To experience iconic Vietnam move from south to north, spending time in five cities (that all begin with the letter “H”).
Ho Chi Minh City
Hoi An
Hue
Ha Long
Hanoi
DAY 1
HO CHI MINH CITY
Arrive in Ho Chi Minh City, formerly known as Saigon. Ho Chi Minh City is the largest city in Vietnam and was once the capital of the country. It is the most modern city on the itinerary and is a great place to kick off any trip to this fascinating country. You may be tired from a long travel day, but don’t hesitate to jump right in. Ho Chi Minh City is a bustling, forward looking city and you can’t help but get caught up in the excitement here.
I’d spend the first day on foot (watch out for traffic!) Stroll up and down Nguyen Hue Boulevard, a large pedestrian street that is filled with people at all hours. Visit day/night street markets. Eat! Explore some of the beautiful colonial buildings that remain from the time of French rule (Notre Dame Cathedral, the Opera House, the General Post Office are all good).
When you’re worn out head up to a rooftop bar to toast the beginning of your Vietnam adventure. The Bitexco Financial Tower, the tallest and most famous building in the country, has a great observation deck and lounge. We enjoyed sunset cocktails there while marveling at the views.
DAY 2
HO CHI MINH CITY
A trip to Vietnam without spending some time considering the impact and legacy of the Vietnam War seems like a big missed opportunity. Ho Chi Minh City is a great place to do that. It hosts some of the best, most thought provoking Vietnam War related sights. Join a tour of the Cu Chi Tunnels. These well preserved underground passages make up a large network of hiding places, supply routes and booby traps used by the Viet Cong soldiers. A visit here allows you to experience a small window into the unconventional way the Vietnam War was fought. Exploring the Cu Chi Tunnels is something you won’t forget.
You’ll also find the War Remnants Museum in Ho Chi Minh City. A visit here is not a feel-good experience but highly recommended. It’s guaranteed to teach you something you didn’t know about the Vietnam War and its effect on the country you’re about to explore. It will probably provoke strong emotions as well. See these sights at the beginning of your trip so you can approach the rest of the country with a greater knowledge of its difficult recent history.
DAYS 3-5
HOI AN
On day three take a short flight north to Hoi An. This was my favorite place in all of Vietnam. The Ancient Town of Hoi An is an UNESCO World Heritage Site and it is a precious jewel. It is located on the banks of the Thu Bon River. I don’t recommend having a big to do list here. There’s plenty to see, but a visit to Hoi An is more about giving the city a chance to work its magic on you than checking a bunch of items off of a list.
All along the river are wonderfully preserved structures to marvel at. The Japanese Bridge is especially beautiful. This is also a good place to check out some interesting temples and historic buildings. Soak up the artistry and architecture.
Take some time to pamper yourself. This was the place where everyone I was with got massages, beauty treatments and new clothes. This town has a reputation for having the best tailors and dressmakers in Vietnam. The clothes are made to measure, sewn quickly and for a fraction of the prices charged elsewhere.
Don’t forget to eat! We dined at restaurants, we ate at street carts. You’re spoiled for choices. Everything was delicious. We tracked down a little hole in the wall restaurant that Anthony Bourdain once claimed made the best Bahn mi sandwiches in the world (we were not disappointed).
Hoi An is an excellent place to shop. There are countless street market stalls to browse day and night. In addition to clothes, Hoi An is famous for making lanterns (easy to pack!) and when the sun sets the city is aglow with colored lanterns. It is magical and enchanting.
Take a boat cruise on the river. Take a cooking class. As lovely and serene as Hoi An seems during the day, at night the bars and clubs along the river are fun and freewheeling. It’s a tourist town and there will be plenty of people ready to party.
We didn’t have great luck with the weather during our visit, but if you want a little beach time, Hoi An is the spot on this itinerary to make that happen. There are some gorgeous beaches nearby.
So many things to do, or do nothing. Either way Hoi An will cast a spell on you if you give it a chance.
DAYS 6-7
HUE
Travel to the Imperial City of Hue. It’s just under 100 miles from Hoi An. A visit to Hue with be a highlight for people who love history and culture. The city is home to UNESCO recognized palaces, temples and tombs.
Spend one day exploring the massive Citadel complex. Hue’s historic Citadel is a walled imperial city. There is a lot to see here, so give yourself plenty of time. You don’t want to miss anything that the Citadel has to offer.
On your other day in Hue, visit gorgeous tombs and take a boat ride on the Perfume River.
I saw two memorable tombs. The first was the Tomb of Emperor Tu Duc which was an example of beauty, restraint and serenity. After that I went to the Tomb of Khai Dinh which was the polar opposite - a symbol of grandeur and opulence. Khai Dinh designed this showplace himself so you can assume he was the type of person who was a little extra.
Hue is located on the Perfume River. It’s easy to jump on a traditional dragon boat for a ride. I took a dragon boat to the Thien Mu Pagoda and it was a memorable activity. I’d recommend doing something similar. If you’re going to come all the way to Vietnam and not ride a dragon boat, well…I’m not really sure why you even bothered.
DAYS 8-9
HALONG BAY
For time sake, hop a short flight to Hanoi, but when you land head east to Halong Bay. This will probably be the highlight of your trip. Pictures of Halong Bay and its many limestone stacks may be the reason you’re thinking of visiting Vietnam in the first place. Halong Bay is an UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is considered one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. It is the number one tourist attraction in Vietnam…so don’t miss it.
You’ll have a wealth of choices for boat tours. I did a full day cruise that included meals and a stop at a cave full of cool rock formations. It was perfect for me. However there are overnight and even multi day cruises depending on your interest level. Whatever experience you choose you’re bound to be impressed. Make sure your camera has plenty of memory space because you’ll be taking pictures like crazy. A+
DAYS 10-12
HANOI
End your tour in Vietnam’s capital city, Hanoi. It’s located just a few hours drive from Halong Bay. Hanoi was what I pictured in my mind when I thought of Vietnam (before I ever visited Vietnam). It’s crowded, it’s chaotic, it’s tradition, it’s ~ Hanoi. Try to spend the majority of your time exploring the Old Quarter and you won’t be disappointed. I walked the old town streets and went to the markets and interacted with the locals every day I was there. When I got tired I sat down on a little plastic chair on the sidewalk and drank a local brew or had a delicious Vietnamese meal. I loved it.
There are some noteworthy sights to see like Ho Chi Minh’s Tomb (I also liked the Museum of Ethnology). However Hanoi is all about the experience of being in that amazing place. If you give in to Hanoi, it may be hard to say goodbye when it’s your time to go.
I guess it goes without saying that the more time you can commit to getting to know a destination the more rewarding your experience will be. Though even a quick visit to each of these incredible Vietnam cities will give you the satisfaction of knowing you’ve seen the best of Vietnam. Besides, you can always go back if you want. I bet you’ll want.
