Vietnam is an incredibly diverse country. In the north you will find insanely high mountains and beautiful landscapes while the middle and south of Vietnam are actually known for culture and history. Use this itinerary Vietnam in 4 weeks to map out your trip and save the great spots.
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Tip: In this travel itinerary Vietnam we link to more extensive articles about the destinations. Clicking on the link will take you to the article.
Travel route Vietnam from north to south or vice versa?
We recommend traveling from south to north in Vietnam. Why? The north is a lot nicer than the south. Once you have been to the north, the south will be very disappointing. As you travel from south to north, your journey will get more and more beautiful and you will end with the beautiful north.
It can be countered that by traveling from south to north in Vietnam you may be stuck in the south “too long” leaving less time for the north. Therefore, use this Vietnam itinerary for 4 weeks as a guide to the approximate number of days you will need at a destination.
Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon): 2 days
How to get to Ho Chi Minh: This itinerary Vietnam in 4 weeks starts in Ho Chi Minh City. There are a number of direct flights from any airport in the world to Ho Chi Minh City. These flights are often more expensive than flights with a transfer. Compare all options, prices and the cheapest dates for flights on Skyscanner.
If you travel to Vietnam from Cambodia, you can easily travel by bus from Phnom Penh to Ho Chi Minh City. Book tickets for the Giant Ibis bus in advance through 12GO.Asia.
Things to do in Ho Chi Minh: welcome to Vietnam! In Ho Chi Minh City, you are immediately introduced to Vietnam’s hundreds of motorbikes and chaotic traffic. Immediately dive into Vietnam’s history by visiting the Cu Chi Tunnels and the War Museum. Both activities are essential to learning more about the Vietnam War. Furthermore, there are not many sights and activities in Ho Chi Minh City, which gives you a chance to rest well after your long journey.
Highly recommended is to take a day tour to the Mekong Delta from Ho Chi Minh City. You can book this tour that combines the Cu Chi tunnels and the Mekong Delta. The guide will give a lot of information about the history and local life in the Mekong Delta. It is very interesting to learn more about this.
Accommodation in Ho Chi Minh: Thao Nhi is one of the best budget hotels in Ho Chi Minh City. The hotel is just a 2-minute walk from the city center. If you are looking for a more luxurious hotel, close to the center, the Au Lac Charner Hotel is a good choice. This hotel even has a rooftop pool, so you can relax properly after your long journey and start your tour of Vietnam full of energy.
Tip: Check out the image below for the nicest hostels in Vietnam. Based on our own experiences and those of dozens of other travelers, we have listed the 3 best hostels for each destination.
Dalat: 3 days
How to get to Dalat: From Ho Chi Minh City, you can travel comfortably by sleeper bus to Dalat. Sleeper buses also run during the day. The name “sleeper bus” indicates the type of bus: the sleeper bus has little mattresses on which you can lie comfortably. Transportation in Vietnam is really well organized and reliable. You can buy bus tickets online through 12GO.Asia. The bus trip from Ho Chi Minh to Dalat takes about 8 hours.
Things to do in Dalat: Dalat is at an altitude of 1,500 meters, in the mountains of southern Vietnam. Dalat has a lovely cool climate, perfect for recovering from the heat. There are also many fun outdoor activities such as ziplining, alpine coaster ride and canyoning. Canyoning involves swimming, climbing and abseiling along waterfalls and through the river.
In addition, it is recommended to take a day tour with the easyriders in Dalat. On this tour, you will discover unique places where almost no other tourists visit and get to know the beautiful surroundings of Dalat. Easyrider Quy is a great guide to go out with in the Dalat area. You can send him a message via WhatsApp at +84 908 620 055.
Finally, a visit to the Crazy House is worthwhile in Dalat. Its remarkable architecture makes it a funny activity. In addition, it is really recommended to go to the Maze Bar in the evening. After entering, you have to go through a kind of maze of several floors before you get to the bar. It is always pleasantly crowded here in the evening with many travelers.
Accommodation in Dalat: our recommendation in Dalat is the Tigon Hostel. It is a 25-minute walk from the city center, but with the pleasant climate, it is quite doable. You can also take a Grab cab for 20,000 dong. From the hostel you have breathtaking views of the surrounding area. Furthermore, fun activities are also organized and it is very social. The Dalat Family Hostel is also a cozy hostel, with private rooms available if needed.
Optional: 5 day easyrider tour
One of the most special experiences in Vietnam is the easyrider tour from Dalat to Hoi An. Although few travelers make this trip, we chose to include it in this 4-week Vietnam itinerary. The reason is that it is a unique experience where you get to know the real Vietnam.
Quy will arrange all the details for the easyrider tour, including overnight accommodations. Along the way, you will stop at local houses and villages, introducing you to Vietnam in a very different way. Among other things, you will swim at a remote waterfall where hardly anyone comes and visit local villages. If you have enough time and have become excited, we encourage you to read our comprehensive article for more information and a better picture of this experience. If you have less time, you can always send a message to Quy (+84 908 620 055) to cover part of the route in 3 days.
