Vietnam is the perfect country for a long backpacking trip: buzzing cities, dreamy beaches, dramatic mountains, and endless bowls of noodles. This 5-week itinerary takes you from the chaos of Ho Chi Minh City all the way to Hanoi, with beach stops, caves, rice fields, and some of the best hiking and motorbike loops in Southeast Asia
Week 1: Ho Chi Minh City & Nha Trang
Ho Chi Minh City (3-4 days)
Start your adventure in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam’s energetic southern hub. Spend a few days getting over the jet lag, wandering through street markets, taking a day trip to the Cu Chi Tunnels, and soaking up the scooter-filled chaos. This is also a great place to try your first Vietnamese coffee and hunt down vegan versions of local dishes.
What to Do in Ho Chi Minh City
Take a day trip to the Cu Chi Tunnels, where you can learn about Vietnam’s history and experience the narrow underground passages for yourself. Back in the city, explore the Central Post Office and the nearby Notre-Dame Cathedral, both known for their stunning French colonial architecture. Afterwards, relax with a coffee in one of the trendy café blocks around Nguyen Hue Street, perhaps trying a vegan coconut coffee. In the evening, join a food tour in District 1 to sample local dishes such as vegan pho, and end the day with rooftop views at Chill Skybar.
Transport Tips
Arrival: Fly into Tan Son Nhat Airport (SGN). Grab a Grab taxi (~200k VND to District 1).
Around: Walk District 1 or use Grab/GoJek (~30k VND short rides). Cu Chi Tunnels: bus #75 or tour (~250k VND).
Nha Trang (3 days)
From Ho Chi Minh, head up the coast to Nha Trang by night bus or train. It’s a beachy city known for its long stretch of sand and island trips.
What to Do in Nha Trang
Relax on Nha Trang Beach and enjoy peaceful sunset walks along the promenade. Take some time to visit the Po Nagar Cham Temples, where you can explore the region’s ancient history and admire the impressive architecture. For a bit of adventure, go on a day trip to the Ba Ho Waterfalls, where you can hike through nature and cool off with a swim. If you’d like, ride the Vinpearl Land cable car for beautiful island views, and finish the day at one of the relaxed beach cafés.
Transport Tips
Ho Chi Minh → Nha Trang: Sleeper bus (Futa/Phuong Trang, 12h, ~300k VND) or train (SE2/SE4, 7h, ~400k VND).
Around: Walk beach area, scooter rental (~150k VND/day).
Week 2: Hoi An, Da Nang or Hue
Hoi An (4 days)
Next, make your way to Hoi An, a charming town famous for its lantern-lit streets and tailor shops.
What to Do in Hoi An
Cycle through the rice fields and explore Hoi An’s charming Old Town, especially lively during the night market. Spend some time relaxing at An Bang Beach and try a traditional basket boat ride through the coconut forests. Join a vegan-friendly cooking class at Red Bridge to learn how to prepare local dishes, and experience the magical atmosphere of a lantern release in the evening. You can also take a day trip to My Son Sanctuary to discover the ancient Cham ruins and learn more about the region’s history.
Transport Tips
Nha Trang → Hoi An: Open bus ticket (stops in Hoi An, ~500k VND, 12h) or fly Da Nang + taxi (~1h, 300k VND).
Around: Rent bicycle (~50k VND/day) or a scooter (~150k VND/day).
Da Nang or/and Hue (2-3 days)
From Hoi An, you can head to Da Nang or Hue (or both).
What to Do in Da Nang or/and Hue
Drive or take a scooter tour along the famous Hai Van Pass, where you can enjoy spectacular coastal views along one of Vietnam’s most scenic roads. If the weather is good, visit Ba Na Hills and walk across the iconic Golden Bridge, famous for its giant stone hands and panoramic mountain scenery. In the evening, head to Da Nang to watch the Dragon Bridge fire show, which takes place on weekend nights. You can also explore Hue’s rich history by visiting the Imperial City and the impressive royal tombs of the Nguyen emperors.
Transport Tips
Hoi An ↔ Da Nang: Local bus #1 (30min, 25k VND) or taxi (~300k VND).
Hoi An → Hue: Bus (3h, ~150k VND) or Hai Van Pass tour (~500k VND).
Week 3: Phong Nha & Ninh Binh
Phong Nha (4 days)
Continue north to Phong Nha, Vietnam’s cave capital.
What to Do in Phong Nha
Spend an adventurous day at Dark Cave, where you can zipline across the river, enjoy a natural mud bath, and try activities like kayaking and the nearby water park. Visit Paradise Cave, known for its impressive formations and easy access via illuminated walkways, and take a boat tour through the famous Phong Nha Cave. For a once-in-a-lifetime experience, consider exploring Son Doong Cave, one of the largest caves in the world, but be sure to book far in advance. You can also discover the beauty of Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park by motorbike, stopping for jungle hikes and scenic viewpoints along the way.
