Hotline: +84 985 237 882
- SG$ Singapore Dollar
- A$ Australian Dollar
- £ British Pound Sterling
- C$ Canadian Dollar
- € Euro
- MYR Ringgit Malaysia
- US$ United States Dollar
- đ Vietnamese Dong
Hotline/Whatsapp: +84 86 622 7878
Email: sales@asiamystika.com
About Us
Destinations
Travel Styles
Travel Guide
Blogs
News
Planning a journey from north to south Vietnam can feel overwhelming, especially when there are so many incredible places in between. A well-designed Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh itinerary helps you make sense of it all, turning a long-distance trip into a smooth and unforgettable adventure.
In this guide, you will find clear and practical travel routes from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City, whether you have one week or two. We break down the best stops along the way such as Ha Long Bay, Hue, Da Nang, and Hoi An, compare transport options, and help you decide how much time to spend in each destination. If this is your first time traveling through Vietnam, this itinerary will help you see the highlights without feeling rushed.
One country. Two iconic cities. And more than a thousand kilometers of landscapes, culture, and unforgettable moments in between. Traveling from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City is not just about moving from north to south. It is a journey that reveals the full story of Vietnam, from misty mountains and ancient capitals to sunlit beaches and energetic modern streets.
That said, planning this route can feel intimidating at first. The distance is long, and travelers often wonder whether flying is better than taking the train, how many stops are truly worth it, and how much time is enough to enjoy the journey without feeling rushed. Choosing the wrong pace can turn an exciting adventure into a tiring checklist.
This guide is designed to make everything simple and clear. You will find a practical breakdown of transport options, including flights, classic rail journeys, and upgraded long-distance trains. More importantly, you will discover ready-to-use Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh itinerary options for one week, two weeks, and three weeks. Whether you are short on time or ready for a deeper exploration, this guide will help you plan a smooth, memorable journey across Vietnam with confidence.
For most travelers, starting in the north and finishing in the south is the smartest way to experience Vietnam. Traveling from Hanoi down to Ho Chi Minh City allows you to move naturally through changing scenery and weather, beginning with cooler northern landscapes and ending in the warm, vibrant Mekong region. This direction also makes sightseeing easier, as many of the country’s most famous stops are neatly aligned along the coast and central corridor.
Budget is often the next big concern, and the good news is that Vietnam remains very affordable. A well-planned Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh itinerary can absolutely fit within a budget of around US$1,000 for two weeks. That works out to roughly US$70 per day, which is enough for comfortable three-star hotels, frequent restaurant meals, local transport, and even a couple of internal flights or train journeys.
If you are traveling on a tighter budget, backpackers can complete the same route for about US $500 by using hostels, overnight buses, and street food. On the other end of the spectrum, travelers looking for upgraded hotels, private transfers, and curated experiences should expect to spend US $2,500 or more. The flexibility is one of Vietnam’s biggest strengths, making this journey accessible and enjoyable at almost any travel style.
When planning a Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh route, transportation plays a key role in shaping your overall experience. Vietnam stretches long from north to south, so choosing the right way to move between cities can save you time, energy, and even money. Below are the three main transport options, clearly broken down to help you decide what works best for your trip.
Flying is the most practical choice for travelers with limited time. A direct flight from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City takes around two hours, making it ideal if your route is 7 to 10 days long.
This option allows you to skip long travel days and focus on exploring destinations like Hanoi, Hoi An, and Ho Chi Minh City without feeling rushed. Domestic flights in Vietnam are frequent, affordable, and easy to book, which makes flying especially appealing for first time visitors.
Taking the train can be a rewarding part of your Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh route, but only on certain routes. Traveling the entire length of the country by train takes more than 30 hours and is exhausting for most travelers.
The best and most recommended train segment is between Da Nang and Hue. This route crosses the Hai Van Pass and offers dramatic views of the coastline, mountains, and fishing villages. It is often described as one of the most scenic rail journeys in Southeast Asia.
For travelers looking for extra comfort, premium train services on select routes now offer upgraded cabins, dining, and a slower, more refined travel experience (like "The Vietage" or "SJourney"). These are best suited for travelers who value scenery and comfort over speed.
The open bus ticket is the cheapest way to travel from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City while stopping at multiple destinations along the way. You can hop on and off in cities such as Ninh Binh, Hue, Hoi An, and Nha Trang.
While this option offers flexibility, it comes with drawbacks. Bus journeys are long, seating is often cramped, and comfort levels vary widely. This choice works best for backpackers or students who are traveling on a tight budget and are comfortable with slower travel days.
