The Complete Vietnam Journey from North to South

15 Days in Vietnam

Have around two weeks to explore Vietnam? This 15-day Vietnam itinerary takes you from the historic streets of Hanoi and the limestone landscapes of Ninh Binh to an overnight cruise in Ha Long Bay, the beaches and culture of Central Vietnam, the tropical island of Phu Quoc and the vibrant energy of Ho Chi Minh City.

Culture → Nature → Cruise → Heritage → Beaches → Islands → City Life → Mekong Delta

Quick Answer

Is 15 Days Enough to Visit Vietnam?

Yes. Fifteen days is an excellent amount of time for a first trip to Vietnam. With 15 days, you can experience the country's major highlights without trying to rush through every destination. This itinerary covers:

It combines:

Domestic flights are used strategically to save time when travelling between regions.

Day-by-Day

15-Day Vietnam Itinerary: North to South

Hanoi → Ninh Binh → Ha Long Bay → Da Nang → Hoi An → Phu Quoc → Ho Chi Minh City → Mekong Delta.

1 Hanoi – Arrival

Arrive at Noi Bai International Airport in Hanoi. Meet your driver and transfer to your hotel.

Depending on your arrival time, relax after your flight or explore the surrounding area at your own pace. You may wish to take a walk around Hoan Kiem Lake or discover Hanoi's Old Quarter.

Overnight: Hanoi.

2 Hanoi – City Tour

Spend a full day discovering the cultural and historical highlights of Hanoi. Visit selected attractions such as:

  • Ho Chi Minh Complex
  • One Pillar Pagoda
  • Temple of Literature
  • Hoan Kiem Lake
  • Hanoi Old Quarter
  • Dong Xuan Market
  • Train Street

Enjoy Hanoi's food culture and discover the atmosphere of Vietnam's capital.

Overnight: Hanoi.

3 Hanoi – Ninh Binh – Hanoi

Leave Hanoi in the morning for a full-day trip to Ninh Binh. Explore the spectacular limestone landscapes and learn about Vietnam's history.

  • Hoa Lu Ancient Capital — visit Hoa Lu, Vietnam's ancient capital.
  • Tam Coc — a boat journey through rivers surrounded by limestone mountains and rice fields.

Depending on timing and preferences, additional activities can be arranged. Return to Hanoi in the afternoon.

Overnight: Hanoi.

4 Hanoi – Ha Long Bay

Leave Hanoi and travel to Ha Long Bay. Board your overnight cruise and begin exploring the limestone islands and emerald waters of the bay. Activities may include:

  • Kayaking
  • Cave exploration
  • Swimming
  • Visiting islands
  • Sunset viewing
  • Cooking demonstrations

Enjoy dinner onboard.

Overnight: Ha Long Bay Cruise.

5 Ha Long Bay – Hanoi – Flight to Da Nang

Wake up early and enjoy the final morning on Ha Long Bay. Continue with morning cruise activities before returning to the mainland. After disembarkation, travel back towards Hanoi.

Important flight timing: your Hanoi → Da Nang flight must depart after 17:45. This allows enough time to complete the Ha Long Bay cruise and transfer to Hanoi Airport.

Upon arrival in Da Nang, meet your driver and transfer to your hotel.

Overnight: Da Nang.

6 Da Nang – Cam Thanh Coconut Village – Hoi An Ancient Town

Travel from Da Nang to Cam Thanh Coconut Village and enjoy a basket boat experience through waterways surrounded by coconut palms. Continue to Hoi An Ancient Town and explore:

  • Historic streets
  • Japanese Covered Bridge
  • Traditional houses
  • Local market
  • Riverside area

In the evening, experience Hoi An when the lanterns light up the old town. Return to Da Nang.

Overnight: Da Nang.

7 Da Nang – Ba Na Hills – Golden Bridge

Spend the day exploring Ba Na Hills. Take the cable car into the mountains and enjoy spectacular views. Highlights include:

  • Golden Bridge
  • Ba Na Hills Cable Car
  • French Village
  • Fantasy Park
  • Mountain scenery

Return to Da Nang.

Overnight: Da Nang.

8 Da Nang – Flight to Phu Quoc

Enjoy free time in Da Nang before transferring to the airport. Fly from Da Nang to Phu Quoc. Upon arrival, meet your driver and transfer to your hotel or resort. The rest of the day is free for relaxation.

Overnight: Phu Quoc.

