Vietnam north to south: a 9-day route

Vietnam is long and thin, and the classic mistake is trying to see all of it. Nine days, moving broadly north to south with short internal flights, gives you the three faces of the country — capital, coast and commerce — without living out of a suitcase.

Days 1–3: Hanoi & Halong Bay

Start in Hanoi — the tangled old quarter, egg coffee, and a water-puppet show. Then head out for an overnight cruise on Halong Bay (or the quieter Lan Ha Bay), kayaking between the limestone karsts and waking up to mist on the water.

The overnight cruise is the splurge worth making. A day trip only shows you the traffic of getting there.

Days 4–6: Hoi An

Fly to Da Nang and base in Hoi An — a lantern-lit old town of tailors, riverside cafés and a genuinely lovely beach ten minutes away. Order a suit or dress on day one so it’s ready before you leave. This is the trip’s slow, romantic middle.

Days 7–9: Ho Chi Minh City & the Delta

Fly south to Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) for its museums, markets and street-food scooter tours, with an easy day trip to the Mekong Delta or Cu Chi tunnels. It’s the country’s loud, modern counterpoint to Hanoi.

Practical notes

• When to go: the country spans climates — broadly Feb–Apr is a safe bet nationwide; the central coast is driest Feb–Aug.
• Visa: Indians need an e-Visa (up to 90 days), applied for online in advance. Reconfirm the latest rules before you book.
• Flights: around 5h from Indian metros; internal hops keep the route quick.

Want it more beach-heavy, or with a Sapa trekking add-on up north? We’ll tailor the nine days around your pace.