Hoi An: 4 days
How to get to Hoi An: If you take the easyrider tour with Quy, he will drop you off at your accommodation in Hoi An. Traveling by night bus from Dalat? Then you can arrange your tickets at your accommodation in Dalat or through 12GO.Asia. We always use 12GO.Asia for all our bus tours in Vietnam and it is always well organized. It’s nice to be sure you have a seat on the bus. In addition, you can also read the reviews on the buses to choose the best option.
Things to do in Hoi An: Although Hoi An does not have many activities, it is a beautiful town for a stroll through. Hoi An’s old town is decorated with lights, lanterns and colorful houses. Especially in the evening there is a cozy atmosphere where you can enjoy a relaxing walk. There is a reason Hoi An is described as the nicest and most atmospheric town in Vietnam. In addition, you can take a fun cooking class in Hoi An, take a boat ride on the iconic coconut boats and relax on the beach. Check out our list of the 15 attractions in Hoi An to make a nice travel plan.
Accommodation in Hoi An: The first thing to decide is whether you prefer to stay near the beach or in the old town. Personally, we prefer the old town. During the day you can easily take a bike or Grab cab from the old town to the beach. In the evening, you can then enjoy a stroll through the old town, where you can dine and go souvenir hunting.
Numerous charming accommodations can be found in Hoi An’s old town. One of our favorites is iHome, a beautiful hotel with a nice pool. The breakfast is excellent and the rooms are fantastic. They offer several private rooms, but if you are traveling alone, the dormitory is also a good option.
Another great accommodation in Hoi An is Hoi An Odyssey Hotel & Spa. It is located near the old town and offers views of the river. The rooms are spacious, clean and there is a beautiful swimming pool. If you are looking for a budget-friendly option in Hoi An, Longan Homestay is an excellent choice. It is just a 1-minute walk from the old town and you can rent bikes cheaply.
If you still prefer to stay close to the beach, Red Flower Cottages is our favorite place. It is just a 1-minute walk from the beach and there is a very friendly host on hand who still recommends fun activities in Hoi An.
Tam Coc / Ninh Binh: 3 days
How to get to Tam Coc: First, it is important to know that the province is called Ninh Binh, but the quaint village with the beautiful surroundings is Tam Coc. So make sure you travel to Tam Coc and book your accommodation here as well. From Hoi An, the bus takes between 12 and 16 hours. We recommend taking the overnight bus so you can arrive in Tam Coc in the morning and rest by the pool. Tickets, times and reviews on the buses can again be seen on 12GO.Asia.
Things to do in Tam Coc: In this Vietnam itinerary, this is your first introduction to northern Vietnam. Tam Coc is also known as the “Halong Bay on land.” Everywhere you see impressive limestone rock formations rising from the ground. It’s great to bike or drive among these and enjoy the beautiful view. In addition, you can take a fun boat ride that takes you past various temples and caves. It is also recommended to climb to the Mua viewpoint: climb 500 steps and you will be rewarded with a spectacular view of the surroundings. For more specific information, you can read our extensive article on Tam Coc.
Accommodation in Tam Coc: The very best accommodation in Tam Coc is Tam Coc Mountain Bungalow. Here you can choose whether to stay in the hostel or in a private bungalow by the pool. It truly feels like an oasis of calmness here. In addition, Banana Tree Hostel is a super social hostel in Tam Coc where you will meet many other solo travelers.
Cat Ba: 3 days
How to get to Cat Ba: From Tam Coc, you can easily travel to Cat Ba by bus. The bus ride takes an average of 4 hours and again you can book the tickets online through 12GO.Asia.
Things to do in Cat Ba: Cat Ba is best known for its beautiful nature and overnight cruise to Lan Ha Bay and Halong Bay. During this cruise, you will sail past the distinctive limestone rocks among which you will kayak and swim. Waking up among the rocks on the water is an insane feeling.
Make sure you don’t just come to Cat Ba for this two-day cruise, but also plan a full day to explore Cat Ba on your own on a motorbike. There are plenty of fun sights to enjoy in Cat Ba.
Accommodation in Cat Ba: You have the option in Cat Ba to stay in the center on the southeast side of the island. There you will encounter many (Vietnamese) tourists, but you are close to all the restaurants and sights. The Catba View hotel is a good choice if you choose this location.
Alternatively, you can choose to stay a little further from the center in accommodations with great views and excellent quality. In our opinion, JoyStay is the most beautiful accommodation on Cat Ba. You can enjoy a stay in a beautiful bungalow surrounded by nature.
For those looking for a lively atmosphere and a beautiful garden, we recommend Secret Garden. This is the most beautiful and fun hostel on Cat Ba. Here you can eat delicious food and enjoy a lot of conviviality.
