
moderate
15 days
Reasonable fitness for 2–4 hour daily activities: short treks, stairs at viewpoints, boarding small boats; not technical but expect long transfers.
From the limestone fingers of Ha Long Bay to Hoi An’s lantern-lit alleys and the Mekong’s floating markets, this 15-day all-in-one Vietnam itinerary covers the country’s highlights with organized logistics and active excursions. Read on for what to expect, cultural context and practical packing advice.
You disembark in Hanoi to a blend of motorbike hum and limestone morning mist — and in 15 days the country will rewrite your sense of scale. This itinerary stitches the northern karst bays and rice-terraced reserves to central highlands, lantern-lit towns and the delta’s braided rivers, moving at a steady traveler's pace that balances active days with time to breathe.

A 20–30L daypack keeps water, rain shell and camera accessible during treks, boat rides and city walks.
Smaller towns and floating markets prefer cash; have VND notes for purchases and tips.
A compressible rain jacket will save a day of sightseeing — storms can appear quickly, especially in summer.
On overnight Halong cruises, book activities like kayaking early to avoid crowds and secure better light for photos.
The route traces centuries of Vietnamese history: from Hoa Lu’s 10th–11th century capital and Hue’s Nguyen dynasty relics to Cham maritime sites in central Vietnam.
Overtourism and plastic waste pressure sensitive sites like Ha Long and Cham reefs; choose operators that support local conservation and avoid single-use plastics.
Protects against tropical downpours common across Vietnam, especially in monsoon months.
summer specific
Support for terrace trails, limestone steps and urban cobbles.
Holds water, camera, snacks and a spare layer for active excursions.
Keeps phones and cameras charged during long travel days and boat trips.