vietnam 1-month itinerary 2026 & visa guide - routes, costs, how to apply

Planning 30 days in Vietnam in 2026? This all-in-one guide pairs a smart North-to-South route with a complete Vietnam eVisa walkthrough, realistic costs, safety tips, and pro travel hacks—so you can spend more time exploring and less time second-guessing.

Why Visit Vietnam in 2026: Climate, Festivals & New Routes

Vietnam balances timeless charm with modern convenience. In 2026, improved airports, better regional flight connections, and streamlined eVisa processing make long trips easier than ever.

Best Time to Visit Vietnam by Region

• North (Hanoi, Ninh Binh, Ha Long): Cool/dry Dec–Mar; warmer Apr–Jun; humid Jul–Aug; crisp autumn Sept–Nov.

• Central (Hue, Da Nang, Hoi An): Best Feb–Aug; expect showers Oct–Dec.

• South (HCMC, Mekong, Phu Quoc): Dry Nov–Apr; wetter May–Oct, but still very doable.

Peak vs. Shoulder Season: What to Expect

• Peak (Dec–Feb): Pleasant weather, higher prices, book early.

• Shoulder (Mar–Apr & Sept–Nov): Fewer crowds, good rates—ideal for a one-month loop.

Vietnam Visa Options in 2026: Tourist & Business Overview

Most travelers use a Tourist eVisa. Business visitors can apply for short-term Business visas depending on meetings, conferences, or trade visits.

Single-Entry vs. Multiple-Entry: Which Suits a 1-Month Trip?

• Single-Entry: Enter Vietnam once; ideal if you won’t cross into neighboring countries.

• Multiple-Entry: Best if you plan side trips to Cambodia/Laos/Thailand and re-enter Vietnam.

30-Day vs. 90-Day Validity Explained

• 30-Day eVisa: Perfect for this itinerary if you’ll stay within Vietnam.

• 90-Day Options: Comfortable buffer for slow travelers or those combining regional trips.

Vietnam eVisa Requirements 2026: Documents & Eligibility

Prepare these before you apply:

• Passport valid 6+ months beyond entry (with blank pages).

• Recent passport-style photo per guidelines.

• Travel details (entry port/date; accommodation).

• Secure payment method (credit/debit card, etc.).

• Print & save PDF eVisa and carry digital copies.

How to Apply for Your Vietnam eVisa Online (Step-by-Step, 2026)

1. Start your application on our secure platform.

2. Choose visa type (Tourist eVisa, single-entry for 30 days works for most).

3. Enter details accurately (names, passport number, dates).

4. Upload documents (photo + passport scan as per size/format).

5. Pay the fee via secure checkout.

6. Track your status using your application ID sent to your email.

7. Receive & print your eVisa; verify all details before traveling.

Typical processing: 3–4 working days; express options available for urgent trips.

CTA: Apply your Vietnam eVisa now and lock your travel dates—our experts pre-check your file to avoid delays.

Perfect 30-Day North-to-South Itinerary

This route minimizes backtracking, pairs must-see icons with off-beat gems, and keeps daily travel times reasonable.

Days 1–4: Hanoi, Old Quarter, Ninh Binh & Hoa Lu

• Hanoi (2 days): Old Quarter food tour, Hoan Kiem Lake & Ngoc Son Temple, Temple of Literature, Ho Chi Minh Complex (arrive early).

• Ninh Binh (2 days): Base in Tam Coc or Trang An. Cycle rice valleys, boat through karst caves, climb Hang Mua for sunset.

Days 5–6: Ha Long Bay or Lan Ha Bay Cruise

• Choose 2D/1N cruise: kayaking, karst landscapes, floating villages.

• Lan Ha Bay (south of Ha Long) is quieter yet equally dramatic.

Days 7–9: Hue—Imperial Citadel & Pagodas

• Explore the Imperial City, Thien Mu Pagoda, royal tombs along the Perfume River.

• Try bun bo Hue and evening dragon-boat rides.

Days 10–14: Hoi An & Da Nang—Ancient Town, Beaches & Passes

• Hai Van Pass transfer via scenic drive.

