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Day trips from Vietnam

Best Day Trips from Vietnam 2026

The day trips from Vietnam that repay the journey — with transport, timing, and cost for each.

By Updated Reviewed by Daniel Mercer

The short answer: start with Ninh Binh (Tam Coc and Trang An), Ha Long Bay Day Cruise and Mekong Delta from Ho Chi Minh City. This guide profiles 5+ day trips in Vietnam, with prices, timing, and the practical notes that decide whether each one earns a place in your plan.

Vietnam captivates visitors with its stunning natural beauty, from the limestone karsts of Ha Long Bay to the Mekong Delta's floating markets. This Southeast Asian nation seamlessly blends ancient temples, French colonial architecture, and dynamic modern cities with a rich culinary tradition that has gained worldwide acclaim.

Top day trips

Handpicked excursions within easy reach.

95 km south of Hanoi

Ninh Binh (Tam Coc and Trang An)

Limousine bus from My Dinh bus station (~$8)

Highlights: Row boat through Tam Coc cave system · Hoa Lu Ancient Capital ruins · Hang Mua Peak climb (500 steps) · Trang An UNESCO-listed grottoes boat tour

160 km east of Hanoi

Ha Long Bay Day Cruise

Day cruise with hotel pickup (~$60-100)

Highlights: Limestone karst scenery · Kayaking through Luon Cave · Swimming at Titop Island beach · Fresh seafood lunch on board

80-170 km southwest of Ho Chi Minh City

Mekong Delta from Ho Chi Minh City

Organised tour with transport ($25-45)

Highlights: Cai Rang floating market (best 5-7 am) · Boat ride through narrow canal villages · Coconut candy and rice paper workshops · Lunch at riverside restaurant on stilts

40 km from Hoi An

My Son Sanctuary from Hoi An

Organised tour ($12-20)

Highlights: Cham Hindu temple ruins (4th-14th century) · UNESCO World Heritage site architecture · Guided history of Champa Kingdom · Forested valley setting

60 km southwest of Hanoi

Perfume Pagoda from Hanoi

Organised day tour ($15-25)

Highlights: Boat ride along Yen Stream through karst scenery · Huong Tich Cave Buddhist pilgrimage site · Thien Tru Pagoda complex on mountainside · Cable car to the summit cave

Trips by distance

How far you can go in a day.

Getting there

Transport options for day trips.

Tours
Organized day tours from $15 (Perfume Pagoda) to $100 (Ha Long Bay day cruise) including transport and guide
Private
Private car hire from $50-80/day for Hanoi region, $40-60/day for HCMC region - better value for groups of 3+
Public
Buses serve most day trip destinations: Ninh Binh $3 by limousine bus, My Tho $3 from Mien Tay bus station HCMC
Rental
Motorbike rental $8-12/day for independent exploration of Ninh Binh, Da Nang surroundings, or Mekong Delta backroads

Day trip tips

Make the most of your excursions.

Tip

Start Ha Long Bay day trips before 7am - arriving by 11am gives maximum time before return journey

Tip

Ninh Binh day trip works well independently: buy $8 bus ticket at My Dinh station, rent bicycle at destination

Tip

My Son Sanctuary is best visited at 7am opening before the heat and large tour groups arrive

Tip

Mekong Delta is better as an overnight stay in Can Tho for early morning floating market access

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