How many days do you need to spend in Vietnam?

Is 4 days enough in Vietnam?

Four days? Hah! Not even close. I went to Vietnam in 2023, just last July. Spent a week in Hanoi, felt rushed. Crazy, hectic, amazing. Absolutely loved the Old Quarter, the street food was incredible, Pho for breakfast, lunch, dinner–I didn’t care. Banh Mi everywhere. So many motorbikes! It was insane. A complete sensory overload.

Hanoi was beautiful, but I barely scratched the surface. I wanted to see Ha Long Bay, but there just wasn’t time. That would’ve taken at least two extra days, easy. I ended up just doing a day trip to a temple complex outside the city. It was nice, but not nearly what I imagined Vietnam to be. It felt like a tease! My friend went for two weeks and she saw so much more. She went to Hoi An, Sapa…places I only dreamt of seeing.

Ten days, minimum, to even begin exploring this country. Four days? You’ll only experience the airport and maybe a tourist trap or two. Seriously, book a longer trip. You’ll regret it otherwise. Don’t make the same mistake I did. I’m already planning a return trip–this time for three weeks! I need to see Ha Long Bay. And Sapa. And the Mekong Delta. This time, I’m doing it right.

• Hanoi: Amazing, overwhelming, but too short a time.
• Ha Long Bay: Missed opportunity, needs at least 2 days.
• Hoi An (Friend’s trip): Heard it’s stunning, wish I’d gone.
• Sapa (Friend’s trip): Mountains! On my list for the next trip.
• Mekong Delta: Definitely going next time.
• My Regret: Not planning enough time.
• Recommendation: At least 10 days. More is always better.

How to plan a week in Vietnam?

One week in Vietnam. Seven days. Impossible, truly, to capture it all.

Hanoi. Day one.

• Arrive. The air… thick. Food. Then… the night. Lost already.

Ha Long Bay. A cruise.

• Those fishing villages. Felt like looking into another life. Day two slips away.

Phong Nha next. Caves. Dark. Deep.

• Adventure? Sure. But what is adventure, really? Day three gone.

Tan Hoa. Rural. Day four.

• Nature. Finding peace feels so difficult somehow. Is it me?

Seven days. Just seven days. How can that be enough? Not enough. Never enough. I should go back.

Is 4 days in Ho Chi Minh enough?

Four days? Yeah, that’s ample time to get a solid feel for Ho Chi Minh City. Enough to scratch the surface, at least.

Day 1 should definitely hit the biggies:

• Ben Thanh Market: A sensory explosion, for sure. Don’t expect to snag a real bargain, though. Bartering is key. I swear it’s more for the experience than actual shopping.

• Notre Dame Cathedral: A beautiful reminder of French colonial influence. Construction in 1877 began and the completion occurred in 1880. You know, architectural relics tell stories, don’t they?

• Zoo and Botanical Garden: A surprisingly peaceful respite. Watch out for the midday heat. I’ve had better zoo experiences.

• Independence Palace: History buffs will dig this. Seriously, a powerful place to contemplate Vietnam’s past.

Are 4 days enough for Vietnam?

Four days in Vietnam? Hmmm, that’s a tasting menu, not a full meal.

• Four days gives you a snapshot, perhaps a focus on Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City. Pick one region or maybe a quick hop.

• Ten to fourteen days is better! North, Central, South – you could see Halong Bay, Hoi An (I bought a ridiculously awesome leather jacket there!), and the Mekong Delta.

• One month? Now you’re talking immersion. Trekking in Sapa, cooking classes in Hue, motorbike adventures… Vietnam reveals itself slowly, like a good book. What’s the hurry anyway, right?

Ultimately, the ideal visit duration depends on your pace and interests. Want a whirlwind tour? Or a deep dive into the culture? It’s up to you!