16 days in Vietnam Itinerary

Formerly known in the West as Saigon and affectionately referred to as the "Pearl of the Far East," Ho Chi Minh City is a study of old and new, woven and piled together in a fast-paced urban hub.

On the 1st (Fri), spend an adventurous day with a kayaking and canoeing tour. There's still lots to do: make a trip to Cu Chi Tunnels, admire the striking features of Central Post Office, take an in-depth tour of War Remnants Museum, and hunt for treasures at Ben Thanh Market.

To find reviews, traveler tips, and more tourist information, read Ho Chi Minh City online day trip planner.

Sydney, Australia to Ho Chi Minh City is an approximately 12.5-hour flight. The time zone difference when traveling from Sydney to Ho Chi Minh City is minus 3 hours. Plan for somewhat warmer temperatures traveling from Sydney in November, with highs in Ho Chi Minh City at 38°C and lows at 28°C. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 2nd (Sat) so you can catch the flight to Duong Dong.

A holiday in Duong Dong offers cultural diversity, great nature experiences, and a variety of educational and kid-friendly attractions.

Duong Dong is known for wildlife, beaches, and shopping. Your trip includes some of its best attractions: see what you can catch with Truly Vietnam Travel, experience rural life at Phu Quoc Countryside, relax and rejuvenate at LunaThaiSpa, and take in the spiritual surroundings of Dinh Ba Thuy Long Thanh Mau.

For where to stay, maps, more things to do, and other tourist information, you can read our Duong Dong road trip planning app.

You can fly from Ho Chi Minh City to Duong Dong in 3 hours. Other options are to do a combination of car and ferry; or do a combination of bus and ferry. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 5th (Tue) to allow time to fly to Hoi An.

Indisputably one of Vietnam's most atmospheric destinations, Hoi An contains a World Heritage-listed old town boasting over 2,000 years of culture and history.

Change things up with these side-trips from Hoi An: Da Nang (Tran Thi Ly Bridge & Dacotours - Da Nang Travel Agency). There's much more to do: indulge in some personalized pampering at some of the best spas, explore the striking landscape at The Marble Mountains, view the masterpieces at Gallery 180, and snap pictures at Japanese Covered Bridge.

To find maps, ratings, reviews, and tourist information, go to the Hoi An day trip planning tool.

Fly from Duong Dong to Hoi An in 3.5 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of ferry and car; or do a combination of ferry, bus, and train. December in Hoi An sees daily highs of 29°C and lows of 23°C at night. Finish your sightseeing early on the 8th (Fri) to allow enough time to drive to Hue.

Nestled on the banks of the Perfume River, the city of Hue remains most famous as the former home of the Nguyen Dynasty, the influence of which remains evident in local palaces, temples, forts, and museums.

Kick off your visit on the 9th (Sat): admire the landmark architecture of Thien Mu Pagoda, then steep yourself in history at Imperial City, and then sample some tasty brews at a beer tour and tasting.

For traveler tips, where to stay, and other tourist information, you can read our Hue online attractions planner.

Traveling by car from Hoi An to Hue takes 3 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or do a combination of taxi and train; or take a bus. Traveling from Hoi An in December, expect nights in Hue to be about the same, around 21°C, while days are a bit cooler, around 26°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 9th (Sat) to allow time to drive to Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park.

Marked by underground rivers, famous caves, limestone cliffs, and tropical rainforests, Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park wows visitors with a spectacular range of landscapes and wildlife.

Kick off your visit on the 10th (Sun): Head underground at Phong Nha Caves and then surround yourself with nature on a nature and wildlife tour.

For where to stay, more things to do, reviews, and other tourist information, go to the Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park day trip planning site.

You can drive from Hue to Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park in 3 hours. Other options are to take a train; or take a bus. Cap off your sightseeing on the 10th (Sun) early enough to catch the flight to Hanoi.

The capital of Vietnam, Hanoi has bounded back from the effects of war, and today serves as a bustling commercial and cultural hub bursting at the seams.

Hanoi is known for historic sites, spas, and nightlife. Your trip includes some of its best attractions: appreciate the extensive heritage of Old Quarter, see Off-Road Tours, don't miss a visit to Temple of Literature & National University, and contemplate the waterfront views at Lake of the Restored Sword (Hoan Kiem Lake).

To find reviews, where to stay, other places to visit, and tourist information, use the Hanoi vacation planning site.

You can fly from Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park to Hanoi in 2.5 hours. Other options are to drive; or take a bus. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 13th (Wed) to allow time to travel to Halong Bay.

Halong Bay encompasses a cluster of verdant limestone islets that jut out from the sea and make up an enchanting setting recognized as a World Heritage Site.

Kick off your visit on the 14th (Thu): get a new perspective on things with Boat Tours & Water Sports, snap pictures at Pont Bai Chay, and then contemplate the waterfront views at Hạ Long Bay.

For other places to visit, ratings, maps, and tourist information, you can read our Halong Bay trip planner.

Traveling by combination of bus and ferry from Hanoi to Halong Bay takes 5 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of train, car, and ferry; or do a combination of bus, flight, and ferry. Cap off your sightseeing on the 15th (Fri) early enough to travel back home.