Unlike many other Asian countries, Vietnam was not high on my list of places to visit and I originally only planned to spend 2 to 3 days in Hanoi to visit a friend. But then my travel plans changed when she asked me to explore the country with her and I ended up spending 2 weeks in Vietnam. And I cannot express how happy I am that I changed my plans.
During the trip, I absolutely fell in love with the northern part of Vietnam and its natural beauty. And while I admittedly had a bit of a hard time getting used to central and south Vietnam after the amazing week I spend in the north, I still enjoyed my time there. But while I favor one part of the country, I can only encourage you to visit all three parts. Otherwise, you will miss out and won’t get a full understanding of all this country has to offer.
It is a fascinating country with a rich history that has impacted its culture and food, astonishing natural beauty, and UNESCO sites. Having seen large parts of it, I believe that exploring Vietnam is a must when you are visiting Asia, and you should under no circumstances skip it like I nearly did.
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About this 2 Weeks in Vietnam Itinerary
This Vietnam itinerary will allow you to explore a little bit of everything and features everything from things to do at the individual destinations, some restaurants I loved, where to stay, and how to get from one place to another.
If you follow it, you will spend the first week in the North with a strong focus on nature, before visiting three different cities in Central Vietnam. At the very end of your 2 weeks in Vietnam, you get the chance to explore Ho Chi Minh and might just be able to include a day trip to the Cu Chi Tunnel.
When you have more time to explore the country, you will find a selection of other places worth visiting at the end of this 2 weeks Vietnam itinerary.
Two Weeks in Vietnam Overview
Don’t have the time to read the entire Vietnam itinerary right now, but want to book your trip? If so, this overview is exactly what you are looking for!
- Day 1 – 2: Hanoi — Peridot Grand Luxury Boutique Hotel (2 nights)
- Day 3 – 5: Cat Ba — Cat Ba Eco Hotel (3 nights) or Lan Ha Bay Cruise
- Day 6 – 7: Ninh Binh — Tam Coc Holiday Hotel & Villa (1 night + night bus to Hue)
- Day 8: Hue — Melia Vinpearl Hue (1 night)
- Day 9: Da Nang — Minh Boutique (1 night)
- Day 10 – 11 or 12: Hoi An — Bel Marina Hoi An Resort (2 nights + bus or 3 nights)
- Day 13 – 14: Ho Chi Minh — Cochin Sang Hotel (2 nights)
Vietnam Itinerary: Day 1-7 – Northern Vietnam
Day 1 & 2: Hanoi
Hanoi is the Vietnamese capital and the country’s second-largest city. It is most commonly known for its cultural heritage and history, so it should not surprise that your two days in Hanoi include a lot of visits to cultural sites.
Some of the highlights include the Old Quarter with its traditional Vietnamese houses and shops, the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long, and the Temple of Literature. If you want to learn more about Vietnamese history, you can do so at the National Museum before visiting Hoan Kiem Lake.
To counter the cultural program, you should visit the cafés in the famous Train Street and drink an egg coffee. And of course, you should not forget to grab a beer on Ta Tien Beer Street.
Where to stay in Hanoi
Getting from Hanoi to Cat Ba / Ben Pha Tuan Chau Pier
There are two ways to get from Hanoi to Cat Ba, and one of them overlaps with the Ben Pha Tuan Chau pier where many Halong Bay cruises depart.
The first option involves getting a bus from Hanoi to Tuan Chau Island where the pier is located. There are plenty of daily buses, so you can choose the one you like best. Once at the pier, you can then board the cruise boat or take the ferry to Cat Ba. It departs frequently and can be considered a way to explore Ha Long Bay on a minimal budget.
The other option takes you to Cat Ba via Hai Phong. This route is offered by Good Morning Cat Ba and Cat Ba Discovery. If you book the trip independently, you can opt to take the cable car to Cat Ba instead of the ferry.
Day 3 – 5: Cat Ba or Halong Bay / Lan Ha Bay (Cruise)
There are two options for days 3 to 5 of your 2 weeks Vietnam Itinerary, and both of them will allow you to explore Vietnam’s legendary Halong Bay and Lan Ha Bay area. Known for its stunning limestone islands and islets, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is a must-see that should be included in every Vietnam itinerary.
On one hand, you can do a two or three days long Halong Bay cruise on one of the smaller cruise ships. Hereby, you can choose between 3-star cruises and 5-star cruises. The individual cruise itineraries vary from company to company, so be sure to look up which stops are included. I recommend a Lan Ha Bay cruise, as it looks just like Halong Bay, but is much less crowded.