9 Phu Quoc – 3-Island Tour by Speedboat

Spend the day exploring the southern islands of Phu Quoc. Take a speedboat tour to several islands and enjoy the tropical scenery. Depending on the exact tour arrangement, activities may include:

  • Swimming
  • Snorkeling
  • Beach relaxation
  • Island hopping
  • Seafood lunch

Return to Phu Quoc in the afternoon.

Overnight: Phu Quoc.

10 Phu Quoc – VinWonders & Vinpearl Safari

Explore the northern part of Phu Quoc. Visit VinWonders Phu Quoc, a major entertainment and theme park. Continue to Vinpearl Safari, where visitors can experience wildlife and animal conservation areas.

This day is particularly suitable for families and travellers who enjoy entertainment activities.

Overnight: Phu Quoc.

11 Phu Quoc – Southern Island Tour & Cable Car

Spend another day exploring the southern part of Phu Quoc. Visit selected attractions and beaches in the south of the island. Continue to the Phu Quoc cable car and enjoy panoramic views over the sea and surrounding islands.

The exact sightseeing route can be customized according to your interests.

Overnight: Phu Quoc.

12 Phu Quoc – Flight to Ho Chi Minh City

Enjoy free time in Phu Quoc before transferring to the airport. Fly from Phu Quoc to Ho Chi Minh City. Upon arrival, meet your driver and transfer to your hotel. The evening is free for you to explore the city.

Overnight: Ho Chi Minh City.

13 Ho Chi Minh City – Cu Chi Tunnels – Half-Day City Tour

Leave the city and travel to the Cu Chi Tunnels. Explore part of the underground tunnel network and learn about the history of the Vietnam War. Return to Ho Chi Minh City and continue with a half-day city tour, which may include:

  • Notre-Dame Cathedral area
  • Central Post Office
  • Independence Palace
  • War Remnants Museum
  • Ben Thanh Market

Overnight: Ho Chi Minh City.

14 Ho Chi Minh City – Mekong Delta Tour

Leave Ho Chi Minh City for a full-day excursion to the Mekong Delta. Explore the river landscape and experience rural life in Southern Vietnam. Depending on the final itinerary, activities may include:

  • Boat trips
  • Local villages
  • Coconut products
  • Fruit gardens
  • Traditional food
  • Mekong waterways

Return to Ho Chi Minh City.

Overnight: Ho Chi Minh City.

15 Ho Chi Minh City – Departure

Enjoy your final morning in Ho Chi Minh City. Depending on your departure schedule, enjoy free time before your private airport transfer.

Transfer to Tan Son Nhat International Airport for your departure flight.

End of your 15-day Vietnam journey.

At a Glance

Your 15-Day Vietnam Route at a Glance

Day Itinerary Overnight
Day 1 Hanoi – Arrival Hanoi
Day 2 Hanoi – City Tour Hanoi
Day 3 Hanoi – Ninh Binh (Hoa Lu – Tam Coc) – Hanoi Hanoi
Day 4 Hanoi – Ha Long Bay Ha Long Bay Cruise
Day 5 Ha Long Bay – Hanoi – Flight to Da Nang Da Nang
Day 6 Da Nang – Cam Thanh – Hoi An Da Nang
Day 7 Da Nang – Ba Na Hills – Golden Bridge Da Nang
Day 8 Da Nang – Flight to Phu Quoc Phu Quoc
Day 9 Phu Quoc – 3-Island Speedboat Tour Phu Quoc
Day 10 Phu Quoc – VinWonders & Vinpearl Safari Phu Quoc
Day 11 Phu Quoc – South Island & Cable Car Phu Quoc
Day 12 Phu Quoc – Flight to Ho Chi Minh City Ho Chi Minh City
Day 13 Ho Chi Minh City – Cu Chi Tunnels – City Tour Ho Chi Minh City
Day 14 Ho Chi Minh City – Mekong Delta Ho Chi Minh City
Day 15 Ho Chi Minh City – Departure

Complete Route: Hanoi → Ninh Binh → Ha Long Bay → Da Nang → Hoi An → Phu Quoc → Ho Chi Minh City → Mekong Delta

The Logic Behind It

Why Choose This 15-Day Vietnam Itinerary?

This itinerary gives you enough time to experience multiple parts of Vietnam while keeping the route relatively logical.

Northern Vietnam

Culture, history and spectacular limestone landscapes.

Central Vietnam

Beaches, Hoi An's heritage and mountain scenery.

Phu Quoc

Island experiences, beaches and entertainment.

Southern Vietnam

City life, wartime history and the Mekong Delta.

