Vietnam is a dragon shaped country stretching from the misty mountains of the north to the tropical delta of the south. It offers chaos deeper than Thailand and coffee stronger than Italy. However, the visa rules have recently changed, and the famous "Train Street" is strictly regulated. You need a strategic online trip planner to navigate the sleeper buses and book the right Ha Long Bay cruise. This updated Vietnam route planner 2026 ensures you cross the street safely (hint: never run).
🇻🇳 Vietnam Trip Summary
- 🛂 Visa: E-Visa is now available for all countries (Apply 1 week ahead).
- 🚌 Transport: "Sleeper Buses" are cheap and comfortable for long distances.
- ☕ Must-Try: Egg Coffee in Hanoi (It tastes like liquid tiramisu).
- 📅 Best Time: February to April (Avoid Typhoon season in Oct/Nov).
Before You Go: The "Train Street" Ban
Hanoi's famous Train Street (where trains pass inches from cafes) was officially closed for safety. However, you can still enter IF you are invited by a cafe owner. Do not try to walk past the police barriers alone. Wait for a cafe owner to escort you in.
Days 1-3: Hanoi (The Old Quarter)
Start in the north. The traffic here is a flowing river of motorbikes.
Day 1: Egg Coffee & Hoan Kiem Lake
Start your day with Ca Phe Trung (Egg Coffee) at Giang Cafe (the original inventor). Walk around Hoan Kiem Lake and visit the temple on the island.
Day 2: Ha Long Bay Cruise (Overnight)
This is non-negotiable. Take a shuttle to Ha Long Bay. Do not do a day trip; it is too rushed. Book a 2-Day/1-Night Cruise. Sleeping on the boat surrounded by thousands of limestone islands is magical. You will kayak into caves and swim in the emerald water.
Day 3: Return to Hanoi & Street Food
Return to Hanoi. Take a Street Food Tour. Sit on small plastic stools and eat Bun Cha (grilled pork with noodles), the dish Obama famously ate here.
Days 4-7: Hoi An (Lanterns & Tailors)
Fly or take a sleeper train to Da Nang, then a taxi to Hoi An.
Day 4: Ancient Town
Hoi An is the most beautiful town in Vietnam. It is yellow-walled, car-free, and lit by thousands of colorful lanterns at night. Walk across the Japanese Covered Bridge.
Day 5: Get a Suit Made
Hoi An is the tailoring capital of the world. You can get a custom-made suit or dress for a fraction of the price in Europe. Go for a fitting in the morning; it will be ready by the next day.
Day 6: Coconut Basket Boat
Take a trip to the coconut forest and ride the round Basket Boats. The locals spin the boats like a disco ride. It is hilarious and fun.
Day 7: Ba Na Hills (The Golden Hand Bridge)
Take a day trip to Ba Na Hills. This is where the famous "Golden Bridge" held by giant stone hands is located. Go very early to avoid the crowds.
Days 8-10: Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)
Fly south to HCMC. It is modern, fast, and hotter than the north.
Day 8: War Remnants Museum
Visit the War Remnants Museum. It tells the story of the Vietnam War from the Vietnamese perspective. It is heartbreaking but essential.
Day 9: Cu Chi Tunnels
Crawl through the Cu Chi Tunnels, the underground network used by soldiers during the war. It is a claustrophobic but fascinating history lesson.
Day 10: Mekong Delta
Take a boat trip to the Mekong Delta. Wear a conical hat, row through the canals, and buy fruit from the floating markets.
Vietnamese Food Guide: Beyond Pho
- Pho: Noodle soup with beef or chicken. In the north, it is savory; in the south, it is sweet and herbaceous.
- Banh Mi: The world's best sandwich. Baguette filled with pate, meat, pickled carrots, and chili.
- Ca Phe Sua Da: Iced coffee with condensed milk. It is rocket fuel.
🇻🇳 Cruise Warning
There are hundreds of Ha Long Bay Cruises, and some are "scam boats" with rats and bad food. Always book a highly-rated, mid-range to luxury cruise online (look for 4 stars and above). A bad boat can ruin your trip. Check reliable options below.