A First-Timer's Action-Packed Guide to Vietnam

Just landed in Ho Chi Minh City? Let’s make the most of day one.

Kick things off with a walking tour to get oriented and soak up the city’s layered history—where French colonial buildings sit alongside sleek skyscrapers. Don’t miss the Bitexco Tower or Nguyen Hue Walking Street for views from both the ground and sky. After your walking tour, treat yourself to your first (of many) Vietnamese coffees at The Cafe Apartment—a local gem with serious charm and caffeine.

Food is everything in Vietnam, so a local-led food tour is a must. It’s the best way to explore the cuisine—and a lifesaver if you’ve got dietary restrictions. (We navigated a shellfish allergy with no problem thanks to our amazing guides!)

Jet-lagged? Of course. But fight the urge to crash. Head to a rooftop bar for golden hour views and your first cheers in Vietnam—it’s the best way to kick off your trip and start adjusting to the time zone.

Pro tip: Coming from the US.? You’ll be waking up with the sun those first few days, so don’t be shy about booking early tours. Trust me, you’ll be ready to go.

Learn more about the history of Vietnam. Start your day bright and early with a half-day tour to dive into Vietnam’s complex war history.

You’ve got options: Head out to the Cu Chi Tunnels to crawl—literally—through history and get a glimpse of life underground during the Vietnam War, plus a chance to explore the countryside beyond the city. Alternatively, stay in town and explore Reunification Palace, a striking landmark that marks the end of the war and a new chapter for Vietnam.

Back in the city? Time to stretch those legs. Practice your Vietnamese street-crossing skills (it’s an art!) while exploring local markets, parks, and any must-sees you may have missed earlier. Cap off your day on Bui Vien Street with dinner, drinks, and a proper cheers to your time in Saigon.

Pro Tip: Make your friends jealous by sending a letter from the Saigon Central Post Office.

Time to head north to Central Vietnam!

You’re probably still waking up early (thanks, jet lag), so book a morning flight to Da Nang and make the most of the day. After checking into your hotel, hit the beach for some well-earned chill time.

Once you’ve recharged, head to the Marble Mountains to explore dramatic limestone peaks, hidden caves, and ancient temples—it’s a must.

Wrap up your night at the Da Nang night market. If it’s a Friday or Saturday, don’t miss the Dragon Bridge fire show—yes, it actually breathes fire.

Off to Hue and the Imperial City!

If you’re chasing iconic photo ops, consider taking the scenic route with a stop at Ba Na Hills to visit the famous Golden Bridge (yes, the one held up by giant stone hands). Heads-up: it’s part of a theme park that gives Vietnamese Epcot vibes. You’ll ride a gondola through the mountains and stroll the bridge, but just know that it’s a curated, tourist-heavy experience that’s not for everyone.

Prefer something with more history and fewer crowds? Skip the bridge and head straight to Hue. There, explore the Imperial Citadel and Forbidden Purple City—packed with centuries of history and cultural significance.

New city = new food tour. Hue’s cuisine brings a whole new flavor game. You’ll definitely notice a shift from the southern dishes. Don’t miss the chance to taste your way through Central Vietnam.

Could this be the highlight of the trip? Very likely.

Time to hop on a motorbike and ride (with a driver, of course) the legendary Hai Van Pass, an unforgettable route packed with winding roads, misty mountains, and coastal views that’ll blow your mind.

Your journey kicks off near the fishing villages of Hue, winds past the temples of Monkey Mountain in Da Nang (yes, there are actual monkeys), hugs the coastline, and cruises through lush rice fields before dropping you into the dreamy streets of Hoi An.

It’s part thrill ride, part nature show, and all-around epic.

Don’t get me wrong, we were a little nervous to do this, but it was honestly one of the best things we have done on any trip. The drivers are professionals and make sure you feel safe the entire time.

Pro Tip: Want a custom suit or outfit made in Hoi An? Ask your guide to drop you off at a tailor as soon as you arrive so they have enough time to work their magic. The earlier you order, the better the fit—and the more time for any tweaks before you leave.

Welcome to Hoi An—and yes, charming doesn’t even begin to cover it.

You’ll have two days to soak up this magical town—how you spend them is totally up to your vibe. Want to take it slow? Stroll along the lantern-lit river, pop into local shops, and just be. Feeling more adventurous? Rent a bike and cruise through the rice fields. Keep your eyes peeled for water buffalo!