The journey follows a natural progression: North → Central → Island → South

Suggested Pace

How Long Will You Spend in Each Destination?

Destination Nights
Hanoi 3
Ha Long Bay Cruise 1
Da Nang 3
Phu Quoc 4
Ho Chi Minh City 3
Total 14 nights
Is This Trip for You?

Who Is This 15-Day Vietnam Tour Best For?

First-Time Visitors

A comprehensive introduction to Vietnam.

Families

Combines culture, beaches, theme parks and wildlife experiences.

Couples

A balanced journey between sightseeing and relaxation.

Private Groups

Can be customized according to interests and travel pace.

Travellers with Two Weeks or More

Ideal for travellers who have enough time to explore multiple regions.

Make It Yours

Customize Your 15-Day Vietnam Journey

Customize Your 15-Day Vietnam Private Tour

Travel at your own pace with:

  • Private airport transfers
  • Private transportation
  • Local guides
  • Selected hotels
  • Domestic flights
  • Ha Long Bay cruise
  • Flexible activities
Explore Vietnam Private Tours

Is This Itinerary Suitable for Families?

Yes. The itinerary includes a variety of experiences that can appeal to different age groups. Families can enjoy:

  • Ha Long Bay cruise
  • Basket boat experience
  • Beaches
  • Island tours
  • Cable car
  • Theme parks
  • Wildlife experiences

The itinerary can also be adjusted to reduce sightseeing or add more free time.

Explore Vietnam Family Tours

Upgrade Your 15-Day Vietnam Journey

This route can be upgraded with:

  • Luxury hotels
  • Premium airport services
  • Private guides
  • Premium transportation
  • Luxury Ha Long Bay cruise
  • Luxury beach resorts
  • Curated dining experiences
Explore Vietnam Luxury Tours
Getting Around

How Do You Travel Around Vietnam?

This itinerary combines road transportation with domestic flights.

Hanoi → Ninh Binh

Private vehicle.

Hanoi → Ha Long Bay

Private vehicle or cruise transfer.

Hanoi → Da Nang

Domestic flight. Important: the Day 5 flight should depart after 17:45.

Da Nang → Phu Quoc

Domestic flight.

Phu Quoc → Ho Chi Minh City

Domestic flight.

This combination reduces unnecessary long-distance road travel.

Timing Your Trip

When Is the Best Time for a 15-Day Vietnam Trip?

Because this itinerary covers multiple regions, Vietnam's weather can vary significantly during your journey. Northern Vietnam, Central Vietnam and Southern Vietnam have different seasonal patterns. Before confirming travel dates, consider:

Budgeting Your Trip

15-Day Vietnam Tour Cost

The total cost depends on:

Standard

Comfortable hotels and carefully selected services.

Premium

Higher-quality hotels and more private experiences.

Luxury

Luxury hotels, premium resorts, private services and high-end cruises.

Frequently Asked Questions

15 Days in Vietnam: Your Questions Answered

Is 15 days enough to visit Vietnam?

Yes. Fifteen days allows you to explore Northern, Central and Southern Vietnam while also including Phu Quoc.

What is the best 15-day Vietnam itinerary?

For travellers who want to see multiple regions, a route including Hanoi, Ninh Binh, Ha Long Bay, Da Nang, Hoi An, Phu Quoc and Ho Chi Minh City provides a balanced journey.

Can I visit North, Central and South Vietnam in 15 days?

Yes. Domestic flights make it practical to connect the different regions.

How many domestic flights are included?

This itinerary includes domestic flights between Hanoi and Da Nang, Da Nang and Phu Quoc, and Phu Quoc and Ho Chi Minh City.

Is Phu Quoc worth including?

Phu Quoc adds beaches and island experiences to a journey that otherwise focuses heavily on sightseeing and cultural destinations.

Is this itinerary suitable for families?

Yes. Attractions such as VinWonders, Vinpearl Safari, beaches and island tours make the route suitable for families.

Can this be a private tour?

Yes. The itinerary can be fully customized as a private Vietnam tour.

Can I choose different hotels?

Yes. Hotel categories can be adjusted according to your budget and travel style.

Explore Vietnam from North to South in 15 Days

From Hanoi's historic streets and Ha Long Bay's limestone islands to the beaches of Central Vietnam, the tropical scenery of Phu Quoc and the energy of Ho Chi Minh City, this journey is designed to give you a complete Vietnam experience. Our local team can customize the hotels, transportation, domestic flights, cruise and experiences around your travel dates.

Explore This 15-Day Vietnam Tour Customize My 15-Day Trip