2 Week Vietnam Itinerary: See The Best of Vietnam Without Feeling Rushed
2 Week Vietnam Itinerary North To South
A 2 week itinerary for Vietnam sounds incredible until you pull up a map and realise just how long this country actually is.
From Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City, you’re looking at nearly 1,650 kilometres. That’s roughly the distance from London to Rome. There is so much to see in this long country that trying to fit it all in can quickly turn your dream trip into an exhausting checklist you’re racing through.
So here’s the question that probably brought you here: how do you actually maximise two weeks without ending up completely wiped out?
And the honest follow-up questions: Is travel easy in such a big country? Can you realistically have a comfortable time in just 2 weeks?
Short answer? Yes. But only if you’re smart about it.
I spent three and a half months bouncing around Vietnam, and I still didn’t see everything. But I did figure out what’s worth your limited time and what can wait for trip number two. I learned which routes make sense, which overnight buses are tolerable, and which places deserve an extra day even when your itinerary says move on.
One afternoon on Cat Ba Island, my driver took me up to a viewpoint overlooking the bay. He pointed across the water and told me that’s where American planes came in during the war. Then he showed me the tunnels carved into the limestone where local fighters hid during the bombing raids. You can still see the scorch marks on some of the rocks.
That moment reminded me why two weeks in Vietnam isn’t just about checking off temples and taking boat tours. The history here is still visible. The stories are still being told by the people who lived them. And you need enough time to actually absorb that instead of just passing through.
Whether you’re travelling solo or as a couple, this itinerary will help you see the highlights without feeling like you’re on a speed run. You’ll have time to sit at a street food stall for an hour.
To take a motorbike ride that wasn’t on the schedule. To stay an extra night somewhere just because it feels right. Because that’s what Vietnam deserves.
Let me show you how to do it. I also have a 10 Days In Vietnam Itinerary and a 5 Days Itinerary if you need some inspiration!
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Map Of My 2 Week Vietnam Itinerary
Overview Of My Vietnam Trip
Vietnam is an incredible country in every way.
History, food, landscape, and the people make it so special.
I spent two weeks in Southern Vietnam in 2023 and three months in Northern and Central Vietnam in 2025.
Both of these trips gave me some of the best experiences of my travelling life. I started in Hanoi and made my way to Sapa, Cat Ba Island, Ha Long Bay, Tam Coc/Ninh Binh, Da Nang, Hoi An, and Hue.
I couldn’t have asked for a more packed itinerary, and I was lucky enough to see all the best bits of these regions.
From my experience in Vietnam, I’ve crafted a perfect 2-week itinerary for travellers who want a similar experience, epic mountains, beaches, historic sites, amazing food, and a chance to feel Vietnamese culture up close.
Read My 7 Day Itinerary For Vietnam: How To Plan Your Trip Without Stress
Do I Need A Visa For Vietnam?
You’ll likely need a visa to enter Vietnam, whether you’re from the US, UK, Ireland, Canada, or Australia.
I’m Irish, and I applied for the e-visa and got it within a couple of days.
It cost me 1,337,525 VND (€44.14/$50.83/£ 38.79) for this service. I printed my visa, but nobody once asked me for it as I went through Hanoi airport or left from Dublin, which was surprising.
You can get a single-entry visa or a multiple-entry visa, both lasting 90 days, so choose whichever suits your travel plans best.
US Citizens
If you’re a US citizen, you also need to get a visa to enter Vietnam.
You can apply for the e-visa on the same website as above. There are many companies that will do the service for you, but it’s much more expensive, so I recommend just applying yourself directly.
It doesn’t take long, and you’ll have it within days.
Day 1 to 3: Hanoi
I loved Hanoi. It gets a bad reputation sometimes, but I don’t understand why.
There are so many things to do in Hanoi that the list seems endless.
If you enjoy food, there are some amazing restaurants.
The Old Quarter is fun. The French architecture found all over the city is beautiful, and exploring Hoan Kiem Lake at night was a favourite experience of mine. You can even explore Hanoi at night and not get bored.
