Embark on a 15-day Journey Across Vietnam: From Lũng Cú to Mũi Cà Mau

Spanning over 2000km, Vietnam boasts countless breathtaking destinations that everyone desires to visit at least once. These destinations not only showcase the magnificent beauty bestowed by nature but also carry the rich cultural heritage of generations. The 15-day cross-country journey from north to south ensures travelers to fully immerse themselves in the quintessential beauty of our homeland.

1. List of Destinations for the 15-day Cross-country Tour Across Vietnam

1.1 Hà Giang - The Northern Frontier of the Nation

The first stop of this cross-country tour is Hà Giang, a northern border province boasting the most magnificent mountains and hills in our country.

Hà Giang boasts breathtaking mountainous landscapes, with some of the highest peaks and most stunning passes in the country. However, these beautiful passes also harbor some of the most dangerous roads, with towering cliffs on one side and deep abysses on the other, such as Mã Pì Lèng Pass and Ô Quy Hồ Pass.

The Flagpole at Lũng Cú, Hà Giang - the Northern Frontier of the Nation.

Mã Pì Lèng Pass is one of the most captivating spots in Hà Giang. From here, travelers can gaze across to the mountain range in neighboring China. Moreover, beneath Mã Pì Lèng Pass flows the enchanting emerald-green Nho Quế River, adding to the area's charm.

If travelers opt for the 15-day cross-country tour during the ripe rice season in Hà Giang, they will witness the stunning golden rice terraces.

Moreover, Lũng Cú, Hà Giang, holds a sacred significance as the northernmost point, marking the frontier of the nation. At this northernmost point, significant historical events have taken place since ancient times. Travelers on the 15-day cross-country tour can check in and admire the fluttering red flags with yellow stars at the beginning of Vietnam's territory.

1.2 The Misty Town of Sapa

Vietnam is a tropical country, but Sapa (in Lào Cai province) is a rare destination in the country that experiences all four distinct seasons: spring, summer, autumn, and winter, especially with snowfall in winter. Furthermore, due to its elevation of 1500m - 1600m and its location between the Hoàng Liên Sơn range in the Northwest and the Elephant range in the Northeast, Sapa often experiences dense fog.

Thanks to its fascinating weather and picturesque scenery, Sapa attracts millions of tourists every year. It's a must-visit destination on the 15-day cross-country tour list.

Cloud hunting in Sapa is an exciting activity for travelers visiting here.

During the 15-day cross-country tour to Sapa, travelers must visit two prominent attractions: the stone church and Cat Cat village to experience the life of the H'mong people. The stone church is one of the first churches built in Vietnam, constructed in the Gothic architectural style of France and still retaining its ancient beauty.

Additionally, other places in the Sapa region that travelers on the 15-day cross-country tour can visit include the Muong Hoa valley, Sin Chai village, Ta Phin village, and more.

1.3 Hanoi - Millennium Capital of Culture

Over a thousand years since Thăng Long - Hanoi was chosen as the capital, this city, while modern, still preserves its rich traditional cultural values.

To appreciate these long-standing traditional values, travelers on the 15-day cross-country tour can visit famous attractions in Hanoi such as Hoan Kiem Lake with its legendary history, the Temple of Literature, the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long, the ancient Tran Quoc Pagoda, Duong Lam ancient village, the One Pillar Pagoda, and the historic Ba Dinh Square.

Hanoi offers many artistic photo spots.

During the 15-day cross-country tour, travelers should make time to explore Hanoi's cuisine. The local flavors here not only impress travelers but also reflect a part of Hanoi's culture and way of life through each dish.

1.4 Tam Coc - Bich Dong in Ninh Binh

As a complex of limestone caves, a part of the Trang An - Tam Coc - Bich Dong scenic complex is nicknamed the 'Second Most Beautiful Cave in the South.'

Travelers on the 15-day cross-country tour will be mesmerized by the majestic limestone mountains, mystical caves intertwined with ripe golden or lush green rice fields. To fully appreciate this stunning panorama, travelers can visit various spots within the complex.