• Hoi An (3–4 days): Ancient Town ticketed sites, tailors, lantern nights, An Bang Beach, My Son Sanctuary day trip.

• Da Nang (optional): Marble Mountains, Golden Bridge (Ba Na Hills), coastal cafes.

Days 15–18: Central Highlands—Da Lat Nature & Waterfalls

• Cooler climate, pine forests, Datanla Falls, Crazy House, coffee farms, canyoning for adventurers.

Days 19–23: Ho Chi Minh City—Museums, Cu Chi, Food Tours

• District 1: War Remnants Museum, Notre-Dame area, Central Post Office.

• Cu Chi Tunnels day trip; add a street-food scooter tour in the evening.

Days 24–27: Mekong Delta—Ben Tre/Can Tho Floating Markets

• Boat through palms, sample coconut sweets, bike canal-side lanes.

• Early-morning Cai Rang market from Can Tho is a highlight.

Days 28–30: Phu Quoc Island—Beaches & Sunset Finales

• West-coast beaches, snorkel day trip, night market.

• Relax and reset before flying out.

Transport Inside Vietnam: Trains, Flights, Buses & Bikes

• Domestic flights: Great time-savers for long legs (Hanoi↔Da Nang↔HCMC↔Phu Quoc).

• Reunification Line trains: Scenic; book soft-sleeper for comfort.

• Buses & limos: Frequent, cost-effective; choose reputable operators.

• Ride-hails (urban): Quick and cheap for short hops.

• Motorbike rentals: Only if licensed/experienced; always wear helmets and check insurance.

Accommodation Strategy: Where to Book & Neighborhoods

• Hanoi: Old Quarter or Hoan Kiem—walkable, foodie heaven.

• Hue: Near Perfume River for easy access to citadel/pagodas.

• Hoi An: Ancient Town or An Bang for beach access.

• HCMC: District 1 for first-timers; D3 or D4 for local vibes.

• Phu Quoc: Long Beach for convenience; Ong Lang for quieter stays.

Budget & Costs 2026: Daily Spend, Fees & Saving Tricks

• Backpacker: ~$35–55/day (hostels, street food, buses).

• Comfort: ~$60–110/day (3–4★ hotels, mixed dining, a few flights).

• Upscale: $150+ (resorts, private tours, frequent flights).
  Savings: Travel in shoulder months, bundle flights, eat where locals do, and pre-book high-demand cruises.

Safety, Health & Etiquette: Practical Tips for 2026

• Drink bottled/filtered water; be selective with ice.

• Choose busy, clean street-food stalls; watch food freshness.

• Sunscreen, hats, breathable clothing; pack a light rain jacket.

• Respect temple dress codes; be mindful with drone use.

• Keep valuables zipped; use hotel safes; beware of phone snatching in busy areas.

• Pharmacies are common; carry a basic first-aid kit and any prescriptions.

Packing List for a 30-Day Trip

• Light layers for mixed climates, rain shell, good walking shoes/sandals.

• Swimwear, microfiber towel, daypack, reusable water bottle.

• Power bank, universal adapter, eSIM/local SIM plan.

• Copies of passport, printed eVisa, travel insurance confirmation.

Common Visa & Travel Mistakes to Avoid

• Typo in passport number/name on the application.

• Wrong entry date/port selection.

• Uploading photos that don’t meet size/background rules.

• Booking non-refundable flights before visa approval.

• Overstaying or misunderstanding single-entry rules.

Why Apply Through Our Vietnam eVisa Service

Choosing our platform means fewer headaches and faster approvals:

• Pre-check by experts: We flag errors before submission.

• Secure payments: Multiple safe methods.

• Status tracking: Clear updates to your inbox.

• Priority/express handling: For last-minute plans.

Conclusion & Next Steps

With a smart route, realistic budget, and a verified eVisa, Vietnam in 2026 is delightfully straightforward. From misty Ninh Binh valleys to lantern-lit Hoi An and Phu Quoc sunsets, your month can be equal parts adventure and ease.

Apply for your Vietnam eVisa now on our platform—get expert-checked, stress-free approval and start counting down to your 30 days in Vietnam.