Which places can be covered in 8 days Vietnam trip?

Here's an itinerary that covers some of the most popular places to visit in Vietnam:

Day 1: Hanoi - Arrive in Vietnam's capital city and spend the day exploring its vibrant Old Quarter, sampling street food, and visiting historical sites like the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum.

Day 2: Halong Bay - Take a scenic drive to Halong Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its thousands of towering limestone cliffs and emerald waters. Enjoy a cruise around the bay and take in the stunning scenery.

Day 3: Hoi An - Fly to the charming town of Hoi An, a UNESCO World Heritage site that's renowned for its historic architecture, lantern-lined streets, and delicious local cuisine.

Day 4: Hoi An - Spend the day exploring the town's ancient temples, bustling markets, and riverside cafes. You can also take a bike ride through the surrounding countryside.

Day 5: Hue - Travel to the imperial city of Hue, the former capital of Vietnam. Visit the royal tombs and explore the ancient citadel, which is also a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Day 6: Ho Chi Minh City - Fly to Vietnam's largest city, Ho Chi Minh City, and explore its bustling streets, French colonial architecture, and famous landmarks like the Notre Dame Cathedral.

Day 7: Mekong Delta - Take a day trip to the Mekong Delta, known as Vietnam's "rice basket". Explore its lush waterways, visit traditional villages, and try local specialties like coconut candy.

Day 8: Ho Chi Minh City - Spend your last day shopping for souvenirs, trying more delicious food, and visiting museums like the War Remnants Museum to learn about Vietnam's history.

Of course, this itinerary can be customized to your interests and preferences, and there are many other places in Vietnam worth visiting. But, these are some of the most popular destinations that can give you a taste of Vietnam's unique culture, history, and natural beauty in just 8 days

8 days isnt long. Use the train and stop of at spots. There is so much to see in Vietnam you would not have the time to see. Depends where your arriving as well. Sapa is 3 day trip in its self for rice fields and hills so I’d skip that with your time. Ninh Binh is a must . Ha long bay if you did day scenic boat trip. As for more time isnt on your side.

You could cover those places:

Northern:

If you choose Ha long bay/Lan Ha bay, your minimum stay would be first night is in Hanoi, 2 days and 1 night in Ha Long Bay, and come back and stay 1 more night in Hanoi. Total 3 nights.

If you choose Ninh Binh, that’s a day tour, you need only 2 nights in Hanoi. Hanoi - Ninh Binh - Hanoi.

If you choose Sapa, you may spends at least 3 nights in Sapa and on night bus.

Those are basic places for Hanoi as starting point and discover around.

If you choose 2 or 3 of those places for the trip, that is what you could cover in 7-8 days, and all in the Northern of Vietnam.

Central land: you may fly directly or transit to Central land ( from Hanoi, Saigon ) named : Da Nang, Nha Trang ( international/domestic flight ), Dong Hoi, Chu Lai, Tuy Hoa, Hue ( domestic flight). For each places, expect a stay of 2 nights at least. So choose as your will.

Southern: you can stay for few days in Saigon ( Ho chi Minh city ) visit Cu Chi tunnel, day tour to fruit farm, floating market … in nearby provinces. And transit to Cambodia if you scheduled. From HCMC, you could fly to Hanoi, Nha Trang, Da Nang, … or ride a bus to Mui Ne, Nha Trang ..in which you may like to stay for 2–3 nights at least.

Phu Quoc island: best time during November to March or April.

