Two weeks in Vietnam is the perfect amount of time to truly appreciate the different destinations this country can offer. This 2 week Vietnam itinerary is pretty much the exact route I traveled myself, starting in Hanoi and making your way down the coast of Vietnam to Ho Chi Minh City.
Vietnam was very close to my heart because my father fought in the Vietnam War, so this trip was extra special to me as I tried to learn about and visit as many War museums and memorials as I could (more on that in my other articles – linked below). But in this one, I’ve detailed just the ideal itinerary to spend 2 weeks exploring this amazing country.
Vietnam has many different landscapes to offer, from mountainous rice terraces to dramatic cliffy islands to bustling cities. You will surely be enthralled with the culture and landscapes of this Southeast Asian country, and this 14-day itinerary will introduce you to a little bit of everything – just the way it should be!
Do You Need a Visa to Visit Vietnam?
Some countries allow 14 days inside Vietnam for free (visa on arrival). Citizens of 80 countries can apply for a visa to Vietnam online using the country’s e-Visa system. Vietnam’s e-visa is now 90 days and allows multiple entry (US$25 single / US$50 multi)
The e-Visa for Vietnam is meant for various purposes, including tourism, business, education, family visits, investment, journalism, and labor employment. Delivery of the electronic visa takes three working days after the payment has been made, so you need to make sure to apply before you travel and know it’s not a visa on arrival (don’t make the same Vietnam visa mistake I made)! Make sure to check requirements before you go.
Getting Around Vietnam
It’s usually quite easy to book buses (and night buses) between your destinations in Vietnam. You can rent a scooter to travel certain sections of the country (such as from Hoi An to Da Nang, which I recommend trying if you are comfortable on a scooter), but most people take buses or fly.
I took busses for my whole 2 weeks in Vietnam with a mixture of booking at random local travel agencies and booking them in advance for a cheap set price on Bookaway.
2 Week Vietnam Itinerary from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City
Day 1: Arrival at Hanoi
Welcome to this land of architectural wonder – Vietnam’s capital city is brimming with travel opportunities and something going on around every corner. Enjoy a filling breakfast or brunch at a local eatery to get your day started right.
A Vietnam itinerary would not be complete without sampling the local cuisine. While you’re there, consider taking a top-rated Hanoi food tour. You can’t go wrong with the Egg Coffee, Banh Cuon (steamed rice roll), Banh Gio (pyramidal dumpling), and Bun Rieu (rice cake) (Crab paste vermicelli).
During the rest of the day, you can ride a rented bike around Hanoi or simply walk around the city’s Old Quarter neighborhood. Because Hanoi is renowned for its nightlife, evenings are expected to be lively. For a classic dining experience on your first cday, eat at Hoang’s Restaurant in the old quarter.
Day 2: Explore Hanoi’s Stunning Attractions and Museums
Begin the day with a trip to some of the city’s most awe-inspiring historical landmarks. You can’t miss the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Next, visit Hoan Kiem Lake, a freshwater lake, and Ngoc Son nearby. To end the day, there’s another cultural experience you can’t miss — a show at the Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre. If you prefer a guided experience, there are Old Quarter tours led by Vietnamese students!
If you wish to do some shopping, head to the famous “36 streets,” which are a veritable shopping mecca with a distinctly regional flavor. Get your hands on artwork, embroidery, food, coffee, silks, stuffed toys, watches, silk products, and other goodies!
The Temple of Literature, built in the 11th century, is also worth a visit. Don’t miss the opportunity to see Ho Chi Minh’s preserved body in his mausoleum at the Ho Chi Mnh museum in Ba Dinh Square -a popular tourist destination in Vietnam. You can also visit other museums like the Women’s Museum and Fine Arts Museum.
End your day at a popular restaurant for dinner— Tini Cafe, Red Bean Trendy Restaurant, The Railway Hanoi, or Grandma’s Restaurant.
Where to Stay in Hanoi
There are lots of options are areas when considering where to stay in Hanoi! Here are my top recommendations for different budgets:
Budget Option: Hanoi Backpackers + Rooftop Bar for a fun social vibe and views
Mid/Splurge Option: La Nueva Boutique Hotel Hanoi & Spa for cute rooms, on-site spa, and epic views
Day 3: Day Trip to the Astonishing Limestone Mountains of Ninh Binh
Today it’s time for a day trip to Ninh Binh, which is an unmissable spot to visit from Hanoi while in North Vietnam. I recommend this one to see all the best sights in one day. But first, food! Banh mi (Vietnamese bread) or noodle soup at Pho 10 restaurant is an excellent way to start the day before departing. After a hearty breakfast, join the tour to the Ninh Binh Province for a full day of exploration.
Hoa Lu, Tam Coc & Mua Cave are stunning locations in Ninh Binh, Vietnam, where visitors can see valleys, caves, and limestone peaks. The tour includes a boat ride through the caves where you can truly enjoy one of Vietnam’s breathtaking scenery.
Visit one of Vietnam’s most popular locations where the Hollywood film “Kong: Skull Island” was shot after finishing your meal at a local eatery. Prepare to go on a photo blitz in this location.
