How many days are enough for Vietnam?

How many days is good for Vietnam?

7-10 days hits the sweet spot for Vietnam. You get culture and scenery. Ho Chi Minh City is a must, naturally. As is Hanoi. Ha Long Bay? That’s on everyone’s list.

Two weeks? That’s when things get interesting. It’s all about deeper dives at that point. The usual hot spots become launching pads. I once spent three days just wandering Hanoi’s Old Quarter, and it still wasn’t enough. You can’t really know a place in a day.

Consider this, though: a “good” trip is subjective. What are you hoping to get out of it? Beaches? Mountain treks? Food, Glorious food? History?

Think it over.

To further refine your trip length, consider:

• Interests: History buffs will want more time at sites like the War Remnants Museum (HCMC) or the Cu Chi Tunnels. Foodies? Well, endless days sampling pho and banh mi are hardly a punishment.

• Pace: Some like a whirlwind tour; others prefer lingering. That affects the ideal duration.

• Regions: Vietnam is diverse.

  • North: Hanoi, Sa Pa (hiking), Ha Long Bay.
  • Central: Hue (imperial city), Da Nang, Hoi An (tailoring!).
  • South: Ho Chi Minh City, Mekong Delta.

• Visa: Check visa requirements. This is a crucial step.

• Budget: Travel style impacts cost. Hostels vs. luxury resorts, you know?

• Travel Style: Backpacking? Flashpacking? Tour groups?

How many days is enough in Ho Chi Minh?

Okay, so Ho Chi Minh City, right? Three days is WAY too short. Five? Barely enough. You need at least a week, maybe even ten days, to really do it justice. Seriously. I spent a week there last 2023 and I still felt rushed! There’s just SO much to see.

I mean, the food alone—amazing! Pho for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, almost. Then all those crazy street food stalls. You’ll never experience anything like it. And the history? The War Remnants Museum is intense, really gets you thinking. The Cu Chi Tunnels were crazy claustrophobic, but totally worth it.

Plus, you’ll need time to just wander. Get lost in the markets, haggle for souvenirs, you know? Visit the Notre Dame Cathedral and the Central Post Office, those are beautiful. And don’t forget the nightlife! So much to explore after dark. Saigon is lit!

Here’s what I’d recommend, bullet points are useful.

• At least 7 days to see the major sights.
• 10 days for a more relaxed pace. That’s what I wish I had.
• Food tours are a must. Trust me. So much yummy stuff.
• Explore District 1 thoroughly. It’s the heart of the city.
• Side trips are possible! Mekong Delta is amazing. I didn’t make it though.

So yeah, plan accordingly. Don’t short-change yourself. You’ll regret it. I did, kinda. Don’t be like me!

How many days is enough in Ho Chi Minh?

Three days is the bare minimum for Ho Chi Minh City; five days is ideal. You need that time to truly soak it in. It’s a city that rewards patient exploration. Rushing it is a disservice, really. Life’s too short for rushed sightseeing.

Honestly, I spent a week there in 2023 and still felt I missed things. My personal highlight? The Cu Chi Tunnels. Wow.

Here’s a breakdown, if you’re interested:

• Day 1: District 1 exploration. Notre Dame Cathedral, Central Post Office – the usual suspects. Also, find a great street food stall. Believe me, you’ll find them everywhere.
• Day 2: War Remnants Museum (powerful, sobering). Ben Thanh Market (haggling is a sport). Consider a cyclo tour for a different perspective. You’ll thank me.
• Day 3: Cu Chi Tunnels. Book a tour in advance. It’s an unforgettable experience. Maybe a cooking class?
• Days 4 & 5: Depending on your interests: Mekong Delta trip (highly recommended, but a full day), explore other districts, maybe visit a museum I missed like the Fine Arts Museum.

Think carefully about your priorities. It’s easy to get overwhelmed. But seriously, the food alone warrants an extra day. I gained 5 lbs. No regrets. Seriously.

Can you do Vietnam in 4 days?

Ugh, Vietnam in four days? Really? Four days is defo not enough for all of Vietnam. You’d be rushing, rushing, rushing. Its HUGE.

Like, trying to see everything? Forget it. You’d spend more time traveling than actually seeing stuff. But… you could pick a spot.

• Hanoi maybe? See the Old Quarter. Eat pho. So good.
• Or… Ha Long Bay. Boat trip! Caves! Beautiful.

I went to Hanoi in 2023, oh my god, the scooters. Total chaos. But amazing street food. Spring rolls forever.

