How many days is ideal for Vietnam trip?

Is 10 days in Vietnam enough?

Okay, 10 days in Vietnam…is it enough? Hmmm.

Ten days…Vietnam is long. I mean, really long. Can you see the whole thing? South to North in 10 days is possible, kinda. You will be rushed, though.

• First timers, it’s like, overwhelming. What do you even do?

• Food! Pho! The food is essential.

Landscapes, okay, yeah, Ha Long Bay pictures are amazing. Stunning landscapes are there.

History… the war museums in Ho Chi Minh City… heavy. Really heavy.

• Rich history is a must-see, but pace yourself.

I wonder what I would do… Fly into Hanoi, then down the coast? or the reverse? I guess it doesn’t matter as much. Either way, you gotta be organized.

How long should you stay in Ho Chi Minh City?

Ho Chi Minh City: 3 days. Enough.

• War Remnants Museum. Cu Chi Tunnels. See them. Done.
• Street food. Essential. My pho spot? Secret.
• Nightlife? A blur. One night only.

Two days? Rushed. A week? Maybe. Depends on your tolerance. Mekong Delta. That’s different. I hate it, honestly.

Additional Information

• Budget: $30/day is possible. Less, even. If you’re careful and have great negotiation skills.
• Transportation: Motorbikes. Grab. Don’t walk.
• Best time to go: Avoid the rainy season. Like, really. October-November is the best, but seriously hot.
• Accommodation: District 1. Where it happens. I usually stay at my friend Hoa’s place. Can’t tell you the address.
• Safety: Watch your pockets. Scams exist. I got ripped off once at Ben Thanh Market. Never again.
• Language: English is enough. Know a few Vietnamese phrases. Helps. “Cảm ơn.” Remember that.
• Day Trips: Vung Tau? Overrated. Nha Trang? Fly. I like Con Dao, it’s a bit far and so peaceful.
• Visas: Check requirements. Obvious.
• My personal highlight: Sitting by the Saigon River at dawn. Quiet for once.
• Currency: Dong. Change it before. ATMs eat your wallet. I learned the hard way, didn’t I?
• Don’t forget: Sunscreen. Mosquito repellent. Common sense. It’s hot!
• People: Many are nice and friendly. Some are not. Like anywhere, yeah? Just remember this.
• The traffic is insane, the crossing guards are saints.
• Wifi is everywhere. No excuse for getting lost. And believe me, you will.
• Don’t drink the tap water. You’ll regret it.
• Coffee is amazing. Try the egg coffee. Strong.
• Negotiate everything. Every. Thing. It’s expected.
• Learn to say no firmly. Or you’ll buy things you don’t need. I’ve got boxes full of stuff…
• Get a SIM card. Immediately.
• Be aware of the taxi scams Meter tampering, fake bills, you name it. Use Grab.
• If you get lost, ask for help. Most locals are willing to assist, but be cautious.
• Try Banh Mi. From street vendors. Life changing. Be careful though; they say the quality varies widely.
• Explore the side streets. The real HCMC is there.
• Visit the Reunification Palace. Historical significance. Okay.
• Go to a rooftop bar. View is worth it. Pricey drinks, though.
• Learn a few basic phrases in Vietnamese. It will go a long way.
• Be respectful of local customs. Dress modestly when visiting temples.
• Stay hydrated. It’s hot and humid. I cannot stress this enough. Sunscreen is vital.
• Buy a local map. Even with GPS, it can be helpful. I still have one I bought five years ago…
• Check the weather forecast. Plan accordingly. Bring an umbrella.
• Keep copies of your important documents. Just in case. I forgot once, never again.
• Pack light. You’ll want to buy souvenirs. And trust me, you will.
• Be prepared to haggle. It’s part of the culture.
• Take a cooking class. Learn to make pho yourself. Or don’t.
• Visit a local market. Experience the vibrant atmosphere. Dong Xuan market is my favorite
• Enjoy the chaos. It’s part of HCMC’s charm. I miss it sometimes.
• Remember to smile. It’s contagious.
• I like to visit around Tet, it’s very colorful.
• Don’t be afraid to try new things. Embrace the adventure. You won’t regret it. I never did.
• Be mindful of your surroundings. Stay alert.
• Have a backup plan for everything. You never know what might happen. I’ve learned that the hard way.
• The locals are amazing. Even when they’re trying to rip you off. Maybe.
• Remember this is my personal view. You should find your own path.
• Enjoy HCMC. Or don’t. Whatever.