The 3 Days/2 Nights Stellar of the Seas Cruise mainly takes you to Lan Ha Bay and includes kayaking, several swimming stops, and a stop at Cat Ba’s Viet Hai Village with a short biking tour.
If you do not want to spend that much time on a boat as you only have 2 weeks in Vietnam, you can also opt for a day trip through Lan Ha Bay. Hereby, these trips are much better when they are organized from Cat Ba island which happens to be the largest island of Lan Ha Bay. It is a more budget-friendly option and in addition to the day cruise which includes swimming, kayaking, and a stop at Monkey Island, you also have the chance to explore Cat Ba.
The island is a paradise for nature lovers and there are plenty of things to do in Cat Ba. If you love hiking, you will love Cat Ba National Park, which is a UNESCO site. The Dinh Ngu Lam peak hike within the national park offers a particularly stunning view of the island. It is also possible to trek to Viet Hai Village.
Other highlights include the Thien Quoc mother Ha Gia Luan temple near the pier, the Trung Trang Cave, and the Hospital Cave. And if you are lucky enough to visit the island around New Moon, you might even see bioluminescence at Tung Thu ‘Hair of the Dog’ beach.
Most of the great restaurants and bars of Cat Ba are located on a looped road within the main settlement of the island. I particularly liked Yummy 1 restaurant (formerly Luna’s House Rooftop Restaurant).
Where to stay in Cat Ba
$$ – Cat Ba Eco Hotel
Getting from Cat Ba to Ninh Binh
The companies Good Morning Cat Ba and Cat Ba Discovery offer transport packages from Cat Ba to Ninh Binh. However, you can also organize it on your own. You just have to take either a ferry to the port of Halong or Hai Phong. From there, you then take the bus to Ninh Binh. In both cases, it is a good idea to check if you have to get a GRAB transport to the respective bus station.
Day 6 & 7: Ninh Binh
Ninh Binh can be considered one of the hidden gems in Vietnam as most people visiting the country have never heard of it or decided not to visit the area. However, it should definitely be a part of your Vietnam itinerary.
Thanks to its serene landscape with limestone hills, rivers, and rice fields, it is also known as the ‘Halong Bay on Land’. And once you arrive in Ninh Binh, it is easy to see why. While somewhat similar to Halong Bay, it is also completely different and has an enchanting charm.
Places not to be missed are the Trang An Landscape Complex, which is another one of Vietnam’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and the Bich Dong Pagoda. And given that you have two days here, you should also see the sunset from the Hang Mua Viewpoint and visit the vast complex of the Bai Dinh Pagoda.
And if you want to see more, you can also visit the ancient capital Hoa Lu and book a Thung Nang boat ride.
If you are looking for amazing food, you will find it in the town of Tam Coc, which is where you will find several charming homestays. I really liked the Banh mi Hanoi restaurant on the main street.
Where to stay in Ninh Binh
Getting from Ninh Binh to Hue
The drive from Ninh Binh to Hue is long, so it is best to arrange transport overnight. This way, you do not lose a day of your two weeks in Vietnam, and can also save some money by not having to pay for accommodation. You can choose between the train and sleeper buses.
The trains have sleeper tariffs where get a bed, while all sleeper buses are quite comfortable. I recommend paying a little bit more to take a more spacious VIP sleeper bus.
2 Weeks in Vietnam Itinerary: Days 8-11 – Central Vietnam
Day 8: Hue
Hue is the first of three cultural stops on this 2 weeks in Vietnam itinerary. During the Nguyen Dynasty from 1802 to 1945, it was the capital of Vietnam, and thanks to this time, the city is rich in cultural sites.
Must-see sites in Hue include the Historic Citadel inside the Imperial City, the Thien Mu Pagoda near the Perfume River, and the Temple of Literature.
If you want to do something a little different and like urban exploring, you should also consider visiting the Abandoned Water Park of Hue. Just know, that visiting it is a bit of a grey area. It is located close to the Mausoleum of Emperor Dong Khanh, so you can combine the visits and do not waste any time even if you do not get to enter the water park.
The tombs of Khai Dinh and Minh Mang are other tombs of the Nguyen Dynasty that are worth including in your Vietnam 2 weeks itinerary.
