16 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.

Visiting Lake of the Restored Sword (Hoan Kiem Lake) and Kayaking & Canoeing will get you outdoors. Your inner history buff will appreciate Old Quarter and Hoa Lo Prison. There's much more to do: contemplate the long history of Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, explore the activities along West Lake, don't miss a visit to Ho Van - Van Mieu, and look for gifts at 54 Traditions Gallery.

For where to stay, photos, other places to visit, and tourist information, refer to the Hanoi trip itinerary planner .

Mumbai, India to Hanoi is an approximately 12-hour flight. You can also drive. Traveling from Mumbai to Hanoi, you'll lose 1 hour due to the time zone difference. Finish your sightseeing early on the 18th (Sat) so you can 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.

Get outdoors at Son Doong Cave and Phong Nha Botanic Garden. There's still lots to do: Head underground at Phong Nha Caves, take your sightseeing to a higher altitude at U Bo Mountain (Nui U Bo), and explore and take pictures at The Duck Stop.

For reviews, where to stay, ratings, and tourist information, you can read our Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park trip itinerary maker tool .

You can do a combination of flight and taxi from Hanoi to Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park in 5.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or do a combination of flight, train, and taxi. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 21st (Tue) to allow time to drive 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 22nd (Wed), contemplate the long history of Tomb of Minh Mang, then admire the striking features of Thien Mu Pagoda, then steep yourself in history at Imperial City, and finally stop by Healing the Wounded Heart Shop.

To see where to stay, photos, other places to visit, and other tourist information, you can read our Hue attractions website .

Drive from Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park to Hue in 3 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus; or do a combination of taxi and train. May in Hue sees daily highs of 40°C and lows of 28°C at night. Finish your sightseeing early on the 22nd (Wed) to allow enough time 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.

Get outdoors at An Bang Beach and My Khe Beach. Head to Rubin Cloth Shop and Coticfor some retail therapy. There's much more to do: take in the dramatic natural features at The Marble Mountains, browse the eclectic array of goods at Central Market, explore the wide array of goods at Ginkgo T-Shirts, and explore the world behind art at Precious Heritage by Rehahn.

To find more things to do, ratings, maps, and more tourist information, you can read our Hoi An trip builder tool .

Traveling by car from Hue to Hoi An takes 2 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train; or take a bus. In May, daytime highs in Hoi An are 39°C, while nighttime lows are 30°C. Cap off your sightseeing on the 25th (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.

Start off your visit on the 26th (Sun): take an in-depth tour of War Remnants Museum, explore the galleries of Couleurs by Rehahn Fine Art Photography - Dong Khoi, pause for some serene contemplation at Saigon Notre Dame Cathedral, admire the landmark architecture of Central Post Office, then browse the eclectic array of goods at Ben Thanh Market, and finally look for gifts at Xeo Xo Sai Gon.

To find other places to visit, traveler tips, and more tourist information, use the Ho Chi Minh City road trip tool .

Fly from Hoi An to Ho Chi Minh City in 2 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of train and flight; or drive. In May, daily temperatures in Ho Chi Minh City can reach 41°C, while at night they dip to 30°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 26th (Sun) to allow enough time to travel to Duong Dong.

You'll visit kid-friendly attractions like Ong Lang Beach and Galina Phu Quoc Mudbath & Spa. Step out of the city life by going to Starfish Beach and Fingernail Island.

To see ratings, traveler tips, reviews, and tourist information, refer to the Duong Dong trip itinerary maker .

Fly from Ho Chi Minh City to Duong Dong in 1.5 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of bus and ferry. Wrap up your sightseeing by early afternoon on the 30th (Thu) to allow time for travel back home.