Day 1: Hanoi arrival
Hanoi
- Fly into HanoiStart north and move south once. Do not loop back.
- Old quarter food walkThe first night is small bowls and early sleep.
The route, day by day
Vietnam North South Thread
Vietnam
Hanoi and Ha Long first, then one internal flight south for Hoi An and a final Saigon day.
- Region
- Vietnam
- Window
- Feb-Apr or Oct-Nov
- Length
- 8 days
- Expected budget
- $3,885
The route, day by day
Stops
Hanoi / Ha Long Bay / Hoi An / Ho Chi Minh City
Day 2: Hanoi street day
Hanoi
- Old quarter morningWalk early, then break in the heat.
- Booked dinner or simple phoKeep the spend flexible. Vietnam rewards both ends.
Day 3: Ha Long water
Ha Long
- Transfer to Ha LongUse a morning transfer so the water time is not pinched.
- Ha Long cruise dayChoose the boat by route and safety record, not the buffet.
Day 4: Fly south to Hoi An
Hoi An
- Internal flight via Da NangThis is the cleanest way to make the north-south thread work.
- Hoi An lantern eveningArrive before dark and let the evening stay simple.
Day 5: Hoi An slow day
Hoi An
- Old town earlySee the streets before the heat and shopping buses.
- Market lunchKeep the best meal in daylight.
Day 6: Coast or rest
Hoi An
- Beach or village morningChoose one light half-day and protect the evening.
- Open dinner blockUse the buffer if rain, tailoring, or a delayed flight changes the shape.
Day 7: Saigon final day
Ho Chi Minh City
- Fly to Ho Chi Minh CityA second internal flight buys a cleaner exit.
- Saigon food nightThis is the louder final note.
Day 8: Leave from Saigon
Ho Chi Minh City
- Final morning bufferDo not put a long excursion before the international flight.
- Fly home from Ho Chi Minh CityOpen-jaw flights save a full lost day.