How many days to spend in Ho Chi Minh and Hanoi?

How many days are enough for Ho Chi Minh City?

Three days? Nah, not enough. For me, anyway. It felt rushed. Always felt rushed.

Two days barely scratched the surface. The Ben Thanh Market, the chaotic energy… I needed more time to absorb it all. The smell of the food alone… It was intoxicating.

I needed a week. Maybe more. To truly feel the city. To lose myself in its backstreets. To get lost. To find myself again. In those hidden cafes.

What I remember:

• The relentless scooters. A blur of motion.
• The stunning architecture. A mix of old and new, somehow. Intriguing.
• That delicious street food. Pho, especially. I could eat it every day. And I wanted to.
• The feeling of being utterly overwhelmed, yet strangely at peace. That’s Ho Chi Minh City for me.
• A specific cafe near the river. The owner, an old woman, had the kindest eyes. She made the best coffee. I wish I remembered the name.

It wasn’t enough. It never is, is it? Not with places like that.

How many days is enough for Hanoi?

Three days? Bare minimum. Hanoi deserves more. Consider five. Or seven. What is time, anyway, but a construct?

• Museums: The National Museum of Vietnamese History is essential. Don’t rush it. The Hoa Lo Prison Museum is…intense. Reflect on it afterwards. Ethnology Museum? Fascinating, especially if you’re interested in Southeast Asian cultures. Smaller museums pop up, too. Check local listings. I once stumbled upon a propaganda poster museum near Hoan Kiem Lake. Absolutely riveting.

• Food: Pho, obviously. Bún chả, Obama approved. Try the egg coffee at Giang Cafe. The original one. Seriously. Street food is everywhere. I love the bánh mì from a tiny stall near my old apartment on Hang Bac – 25 Hang Bac, to be exact. Explore! Your tastebuds will thank you. Is taste even real, or just electrical signals?

• History: The Temple of Literature is serene. The Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, a pilgrimage site. Wander the Old Quarter. Get lost in the alleys. Notice the architecture. The French influence. Layers of history. It’s almost palpable.

Five days lets you breathe. Seven? Day trips to Ha Long Bay or Ninh Binh. The Perfume Pagoda is worth the trek, if slightly touristy. A cooking class? Tailoring? Hanoi isn’t about checking boxes. It’s about soaking it in.

• Tailoring: Get clothes made on Hang Gai street. Seriously. The silk is beautiful. It is an art form.

• Ha Long Bay: Overnight cruise. Do it. The scenery is stunning. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage site, you know.

• Ninh Binh: “Halong Bay on land.” Rent a bike. Explore the countryside. Find a hidden pagoda.

I spent a month in Hanoi once. Still felt too short.

Is 2 days in Ho Chi Minh enough?

Two days in Ho Chi Minh City? Sufficient, arguably.

• Cu Chi Tunnels beckon, a powerful dose of history. Truly striking and impactful.
• Mekong Delta: a glimpse into river life. I once saw a three-legged dog there.
• HCMC itself? Markets, temples, the War Remnants Museum. Allocate time wisely.
• Heat is real. Pack accordingly. Dehydration is a mood killer, ugh.

Two days permits a swift overview. More time unveils deeper layers. It all comes down to priorities, though, doesn’t it?

Prioritize Cu Chi Tunnels if time is acutely limited. The tunnels offer a sobering yet important perspective.

Beyond the essentials, consider:

• Trying banh mi, a culinary experience.
• Exploring the Reunification Palace.
• Finding a rooftop bar, trust me.
• The Fine Arts Museum.

Perhaps a third day would really be ideal. Yet, most can get a feel for the city with just 48 hours. Who needs more time, honestly?

How long should I spend in Hanoi?

Three days? Nah, I’d say four. Maybe five if you’re really into temples. Ugh, temples. So many temples. I got templed out last time. Need a good pho place this time. Remember that amazing banh mi? This year’s spring is supposed to be amazing! Perfect weather, right?

Autumn’s good too, less humid, I guess. But spring has more festivals. Think Tet’s still going on in 2024? I need to check. Hanoi’s nightlife is killer. Gotta plan that out.

• Must-do’s: Hoan Kiem Lake, Ngoc Son Temple (ugh, another temple), street food tour – absolutely essential.
• Optional: That water puppet show is cheesy, but fun. Maybe. I should actually see it. My friend went and loved it. Also, I really need to visit that amazing museum. The one with the ancient pottery. What was its name again?

Four days feels right. No, five. I need extra time for shopping. Need new Ao Dai. And more pho. Definitely more pho. Five days. That’s my final answer. Damn, now I’m hungry.