24 days in Hanoi, Hue & Ho Chi Minh City Itinerary

The capital of Vietnam, Hanoi has bounded back from the effects of war, and today serves as a bustling commercial and cultural hub bursting at the seams.

Take a break from the city and head to Lake of the Restored Sword (Hoan Kiem Lake) and West Lake. On the 27th (Sat), spend a fun day on foot with Walking tours. Make the 29th (Mon) an unforgettable day with an extreme tour. And it doesn't end there: get to know the fascinating history of Old Quarter, surround yourself with nature on a nature and wildlife tour, get outside with Outdoor Activities, and relax and rejuvenate at some of the best spas.

To find maps, traveler tips, more things to do, and more tourist information, read our Hanoi trip itinerary planning website.

Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi is an approximately 4.5-hour flight. You can also drive; or take a train. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 29th (Mon) early enough to fly to Hue.

Nestled on the banks of the Perfume River, the city of Hue remains most famous as the former home of the Nguyen Dynasty, the influence of which remains evident in local palaces, temples, forts, and museums.

Escape the urban bustle at Nature & Wildlife Tours and Off-Road Tours. There's much more to do: contemplate the long history of Imperial City, contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Thien Mu Pagoda, do sightseeing your way with Private Tours, and make a trip to Luc Bo Culture Space.

For ratings, where to stay, reviews, and tourist information, refer to the Hue vacation tool.

You can fly from Hanoi to Hue in 3 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a train. In November, plan for daily highs up to 32°C, and evening lows to 25°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 6th (Mon) to allow enough time to fly to Ho Chi Minh City.

Formerly known in the West as Saigon and affectionately referred to as the "Pearl of the Far East," Ho Chi Minh City is a study of old and new, woven and piled together in a fast-paced urban hub.

Visiting Kayaking & Canoeing and Bach Dang will get you outdoors. There's much more to do: don't miss a visit to Cu Chi Tunnels, pause for some serene contemplation at Notre Dame Cathedral of Saigon, get the lay of the land with Walking tours, and indulge in some personalized pampering at some of the best spas.

To find ratings, photos, where to stay, and more tourist information, you can read our Ho Chi Minh City tour planning site.

Fly from Hue to Ho Chi Minh City in 3.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a train. Traveling from Hue in December, expect Ho Chi Minh City to be somewhat warmer, temps between 36°C and 26°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 14th (Tue) to allow enough time to travel back home.