2 Weeks in Vietnam: The PERFECT Itinerary
Visiting Vietnam for the first time can be overwhelming, especially when planning a two-week itinerary and attempting to see the best of the country!
With so many incredible places to see, getting caught up in the excitement is easy. However, Vietnam is a large country, and what looks close on a map can be quite far.
Many travelers are surprised that traveling from the south to the central or northern regions often requires a flight, which takes around an hour. This realization can help you plan your trip more efficiently and maximize your time exploring this beautiful country.
If you’re visiting Vietnam for the first time and have two weeks to explore, you’re in luck! This timeframe lets you hit most of the country’s famous destinations.
After traveling through Vietnam multiple times, I’ve crafted an ideal itinerary to help you experience the highlights and make the most of your trip.
If you’re visiting Vietnam for 8 days or less, I recommend you stick to one region of the country and explore it, whether it’s the South, North, or Central. Each offers many destinations!
2 Weeks Vietnam Itinerary Overview
- Ho Chi Min City: 4 Days, including Arrival
- Da Nang: 3 Days
- Hoi An: 3 Days
- Hanoi: 4 Days, including Departure
This itinerary includes must-visit places near your destinations, such as the Mekong Delta, Ha Long Bay, and Ninh Binh!
It’s up to you where you’d like to begin this two-week Vietnam itinerary, you can start from the South and fly into Ho Chi Minh City or from the North and choose to fly into Hanoi.
Quick Tips for Vietnam
- Visas: Some countries require you to get a visa to visit Vietnam. If this applies to you, apply for your visa at least two weeks before your trip. Visas take 3 to 5 business days; sometimes, you may have to correct and resend your visa application.
- Cash: Always carry some money with you. While many places in Vietnam accept cards, it’s always best to have cash on you for some restaurants, stores, and street vendors who only accept cash.
- VP & TP ATMs: Both of these banks offer free cash withdrawals from their ATMs, so if you’re looking to avoid fees, look for them, VP is green-themed, TP is purple-themed.
- Scams: Beware of common scams, such as the typical taxi scams, street vendor photo scams, airport arrival scams, and pickpocket scams.
- Grab: Use Grab in Vietnam, it’s a widely used ride-sharing app in Southeast Asia, you can pay with cash or connect the app with your credit card.
- Domestic Travel: For all domestic travel, check 12Go to view your transportation options from place to place.
- Weather: Double-check when visiting North Vietnam, such as Hanoi, it can get chilly in Northern Vietnam during some months of the year!
- Don’t Try to Visit too much: Vietnam is a large country with many destinations. First-time travelers often try to visit too many places, wasting plenty of time on travel.
Ho Chi Minh City: Arrival for 4 Days
For most, you will start your journey in Vietnam by arriving in Ho Chi Minh City at SGN International Airport.
Formally known as Saigon, you will often still hear locals refer to the city as Saigon. Not only is it shorter, but there’s a local political divide I don’t care to get into, you can research that if you’d like.
Ho Chi Minh City is the largest city in Vietnam in terms of population and size. There’s plenty to eat and explore, and the metropolitan city grows rapidly yearly.
As you beat your jet lag, you should take your first day slow by walking the waterfront, visiting the well-known War Museum, and finishing your evening around the iconic Ben Thanh Market!
The next day, continue your laidback adventures in the city by walking to the Status of Ho Chi Minh, who unified the country during the war. Nearby, you’ll also spot the famous Opera House built by the French.
Other buildings you should consider seeing are the Norte Damn Church, Tan Dinh Church, and make sure to explore Book Street as well as Turtle Pond, also nearby!
For your third day, you’ll venture out of the city and explore the Mekong Delta River. During your long Mekong Delta excursion day, you will visit Buddha pagodas, sail the Mekong Delta River, learn about the history of the place, and visit a few islands on the river!
On your last day, you can choose one of two options: experience another excursion to the famous Chi Chi Tunnels or spend a laidback day in the city doing a few activities.
If you choose to spend the day in the city, I recommend you do some souvenir shopping, explore Vinhomes Central Park, wander, and end your evening by enjoying dinner during sunset on a boat cruise!
