Vietnam ranks as one of the most fascinating destinations in the world. The small country in Southeast Asia packs a punch with buzzing cities, natural wonders, historic sites, mountain retreats and island beaches.
We think 2 Weeks in Vietnam is just enough time to truly experience the country. Visitors, like us, who are intent on getting a sweeping view can use our detailed 2-Week Vietnam Itinerary to prepare their perfect trip!
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Planning a Trip to Vietnam
How to plan a trip to Vietnam can be mind-boggling – but we have already done all the hard work for you! The diverse country is complex and vibrant, making travel within Vietnam both exciting and challenging.
Our concise Vietnam Itinerary covers all the highlights, including incredible cities, phenomenal food and famous sights. In addition to what to see in Vietnam, we offer our top travel tips, alternative itineraries and heaps of other essential travel information.
Vietnam Itinerary 2 Weeks
We start in the lively capital of Hanoi, then set sail on Halong Bay before traveling south to Central Vietnam to see historic Hoi An and modern Da Nang.
Next, we visit the Central Highlands with a stop in Dalat, then on to hustling Ho Chi Minh City. Our Two Weeks in Vietnam Itinerary ends with a couple of days relaxing seaside on Phu Quoc Island.
Pro Tip: Our Vietnam Itinerary includes the best places to visit in a day-by-day format. At the end of the article, we discuss details about what 2 Weeks in Vietnam costs to help travelers budget their trip.
2 Weeks in Vietnam
Spending Two Weeks in Vietnam is the perfect opportunity to get an introduction to the country.
However, when deciding how long to travel in Vietnam, visitors should consider a few factors – such as personal interests, total budget and available time.
Pro Tip: Use our Travel Planning Printables to get your vacation to Vietnam organized!
Our Best Vietnam Itinerary
We traveled as a couple, but our Vietnam Itinerary can really be suited to any type of traveler with a few tweaks and adjustments.
So, whether you are a Vietnam solo traveler, designing a Vietnam honeymoon itinerary or planning a family trip to Vietnam, our guide is helpful in determining what to see and do!
What To See in Vietnam on a 2 Week Itinerary
We believe our North to South Itinerary is the best way to travel Vietnam in 2 weeks. Traveling Vietnam north to south allows for an easy flowing trip to the top destinations.
Pro Tip: There are multiple methods that can be used to get between cities in Vietnam. We used planes, trains, minibuses and private drivers for our Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh Itinerary.
Vietnam Travel: South to North
Travelers arriving in HCMC, rather than Hanoi, can just as easily plan a Vietnam South to North Itinerary. In fact, the best way to travel from Ho Chi Minh to Hanoi is to simply reverse our route!
Pro Tip: When booking flights, we recommend flying into one city and out of the other to minimize backtracking. More on getting to Vietnam and how to travel around at the end of the article.
Cities To Visit on Your Vietnam Two-Week Itinerary
Before we jump into our day-by-day Vietnam travel plan, we are highlighting each of the destinations included in our route. The cities we feature are the best places to visit in Vietnam – especially on a first-time trip.
Hanoi
Located in Northern Vietnam, Hanoi is the capital of Vietnam and our favorite city in the country!
Hanoi features a historic Old Quarter, a delectable cuisine and many of the top Vietnam sights.
Both motorbikes and walking vendors fill the shop-lined streets, but a peaceful respite can be found around Hoan Kiem Lake and down narrow alleyways.
Pro Tip: Read more in our detailed Hanoi Itinerary!
Halong Bay
One of the most striking landscapes in the world, Halong Bay is a must-see in Vietnam. The aqueous landscape is dotted with towering karst mountains, creating a scene that is otherworldly.
The best way to experience the natural wonder is on an overnight cruise, but there are day trips from Hanoi for visitors who are short on time.
Pro Tip: We highlight the experience in our complete and honest review: 2-Night Halong Bay Cruise.
Alternate Option: Ninh Binh
Often called “Halong Bay on Land,” the scenery in Ninh Binh is characterized by karst mountains, meandering rivers, countryside farms and hidden cave temples.
Pro Tip: For more information, read our recommendations for Things To Do in Ninh Binh.
Hoi An
Hoi An, an ancient and picturesque town, sits in Central Vietnam along the banks of the Thu Bon River. The preserved Old Town is known for its fading yellow houses, paper lanterns and tailor shops.
While there is plenty to see and do in Hoi An, it’s also a good jumping off point for other nearby attractions and excellent Vietnam day trips.
Pro Tip: To get a better idea of what to do, read our full article: Things To Do in Hoi An.
