Vietnam Itinerary: 5 Best Places to Visit and How to Plan Them

Vietnam is one of the most friendly and welcoming countries in the world. A country which is famous for its diverse street food, delicious food with Southeast Asian characteristics. The food is not only tasty but also low-priced for tourists. Vietnam itinerary will bring visitors meaningful trips and authentic experiences.

Below are the five places we would build a first Vietnam itinerary around, from the mountains of the north to the beaches of the south, with the best time to go, how to get around and where to stay in each.

1. TOP 1: Sapa – the foggy city: The overall best place in Vietnam Itinerary

Sapa is a highland town in Lao Cai province, set in the Hoang Lien Son range below Fansipan, the highest peak in Vietnam, and known for its majestic, poetic mountain scenery, rice terraces and ethnic minority villages.

 

Sapa is a creation that nature bestows beauty like a magnificent fairy picture. It is the classic base for exploring the Northwest, with Fansipan Mountain, Muong Hoa Valley and Bac Ha Market close by and, for those with more time, the remote highlands of Y Ty and the rice terraces of Mu Cang Chai. Browse our Sapa tours for ready-made ideas.

1.1. The best time to visit Sapa

Sapa’s climate is cool year-round with the stable temperature making it the best time for tourists to admire the poetic beauty and trekking. The weather is especially comfortable for tourism from March to May range from 15-26oC, at this time visitors will have the chance to see the picturesque scenes of green fields and many colorful flowers. Besides, with fresh air and warm temperature, in Sapa itinerary it will be a perfect idea for trekking and outdoors activities. September to mid December with an average temperature of 15 to 25oC, making it the perfect time for photos and trekking.

1.2. Transport

To visit Sapa guests can travel by their own private vehicle according to their travel preferences. Most travellers come from Hanoi, either by private car with a driver along the expressway or on an overnight train to Lao Cai followed by a short transfer up the mountain. A private car is the most comfortable choice for families and older travellers, as you can stop whenever you like. During the itinerary, walking is the best and convenient way to visit Sapa Vietnam. There are also taxis, buses and motorbike taxis around.

1.3. Accommodation

In Sapa itinerary, booking a room to stay depends on the income and preferences of each person. For a 4–5★ stay, look at an eco-lodge in the valleys such as Topas Ecolodge, or one of the boutique resorts in and around town; we match the hotel to the style of your trip.

1.4. Things to do in Sapa

There are many things that visitors can do in Sapa travel itinerary like going into small local villages, visiting museums, hiking Fansipan mountain, walking to the Silver Waterfalls, enjoying local dishes to feel the taste of the area, admiring the charming scenery in Muong Hoa Valley, where there is a small winding stream up to 15 km or Sapa Market where you can buy specialties as gifts in Sapa, buying some amazing local handicrafts or having a tour the rice fields,…

2. TOP 2: The bustling city Ha Noi:  The most beautiful place in Vietnam Itinerary

Hanoi is the capital of the north. It is one of the great places in Vietnam that people all over the country want to go to. A busy and chaotic city but it’s the highlight here. Hanoi Vietnam always attracts tourists with a distinctive color and an unmistakable way of life.

In Vietnam Itinerary, visitors can visit famous attractions such as Hoan Kiem Lake, West Lake, Ba Dinh Square, Temple of literature, Hanoi Cathedral, or want to learn about the culture and lifestyle of the people of Trang An, you cannot ignore the Old Quarter Hanoi, one of the extremely attractive tourist areas for tourists,…

2.1. The best time to visit Hanoi

Visitors can visit Hanoi at any time, but to have a truly meaningful itinerary, the best time of year to visit Hanoi Vietnam is from March to April and from September to November (avoid traveling in the rainy season) and Hanoi travel in flower season. Daisy not only bloom in a single season of the year, but this flower only appears mainly in the northern provinces, especially Hanoi Vietnam. If tourists visit Hanoi from late October to early December, it is easy to see daisies on every street or any road.

2.2. Transport

There are many ways to get around in Hanoi Itinerary, from walking to Grab motorbike to bus to taxi to Cyclo. Taxis and Grab cars are easy to book and the most comfortable way to move between sights, while the Old Quarter itself is best explored on foot or by cyclo. If you would rather not deal with the traffic yourself, a private guide and driver takes care of everything; see our Hanoi tours.

2.3. Accommodation

A bustling Hanoi, appear many different 4-5 star hotels, so visitors can easily find out and book a place to stay in classic or modern style depending on their preferences in Hanoi itinerary such as JW Marriott Hanoi, Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi or Meliá Hanoi, or a smaller boutique hotel in the Old Quarter.

2.4. Things to do in Hanoi

A beautiful and antique Hanoi, it will be a waste if you don’t get around the West Lake o walk around Hoan Kiem Lake, or visit the typical landmarks of Hanoi, the streets, visitors can experience Hanoi City with Hop on – Hop off tour,  visit the Museum of Ethnology, enjoy Hanoi cuisine, go to Uncle Ho’s mausoleum area for the daily flag ceremonies (check current times locally).

3. TOP 3: Hoi An Ancient Town: The best place in Vietnam Itinerary

Hoi An is one of the top destinations of Central Vietnam with beautiful landscapes and unique cuisine, about 30 km from central Da Nang (since July 2025 it is administratively part of Da Nang City). Without the hustle and bustle, Hoi An looks calm and ancient. Also, visitors will clearly feel the interference of cultures between Vietnam and other countries (Japan, China,…) in Hoi An itinerary.

