1. How to make the most of 12 days in Vietnam?
If you love Vietnam travel and are planning a 12 days in Vietnam itinerary, it is recommended to visit up to 6 destinations, spending about 2 days in each. For those who prefer a slower pace, having fewer stops but with deeper exploration is more ideal.
When making your Vietnam itinerary, keep the following tips in mind:
- Prioritize major cities with strong transportation links such as Hanoi, Da Nang, and Ho Chi Minh City. They offer international flights and also serve as convenient gateways to other regions via train, plane, or coach.
- Group nearby destinations to reduce travel time. For example, clusters like Hanoi – Hai Phong – Quang Ninh in the North; Hue – Da Nang – Hoi An or Nha Trang – Ninh Thuan – Da Lat – Phan Thiet in Central Vietnam; and Ho Chi Minh City – Mekong Delta in the South.

You can visit up to 6 destinations in your Vietnam 12-day itinerary (Source: Collected)
2. Top destinations to add to your 12-day Vietnam itinerary
2.1. Northern Vietnam
Northern Vietnam offers a vibrant mix of culture, nature, history, and cuisine – ideal for the start of your 12 days in Vietnam itinerary.
- Hanoi: Vietnam’s thousand-year-old capital perfectly combines historical landmarks and cultural traditions. Must-visit sites are Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long, the Temple of Literature, Hanoi Old Quarter, and Long Bien Bridge. Nature lovers can unwind by Hoan Kiem Lake, bike around West Lake, or explore Ba Vi National Park, while art lovers should watch a traditional water puppet show.
- Ha Long Bay: As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Ha Long Bay is known for its limestone karsts and emerald waters. You can take a cruise to explore Sung Sot Cave and Ti Top Island. Don’t miss other attractions like Bai Chay Beach and Quang Ninh Museum.
- Hai Phong: This lively port city offers both urban charm and coastal relaxation. You can visit colonial-era landmarks like the Opera House, enjoy a street food tour, or relax at Do Son Beach. For adventure, head to Cat Ba Island and cruise through the stunning Lan Ha Bay.
- Sapa: Known for its mountains and terraced rice fields, Sapa offers a highland escape with breathtaking trekking routes and rich ethnic culture. Don’t miss Fansipan Mountain, Muong Hoa Valley, Sapa Stone Church, and Ham Rong Mountain.
- Ninh Binh: Ninh Binh offers stunning landscapes, ancient temples, and peaceful waterways. Tourists can explore Trang An by boat, visit Hoa Lu Ancient Capital, pray at Bai Dinh Pagoda, hike around Tam Coc, or discover the biodiversity of Cuc Phuong National Park.

If you are in Vietnam in 12 days, don’t miss Hanoi (Source: Collected)
More on: North Vietnam Itinerary: TOP places & tips for a memorable journey
2.2. Central Vietnam
For your 12 days in Vietnam itinerary, Central Vietnam enchants with its blend of historical attractions and natural wonders.
- Quang Binh: A paradise for adventurers, Quang Binh is home to some of the world’s most spectacular caves, including Son Doong Cave in Phong Nha – Ke Bang National Park, Tu Lan Cave, and Paradise Cave.
- Hue: This former capital is home to majestic citadels, royal tombs, and tranquil pagodas. Highlights are Khai Dinh Tomb, Tu Duc Tomb, Hue Imperial City, Thien Mu Pagoda, and the Perfume River.
- Da Nang: Da Nang charms with its modern skyline, scenic coastline, and iconic bridges. You can visit the Marble Mountains, Son Tra Peninsula, My Khe Beach, and Dragon Bridge. Cultural sites like the Cham Museum and local markets round out the experience.
- Hoi An: Hoi An captivates with its ancient architecture, lantern-lit nights, and riverside charm. Highlights include Hoi An Ancient Town, traditional craft villages, An Bang Beach, and Bay Mau Coconut Forest.
- Nha Trang: This coastal gem is a must-visit for your 12 days in Vietnam itinerary with its vibrant marine life. Tourists can enjoy island-hopping to Hon Mun Island, have fun at VinWonders Nha Trang on Hon Tre Island, or explore Po Nagar Cham Towers.
- Ninh Thuan: With year-round sunshine, Ninh Thuan boasts dramatic coasts, dunes, and ecosystems. You can visit Vinh Hy Bay, Nui Chua National Park, and Nam Cuong Sand Dunes. It is also home to various festivals rich in Cham culture.
- Phan Thiet: Phan Thiet offers a mix of coastal beauty and historical charm. Prominent attractions are Mui Ne with its beaches, Fairy Stream, Red Sand Dunes, White Sand Dunes, Bau Trang Lake, Po Sah Inu Towers, and Doi Duong Park.
- Da Lat: Da Lat is a romantic mountain retreat that blends cool weather, lush pine forests, and colorful flower gardens. Adventure seekers can trek in Bidoup Nui Ba National Park, abseil Datanla Waterfall, and relax by Tuyen Lam Lake.