For me, the best places to explore were the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, the resting place of the iconic Vietnamese commander, and the Temple of Literature, which is so beautiful and peaceful that it’s a great escape from the chaos of Hanoi’s noisy streets.
I also loved the many museums in Hanoi. The National Museum of Vietnamese History, Vietnam Museum of Ethnology, Women’s Museum, and the Air Force and Air Defence Museum all educated me deeply on the country’s past.
Then you can visit exceptional rooftop bars to have a cocktail and watch the sun go down. So much fun!
Where To Stay In Hanoi
Budget
Mid Range
Luxury
Best Hanoi Tours And Day Trips
Hanoi: Water Puppet Show Tickets
Hanoi: Guided Food Tour with Train Street Visit
Hanoi: Ninh Binh, Hoa Lu, Trang An and Mua Cave Tour
From Hanoi: Ha Long – Bai Tu Long Bay 2-Day 1-Night Cruise
Looking for gear? These are my top picks and recommendations for stunning photos, videos and easy travel!
Night of Day 3: Travel to Sapa
Take a night bus or train so you do not lose daytime.
I took a train from Ga Hà Nội to Lào Cai and then a minivan to Sapa.
I made a post about how to get from Hanoi to Sapa, so that will help with planning.
It was arranged very well. You could easily spend a few days in Sapa and visit the amazing Hmong people who live in the mountains. There are literally so many fun things to do in Sapa, like Heaven Gate. I dream of returning!
This was one of my favourite experiences in Vietnam. I recommend booking a trusted tour like this one for a great experience. You can walk to Cat Cat Village and see the amazing textiles and even a live music performance from locals dressed in beautiful Hmong clothing.
Lastly, check out Ta Van Village for another amazing place if you can make it.
Day 4 to 5: Sapa
Trekking, rice terraces, villages, viewpoints.
This is what Sapa is all about.
My favourite viewpoint was at Moana Sapa, with giant hands and amazing views of the rice terraces. Heaven Gate with incredible vistas, as was Love Waterfall and Silver Waterfall. There are many options.
If you’re feeling very adventurous, you could visit Fansipan, which is literally above the clouds; you can take a cable car to get there. Take the cable car to get to Fansipan.
You can book this tour – Fansipan Cable, Cat Cat Village, Moana Instagram Tour for some amazing photo opportunities and a buffet lunch, which I recommend and trust.
For me, the best parts were wandering through Cat Cat Village, exploring Sapa Town, and sitting in peace while viewing the mountains all around. I recommend spending more than one day in Sapa
It’s the highest point in Indochina.
So you’ll have two full days to see Sapa and the best bits, which is perfect considering it’s a 2-week itinerary for all of Vietnam.
Read My Guide About Heaven Gate In Sapa
Where To Stay In Sapa
I made a whole post for you about where to stay in Sapa, but below are some good options:
Budget
Mid Range
Luxury
Aliana Boutique Sapa Hotel & Spa
Best Tours For Sapa
Sapa Love Waterfall, O Quy Ho Pass Panoramic View Tour
Explore Sapa by Trekking Adventures, Mountain, Rice fields
Sapa Relax Eco Tour: Muong Hoa Valley & Ta Van (No Trek)
Sapa: Eco Adventure Terrace Fields and Local Villages Trek
Night of Day 5: Return to Hanoi
Night bus or train and minivan back to the capital.
Day 6: Hanoi
Recovery day or do anything you missed.
There are so many things to do in Hanoi that you’ll always have something to explore. West Lake is beautiful, and the Presidential Palace is stunning. When I visited, I did a short tour around the Presidential Palace and saw Ho Chi Minh’s wooden house, which was fascinating.
You could also consider a half-day countryside and city jeep experience, which includes the presidential place and West Lake.
It won’t be as taxing in the jeep, and you can leisurely stroll around the city at any sights you want to see.
Day 7 to 8: Cat Ba Island
Visit Cannon Fort, beaches, scooter around the island, and take a Lan Ha Bay day trip.
These are the best things to do on Cat Ba Island.
When I visited, I loved the beaches like Cat Co 1 Beach and Cat Co 2 Beach, incredible places to swim with beach bars too.