The Trang An scenic complex with its magnificent mountain scenery.

First, downstream along the Ngô Đồng River to reach the three caves complex of Tam Coc including Cả Cave, Hai Cave, and Ba Cave. Next, visitors can pay a visit to Thái Vi Temple, where the generals of the Tran dynasty are worshiped.

Another must-visit destination on the 15-day cross-country tour is Bich Dong, a cave named after its association with the color green. Bich Dong consists of two small caves, one temple cave nestled on the mountain, hidden deep within lush greenery, and the other is a water cave called Xuyen Thuy Dong. Additionally, travelers can explore other tourist spots such as Mua Cave, the ancient capital of Hoa Lu, Bai Dinh Pagoda, and Van Long Lagoon.

1.5 Ha Long Bay 

Being a renowned destination not only for Vietnamese travelers but also for international adventurers, Ha Long Bay is a must-visit on the 15-day cross-country tour. The Travel magazine has selected it as one of the two must-visit destinations in Asia for travelers.

Ha Long Bay belongs to Quang Ninh province, Northern Gulf region, northeast Vietnam. The bay boasts around 3000 small and large islands of different shapes scattered throughout the bay, creating a magnificent and unique scenery against the azure waters.

Ha Long Bay, recognized as a world wonder.

In Ha Long Bay, most tourists choose to cruise on the turquoise waters to admire the islands. Depending on their preferences, travelers on the 15-day cross-country tour can opt for a cruise ship or kayak to experience the UNESCO-recognized world wonder.

Moreover, visitors to Ha Long Bay can also enjoy the artificial beach at Bai Chay and the towering limestone mountain of Bai Tho.

1.6 Da Nang - The Most Livable City in Vietnam

Heading down to the sunny and windy Central region, Da Nang is an indispensable city on the map of the 15-day cross-country tour. As the third largest city in Vietnam (after Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City), despite its rapid development and fast pace of life, Da Nang still maintains its freshness and cleanliness, free from pollution.

Partly because the city boasts many beautiful natural landscapes, including both mountains and beaches that mesmerize travelers. Da Nang offers numerous tourist attractions that visitors cannot miss.

My Khe Beach has been voted as one of the most enchanting beaches on the planet due to its crystal-clear waters, combined with fine white sand and absolutely no trace of litter.

The Golden Bridge at Ba Na Hills has become a new icon of Da Nang.

Moreover, Ba Na Hills tourist area is famous for its unique architecture of the Golden Bridge and cable cars, as well as the Marble Mountains with the sacred Linh Ung Pagoda, attracting a large number of tourists.

1.7 Hue

With the poetic charm of the Perfume River and the ancient beauty of a former capital, Hue has left a profound impression on tourists. Located above Da Nang on the map, Hue is a province in Central Vietnam with a long-standing traditional history and unique attractions.

A must-visit destination for travelers on the 15-day cross-country tour to Hue is the complex of Hue ancient relics such as the Imperial City of Hue, Khai Dinh Tomb, Minh Mang Tomb, Tu Duc Tomb, Gia Long Tomb, and An Dinh Palace.

The Imperial City of Hue is a must-visit when in Hue.

The Perfume River - the gentle flowing river around the city makes this place have a more gentle, tranquil pace of life compared to other places. Travelers can stand on Trang Tien Bridge to admire this gentle river, gaze at the city of Hue, and the incredibly beautiful sunset.

1.8 Hoi An Ancient Town

The next stop on the 15-day cross-country tour is Hoi An. Hoi An Ancient Town is located in Quang Nam Province, geographically close to Da Nang City. In articles introducing cross-country tours, Hoi An has always been featured as it is a favorite destination for many.

Hoi An is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country, attracting many foreign visitors due to the uniqueness of each street here. Most streets in Hoi An have an ancient look. Moreover, famous ancient houses such as Tan Ky House, Phung Hung House,.. contribute to preserving the ancient charm of a place that used to be a bustling trading port in the 17th century.

