Trying to fit Vietnam into two weeks can feel overwhelming. North or south? Cities or beaches? Culture or nature? And how do you make it all flow without backtracking or wasting time?
Read on for our expert-crafted Vietnam 2-week itinerary that balances must-sees with local gems—without wasting a moment. With over 5,000 successful trips planned, this route is designed for first-timers and guarantees the best experience.
Is 2 Weeks Enough to See Vietnam?
Absolutely. Two weeks is a good amount of time for your first Vietnam trip. You'll have enough time to travel from north to south without feeling rushed—and still fit in some hidden gems.
- Must-See Spots: Hanoi, Halong Bay, Hoi An, and Ho Chi Minh City. These cities are not just popular—they offer a well-balanced intro to Vietnam: Hanoi for history, Halong for nature, Hoi An for charm, and Ho Chi Minh for energy.
- Interest-Based Options (Flexible Add-Ons): Love beaches or slow travel? Don't miss Da Nang, Nha Trang or Phu Quoc. Into rice terraces and local ethnic culture? Swap in Sapa. Traveling with teens? Crawl into the Cu Chi Tunnels or even camp inside the world's largest cave in Phong Nha.
14-Day Vietnam Classic Route
This route hits all the must-sees of Vietnam for first-timers and gives you a natural build-up from culture to coast.
Check out the brief itinerary below: Hanoi (3 nights) →Halong Bay (1 night ) →Ho Chi Minh City (3 nights) → Hoi An (2 nights) → Da Nang (2 nights). The tour sequence can be customized based on your interests as well.
- Day 1: Arrive in Hanoi
- Day 2: Hanoi city tour with Old Quarter cyclo ride and Water Puppet Show
- Day 3: An excursion trip to Ninh Binh: Hoa Lu + Trang An + Mua Cave
- Day 4: Take an overnight Halong Bay Cruise to Unspoiled Isles
- Day 5: Morning Kayaking in Halong Bay, Fly to Ho Chi Minh City
- Day 6: Ho Chi Minh city tour and an evening A O Show
- Day 7: The Cu Chi Tunnels tour by speedboat
- Day 8: Drive to Can Tho, and take a sampan ride in Ben Tre
- Day 9: explore Cai Rang Floating Market, fly to Da Nang, and take an evening foodie walk in Hoi An
- Day 10: Hoi An farming to fishing experience and cycling tour
- Days 11-13: Transfer to Da Nang and enjoy free beach time
- Day 14: Airport Transfer, Da Nang Departure
Days 1–2: Hanoi
Start in the capital, where French-colonial vibes meet scooters and street food. Don't miss a cyclo ride through the Old Quarter—it's touristy but still charming—and catch a traditional water puppet show.
Where to stay in Hanoi: The Old Quarter and Hoan Kiem Lake area is packed with elegant stays like Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi and The Oriental Jade Hotel.
A cyclo ride in the old quarter in HanoiDay 3: Day Trip to Ninh Binh from/to Hanoi
Ninh Binh, often called "Halong Bay on land," is just 2 hours from Hanoi. Explore the ancient capital Hoa Lu, take a boat ride through Trang An, and hike Mua Cave for panoramic views. Best visited in June and July when rice fields and waterlilies bloom.
Want a more adventurous alternative to Ninh Binh?
Head to Sapa, Vietnam's mountain jewel, which is popular with couples or families with teens. Explore rice terraces, visit hill-tribe villages, and enjoy scenic hikes on a 2-night getaway.
Countryside cycling in Ninh BinhDays 4–5: Halong Bay Overnight Cruise
Skip the rushed day trip (at least 5 hours on the road) and take it slow with an overnight cruise. You would wake up to sunrise over the bay, kayak through limestone islets, and maybe even try squid fishing under the stars.
Want something even more private? We can arrange private junk boats for special occasions like honeymoons or proposals.
What Most People Don't Know:
Many budget cruises in Halong Bay seem like a great deal—until you find yourself surrounded by tourist-packed boats and murky, trash-filled water. That's one of the most common complaints we hear from disappointed travelers.
To avoid this, stick with reputable options like Stellar of the Seas, Orchid, or Emperor Cruises. They may cost a bit more, but they take you to cleaner, quieter parts of the bay.
Halong Bay cruiseDays 5–7: Ho Chi Minh City + Cu Chi Tunnels
Fly south to Vietnam's most energetic city. It's chaotic, yes—but also deeply compelling. Get your dose of colonial architecture at the Notre-Dame Basilica and Central Post Office, but don't skip the modern vibe either: a coffee in a tucked-away café can be just as eye-opening.
Take a speedboat to Cu Chi Tunnels (it's faster and more fun than the highway), and yes, actually go inside one of the tunnels, even briefly. It's unforgettable.
Where to stay: District 1 is the go-to area for international hotel chains, with places like The Reverie Saigon and Park Hyatt Saigon.
Good to know:
- Most museums close over lunch hours—plan around it!
- Ho Chi Minh City is also the gateway to the Mekong Delta. If you're into the floating markets and rural life, take an extra 1 or 2 days.
Central Post Office in Ho Chi Minh CityDays 8–9: Mekong Delta
Mekong Delta is famous for its lively floating markets and rural life. The Cai Rang Floating Market in Can Tho is the largest and liveliest one in Mekong Delta. On your way to Can Tho, stop at Ben Tre to take a sampan ride along the maze-like waterways and see the local villages.
If you're seeking exclusive moments, book a private 1-2-cabin junk boat and sleep on the Mekong Delta.