I rented a driver for the day to take me to the Hospital Cave, Trung Trang Cave, and Cat Ba National Park, which was epic. Climb to the top of the tower for amazing views where all is could see was cliffs for kilometres.
Yên Hidden Valley has incredible roads to drive through, too.
The true highlight of Cat Ba Island was a Lan Ha Bay boat trip which started at Cai Beo Fishing Village, then swimming and kayaking and spending time floating around the limestone cliffs.
It’s very similar to Ha Long Bay, but when I visited Cat Ba, there were far fewer boats and tourists to be seen, which I enjoyed way more. Was Cat Ba’s boat tour better than Ha Long Bay? Probably not, but it was just as spectacular.
Where To Stay In Cat Ba Island
Budget
Mid Range
Luxury
Best Tours For Cat Ba Island
Lan Ha Bay: 2-Day Cruise with Meals, Activities and Pickup
Hanoi: 3 Days Ha Long&Lan Ha Bay 5 L’amour Cruise,folk show
Cat Ba: Lan Ha, HaLong bay full day- biking, kayaking, lunch
Cat Ba/Ha Noi: Lan Ha and Monkey Island Full Day Boat Trip
Day 9: Ha Long Bay
Join a day cruise or an overnight cruise beginning in the morning.
You can’t visit northern Vietnam and skip Ha Long Bay.
I was wondering whether I should bother after doing the boat tour at Cat Ba Island, and while it’s similar, I recommend doing both because it’s just so beautiful!
We had a great guide on our boat, the food was great, and the group was interactive, which made the experience top-class.
We went kayaking, climbed to the viewpoint at Ti Tốp Đỉnh núi Đảo and swam at the beach, and visited Sung Sot Cave. It was incredible!
At the end of the night, we ordered cocktails and sang karaoke for hours. You can see all the other boats perched along the bay as the sun sets, making a spectacular display at night.
If you do a day cruise, transfer to Tam Coc in the evening.
Whereas, if you do an overnight cruise, go to Tam Coc the next morning.
Best Ha Long Bay Tours
Hanoi: 2-Day Halong & Lan Ha Bay 5-Star Cruise with Balcony
Hanoi: Ha Long Bay Day Cruise – Swimming, Meal, Kayaking
Hanoi: 2-Day Lan Ha & Halong Bay 5 Stars Cruise with Balcony
From Hanoi: Ha Long – Bai Tu Long Bay 2-Day 1-Night Cruise
Day 10 to 11: Tam Coc
Tam Coc may remind you of Ha Long Bay, but on land!
I fell in love with Tam Coc, and fast.
Cycling through the small countryside roads is special when there are few others doing the same.
I urge you to get lost on the bike, see where it takes you, and stop at the hidden temples and appreciate the limestone cliffs along the way.
Some highlights for me included the Trang An boat ride, which was so peaceful and surrounded by tall limestone cliffs, and Hang Mua, with its famous dragon on top of the best viewpoint in Tam Coc.
The amazing Bich Dong Pagoda is worth seeing too, as well as the Thung Nham Ecotourism Zone.
I found it so much fun exploring the buffalo cave, where you can feed the buffalo and enter a small, narrow cave with an interesting waterfall right at the entrance.
I must admit I drank some dodgy cocktails in Tam Coc and it took me months to feel better, so I have to mention that. It wasn’t pleasant, but people should be aware when travelling in Asia that food and alcohol may not have the same health standards as the US or Europe.
Where To Stay In Tam Coc
Budget
Tam Coc Condelux Boutique Hotel
Mid Range
Tam Coc Morning Homestay & Spa Ninh Binh
Luxury
Best Tours In Tam Coc
From Ninh Binh: Hoa Lu, Bai Dinh, Trang An, & Mua Cave Tour
Hanoi: Ninh Binh, Bai Dinh/Hoa Lu, Trang An, & Mua Cave Tour
Ninh Binh: Cuc Phuong Jungle Hike & Wildlife Day Trip
Ninh Binh: Wildlife, Jungle Hike, Cuc Phuong Park Guide Tour
Evening Day 11: Travel back to Hanoi
Stay near the airport for convenience.