Day 4-5: Exotic Halong Bay 2 Day Trip
Ha Long Bay is best experienced over multiple days, with a night or two spent in some basic yet magical accommodation on one of the islands or on a boat. You can experience one of the most incredible sunrises ever, and a morning boat trip you’ll never forget.
Spectacular limestone islands dominate the landscape of Halong Bay. You can take a ferry boat from the mainland (most leave from Cat Ba, which also has spectacular Cat Ba National Park) to experience these incredible islands, coves, and beaches firsthand.
For the most convenience, take a 2 day tour that includes transportation from Hanoi, or check out the best Halong bay cruise options. These tours will show you all the best spots. If you want a party tour for young people, your hostel will know which direction to point you in.
After day 5, you’ll head back to Hanoi, where it’s time to get on a night bus to Da Nang. Or, you can sleep in Hanoi and take a flight in the morning.
Day 6 – Arrive in Da Nang Vietnam
Flights from Hanoi are the quickest and most convenient way to get to Da Nang, or you can take an overnight bus if you are on a budget, like I was. And if you really have the time and are a fan of trains, you can book a sleeper. Both buses and trains are available to book in Vietnam through Bookaway
Check into a hotel and make yourself at home in this laid-back city in Vietnam and savor a few quick bites before getting started on your day exploring Da Nang.
I noticed that a lot of people tended to skip over Da Nang on their Vietnam trip/Indochina tour, and I don’t understand why as I absolutely loved exploring this fascinating city. Here are some things to do in Da Nang and things you can do during your day here.
On your first day have a quick explore around the downtown area and the big flashy shops. Save the big adventure for tomorrow. You might need a rest today!
Where to Stay in Da Nang
Budget Option: The Memory Hostel for a SUPER awesome design with private boutique rooms and dorms too.
Mid Option: Nami Home is a super cozy homestay with studio rooms just blocks from the beach and close to many restaurants. The best part is that it’s pretty quiet at night time and in the morning! This spot is prefect to get a private room on a budget.
Splurge Options(still for less than about $60USD/night): Wink Hotel Da Nang is a very cute and modern boutique hotel in the city center close to everything with futuristic design and amazing rooftop views. Minh Boutique is closer to the beach with a more traditional, natural vibe with incredible design, a koi pond, wooden accents, and outdoor bathrooms.
Day 7: Explore Da Nang on Your 2 Week Vietnam Itinerary
There are lots of places to explore in Da Nang, from the bustling city to some incredible bridges, to lush green forests, and hilltop views.
The Ba Na Hill Mountain Resort is a stunning place to visit outside of the city. Take a cable car ride to the top for spectacular views. You can also take a stroll through the ecological park and marvel at the fantastic replica of a French village. Enjoy the breathtaking natural splendor as you stroll across the magnificent Golden Bridge too!
Most people book a tour to visit the Golden Bridge and Ba Na Hills area. If you wish to book in advance, this is the best and most affordable tour to the area to book online, including transport, food, and cable car rides.
Today might also be a good day to head to the beach if that is more your style – there are MANY in Da Nang – or take a scooter around the Mui Da Dang peninsula to Son Tra Mountain, and to visit the Chua Linh Ung Buddhist temple with its huge white Buddha.
Day 8: Da Nang to Hoi An – Scooter Road Trip or Bus
To get to Hoi An, you can either take a bus OR have the adventure of your life and rent a scooter in Da Nang and DRIVE there! This is what we did, and it was so much fun. You can truly see more amazing coastal viewpoints this way, and stop to explore more of the Vietnamese coast.
Arrive in Hoi An and check into your hotel for a relaxed rest of the day, especially if you drove here. The port city of Hoi An, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offers a wide range of attractions and things to do. The city sits on a beautiful river and has no shortage of beautiful walks and great food.
Where to Stay in Hoi An:
Budget Option: SnapStay for a higher-end end more relaxed hostel with pods and curtains or Mad Monkey Hoi An for super social party vibes, larger size, great pool with tours available (and private rooms available)
Mid/Splurge Option: An easy choice: Little Riverside Hoi An. This affordable luxury hotel is directly on the river in the ancient city, with a pool overlooking the main area, elegant rooms, and fantastic food.
Day 9: Explore Hoi An and Get Some Custom-Made Clothes
For your day in Hoi An, you have a few options. First, you can plan on spending a lazy day at the Ong Pagoda watching people pray, or exploring the Chinese assembly halls and ancient city in search of exciting photos for your Instagram feed. The Old Town is incredibly charming and has plenty to explore – it’s popular to rent a bike to explore Hoi An.
Stop by the Japanese Bridge for a truly breathtaking view if you have time, and keep a lookout for the famous Hoi An lanterns between the Japanese Bridge and the An Hoi Bridge. If you want to get a bit more exciting, Hoi An is popular for Vietnamese cooking classes or you can take a lantern making class, or for something EXTRA unique on the river take a circular basket boat tour (pictured above) and learn to fish from one!