Alternate Option: Da Nang
Just north of Hoi An is the modern city of Da Nang. It boasts a handful of natural sights, modern marvels and a long stretch of beautiful beaches. Da Nang, a major hub of transportation, is well-suited for day trips and regional exploration.
Pro Tip: To get a better sense of the city, read our post: Things To Do in Da Nang!
Hoi An or Da Nang? The cities are less than 20 miles apart, but drastically different. We have stayed in both and appreciated what each has to offer.
What we loved about Hoi An was the historic Old Town and the classic Vietnamese restaurants.
The top features of Da Nang are the fabulous beaches and amazing eateries. For day trips, Da Nang is closer to Hue (and Hai Van Pass) and Ba Na Hills, but Hoi An is where popular Cham Islands Tours depart.
Dalat
Situated in the Central Highlands nearly 5,000 feet above sea level, Dalat offers cooler weather and stunning scenery. While tucked away high in the mountains, it is still very much a buzzing city.
Some of the highlights include a cable car ride to the mountaintop pagoda, a city center lake, flower markets and unique architecture.
Pro Tip: See our complete guide: Things To Do in Dalat.
Ho Chi Minh City
Formerly the capital of South Vietnam and called Saigon, today HCMC offers intriguing sights, a combination of historic and contemporary architecture and an incredible choice of local cuisine.
Pro Tip: Find specific details in our article: Ho Chi Minh Itinerary.
Phu Quoc Island
Sitting in the Gulf of Thailand off the southern tip of Vietnam is the country’s best island: Phu Quoc.
With miles of sandy shoreline, beachfront resorts, fresh seafood and breathtaking sunsets, Phu Quoc Island is an ideal island escape.
Pro Tip: Phu Quoc is suited to both budget and luxury travelers. For more tips, read our detailed list: Things To Do in Phu Quoc.
2-Week Vietnam Itinerary: Daily Travel Plan
Now that you know where to go in Vietnam, lets get to our detailed Vietnam 2-Week Itinerary to plan your day-by-day adventures. Other essential tips, like where to stay and how to get around, are at the end of the article.
Save, Pin or Bookmark this Vietnam Travel Guide to plan your trip!
Day 1 – Arrive in Hanoi
Arrive in Hanoi and check in to your hotel (recommended: Amber Hotel). Allow yourself to adjust to the chaotic traffic and constantly honking horns.
The initial experience can be a bit of sensory overload, so find a café or corner restaurant to soak it all in before setting off on foot to explore.
Navigate the shop lined lanes of the Old Quarter, go to the island temple in the middle of Hoan Kiem Lake, discover the historic French Quarter and visit St. Joseph’s Cathedral.
Pro Tip: Use our Hanoi Walking Tours article – and follow walks 1, 2 and 3 for the top places to see on Day 1.
Weave your way back into the Hanoi Old Quarter. For dinner, feast on a famous Hanoi meal of Cha Ca fish or get a bowl of steaming pho from Pho Bat Dan.
For an after-dinner drink, go to the nearby corner bars at Bat Dan and Phung Hung for fresh beer, Bia Hoi, and excellent people watching.
Day 2 – Discover More Hanoi Sights
Venture west of the Old Quarter for another day of superb Vietnam sightseeing. Take in iconic sights, including the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, the yellow Presidential Palace and the ancient Thang Long Imperial Citadel.
Then, walk north to see the dazzling Tran Quoc Temple on West Lake and wander through the Truc Bach District (which is famous for creating two delicious Pho dishes!).
Pro Tip: Find details of this route in walk 4 in our Hanoi Walking Guide.
End the day back in the historic Old Quarter. Go to the night market (if it is Friday, Saturday or Sunday) and enjoy the scene while perusing vendor’s wares and eating street food.
If it is a weekday, choose a restaurant for dinner using our Guide to Hanoi Food.
Day 3 – Learn About Vietnam History
Spend the day immersing yourself in the history and culture of Vietnam. After a morning Vietnamese coffee, visit the Temple of Literature educational complex that was established in 1070. Then, see a 15th century Buddhist temple, Quan Su Pagoda.
Next, learn about the POWs that were imprisoned at the Hao Lo Prison (aka Hanoi Hilton) during French colonialism and the Vietnam War.
Make one more stop at the Vietnam Women’s History Museum to learn about their role in society today and in the past.
Pro Tip: Use our Hanoi Walk #5 for more information; including lunch tips and directions.
In the evening, find a seat on a low plastic stool at the famous Ta Hien Beer Corner. Completely chaotic – but highly entertaining – having a beer at this corner is a must-do in Hanoi!