Your next leg takes you south to the beautiful coastal town of Da Nang (Find the best things to do in Da Nang), which I absolutely loved.
It’s not a long flight from Hanoi, maybe an hour and a half.
I recommend staying at Airport Classic Hotel 2 or Amigo Stay Noi Bai Airport; both have excellent reviews.
Morning Day 12: Fly to Da Nang
The flight is about 1 hour and 15 minutes.
Spend the rest of the day exploring Marble Mountains or My Khe Beach.
These were my two favourite places in Da Nang.
The mountain is spectacular, and I flew my drone over the top for some epic views from above. I climbed to the middle of the cave, and there are loads to see all around, with an amazing viewpoint of the sea and the far distance of Ba Na Hills.
Da Nang also offers the amazing Son Tra Peninsula, where the best beach is Man Thai Beach. I also got a motorbike to the very top of Da Nang at Ban Co Peak and found the interesting chess sculpture overlooking the city.
It’s brilliant to experience if you can.
Where To Stay In Da Nang
Budget
Dreamy Sky – Airport View Boutique Hotel
Platinum Beach Hotel & Apartment
Mid Range
Dragon View Riverside Hotel by Haviland
Luxury
Abogo The Ocean Villa Da Nang Luxury
Risemount Premier Resort Da Nang
Best Tours In Da Nang
Da Nang/Hoi An: Lady Buddha, Marble Mountains & Am Phu Cave
Da Nang: Hue Imperial Day Trip, Hai Van Pass Train, & Lunch
From Da Nang/Hoi An: Golden Bridge Ba Na Hills Full-Day Tour
Hoi An/Da Nang: My Son Sanctuary Guided Trip & Thu Bon River
Day 13: Hoi An
The beauty of Da Nang is its proximity to Hoi An.
Get a taxi there in the morning.
Hoi An is so peaceful, with its old town and lanterns that illuminate the river at night. There’s a lively night scene with live music. I recommend visiting The LyLy Irish Pub & Sports Bar Hoi An for great live music.
I found a cool gem called LÒ GẠCH CŨ FARM, a little further south of Hoi An, for the most scenic coffee experience I can imagine.
I recommend taking the My Son Tour, where you’ll be collected at the hotel and transferred back after a scenic boat ride through the canals. When I did the tour, it was great because we didn’t have to think about anything, we just let our guide walk us through the site, which is small, and tell us the history.
Then you need to visit An Bang Beach for its long, soft golden sands and beautiful water.
If you look back north along the coast, you can see Da Nang in the distance. There’s an amazing abandoned hotel right on the beach a little further south when you walk that way, and it’s so intriguing, I recommend passing by.
Where To Stay In Hoi An
Budget
Mid Range
Hoi An Legend Charm Boutique Hoi An Hotel
Luxury
Palm Garden Beach Resort & Spa
Best Tours From Hoi An
Hoi An: Vietnamese Coffee Culture and Coffee Making Class
Hoi An : Hoai River Boat Trip by Night and Floating Lantern
Hoi An: My Son Sanctuary Early Morning Visit with Breakfast
From Da Nang or Hoi An: Ba Na Hills Golden Bridge Tour
Day 14: Fly to Ho Chi Minh City
You can then head from north to south Vietnam and fly from Da Nang to Ho Chi Minh City.
I spent several days in Ho Chi Minh City and loved it.
It’s a different vibe compared to Hanoi, but still worth visiting. I recommend taking a boat taxi along the river to see the skyline and visiting Bitexco Tower for amazing views of the city from above.
The best things I experienced in Ho Chi Minh were the Post Office, War Remnants Museum (although this is really a day trip, and if you can fit it in, go for it), and the Notre Dame Cathedral, which was beautiful.
Is Two Weeks Enough Time To See All Of Vietnam?
To be honest, two weeks in Vietnam won’t be enough to see the whole country without serious rushing.
You can see loads of places in two weeks, and if you enjoy the craziness, you can pack a lot into 14 days in Vietnam.
