Even with only 8 days in Vietnam itinerary, you can still discover the country’s best sights by optimizing your plan. With such a short timeframe, choosing the right itinerary and destinations will make sure a fulfilling travel experience. Let’s explore some of Vietnam’s most remarkable tourist destinations through this guide!
Is 8 days enough for Vietnam?
The short answer is sure, but a well-thought-out 8-day schedule is necessary to properly enjoy Vietnam. In order to maximize travel time, you should prioritize neighboring locations and concentrate on specific routes rather than attempting to explore the entire nation.
Typically, travelers will offer one of three places they have to go when planning an 8-day Vietnam itinerary:
- The shortened North-South route.
- In-depth exploration of Northern Vietnam
- Discover Central or Southern Vietnam
A good 8 day itinerary Vietnam should cover 3-4 major attractions, each lasting one to two days, and include time-saving domestic flights or limousine/overnight train travel.
With good planning, 8 days in Vietnam itinerary is still enough time to experience the country’s unique attractions, such as UNESCO heritage sites, local cuisine, natural landscapes, and indigenous culture.
The best 8 days in Vietnam itineraries
To create an 8 days in Vietnam itinerary, you should choose a route that clearly defines each “style” rather than trying to visit too many places. Below are detailed itineraries for each travel style that you can refer to:
Classic Vietnam North to South
For first-time travelers, this is the most popular 8 days itinerary Vietnam. This itinerary takes you through the highlights from North to South while combining a range of experiences to ensure the perfect trip:
Day 1-3: Hanoi and Ninh Binh trip
In the first 1-3 days, you will discover the signature of Northern Vietnam, such as the capital Hanoi and Ninh Binh.
When starting your exploration of Hanoi, you should focus on central locations like the Old Quarter, Hoan Kiem Lake, the Presidential Palace, the Temple of Literature, and the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum. This is also an opportunity to experience local cuisine with characteristic dishes reflecting Vietnamese culture.
Next, you should dedicate a day to Ninh Binh – a place take about a 2-hour drive from Hanoi. Here, you can go to famous landmarks like Trang An or Tam Coc to take boat travels to admire the limestone mountains, combined with climbing Mua Cave to enjoy panoramic views.
Explore Hanoi to the fullest with Lily’s Travel’s Hanoi city tour, then continue your journey with a Ninh Binh day tour to experience the beautiful scenery and unique culture of Northern Vietnam.
Day 4-6: Explore Da Nang and Hoi An
From Hanoi, you can fly to Da Nang (approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes). Here, you can go to Ba Na Hills and the Golden Bridge, then enjoy My Khe Beach.
Afterward, traveling to Hoi An, which takes about 45 minutes from Da Nang, is an ideal option. In 1-2 days, you can discover the ancient town and night markets, enjoy local cuisine, and experience the unique atmosphere of lanterns in the evening.
Experience a trip to Da Nang with Lily’s Travel or take a day trip to Hoi An to discover a complete, pre-planned journey!
Day 7: Discover Ho Chi Minh City
You will fly from Da Nang to Ho Chi Minh City (around 1 hour and 30 minutes) to continue your 8 days in Vietnam itinerary. A day here is enough to explore prominent landmarks such as Notre Dame Cathedral, the Central Post Office, Nguyen Hue pedestrian street, and Ben Thanh Market.
One way to get around Ho Chi Minh City is by taking a ride on a double-decker bus. At an affordable price, you can travel around the city, enjoying the early morning atmosphere or the bustling nightlife.
Join Lily’s Travel’s Ho Chi Minh City tour to discover the highlights and gain a deeper understanding of the history and culture of Vietnam’s most vibrant city.
Day 8: Mekong Delta day trip
On the final day of your 8 days in Vietnam itinerary exploration, you should dedicate a day to going to the Mekong Delta, signature landmarks such as Cai Rung Floating Market (Can Tho), Tra Su Melaleuca Forest (An Giang), and the green islets of My Tho/Ben Tre. This area is only about a 2-hour drive from Ho Chi Minh City.
Here, you can try boat trips on the river, go to floating markets, discover ecotourism, visit traditional craft villages and orchards, and gain a deeper understanding of life in the Mekong Delta.
Lily’s Travel’s day tour of the Mekong Delta will allow you to explore life in the Mekong Delta in an authentic way, making your trip convenient and saving you as much time as possible.
Northern Vietnam adventure itinerary
This itinerary would be ideal if you want to concentrate on nature, mountains, and local culture during your 8-day Vietnam itinerary, rather than traveling through many different regions:
Day 1: Hanoi
Start in Hanoi with places you have to go such as the Old Quarter, Hoan Kiem Lake, the Temple of Literature, the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, and the Thang Long Imperial Citadel. You can also stroll around West Lake, check out the Grand Cathedral, or visit Bat Trang pottery village if you have more time. This is an ideal starting point to experience the rhythm of life and culture of the capital.