Hoi An Ancient Town attracts both foreign and Vietnamese tourists.

When visiting Hoi An, travelers on the 15-day cross-country tour should visit the ancient houses to learn about their history, thereby imagining the bustling trading scene of Hoi An from centuries ago. This is something that Hoi An has preserved very well, without any signs of decay.

The Japanese Covered Bridge - an icon printed on the 20,000 Vietnamese dong banknote that travelers see every day - is one of the must-visit attractions in Hoi An. Additionally, travelers should also visit museums during the 15-day cross-country tour such as the Sa Huynh Culture Museum to learn more about the cultural and historical values.

1.9 Da Lat - the dreamy city

Da Lat is a famous tourist destination that attracts young people from all over the country as well as travelers on the 15-day cross-country tour for relaxation and rejuvenation due to its cool weather and romantic atmosphere. Da Lat is located in Lam Dong Province, situated on the Lam Vien Plateau.

No matter what time of year you visit Da Lat, you'll enjoy the cool atmosphere, or more accurately, the extremely pleasant chill. Not only that, but there are also many fun places to visit such as Tuyen Lam Lake, Xuan Huong Lake, famous Lang Biang Mountain for check-in photos, Cau Dat tea hills, strawberry picking activities,... or indulge in the culinary delights at Da Lat night market.

Travelers will be overwhelmed with fantastic photo opportunities while exploring Da Lat on the 15-day cross-country tour. Must-visit photo spots in Da Lat include Lam Vien Square, Da Lat Railway Station,...

1.10 Phu Yen - Sun and Wind

Phu Yen has recently emerged as a tourist destination due to its picturesque coastal landscape and poetic rocky terrain. Each beach and rock formation in Phu Yen is favored by nature, sometimes with clear blue sea and fine white sand, and sometimes with stunning landscapes created by the volcanic rocks.

For travelers who love untouched beauty yet still exude romantic charm, Phu Yen must undoubtedly be included in the itinerary of the 15-day cross-country tour.

Ganh Da Dia is a natural masterpiece bestowed upon Phu Yen.

Visiting Phu Yen on the 15-day cross-country tour, travelers will indulge in the beauty of Xep Beach - where the famous film Yellow Flowers on Green Grass was shot, Ganh Den, Vung Ro Bay, or take artistic photos at Nghinh Phong Tower.

Especially, Ganh Da Dia is an unmissable destination when visiting Phu Yen on the journey of the 15-day cross-country tour. Travelers will be amazed by the evenly stacked hexagonal rocks here. The reason is that during a volcanic eruption, the hot lava was suddenly met with cold seawater, resulting in cracking and creating the beautiful scenery we see today.

1.11 Phan Thiet - Vietnam's Little Desert 

Located in the southern part of the beautiful Central region, Phan Thiet boasts a picturesque coastline lined with coconut palms. Particularly, only in Phan Thiet can you find white and golden sand dunes resembling a miniature desert in Vietnam. 

The sand dunes in Phan Thiet resemble a miniature desert.

Travelers on the 15-day cross-country tour to Phan Thiet must visit Mui Ne Beach and Sand Dunes, Bau Trang, to fully enjoy the beauty of a sunny and windy Central region.

1.12 Modern Ho Chi Minh City 

Unlike the ancient charm of Hanoi or the dreaminess of Hue and Da Lat, Ho Chi Minh City exudes the beauty of a young, dynamic metropolis. Travelers should visit at least once in their lifetime to experience the vibrant atmosphere here.

The city post office is one of the long-standing landmarks here.

In Ho Chi Minh City, the largest city in the South, travelers on the 15-day cross-country tour can choose some destinations to explore. These destinations hold cultural and historical significance, such as Independence Palace, War Remnants Museum, Cu Chi Tunnels, Vietnam History Museum, and Fine Arts Museum. This can also be considered the first stop of a cross-country tour from Ho Chi Minh City.

