The Ultimate One-Month Vietnam Travel Guide: Explore the Best of North to South

travelwithmil
Nov 26, 2024
5 min read

Updated: Apr 17

Vietnam is a country of contrasts from the bustling streets of Hanoi to the tranquil beauty of Ha Long Bay, the vibrant history of Hue to the serene beaches of Phong Nha. Whether you're an adventure seeker, a history buff, or a lover of natural beauty, Vietnam has something for everyone. With a full month to explore, this ultimate travel guide will help you make the most of your journey through Vietnam, providing detailed itineraries, top destinations, and things to do in each place.

Week 1: Northern Vietnam – Hanoi, Sapa, Ha Long Bay

Days 1-3: Hanoi – The Heart of Vietnam

Hanoi, Vietnam’s vibrant capital, is where ancient traditions meet modern life. Start your journey by immersing yourself in the bustling streets of the Old Quarter, where you can shop for local handicrafts and sample iconic street food. Don’t miss the legendary Pho (noodle soup) or a cup of Egg Coffee.

Top Things to Do in Hanoi:

Wander through the Old Quarter and explore its labyrinthine streets.
Visit the Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple.
Pay respects at the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum.
Explore the ancient Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first university.
Enjoy a traditional Water Puppet Show for a unique cultural experience.

Day Trip Ideas:

Visit the Bat Trang Pottery Village, just 13 km from Hanoi.
Take a boat trip to the Perfume Pagoda, a stunning Buddhist site surrounded by nature.

Days 4-6: Sapa – Trekking Through Vietnam’s Highlands

Next, head to Sapa, a picturesque region of rice terraces, misty mountains, and indigenous hill-tribe cultures. Spend your days trekking through the lush Muong Hoa Valley and visiting the villages of the Lao Chai and Ta Van tribes. For a real challenge, hike to the top of Fansipan, the highest peak in Vietnam.

Top Things to Do in Sapa:

Take a trek through Muong Hoa Valley and visit hill-tribe villages.
Ride the cable car or hike to Fansipan Mountain for panoramic views.
Explore Cat Cat Village, a traditional Black H’mong village.

Days 7-9: Ha Long Bay – Cruise Through Stunning Limestone Karsts

No trip to Northern Vietnam is complete without a visit to Ha Long Bay. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is famous for its emerald waters and towering limestone islands. Whether you take a day trip or spend the night on a cruise, this place is a must-see.

Top Things to Do in Ha Long Bay:

Take a boat cruise to admire the stunning limestone islands.
Visit Sung Sot Cave, one of the largest and most impressive caves in the bay.
Kayak through the turquoise waters or relax on a secluded beach.

Week 2: Central Vietnam – Phong Nha, Hue, Hoi An

Days 10-12: Phong Nha – Vietnam’s Cave Wonderland

Next, head to Phong Nha, a paradise for adventure lovers and cave enthusiasts. Located in Phong Nha-Kẻ Bàng National Park, this region is home to some of the world’s largest and most spectacular caves.

Top Things to Do in Phong Nha:

Explore the Phong Nha Cave by boat.
Trek to Paradise Cave, one of the longest dry caves in the world.
Take a daring adventure to the Son Doong Cave, the world’s largest cave (requires planning).

Days 13-14: Hue – Step Back in Time

Hue, once the imperial capital of Vietnam, is brimming with history. The Imperial City, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a must-visit, offering a glimpse into Vietnam’s royal past.

Top Things to Do in Hue:

Visit the Imperial City and its royal palaces and temples.
Take a boat ride along the Perfume River and visit the Thien Mu Pagoda.
Explore the tombs of the Nguyen emperors, especially Tu Duc Tomb.

Days 15-17: Hoi An – Ancient Town Charm

From Hue, take a scenic drive to Hoi An, a charming riverside town known for its lantern-lit streets and beautifully preserved architecture. It’s a place where you can shop for tailor-made clothes, learn to cook traditional Vietnamese dishes, and relax on nearby beaches.

Top Things to Do in Hoi An:

Wander through the Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site filled with historical buildings.
Visit the iconic Japanese Bridge and nearby temples.
Take a cooking class to learn how to prepare local specialties like Cao Lau.
Relax on An Bang Beach or cycle through nearby rice fields.

Week 3: Central & Southern Vietnam – Nha Trang, Dalat, Mui Ne

Days 18-20: Nha Trang – Sun, Sea, and Sand

Known for its pristine beaches, Nha Trang is perfect for a beach break. Beyond the sun, it’s also a place to explore ancient temples, indulge in mud baths, and enjoy water activities.

Top Things to Do in Nha Trang:

Relax on Nha Trang Beach or try water sports like parasailing.
Visit the Po Nagar Cham Towers, a 7th-century Hindu temple complex.
Unwind with a therapeutic mud bath at one of Nha Trang’s famous spas.

Days 21-23: Dalat – A Cool Escape in the Mountains

Dalat is a peaceful mountain retreat, famous for its cool climate, lakes, and French colonial architecture. It’s the perfect place to slow down and enjoy nature.

Top Things to Do in Dalat:

Stroll around Xuan Huong Lake or rent a paddle boat.
Visit the quirky Crazy House, a fairytale-like structure designed by a Vietnamese architect.
Head up Langbiang Mountain for stunning views of the valleys below.

Days 24-26: Mui Ne – Sand Dunes and Sea Breezes

Mui Ne is best known for its vast sand dunes, which are ideal for jeep tours and sandboarding. This beach town is also known for its calm atmosphere, making it a great place to unwind.

Top Things to Do in Mui Ne:

Explore the White Sand Dunes and Red Sand Dunes.
Visit the surreal Fairy Stream, a natural waterway flanked by colorful sand cliffs.
Relax on the beaches and try some kite surfing.

Week 4: Southern Vietnam – Ho Chi Minh City & Mekong Delta

Days 27-29: Ho Chi Minh City – The Pulse of Vietnam

End your trip in Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), a dynamic metropolis filled with history, food, and vibrant energy. The city’s mix of colonial architecture and modern skyscrapers makes it an exciting place to explore.

Top Things to Do in Ho Chi Minh City:

Visit the War Remnants Museum to learn about the Vietnam War.
Explore the Reunification Palace, a symbol of the fall of Saigon.
Shop for souvenirs at Ben Thanh Market.
Take a day trip to the Cu Chi Tunnels, a network of underground tunnels used during the war.

Day 30: Mekong Delta – A Tranquil Finale

For the last leg of your journey, head to the Mekong Delta, a vast network of rivers, canals, and islands. This region offers a peaceful contrast to the bustle of the city.

Top Things to Do in the Mekong Delta:

Take a boat ride through the floating markets, such as Cai Be or Cai Rang.
Visit the town of Vinh Long, known for its orchards and traditional crafts.
Experience rural life as you cruise the delta’s waterways.

Travel Tips for Vietnam:

Best Time to Visit

The best months to travel are November to April when the weather is cooler and drier.

Getting Around

Use a mix of internal flights, buses, and trains to get around the country. Local taxis and Grab (Southeast Asia’s Uber) are great for getting around cities.

Visa

Depending on your nationality, you may need a visa. Check requirements before you go.

Packing

Pack light, breathable clothing, good walking shoes, sunscreen, and a raincoat for unexpected showers.

This one-month itinerary covers the best of Vietnam, from the misty mountains of the north to the bustling streets of Ho Chi Minh City in the south. With a mix of cultural experiences, natural wonders, and beach relaxation, your month-long Vietnam adventure is bound to be unforgettable!