By combining flights for long distances with trains or buses for shorter, scenic sections, you can build a Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh route that feels efficient, enjoyable, and well balanced.
This classic 14-day Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh itinerary is ideal for first-time visitors who want to see Vietnam’s highlights without feeling rushed. The route flows smoothly from north to south and balances cities, nature, and cultural sites.
Explore the Old Quarter, walk around Hoan Kiem Lake, visit key landmarks, and enjoy a street food tour to understand local flavors.
Join an overnight cruise to relax among limestone islands, enjoy onboard meals, and experience the bay at sunrise.
Take a short flight south, then head to Hoi An and settle into this charming ancient town.
Discover the Ancient Town, visit nearby beaches, and take a day trip to My Son Sanctuary.
Travel by road to Hue, enjoying coastal views, and explore the Imperial City.
Fly south and get your first taste of Vietnam’s largest and most dynamic city.
Visit the War Remnants Museum, Cu Chi Tunnels, and experience the city’s food and cafe culture.
Take a day trip to the Mekong Delta before returning to Ho Chi Minh City for departure.
This itinerary keeps travel time efficient while giving you a clear, well-rounded picture of Vietnam from north to south.
When time is limited, an express Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh itinerary can still be very rewarding. The key is to keep the route simple, fly between major cities, and focus only on the most iconic stops. Below is a clear, easy-to-follow schedule using the suggested format.
Overall Strategy
With 7 to 10 days, you must be selective. Skip either the northern mountains or parts of the central coast and rely on domestic flights to avoid long travel days.
Best for travelers who want a quick overview of Vietnam’s highlights.
Old Quarter, Hoan Kiem Lake, food tour
Overnight cruise or long day cruise
War Remnants Museum, city highlights
Day trip from Ho Chi Minh City
A more comfortable pace with better balance.
City sights, culture, and street food
Overnight cruise experience
Ancient Town, nearby heritage sites
History, food, and modern city life
If you have the time, this deep dive itinerary is the most rewarding way to experience Vietnam. Designed for travelers who want more than just highlights, this route moves at a comfortable pace and allows you to truly connect with each region. This version runs south to north, making it ideal for anyone searching for a 3-week Vietnam itinerary starting in Ho Chi Minh City, while still fitting perfectly into a broader Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh itinerary concept.
Start your journey in Vietnam’s most energetic city. Spend your time exploring recent history, enjoying rooftop bars at sunset, and getting used to the rhythm of daily life in the south. This is a great place to ease into the country before heading into more rural areas.
Travel south to the Mekong Delta to see a slower, water-based way of life. Staying overnight allows you to visit floating markets early in the morning and explore canals and orchards without rushing back to the city.
Head north into the Central Highlands for cooler air and green landscapes. Dalat is known for coffee farms, waterfalls, and outdoor activities like canyoning. It provides a refreshing contrast to the lowland cities.
After the mountains, relax by the sea. Nha Trang offers beaches, island boat trips, and plenty of chances to slow the pace before continuing your journey north.
This stretch is all about balance. Enjoy the lantern-lit streets of Hoi An, get clothes tailored, relax at nearby beaches, and take short trips from Da Nang. With four days, you can truly unwind and enjoy central Vietnam at its best.
Travel north to Hue to explore Vietnam’s imperial past. Visit the Imperial Citadel, royal tombs, and riverside pagodas while learning about the Nguyen Dynasty and the country’s former capital.
Next comes one of Vietnam’s most exciting adventure hubs. Phong Nha is famous for its caves, underground rivers, and national park scenery. Whether you choose gentle cave walks or more active excursions, this stop adds a sense of exploration to your itinerary.
Often called “Ha Long Bay on land,” Ninh Binh offers dramatic limestone landscapes, river boat rides, and peaceful countryside. It is a perfect transition from nature back to the city.
Finish your journey in the capital. Use these final days to explore the Old Quarter, enjoy local food, visit cultural landmarks, and reflect on how much of Vietnam you have seen from south to north.
This deep dive Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh itinerary is ideal for travelers who want variety without rushing. With 3 to 4 weeks, Vietnam unfolds naturally, rewarding you with richer experiences, deeper connections, and unforgettable memories.
One of the most common questions when planning a Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh itinerary is how to divide your time between the two cities. Both are fascinating, but they offer very different experiences. The right choice depends on what kind of traveler you are and what you enjoy most on the road.