Travel Tip: Immigration entry in HCMC is usually very busy, with long lines. However, you can avoid this by using an airport FastPass service!
Da Nang: 3 Days
As you land and make your way out of the airport in Da Nang, you will instantly notice the stark contrast between Ho Chi Minh City and Da Nang. I still vividly remember my first time visiting Da Nang after staying a month in HCMC. The two cities are very different.
Besides the city’s central My Khe Beach, which offers a beautiful, extensive boardwalk perfect for strolling at all times of the day, Da Nang offers plenty of attractions to visit!
But its most well known attraction is the famous Ba Na Hills, you’ve most likely seen the famous Golden Bridge somewhere online, often referred to as the “hand bridge.”
Another must-visit in Da Nang is the famous Lady Buddha pagoda in the hills. Here, you can discover beautiful architecture and temples, at night, you can see the Lady Buddha lit up from the main shoreline!
Marble Mountains is another unique attraction in the city. Temples are located amongst mountains planted right between the town and the beach!
If you’re not planning to spend much time at the beach or the weather isn’t cooperating, I highly recommend visiting Hue Ancient City, just north of Da Nang. This historic city offers a wealth of stunning architecture and a rich history to explore.
Da Nang is split into two parts, with multiple bridges separating the city. The main downtown area has plenty of restaurants, hotels, and a bustling life. On the other side of the river, the beach part of the city offers a far more laidback atmosphere!
This is precisely why Da Nang has been nicknamed the “Miami of Southeast Asia“—it shares the same landscape as Miami but is very different from Miami!
Hoi An: 3 Days
A visit to Central Vietnam without going to Hoi An is simply an incomplete visit to Vietnam!
The ancient, charming old town of Hoi An is stunning to experience both in the day and especially known for its atmosphere at night. Listed in the UNESCO guide, you’ll fall in love with this yellow-painted building town, it’s hard not to.
During the early morning, you’ll spot locals venturing around town on their bikes as they walk around the small village with beautiful backdrops. Then there’s the bustling local market each morning and a sight to see and experience, to say the least!
If you do one thing in Hoi An during the day, make it this: Rent a bicycle, bike through the rice paddy fields, and then make your way to Ah Bang Beach!
Other must-experience activities in the day are the popular countryside Jeep tour, visiting Cham Island, or riding the crazy basket boats!
As 5 PM approached, Hoi An becomes very busy with tourists in the Ancient Town area due to its charming, romantic, lantern-filled atmosphere! There are lit lanterns absolutely everywhere in the evening, and with the small river in the center of it all, it’s beautiful to see!
Hoi An at night is very touristy, there’s no way around it. It’s a popular place to visit and is a must-visit on many travelers. That said, if you walk around for a bit, you will find calm, quiet streets in the Old Town beside the main streets, offering a more laidback atmosphere!
For those who appreciate history, you can’t miss My Son Sanctuary, one of the oldest standing temples in Southeast Asia!
Shopping Tip: Hoi An is renowned for its custom-tailored clothing and leather goods. If you plan to purchase something, visit the shops on your first day, as they typically require 12-24 hours to complete your custom purchase.
Hanoi: 4 Days & Departure
Once you’ve enjoyed some laidback adventures in Da Nang and Hoi An, it’s time for the final leg of your trip in the history-rich city of Hanoi, Vietnam’s capital city!
Similar to HCMC, Hanoi is also a bustling city. However, it still offers a slower pace of life compared to HCMC in some areas, and walking around the charming Ho Hoan Kiem Lake in the center of it all in the evening will make you forget you’re even in a large city.
The capital is known for its Old Quarters, a historic, bustling area with countless shops, cafes, street vendors, and historical architecture. In addition to the Old Quarters, there’s the French Quarters, where you’ll spot the famous Opera House in Hanoi. When there, I suggest trying Trang Tien ice cream, a legendary ice cream shop in the city!
Hanoi’s Train Street is a must-experience for many visitors. Grab a seat at a local cafe, enjoy a drink or snack, and get ready for the thrill of a train zooming by just inches away! It’s an exhilarating experience that’s sure to leave you buzzing.
At night in the Old Quarters, don’t miss the famous Beer Street, a dense street full of countless bars serving drinks in the early morning hours alongside delicious local Vietnamese food!
