This 9-day Vietnam Backpacking itinerary covers the best of Vietnam, including vibrant cities, beautiful beaches, historical sites, and breathtaking landscapes.

Day 1: Arrival in Ho Chi Minh City

• Arrival: Land at Tan Son Nhat International Airport in Ho Chi Minh City.

• Check-in: Transfer to your hotel and freshen up.

• Explore the City:

  • Ben Thanh Market – Experience Vietnam’s bustling local markets.

  • Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon – A historic French colonial-era cathedral.

  • Saigon Central Post Office – An architectural masterpiece.

  • War Remnants Museum – Learn about Vietnam’s war history.

  • Nguyen Hue Walking Street – A lively street filled with entertainment and dining options.

• Evening: Enjoy a Saigon River Dinner Cruise (optional) or explore local Vietnamese street food.

Day 2: Ho Chi Minh City to Nha Trang

• Morning:

  • Visit Cu Chi Tunnels – A network of underground tunnels used during the Vietnam War.

  • Experience a Mekong Delta Day Tour (optional) – Enjoy boat rides through lush canals.

• Afternoon: Flight or train to Nha Trang (1-hour flight or overnight train option).

• Evening: Check in at the hotel and relax by the beach.

Day 3: Nha Trang Boat Party & Island Hopping

• Morning:

  • Board a boat for a Nha Trang Island-Hopping Tour.

  • Visit Hon Mun Island – A top snorkeling and diving destination.

  • Stop at Hon Mieu Island – Home to Tri Nguyen Aquarium.

• Afternoon:

  • Join a boat party with music, food, and drinks.

  • Relax on Bai Tranh Beach or try water sports.

• Evening: Explore Nha Trang Night Market and enjoy fresh seafood.

Day 4: Travel to Hoi An

• Morning: Take a flight or train to Da Nang, then drive to Hoi An.

• Afternoon: Check in at a riverside hotel and explore Hoi An Ancient Town.

• Explore:

  • Japanese Covered Bridge – A historic symbol of Hoi An.

  • Tan Ky Old House – A beautifully preserved 18th-century home.

  • Hoi An Lantern Market – Famous for colorful lanterns and souvenirs.

• Evening: Enjoy a lantern boat ride along the Thu Bon River and have dinner at a riverside café.

Day 5: Da Nang City Tour

• Morning: Travel back to Da Nang for a city tour.

• Explore:

  • Marble Mountains – A cluster of limestone hills with caves and temples.

  • Linh Ung Pagoda – Home to a towering Lady Buddha statue.

  • Dragon Bridge – Famous for its dragon-shaped design that breathes fire on weekends.

• Afternoon: Visit My Khe Beach for a relaxing time by the sea.

• Evening: Try local delicacies like Mi Quang (noodle dish) and Banh Xeo (crispy pancakes).

Day 6: Da Nang to Hanoi

• Morning: Take a flight from Da Nang to Hanoi (1.5-hour flight).

• Afternoon: Explore Hanoi’s cultural landmarks:

  • Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum – Visit the resting place of Vietnam’s revolutionary leader.

  • Temple of Literature – Vietnam’s first university, dedicated to Confucius.

  • Hoan Kiem Lake & Ngoc Son Temple – A peaceful retreat in the heart of the city.

• Evening: Watch a traditional water puppet show and enjoy Hanoi’s famous street food.

Day 7: Hanoi – Halong Bay Cruise

• Morning: Travel to Halong Bay (3.5-hour drive).

• Board the Cruise:

  • Enjoy a welcome drink & seafood lunch on board.

  • Explore Sung Sot Cave (Surprise Cave), one of the largest caves in Halong Bay.

  • Go kayaking or relax on the sundeck.

• Evening:

  • Enjoy a sunset party and dinner on the cruise.

  • Optional night squid fishing or onboard entertainment.

• Overnight: Stay on a luxury cruise or return to Hanoi (if on a day trip).

Day 8: Return to Hanoi & Free Exploration

• Morning:

  • Tai Chi session on the cruise deck (if staying overnight).

  • Visit Ti Top Island for panoramic views of Halong Bay.

  • Enjoy brunch before disembarking.

• Afternoon: Return to Hanoi and enjoy free time.

• Evening:

  • Explore the Train Street, where trains pass through a narrow residential area.

  • Visit the Old Quarter, known for its lively markets and street vendors.

Day 9: Departure from Hanoi

• Morning: Transfer to Noi Bai International Airport for your flight home.

Inclusions

• Round-trip transportation between cities (Bus, and private transfers).

• Shared accommodation (3-4 persons per room) in well-rated hotels and hostels.

• 8 breakfasts at selected hotels and local restaurants.

• Entrance fees, parking charges, and driver allowances for all sightseeing locations.

• Boat trips:

  • Halong Bay cruise

  • Nha Trang boat party with safety equipment.

Exclusions

• International and domestic airfare (unless specified).

• Personal expenses, including shopping, tips, laundry, and drinks.

• Lunch (only breakfast and dinner are included).

• Additional sightseeing or transportation beyond the mentioned itinerary.

• Adventure activities like paragliding, scuba diving, or water sports (unless included in a package).

• Costs due to unforeseen circumstances, such as bad weather, flight delays, strikes, or government restrictions.This itinerary combines adventure, culture, and nature, making it an ideal choice for backpackers and nature enthusiasts. Let me know if you need further customisation or additional details!