The Ultimate 2-Week Vietnam Itinerary

Vietnam offers a mix of breathtaking landscapes, rich history, delicious cuisine, and vibrant culture. This itinerary takes you from Hanoi in the north to Ho Chi Minh City in the south, covering top attractions, hidden gems, and tailored activities for every traveler.

📍 Week 1: Northern & Central Vietnam

🛬 Day 1-3: Hanoi – The Historic Capital

Hanoi is a perfect mix of tradition and modernity with colonial buildings, lively streets, and delicious food.

✅ Must-See Attractions:

• Hoan Kiem Lake & Ngoc Son Temple

• The Old Quarter – a maze of historic streets and local markets

• Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum & Presidential Palace

• Temple of Literature (Vietnam’s first university)

• Train Street – Watch trains pass through a narrow alley

• Water Puppet Show at Thang Long Theater

🍜 Food to Try:

• Pho (Vietnamese noodle soup)

• Bun cha (grilled pork with vermicelli noodles)

• Egg coffee at Café Giang

• Banh mi (Vietnamese sandwich)

🚴 Best Activities for Different Travelers:

• Adventure: Motorbike tour around the city

• Culture & History: Explore ancient temples and museums

• Foodies: Join a guided street food tour

🚢 Day 4-5: Ha Long Bay OR Ninh Binh

You can choose between Ha Long Bay and Ninh Binh, depending on your preferences.

Option 1: Ha Long Bay – The Iconic Seascape

• Luxury Cruise: Sail through emerald waters & limestone karsts

• Kayaking & Swimming: Explore hidden caves & lagoons

• Titop Island: Hike for a panoramic view of the bay

Option 2: Ninh Binh – “Ha Long Bay on Land”

• Trang An or Tam Coc: Boat ride through karst mountains and rice fields

• Mua Cave Viewpoint: Climb 500 steps for stunning views

• Bai Dinh Pagoda: The largest Buddhist complex in Vietnam

🏛 Day 6-7: Hue – The Imperial City

Hue is Vietnam’s former royal capital, filled with ancient temples, tombs, and palaces.

🏯 Top Attractions:

• The Imperial City (a UNESCO World Heritage Site)

• Thien Mu Pagoda – A historic Buddhist temple by the Perfume River

• The Tombs of Emperor Minh Mang & Khai Dinh

🚢 Best Experiences:

• Take a dragon boat ride on the Perfume River

• Try bun bo Hue (spicy beef noodle soup)

• Rent a cyclo to explore the old streets

🏮 Day 8-9: Hoi An – The Lantern-Lit Town

Hoi An is a well-preserved ancient town, known for tailor shops, riverside cafes, and beautiful beaches.

🏛 Must-Do Activities:

• Walk the lantern-lit streets at night

• Visit the Japanese Covered Bridge & ancient houses

• Get custom-made clothing at a local tailor shop

• Take a cooking class and learn how to make local dishes

🏖 Relaxation Options:

• Visit An Bang Beach or Cua Dai Beach

• Enjoy a massage & spa session

🏔 Day 10-11: Da Nang – Beaches & Mountains

Da Nang is a modern coastal city with stunning beaches, mountains, and Instagram-worthy attractions.

📸 Highlights:

• Ba Na Hills & Golden Bridge – A hilltop theme park with a giant “hand bridge”

• Marble Mountains – Hike through caves & pagodas

• My Khe Beach – One of the best beaches in Vietnam

• Son Tra Peninsula – Visit Linh Ung Pagoda with a giant Buddha statue

📍 Week 2: Southern Vietnam

🏙 Day 12-13: Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) – The Dynamic Metropolis

Ho Chi Minh City is Vietnam’s largest and most modern city, filled with historic sites, skyscrapers, and bustling markets.

🏛 Must-Visit Sites:

• War Remnants Museum – Learn about Vietnam’s war history

• Notre Dame Cathedral & Central Post Office – Colonial architecture

• Ben Thanh Market – A lively market for shopping & street food

• Nguyen Hue Walking Street – A vibrant place with cafes & street performers

🚀 Best Activities:

• Take a rooftop bar tour for stunning city views

• Explore Chinatown (Cho Lon) and its ancient temples

• Try banh xeo (Vietnamese pancakes) and com tam (broken rice)

🚤 Day 14: Mekong Delta – The “Rice Bowl” of Vietnam

A day trip to the Mekong Delta offers a contrast to the bustling city life.

🚣 What to Do:

• Boat ride through floating markets & river canals

• Visit fruit orchards & coconut candy workshops

• Explore Vinh Trang Pagoda, a beautiful Buddhist temple

🌟 Optional Add-Ons (If You Have More Time!)

• 🏔 Sapa (2-3 days) – Trek through rice terraces & visit ethnic villages

• 🏝 Phu Quoc Island (3 days) – A tropical paradise with white-sand beaches

• 🏞 Da Lat (2 days) – A romantic highland city with waterfalls & cool weather

💡 Travel Tips for Vietnam

✅ Best Time to Visit:

• March-May (Spring) and September-November (Autumn) offer the best weather.

✅ Visa Requirements:

• Many nationalities can get a visa on arrival or e-visa (Check before traveling).

✅ Currency & Payment:

• The currency is Vietnamese Dong (VND).

• Cash is preferred in smaller towns, but credit cards are accepted in cities.

✅ Getting Around:

• Domestic flights save time for long distances.

• Trains & sleeper buses are budget-friendly.

• Grab (ride-hailing app) is convenient in cities.

🎯 Final Thoughts

Vietnam is a diverse and exciting destination, perfect for adventure seekers, culture lovers, foodies, and beachgoers. This 2-week itinerary ensures you experience the best of Vietnam, from bustling cities to tranquil countryside.