While there is plenty to do in Hanoi, two highly recommended day trips from the city will take up some of your four days there: Ha Long Bay and Ninh Binh.
Both are nature-rich and stunning in their own right. If you want to do both and experience Hanoi to the fullest, use my Hanoi itinerary and see what you’d like to do!
Three Weeks in Vietnam
Perhaps you’ve got three weeks to spend in Vietnam. I’ve got a few itinerary ideas for you to incorporate into your travel plans!
If you’re starting in Ho Chi Minh City before going to Da Nang, you can spend a night or two in the Mekong Delta River, or another option is visiting Phu Quoc, Vietnam’s most beautiful island!
For those who’re fascinated by nature, consider visiting Dalat from Ho Chi Minh City. It is a stunning town in the dense nature of Vietnam, though it is 4 or 6 hours away!
As you move on to Da Nang, I highly recommend you split some of your extended itinerary exploring both Da Nang and Hoi An. Don’t forget Hue, the ancient city next to Da Nang!
In Hanoi, you’ve got a few options: you have the option to spend a night on a luxury cruise in Ha Long Bay or spend a night or two in Ninh Binh or Sapa, two of Vietnam’s most rich nature destinations.
Another famous attraction in Northern Vietnam you may want to consider is the Ban Gioc Waterfalls, the largest waterfalls in Southeast Asia!
Vietnamese Foods You Must Try
Vietnamese cuisine is renowned for its vibrant flavors and diverse regional specialties, making Vietnam a culinary paradise. After all, it was the late Anthony Bourdain’s favorite country! The accessibility of food here is unparalleled, with many food options everywhere!
A significant factor that makes Vietnamese food stand out is how different the flavors can be depending on whether you’re visiting the South, Central, or North!
Take Pho, Vietnam’s national dish, for example. Originating in Hanoi, it’s got different flavors and toppings in Southern Vietnam. If you’ve had Pho outside of Vietnam, chances are it was the Southern version, also known as Saigon Pho.
- Pho: A classic northern Vietnamese noodle soup with a rich beef broth, rice noodles, and various toppings like beef slices and herbs.
- Bun Thit: A Southern Vietnamese dish featuring grilled pork, beef, or chicken with rice noodles, fresh herbs, pickled vegetables, and a drizzle of Vietnamese dipping sauce.
- Bun Cha: A Hanoi specialty featuring grilled pork with rice noodles and fresh herbs.
- Mi Quang: A Central Vietnamese noodle dish featuring turmeric-infused noodles topped with shrimp, pork, chicken, beef, and fresh herbs, served with a savory broth.
- Bun Bo Hue: A spicy beef noodle soup from Hue, flavored with lemongrass and shrimp paste.
- Banh Mi: A crispy Vietnamese sandwich filled with pickled vegetables, herbs, and various meats.
- Goi Cuon: Fresh spring rolls filled with shrimp, pork, vegetables, and rice noodles, served with a sweet and sour dipping sauce.
- Bo Kho: A hearty and aromatic stew made with beef, lemongrass, and carrots, often served with a warm baguette or noodles.
- Bo La Lot: Beef or Pork wrapped in betel leaves and grilled, adding a unique flavor and aroma.
For those who don’t eat specific meats or are vegan, here are some helpful terms to remember!
Bo: This means Beef
Thit Ion: This means Pork
Ga: This means Chicken
Chay Chay: This means Vegan
Souvenirs to Buy in Vietnam
When visiting Vietnam, you’ll discover a diverse range of souvenirs, thanks to the numerous markets and shops nationwide. With so many options available, you might wonder what to buy.
If you want to avoid bartering on price, stick to shops with clear price signage!
- Vietnamese Coffee Beans: Vietnam is famous for its coffee beans, making coffee beans a perfect souvenir for coffee lovers.
- Lacquerware: Beautifully crafted items like vases, jewelry boxes, and decorative panels that showcase Vietnam’s ancient art form.
- Silk Products: Renowned for quality, silk items range from scarves to clothing and home textiles.
- Ao Dai Dresses: These traditional Vietnamese dresses are known for their elegant design and intricate embroidery, making them stunning souvenirs.