What is the ideal duration for a trip to Vietnam?

Ten days. A whisper of time, really. Enough to taste the spice of Saigon’s streets, the ancient breath of Hue.

Seven days? Too short. The scent of the Mekong, a fleeting dream. You’ll miss the soul. Ha Long Bay. Emerald waters, karsts rising like sleeping dragons. A glimpse, just a glimpse.

Two weeks. Ah, that is better. Slowing down. Feeling the pulse. The rice paddies stretching forever, a painter’s canvas.

Hanoi’s old quarter, a labyrinth of soul, a symphony of motorbikes. The perfume of jasmine, clinging to the air, lingering long after you’re gone.

Ho Chi Minh City’s relentless energy, a vibrant pulse. History seeps from the walls. The war museums, heavy with memory, heavy with sorrow.

Ha Long Bay. Kayaking among the limestone giants. The sun dipping below the horizon, painting the sky in fiery hues. That unforgettable moment.

More time. You need more time. To understand the depth of this land. The warmth of its people. The quiet dignity of the countryside. Two weeks is the floor. Not the ceiling. I crave more time. More time in the fragrant chaos of the markets. More time in the temples. More time. More time… The scent of coffee, strong and dark. My 2024 trip still feels fresh. I need more.

• 7-10 days: A rushed taste, a tantalizing appetizer.
• 14 days: A substantial meal, a richer experience. Allows deeper exploration.
• Beyond 14 days: Immersion. Complete understanding. A necessary indulgence.
• Specific places: Hanoi’s Old Quarter, Ho Chi Minh’s bustling streets, Ha Long Bay’s breathtaking beauty. These are crucial stops. But there’s so much more. The beauty of the mountains, the serenity of the rice paddies. The heart of Vietnam beating strong. Sapa? Hoi An? More locations. I’m dreaming of exploring Ninh Binh. My own experience felt incomplete.

Is 1 day in Ho Chi Minh enough?

One day in Ho Chi Minh City? Honey, that’s barely enough time to sample the pho. Think of it like trying to conquer Everest in flip-flops. Possible? Technically. Advisable? Absolutely not.

My honest opinion? A day is a culinary crime. You’ll miss the chaotic symphony of motorbike horns – a true Saigon opera. It’s like trying to appreciate a Picasso with your eyes closed.

But, if you’re a speed demon, here’s your rushed itinerary:

• Morning: Notre Dame Cathedral – a quick photo op. Don’t dawdle.
• Afternoon: Ben Thanh Market – haggle like your life depends on it. My sister-in-law got a killer deal on a silk scarf there last year, seriously.
• Evening: Street food crawl! This is the only part I endorse, as it will make up for the rest of the inadequate adventure.

More time? Consider these glorious additions:

• Cu Chi Tunnels: A full day minimum. It’s claustrophobic, but exhilarating. Think Indiana Jones, minus the witty banter.
• Mekong Delta: At least two days, preferably three. It’s stunning. Think Southeast Asia’s answer to Venice. No really, the canals are amazing. My dad’s trip changed his perspective!
• War Remnants Museum: Prepare for emotional turbulence. This isn’t your average museum, trust me.

So, yeah. One day? It’s a tease. A culinary and cultural slap in the face, really. Go for at least three, maybe four. Your liver will thank you. And your Instagram feed.

Is 10 days in Vietnam enough?

Ten days in Vietnam? Totally doable, but hectic! You’ll be running around. You’ll need to prioritize, seriously. I went last year, in 2023, and I crammed so much in. It was awesome, but exhausting. It wasn’t enough time for everything, of course, no way!