Day 4 – Take a Vietnam Excursion to Halong Bay
On Day 4 of your 2-Week Vietnam Itinerary, take a trip to Halong Bay to see the stunning karst landscape. Board a traditional Junk Boat for a day trip or overnight cruise and set sail into the aqueous wonderland.
Packages are all-inclusive, even transport from and back to Hanoi. Each cruise itinerary will differ, but in general expect included activities, such as kayaking, hiking, swimming, fishing and karaoke!
Pro Tip: We opted for a 2-Night Halong Bay Trip, which we highly recommend as it allows passengers to delve deeper into the karsts while leaving the crowds behind.
Read all of the details of our Halong Bay Cruise for more information and reserve your spot on a day trip or book your multi-day cruise!
Alternate Option: Ninh Binh Discovery
Rather than going north to Halong Bay, travelers can opt to go south to Ninh Binh. Marked with karst mountains – but on land, instead of water – the Ninh Binh region is utterly exceptional.
We organized our own Visit to Ninh Binh, but in hindsight we would have seen more by booking a Vietnam day tour from Hanoi. Get the details!
Looking for other day trips from Hanoi? Alternative options are an overnight trip to Sapa, Vietnam – find out more – or explore the outskirts of Hanoi by bicycle or go further afield to the Perfume Pagoda.
Day 5 – Learn About Vietnamese Food
On your last day in Hanoi, indulge in some of the country’s best food – it’s one of the top Vietnam Things To Do!
Visitors can plan their own route to top eateries using our Hanoi Food Guide or join a local tour guide for a guided walk to the city’s best food. Reserve your spot!
Pro Tip: If you really want to learn about the local cuisine, take a Hanoi Cooking Class, like I did! An all-around phenomenal experience, participants visit a local market, learn about pairing flavors and, together, cook a massive feast!
Day 6 – Transfer to Hoi An, Vietnam
On Day 6, take a morning flight to Da Nang and continue to Hoi An by bus or private transport. After getting settled in your accommodations (recommended: Triple Riverside Hotel Hoi An), set out to see the sights.
Purchase a Hoi An City Pass that allows entry into the historic attractions within the UNESCO World Heritage site.
Sights include temples, assembly halls, communal houses, museums and living houses. As you sightsee, visit the frenzied markets and shops that sell tailored Vietnamese suits.
At dusk, walk along the banks of the river watching the fisherman in their boats. Eat dinner at Morning Glory Restaurant, where an order of White Rose is a must.
End your day walking along the lantern-strung streets and stop for a Bia Hoi (fresh beer) at a local Hoi An bar.
Pro Tip: For more top sightseeing tips, use our complete guide of Things To Do in Hoi An.
Day 7 – Explore Da Nang, Vietnam
Spend Day 7 in Da Nang seeing the sights and swimming in the sea. Explore the caves at Marble Mountain, visit the Linh Ung Pagoda on Son Tra Peninsula and see the handful of attractions in the city center (like Dragon Bridge).
In the afternoon, head for My Khe Beach (better known as China Beach) and take a swim in the East Vietnam Sea. End your day sampling the unique Central Vietnam cuisine, which you can read about in our Da Nang Food Guide.
Pro Tip: For details on what to see and do, read our article, Top Da Nang Attractions!
Day 8 – Take a Day Trip: Cham Islands, Hue or Ba Na Hills
On Day 8, join one of the guided Vietnam day tours to one of the regional destinations. Top choices include Cham Islands, Historic Hue or the Ba Na Hills Theme Park.
Cham Islands
Just off the central coast of Vietnam, the Cham Islands are made up of eight islands, only one of which is inhabited by people. Motorboats race tourists across the nine miles of water for day trips.
Itineraries will vary, but should include a quick tour of the town and temples, snorkeling, a grilled lunch on the beach and swimming. Read about our Cham Islands Day Trip and then Book Your Tour!
Ancient Imperial City of Hue
Twice reigning as a capital of Vietnam, Hue is a fascinating destination to visit. The Complex of Hue Monuments are classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Day trips from Da Nang and Hoi An include traveling along the famous Hai Van Pass, a Hue Imperial City Walking Tour, the Thien Mu Pagoda, a ride on the Perfume River and visiting the Royal Tomb of Khai Dinh.
Find out all the details in our article, Day Trip to Hue – and then Reserve Your Spot!
Ba Na Hills Theme Park
A theme park mountain retreat, Ba Na Hills features enough activities for a full day of fun! Cable cars are used to transport guests to the mountaintop.
There you’ll find a replica French village, a multi-level arcade and the famous Golden Bridge. Get all the details on how to plan your own visit in our Guide To Ba Na Hills – or Book This Tour!
