Vietam Itinerary 8 Days - 4 Unique Itineraries from North to South

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Vietnam Itinerary 8 Days – What to do For First-Time Visitors

Planning an 8-day itinerary in Vietnam is not an easy task, especially for foreign tourists. If you have never been to this tropical Asian country and are unfamiliar with the geography, some sharings from the locals will be undoubtedly helpful to you.

The first itinerary will work best for solo travelers and couples who want to get away from crowded cities and leave your worries behind.

The second itinerary, which provides a variety of activities like relaxing on the beach and discovering every nook of the bustling cities, will be excellent for families and visitors who wish to see and discover nature.

If you’re still unsure about your decision, let’s consider the third itinerary, which combines the greatest parts of the first two.

==> Other Itineraries you may be interested in the Vietnam Itinerary

4 Main Options for 8 Days in Vietnam

Itinerary 1: Essence From North to South Vietnam

Day 1: Hanoi Arrival
Day 2: Hanoi – Halong Bay
Day 3: Halong Bay – Hanoi
Day 4: Hanoi City Tour – Flight to Ho Chi Minh City
Day 5: Ho Chi Minh – Mekong Delta Tour
Day 6: Mekong Delta – Ho Chi Minh
Day 7: Ho CHi Minh – Cu Chi Tunnel
Day 8: Departure

> >> Explore Separate Halong Bay Cruises <<<

Why it is right for you?

This itinerary will be beyond your expectations if you wish to learn about new cultures, histories, people, and places!
You will have the chance to broaden your knowledge and learn more about the similarities and differences between the two regions of Vietnam.
Without spending too much time on trips longer than a day, this is the safest and most efficient trip in terms of time. What you need to do is visit the stunning areas around the two major cities of Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.
Additionally, there is just one flight that you need to book to get between these two destinations.
You and your partner will have the chance to solidify your bond throughout this trip. You don’t have to spend time creating a complicated itinerary or searching online for information. Simply save and follow our suggested plan to explore both Northern and Southern Vietnam!

>>> Get your Free Itinerary Planning to explore Vietnam to the fullest <<<

Itinerary 2: Hidden Gems of Northern Vietnam

Day 1: Hanoi Arrival
Day 2: Hanoi City Tour – Night Train to Sapa
Day 3: Sapa: Y Linh Ho – Lao Chai – Ta Van
Day 4: Sapa: Giang Ta Chai – Supan – Hanoi
Day 5: Hanoi – Halong Bay
Day 6: Halong Bay – Hanoi
Day 7: Ninh Binh: Hoa Lu – Tam Coc – Mua Cave
Day 8: Departure

Why it is right for you?

Whether you choose to travel alone or in a group of friends, this detailed itinerary will help you save time and make your journey easier.
Those who are concerned about wasting a lot of time on a group trip won’t have to worry about it because the itinerary can be customized if you’d prefer to enjoy your own time in privacy!
With this itinerary, you may take a trip to explore nature, learn about the history, and meet the people of northern Vietnam, all of which will help you unwind and calm your soul after stressful days.
When traveling in a group, you will stay in Sapa’s homestays, giving you the opportunity to interact with people from various cultures and make new friends. Your trip is certainly more exciting and memorable.

>>> Explore Separate Ninh Binh Tour <<<

Itinerary 3: Highlight from North to South of Vietnam

Day 1: Hanoi Arrival
Day 2: City tour
Day 3: Halong Bay – Overnight on cruise
Day 4: Ha Long Bay – Hanoi – flight to Da Nang – Hoi An
Day 5 + 6 + 7: Hoi An
Day 8: Hoi An – Da Nang Departure

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Itinerary 4: Essential Highlights of Vietnam 8 Days

Day 1: Arrive HCM City
Day 2: Mekong Delta Excursion
Day 3: HCM City – Da Nang – Hoi An Arrival
Day 4: Hoi An
Day 5: Hoi An – Da Nang – Hanoi Arrival
Day 6: Hanoi
Day 7: Hanoi – Halong Bay – Hanoi
Day 8: Departure

This itinerary could be turned around starting from Ho Chi Minh

Vietnam Itinerary 8 Days in detail from the North to the South

cycling-in-ha-noi — Cycling in Hanoi Old Quarter

Day 1: Arrive in Hanoi

After being picked up at Noi Bai International Airport, you will be taken to your hotel to complete check-in procedures. You will have the afternoon free to explore Hanoi, the 1000-year-old capital of Vietnam. The city is a blend of traditional and modern elements that will give you an enjoyable and unforgettable experience.

Day 2: Hanoi City Tour

The first stop is the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, the final resting place of the famous leader of Vietnam
Visiting the Temple of Literature and One-pillar Pagoda
The Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first official educational institution, is dedicated to Confucius, sages and scholars.
The One-pillar Pagoda is renowned for its distinctive architecture. The pagoda, which is intended to resemble a flowering lotus, is constructed on a single stone pillar in the center of the pond.
Quan Thanh Temple, one of the four sacred temples of ancient Thang Long, is only a kilometer from One-Pillar Pagoda. It is a historic site in Hanoi that preserves many statues, sculptures, and parallel wood panels with Chinese character carvings.
Following lunch at a local restaurant, you’ll take a tour of the renowned Old Quarter.
Go for a stroll around Hoan Kiem Lake and stop by Ngoc Son Temple. You can observe the vibrancy of Hanoi city life while strolling around the lake.

