Hello! November’s actually a great time to visit—cooler, drier weather in the north (perfect for Hanoi and Ha Long Bay), and still warm in the south, with rains mostly easing off in Ho Chi Minh City. You're right to skip central Vietnam that month—it can be very wet around Hue and Hoi An. Your open-jaw idea is spot on. I’d suggest: 5 nights Hanoi (including 1–2 nights on a Ha Long Bay cruise—absolutely worth it, just pick a quality operator) 5 nights Ho Chi Minh City, with day trips to the Cu Chi Tunnels and perhaps the Mekong Delta (Ben Tre is more peaceful than My Tho). Both cities are wonderfully walkable—Hanoi’s Old Quarter is a dream for street photography, and HCMC’s got some fantastic colonial architecture and vibrant markets. Vietnam’s very DIY-friendly, and internal flights are cheap and easy. You’ll have a brilliant time—just bring comfy shoes and an adventurous spirit!

Are you interested in visiting the floating market(s) in the Mekong Delta?