Content [Switch to sidebar]

How Many Days In Vietnam ?

How many days in Vietnam ? Located on the Indochinese Peninsula, Vietnam is famous for its breathtaking landscapes, rich cultural diversity, and the warm hospitality of its people. For first-time visitors, one of the biggest questions is: how much time do you really need to explore the country? The answer depends on your interests, budget, and travel pace. Some travelers are satisfied with a week, while others prefer to spend a month or more discovering Vietnam in depth. In this guide, we’ll share recommended trip durations and practical tips to help you plan the Vietnam itinerary that best suits you.

I. How many days is ideal in Vietnam ?

1. Short stay: 7 to 10 days

Is 7 days enough for Vietnam ? In reality, 7 days in Vietnam is too short to truly experience the country. To get a more balanced overview, you’ll need at least 10 days. That said, if you only have a week, many travelers choose to combine their stay in Vietnam with a short tour in Cambodia or Laos.

What to see in Vietnam in 10 days ? A 10-day trip to Vietnam gives you the chance to discover the country’s highlights: exploring Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, enjoying a cruise on Ha Long Bay, or strolling through the charming old town of Hoi An. This itinerary offers a first glimpse of the North, Central, and South, with opportunities to visit UNESCO World Heritage sites and taste iconic dishes like phở or bánh mì. However, with limited time, you’ll need to make choices, which often means skipping destinations such as Sapa or the Mekong Delta.

2. How long to visit Vietnam? 2 weeks in Vietnam

Is 14 days enough for Vietnam ? Two weeks is an ideal duration to explore Vietnam at a balanced pace, combining cultural discoveries with moments of relaxation. With 14 days in Vietnam, you can comfortably travel through all three main regions: the North with Hanoi and Ha Long Bay, the Centre with Hue and Hoi An, and the South with Ho Chi Minh City. The rhythm is steady but far more comfortable than a short trip. To make the most of your itinerary, it’s often best to combine domestic flights with overnight bus journeys, saving both time and budget.

3. Long stay: 3 weeks to 1 month

How many days in Vietnam ? A stay of 3 to 4 weeks in Vietnam is the best option for travelers seeking complete immersion. This longer duration allows you to move at a slower pace, explore remote regions such as Ha Giang or Phong Nha, and take part in authentic local experiences. Of course, it requires a larger budget and more careful planning, but the reward is a truly unique journey. Ideally, plan around three weeks, dedicating one week to each major region of the country, to fully appreciate Vietnam’s landscapes and cultural richness.

II. Suggested Vietnam Itinerary for first-time travelers

1. 10-Day Vietnam Tour

• Days 1-2: Hanoi – Old Quarter, Hoan Kiếm Lake, Temple of Literature, Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum.

• Days 3-4: Ha Long Bay – cruise with overnight on board, kayaking, cave exploration.

• Days 5-6: Hue – Imperial City, Royal Tombs, Boat Trip on the Perfume River.

• Days 7-8: Hoi An – UNESCO-listed Ancient Town, An Bàng beaches, colorful lanterns.

• Days 9-10: Ho Chi Minh City – Bến Thanh Market, Củ Chi Tunnels, Notre Dame Cathedral.

2. How many days in Vietnam ? Vietnam Tour 2 weeks

• Days 1-3: Hanoi – Old Quarter, Water Puppet Show, Local Specialties.

• Days 4-5: Ha Long Bay or Lan Hạ – cruise and water activities.

• Days 6-8: Sapa – trekking through the rice terraces, overnight with locals, discovery of ethnic minorities.

• Days 9-10: Hue – Imperial City, Thiên Mụ Pagoda, Handicraft Villages in Hue.

• Days 11-12: Hoi An – cooking class, crafts, cycling to nearby villages.

• Days 13-14: Ho Chi Minh City + Mekong Delta – museums, tunnels, floating markets of Cái Răng.

3. 3 Week Tour - Where to go in Vietnam in 3 weeks?

• Days 1-3: Hanoi – in-depth exploration of museums and markets.

• Days 4-6: Ha Long Bay or Bái Tử Long – extended cruise, less touristy areas.

• Days 7-9: Ha Giang – Ha Giang Loop, spectacular scenery and local markets.

• Days 10-12: Sapa – extended trekking, overnight homestay.

• Days 13-15: Phong Nha – caves, zip line, kayak.

• Days 16-17: Hue – UNESCO sites, imperial cuisine.

• Days 18-19: Đà Nẵng and Hội An – Golden Bridge, Marble Mountains, handicrafts.

• Days 20-21: Ho Chi Minh City + Mekong Delta – Cần Thơ, biodiversity of the delta, rural villages.

III. How much do you need for a trip to Vietnam ?

How much does a Vietnam trip cost ? The Vietnam travel cost depends largely on your travel style and, most importantly, on how long you plan to stay in the country. To give a practical idea, here are realistic estimates for a mid-range traveler, covering 3-star accommodation, local meals, public transport, and entrance fees (excluding international flights).

1. 7 days

For a 7-day stay in Vietnam, expect to spend about €1,000 to €1,500 per person. This budget covers simple hotels or guesthouses (€20–30/night), affordable meals (€10–15/day), internal transport (€50–100), and main visits such as Hanoi, Ha Long Bay, or Ho Chi Minh City (€50–100). This express format is perfect for a first glimpse of the country.

2. 10 days

For a Vietnam 10-day trip cost, budget around €1,200 to €2,000 per person. This usually includes one or two domestic flights (€100–150 each), mid-range hotels (€20–35 per night), and excursions (€80–150) such as a Ha Long Bay cruise or a cultural tour in Hoi An. With this timeframe, travelers can already experience a good balance between the North and the South.

3. 2 weeks/15 days

How much does a Vietnam 2 weeks trip cost ? For a Vietnam 15 days budget, count €2000 to €2500. The budget covers comfortable hotels (€25 to €40/night), varied food (€12 to €18/day), transport between the three regions (€150 to €250) and more activities (€120 to €200) such as trekking in Sapa, discovering beaches or historical sites in Hue. This is the ideal length of time for a complete North-Central-South tour.

4. 3 weeks

The Vietnam 3-week trip cost about €2500 to €3500 per person. You'll have more freedom to explore remote areas like Ha Giang or Phong Nha. The budget includes several flights and trains (€200 to €350), immersive activities (€150 to €300), and comfortable accommodations (€25 to €45/night). This format offers a much richer cultural immersion, with free time to soak up the local daily life.

5. 1 month

Finally, a one-month trip costs €3,500 to €4,000. By alternating between guesthouses, homestays, and hotels (€20–40/night), you can travel at a slower pace, make use of different types of transport (€250–400), and enjoy varied experiences: ethnic treks, longer seaside stays, or even exploring the North-West. Meals remain affordable (€10–18/day), and visits are more diverse (€200–400). This is the perfect length of time to explore Vietnam in depth.

So, how many days in Vietnam ? In my opinion, a stay of 2 to 3 weeks is ideal to truly enjoy the landscapes, immerse yourself in Vietnamese culture, and experience local life. A short trip of 7 to 10 days lets you see the must-see highlights, but it can feel rushed and limited. Two weeks strikes a good balance between cultural visits and relaxation, while 3 weeks or more allows for complete immersion, including remote regions and authentic activities. To make planning easier, you can contact a travel agency in Vietnam such as Autour Asia for a personalized and optimized itinerary. Whatever option you choose, plan carefully to make the most of every moment in Vietnam.