The Floating Market of Mekong DeltaDays 9–10: Hoi An's Hands-On Charm
Hoi An is often romanticized—and for good reason. But the best way to enjoy it isn't just snapping lantern photos. Try a farming-and-fishing day tour, or cycle through the surrounding villages. In the evening, go on a foodie walk with a local guide—just wandering around Old Town with snacks in hand is half the fun.
Tip for families or couples: Consider staying in a riverside villa just outside the Old Town—quieter and still walkable.
Why Not Start with Da Nang if That's Where You Land?
Firstly, Hoi An doesn't have its own airport, so all travelers arriving in central Vietnam fly into Da Nang. Besides, this order gives you the best of both worlds: cultural immersion in Hoi An first, beachside bliss in Da Nang later.
Hoi An Ancient TownDays 11–14: Beach Time in Da Nang
Cap off your trip to Da Nang with the delightful beach fun. If you like, capture Instagram-worthy pictures of the Golden Bridge with its open palms.
- Optional day trips: visit My Son Sanctuary, often dubbed a mini "Angkor Wat."
- Insider Tips: For a lively summer getaway, Da Nang offers beach fun and easy day trips to Hoi An or Hue. For a quieter, more romantic vibe in winter, Phu Quoc is your go-to tropical escape.
Beach Time in Da NangHow Much Is a 2-Week Vietnam Tour?
According to our data (for a private tour), the average costs are as follows:
- 3-Star Hotels: US$150−180 per person per day
- 4-Star Hotels: US$180−200 per person per day
- 5-Star Hotels: US$200−250 per person per day
These prices are based on double occupancy and include hotel stays, domestic airfares, entrance fees to attractions, private guides, and transportation transfers. Here's our best-selling 2-week tour for your inspiration: 2-Week Vietnam Family Holiday ( from $2,199 per person).
Vietnam Travel FAQs for Your 2-Week Trip
Do I need a visa to visit Vietnam in 2025?
Yes, most travelers need a visa to enter Vietnam, except for most European countries. You can easily apply for an e-visa online through the official portal.
- Processing time: 3–5 business days
- Validity: 30 days (single-entry)
What's the best time to travel across Vietnam?
March to April is the sweet spot for a full-country trip, with pleasant weather from north to south. November to April is generally a great window to visit, especially if you plan around regional climates:
- North (Hanoi, Halong Bay): Best from March to April and late September to November
- Central (Hoi An, Da Nang): February to August is ideal
- South (Ho Chi Minh City, Mekong Delta): Warm year-round; November to April is the driest.
How to Get Around Vietnam?
If you plan to explore different regions of Vietnam, domestic flights are the most convenient and time-efficient option. These flights connect major cities like Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, Hue, and Nha Trang.
Trains offer beautiful scenery but are slower, making them suitable for travelers with more time. Sleeper buses and public buses are budget-friendly options, though they can be slow and less convenient for non-locals.
How do I stay connected in Vietnam?
Grab a local SIM card at the airport (Viettel, Mobifone, Vinaphone) for easy data access. Most hotels and cafés offer free Wi-Fi too.
Can I use credit cards in Vietnam?
Cash is still king in many places (markets, street food). For larger purchases, major cities accept Visa and Mastercard. ATMs are widely available.
Is tipping expected?
Tipping is not compulsory but appreciated. Round up restaurant bills or leave a small tip for guides and drivers if they've provided great service.
Explore Southeast Asia: 2-Week Itineraries with Vietnam
In addition to the itinerary mentioned above, you could also explore neighboring countries to experience the diverse facets of Southeast Asia. Here are three popular extensions, each tailored to different types of travelers:
2-Week Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam Tour
- Perfect for: First-timers to Southeast Asia who want to see the classics in one trip.
- Brief itinerary: Hanoi (2 nights) – Halong Bay (1 night) – Ho Chi Minh City (2 nights) – Siem Reap, Cambodia (3 nights) – Bangkok (2 nights) – Chiang Mai (3 nights)
This time-efficient itinerary takes you through the must-see highlights of Vietnam, Cambodia, and Thailand. You'll cruise Halong Bay, explore Angkor's temples, and dive into Bangkok's vibrant streets—all in just two weeks.
14-Day Classic Vietnam and Thailand Tour
- Perfect for: Couples or families looking for a balance of culture and beach relaxation.
- Brief itinerary: Hanoi (2 nights) – Halong Bay (1 night) – Hoi An (2 nights)– Ho Chi Minh City (3 nights)– Bangkok (2 nights) – Phuket (3 nights)
Compared to the first itinerary, this journey gives you a deeper dive into Vietnam, adding the charming ancient town of Hoi An and includes a Thai island escape.
2-Week Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos Itinerary
- Perfect for: Culture lovers and slow travelers who prefer depth over speed.
- Brief itinerary: Hanoi (2 nights) – Halong Bay (1 night) – Hoi An (2 nights) – Ho Chi Minh City (2 nights) – Siem Reap, Cambodia (3 nights) – Luang Prabang (3 nights)
This itinerary trades big cities for peaceful heritage towns and spiritual vibes. From the lantern-lit streets of Hoi An to the sacred temples of Angkor and the serene charm of Luang Prabang, it's a journey through the quieter, soul-stirring side of Southeast Asia.
Travel with Us for a Worry-Free Trip
Skip the stressful planning—our custom private tours cover it all. From expert guides to smooth transport, we've got you.
Planning a special trip? We offer unique touches for birthdays, anniversaries, or honeymoons. Just tell us your date—we'll do the magic.
Want to travel smart? Share the experience—and the cost—by bringing friends or family along. Great memories, better value.
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