for discovering the northern mountains and rice fields.

Is Vietnam part of Southeast Asia?

Yes, Vietnam is one of the key countries in the region, alongside Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, and Indonesia. It shares cultural roots with its neighbors, while having developed a strong identity, shaped by Chinese influence, struggles for independence, and a rich heritage.