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 West Lake will get you outdoors. Old Quarter and Hoa Lo Prison will appeal to history buffs. On the 18th (Sat), spend an adventurous day with a kayaking and canoeing tour. Next up on the itinerary: steep yourself in history at Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, take in the spiritual surroundings of Temple of Literature & National University, don't miss a visit to Ho Van - Van Mieu, and browse for treasures at 54 Traditions Gallery.

To find where to stay, more things to do, traveler tips, and tourist information, use the Hanoi sightseeing planner.

Mumbai, India to Hanoi is an approximately 10-hour flight. You can also drive. Due to the time zone difference, you'll lose 1.5 hours traveling from Mumbai to Hanoi. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 18th (Sat) 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.

Step out of the city life by going to Son Doong Cave and U Bo Mountain (Nui U Bo). There's much more to do: explore the fascinating underground world of Phong Nha Caves, relax in the rural setting at The Duck Stop, and take in nature's colorful creations at Phong Nha Botanic Garden.

For where to stay, more things to do, traveler tips, and other tourist information, go to the Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park road trip planner.

You can fly from Hanoi to Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park in 5.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a train. 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.

Start off your visit on the 22nd (Wed): contemplate the long history of Tomb of Minh Mang, admire the striking features of Thien Mu Pagoda, thencontemplate the long history of Imperial City, and finally look for gifts at Healing the Wounded Heart Shop.

To see where to stay, ratings, reviews, and other tourist information, use the Hue trip itinerary builder.

You can drive from Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park to Hue in 3 hours. Other options are to take a bus; or take a train. Expect a daytime high around °C in May, and nighttime lows around °C. Cap off your sightseeing on the 22nd (Wed) early enough to go by car 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.

Attractions like Cua Dai Beach and Rubin Cloth Shop make great kid-friendly stops. Do your shopping at Precious Heritage by Rehahn and Ginkgo T-Shirts Store Le Loi. Step out of Hoi An to go to Da Nang and see My Khe Beach, which is approximately 36 minutes away. There's still lots to do: tour the pleasant surroundings at An Bang Beach, take in the awesome beauty at The Marble Mountains, browse the exhibits of Ha Ha - Art In Everything, and admire the masterpieces at Cotic.

Plan my Hoi An trip by asking Inpirock to come up with tips and suggestions.

Traveling by car from Hue to Hoi An takes 3 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of train and taxi; or take a bus. In May, daytime highs in Hoi An are °C, while nighttime lows are °C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 25th (Sat) to allow time 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): get engrossed in the history at 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, ponder the world of politics at Central Post Office, thenhunt for treasures at Ben Thanh Market, and finally look for gifts at Xeo Xo Sai Gon.

For maps, other places to visit, where to stay, and tourist information, you can read our Ho Chi Minh City trip itinerary builder tool.

Getting from Hoi An to Ho Chi Minh City by flight takes about 3.5 hours. Other options: drive; or take a train. In May in Ho Chi Minh City, expect temperatures between °C during the day and °C at night. Finish your sightseeing early on the 26th (Sun) to allow enough time to travel to Duong Dong.

A holiday in Duong Dong offers cultural diversity, great nature experiences, and a variety of educational and kid-friendly attractions.

Family-friendly places like Galina Phu Quoc Mudbath & Spa and Ong Lang Beach will thrill your kids. You'll get in some beach time at Sao Beach and Fingernail Island. There's lots more to do: kick back and relax at Vung Bau Beach, stop by All Good Things Phu Quoc, admire nature's wide array of creatures at Vinpearl Safari, and stroll through Khem Beach.

To see maps, reviews, more things to do, and other tourist information, go to the Duong Dong trip builder website.

You can fly from Ho Chi Minh City to Duong Dong in 3 hours. Other options are to do a combination of bus and ferry; or do a combination of bus and ferry. On the 30th (Thu), wrap the sightseeing up by early afternoon so you can travel back home.