Day 2: Moc Chau
It takes four to five hours to travel the 200 km to Moc Chau from Hanoi. This destination is known for its pristine highland landscapes such as Moc Suong tea hills, Ban Ang pine forest, Long Luong village, or Pha Luong peak. You can enjoy the chilly temperature all year round or witness mustard or plum blossoms, depending on the season.
Explore Moc Chau plateau seasonally with Lily’s Travel’s Moc Chau tour, where you can admire lush green tea hills, vibrant flower seasons, and enjoy the fresh, natural atmosphere of the highlands with the most convenient itinerary!
Days 3-5: Ha Long
From Moc Chau, return to Ha Long (total travel time is quite long, about 6-7 hours). With activities like kayaking, discovering caverns, cruising the bay, and spending the night on the water, Ha Long is the trip’s high point. Additionally, you can combine your trip with visits to Sun World, Bai Chay Beach, or the Quang Ninh Museum if traveling independently.
Enjoy the full beauty of nature with Lily’s Travel’s Ha Long Bay cruise tour, where you can experience yachting, kayaking, and overnight stays on the bay with a pre-optimized itinerary.
Days 6-8: Sapa
From Hanoi, the journey to Sapa takes approximately 5–6 hours. This destination is notable for Fansipan Mountain, Cat Cat Village, Muong Hoa Valley, and O Quy Ho Pass. You can trek through villages, chase clouds, experience ethnic culture, and enjoy local cuisine. For cloud hunting, the cold season or the rice harvest season is the great time to go.
Explore the Northwest mountainous region with Lily’s Travel’s Sapa trekking tour, combining village trekking, conquering Fansipan, and experiencing local culture authentically.
Central Vietnam cultural
This is the ideal choice if you want an 8 days in vietnam itinerary that’s relaxed, focusing on heritage, culture, and beach relaxation, with a seamless itinerary and minimal long-distance travel.
Day 1–2: Da Nang and Ba Na Hills
Start in Da Nang with highlights such as My Khe Beach, Son Tra Peninsula, Marble Mountains, and the iconic bridges. A full day should be dedicated to Ba Na Hills, a famous tourist area with a cool climate year-round.
Here, you can go to the Golden Bridge, the French Village, Le Jardin D’Amour flower garden, and Linh Ung Pagoda and experience the cable car for panoramic views of the mountains and forests. Additionally, Fantasy Park and Debay Wine Cellar are also noteworthy attractions.
Day 3–5: Hoi An
From Da Nang, it takes about 45 minutes to go to Hoi An. In 2–3 days, you can explore the ancient town with attractions such as the Japanese Bridge, Tan Ky Old House, the Guangdong Assembly Hall, and Hoi An Market.
Evenings are the best time to stroll through the streets, release lanterns on the Hoai River, and enjoy local cuisine like Cao Lau noodles and chicken rice. Additionally, you can combine your trip with an experience at Bay Mau coconut forest, Thanh Ha pottery village, or a visit to Cham Island if you have more time.
Days 6–7: Hue
Travel from Da Nang to Hue in about 2.5–3 hours via Hai Van Pass. Over two days, you should focus on visiting the Imperial Citadel, the royal tombs of emperors such as Minh Mang and Tu Duc, Thien Mu Pagoda, and taking a boat trip on the Perfume River. Hue is also an ideal destination to experience royal cuisine and local specialties.
Enjoy a complete heritage journey with Lily’s Travel’s Hue city tour, where you’ll have an optimized itinerary, knowledgeable guides, and a full experience of the Imperial Citadel, royal tombs, and distinctive Hue cuisine without worrying about your plans.
Day 8: Phong Nha
From Hue, travel to Phong Nha – Ke Bang in about 4 hours. In one day, you should choose nearby routes such as Phong Nha Cave combined with Chay River – Dark Cave or Thien Duong Cave. Besides discovering the caves, you can try activities such as kayaking and ziplining and enjoy the unique nature of Quang Binh.
Experience the breathtaking beauty of nature with Lily’s Travel’s Phong Nha cave tour, combining exploration of famous caves and exciting outdoor activities.
Southern Vietnam discovery
If you are interested in food, riverine culture, and beach holidays, this 8 days in Vietnam itinerary is well worth considering, offering a relaxed pace and diverse experiences from cities to coastal islands:
Day 1-2: Ho Chi Minh City
During your two days in Ho Chi Minh City, concentrate on exploring the central District 1 with highlights such as the Independence Palace, Notre Dame Cathedral, the City Post Office, Nguyen Hue Walking Street, and Ben Thanh Market. In the evening, you can try street food or enjoy the view of the Saigon River from rooftop bars.
If you have time, you can go to the Saigon Zoo, Suoi Tien Tourist Area, Dam Sen Park, or Can Gio Eco-tourism Area.