You are drawn to history, tradition, and everyday local life. Hanoi feels layered and atmospheric, with centuries of culture visible in its architecture, temples, and narrow streets. Walking through the Old Quarter, sitting by Hoan Kiem Lake, and exploring markets and museums gives you a strong sense of Vietnam’s past. Food lovers also tend to favor Hanoi, as many classic northern dishes originated here and are still served in a very authentic way.
You prefer a faster pace and a more modern urban feel. Ho Chi Minh City is energetic and outward-looking, with tall buildings, busy nightlife, and a constant sense of motion. It is also the best place to explore Vietnam’s recent history through museums and historical sites, balanced by trendy cafes, rooftop bars, and a lively dining scene.
For most leisure travelers, Hanoi usually wins when it comes to charm, culture, and walkable neighborhoods. Ho Chi Minh City, however, stands out for its buzz and contemporary spirit. In a well-planned Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh itinerary, spending meaningful time in both cities gives you a complete picture of Vietnam’s past and present.
When planning a Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh itinerary, choosing where to stop along the way can shape your entire experience. Vietnam stretches long and narrow, and each region offers something completely different. If you cannot visit everywhere, these key stops help you get the most value from your journey.
Hoi An is widely considered the highlight of central Vietnam and the most rewarding single stop between the two cities. Its preserved old town, lantern-lit streets, riverside cafes, and relaxed pace make it easy to fall in love. Whether you are interested in food, history, tailoring, or simply slowing down, Hoi An delivers a well-rounded experience that suits almost every traveler.
For travelers drawn to natural beauty, Phong Nha and Ninh Binh stand out. Phong Nha is famous for its dramatic cave systems, underground rivers, and adventure activities, making it perfect for explorers and outdoor lovers. Ninh Binh, closer to Hanoi, offers peaceful countryside, limestone cliffs, and scenic boat rides that feel worlds away from the city.
Hue is the best choice for those interested in Vietnam’s imperial past. As the former capital, it is home to royal palaces, ancient tombs, and historic pagodas. Spending time in Hue adds depth and context to your Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh itinerary, especially if you want to understand how Vietnam’s history shaped the country you see today.
By matching your stop to your interests, you can turn a long journey into a series of meaningful experiences. Even one well-chosen destination between Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City can make your itinerary feel complete and unforgettable.
For the entire north to south journey, most travelers find it too long and tiring. Spending more than a full day on a train can quickly eat into valuable travel time. A smarter approach is to enjoy the train only on shorter, scenic routes, especially the stretch between Da Nang and Hue, and use flights for longer distances.
Yes, this budget works very well for most travelers. With around US$70 per day, you can stay in comfortable three-star hotels, enjoy excellent local meals, book domestic flights, and join guided day tours. Vietnam remains one of the best destinations for value without sacrificing comfort.
Many experienced travelers prefer a flexible, self-planned itinerary. This means booking your own hotels and flights while adding guided experiences where they matter most, such as a street food tour in Hanoi or a Cu Chi Tunnels visit in Ho Chi Minh City. This approach gives you structure without locking you into a rigid schedule.
Both directions work well, but many travelers like to end their trip in the north. Finishing in Hanoi often pairs nicely with a Ha Long Bay cruise, which feels like a memorable finale to the journey. That said, the best starting point is often based on flight availability and price rather than a strict rule.
A journey built around a Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh itinerary shows just how diverse Vietnam truly is. Even though the country is one nation, the contrasts between the north and the south feel like traveling through different worlds. From historic streets and quiet lakes to modern skylines and tropical waterways, every region adds its own personality to the trip.
Whether you move quickly in ten days or travel slowly over several weeks, the experience remains deeply rewarding. The secret is not to rush. With two weeks, choosing a few key stops in the north, central region, and south allows you to truly enjoy each place rather than simply passing through.
Plan with intention, travel light, and stay open to surprises along the way. Vietnam has a way of revealing its charm in small moments, from a simple street-side meal to an unexpected conversation. No matter where you stop, great food and warm hospitality will always be part of the journey.
Asia Mystika Travel is a Vietnamese local travel agency dedicated to bringing first-hand experience of lovely scenery, and distinctive indigenous cultures to every customer. With professional local tour guides and prestiged airline partners (4 domestic airlines and over 300+ international airlines), we offer unique local experience at an extremely reasonable price. All tours are 100% customizable, no shopping and no extra fee.
Contact us for a personalized travel itinerary according to your preferences:
WhatsApp: (+84) 866.22.7878
Planning trip: Click here
Email: sales@asiamystika.com
Website: www.asiamystika.com
