9 days in Vietnam: Top 4 Recommendations

If you want to spend about 9 days in Northern Vietnam, this active 9-day guided trip from Hanoi, covering the natural wonders and cultural heritage sites, is for you. Immerse yourself in the remote beauty of Ba Be National Park, trekking through ethnic minority villages and taking a boat ride on the serene Ba Be Lake. Venture into the rugged, mountainous province of Ha Giang, crossing dramatic high-altitude passes that offer stunning vistas of rice terraces and valleys. Visit historic sites like the Hmong King's Palace and French colonial forts. Marvel at natural attractions, including the powerful Ban Gioc Waterfall straddling the China-Vietnam border and the incredible karst scenery of Ha Long Bay with its towering limestone islands. Explore Cat Ba Island, discovering its national park, caves, beaches, and the floating village of Cai Beo. With guided treks, cultural interactions, boat cruises, and some free time at places like Cat Ong Beach, this trip allows you to experience the great outdoors of Northern Vietnam while learning about the region's ethnic diversity and history. See all 9-day tours in Vietnam.

This itinerary of 9 days in Vietnam begins and ends in Hanoi. Cross several scenic tea plantations and mountainous villages as you drive from Hanoi to Ha Giang. Your trekking adventure starts along terraced rice fields as you make your way through serene palm-tree forests until you reach the Lung Vai village. The next day, drive towards Dong Van, passing the Cong Troi Pass, and visit the King’s Palace in Sa Phin. Then, the next day, explore the old quarter of Dong Van and climb up the 19th-century Pu Lo fortress, which offers lovely views of the region. Continue trekking amid a dramatic landscape comprising limestone peaks, stone forests, and canyons till you reach the top of Ma Pi Leng Pass. Finally, descend into the Meo Vac Valley. Next, explore the mountains north of Bao Lac, and visit Lo Lo Village. See the popular Bao Lac market before driving to Ba Be. Interact with members of the Tay community, known for their fishing skills, in Coc Toc Village. Get introduced to the Hmong and Dzao ethnic people. Then, hop on a motorboat to the limestone Puong Cave, which is full of stalactites and stalagmites and home to at least 18 bat species. Before returning to Hanoi to explore Pac Ngoi Village and hike its limestone cliffs.

Experience a port-to-port cruise in the Mekong with this 9-day Vietnam itinerary. After arriving in Koh Chen, settle down comfortably in your cabin inside the cruise boat in Koh Chen. Your cruise sails with a visit to Kampong Chhnang, a large fishing port on the Tonle Sap Lake. The area is also known for its pottery; you can check out some beautiful locally-made products. The cruise then departs for Kampong Tralach, where you will see the Wat Kampong Tralach Leu pagoda. Sail to Cambodia’s former capital, Udong, next, and visit the Vipassana Dhura Buddhist Meditation Center as well as nearby temples and stupas. Next, visit Phnom Penh’s Royal Palace and National Museum and take a tuk-tuk tour of the area. Also, see the Art Deco Central Market and shop for souvenirs at the ‘Phsar Thmei’ market. Hop on a small boat to visit a village belonging to the Cham people and explore the town center of Chau Doc, which has colonial-style houses and a colorful market area. The cruise then heads to Cai Be, where a local boat trip will take you along the Mekong River. Stop at a craft village, visit fruit orchards, enjoy a local music performance, and attend a cooking class. You may also try kayaking and exploring the countryside on a mountain bike. The ship then departs for the lively Chao Gao Canal, the entry to Saigon, which is always buzzing with activity. But the day’s adventure isn’t over. Enjoy a unique experience called “Saigon After Dark,” exploring the city’s nightlife, street food and music, and other major attractions at Ho Chi Minh City, like the Reunification Palace and the Opera House. Describe your ideal 9-day holiday for a customized trip to Vietnam.

Discover historically important sites and see beautiful coffee plantations, waterfalls, and jungles on a 9-day motorcycle adventure trip in Vietnam. Start your tour by riding to My Son Holyland to see the impressive Cham Towers dating from the 7th to 12th centuries. From there, head to the Ho Chi Minh Trail, a key site during the Vietnam War, and enjoy the jungle scenery. Then stop by important war sites like the Phoenix airfield, which was operated by the US military. In the next few days, you’ll see Mang Den, an idyllic town on a plateau surrounded by pine forests; ride to the famous Dray Sap and Dray Nu waterfalls; admire the views from the top of Elephant Mountain; and learn about Agent Orange, a dark chapter of the Vietnam War. In Dalat, see major attractions like the crazy house, Valley of Love, King Bao Dai Palace, and soar above Tuyen Lam Lake on a cable car. On the last day, ride into history again at the Nam Cat Tien National Park, where you will encounter wild boars, Javan mouse deer, and gaur.

These 9 days in Vietnam itineraries have it all — mighty cruises to iconic historic sites, thrilling motorcycle rides through the jungle, trekking in spectacular mountains, and spending many cherished hours immersed in the beautiful culture and traditions of local tribes. Book one of our Vietnam tour packages or contact our travel experts for a personalized trip in Vietnam that meets all your requirements. For more information, see our guide on how many days to spend in Vietnam.

Whether you have a week or a bit more, explore our comprehensive guides on spending 7 days in Vietnam or 8 days in Vietnam for the ultimate travel experience. For a seasonal overview, check out our guide on the best time to visit Vietnam.