Brimming with deep historical narratives of trials and tribulations, Vietnam, dubbed the Land of the Ascending Dragon, has recently been on the global radar of many travel buffs pondering over the next Southeast Asia country to add to their travel bucket list. Rightfully so, the country offers many stunning natural landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and mouthwatering cuisine—the list goes on.
Vietnam encompasses a perfect blend of simplicity, tradition, and natural wonders that captivate visitors, lending the country its unique and enchanting appeal.
Ready to go on an epic road trip through Vietnam? Here’s a popular road trip itinerary from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh that promises an action-packed adventure from start to finish.
Day 1-2: Hanoi
Rev up your engines as we start at the heart of Vietnam—Hanoi, and you have two whole days to explore this absolute beauty of a city that screams Vietnamese culture at every turn. The capital invites you to discover the Old Quarter, where historical charm and contemporary urban bustle await.
Wander through the ancient streets on foot and marvel at the rows of vibrant markets and boutique shops selling everything from traditional handicrafts to modern souvenirs. All 36 streets represent a specific trade or craft, so if you like to get your hands on excellent silk products and customary Vietnamese apparel, go to Hàng Gai or Silk Street. If you’re looking to shop for high-quality jewelry, Hàng Bạc or Silver Street has got you covered.
If you’re done perusing the old streets and you’re in the mood for some culture, most temples and pagodas like the Bach Ma Temple are within walking distance, while other historical landmarks like the One Pillar Pagoda and Tran Quoc Pagoda might require you to walk a bit further west, being roughly 1.9 miles and 2.5 miles respectively from the Old Quarter.
A trip to the Old Quarter wouldn’t be complete without trying out the diverse array of street food and delicious delicacies that abound on every corner. Eat like a local and munch on some local treats like phở, bún chả, or bánh mì from street vendors or small local eateries. Dine in or enjoy them while strolling along Hoan Kiem Lake or sitting on nearby benches, a perfect way to unwind and appreciate nature’s bliss.
As the sun sets, you can find various accommodation options in the Old Quarter, from hostels to premier hotels. A 5-minute walk from the lake, the Hanoi HM Boutique Hotel is an ideal choice for backpackers if you want to get your money’s worth. Choose to call it a day or get a glimpse of Hanoi’s nightlife at nearby hangout spots like Diamond Sky Bar, Polite Co., or the Mad Botanist, all reachable within a short 10-minute drive from the Hanoi HM Boutique Hotel.
For the next day, you can explore more of the Old Quarter. The Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre should just be within a quick 5-minute drive from where you’re staying and is a must-see attraction that showcases the country’s history and folklore.
Within walking distance from the lake is the Ngoc Son Temple on Jade Island, easily accessible by crossing the picturesque Huc Bridge. A 12-minute drive would take you to the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum where you can learn about the life and legacy of Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam’s nationalist hero. The,n from here, it would be around seven minutes to reach the Temple of Literature, the country’s first university.
Day 3: Ha Long Bay
106.7 miles, roughly 3 hours
Bid farewell to historical Hanoi and say hello to Ha Long Bay, a roughly 3-hour drive from the capital city. A proud UNESCO-listed site, Ha Long Bay is famous for its magnificent islets, emerald waters, and various limestone karst landscapes, earning it a place among the New 7 Wonders of Nature in 2011. If you’ve been waiting for some beach action in your Vietnam itinerary, then here you go.
Go on a boat ride to explore the Bay at your own pace and see stunning cave systems adorned with some of the most distinctive geological formations and breathtaking stalactites and stalagmites. Pay a visit to the floating fishing villages such as Cua Van, Vung Vieng, Ba Hang, and Cong Dam, and learn about the day-to-day life of the villagers. Or discover some of the Bay’s idyllic islands and beaches like Ti Top Island, Cat Ba Island, and Monkey Island, where you can swim and snorkel to your heart’s content.
Day 4: Hue
493.5 miles, 13 hours
Source: Photo by Pexels
Following a sunny day in Ha Long Bay, you’re off to Central Vietnam, specifically the imperial city of Hue. While Hanoi offers historical charm with modern developments, Hue is quieter, so you should be more in your element if laid-back travel is your cup of tea. First, you’re going to the Imperial City, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, to dig deep into Vietnam’s royal history.
At its heart is the Citadel, a massive complex filled with palaces, pavilions, and temples dating back to the Nguyen Dynasty. The riverbanks of the Perfume River should be just a few meters away. From here, you can drive to some nearby royal tombs of past Nguyen emperors situated along its banks and other surrounding areas.
Among these are the tombs of Emperor Minh Mang, Emperor Khai Dinh, and Emperor Tu Duc, all located within a five-kilometer drive of each other. Before driving to your next destination, you might as well make a stop to try the city’s royal cuisine, renowned for its unique and distinct flavors.
Day 5: Hoi An
75.1 miles, 2 hours 30 minutes
Source: Photo by Quang Nguyen Vinh on Pexels
It takes around three hours by car to reach the quaint city of Hoi An, which also boasts its own UNESCO-listed Old Town, offering a delightful alternative to Hanoi’s famous historic district. Stroll along narrow, lantern-lit streets adorned with centuries-old buildings that embody a fusion of Vietnamese, Chinese, and Japanese architectural influences.
If you happen to visit Hoi An during the night of a full moon, then you’re in for a treat, as the city hosts a monthly lantern festival on the 14th of each lunar month. During this enchanting festival, you will be greeted by the sight of hundreds of bright lanterns floating on the Thu Bon River, creating a magical atmosphere that will entice adults and children alike.