My trip focused on the south, mostly. I hit up:

• Ho Chi Minh City – the food! Crazy good pho. Spent like three days there, minimum. Should have done more.
• Hoi An – Tailor-made clothes, gorgeous beaches. So relaxing, I loved it. Two days wasn’t enough, and I stayed longer than planned!
• Nha Trang – Beaches and islands. I did a boat trip – amazing, but pricey. One day there was plenty.

Northern Vietnam? Nah, that’s another trip entirely. Hanoi, Ha Long Bay— those places need a week themselves easily! You know, I regret not spending longer in the south. There was so much more to explore. Really amazing architecture, too; some cool old buildings. But ten days for the whole country? Way too ambitious, unless you’re ok with just skimming the surface.

Seriously, focus! Choose a region. South or north. Ten days isn’t a lot of time for that whole country. This year I’m going back, just to the north, I think. I really, really want to see Sapa. Maybe next year. I’m saving up, though. Flights ain’t cheap!

How many days are needed for Vietnam?

Seven days. Ten days, maybe. A whisper of time, really. Insufficient. Vietnam unfurls slowly, a silk scroll unfurling across centuries. Ancient whispers.

Hanoi. The scent of pho, clinging to the humid air. A thousand motorbikes weaving a chaotic ballet. Temples old, stone crumbling softly, yielding to the relentless march of time. I felt it all, the weight of history, pressing down.

Ha Long Bay. Emerald waters, a thousand limestone karsts rising like sleeping dragons. Kayaks slicing through the stillness. Sun-drenched days stretching into infinity. Pure magic. A breathtaking panorama. A deeply personal experience.

Ho Chi Minh City. The frenetic pulse of the south. A city reborn from the ashes of war. Neon lights blur into a kaleidoscope, relentless and vibrant. The energy is palpable, electric. I was overwhelmed. Absolutely beautiful.

Two weeks? Even that feels too short. Each place demands more time, more contemplation. The rice paddies stretching to the horizon, forever. The smiles of the people. It’s not just about sightseeing, its deeper than that. The spirit of the place.

• Northern Vietnam: Hanoi, Sapa, Ha Long Bay – these demand a minimum of 5 days to truly appreciate the cultural and scenic wonders.
• Central Vietnam: Hue, Hoi An, Da Nang – Another 3-4 days for the Imperial cities and stunning beaches.
• Southern Vietnam: Ho Chi Minh City, Mekong Delta – At least 3-4 days needed to feel the pulse of the city and explore the waterways.

More time. More exploration. That’s what Vietnam demands. It is not a vacation, it is a pilgrimage of the soul. The journey itself holds as much significance as the destinations themselves. It’s an emotional rollercoaster and such a vibrant cultural trip.

Is 12 days in Vietnam enough?

Twelve days in Vietnam? Hmm, that’s like asking if a spoonful of pho is enough. It depends. Are you a hummingbird, flitting about for nectar, or a sloth needing a good hammock-nap between sightseeing?

• Not bad for the highlights: Hanoi, Halong Bay… a whirlwind romance.

• Beach bliss? Da Nang or Phu Quoc may need more time than that, honestly. Sun-kissed skin requires dedication, darling, or a LOT of sunscreen. (I prefer dedication, personally. Less greasy.)

• 12 days? A good compromise if you’re really efficient. Maybe skip sleep? (Kidding. Sort of.)

A five-to-seven-day sprint is for those who think sleep is optional. Hanoi, Halong Bay, central Vietnam—bam, bam, bam! You will feel like you rode a motorbike for 24 hours. I swear it, though I’ve never done that, lol.

Ten to fourteen days? Ah, the sweet spot. Key cities, chill beach time. Like choosing between pizza and chocolate. Why not both? Da Nang or Phu Quoc gets a proper showing this way. Plus, time for mishaps! Because trust me, there WILL be mishaps. Remember the time I tried to order “water buffalo” and got soup? Yeah.

Vietnam is like a good book, though. You can skim, but you’ll miss all the juicy bits. So, is 12 days enough? Enough to whet your appetite, definitely. Enough to really know the place? Honey, that takes a lifetime.