Here’s a detailed 13-day itinerary for a trip through Vietnam covering Hanoi, Sapa, Halong Bay, Hue, Hoi An, Ho Chi Minh City, Cao Dai, Cu Chi Tunnels, and the Mekong Delta:

Day 1: Arrival in Hanoi

• Morning: Arrive in Hanoi. Transfer to your hotel and check in.

• Afternoon: Explore the Old Quarter, visit Hoan Kiem Lake, and Ngoc Son Temple.

• Evening: Enjoy a traditional Vietnamese dinner and watch a water puppet show.

Overnight in Hanoi

Day 2: Hanoi City Tour

• Morning: Visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, One Pillar Pagoda, and Temple of Literature.

• Afternoon: Explore the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology or Hoa Lo Prison.

• Evening: Free time for shopping or dining in the Old Quarter.

Overnight in Hanoi

Day 3: Hanoi to Sapa

• Morning: Take a train or bus to Sapa (approximately 6-7 hours).

• Afternoon: Arrive in Sapa and check in to your hotel.

• Evening: Explore Sapa town or relax at your hotel.

Overnight in Sapa

Day 4: Sapa Trekking

• Morning: Trek to Lao Chai and Ta Van villages to experience local culture and stunning rice terraces.

• Afternoon: Continue trekking to Cat Cat Village or Shin Chai Village.

• Evening: Return to Sapa town. Enjoy dinner and relax.

Overnight in Sapa

Day 5: Sapa – Halong Bay

• Morning: Travel back to Hanoi and then drive from Hanoi to Halong Bay (approximately 3.5 to 4 hours).

• 12:00 PM: Arrive and board your cruise (e.g., Amanda Cruise, Paradise Cruise).

• 12:30 PM: Lunch on the cruise as you sail through Halong Bay.

• Afternoon: Explore Halong Bay by kayaking or visiting a cave (e.g., Sung Sot Cave).

• Evening: Enjoy dinner and evening activities on the cruise.

Overnight on the cruise

Day 6: Halong Bay – Hanoi – Fly to Hue

• Morning: Enjoy breakfast and a final activity on the cruise.

• 10:00 AM: Disembark and transfer back to Hanoi.

• Afternoon: Fly from Hanoi to Hue.

• Evening: Arrive in Hue, transfer to your hotel, and explore local markets or enjoy dinner.

Overnight in Hue

Day 7: Hue City Tour

• Morning: Visit the Imperial Citadel, Thien Mu Pagoda, and Khai Dinh Tomb.

• Afternoon: Explore Hue’s local markets or take a boat ride on the Perfume River.

• Evening: Enjoy a traditional dinner.

Overnight in Hue

Day 8: Hue – Hoi An

• Morning: Drive from Hue to Hoi An (about 2.5 hours).

• Afternoon: Explore the Ancient Town, Japanese Covered Bridge, and local markets.

• Evening: Enjoy dinner in Hoi An and explore the town’s lantern-lit streets.

Overnight in Hoi An

Day 9: Hoi An

• Morning: Free time for shopping, relaxing, or optional activities like a cooking class or visiting the My Son Sanctuary.

• Afternoon: Continue exploring Hoi An or relax at the beach.

• Evening: Enjoy a river cruise or another local activity.

Overnight in Hoi An

Day 10: Hoi An – Fly to Ho Chi Minh City

• Morning: Fly from Da Nang (near Hoi An) to Ho Chi Minh City.

• Afternoon: Arrive in Ho Chi Minh City and check in to your hotel. Visit Reunification Palace, Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica, and War Remnants Museum.

• Evening: Explore Ben Thanh Market or Pham Ngu Lao Street.

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City

Day 11: Cao Dai Temple and Cu Chi Tunnels

• Morning: Take a day trip to the Cao Dai Temple in Tay Ninh.

• Afternoon: Visit the Cu Chi Tunnels and explore the extensive network used during the Vietnam War.

• Evening: Return to Ho Chi Minh City.

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City

Day 12: Ho Chi Minh City – Mekong Delta

• Morning: Depart for a day trip to the Mekong Delta. Visit a traditional village, take a boat ride on the delta, and experience local life.

• Afternoon: Continue exploring the delta and return to Ho Chi Minh City.

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City

Day 13: Departure

• Morning: Free time for last-minute shopping or relaxing in Ho Chi Minh City.

• Afternoon: Transfer to Tan Son Nhat International Airport for your departure.

Additional Tips:

• Flights: Book internal flights in advance for convenience.

• Weather: Pack for varying weather conditions as Vietnam’s climate differs from region to region.

• Visa: Ensure your visa requirements are sorted prior to departure.

Feel free to ask for any additional information or adjustments to this itinerary!