Day 6: Hai Van Pass, Da Nang, Nha Trang
377.4 miles, 11 hours and 27 minutes
Source: Photo by Kirandeep Singh Walia on Pexels
At this point in your Vietnam journey, these destinations will be mostly stopovers at scenic spots since Hai Van Pass and Da Nang are only within an hour’s drive from each other. Hit the road as early as possible to wind the spectacular coastal road of Hai Van Pass, giving you the perfect Instagram-worthy shots of the country’s central coast. Then head off to the city of Da Nang, and you have a choice between venturing to Marble Mountains or My Khe Beach, both just an hour’s drive from the city proper. Pick the former if your inner pilgrim senses the promise of exhilarating cave-hopping or the latter if you prefer relaxing by the beach.
When you’ve had your fill of both destinations, it will be a hefty drive of roughly 10 hours to Nha Trang, the seafood capital of Vietnam. Indulge in delectable seafood from the diverse selection of restaurants and eateries, dip in the city’s mineral-rich mud baths, or explore the vibrant local markets like Dam Market and Cho Xom Moi Market.
Day 7: Ho Chi Minh City
248.6 miles, 6 hours
Source: Photo by Tuan Vy on Pexels
Nearing the end of your Vietnam road trip, the busy metropolis of Ho Chi Minh City, formerly known as Saigon, beckons you. Begin your day with some rich Vietnamese drip coffee in a nearby coffee shop, then stroll along the rejuvenating green spaces of Tan Tao Park.
Grab lunch in Cho Lon, the city’s Chinatown, and haggle your way to unique gifts to bring home. Drive for around 15 minutes to reach the Ben Thanh district and visit the Museum Of Fine Arts, which showcases the country’s complex yet fascinating history and heritage.
From the museum, it should be a 5-minute walk to the city’s biggest and busiest marketplace, the Ben Thanh Market. If you haven’t had a chance to get some souvenirs in Cho Lon, then this market won’t fail you. From clothing to local food products, Ben Thanh Market is a retail haven for shoppers.
Feeling for a light adventure in the afternoon? Set your sights on the Cu Chi Tunnels in the Cu Chi district, roughly 2 hours from Ben Thanh by car. The largest underground network in the country, these decades-old tunnels served as hiding areas for local revolutionary troops against the French colonialists during the Indochina War. At the time of the Vietnam War, the tunnels were expanded over 250 kilometers to become a strategic military base operation for Communist guerrilla soldiers.
More than just a tourist destination, these tunnels are a testament to the tact and resilience of the Vietnamese people in times of turbulence and strife.
Understanding Vietnamese Roads
Learn how to better navigate the roads of Vietnam with these tips and tricks.
- Choosing a car rental. Decide on a car to prepare you for the road. Many car rental providers in Vietnam are happy to help you opt for a vehicle that suits your needs.
- Have car insurance. Driving in Vietnam can be challenging for motorists, and you’re going to want comprehensive car insurance to ensure safety.
- Get an IDP. Securing an International Driving Permit (IDP) will help you from a lot of trouble with local authorities and other road mishaps.
- Look out for motorcycles and scooters. With motorcycles and scooters among the most common vehicles in Vietnam, expect to see a lot of them on the road zooming around and appearing out of nowhere.
- Drive on the right. Ensure that you’re always on the right side of the road when you’re driving through Vietnam.
- Know the speed limits. When driving through rural areas, keep your speed around 40 kilometers per hour, increase to 60 kph in urban areas, and up to 80 kph on highways.
- Familiarize yourself with local roads and traffic signs. While most road signs in Vietnam are in both Vietnamese and English, some signs are exclusively in Vietnamese.
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Budgeting in Vietnam
Planning a vacation abroad without overspending is possible. Here are some ways to help you manage your budget in Vietnam.
- Know your accommodation options. Choose to stay in hostels, guesthouses, or homestays if you’re aiming to cut back on lodging. Book your accommodation in advance during peak seasons.
- Monitor gasoline prices. Gas should be one of your top priorities when going on a road trip so plan accordingly where you’re pumping gas in gas stations in Vietnam.
- Look into budget-friendly activities. Public parks, festivals, and local markets can be a great way to spend your time without burning a hole in your pockets. Most museums and temples are often free of charge, and entrance fees are affordable.
- Eat in food markets. Say no to eating in high-end restaurants and stroll through local food markets and food stalls instead.
- Be smart about travel insurance. It’s better to be safe than sorry. Research travel plans that suit your group’s needs and compare the prices to have a benchmark cost on travel insurance.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is a visa required to travel to Vietnam?
Citizens from select countries that possess ordinary passports are eligible to enter Vietnam. See here if your country is visa-free.
What is the best time to visit Vietnam?
You should visit Vietnam from November to April for the best weather.
What are the things to pack for a road trip?
Make sure to pack essential travel items such as travel documents, a first-aid kit, car tools and equipment, blankets, snacks, and entertainment.
Where can I spot an ATM in Vietnam?
ATMs are readily accessible throughout Vietnam, particularly in large cities and towns.
Is tap water safe in Vietnam drinkable?
Unfortunately, it is recommended to not drink tap water in Vietnam.
Do I need a local sim in Vietnam?
For hassle-free travel across the country, you can get a local sim to stay connected.
Venture Vietnam On the Road
Vietnam, like an ascending dragon, rises with graceful strength, its rugged landscapes and resilient spirit soaring to new heights with each passing horizon. From cruising the magnificent Mekong Delta to exploring the Vihn Moc Tunnels in Quang Tri, expect an unforgettable journey across the country on the road. It gets even better when you secure an IDP from IDA for stress-free travel now!