1.13 An Giang - Land of Many Milestones

An Giang is a renowned tourist destination and a representative of the Mekong Delta tourism in the 15-day cross-country tour.

An Giang comprises two cities, Long Xuyen and Chau Doc, which are part of the Long Xuyen Quadrilateral. Therefore, this place possesses a diverse landscape of hills, rivers, and notably, borders neighboring Cambodia.

An Giang's uniqueness lies in its abundance of temples and pagodas that reflect the cultural fusion between Vietnamese and Cham cultures.

An Giang boasts numerous tourist attractions for travelers on the 15-day cross-country tour to explore around the Chau Doc mountain area. When visiting An Giang, tourists can choose destinations like That Son, Sam Mountain, the famous markets renowned for specialty fish sauce in Chau Doc market, Long Xuyen floating market, or the 'sky mirror' at Bung Binh Thien,...

1.14 Phu Quoc Pearl Island

Phu Quoc Pearl Island is the largest island in Vietnam, located in the Gulf of Thailand, Kien Giang province. Travelers on the 15-day cross-country tour can reach Phu Quoc by various means, including traveling by sea and by air.

Phu Quoc Pearl Island is renowned as a paradise resort destination.

Located in the southern coastal region of the homeland, Phu Quoc boasts numerous pristine beaches with crystal-clear turquoise waters and smooth white sand stretching along the coastline. Some stunning beaches that travelers can enjoy include Ong Lang Beach, Truong Beach, Khem Beach, Rach Vem fishing village, Ham Ninh fishing village,... This is the beloved southern destination of the 15-day cross-country tour. 

1.15 Ca Mau Cape - the southernmost point of the homeland

The journey of the 15-day cross-country tour begins with the northernmost point of Ha Giang and concludes with Ca Mau Cape - the southernmost point of the homeland.

Travelers check in with Ca Mau Cape - the endpoint of the Vietnamese territory on the mainland.

Exploring Cà Mau Cape, travelers not only get to check in with the national milestone, the homeland's final point, but also experience eco-tourism in the rivers and mangrove forests by rowing through the brackish water areas.

2. What to Prepare and Consider When Going on a 15-Day Cross-Country Tour in Vietnam 

• Plan Ahead: The 15-day cross-country journey covers many different destinations. Therefore, travelers need to have a detailed plan regarding time and places to ensure a smooth trip. The detailed itinerary that travelers need to prepare includes sightseeing spots, accommodations, and travel times. When starting the journey, travelers should stick closely to the planned itinerary. 

• Check Vehicle Quality and Maintenance Before Departure: Motorbikes are the optimal means of transportation for a cross-country tour in Vietnam. Therefore, before departing, travelers should carefully check the tires, brakes, and other details to ensure safety during the journey and perform maintenance if necessary.

• Stay Updated on Weather Information: It would be unfortunate to encounter rain while traveling. Therefore, checking the weather forecast in advance is essential for travelers going on a 15-day cross-country tour.

• Pack Sufficient Yet Lightweight Luggage: Travelers should bring enough medication, various types of clothing, and don't forget insect repellent, sunscreen,... to protect themselves throughout the trip.

• Avoid Stopping at Desolate Places: To prevent unwanted incidents, travelers on the 15-day cross-country tour should avoid stopping at deserted locations.

• Don't Carry Too Much Cash: Nowadays, ATMs are available in towns and cities, making it easy to withdraw cash. Conversely, carrying a large amount of cash can pose a danger. However, in remote mountainous areas where services are not well-developed, travelers should also keep some cash on hand.  

Traveling along the length of the country with the 15-day cross-country tour, travelers will fully admire the beauty of Vietnam. Whether it's the northern mountainous region with its majestic mountains and azure seas, the sunny central region with its white sandy beaches, or the mangrove forests in the south, each destination captivates travelers in its own unique way. For those wanting to experience the entire beauty of the country, they can spend even more time with the 30-day cross-country tour. For travel advice and tour prices, travelers can contact the Mytour hotline Mytour.