Planning a trip to Instagram’s favourite Southeast Asian nation? Vietnam is a country that has mystic mountains to the north, lantern-lit streets along the central coast, and pristine rivers to the south. Whether you're chasing laid-back vibes or thrilling adventures, a Vietnam trip has got it all. From the peaceful coastlines of Hoi An and the bustling buzz of Ho Chi Minh City to the endless green rice fields of Ninh Binh, every region offers something distinct. This is a land where every street tells a story, every landscape feels like a painting, and every meal lingers in memory. And with locals who greet you with genuine warmth, your Vietnam trip won’t just be scenic—it’ll be deeply personal.

Falling for this place already? Check out Zostel's all-inclusive Vietnam trip. 

13 Day Vietnam Trip Itinerary

Here’s a Vietnam itinerary which takes you to explore the northern, central, and southern parts of the country. 

(Day 1-5) North Vietnam

Northern Vietnam ticks all the travel boxes — postcard-perfect landscapes, lush rice plains, rich traditions, and warm local connections. Explore famous spots like Ha Long Bay, Sapa, Ninh Binh, and Ha Giang for an adventure you won’t forget!

(Day 1-2) Hanoi

• Hanoi is the capital and beating heart of Vietnam. Begin the day with a stroll through the vibrant Old Quarter and indulge in street-side delights post Hanoi sightseeing.
• Visit ancient temples such as the Temple of Literature. And don’t forget to enjoy egg coffee along Hoan Kiem Lake!

(Day 3) Ninh Binh

Go to Ninh Binh for serene riverboat tours through rice fields and karst mountains. It’s peaceful and an escape from the city buzz, an experience that captures the spirit of your Vietnam holiday.

(Day 4-5) Ha Long Bay and Ha Gian

• On the Ha Long Bay tour, glide across emerald waters with limestone islands. And wander into secluded caves such as Sung Sot.
• Ha Giang sightseeing offers a wild escape into Vietnam’s rugged landscapes. Ride up to Heaven’s Gate, a stunning mountain pass in Quan Ba, and soak in the breathtaking views. By chatting with locals from remote villages, you’ll get to know fascinating customs and traditions, like the vibrant Tet Festival, where families clean homes, prepare special dishes, and exchange red envelopes with lucky money — a joyful and meaningful celebration.

(DAY 6-9) CENTRAL VIETNAM

This is a land where you can stroll through lantern-lit streets, explore historic royal palaces, and unwind by the sea — just the kind of magic you’d want on your Vietnam vacation.

(Day 6) Hue

• Explore the Hue Citadel; it's the place where the traveller gets introduced to the rich history of the nation through the palaces, theatres, and pavilions.
• Next, explore the countryside of Hue through a bicycle ride, and don’t forget to stop at the Thanh Toan Bridge.

(Day 7-8) Da Nang 

• Begin the day by visiting Da Nang’s coastal gem, My Khe Beach. Best place for tourists who want to relax on the smooth, soft sand and swim in the turquoise sea.
• Next, head to the Marble Mountains, explore the caves and historic pagodas, and enjoy the stunning scenery.
• Entry ticket: INR 130
• Lastly, visit the Golden Bridge, a dreamlike location with a picturesque backdrop – the perfect spot for photos!
• Entry ticket: Around INR 2,500

(Day 9) Hoi An

• In Hoi An, take up a cooking class, which is the best way to immerse yourself in Vietnamese culinary traditions! This would also include a visit to the local market and basket boat rides, an unmissable highlight of your Vietnam vacation.
• Cost of the overall package: INR 2,000-3,000
• From there, visit Hoi An ancient town, and stroll through the lantern-lit streets. In the evening, the town comes alive under the glow of these lanterns, and everything is more beautiful. Can’t stop picturing yourself here? Time to make it real- explore this trip by Zostel! 
• Also, don’t forget to pick up some souvenirs at the night market.

(DAY 10-13) SOUTH VIETNAM

 In South Vietnam, the excitement of city life blends with the serenity of nature!

(Day 10-11) Ho Chi Minh

• In Ho Chi Minh City, visit the War Remnants Museum and Reunification Palace to dive into Vietnam’s history. See powerful photos, films, and documents that tell the story of the war. Don’t miss the display of military equipment, too — it’s quite a sight
• Entry ticket War Remnants Museum: Around INR 130
• Entry ticket to Reunification Palace: Around INR 165  
• Next, visit the Notre-Dame Cathedral and Central Post Office, where the city's vibrant pulse is infused with a romantic atmosphere as the French colonial architecture tells the story of Saigon's past.
• On the next day, visit Ben Thanh Market, a top pick of travellers on a Vietnam trip. Eat local cuisine, and get handcrafted goods. End the day with a meal at a rooftop restaurant, soaking in the picturesque view of the bustling city.

(Day 12) Mekong Delta

• Take a relaxing trip by boat down the Mekong River. Visit the floating markets, where a vibrant scene is created by boats loaded with local produce, fresh fruits, and vegetables.
• Explore an island village – interact with locals, stroll through orchards and learn about traditional craftsmanship!

