15 days in Vietnam Itinerary

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.

Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the 21st (Sun): take an in-depth tour of War Remnants Museum, then get a sense of history and politics at Central Post Office, then take in the architecture and atmosphere at Saigon Notre Dame Cathedral, and finally make a trip to Cu Chi Tunnels.

For more things to do, maps, where to stay, and more tourist information, refer to the Ho Chi Minh City road trip planner.

Melbourne, Australia to Ho Chi Minh City is an approximately 9-hour flight. Due to the time zone difference, you'll gain 3 hours traveling from Melbourne to Ho Chi Minh City. In June, Ho Chi Minh City is much hotter than Melbourne - with highs of 38°C and lows of 29°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 22nd (Mon) 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.

Kick off your visit on the 23rd (Tue): steep yourself in history at Tomb of Tu Duc, steep yourself in history at Tomb of Minh Mang, contemplate the long history of Thien Mu Pagoda, then contemplate the long history of Imperial City, and finally make a trip to Luc Bo Culture Space. Keep things going the next day: don't miss a visit to The Flag Tower, then savor the flavors at Food & Drink, and then explore the world behind art at XQ Hand Embroidery.

To find traveler tips, photos, more things to do, and tourist information, use the Hue trip planner .

You can fly from Ho Chi Minh City to Hue in 2 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of flight and train; or drive. June in Hue sees daily highs of 41°C and lows of 29°C at night. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 24th (Wed) so you can go by car 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.

Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park is known for nature, parks, nightlife, wildlife, and adventure. Your plan includes some of its best attractions: experience rural life at The Duck Stop, take in nature's colorful creations at Phong Nha Botanic Garden, explore the fascinating underground world of Son Doong Cave, and explore the striking landscape of Phong Nha Caves.

To find maps, more things to do, reviews, and other tourist information, go to the Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park driving holiday tool .

Traveling by car from Hue to Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park takes 3 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus; or do a combination of train and taxi. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 27th (Sat) so you can travel to Hanoi.

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.

Hanoi is known for historic sites, spas, nightlife, museums, and nature. Your plan includes some of its best attractions: take a stroll through Old Quarter, steep yourself in history at Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, make a trip to Ho Van - Van Mieu, and head outdoors with Outdoor Activities.

To find other places to visit, photos, and other tourist information, go to the Hanoi route planning website .

You can do a combination of taxi and flight from Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park to Hanoi in 5.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or do a combination of taxi, train, and flight. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 30th (Tue) early enough 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.

Kick off your visit on the 1st (Wed): explore the activities along Bai Tu Long Bay, then contemplate the waterfront views at Hạ Long Bay, and then Head underground at Tien Ong Cave.

For traveler tips and more tourist information, read our Halong Bay online travel route planner .

You can do a combination of flight and ferry from Hanoi to Halong Bay in 4 hours. Other options are to take a bus; or take a train. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 1st (Wed) so you can travel 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.

Kick off your visit on the 2nd (Thu): explore the striking landscape at The Marble Mountains, then snap pictures at Japanese Covered Bridge, then don't miss a visit to Hoi An Ancient Town, and finally take in the views from Tran Thi Ly Bridge. On the 3rd (Fri), you'll have a packed day of sightseeing: let your taste buds guide you at a local gastronomic tour, indulge in some personalized pampering at some of the best spas, and then look for gifts at Rubin Cloth Shop.

To find photos, maps, where to stay, and other tourist information, use the Da Nang trip planner .

You can do a combination of ferry, car, and flight from Halong Bay to Da Nang in 4.5 hours. Other options are to do a combination of ferry and bus; or do a combination of ferry, car, and train. In July, daily temperatures in Da Nang can reach 39°C, while at night they dip to 30°C. Cap off your sightseeing on the 4th (Sat) early enough to travel back home.