Optional: Ha Giang: 4 days
How to get to Ha Giang: To get to Ha Giang from Cat Ba, you can take the bus which takes an average of 12 hours. You have the choice of traveling during the day or taking the night bus. Tickets for this can be booked through 12GO.Asia, but you can also check with your hostel in Ha Giang if you plan to ride the loop with a hostel tour.
Doing in Ha Giang: Ha Giang is known for one thing: the 4-day motorcycle run. The Ha Giang Loop is known worldwide as one of the most beautiful motorcycle rides. For four days, you will drive through the mountains of northern Vietnam and enjoy spectacular views. At night, there is a lot of socializing at the homestays. For an extensive report and all the information, including booking information and a packing list, check out our super comprehensive article.
Accommodation in Ha Giang: We did the Ha Giang Loop ourselves with Mama’s Hostel. Here you can stay for free the night before the run. If you prefer to rest in a hotel instead of a hostel after the run, Yen Bien Hotel is a recommended place to book.
Tip: Most young people between the ages of 20 and 35 choose to do the Ha Giang Loop. If you do not feel like riding the loop or are not comfortable on a motorbike, you can go to Sapa from Cat Ba and skip the loop. In that case, we recommend booking one extra night in Hoi An, one extra night in Sapa, one extra night in Cat Ba and one extra night in Tam Coc in this Vietnam itinerary. If you prefer to visit a new destination, we recommend Phong Nha, where you will find the largest cave in the world. Another fun destination if you are interested in Vietnam’s history is Hué in central Vietnam.
Sapa: 3 days
How to get to Sapa: To get to Sapa, you can take a direct bus from Ha Giang. This ride takes about 6 hours. Along the way, you can enjoy breathtaking views of the mountains and rice fields of northern Vietnam. We recommend taking this route during the day so you can stare out the window and dream away. For various options, you can again visit our favorite booking site, 12GO.Asia, or arrange it through your accommodation.
Things to do in Sapa: The region of Sapa is known for its beautiful green rice fields, which are cascading. A great way to enjoy the area is to take a multi-day trek. You can choose to hike for one day, but there are also multi-day treks you can arrange. During these treks, you will stay overnight at the guide’s home in a homestay. Read our experience of the two-day trek in Sapa here.
Accommodation in Sapa: a very nice and affordable accommodation is Sapa Alley Homestay. If you plan to explore the beautiful surroundings of Sapa by motorbike, you can rent it cheaply here. If you prefer a slightly more luxurious hotel, Sapa Relax Hotel & Spa comes highly recommended. For only €35 a night, you can enjoy a perfect stay at this beautiful hotel.
Hanoi: 3 days
How to get to Hanoi: From Sapa, you can get to Hanoi by bus in 6 hours. The first 3 hours of this bus ride are again insanely beautiful. Most buses drop you off at the main bus station, outside Hanoi’s old quarter. From here you can book a Grab to take you to your hotel.
Things to do in Hanoi: Vietnam’s capital is very different from Ho Chi Minh City. Hanoi is more atmospheric and offers some more fun activities. We highly recommend taking a nice bike tour on your first day in Hanoi, so you will immediately become familiar with the city and know where to find the interesting spots. The enthusiastic guide provides a detailed explanation of Vietnam’s history and present.
In addition, be sure to visit the famous Train Street. The train here runs just 20 centimeters away from you through the narrow streets of Hanoi. Furthermore, you can dive into Vietnam’s history by visiting Hoa Lo Prison, the Military Museum and the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum. For more information on the 10 best activities and attractions in Hanoi, you can read our article.
Accommodation in Hanoi: In terms of accommodation in Hanoi, it is recommended to stay in Hanoi’s nicest district: the Old Quarter. In this atmospheric neighborhood, you can visit everything within walking distance. Especially in the evening, the Old Quarter comes alive.
In the Old Quarter you will find the excellent Hanoi Center Silk Hotel. This is a great choice for travelers on a limited budget. In this hotel, there are very comfortable beds and the staff is super helpful. If you have a little more to spend and are looking for a more luxurious room, the very fine L’Heritage Hotel comes highly recommended. Are you looking for a cozy hostel instead? The Buffalo Hostel and Little Charm are most popular amongst solo travelers and are very nice hostels to stay at for your last days in Hanoi.
End of itinerary Vietnam in 4 weeks
This itinerary for Vietnam in 4 weeks has exactly 30 days. If you don’t want to do the Ha Giang Loop or the easyrider tour, we recommend staying a little longer in Hoi An, Tam Coc and Cat Ba. Should you want to include another destination in your Vietnam travel itinerary, you can visit Phong Nha. In Phong Nha, you will find the largest cave in the world and will tour through insane landscapes. Furthermore, Hué in central Vietnam is worth visiting if you are interested in Vietnam’s imperial history.
Want more detailed information about destinations? Then check out all of our Vietnam articles.