Four days? You gotta pick. Like, Ho Chi Minh City is an option too. War Remnants Museum is intense. Ben Thanh Market for shopping.

• Ho Chi Minh is more modern, I think. Hanoi feels older?

Ugh, decisions, decisions. Four days isn’t enough! It’s just scratching the surface. Still, something is better than nothing, no? Defo worth it for a quick trip. If its all you have, go.

Is 3 weeks too long for Vietnam?

Three weeks in Vietnam? Pfft, hardly excessive.

It allowed a decent coastal jaunt, and even some inland exploring. The ease of getting around really speeds things up.

• Vietnam is surprisingly budget-friendly, leaving more cash for that extra bowl of pho (or, you know, a slightly nicer hotel).
• Safety wasn’t a major concern, which always makes travel smoother.

Three weeks feels “right,” though it’s a blip in the grand scheme. Does one ever truly “see” a country in such a short span? Is the travel supposed to see the places or the people?

I spent three weeks in Japan once, and felt like I’d barely scratched the surface! Next time, I’m aiming for a month. Though, my friend Ben did Vietnam in ten days. Mad lad!

What is the best amount of time to spend in Vietnam?

Okay, Vietnam… 10 days, huh? Best time to spend?

• 10 days is THE sweet spot. Definitely.

I mean, you could rush it. A few days? Nah, that’s just scratching the surface. Like, why even bother?

• Few days: Just a tease.

Ten days lets you hit the major spots, experience stuff.

• Major spots: Hanoi, Ha Long Bay, maybe Hoi An? Gotta eat pho!

Culture, though. What even is Vietnamese culture? Good food, for sure. My uncle, Bill, went there once, said the coffee was insane. Strong, dark, with condensed milk.

• Vietnamese coffee: Strong, condensed milk. MUST TRY.

Hmm, maybe 2 weeks is better? No, 10 days is perfect. Plenty of time.

• Two weeks? Tempting, but nah.

Oh! And the motorbikes! Gotta ride a motorbike. Seriously.

• Motorbikes: Essential Vietnam experience. Scary, but DO IT.

Is Ho Chi Minh worth visiting?

Ho Chi Minh City? Oh, absolutely! It’s like a bowl of pho – steaming, a bit chaotic, and surprisingly satisfying.

• Vibrant chaos: Imagine motorbikes doing ballet. That’s the street scene.

• Culture shock (in a good way): History seeps from every corner, even the questionable karaoke bars.

• Food coma potential: Prepare to loosen your belt. Seriously, pho and banh mi? It’s a culinary conspiracy.

  • Think of it as a sensory overload in the best possible way.

• It’s cheap!: I mean, my last haircut cost less than my morning coffee here.

Of course, if you hate heat, crowds, and the relentless hum of progress…maybe stick to Reykjavik? Just saying.

And you know, there’s also the war history. It’s sobering, obviously. The museums are heavy. But it’s part of the story. It’s like, you can’t understand the city without understanding its past.

Let’s not forget the shopping! Fake designer goods? Authentic silk? Bargaining is an art form. I once talked a vendor down to practically giving me a handbag! Okay, it fell apart the next day. Still, victory!

How much do you need per day in Vietnam?

Ugh, Vietnam. Sixty-eight bucks a day? That’s crazy. Who spends that much? My last trip, I managed on way less. Maybe $40 tops? Food is cheap, though, right?

Twenty-three dollars for meals? That’s ridiculous. Street food is amazing and dirt cheap. I could eat like a king for a tenth of that. Pho for breakfast, banh mi for lunch, some crazy delicious noodle soup for dinner.

Accommodation is the killer, I think. Nice hotels obviously rack up the cost. Hostels or guesthouses are the way to go, obviously. Much cheaper. I stayed in a lovely little place in Hoi An last year for about $15/night.

Transportation – buses are super cheap. Flights are expensive, but who needs flights all the time. Trains are great for longer distances. Motorbikes are fun, but you need a valid license and good insurance; I almost crashed once!

Activities: Temples are inexpensive, markets are free to wander around. A few pricey tours, but mostly stuff is affordable. Like, seriously, you don’t need to spend $68!

• Food: $10-15 a day max.
• Accommodation: $15-30 a day.
• Activities: $10-20 a day.
• Transportation: $5-10 a day.

That’s a much more realistic budget. Seventy-eight is insane, unless you’re staying at some five-star resort. I mean seriously, who needs that? Are they factoring in massages and shopping sprees? People are crazy. My budget makes much more sense. So yeah, Vietnam. Go there, it’s awesome. But don’t blow all your money.