Day 3: Cu Chi Tunnels
The Cu Chi Tunnels are about 1.5 hours from the city center, making them fitting for a day trip. You can select to visit the Ben Duoc area (spacious, with a memorial temple) or Ben Dinh (more hands-on experience).
Here, you can watch a documentary film, learn about the tunnel system, crawl through the tunnels, visit the Hoang Cam kitchen, … Afterwards, you may combine it with lunch featuring local specialties like young beef or visit nearby ecotourism sites.
Day 4: Mekong Delta tour
For a one-day travel, the My Tho–Ben Tre route is the best choice for an 8 days in vietnam itinerary. The journey usually begins at Vinh Trang Pagoda, then a boat tour on the Tien River to visit islets such as Thoi Son.
You will experience boat trips in small canals, visit coconut candy-making villages, visit bee farms, drink fruit juice, and listen to traditional folk music. This is the ideal way to experience life in the Mekong Delta in a short time.
Day 5-8: Phu Quoc Island
From Ho Chi Minh City, the flight to Phu Quoc takes about 1 hour. Over 3 days, you should divide your itinerary by area to optimize your experience.
- South Island: Visit Phu Quoc Prison, the fish sauce factory, the pepper garden, and check in at Sunset Town and An Thoi Station. This is also the ideal place to watch the sunset on the island.
- Island Tour: Join a 4-island tour including Hon Mong Tay, Gam Ghi, May Rut, and Hon Thom for swimming, snorkeling, and a cable car ride across the sea.
- North Island: Explore VinWonders, Safari, and Grand World with many entertainment activities and evening shows.
- Central Island: Enjoy seafood, stroll through Duong Dong night market, and buy local specialties. You can see starfish in Rach Vem if you visit between November and April.
Enjoy a perfect island getaway with Lily’s Travel’s Phu Quoc Island tour, featuring a meticulously designed itinerary that delivers a luxurious vacation experience.
Best time to visit Vietnam for 8 days
The weather in Vietnam varies greatly between the North, Central, and South, thus the best time for an 8 days in Vietnam itinerary depends on the region you select. Here’s how to determine the best time to travel to each area:
| Region | Best time to visit | Weather characteristics | Notes |
| Northern Vietnam | March–May, September–November | Mild temperatures, low rainfall, great visibility | Avoid June–August (hot, rainy) and December–February (cold, foggy in mountains) |
| Central Vietnam | February–August | Sunny weather, ideal for beaches | Avoid September–November due to heavy rain and typhoons |
| Southern Vietnam | December–April | Dry season, less rain, easier travel | May–October is rainy season but showers are usually short |
If you are traveling across Vietnam (North–Central–South), March–April or October–November are ideal times, the most balanced point between regions helps to minimize bad weather and optimize the experience.
Estimated budget for 8 days in Vietnam
An 8 days in Vietnam itinerary can cost between $300 and $1,000 per person, depending on your travel preferences (not counting international flights). All things considered, Vietnam remains an affordable tourist destination. To help with your planning, consider the following open to reasonable approximations:
| Category | Estimated Cost |
| Accommodation | $15–30/night (budget), $40–80 (mid-range), $100+ (luxury) |
| Food & Drinks | $10–20/day (local), $25–40 (restaurants) |
| Domestic Transport | $100–250 (flights + transfers) |
| Tours & Activities | $150–300 (Ha Long Bay, Mekong Delta, Ba Na Hills, etc.) |
| Other Expenses | $50–100 (coffee, shopping, tips) |
In addition, you can refer to the estimated daily costs (per 1 person) as follows:
| Travel style | Daily budget | What’s included |
| Budget (Backpacking) | $30–45/day | Budget hostels/hotels, street food, and local transportation. |
| Mid-range (Comfort) | $60–90/day | 3-4 star hotels, restaurant meals, Grab/taxi. |
| Luxury | $150+/day | 4-5 star resorts, fine dining, private tours |
To optimize costs for your 8 days in Vietnam itinerary, you not only need to choose the right schedule but also apply some practical tips:
- To save time and money, give priority to package excursions for popular locations like Phu Quoc, the Mekong Delta, or Ha Long Bay.
- Book flights and hotels early, especially during peak season, to get better prices.
- Build your itinerary by region instead of moving around too much, which reduces travel costs and saves time.
- Always carry cash when eating out or making small purchases, as many local establishments don’t accept cards.
- For more convenient and cost-effective internet access, as well as easier map use and service booking, you should purchase a standard travel SIM card at the airport.
- Additionally, to ensure transparent pricing and avoid being overcharged, you should travel within the city using apps like Grab or reputable taxi services.
By applying these tips, you can control your expenses while still enjoying your 8-day trip to Vietnam.
An 8 days in vietnam itinerary is an ideal time to explore the most discoverable attractions if you know how to choose an acceptable route. To make your travel easier and more optimized, you can consider package tours or customized itineraries from Lily’s Travel, helping you get your journey to the fullest without worrying about planning.