Nha Trang – a must-visit for beach lovers (Source: Collected)
2.3. Southern Vietnam
Southern Vietnam pulses with energy and warmth, from urban life to riverine serenity, making your 12 days in Vietnam itinerary unforgettable.
- Ho Chi Minh City: Ho Chi Minh City is packed with both history and modernity. Some prominent landmarks are the War Remnants Museum, Cu Chi Tunnels, the Independence Palace, Notre-Dame Cathedral, and Ben Thanh Market.
- Ba Ria – Vung Tau: This coastal province offers a peaceful escape from the city. In Vung Tau, beaches, mountains, and religious sites like Christ the King Statue are top attractions. Meanwhile, Con Dao Island offers wildlife spotting, snorkeling, and a historic prison.
- Mekong Delta: Spanning Can Tho, An Giang, Ben Tre, etc., the Mekong Delta captivates with its maze of rivers, fertile lands, and lush orchards. You can explore floating markets in the Mekong Delta, cruise canals, and pass by fruit-laden gardens and riverside temples. In contrast, Phu Quoc lures tourists with its pristine beaches.

The Mekong Delta stands out with its rustic charm (Source: Collected)
Discover: Things to do in Vietnam: A fully updated guide for your trip in 2025
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3. Perfect 12 days in Vietnam itinerary for every traveler
3.1. Option 1
| Duration | 12 days in Vietnam itinerary |
| 2 days in Hanoi | Day 1
Day 2
|
| 1 day in Ha Long | Day 3
|
| 1 day in Ninh Binh | Day 4
|
| 2 days in Hue | Day 5
Day 6
|
| 2 days in Da Nang | Day 7
Day 8
|
| 1 day in Hoi An | Day 9
|
| 1 day in Ho Chi Minh City | Day 10
|
| 2 days in Phu Quoc Island | Day 11
Day 12
|

VinWonders Nam Hoi An brings the fun to all tourists
3.2. Option 2
| Duration | 12 days in Vietnam itinerary |
| 2 days in Ho Chi Minh City | Day 1
Day 2
|
| 4 days in Da Nang – Hoi An | Day 3
Day 4
Day 5
Day 6
|
| 1 day in Hue | Day 7
|
| 3 days in Hanoi | Day 8
Day 9
Day 10
|
| 2 days in Sapa | Day 11
Day 12
|

Grand Park – a premier entertainment complex in Ho Chi Minh City
3.3. Option 3
| Duration | 12 days in Vietnam itinerary |
| 3 days in Hue – Quang Binh – Da Nang | Day 1
Day 2
Day 3
|
| 1 day in Da Nang – Hoi An | Day 4
|
| 2 days in Nha Trang | Day 5
Day 6
|
| 2 days in Mui Ne | Day 7
Day 8
|
| 2 days in Ho Chi Minh City – Tay Ninh | Day 9
Day 10
|
| 2 days in Phu Quoc | Day 11
Day 12
|

VinWonders Phu Quoc is a must-visit on the Pearl Island
A well-planned 12 days in Vietnam itinerary lets you experience the country’s vibrant cities, serene landscapes, rich history, and delicious cuisine. Whether you are exploring ancient towns, relaxing on tropical beaches, or hiking through mountain trails, this 12 days in Vietnam itinerary ensures a memorable journey through the heart of Vietnam.
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