- Custom Tailored Suits, Clothing & Dresses: Vietnam is famous for its custom tailoring services. Buy custom suits, dresses, and clothing to fit your style and size.
- Conical Hats: Iconic conical hats made from palm leaves or bamboo, symbolizing Vietnam’s agricultural heritage.
- Fruit Candies: Coconut candy and dried fruits like green sticky rice are delicious souvenirs to bring back home.
- Marou Chocolate: A popular Vietnamese chocolate brand known for its rich flavors and high quality.
- Cooking Ingredients: If you learned any Vietnamese recipes during your visit, don’t forget to buy ingredients like fish sauce, herbs, and spices.
Best Time to Visit Vietnam: Weather by Region
The weather in Vietnam varies from region to region. Southern Vietnam is always hot, while Central Vietnam is usually hot but has slightly cooler temperatures some months. Then there’s North Vietnam, which can get rather chilly in some months of the year!
It’s important to know when you’re visiting each region of Vietnam, not only to know what to pack but also to avoid weather you’d prefer not to be in.
For Southern Vietnam, you don’t have anything to worry about unless you’d like to avoid HCMC’s extremely hot, muggy, and humid temperatures during the Summer.
Central Vietnam offers many beach destinations; if you’d prefer to take full advantage of the beach during your visit to central Vietnam, it’s best to avoid the later Summer months, refer to this Da Nang weather guide!
Northern Vietnam can get very chilly some months, especially from December to February, when temperatures drop significantly, making it the coldest period of the year. The best time to visit Hanoi is from March to November for a more pleasant climate.
Here’s a helpful breakdown of the three regions to help you decide whether where you’re going is suitable during the time you’d like to visit, whether it’s Mui Ne, Dalat, Sapa, or elsewhere!
Okay, so if you’re thinking about Mui Ne and want to get a sense of the weather there, look at a map and see which major city it’s closest to! In this case, Mui Ne is closest to HCMC.
- Southern Vietnam means Ho Chi Minh City and the vast surroundings of the city.
- Central Vietnam means Da Nang, Hoi An, Hue, and other surroundings of these places.
- Northern Vietnam means Hanoi, Ninh Binh, Ha Long Bay, and the vast surroundings of Vietnam’s capital.
Final Thoughts
Well, that concludes my first-time visitor itinerary for two weeks in Vietnam. This itinerary ensures you experience the best of Vietnam during your 14-day visit.
From the bustling streets of Vietnam’s two largest cities to the bicycle-friendly town nature of Hoi An, the laidback boardwalk strolls in Da Nang, and, of course, Vietnam’s stunning nature-rich destinations like Ha Long Bay, Ninh Binh, and others!
As I mentioned, there are many destinations to explore in Vietnam, and you might find yourself trying to experience too much on your first visit. I cannot stress enough how important it is to avoid doing this.
Vietnam is a large, vast country, and what may look close on Google Maps during a late-night evening as you’re doing research isn’t so close when you zoom in!
I have a deep love for Vietnam. I could write for ages about my love for this country. The locals are friendly and warm, it’s safe, and there’s plenty to explore. While sometimes there’s a language barrier, Vietnamese people express their warmth with their eyes and smiles!
Having been to Vietnam a few times before sharing this itinerary with you, I can comfortably say I will be coming back many more times in the future; Vietnam has become a second home to me in some manners!
The best months to visit Vietnam are generally from March to April and September to November. These periods offer pleasant weather nationwide, with fewer crowds and optimal conditions for exploring popular destinations like HCMC, Hanoi, and Hoi An.
A week is great for a quick taste of Vietnam’s major cities, but two weeks is ideal for exploring the whole country from north to south without feeling rushed. If you have more time, three weeks is even better for diving deeper into the culture and landscapes.
For a two-week trip to Vietnam, your budget can vary depending on your travel style. Budget travelers might spend around $420 to $700, while mid-range travelers could expect $910 to $1,251, excluding flights. It depends on how you travel ultimately!
Vietnam is generally cheaper than Thailand. Overall, Vietnam is about 23% to 47% less expensive than Thailand, and you’ll notice this most with food and transportation costs.
Happy & Safe Travels
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