Day 9 – Transfer to Dalat
In the morning of Day 9, fly to Dalat and check into your hotel (recommended: Villa Pinkhouse). Savor the cooler mountain temperatures and spend some leisurely time outdoors while sightseeing.
Go to the Truc Lam Pagoda by cable car. Visit the many temples on the expansive grounds and enjoy the serenity of the quiet mountain retreat.
Leave the peacefulness and enter a bizarre world at the Hang Nga Crazy House. Half-house/half-hotel, the grounds are like Alice in Wonderland meets Salvador Dali in Candy Land.
Next, head to Xuan Huong Lake and – if time permits – walk along the north side to the Dalat Flower Gardens. For dinner, wander the Dalat Night Market and try whatever tempts you!
Pro Tip: Use our guide of Things To Do in Dalat to plan all of your visit.
Day 10 – Vietnam Central Highlands Tour
On Day 10, embark on a discovery of the Central Highlands on Mr. Rot’s Secret Tour. Not a usual tour, the day is full of adventure!
The trip includes a stop at a cricket farm to test-taste the critters, a guided walk through a small-town market, a peek inside a working silk factory, a hike to the base of a thundering waterfall and exploration of Vietnam’s countryside.
The provided lunch is at Mr. Rot’s childhood home and he makes an introduction to lifelong residents of his village. If he offers, accept the invitation for dinner and karaoke. You won’t regret it!
Pro Tip: Get all the details in our review of Mr. Rot’s Secret Dalat Tour.
Day 11 – Transfer to Ho Chi Minh City
Arrive in Ho Chi Minh City and get checked in to your hotel (recommended: Boholand). Waste no time, lace up your shoes and head out to explore.
Use our Ho Chi Minh City Walking Tour for a self-guided walk or let a local lead the way on a private tour. In the evening, enjoy drinks from one of the HCMC rooftop bars and dine on top Vietnam street food at the Ben Thanh Street Food Market.
Pro Tip: Read more about what to eat in Saigon at our recommended Ho Chi Minh City Restaurants!
Day 12 – Explore HCMC
Start off by visiting the War Remnants Museum, then navigate through the east end of D1 to sights like the Tan Dinh Market and Ngoc Hoang Pagoda.
If time allows, hop on a Saigon River cruise. In the evening, experience Bui Vien nightlife or sip a locally produced HCMC Craft Beer.
Pro Tip: For more tips use our guide, Things To Do in Ho Chi Minh City.
Day 13 – Fly to Phu Quoc Island
For the last stop on your vacation, fly to Phu Quoc Island for a Vietnam beach vacation. Escape Vietnam’s chaotic cities and sink your feet into the sand. Relax. Watch the sunset. Listen to the waves.
After getting checked into a Vietnam beach resort (recommended: Phuong Binh Guesthouse), go for a swim and watch the sunset. For dinner, head to the popular night market in Duong Dong and feast on fresh seafood.
Day 14 – Phu Quoc Seaside Relaxation
On the final day of your Vietnam trip, spend time on the beach. In the morning, watch the fishermen come ashore in round boats to sell their catch.
Take a long walk along the stretch of uninterrupted beach. Get a seaside massage. Marinade in the ocean and reflect on your time in amazing Vietnam!
Tourist Map of Vietnam
This map highlights the destinations featured in our 2-Week Vietnam Itinerary.
Vietnam Trip Cost
While considered a cheap destination, travelers visit on a Backpacking Vietnam Budget or splurge on Vietnam Luxury Vacations (and anywhere in-between).
Those intent on visiting Vietnam on a budget for 2 weeks can easily do so by making simple money-saving choices.
Vietnam Currency
The Vietnamese Dong (VND) is the official currency. Check the current exchange rates before departing to Vietnam.
Creating a Vietnam Travel Budget
We consider ourselves budget conscious travelers. We don’t travel extravagantly, but we are not broke backpackers, either.
Vietnam travel costs fit into the following categories: Flights, Getting Around, Accommodations, Food & Drink, Activities and Travel Insurance.
Flights To Vietnam
Flights often account for the largest portion of Vietnam vacation costs. Of course, it all depends on where you are flying from! To find the best prices on airfare, we recommend starting your search on SkyScanner.
Getting Around Vietnam
The fastest and most reliable method of getting between cities is by plane. It is also the most expensive way of traveling around Vietnam. Low-cost carriers, like VietJet and Bamboo, offer relatively inexpensive flights.
Many places are also connected by train and/or bus. While this a significantly cheaper way to get around Vietnam…it takes a lot longer.
Pro Tip: Using the overnight buses and trains is a good way to roll the cost of accommodations into the price of travel.