(Day 13) Cu Chi Tunnels

• At the Cu Chi Tunnels Tour, you have access to the tiny, secret tunnels that the fighters used to call home during the war. See hidden bunkers, learn about clever traps, and get an overview of the incredible survival skills that were in use at the time. This experience vividly brings history to life!
• Entry ticket: INR 1,500-2,000  

Vietnam 7 day Itinerary

Day 1:

Stroll through Hanoi’s charming Old Quarter and visit the Temple of Literature. Don’t miss sipping egg coffee by the serene Hoan Kiem Lake.

Day 2:

Head to Ninh Binh for a scenic riverboat tour, then marvel at the emerald waters and limestone islands of Ha Long Bay.

Day 3:

Discover the imperial beauty of the Hue Citadel, enjoy a countryside bicycle tour, and stop by the iconic Thanh Toan Bridge.

Day 4:

Soak up the sun at Da Nang’s My Khe Beach, wander through the Marble Mountains, and visit the iconic Golden Bridge.

Day 5:

Join a Vietnamese cooking class in Hoi An, try a basket boat ride, and explore the lantern-lit charm of the Ancient Town.

Day 6:

In Ho Chi Minh City, visit the War Remnants Museum and Reunification Palace, then dive into the energy of Ben Thanh Market.

Day 7:

End your journey with a visit to the Cu Chi Tunnels—an unforgettable glimpse into Vietnam’s wartime history.

Signature Vietnamese Food Tours

Hanoi food tour

Want to explore the authentic flavours of Northern Vietnam? Then, during your trip to Vietnam, you must take a Hanoi food tour! Whether you're taking a walking food, a motorbike, a nighttime food, a vegan food, or a private food tour, there's something for every taste and adventure! Some dishes that you must try are:

1. Pho – It is a noodle soup consisting of broth, rice noodles and a choice of meat.
2. Bun Cha – This dish hits the spot! Grilled pork served with fresh herbs, vermicelli noodles, and a dipping sauce.
3. Egg Coffee – It’s not the kind of coffee you get everywhere! With a consistency like a dessert, this is made up of egg yolks, condensed milk, and sugar. Tasting this is an essential experience on your Vietnam vacation, and Zostel's here to make sure you don’t miss it.
4. Banh Cuon – An iconic Vietnamese dish of steamed rice rolls filled with chopped pork and mushrooms.

​​You can savour these local flavours at spots like Giang Cafe, The Note Coffee, Hanoi 1990s – Train Coffee, and Loading T Cafe.

Ho Chi Minh food tour

A Ho Chi Minh food tour is your chance to indulge in the bold and aromatic flavours of Vietnamese cuisine. It is an experience that is beyond just tasting food; you get to enjoy the vibrant street-side charm and be a part of local stories!

1. Banh Mi – A must-try street food, this is a sandwich made of a baguette filled with meat, pickled vegetables, and herbs and served with a dressing of mayo.
2. Spring Rolls – A super satisfying dish consisting of thin rice paper filled with fresh vegetables, vermicelli noodles, and fresh herbs and served with peanut or sweet chilli sauce.
3. Vietnamese Street BBQ – If you are looking for the laid-back street-side charm with some smoky flavours and a chilled beer, then street BBQ is highly recommended for your Vietnam tour package. Cook yourself anything you’d like – meat, seafood, and vegetables! Enjoy with the locals and make friends on the sidewalks of Ho Chi Minh.

You can try these dishes at She Cafe, Kujuz, Mockingbird Cafe and 42 Nguyen Hue Street’s Apartment-Cafe Complex. 

Vietnam's Iconic Day Trips

Vietnam’s day trips are a fusion of history, culture, adventure, and surreal landscapes. It is the best way to wander through hidden gems, interact with locals, and dive deep into the beauty of the country. Some of the famous day trips are:

Day trip from Hanoi to Ninh Binh

Would you like to escape the bustling city life and find yourself in the peaceful embrace of a calm river within two hours? Then, a day trip from Hanoi to Ninh Binh is the right choice! This route unfolds on a picturesque road, where rivers flow through towering limestone karsts. You can interact with the friendly locals and get an insight into Vietnam's rural life as you travel through remote towns and terraced rice fields. After you reach Ninh Binh, hike to Mua Caves and soak in the breathtaking views of the town.

Cu Chi tunnels tour from Ho Chi Minh

Curious about what it was like for the fighters during the Vietnam War – where did they hide, how did they survive, and what traps did they lay for the opponent? Well, a Cu Chi Tunnels tour is the answer to all your questions. Here you don’t just learn about history; rather, you live through it! The underground tunnels would invite you to look and experience the hidden trapdoors, cramped crawling spaces, and the clever survival strategies used by the survivors.

Hanoi City Tour

Want to have the ultimate Vietnamese experience? Stroll through vibrant streets, have aromatic street food, interact with locals, and roam around the city on a Vespa. A Hanoi City Tour offers it all! You’ll be captivated by the grandeur of the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, wander in the dynamic streets of the Old Quarter, enjoy an egg coffee by Hoan Kiem Lake, visit ancient temples, and witness the colonial architecture.