Transport Tips
Hue/Da Nang → Phong Nha: Open bus (5-7h, ~250k VND) or local bus from Dong Hoi (1h taxi, ~300k VND).
Around: Scooter rental essential (~150k VND/day).
Ninh Binh (4 days)
Next stop: Ninh Binh, “Ha Long Bay on land.”
What to Do in Ninh Binh
Take a boat tour through Tam Coc, where local rowers guide you along peaceful rivers winding through rice fields and limestone cliffs. Climb the 500 steps to the Mua Cave viewpoint for breathtaking views, especially at sunset. Visit the historic Hoa Lu Ancient Capital and explore the surrounding rice paddies by bicycle. You can also discover the serene Bich Dong Pagoda and the impressive Bai Dinh Pagoda before ending the day with a relaxed evening in Hoa Lu Old Town.
Transport Tips
Phong Nha → Ninh Binh: Sleeper bus (8h, ~350k VND) or train to Ninh Binh station.
Around: Bicycle rental (~50k VND/day) perfect for rice fields.
Week 4: Sapa & Ha Giang
Sapa (4 days)
Head up to Sapa in the far north.
What to Do in Sapa
Trek through the beautiful rice fields around Sapa and visit Fansipan, Vietnam’s highest peak, either by hiking or by taking the scenic cable car. Spend time in Cat Cat Village, where you can stay in a homestay and experience local life before strolling through the lively town center market. You can also take part in Hmong cultural workshops and enjoy warm vegan mountain soups, perfect after a day of exploring the surrounding landscapes.
Transport Tips
Ninh Binh → Sapa: Overnight bus to Hanoi (3h) + Sapa bus (6h, total ~500k VND) or night train.
Around: Walking town, scooter for outskirts (~200k VND/day).
Ha Giang (4 days)
Time for the Ha Giang Loop 4-day tour.
What to Do in Ha Giang
Travel the famous Ha Giang Loop, passing through dramatic mountain landscapes, breathtaking viewpoints, and small minority villages where you can stay in local homestays. Along the way, enjoy peaceful nights under clear skies perfect for stargazing and experience the local culture by tasting traditional rice wine with your hosts.
Transport Tips
Sapa → Ha Giang: Local bus (6h, ~250k VND) or shared jeep.
Loop: Motorbike rental/tour (~2.5M VND for 4 days).
Week 5: Cao Bang, Cat Ba & Hanoi
Cao Bang (3 days)
Head east to Cao Bang.
What to Do in Cao Bang
Explore the spectacular Ban Gioc Waterfall near the Chinese border, where the cascading waters create a truly unforgettable sight. Venture into the mysterious Nguom Ngao Cave, and soak in the sweeping panoramas from the Ma Phuc Pass. For those with extra time, take the Cao Bang Loop, winding through lush landscapes and charming villages, and consider combining it with Ha Giang for an extended journey of adventure, culture, and breathtaking scenery.
Transport Tips
Ha Giang → Cao Bang: Local bus (5-6h, ~200k VND).
Around: Scooter (~150k VND/day) or motorbike tours.
Cat Ba (3 days)
Travel south to Cat Ba Island.
What to Do in Cat Ba
Embark on a 1-day tour of Ha Long and Lan Ha Bay, paddling through emerald waters on a kayak and visiting serene floating villages along the way. Lace up your boots for a hike to the Dinh Huu Nghi viewpoint, where panoramic vistas await, and explore the hidden depths of Dong Trung Trang Cave. For a touch of history and adventure, trek the Cannon Fort trail, taking in dramatic views and remnants of the past that overlook the bay.
Transport Tips
Cao Bang → Cat Ba: Bus to Hanoi (6h) + ferry/bus combo (~400k VND total).
Around: Scooter (~150k VND/day), national park bus (~50k VND).
Hanoi (4 days)
End your 5-week journey in Hanoi.
What to Do in Hanoi
Stroll around the iconic Hoan Kiem Lake, soak in the lively atmosphere of the nearby night market, and pause for a coffee at the charming Note Café. Visit the solemn Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and wander along Train Street, keeping in mind its current status in 2026. Experience the magic of traditional Water Puppet Theatre, and indulge in a flavorful vegan banh mi street food tour, savoring the vibrant tastes of the city’s local cuisine.
Transport Tips
Cat Ba → Hanoi: Ferry to Ha Long + bus (4h, ~250k VND).
Departure: Noi Bai Airport (T2 for international, Grab ~300k VND).