Vietnam Accommodations
There is a wide range of Vietnam accommodations – from cheap hostels to luxury hotels. The places we stayed in Vietnam fall somewhere in the middle.
All of the rooms we booked were air-conditioned, private rooms with ensuite bathroom and most offered an included breakfast. On average, we spent about $40 per night for hotels in Vietnam.
Food and Drink Prices in Vietnam
Eating in Vietnam is incredibly affordable…as long as you eat local food. Banh Mi sandwiches and bowls of Pho can cost as little as $1.
Simple meals often cost about $3, but specialties at sit-down restaurants usually cost more (in the $6-8 range). Of course, eating Western food will always be pricey. For good burgers or pizza, expect to pay upwards of $12 per main meal.
Drinking can be downright cheap – especially in Hanoi, where they have 50 cent Bia Hoi. However, bottled beers cost about $2 and Vietnam Craft Beer (which we love) costs a lot more at $4-7 per pint.
Vietnam Excursions
Another factor to consider when planning your Vietnam budget is what activities you will include in your trip. To keep your budget in check, we recommend seeking out cheap Vietnam tours.
Many group tours cost about $30 per person and are often less expensive than attempting to go on your own without a guide. Fees to enter most museums in Vietnam are priced at about $5.
Vietnam Travel Insurance
Trip insurance can be used in a variety of situations – from cancelled flights to lost luggage to illness or injury abroad. Consider coverage and get a quote at World Nomads.
Vietnam Travel Tips
Now that you know where to go, what to see and how to plan your trip budget, we have a bit more advice for your trip to Vietnam!
Best Time to Visit Vietnam
Generally speaking, the best weather in the spring or autumn. Summers can be humid with heavy rains, while winters can be cold and grey in the north.
That said, our trips to Vietnam have been in the autumn and we have endured extremely high temperatures in Hanoi and downpours in HCMC.
Vietnam National Holidays
Travel plans can be affected by Vietnam holidays, so it is important to know when they are.
Some holidays in Vietnam to be aware of are Tet (one week celebration in January or February), Hung Kings Temple Festival (celebrated the 10th day in the 3rd lunar month), Reunification Day (April 30), Labor Day (May 1) and National Day (Sept 2).
Vietnam Travel Visa
Getting a Vietnam Visa used to be a real hassle – complete with scams. However, Vietnam now allows visitors to obtain an e-Visa, which is incredibly easy. The Vietnam e-Visa costs $25.
How To Get Around Vietnam Cities
We love walking – and think it’s a great way to explore nearly any destination. However, Vietnam can be hot, humid and rainy, which makes walking a chore.
Furthermore, in HCMC and Hanoi sights are not confined to one area. When conditions are not ideal for walking or distances are just too far, we use Grab Taxi.
Like Uber and Lyft, Grab Taxis are requested using an app. The rides are much cheaper than a taxi and with the app it is much easier to request your desired destination.
Where To Stay in Vietnam
Accommodations in Vietnam range from dirt cheap dorm beds to pricey opulent hotel suites. We sought out places that offered private rooms with an on-suite bathroom.
Air-conditioning and free Wi-Fi were also a necessity – and an included breakfast was a priority. As a bonus, some hotels offer free transportation either to or from the airport.
One important thing to note is that it is common for two (or more) different hotels to have nearly identical names. Furthermore, one hotel is often referred to by two or more names, so it can be confusing.
Our advice to avoid being scammed into going to the wrong hotel is to be sure to have the specific address, especially if transportation is not provided.
What To Pack For 2 Weeks in Vietnam
Before you go, don’t forget to pack these necessities! For more tips, check out our Full Packing List.
Clothing For Vietnam
We recommend dressing modestly in Vietnam. Many temples and government sights require clothing that covers shoulders and knees. Loose clothing is best for hot weather along with a wide-brimmed travel hat.
Our 2-Week Vietnam Itinerary includes a lot of walking and time on your feet – so make sure to pack travel shoes that are comfortable. I can wear my Reef Flip Flops all day!
Travel Camera
Vietnam is incredibly photogenic! Rather than using your phone to capture the sights, we recommend upgrading to an actual camera. We shoot with a Canon Rebel fitted with a 18-135mm lens.
Anti-Theft Bag for Vietnam
Unfortunately, theft is common in some Vietnam cities. We keep our valuables tucked away in zippered compartments of our cross-body day bags to deter pickpockets!
Start planning your trip to Vietnam! Search for the lowest airfares, the best accommodations and fun things to do…then start packing! Want additional advice? Head over to our Travel Planning Page and for country-specific information, take a look at our Travel Guides Page!
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