THE LESSER-KNOWN ROUTE: HA GIANG LOOP ADVENTURE

Imagine: you, your bike, and a trail of about 350km that follows through cliffside roads, cloud-kissed peaks, rugged mountains, and ethnic villages. The Ha Giang Loop tour is an experience of a lifetime for the adventure junkies. You would experience the local culture – eat iconic local dishes, stay at homestays under starry nights, and witness sunrise at the most scenic locations!

Day 1 – Ha Giang to Yen Minh

Begin your journey from Ha Giang through lush rice fields up to the mountains. Take a stop at Heaven’s Gate Pass – a location that speaks for itself and is a favourite spot for photographs. Afterwards, visit the Quan Ba Twin Mountains, a tranquil spot for immersing in natural beauty. Finally, close the day by resting the night away in Yen Minh.

Day 2 – Yen Minh to Meo Vac

This is the most captivating trail of your Vietnam tour. Start the day by visiting Dong Van, a town with a rich cultural heritage and ethnic diversity. After which, navigate through the Ma Pi Leng Pass, offering the most scenic view of this entire loop. Lastly, spend the night in Meo Vac, a small town hidden in the hills!

Day 3 – Meo Vac to Du Gia

This path will lead you to unexplored and peaceful ethnic villages. Take a stop at a village, make memorable connections with the locals, and understand the tapestry of their culture and traditions! In Dua Gia, enjoy a waterfall and end the day at a homestay with warm company and good food.

Day 4 – Du Gia to Ha Giang

In this final stretch of the loop, soak in the beauty of the landscapes for the last time! Observe and recollect all the memories you made on this thrilling adventure.

How to Plan Your Next Vietnam Trip?

Want to plan your Vietnam tour package but are worried about where to start? Well, here’s a quick guide on how to curate your next trip.

1. Decide your travel dates so that you can pick up favourable destinations and pack accordingly!
2. Make sure you apply for an e-visa beforehand; generally, the visa processing takes around 3-4 days.
3. Book your flight tickets on time so that you can grab the best deals.
4. Based on your comfort level and budget, book the accommodations. Also, allocate money for your spending in Vietnam.
5. Before taking off, familiarise yourself with the basic local customs so that once you step into Vietnam, you’re respectful towards everyone.

Is curating a trip just not your thing, and would you rather have everything pre-planned? Don't worry! Zostel is here to make your next trip to Vietnam memorable!

It’s a 7N/8D Vietnam tour package which includes local transportation, accommodation at top-rated stays, and a local tour guide. This Vietnam trip is all about soaking in culture, flavours, and stunning sights. Think basket boat rides through Hoi An’s coconut forests, exploring buzzing night markets, and tasting local delicacies at every stop. Add to that a luxury Halong Bay cruise, scenic cable car rides in Da Nang, and tranquil visits to craft villages near Hanoi, and you’ve got an experience that’s equal parts exciting and soulful. Click here for details.

FAQs on Vietnam trip

Is Vietnam friendly with India?

Yes, Vietnam is friendly with India. The two countries share strong cultural and historical ties, with a warm partnership growing in economy and defence. Even on your Vietnam trip, you’ll find the locals welcoming and respectful, as long as visitors honour their customs too.

How much is 1 Indian ₹ in Vietnam?

1 Indian Rupee (INR) equals approximately 305 Vietnamese Dong (VND).

Is INR accepted in Vietnam?

No, the Indian Rupee is not accepted in Vietnam. All the transactions you make in the country must be through their official currency – the Vietnamese dong.

What is Vietnam famous for?

Vietnam is a favourite among travellers for good reason. With its rich history, beautiful landscapes, delicious food, and unique local crafts, it’s everything you’d hope for in a Vietnam vacation.

What is the cost of food in Vietnam?

Food in Vietnam is rich in flavours, appetising, and relatively affordable — a true highlight of any Vietnam trip. The cost of food would depend on the place you’re eating at:

• Street-side food – INR 300 to 500 per day
• Mid-range restaurants – INR 400 to 1000 per day
• Expensive restaurants – INR 1200+

Is Indian food available in Vietnam?

Yes, Indian food is available in Vietnam. With the growing number of Indian tourists, major destinations like Ho Chi Minh, Hanoi, and Da Nang offer an extensive variety of Indian dishes, making it a great addition to your Vietnam tour.

Do they speak English in Vietnam?

Yes, people do speak English in Vietnam, especially at top tourist spots like Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh, Da Nang, and Hoi An. So, language won’t be a barrier on your Vietnam trip, though in remote areas, you might find fewer English speakers.

Do Indian ATM cards work in Vietnam?

Yes, Indian ATM cards do usually work in Vietnam, but they have to be internationally enabled for the transactions to take place.

This blog is your definitive guide to the essentials of a Vietnam Trip. You have all the answers – the best Vietnam itinerary, day trips to offbeat destinations, adventurous motorbike tours, and local cuisine you must try. So what are you waiting for? Get your bags ready and gear up for an unforgettable experience.