We are going in March this year to Vietnam. We of course want to see as much as possible and have found that staying at least two nights in one place is required. We have done similar trips in the past to other places in the world and make the last stop be a few days staying in one city with options to do side trips if we feel like it. Or we can just relax if needed. I put together this itinerary and would be very interested in everyone's experience. I had another itinerary with a stop in Hue (coming from Hanoi) but thought that it was too much travel. So this one allows us one more day in Hoi An and another day in Saigon. Thanks so much.

March 9 - Arrive Hanoi
March 10 - Explore Hanoi
March 11 - Explore Hanoi (possible side trip to Hoalu)
March 12 - go to Halong Bay and stay on boat
March 13 - Leave Halong Bay and head to Airport for flight to Danang - Sleep in Hoi An
March 14 - Explore Hoi An
March 15 - Explore Hoi An
March 16 - Leave early for Danang for flight to Siem Reap
March 17 - Explore Angkor Wat
March 18 - Explore Angkor Wat
March 19 - Explore Angkor Wat
March 20 – Fly back mid-day to Saigon
March 21 – Explore Saigon(possible side trip to Mekong Delta)
March 22 – Explore Saigon(Possible side trip to Chu Chu tunnels)
March 23 – Explore Saigon(Flight leaves at 11:55 pm to come back to the states)

Hi Travel Guest,

Thanks for your post. Why not register so we can get to know you by name?

Your itinerary looks pretty damn good to me as an introduction to Vietnam (with an Angkor Wat sidetrip). I think you were right to remove Hue - not only because it would be too much, but also because it's a sh!thole of a city! Nothing much to see at all... move on by!

Hoi An is an absolute gem of a town and I wonder whether two days is long enough... it's a wonderful place to laze around. There's a restaurant there called The Mermaid... check it out. Wonderful food - they do a couple of Hoi An specialities... I forget what they are! But just ask the friendly staff. Also be sure and hire some bikes and cycle to the beach at Hoi An. On the way there are a few restaurants that sell fresh crab in Tamarind sauce... divine! Cost $3 although that was four years ago now... adjust for inflation...

Definitely get in a side trip to the Mekong Delta (maybe down to My Tho and stay overnight), otherwise four days in Saigon is going to be too much. It pales in comparison to Hanoi, which oozes colonial charm and is a joy to get lost in.

Have a great time - and let us know how you get on and if you have any recommendations as a result of your trip!

cheers,
Steve