Why 2 Weeks Works Perfectly for Vietnam
Vietnam is a long, narrow country stretching 1,650 kilometres from north to south, and each region feels distinct in culture, food, landscape, and pace. Two weeks gives you enough time to move meaningfully through the country without feeling rushed. The classic route runs north to south, covering Hanoi in the north, the ancient town of Hoi An in the centre, and the energy of Ho Chi Minh City in the south. Flying between cities is cheap (often under $30 USD) and keeps journey times manageable.
Days 1–3: Hanoi
Hanoi is one of Southeast Asia's most characterful capitals. The Old Quarter is a dense maze of narrow streets, each historically dedicated to a single trade — silk, tin, bamboo, paper. Hoan Kiem Lake is the city's calm centre, particularly beautiful in the early morning. The Temple of Literature, the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, and the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology are the three essential cultural sites. Eat pho for breakfast the way locals do: at a small street stall, perched on a plastic stool, before 8am. Try bun cha (grilled pork with noodles) for lunch. Spend an evening at Bia Hoi Corner, the intersection where locals drink fresh-brewed beer at street-level tables.
Day 4: Ha Long Bay
Ha Long Bay is one of the most spectacular natural landscapes in the world — over 1,600 limestone karst islands rising from emerald-green water. Book a 1 or 2-night cruise from Hanoi rather than a day trip; the overnight option lets you experience the bay at dawn before the day-trip boats arrive. Look for small-group cruises with no more than 20 passengers. Kayaking through the karsts, swimming in the bay, and watching the sunrise over the water from the deck are the defining Ha Long moments.
Day 5: Transfer to Hoi An
Fly from Hanoi to Da Nang (approximately 1 hour, under $30 USD booked ahead). Transfer directly to Hoi An, 30 minutes south. Arrive in the afternoon, check in, and take an easy first evening walk through the Ancient Town while it is lantern-lit at dusk. Hoi An is best explored in the early morning before the heat builds and the day-trippers arrive from Da Nang.
Days 6–7: Hoi An
Hoi An's Ancient Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most beautiful towns in Southeast Asia — a perfectly preserved trading port with Japanese covered bridges, Chinese merchant houses, French colonial shopfronts, and Vietnamese tube houses all layered together. Spend a morning wandering the Old Town and visit the Japanese Covered Bridge and Tan Ky Merchant House. Book a cooking class for one afternoon: Hoi An is one of the great food towns of Vietnam and the classes are excellent and affordable. Rent a bicycle on the second day and ride to An Bang Beach for the afternoon. Spend an evening doing lantern floating on the Thu Bon River.
Ready to plan your trip?
Use our AI travel planner to build a personalised day-by-day itinerary in seconds — free to use.
Day 8: Hue
Take a car or bus north along the Hai Van Pass — one of the most scenic coastal drives in Vietnam — to Hue, the former imperial capital. The Imperial Citadel is vast and fascinating, half-ruined by the Vietnam War but still extraordinary. The Royal Tombs scattered across the surrounding hills are equally impressive; the Tomb of Tu Duc is particularly atmospheric. Hue has a distinct cuisine: bun bo Hue (spicy beef noodle soup) is the city's signature dish and among the best noodle soups in the country.
Days 9–10: Da Nang
Da Nang is Vietnam's most modern city — clean, well-organised, with excellent restaurants and the best urban beaches in the country. My Khe Beach stretches for miles of white sand directly in front of the city. The Dragon Bridge breathes fire on weekend evenings. The Marble Mountains, five limestone hills riddled with Buddhist caves and temples, are a 30-minute drive south. Da Nang is also the best base for day trips to both Hoi An (30 minutes south) and the Ba Na Hills cable car. Try mi quang — turmeric noodles with shrimp, pork, and peanuts — for a quintessentially Da Nang meal.
Days 11–12: Ho Chi Minh City
Fly south to Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Saigon), Vietnam's largest and most frenetic city. The War Remnants Museum is harrowing but essential context for understanding modern Vietnam. The Reunification Palace, Ben Thanh Market, and the historic Notre-Dame Cathedral are all within walking distance in District 1. The Cu Chi Tunnels, an hour from the city, offer a remarkable window into the Vietnam War. Eat your way through the city: banh mi from street carts, fresh spring rolls from local restaurants, and pho tai at a neighbourhood stall.
Days 13–14: Mekong Delta or Phu Quoc
For the final two days, choose between the Mekong Delta (a day or overnight trip into the river delta south of Ho Chi Minh City, with floating markets, rice paddies, and traditional boat transport) or flying to Phu Quoc (Vietnam's most beautiful island, with white sand beaches and clear water, ideal for a beach finish to the trip). The Mekong Delta suits those who want to continue experiencing Vietnamese culture right up to departure; Phu Quoc suits those who want a relaxed final few days.
Practical Tips for Vietnam
A Vietnamese SIM card (Viettel or Mobifone) is cheap, fast, and available at any airport on arrival. Grab works throughout Vietnam for taxis, food delivery, and motorbike rides. The Vietnamese dong is the currency; carry cash for street food and local markets. Book inter-city flights in advance through VietJet or Bamboo Airways for the best prices. FigFinder AI builds your complete Vietnam itinerary in seconds — just tell it your dates, budget, and pace, and get a full day-by-day plan with booking links for flights, accommodation, and activities.
