The Ultimate Vietnam Itinerary for first timers

 Vietnam is an enchanting country. It is a perfect mix of breath taking natural attractions, architectural delights, intriguing history and culture , warm hospitality and delicious food.

Here is our 8- Day itinerary for Vietnam which covers the main highlights and must-sees of Vietnam.

Day 1 : Arrive in Hanoi
Day 2 : Explore Hanoi
Day 3 : Day trip to Ninh Binh
Day 4 : day cruise to Halong Bay
Day 5 : Arrive in Da- Nang and explore the city
Day 6 : Visit Bana hills +  Day trip to My Son Sanctuary
Day 7: Marble Mountains and Day trip to Hoi An
Day 8 : Check out Ho chi Minh before leaving

Day 1 : Arrive in Hanoi

Hanoi is the capital city and gateway to magnificent Halong Bay. It is a captivating blend of traditional east and colonial influence of France. It has this unique vibe of a city conscientiously working towards reclaiming it's glory after years of war and poverty. I would highly recommend spending at least 2 days in Vietnam's second biggest city. While it’s not enough to discover it all, it will give you plenty of time to see all the main sights.

Start your trip with a visit to Old quarter where you can wander the narrow lanes and see traditional Vietnamese architecture. Stop at the Dong Xuan Market, where you can find everything from food to souvenirs. Later head to Hoan kiem Lake , a serene fresh water lake in the centre of the bustling Old quarter. In the northern part of the Hoan Kiem Lake is a small island which is home to Ngoc Son Temple, also known as 'The Temple of Jade Mountain' .The island is connected to the lakeshore by a red wooden bridge constructed in traditional Vietnamese style. The lake is absolutely stunning during sunset, with the bridge lit up and the reflection dancing in lake water.

 

End your day with a water puppet show at the Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre, a couple of minutes' walk from the lake.This ancient form of entertainment dates back 1000 years and was traditionally performed in ponds or lakes. The beautiful puppets gliding gratefully on water, the live music, the sounds of splashing water, and the dark auditorium, all adds up to a magical experience you can’t miss.

Day 2: Explore Hanoi

Morning: Start your day with an egg coffee at Train street. It is a narrow segment of train tracks that is squashed tightly down a backstreet of houses and cafes. You have  to literally stand a few centimetres away from the moving train. It’s exciting to watch the locals rushing their belonging into their houses right before the train comes. And, as soon as the train passes, everyone is already running out and the place is again set up as if nothing happened.
There are cute little cafes set up right on the railway tracks by the locals who live there and I highly recommend sitting a bit enjoying a cup of Hanoi’s famous egg coffee or the lesser-known but equally tasty Vietnamese yogurt coffee! 

You can now visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, where you can see the embalmed body of the country's beloved Uncle Ho . The complex also houses the One Pillar Pagoda and the Ho Chi Minh Museum.

Afternoon: Head to the Temple of Literature, the country's first university, which dates back to the 11th century. Although it was built in honour of Confucius , it later transformed into a prestigious academic school. The gardens, pond, halls and five courtyards add more beauty to the complex.

Evening: Explore the French quarter. It will feel like a totally different city. You’ll find French styled government buildings, boutique stores and high-end restaurants. It’s a nice place to walk around — make sure to visit the colonial Opera House and Presidential Palace.

Day 3 : Day trip to Ninh Binh

It's a shame that not many travellers make it to Ninh Binh, a UNESCO World Heritage site and home to Vietnam's first capital. Ninh binh is a land of surreal landscapes with limestone karsts, lush green fields and a winding river. There is plenty to do here, but the most amazing experience is  a boat ride down Tam Coc – where the women row the boats with their feet! You can also climb to the top of Hang Mua mountain where you’ll be rewarded with absolutely gorgeous views of Ninh Binh! I strongly recommend booking a day trip through a local operator in Hanoi.

Day 4 : Day cruise to Halong Bay

 Even if the main reason behind your visit to  Vietnam is not Halong bay, I would still suggest taking a day cruise to explore this natural wonder famous for it's emerald waters and thousands of limestone formations covered with tropical rainforest.  The region is popular for kayaking, scuba diving, hiking and rock climbing.  You can easily book your trip online or through the many local vendors in Hanoi.

Day 5 : Reach Da Nang

You can take  either take an overnight train or a morning flight from Hanoi to Da Nang. After you check into your hotel and settle down, head to Linh Ung Pagoda -located on Son Tra Peninsula. Here you can admire the delicate marble statues of different Buddhists and the beautifully groomed bonsai trees with realistic miniature landscapes. The most important and visible highlight of the Linh Ung pagoda is the Lady Buddha statue, the tallest one in Vietnam. Situated at nearly 700 meters above sea level, Linh Ung Pagoda is also the perfect place for you to enjoy the stunning views of the coast from the pagoda’s serene ambience. 

After visiting the Pagoda, head to the famous My Khe Beach, one of the most beautiful beaches in Vietnam. Take a swim or enjoy water sports such as surfing and kayaking.

Not very far from the bridge is the iconic dragon bridge. Do visit this bridge because it’s quite a show! The dragon constructed on the bridge breathes fire, and water. But, you will have to time it right. This Fire & Water Performance normally takes place at 9 PM every weekend & on holidays.

 

Day 6 :  Marble Mountains  and Day trip to My Son Sanctuary

Marble Mountains are a cluster of five limestone hills that are named after the five elements of Vietnamese cosmology: metal, wood, water, fire, and earth. The highest peak is almost 1,100 feet tall and offers stunning 360-degree views of the area. The main mountaintop also houses several Buddhist temples, which are worth a visit even if you don’t make it to the summit. The highlight of this place are the  beautiful caves in the  Marble Mountains that house mesmerizing Buddhist statues that bring about a unique holy ambience.

   Later take a half-day trip to the My Son Sanctuary, another UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring ancient Hindu temples from the Champa Kingdom.

Day 7 : Ba Na Hills and Day trip to Hoi An:

Morning: Head to the Ba Na Hills, a mountain resort that's home to the famous Golden Bridge. Take a cable car ride up the mountain, explore the French Village, and take in the panoramic views of the city. 

Later take a day trip to Hoi An, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most visited places in Asia. The town is  full of charming architecture and historic landmarks. In the afternoon, explore the Hoi An ancient town. Visit the Japanese Covered Bridge, the Assembly Hall of the Fujian Chinese Congregation and the Tan Ky Old House. In the evening take a stroll along the riverfront and enjoy the lantern lit streets of Hoi An. Visit the Night Market and immerse yourself in the magical atmosphere while trying out local street food. For dinner, Enjoy a lovely dinner at Mango Mango, a riverside restaurant offering fusion cuisine.

Day 8 : Check out Ho chi Minh before leaving

You may have been told that Ho Chi Minh is hectic and crazy, but try checking it out between your inbound and outbound flights. Give it a chance and it may grow on you. Here I am only listing a few main attractions which you can easily explore in a day. You can conveniently get around these attractions by walking once you are in centre of the city. Start with War remnants museum. The museum is themed on Vietnam War and it will give you the local perspective on war including the challenges they continue to face from the heavy bombing and Agent Orange chemicals used during the conflict. After the museum continue to Saigon post office, a beautiful building built by French colonists. The Saigon Notre Dame basilica is definitely worth a quick peek too. If you still have time, spend some time at Phạm Ngũ Lão Street. It's fun and vibrant, packed with lots of restaurants, bars and street food vendors. 

  There is definitely much more to Vietnam,  than what is included in this 8 day itinerary. But if a week is all that you have, don't let it discourage you. Go ahead and follow this itinerary. You will have covered the best that Vietnam has to offer.