It’s impossible to get bored in Vietnam, with its chaotic cities and tranquil rural villages coexisting together.
If you have a month to spend in Vietnam, you can visit both the north and the south and eat some of the best food in the world.
Can you extend your Vietnam eVisa?
Travelers can stay up to 30 days in Vietnam with their approved Vietnam eVisa. If they wish to stay longer than one month, they can apply for a visa extension or renew their eVisa.
There are various options to extend your stay in Vietnam by more than a month. Learn how your approved eVisa can get an extension.
One month in Vietnam
We’ve put out a one-month itinerary that includes all of the top spots in Vietnam.
Hanoi: 2-3 days
It’s a great place to start your trip. Bikes whizzing by, glistening lakes, and majestic temples are all trademarks of this city. The searing summer heat and Hanoian street food create a sensory storm.
While in Hanoi, take an open-topped bus to see the highlights. Explore the Temple of Literature; visit Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum, Ho Chi Minh House, and the Ho Chi Minh Museum; take a stroll around Tay Ho’s West Lake (Tay Ho) and discover the city’s many facets. Try the famous Hanoian dish Bun Cha of Bun Cha Ta restaurant at 21 Nguyễn Hữu Huân.
Sapa: 3 days
Sapa is awe-inspiring when the weather is clear. The magnificent rice terraces and nearby waterfalls are easily accessible by motorbike.
Trekking with a native guide is the most popular activity in Sapa. This includes a homestay where you get to spend the night in their house and eat dinner with them. If you’re looking for a day trip, head south on Mung Hoa Road and take one of the valley’s many trails. Explore the rice terraces by following the winding trails from the bottom.
Renting a scooter is another fun way to spend the day. Make your way to the always-busy Silver Waterfall and the enchanting Love Waterfall. The vista is worth the small entrance fee of 35,000 VND ($1.57USD) and the 30-minute trek through the forest.
Halong Bay: 3 Days
Halong Bay undoubtedly is a popular tourist destination—even in the winter. All of the beautiful landscape may be seen while relaxing aboard a luxury cruise liner, or if you want, you can choose a booze cruise.
Boat activities include Tai Chi workshops, cooking demonstrations and kayaking amongst the karsts, swimming, visiting local fishing towns, and seeing caves on the itinerary.
Ha, Long Dragon Gold Cruises offers two- or three-day trips around the bay. You may explore Halong Bay and sleep on the boat for as little as $145 per room for two guests, making it an affordable option.
Ninh Binh: 2 Days
Travel from Hanoi to Ninh Binh and rent a scooter to visit Trang An National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. For those who want to have a closer look at the caves, this tour is for you!
Fuel up your scooter the following day and head to Cuc Phuong National Park. Cuc Phuong is Vietnam’s largest and oldest national park, located around 40 kilometers from Ninh Binh. Some of the park’s most notable features include a cave where a prehistoric man lived and a 1,000-year-old tree that is believed to be the oldest. The park has a variety of lodging options to suit all budgets and tastes.
Phong Nha: 3 Days
In the countryside around the town, you’ll find friendly locals and several caves. Son Doong Cave, the world’s largest cave, is located in this area. If you’ve only seen drone footage of this massive cave, you will be tempted to include it in your itinerary. Also, we highly recommend visiting both Dark Cave and Paradise Cave, as they are two completely different experiences.
Explore the region by renting a motorcycle. Even if you’ve never driven a motorcycle before, this area is a terrific location to get started. Motorbike rentals are available next door at Easy Tiger Hostel, the town’s largest and best hostel.
Hue: 1 day
Hue, the old capital of Vietnam, is a charming place to visit. There’s a lot of history here, as one might expect, to be discovered through the city’s landmarks and structures.
One day is more than enough time to see Hue’s historical sites–The Citadel (Imperial City), The Tombs, Tien Mu Pagoda, and a boat cruise along the Perfume River. Taking a sail up the Perfume River from your hotel or guesthouse to the Tien Mu Pagoda is a great way to spend a day in Hue and see the city and its surroundings.
Hoi An: 4-6 Days:
You’ll understand why tourists flock to this city once you arrive. You can easily spend two weeks if you have enough time.
One of Vietnam’s most cheap and delectable fast food options is the Bánh m baguette sandwich. Banh My Phuong is the place to go for the greatest banh mi in town. Hoi An is the only spot in the world where you can get your hands on authentic Cao luu noodles. The Hoi An White Rose, a dainty dumpling filled with pork or shrimp, is another popular dish in this area.
Da Lat: 3-4 days
Da Lat has a lot to offer its visitors outside the city limits despite its size. Once you go deep enough into the mountains, the dense pine trees and cascading waterfalls will make you wonder if it’s Vietnam.
Ho Chi Minh City/ Saigon: 3-4 days
Saigon is Hanoi’s chicer, more cosmopolitan twin city. It features fewer genuine buildings and more flashing advertisements. However, Saigon has a lot more to tell. Visit the War Remnants Museum to learn about Vietnam’s history of independence. Also, book a guided tour of Cu Chi tunnels, which were used for fighting and hiding during the war.
The nightlife scene in Saigon is unquestionably the best in Vietnam. Check out Chill Skybar, a rooftop bar that offers stunning views of the city. Alternatively, you may head to Lush Nightclub or one of the many live music places. In Saigon, one of the most well-known eateries is Hum Café. Check it out while you’re in Ho Chi Minh City for one of your three days.