Ngoc Son Temple

Situated on a beautiful island in Hoan Kiem Lake, Ngoc Son Temple with traditional architecture is another interesting and impressive stop.

Watching a Water Puppet Show

Water puppetry is a traditional art form that audiences of all ages can enjoy. This activity should not be left off of your eight-day itinerary when you travel to Hanoi for a cultural experience.

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Day 3: Halong Bay – An overnight on cruise

The trip to Halong Bay starts at 8:00 am when your driver picks you up from your accommodation in Hanoi. During the move, there will be a 30-minute break. In the afternoon, you’ll get there and check in to board. Along the trip, you may see a number of stunning islands rising from the bay.
You will next go to the fishing village of Vung Vieng, which is renowned for its tradition of pearl cultivation. At this village, you can learn more about local culture and the pearl-farming method.
Then, you’ll take a speedboat back to the cruise ship to sail to the Cong Do area (sleeping area). Here, you can enjoy the tranquil ambience of a beachside sunset and the stunning view of the nearby islets. Additionally, kayaking is also advised for tourists.
Tourists can also engage in some nightlife activities such as squid fishing, playing games, and sipping some wine on board.

Day 4: Halong Bay – Hanoi – flight to Da Nang – Hoi An

It’s great to practice Tai chi on the deck to start the day.
After that, you will go to Hon Co Island and Co Cave, two of Bai Tu Long Bay’s most popular attractions. From above, tourists can enjoy a spectacular view of Bai Tu Long Bay with Hon Co Island’s dazzling white sand beach and crystal-clear waters. The island is still pristine because few people are aware of it, making it the ideal place for relaxation and beach sunbathing. Alternatively, you can kayak or go swimming in the crystal-clear water before starting your exciting but a bit risky cave exploration.
Pack your luggage and do check-out after you get back to your cruise ship. Lunch will be served when the cruise heads back to the port.
In the afternoon of day 4, you return to Hanoi and take a domestic flight to Da Nang. Spend the night in Da Nang and visit Ba Na Hill and Golden Bridge the next day.

Day 5: Visit Ba Na Hills & Golden Bridge

If you skip the Golden Bridge and Ba Na Hills, there will be your great missing.
Da Nang Golden Bridge is one of the unique works of the Sun World Ba Na Hills entertainment-tourism complex in Da Nang. The bridge has an extremely impressive design. It is soft and curled like a golden silk strip in the heart of mountains and forests, held up by two enormous mossy hands as if Ba Na nature itself created it.
Leave Da Nang early in the morning and go by cable car to Ba Na Hills’ summit. On the way to the summit, you can have the chance to take in the majesty of the surrounding natural beauty.
After the tour is over in the afternoon, move to Hoi An. Spend one night here and explore romantic Hoi An the next day.

Bana-Hill-in-Da-nang — Bana Hill & Golden Bridge

Day 6: Hoi An Ancient Town – Flight to Ho Chi Minh City

Visiting Cam Nam village

Just a bridge cross from Hoi An’s old town, Cam Nam village is a great getaway from the hectic life.
Tourists can engage in some of the daily activities of a Vietnamese village, like riding a water cart, using a buffalo to pull a plow, growing rice, weaving, collecting fish, and other activities.

Visiting Seven-acre Coconut Forest

The forest is a new eco-tourism destination attracting both domestic and foreign tourists.
Here you can try rowing a basket boat and fishing like a local as well as enjoy the tranquility of the countryside.
Going to Tra Que Village
You can join a cooking class to learn how to make traditional Hoi An dishes under the instruction of a local.
Fly to Ho Chi Minh City and spend an overnight in the city.

Day 7: Cu Chi Tunnel & Mekong Delta

Exploring Cu Chi Tunnels

Cu Chi is the longest tunnel in the region, according to the Asian Record.
During the Vietnam War, guerrillas from the Viet Cong utilized it as a shelter. It was also a route serving communications and supplies of food, medicine, and weapons.
Visitors who visit the tunnel can gain a better understanding of a period in Vietnamese history.

Visiting Independence Palace (Reunification Palace)

Its architecture is the combination of traditional elements and 1960s modern style. This famous historic site witnessed the Vietnam War against French colonists and American imperialists.

Visiting the Saigon Central Post Office

The Ho Chi Minh City Post Office (also known as the Saigon Central Post Office) was constructed in the late 19th century using Gothic, Renaissance, and French architectural designs.

Visiting Cai Be Floating Market

As a common form of market in the Mekong Delta, Cai Be floating market should unquestionably be included in your 8-day itinerary in Vietnam.
Have lunch at a local restaurant on An Binh Island.
Row a traditional boat to explore more of the countryside.
End the tour and return to the city for an overnight stay.