One Week
This page settles one of three. Here they are in the order they actually bind — the exceptions are what the decision manual works through in full.
- 1How many days do you really have?
- 2Which month, and which end do you start from?
the day count fixes the regions, but the month decides which end is in season — the ticket should follow the weather, not precede it
- 3What does the e-visa form commit you to?
direction and days are set, but the form also names the exit gate — a Cambodia loop or a river exit must be decided before applying
- 4The bay, Ninh Bình, or Sapa?
the visa's duration is now fixed, so the northern leg has a hard day budget and the cruise claims two of them
A First Vietnam Itinerary: How to Decide the Shape
Before the day-by-day, four decisions set everything else. Make them in this order.
Vietnam Itinerary: One Week
Seven days on the ground is enough for two regions done well, or three done badly. Here is the week that works, and what it costs you to try for more.