Where to stay in Hue
$ – Amy 2 Hostel
$$ – Melia Vinpearl Hue
Getting from Hue to Da Nang
The nicest way to get from Hue to Dang during your two weeks in Vietnam is to rent a scooter or motorbike and drive along the Hai Van Pass. However, you can also take the train or bus from Hue to Da Nang. Both of these public transport options take around 2:30 h, but the train ride is the scenic option.
Day 9: Hai Van Pass / Da Nang
Day 9 of your 2 weeks in Vietnam combines driving along the Hai Van Pass and exploring the city of Da Nang. However, you can also take the bus or train if you do not like riding motorbikes or scooters and spend the entire day in Da Nang.
The Hai Van Pass gained international attention thanks to a Top Gear episode and is one of the most scenic coastal routes worldwide. While it is known as the Ocean Cloud Pass thanks to the sea fog that sometimes covers the route, it often offers stunning views of the coastline. The maximum altitude of the pass is 496 meters.
As you drive along the pass, you can see historic gun stations and bunkers. There are several spots along the pass where you can safely pull over to take some photos.
Other stops on route from Hue to Da Nang include Lang Co Beach, Lang Co Viewpoint, and Elephant Springs. Vinh Hien Beach is also a nice detour and allows you to avoid busy parts of the QL1A.
It is possible to arrange an Hai Van Pass scooter or motorbike trip completely on your own or to join a guided group trip.
Hereby, the group trips are best if you do not feel comfortable doing it on your own or if you do not want to be a driver. Oftentimes, there is a non-driver option where you can simply sit in the back and enjoy the view.
While it was once considered a dangerous route, it is now much safer thanks to the Hai Van tunnel. These days, there are very few bigger vehicles on this winding road.
If you organize the trip on your own, I still recommend doing so with a company. After all, it is a oneway rental which is already more expensive than a regular motorbike or scooter rental. Browse around for a good price and ask them if they can transport your luggage to Da Nang. There are many stops along the way, so you do not want to have your things on you even if you only have a backpack and daypack.
Da Nang is a city where tradition meets modern features, but it also has amazing beaches. Upon arriving there, you should grab first some food at the Phuc An Vegan Restaurant. It is one of my three favorite restaurants in the country and is great even if you are not vegan.
Spend the rest of the afternoon relaxing at the Da Nang public beach, before heading to the riverfront as the sun sets. The fire and water show at the Dragon Bridge is not to be missed, and the nearby Ca Chep Hoa Rong statue and Cau Tinh Yen ‘Love Bridge’ are also worth a stop when they are illuminated.
If you still have your scooter rental for the afternoon or want to explore the area some more the next morning, you can do a scooter tour of Son Tra Peninsula. It is a great loop with stunning views, and potential animal encounters. You can also visit the Chua Linh Ung temple with its pagodas and white statue. Worthwhile stops include the Monkey Pass Junction, the peak of Son Tra mountain, Ban Co Peak, and Nha Vong Canh Viewpoint.
Where to stay in Da Nang
$$ – Minh Boutique
Getting from Da Nang to Hoi An
There used to be a public bus that connected Da Nang, but the service is currently suspended. Therefore, the best option is to book a ride in a minivan or take a taxi.
Day 10 & 11: Hoi An
Hoi An is best known for its ancient town, which is inscribed in the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. It is an area that features several architectural styles from traditional Vietnamese to Chinese and has been impacted by colonial France. This area is home to many of Hoi An’s main attractions including the Cau Temple Bridge and the Cam Pho Communal House.
Stroll through the streets while marveling at the yellow buildings and be sure to visit the Hoi An cloth market. It is one of the best places to get handmade clothes for very little money. Just ensure, that you go there in the morning of your first day in Hoi An, so the seamstresses have the time to sew your clothes.
As night falls, the area near the Bridge of Lights is the place to be. Boots with lanterns offer rives over the canal, and little lanterns float on the water. And of course, there is also the night market where you can buy traditional Vietnamese lanterns and more.
To me, it was Hoi An that showed me why Vietnam is among the most popular foodie destinations in the world. There are plenty of great restaurants, but I will admit that I loved Banh Mi Phuong the most. It was made famous by Anthony Bourdain and is insanely popular, but I think it is worth it to wait in line. Try to get a seat upstairs.
To discover more about the food, you should join a street food tour and also make use of the happy hour to find your favorite bar in Hoi An.
If you manage to see everything you want to see in Hoi An in one day, you should do a day trip to the My Son Sanctuary UNESCO World Heritage Site and the Marble Mountains. Hereby, you can either rent a scooter and visit them on your own, or join group trips.