Day 1 & 2: Hanoi

Day 1: Arrive in Hanoi. Explore the Old Quarter, Hoan Kiem Lake, and enjoy a traditional water puppet show in the evening.
Day 2: Visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, One Pillar Pagoda, and the Temple of Literature. In the afternoon, explore the Museum of Ethnology or the Hanoi Opera House.
Day 3: Ha Long Bay

Depart early from Hanoi to Ha Long Bay. Take a cruise through the bay to see its iconic limestone karsts and isles. Activities may include kayaking, visiting caves, and enjoying sunset views from the deck. Stay overnight on the boat.
Day 4: Ha Long Bay to Hoi An

Enjoy the morning in Ha Long Bay. Return to Hanoi and catch a flight to Da Nang, then transfer to Hoi An. Spend the evening walking around the Ancient Town, marveling at the lantern-lit streets.
Day 5: Hoi An

Spend the day exploring Hoi An's historical sights, such as the Japanese Covered Bridge and the Tan Ky Family House. Consider a cooking class or a bicycle tour to the surrounding countryside. Enjoy the night market or a peaceful evening by the Thu Bon River.
Day 6: Hoi An to Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)

Take an early flight to Ho Chi Minh City. Visit the War Remnants Museum, Reunification Palace, and Notre Dame Cathedral. In the evening, explore Ben Thanh Market and the city's vibrant street food scene.
Day 7: Mekong Delta

Take a day trip to the Mekong Delta. Enjoy a boat tour of the delta's waterways, visit local farms, and experience the floating markets. Return to Ho Chi Minh City in the evening.
Day 8: Cu Chi Tunnels & Departure

In the morning, visit the Cu Chi Tunnels to learn about the Vietnam War from a different perspective. Depending on your flight time, you may have some free time in the afternoon before your departure.

In 7 days time, you can visit either Northern Vietnam or Southern Vietnam.

I visited Hanoi, Halong Bay, Hoi An and Da Nang. I would advise you to visit Hanoi on weekends and do stay in the Old Quarter. Weekend nights are really awesome, you have flea markets, some musical shows, a lot of people. Basically, it party night.

You can try 1N/2D in Halong Bay, it is mesmerizing. None of the pictures can justify its true beauty. If you like seafood, you will get the best one on ship/cruise.

We took a train from Hanoi to Da Nang, the scenery you will encounter on the route would be magnificent.

Hoi An is one of the most awesome beaches I have ever been to. You should definitely take out time for. Do visit Hoi an ancient town in the evening, it really really amazing. Flea market is huge, and make sure to bargain. They will eventually come down to 40–50%, depending on your bargaining skills.

7 days are definitely not enough, but good enough to bring happy memories home.

For a 7-day package tour of Vietnam, here are some must-see attractions that you might consider including in your itinerary:

Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon):Visit the historic Cu Chi Tunnels, used by the Viet Cong during the Vietnam War.Explore the War Remnants Museum to learn about Vietnam's tumultuous history.Experience the vibrant street life and markets, such as Ben Thanh Market.Visit the iconic Notre Dame Cathedral and Saigon Central Post Office.

Mekong Delta:Take a boat tour along the Mekong River and explore the floating markets and villages.Visit traditional craft villages and see how locals make coconut candies, rice paper, and other products.Enjoy a h

omestay experience or sample local cuisine at a riverside restaurant.

Hoi An:Explore the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Ancient Town with its charming lantern-lit streets, historic buildings, and picturesque canals.Visit the Japanese Covered Bridge, Phuc Kien Assembly Hall, and Tan Ky Ancient House.Take a cooking class to learn how to make traditional Vietnamese dishes.

Hue:Explore the Imperial City, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and visit the Citadel, Forbidden Purple City, and Thien Mu Pagoda.Take a boat cruise along the Perfume River and visit the elaborate tombs of the Nguyen Emperors.

Halong Bay:Embark on a cruise or boat tour of Halong Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its stunning limestone karsts and emerald waters.Visit caves and grottoes, go kayaking, or simply relax and enjoy the scenic beauty of the bay.

Hanoi:Explore the bustling Old Quarter with its narrow streets, ancient temples, and traditional architecture.Visit iconic landmarks such as Hoan Kiem Lake, the Temple of Literature, and the One Pillar Pagoda.Explore the vibrant street food scene and sample local specialties such as pho, bun cha, and banh mi.

This itinerary offers a diverse mix of cultural, historical, and natural attractions, giving you a comprehensive overview of Vietnam's highlights within a week.

However, you may need to adjust the itinerary based on your interests, preferences, and travel constraints.