The Ultimate 2-Week Vietnam Itinerary: Your Perfect Vietnam Travel Plan
Vietnam offers a mix of breathtaking landscapes, rich history, delicious cuisine, and vibrant culture. This carefully curated itinerary takes you from Hanoi in the north to Ho Chi Minh City in the south, covering top attractions, hidden gems, and diverse activities. Whether you’re a nature lover, food enthusiast, or history buff, this is the perfect Vietnam travel plan for you.
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 exceptional 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)
Activities for All Types of 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
Depending on your interest, choose between the iconic bay or a peaceful inland destination.
Option 1: Ha Long Bay
- 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
- 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 beautifully preserved ancient town known for its charming streets, tailor shops, and local cuisine.
Must-Do Activities:
- Walk the lantern-lit streets at night
- Visit the Japanese Covered Bridge & ancient houses
- Get custom-made clothing at a tailor shop
- Take a cooking class and learn local recipes
Relaxation Options:
- Visit An Bang Beach or Cua Dai Beach
- Enjoy a massage & spa session
Day 10–11: Da Nang – Coastal Adventure Hub
Da Nang is a dynamic city where beaches meet mountains and modern attractions meet ancient sites.
Top Sights:
- Ba Na Hills & Golden Bridge
- Marble Mountains
- My Khe Beach
- Son Tra Peninsula & Linh Ung Pagoda
Week 2: Southern Vietnam – Explore the Vibrant South
Day 12–13: Ho Chi Minh City – Urban Energy Meets History
This bustling metropolis is the largest city in Vietnam, home to French architecture, vibrant markets, and exciting nightlife.
Must-Visit Sites:
- War Remnants Museum
- Notre Dame Cathedral & Central Post Office
- Ben Thanh Market
- Nguyen Hue Walking Street
Experiences to Try:
- Visit rooftop bars for city views
- Explore Chinatown (Cho Lon)
- Try banh xeo and com tam
Day 14: Mekong Delta – River Life at Its Best
Take a day trip from Ho Chi Minh City to discover the Mekong Delta’s lush landscapes and unique culture.
What to Do:
- Boat ride through floating markets & canals
- Visit fruit orchards & coconut candy workshops
- Explore Vinh Trang Pagoda
Optional Add-Ons for Extended Travel
- Sapa (2–3 days): Trek rice terraces & visit ethnic villages
- Phu Quoc Island (3 days): White-sand beaches & coral reefs
- Da Lat (2 days): Mountain city with waterfalls & cool climate
Travel Tips for Your Vietnam Travel Plan
Best Time to Visit:
- March to May and September to November offer ideal weather.
Visa Requirements:
- Many nationalities can apply for an e-visa online.
Currency & Payment:
- Use Vietnamese Dong (VND)
- Cash is king in rural areas; credit cards work in cities
Getting Around:
- Use domestic flights for long distances
- Sleeper buses and trains are budget-friendly
- Ride-hailing apps like Grab are very useful
Final Thoughts
This 2-week Vietnam travel plan lets you experience the country’s best—from ancient capitals and serene bays to modern cities and local flavors. With thoughtful planning, you’ll enjoy every corner of this beautiful Southeast Asian nation while making unforgettable memories.