Make time for a cooking class (you’ll ride a traditional bamboo boat through a palm forest to get there) and spend your evenings at the night market under glowing lanterns or the floating market along the river.

Oh, and whatever you do: Don’t leave without trying at least one banh mi from Madam Khanh - The Banh Mi Queen.

Pro Tip: Hoi An is famous for custom suits and dresses, but they take at least two days to make, so place your order as soon as you arrive. Trust me, showing up to your next event in a perfectly tailored outfit with a story behind it hits different.

Off to Hanoi—northbound and ready for a new vibe!

By now, you’re probably settled into the time zone, so book a morning flight, but treat yourself kindly. Once you land, head straight to the Old Quarter and grab a famous egg coffee for a sweet caffeine jolt that’ll cure any travel day grogginess.

Jump into a walking or food tour to get the lay of the land and learn about some of Hanoi’s rich history firsthand. Wander the leafy streets of the Old Quarter, check out the serene lakes, and soak up the charm—and occasional chaos—of the city.

Craving a little palate cleanse after a week of nonstop Vietnamese cuisine? No shame. Pizza 4P’s delivers some of the best pizza in Vietnam—and honestly anywhere.

Cap off your night with a visit to Train Street, where you can sip a drink in a tiny café as a literal train roars past—no big deal. Still got energy? Head to Ta Hien Beer Street for the cheapest drinks and the best people-watching of your life. Hanoi knows how to party.

From $3.60 beers to 360° views—welcome to Ninh Binh.

Swap the party scene for peace and seriously stunning landscapes. Hop on a bus to the gorgeous countryside of Ninh Binh, where dramatic limestone karsts rise straight out of the rice fields like something out of a fantasy film.

Kick back with a peaceful river tour that winds through emerald fields and beneath towering cliffs. Feeling adventurous? Hike up to Mua Caves for panoramic views and a photo op with a super-cool dragon statue at the top. You’ll earn those views, but they’re so worth it.

From Ninh Binh to the Bay—let the cruise begin!

Get picked up from Ninh Binh and head to the coast to board your two-day cruise through Bai Tu Long Bay, Ha Long Bay’s less-crowded—but equally stunning—little sister.

Drift past towering limestone karsts as you cruise through emerald waters. Want to take it slow? Lounge on deck and soak in the views. Feeling active? Jump in on a kayaking adventure or explore hidden caves with a guide.

As the sun sets, your boat will anchor overnight in the bay. Try your hand at squid fishing under the stars or just kick back with a local beer and enjoy the peaceful magic of the bay.

Your cruise may be ending around noon, but the adventure isn’t over yet. Start your day with a local breakfast onboard and a cooking demo to sharpen your Vietnamese culinary skills (your friends back home will thank you).

After disembarking, hop on a ferry through scenic Ha Long Bay to reach the stunning Cat Ba Island, nestled in the heart of Lan Ha Bay, a quieter, equally breathtaking alternative to Ha Long.

How you explore is up to you:

• Lounge on the beach.

• Kayak through bioluminescent plankton (yes, it’s real).

• Venture into mysterious caves.

• Hike to the top of Ngu Lam Peak for unreal panoramic views.

No matter what you choose, just make sure to pause and soak in the wild beauty all around you.

Keep the island vibes going and make the most of your time on Cat Ba. Rent a scooter and cruise the winding roads for epic views and hidden beaches, or hop on a boat to explore more of Lan Ha Bay.

Whether you spend the day swimming, island-hopping, or just chasing the sun, don’t miss a sunset on the water—it’s one of those core memories in the making.

Time to make your way back to Hanoi for your final night in this unforgettable country. Keep the day open and easy—perfect for grabbing last-minute souvenirs, sipping your last Vietnamese coffee (make it count), and revisiting that dish you already know you’ll crave when you’re home.

Didn’t hit every foodie spot on your list? Now’s your chance. Head to Bún Chả Hương Liên, where Obama and Anthony Bourdain famously shared a meal—yes, that table is still there!

As for your final night:

• Catch a traditional Vietnamese water puppet show for a cultural send-off.

• Post up at Train Street for one last thrilling café experience.

• Or return to Beer Street for cheap drinks and vibrant energy to toast to your two amazing weeks in Vietnam.

Whatever you choose, end it your way—you’ve earned it.