Hi everyone,

I’m planning a 2.5 week trip to Vietnam in November and I’m trying to decide between two itinerary versions. I’d love some honest feedback on which one makes more sense in terms of travel flow, balance, and enjoyment (not just ticking boxes). We are a married couple of 30 years old, no kids.

We’re looking for a good mix of:

• cities & culture
• food
• nature
• some beach / relaxation
• not too much constant moving

We also have:

• a birthday in Ho Chi Minh City (Nov 19 🎉) - Other places where it's better to celebrate a birthday is also welcome
• Lantern Festival in Hoi An (Nov 22)

Option 1 (current plan – no Ha Long Bay)

• Nov 8: Arrive Hanoi (late afternoon)
• Nov 9–11: Hanoi
• Nov 12: Hanoi → Ninh Binh (bus)
• Nov 13: Ninh Binh
• Nov 14: Ninh Binh → Phu Quoc (via Hanoi flight)
• Nov 15–16: Phu Quoc
• Nov 17: Phu Quoc → Ho Chi Minh City
• Nov 18–19: Ho Chi Minh City (birthday on 19th)
• Nov 20: HCMC → Hue (flight)
• Nov 21: Hue → Hoi An (via Hai Van Pass stops)
• Nov 22: Hoi An (Lantern Festival)
• Nov 23: Hoi An → Da Nang → Hanoi
• Nov 24: departure

Option 2 (with Ha Long Bay cruise)

• Nov 8: Arrive Hanoi
• Nov 9–10: Hanoi
• Nov 11: Hanoi → Ha Long Bay (1-night cruise)
• Nov 12: Cruise → Ninh Binh
• Nov 13: Ninh Binh
• Nov 14: Ninh Binh → Phu Quoc (via Hanoi flight)
• Nov 15–16: Phu Quoc
• Nov 17: Phu Quoc → Ho Chi Minh City
• Nov 18–19: HCMC (birthday on 19th)
• Nov 20: HCMC → Hue (flight)
• Nov 21: Hue → Hoi An (via Hai Van Pass stops)
• Nov 22: Hoi An (Lantern Festival)
• Nov 23: Hoi An → Da Nang → Hanoi
• Nov 24: departure

My dilemma

I’m not sure if Ha Long Bay is worth adding, because:

• It adds a bit more moving around early in the trip
• But it’s also one of the most iconic things in Vietnam
• We already have Ninh Binh, so I’m not sure if it’s “too similar” or still worth it

What I’d love your opinion on:

• Is Ha Long Bay a must-do in this itinerary, or is Ninh Binh enough?
• Does Option 2 feel too rushed / too many transfers?
• Or is Option 2 actually more “complete Vietnam experience”?
• Any improvements you’d make while keeping the same key stops?

Thanks a lot! 🙏