Hoi An is famous for its tailors, and many travelers come here to get custom-fitted suits or any other type of clothes! It’s a really fun thing to do on your Vietnam itinerary and super cheap too. You can show the tailors photos of any outfits or articles of clothing, and they can do their best to recreate them for you with the fabric of your choice. I got a super cute backless romper and a matching top/shorts set.
Day 10-11 Vietnam Itinerary: Head to Nha Trang
To be honest, Nha Trang isn’t my favorite destination, but I had to include it on my Vietnam itinerary as it’s a natural place to stopover on your way from Hoi An to Ho Chi Minh City if traveling Vietnam overland. It tends to have a lot of interesting expats and definitely has many beautiful beaches.
When I was here, I took a night bus to another night bus, but that’s not a very appealing way to see the city. Spend one night here to split up your journey between Hoi An and Ho Chi Minh City if you are not going to fly. Head to the beach or any of the famous islands off the coast for incredible sea views.
There’s also a famous amusement park here if you are into that kind of thing, and an aerial cable car with some incredible views too. You can also do some waterfall treks or go scuba diving too here – Hon Mun is a popular destination for scuba diving and snorkeling.
Note: many people enjoy visiting Dalat on their trips to Vietnam. Adding this stop would make your trip more than 2 weeks, but if you have time, I recommend it! Check out our Dalat Itinerary right here.
Where to Stay in Nha Trang
Budget Option: Bondi Backpackers is the best-known hostel in the area, with a rooftop pool and views.
Splurge Option: Treat Yourself to a fancy apartment with a view at the Costa Nha Trang Residences with fantastic amenities and design.
Day 12: Get to Ho Chi Minh City
You can either take a flight from Nha Trang to Ho Chi Minh or another night bus – about 8-10 hours. The city is a must-see if you plan on visiting Vietnam, and you will surely feel the difference between the South and the North while here.
Read my travel stories about my experience traveling in the south and the north of Vietnam as a veteran’s daughter!
After getting here, you might be exhausted from this jam-packed 2-week Vietnam itinerary. If you aren’t… you didn’t do it right! 😛 Check into your accommodation today and have a rest/quick explore of the City in your area before gearing up to explore more fully tomorrow.
Where to Stay in Ho Chi Minh City
Budget Option: Saigon is a HUB for many kinds of awesome hostels. I stayed at Meander Hostel one year and loved it (SUPER modern, single and double pods or private rooms, coworking), but you might want another option for parties. Check out all your options here.
Splurge Option: MY favorite hotels in Ho Chi Minh are the Silverland Line, which are boutique and modern hotels with rooftop pools, great on-site restaurants and amenities, and a mix between Vietnamese and modern decor. The Silverland Jolie has the best rooftop view, and the Silverland Sakyo Hotel is stunning also. The Adora Art Hotel is also awesome.
Day 13: Explore Ho Chi Minh City
Begin your day with a bowl of Pho from a street vendor. Slurp up a bowl of these Vietnamese-style hot noodles and appreciate the crazy bustle of the city – maybe even with a Vietnamese iced coffee in hand (they are DELICIOUS).
Take a stroll through Ben Thanh Market, which is known for its chaos. Similarly to Hanoi, HCMC is known for its epic food. If you’re a foodie, perhaps a great idea for today is to take a food tour all around the city with 11 different tastings to get to know the unique flavor of the South.
The War Remnants Museum is probably the most significant museum in the city with artifacts from the Vietnam War, and is worth spending some time in.
Attend an opera performance at the Saigon Opera House later on in the day, or at least check it out. You can also see some truly unique water puppetry at the Golden Dragon Water Puppet Theatre for something unique and cultural. Afterwards, have a night out on Bui Vein Street tonight – you’ve earned it!
Day 14 Vietnam Itinerary: Take a Day Trip to the Cu Chi Tunnels
For some more fascinating and bone-chilling war history, take a day trip to the Cu Chi tunnels today. These are the tunnels that the Viet Cong used during the Vietnam War to move around and surprise American/South Vietnamese soldiers.
The tunnels total over 250 kilometers are often tiny, dirty, and stuffy, but give you an idea of the mind-blowing lengths people went to back then during the War. You will also be able to experience some museum exhibits and jungles around the city.
To visit the Cu Chi tunnels, you must book a tour in advance. For the most reliable tour, book this one here.
Did You Enjoy your 2 Week Vietnam Itinerary?
Let me know if you have any questions or feedback on this Vietnam itinerary – was it too fast or slow? Should anything else have been included? Let me know in the comments below!
Passionate, full-time travel blogger with over 230k on social media and 150kMPV blog. Extraordinary photographer with two DSLR's + a drone with a love for capturing candid moments, epic drone shots, and magical compositions. I'm a natural-born content creator originally from California, but I've been on the road for 9 years living, working, traveling, blogging, and photographing my way around the world. I recommend the most amazingly adventurous and unique + boutique travel experiences/stays and helpful products to my audience and write comprehensive guides on my website that have helped millions of travelers so far. I love to inspire people to plan their dream trips, and many readers have given feedback as such. The reach on my platforms continues to soar, especially when combining cutting-edge social content with optimized articles on my high-authority website.