Rice terraces, limestone islands, imperial tombs, and street food that turns strangers into regulars, Vietnam packs an unreasonable amount into one country. A first trip usually means deciding how much of the north, central, and south you can comfortably fit in, since covering all three on a short holiday can feel rushed. In this guide, we’ll show you ten destinations in Vietnam on which to base your itinerary, what to eat, what to do, and how much each place costs.

So, let’s start with the places that deserve a spot on your first Vietnam itinerary. 

1. Hanoi 

Vietnam's capital throws you straight into the deep end, with Old Quarter alleys packed with scooters, vendors, and centuries of history layered together. Explore the lakeside streets of Hoan Kiem and, if you want to see the renowned Train Street from an ideal viewing spot, verify the latest laws on access, as the city has restricted access to the tracks for safety concerns.

Include the Temple of Literature and a water puppet show. Try bun cha and egg coffee before you leave. We would give Hanoi two or three days, using it as your base for Ha Long Bay and Sapa.

2. Ha Long Bay

Thousands of limestone karsts emerge straight out of emerald water, and an overnight cruise is the best way to experience them. Kayaking through hidden lagoons, cave visits, and sunrise from the top deck usually round out the itinerary.

If your budget allows, we recommend an overnight cruise over rushing this in a day. Book a boat with real reviews, not just the cheapest option. Cruises start around USD 60 to 80 per person, with March to April or October to November bringing the calmest seas.

3. Ninh Binh

Often called Ha Long Bay on land, Ninh Binh trades open water for river caves winding between limestone towers and rice paddies. A rowboat ride through Tam Coc or Trang An is one of Vietnam's quieter, more meditative experiences.

A half day is ideal for renting a bike to explore Mua Cave, which is followed by a viewpoint above it that provides one of the best panoramic views in the north. History buffs can visit the ancient capital of Vietnam, Hoa Lu, which is nearby and is an easy day trip from Hanoi.

4. Sapa

Terraced rice fields climb the hillsides here, and trekking through them brings you into contact with H'mong and Dao ethnic minority communities. Overnight homestays let you experience local life beyond a day trip, with treks routing through Cat Cat or Ta Van village.

If you do not plan on trekking to the top of the mountain, you may take the cable car to the highest point in Indochina: Fansipan. September is the golden harvest time; May and June are the greenest fields. Bring multiple layers to deal with cooler mountain conditions.

5. Hoi An

Silk lanterns light up the old town every evening, and the place feels frozen between a trading port and a postcard. Hoi An is one of the best shopping stops in Vietnam, and tailors can turn around personalized apparel within 24 to 48 hours.

The Japanese Covered Bridge and the old merchant houses are places to stop on the way by day, before the lanterns do the rest. The nearby Cua Dai and An Bang beaches are located nearby. Eat cao lau noodles, a specialty of this town.

6. Da Nang

Da Nang balances city comforts with beach time better than almost anywhere else in Vietnam. The Golden Bridge at Ba Na Hills, held up by giant stone hands, draws crowds for good reason, and the surrounding park fills a full day.

The Dragon Bridge’s fire and water show starts at 9 pm on Friday, Saturday and Sunday (depending on local scheduling). My Khe Beach suits a relaxed afternoon between sightseeing. The trip to Hoi An takes less than an hour from Da Nang, so we would base our tours from Da Nang.

7. Hue

Hue carries the weight of Vietnam's imperial past, with the Citadel and royal tombs spread along the Perfume River. Cycle or take a boat between them for a slower, more atmospheric approach to visit the tomb sites.

The local cuisine counts among Vietnam's finest, and bun bo Hue is worth seeking out for its deeper, spicier broth. A half day will be sufficient to explore the Citadel, and a full day if the outlying tombs are included.

8. Ho Chi Minh City

Formerly Saigon, this southern hub moves fast and rewards travellers who dig past the surface. The War Remnants Museum provides a stark reminder of the recent past, and at night, Bui Vien Street is a lively area with bars and food stalls.

French colonial architecture around the Notre Dame Cathedral and Central Post Office deserves an hour of wandering. The Cu Chi Tunnels make a worthwhile half-day trip outside the city. Two to three days is generally enough before heading to the Mekong Delta or Phu Quoc.

9. Mekong Delta

The Mekong Delta south of Ho Chi Minh City is a landscape of green water channels, floating markets and river villages that live at another speed to the bustling urban scene. It is worth getting up early for the Cai Rang floating market, as the boat ride is worth it.

Sampling fresh tropical fruit straight from a passing boat is part of the experience, along with stops at small workshops making coconut candy or rice paper by hand. Ben Tre and Can Tho offer a quieter version of the delta. One or two days cover the essentials.

10. Phu Quoc Island

The largest island in Vietnam is a perfect ending to a trip: white sand beaches, blue water and a slower pace than on the mainland. The western views of the sunsets are really second to none, and the cable car to Hon Thom Island is a half-day activity.

Phu Quoc also has a special visa exemption allowing eligible foreign passport holders to stay on the island for up to 30 days. Travellers who transit through an international entry point and continue directly to Phu Quoc may also qualify. If you are travelling to the mainland, please check the visa requirements for your Indian passport as the island exemption does not automatically apply.

Planning Your Trip: Costs, Transport, and Visa Basics

Vietnam is one of the best value places in South East Asia and sorting out the details in advance can prevent unexpected surprises on arrival. Here’s everything you need to know before you book.

• Budget: Expect to budget around USD 30 to 50 per day for meals, local transport and general day-to-day activities. This does not include things like Ha Long Bay cruises, Ba Na Hills tickets or domestic flights.
• Transport: Domestic flights connect major cities for speed and shorter excursions, while trains and buses are for travellers with more relaxation and a preference for scenery.
• Visa: Indians require a visa to enter Vietnam. The simplest is an e-Visa, which is good for up to 90 days. The entry fee is USD 25 for a single Entry and USD 50 multiple entry visa.
• Processing: Results are generally issued within around three working days, though applying early is sensible.
• Weather: March to May generally offers favourable conditions across much of the country, but the north, central coast, south, and Phu Quoc each follow different rainfall patterns, so check your specific destinations.

Why Choose IPR Holidays

Ten destinations across three regions can be a lot to plan on your own, especially when you are trying to line up flights, hotels, transfers, sightseeing and visa requirements at the same time. That is where we can make things easier. At IPR Holidays, we offer Vietnam tour packages along with visa assistance, flight and hotel booking, transportation, sightseeing and professional travel support.

We also help you stay on top of the smaller details that can easily get missed, from visa documents and application timing to making sure your travel arrangements actually connect properly.

We have offices in Aluva, New Delhi, Guwahati, Alappuzha, and Mumbai, and also a presence in Hanoi, Vietnam, which combines support of India and local destination reach. IATA & Ministry of Tourism, Government of India recognition offers another level of confidence when you arrange your vacation with us.

Ready for your first Vietnam holiday? Contact us today to plan the route, manage the details, and make the most of every day you spend there.