If you visit them on your own, you should still have the time for a beach visit in the afternoon. Hereby, the most popular beach is An Bang beach. If you want to grab some food while there, you should do so at the Dolphin Kitchen & Bar.
Alternatively, you can also spend the day snorkeling at the Cham Islands or do a basket boat ride – cooking class combi.
Where to stay in Hoi An
$ – Happy Town (near Old Town)
$ – Sun Paradise Villa (near the beach)
$$$ – La An Central Boutique Villa
$$$ – Bel Marina Hoi An Resort
Vietnam Itinerary 2 Weeks: Days 12-14 – Southern Vietnam
Day 12: 21 – 23 h bus from Hoi An to HCM // Da Nang with a flight to HCM
If you have read a few of my travel guides at this point, you will know that I tend to recommend choosing eco-friendly travel options whenever it is a viable option. And in this case, I fully understand if you are not willing to do it. After all, getting from Hoi An to HCM by train takes nearly 18 hours, while taking a bus takes between 22 to 27 hours depending on the route.
You, therefore, lose an entire day of your two weeks in Vietnam, so in this instance, it might be worth it to book a flight from Da Nang to Ho Chi Minh. It is what I did, and I honestly cannot bring myself to regret it. Especially, as I tend to be unable to properly sleep on trains and busses.
Should you opt to fly, you can either spend the day exploring more of Hoi An, Da Nang or use it as additional time in HCM.
If you have more than two weeks in Vietnam and want to add more stops to your itinerary, it is worth it to take the bus. After all, there are plenty of interesting potential stops along the way that also help you avoid having to cover this route in one single bus or train ride.
Getting from Hoi An to HCM
If you do not want to lose an entire day, the best option is to book a flight. While you could take the bus back from Hoi An to Da Nang and then to the airport, it saves a lot of time to take a taxi. The taxi ride was around 14 USD.
Day 13 & 14: Ho Chi Minh
Your two weeks in Vietnam end in Ho Chi Minh, which is also known as Saigon. It is the country’s largest city and combines modern architecture with historic buildings.
To see the modern site of the city, you should visit the Saigon Skydeck and the Independence Palace. Historic building worth visiting include the Central Post Office, which is a French colonial building, the 19th-century Gothic-style Notre Dame Cathedral, and the pink Tan Dinh Church.
And of course, you cannot leave the country without visiting the War Remnants Museum. The exhibitions are very well done and depict the war from more than just the American point of view. It is very interesting and more than worth the entry fee.
If you are interested in learning more about the Vietnam War, which is actually known as the ‘American War’ in Vietnam, you can book a tour of the Cu Chi Tunnels. These tours last half a day, but you can also book a full-day adventure that includes the Mekong Delta.
If you want to eat one last Vietnamese meal at the end of your two weeks in Vietnam, you should do so at Ngo Quan Chay. And if you crave international food, you should eat at Italiani’s Pizza Han Thuyen.
Where to stay in Ho Chi Minh
$ – 9 Hostel and Bar
$$ – Cochin Sang Hotel
Places to visit if you have more than 2 weeks in Vietnam
If you have more time to explore the country, you should expand your two weeks in Vietnam by visiting the following destinations. Except for Sapa and Ha Giang, which are located North of Hanoi, and the Mekong Delta, they are all located between Hoi An and HCM. Therefore, you would take a bus or train to one of them on day 12 instead of covering the entire distance in one go.
Sapa & Ha Giang – Mountainous regions in northern Vietnam that feature breathtaking landscapes and diverse ethnic cultures. The terraced rice paddies and rugged peaks offer some of the most picturesque scenery in Vietnam, while the numerous hill tribe communities give visitors a glimpse into the traditional ways of life in the region.
Qui Nhon – Qui Nhon is known for its beautiful beaches, clear waters, and relaxed atmosphere. The beaches are perfect for swimming and sunbathing, while the nearby mountains and countryside offer opportunities for hiking and exploring local markets.
Nha Trang – a popular beach destination that is known for its clear waters and long stretches of white sand. There are a lot of water activities to choose from including snorkeling, scuba diving, or taking a boat tour to see the nearby islands. There are also many luxurious spas, resorts, and restaurants.
Mui Ne – a coastal town that is best known for its nearby sand dunes. While there, you can also do a lot of adventurous watersports including kitesurfing, windsurfing, and sailing. Mui Ne also has a vibrant nightlife if you are looking for a night out in town.
