For travellers from Kerala looking for an international holiday that combines culture, food, beaches, history and breathtaking scenery, vietnam is becoming an increasingly attractive choice.
From the historic streets of Hanoi to the limestone landscapes of Ha Long Bay, the beaches of Da Nang, the charming lanes of Hoi An and the energetic streets of Ho Chi Minh City, vietnam offers an incredible variety of experiences in one country.
Its official tourism authority highlights food, culture, nature, cities, beaches and family travel among the country’s major tourism experiences. (Vietnam Tourism)
For travellers starting from Kochi, this makes vietnam particularly interesting for a well-planned multi-city international holiday.
Why Are Kerala Travellers Looking at Vietnam?
One reason vietnam appeals to Indian travellers is the variety it offers without requiring separate trips for different types of experiences.
You can explore historic neighbourhoods, enjoy Vietnamese cuisine, cruise through dramatic landscapes, relax on beaches and experience modern city life—all within one itinerary.
The official Vietnam Tourism website also provides recommended multi-day routes covering Hanoi, Ha Long Bay, Da Nang, Hoi An and Ho Chi Minh City, showing how naturally these destinations can be combined. (Vietnam Tourism)
1. Hanoi – Begin with History and Local Culture
Hanoi is an ideal starting point for discovering vietnam.
The capital combines centuries of history with lively cafés, restaurants, markets and the famous Old Quarter. Vietnam Tourism describes Hanoi as a city with more than 1,000 years of history, where traditional streets exist alongside modern cultural and dining experiences. (Vietnam Tourism)
Popular experiences include:
- Exploring Hanoi Old Quarter
- Visiting the Temple of Literature
- Seeing Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum complex
- Watching a traditional water puppet show
- Enjoying Vietnamese coffee
- Exploring local markets and street-food areas
For first-time visitors, spending 2 nights in Hanoi provides enough time to experience the city’s highlights without rushing.
2. Ha Long Bay – A Must-See Natural Wonder
From Hanoi, continue to Ha Long Bay, one of the most recognisable landscapes in vietnam.
Imagine waking up aboard a cruise surrounded by hundreds of limestone islands rising from emerald-coloured waters. That is the experience that makes Ha Long Bay such an important part of a Vietnam itinerary.
Visitors can enjoy:
- Overnight cruises
- Limestone caves
- Kayaking
- Island viewpoints
- Sunrise and sunset experiences
- Vietnamese meals aboard the cruise
Vietnam Tourism describes cruising among the bay’s limestone islands and exploring its caves as some of its signature experiences. (Vietnam Tourism)
For couples and families, an overnight cruise can be one of the most memorable parts of the trip.
3. Da Nang – Beaches, City Life and Easy Access
Next, head south to Da Nang, one of central vietnam’s most popular destinations.
Da Nang is known for its beaches, modern city atmosphere and convenient location for exploring nearby attractions. Vietnam Tourism identifies Da Nang as one of the key destinations in Central Vietnam. (Vietnam Tourism)
Depending on your schedule, you can visit:
- My Khe Beach
- Marble Mountains
- Dragon Bridge
- Ba Na Hills
- Golden Bridge
Da Nang works particularly well for travellers who want to combine sightseeing with some relaxed beach time.
4. Hoi An – The Most Charming Stop
Just a short journey from Da Nang is Hoi An, a destination that brings a completely different character to your vietnam holiday.
Its historic streets, lanterns, riverside atmosphere, traditional architecture and colourful markets make it ideal for couples, families and photography lovers.
Spend an evening walking through the Ancient Town, explore local cafés and restaurants, shop for handicrafts and enjoy the beautiful lantern-lit streets.
If you have extra time, consider a visit to My Son, another important cultural attraction near Hoi An. Vietnam Tourism’s recommended itinerary combines Hoi An with My Son before continuing south. (Vietnam Tourism)
5. Ho Chi Minh City – End with Energy
Finish your journey in Ho Chi Minh City, the energetic commercial centre of southern vietnam.
The city offers a combination of history, shopping, food and modern urban experiences.
Highlights can include:
- War Remnants Museum
- Notre-Dame Cathedral area
- Ben Thanh Market
- Saigon Central Post Office
- Local cafés
- Vietnamese street food
- Cu Chi Tunnels
If your holiday allows an additional day, you can also consider a Mekong Delta excursion. Vietnam Tourism’s own 10-day highlights itinerary includes both the Cu Chi Tunnels and Mekong Delta alongside Ho Chi Minh City. (Vietnam Tourism)
Suggested Vietnam Holiday Itinerary
| Days | Destination | Main Experiences |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1–2 | Hanoi | Old Quarter, culture & food |
| Day 3 | Ha Long Bay | Overnight cruise |
| Day 4 | Ha Long → Da Nang | Cruise & travel |
| Day 5 | Da Nang | Beaches & sightseeing |
| Day 6 | Hoi An | Ancient Town & lantern streets |
| Day 7 | Hoi An → Ho Chi Minh City | Travel & city exploration |
| Day 8–9 | Ho Chi Minh City | Markets, history & Cu Chi |
| Day 10 | Departure | Return journey |
Practical Tips for Kerala Travellers
Plan your route north to south rather than repeatedly travelling back and forth. Domestic flights can save considerable time on longer distances.
Vietnam’s official tourism portal provides dedicated information on visas, transport, weather and safety, so check the latest requirements before travelling. (Vietnam Tourism)
Indian travellers should also verify current entry requirements and visa procedures through the official Vietnam Immigration e-visa portal before booking.
Food is another major attraction. From pho and banh mi to fresh seafood and Vietnamese coffee, trying local cuisine is an essential part of the experience.
Discover Vietnam with Planet Earth Holidays
What makes vietnam special is that every few days can feel like a completely different holiday. Hanoi offers history, Ha Long Bay delivers spectacular nature, Da Nang brings beaches, Hoi An adds timeless charm and Ho Chi Minh City finishes the journey with energy.
For Kerala travellers planning their next international escape, this combination makes Vietnam an exciting destination to consider.
Explore more international travel inspiration on the Planet Earth Holidays travel blog.
For official destination information, itineraries and travel guidance, visit Vietnam Tourism, the official website of the Viet Nam National Authority of Tourism. (Vietnam Tourism)
From Kochi to the heart of Southeast Asia, Vietnam offers the perfect combination of discovery, culture, food and unforgettable landscapes.
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