13 Days Itinerary in Vietnam – Vietnam Budget Tour

Experience the best of Vietnam in just 13 days with our comprehensive trip that covers all the must-visit cities and attractions. From the antique city of Hue to the ancient town of Hoi An, from the bustling metropolis of Ho Chi Minh City to the charming capital of Hanoi, this trip has it all.

Day 1: You will arrive at Hanoi airport where our friendly driver will greet you and transfer you to your hotel. The rest of the day is free for you to relax and explore the city on your own.

Day 2: The second day starts with a guided tour of Hanoi, including visits to the Ho Chi Minh complex, the Temple of Literature, and the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology. In the afternoon, you can take a stroll through the bustling streets of the Old Quarter and experience the daily life of the locals. In the evening, you will board a night train to Lao Cai.

Day 3: You will arrive in Lao Cai and be transferred to Sapa, a picturesque town nestled in the mountains. After a local breakfast, you will embark on a trekking adventure to the nearby villages, passing through lush rice paddy terraces and scenic landscapes. You will also have the opportunity to interact with the local ethnic minorities and learn about their way of life. In the evening, you will stay in a homestay with a local family.

Day 3 – 4: The fourth day is filled with more trekking as you explore the stunning Muong Hoa Valley and visit the villages of Black Hmong and Giay minorities. You can also take a refreshing dip in the nearby river before heading back to Sapa for the night train back to Hanoi.

Throughout the trip, you will have the chance to taste delicious local cuisine, immerse yourself in the rich culture and history of Vietnam, and make unforgettable memories. So pack your bags and get ready for an amazing journey from North to South Vietnam, filled with surprises and adventures.

After enjoying a delicious breakfast, you will depart for Giang Ta Chai village, home to the Red Dao minority group. The trek will take you through a beautiful bamboo forest that is part of Hoang Lien National Park. Along the way, you will pass by a romantic waterfall where you can take a rest and appreciate the stunning surroundings.

As you continue your trek, you will find a nice spot to enjoy a picnic lunch before making your way to Su Pan, a small village located by the road. From there, you will return to Sapa by car. You will have some free time until it is time to transfer to Lao Cai train station for your night train back to Hanoi. Dinner will be on your own and you will spend the night on the train.

Kayack in Halong Bay

Day 5 – 6: You will arrive at Hanoi train station in the morning and be transferred to your hotel for check-in and breakfast. Afterward, you will wait for the bus to take you on a trip to Halong Bay. Once you arrive at Halong, you will board a traditional wooden boat and embark on a cruise through the bay. You will have plenty of time to relax, sightsee, and even swim if the weather permits. You will also get to visit the Floating Fishing Village before having dinner on board and spending the night on the boat.

Wake up to the peaceful sounds of waves and birds as you welcome the new day on the bay. After breakfast, you will visit a beautiful limestone grotto and take a walk back to the boat for one last glimpse of Halong Bay while cruising back to the dock. From there, you will back to Hanoi where you will have dinner on your own and spend the night in the city.

Hoi An, Vietnam

Day 7 -8: You will transfer to Noi Bai airport for your flight to Hue. Upon arrival, you will be taken directly to your hotel. In the afternoon, you will embark on a tour of the city, including the Citadel, the Forbidden Purple City, the Imperial Museum, and Dong Ba market. Dinner will be on your own and you will spend the night in Hue.

After enjoying breakfast at your hotel, you will discover the ancient capital city by cruising down the Perfume River. You will visit Thien Mu Pagoda and the ornate Minh Mang’s tomb before having lunch at a local restaurant. In the afternoon, you will transfer to Hoi An, traveling over the Hai Van pass and stopping at Cham Museum and a handicraft village at the foot of Marble Mountain. Once you arrive in Hoi An, you will check into your hotel and have some free time to explore the town. Dinner will be on your own and you will spend the night in Hoi An.

Day 9: The ninth day is a free day for you to do some shopping or further explore the ancient town of Hoi An. Meals will be on your own and you will spend the night in Hoi An.

Day 10 in Hoi An marks the end of your stay in this charming, ancient town. After breakfast, you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Ho Chi Minh City, also known as Saigon. Upon arrival, you will be taken to your hotel where you can relax and unwind after your journey. The rest of the day is free for you to explore the city at your own pace. You can take a stroll through the bustling streets, visit local markets, or try some delicious Vietnamese cuisine. Overnight in Saigon.

Cu Chi Tunnel

Day 11, you will embark on a half-day tour to the Cu Chi Tunnels, a 200km-long network of underground tunnels that played a crucial role in the Vietnam War. These tunnels were used as living areas, storage facilities, and command centers by the Viet Cong soldiers. Despite being heavily bombed, the tunnels still stand as a testament to the resilience and ingenuity of the Vietnamese people. During the tour, you will watch a short video about the construction of the tunnels and then have the opportunity to explore them yourself. Afterward, enjoy some tea and cassava, a staple food for the guerrilla fighters during the war. In the afternoon, you will return to Saigon and the rest of the day is free for you to relax or continue exploring the city. Overnight in Saigon.

Ben Tre, Mekong Delta

Day 12 takes you on a scenic journey along the National Highway to My Tho, a small town in the Mekong Delta region. Along the way, you will stop at Vinh Trang Pagoda, one of the most well-known Buddhist temples in the area. Then, take a leisurely boat ride along the river and admire the stilt houses, fruit plantations, and fishing villages along the way. You will also visit Tortoise Islet and have lunch in an orchard garden. Next, you will take a hand-rowed sampan to An Khanh, a less touristy area in Ben Tre. Here, you can enjoy the peaceful atmosphere and traditional Southern Vietnamese folk music. You will also have the chance to taste seasonal fruits and honey tea, as well as observe the local way of life. Afterward, you will return to Saigon where you can spend the evening at your leisure. Overnight in Saigon.

On Day 13, your trip comes to an end as you are transferred to the airport for your flight back home. Take with you the memories of the beautiful places you’ve visited, the delicious food you’ve tasted, and the warm hospitality of the Vietnamese people. We hope you had a wonderful time in Vietnam and we look forward to welcoming you back again in the future.