Mekong Delta – a vast, fertile region that is known for its vast network of rivers and canals, floating markets, and lush tropical fruit gardens. Be sure to take a boat trip along the Mekong River to explore the vibrant, bustling markets and discover the traditional culture and way of life.
Vietnam Itinerary FAQ
How do I plan my two weeks in Vietnam?
If you follow this 2 weeks in Vietnam itinerary, all that is left to do is to book your accommodations and transportation for the duration of the trip. There are often options for different budgets, so you can choose whichever one suits you the most. 12Go Asia is the best platform to book your transportation if you want to do so in advance.
Except for multi-day Halong Bay or Lan Ha Bay cruises, you do not have to book activities in advance unless you have to rely on tours. If you do not mind renting a scooter, you can usually decide what you want to do on a day-by-day basis.
How long to spend in Vietnam?
While it is possible to only spend one week or ten days in Vietnam, two weeks are the best option. Two weeks in Vietnam allow you to see the highlight of the country while traveling from North to South or in a reversed order.
Are 2 weeks enough for Vietnam?
Given how much there is to see, you could easily spend an entire month in the country without running out of new places to see. However, two weeks are a good time frame for your first trip to the country. By following this Vietnam itinerary you can see a lot during the two weeks.
It also has the benefit, that you do not need a visa if you qualify for the visa exemption for trips that are not longer than 15 days.
Where should I start traveling in Vietnam?
If you want to see as much as possible, the best places to start your Vietnam trip are Hanoi in the North and Ho Chi Minh in the South. Given that the country is quite long, it is not ideal to start in the center, unless you only want to see one half of the country.
What to know about Vietnam
What is the best time to visit Vietnam?
Vietnam is a great destination year-round, but if you plan to spend your two weeks in Vietnam following this itinerary, September to December and March to April are the best time. The seasons vary by region, and the mentioned months allow you to avoid the crowds while being rather pleasant weatherwise throughout the country.
I explored the country in September, and aside from one day, the weather was fantastic throughout the trip.
How safe is Vietnam?
Vietnam is a relatively safe country and violent crimes are rare. As in many other places around the world, there are some scams and drive-by theft can occur in bigger cities. Aside from that, you only really have to be mindful of the turbulent Vietnamese traffic and adhere to warning signs when exploring more remote areas as not all areas have been cleared of leftover landmines from the war.
In addition to that, you should follow the local laws and stay far away from any kind of illegal substances.
Is Vietnam safe for solo female travelers?
Vietnam is among the best destinations for solo female travelers even if you do not have a lot of experience with solo traveling. After all, it is a rather safe country where it is easy to find great places to stay and to organize transportation between locations.
There are a lot of travelers, which means there is also a high potential for making new friends while traveling. There are also plenty of group tours that you can join if you do not feel comfortable exploring a place on your own.
Are you planning a trip?
Check out these useful websites and resources I use to plan my adventures around the world.
Vietnam Itinerary Roundup
By following this itinerary, you get the chance to see most of the country’s highlights during your 2 weeks in Vietnam. Of course, there are still many other great places worth visiting, but you can easily do those during another trip there.
This Vietnam itinerary is all about getting to know the country, its natural beauty, culture, and history. And I would like to believe that you will have a wonderful time if you follow it. It is the timeline of my own trip and while it favors the Northern part of the country, I think that is how it should be.
It is the itinerary that had me falling in love with a country I did not even want to visit, and I honestly cannot wait to return there so I can explore more of what Vietnam has to offer.
More about Vietnam
If you are planning to spend 2 weeks in Vietnam, you might also be interested in the following Vietnam Travel Guides:
Vietnam Travel Budget
Inspirational Vietnam Photos
Which stop on this Vietnam Itinerary are you looking forward to the most?
Let me know in the comments down below!
Planning to spend 2 weeks in Vietnam?
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What a detailed 2-week itinerary! Seems like you really covered everything the country has to offer. Definitely saving this for my future trip here 🙂
What a fantastic guide! I’m especially interested in visiting Ninh Binh as I prefer off the beaten track places.
Honestly, Vietnam has never really been on my radar, simply because I don’t hear much about it. Your pictures make it look like an amazing place to visit. I’m definitely going to add it to my list of places I’d like to visit. Thanks so much for the inspo!
Great guide and itinerary! Will definitely be using as we plan our own trip to Vietnam! 🙂