In Hoi An Vietnam visitors have the opportunity to admire the unique architectural heritage, museums, temples, Cu Lao Cham, My Son ruins, Cua Dai Beach, or to participate in famous and unique traditional festivals like Wandering Soul Day, Whale Worshiping Festival, Mid Autumn Festival, Lady Thu Bon Festival,…

3.1. The best time to visit Hoi An

The ideal time to visit Hoi An Itinerary is from February to April every year with warm temperature and rainfall is low, so it’s very suitable for tourists to visit. During May – June, the weather has some hot sunny days but this is a great time to dive and see corals in Cu Lao Cham.

3.2. Transport

Hoi An is easily to stroll around on foot, but to explore Hoi An ancient town, visitors can choose one of the following transport:

The Old Town is largely closed to motor traffic at set hours, so walking and cycling are the nicest ways to explore it. For beaches, villages and My Son, a taxi or a private car with driver is the comfortable option, and many hotels lend bicycles to guests. Our Hoi An tours combine the Old Town with the countryside at an easy pace.

3.3. Accommodation

For the most convenient travel to Hoi An ancient town, you should choose a hotel near Hoi An for convenient transportation. It also depends on your preference and price to book the perfect place to stay during Hoi An itinerary.

3.4. Things to do in Hoi An

Although Hoi An ancient town is small, the culinary culture is extremely rich. You should enjoy dishes such as chicken rice, Cao Lau, banh beo, Quang noodles, wonton,…

In the Hoi An itinerary, visitors should walk around the Old Town, visit Hoi An Museum. It is impossible to ignore the ancient houses with bold ancient architecture or Hoi An market – food paradise, sample Cao Lau, or take a trip to the My Son ruins.

4. TOP 4: Ho Chi Minh City travel – A busy city

Ho Chi Minh City is the most dynamic and bustling city in Vietnam with lots of fun spots. And visitors can experience a variety of activities at tourist attractions for all ages here.

During Ho Chi Minh Itinerary, visitors can visit the city’s highlights such as Nguyen Hue pedestrian street, Nha Rong Wharf,  Binh Tay Market, War Remnants Museum, Cu Chi Tunnels, Thanh An Island,…

4.1. The best time to visit Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh City has 2 distinct seasons: rainy season from May to November. In the rainy season, Saigon is famous for many sudden rains so it is the perfect time to visit Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam Itinerary during the dry months from December to April (21-34oC).

4.2. Transport

The main means of transportation for tourists in Saigon itinerary are motorbikes, then cars, bicycles, buses (the cheapest public transport) and cyclos.

4.3. Accommodation

There are many choices to book a place to stay, depending on the traveler’s finances during a travel itinerary. For easy walking access to the main sights, choose a 4–5★ hotel in District 1 (Ben Nghe/Sai Gon area), close to Nguyen Hue Street and the riverfront. From the city it is also easy to add a day or two in the Mekong Delta.

4.4. Things to do in the itinerary

It is a pity if visitors do not see the vitality of the city at night, the bustling and crowded outdoor dining. Besides, visitors should have a trip to Independent Palace, Ben Thanh Market, a tour of street food, the Mekong Delta, admire the City Hall, visit the War Remnants Museum or Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon,…

5. TOP 5: The Pearl Island – Phu Quoc

Phu Quoc is Vietnam’s largest island, off the south-west coast; since July 2025 it belongs to An Giang province (formerly Kien Giang). Phu Quoc Island has long been famous for tourists from all over the country and international tourists. It is a beautiful island with peaceful, unspoiled natural scenery and an ideal destination for vacation activities and perfect relaxing.

Visitors will visit famous destinations such as Rach Vem fishing village, Vinpearl Safari Phu Quoc, Bai Dai, Ganh Dau cape, or night markets… in Phu Quoc Itinerary.

5.1. The best time to visit Phu Quoc

Season change is the most ideal time to explore Phu Quoc. From November to April next year, the weather conditions are extremely favorable for all activities to visit and experience. Moreover, November is the time to change the season, the temperature is about 25 to 28oC so visitors will enjoy the cool, pleasant breeze.

5.2. Transport

Phu Quoc covers almost 600 km², so distances between the north and south of the island are longer than they look. Taxis and Grab cars are widely available, and a private car with driver is the easiest way to combine beaches, villages and viewpoints in one day. Independent travellers sometimes rent motorbikes, but we do not recommend it for families or first-time visitors. Ideas: our Phu Quoc tours.

5.3. Accommodation

Booking to place stay: You can choose to stay at a homestay. Or if you prefer privacy, convenience, and comfort, don’t hesitate to choose a hotel or resort. From December to April and during Vietnamese holidays the best resorts fill up early, so book well ahead if you travel in high season.

5.4. Things to do in the Phu Quoc Itinerary

Explore the island by car, relax on its beaches, visit Phu Quoc Night Market, or Phu Quoc Prison, which is recognized as a national historical relic, is a destination imbued with the nation’s heroic history. In addition, Phu Quoc also attracts tourists with a series of beautiful cafes, becoming a “million-like” virtual living place for Instagram followers. You can visit the “sim” wine factory, enjoy the fruit wine that is extremely easy to drink and the typical flavors and dishes in Phu Quoc.

6. Notes in the Itinerary Vietnam

To have a complete trip, you should bring the following things:

• Passport valid for at least 6 months, plus a visa or e-visa if your nationality needs one (check the rules for your nationality on evisa.gov.vn)
• Clothes/ Personal toiletries
• Cash/ credit card
• Personal belongings

Do you want an interesting trip? Are you ready to pack in your suitcase and hit the road?

To make every trip more meaningful, please contact Metta Voyage, we are ready to bring you the best services in Vietnam itinerary.

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