Because Vietnam is so big, two weeks just doesn’t feel like enough time to see every amazing place this brilliant country has to offer.
When I visited the north and centre, I took three months and didn’t rush, and it felt way more enjoyable than my two-week trip to Ho Chi Minh and the Mekong Delta.
I realise not everyone has three months, but my honest answer is you can see loads, just not everything.
Read My In-Depth 3 Day Itinerary For Ho Chi Minh City
Vietnam Travel Tips
How To Travel In Vietnam
When I visited Vietnam, I was impressed with how easy travel was.
In Hanoi, my hotel arranged tours to Cat Ba Island and Ha Long Bay, and booked my train ticket to Sapa (Read my guide to the best homestays in Sapa).
Apart from the great service, there were rarely any issues. Trains left on time, taxis were reliable, and I had few problems.
I recommend using Grab or Bolt for travel in the cities.
Most days, I’d spend less than a dollar going from coffee shop to museum to restaurant. The drivers provided helmets, though sometimes the straps didn’t work properly. Still, they were a great way to get around quickly.
I wouldn’t travel with a helmet whose strap doesn’t close properly, so be careful.
There are loads of airports in Ho Chi Minh, Hanoi, and Da Nang that can cut travel times if you prefer not taking the train. I loved the overnight train and found it great for meeting people, and it was just a fun experience.
I got the train from Hanoi to Sapa and from Ninh Binh to Da Nang. It took ages, but I loved the views of the sea and the Hải Vân Pass.
You can book reliable train tickets right here or below:
Using ATMs
Money is an important consideration when it comes to a two-week trip in Vietnam.
Your budget will depend on you as a traveller. You can spend as little or as much as you want, options for every person.
I found ATM fees to be reasonable in Vietnam. When I took the maximum amount out (sometimes only $120), there would be a few dollars added on top. It’s not going to ruin your two-week trip to Vietnam.
Cash is very common, but many restaurants also accept cards. Best to have a backup stash of Vietnamese dong in your wallet just in case.
Explore Hanoi’s Weekend Night Market
Food
I love Vietnamese food, and no doubt you will too.
Don’t be afraid of street food, often you’ll have the best meals there. Sit on the street’s small plastic stools and watch the world go by with a large bowl of pho.
I’ve covered the best vegan food, the best bun cha, the best coffee shops, and the most interesting things to eat in Hanoi, so I’ve got you sorted for food during your time in Hanoi.
Don’t skip the egg coffee as well!
Discover Whether Hanoi Is Worth Visiting Or Not
Safety
From my experience, be careful about what you drink.
In Tam Coc, I had several cocktails one night at a bus converted into a karaoke bar. When I saw the barman putting ice into glasses with his bare hands, I should have known better.
Crossing the street in Vietnam is a hazard, but in a way, kind of fun.
You’ll see, especially in the major cities, that crossing the road is like playing a lottery with your life. In Ho Chi Minh City, we ended up getting help from locals who knew what to do.
My heart was in my mouth as we walked across the street with lanes of oncoming traffic and bikes, but somehow they passed us without issue.
It’s scary, but you have to be prepared for crossing the road in Vietnam.
Don’t go abroad without comprehensive travel insurance. I have used and trust Safety Wing.
Final Thoughts/Conclusion
Spending two weeks in Vietnam will make you fall in love with everything great and bad about the country, though it’s mostly great!
It’s a little different when comparing Thailand and Vietnam antoher popluar country in Southeast Asia.
When I had the chance to spend time in the northern mountains like Sapa and Cat Ba Island, exploring amazing floating fishing villages and Tam Coc (known as Halong Bay on land), I quickly understood why Vietnam is so special. Fourteen days is the perfect amount of time to experience it.
While I was lucky enough to travel for three months straight, you can have an incredible time in just two weeks.
Make sure you read my Southeast Asian packing list to ensure you travel prepared!
Any questions? Just drop me a message.
Thanks for reading,
James
- Bai Dinh Pagoda Travel Guide: Tickets, Tips, and Honest Review
- Hang Múa Cave And Viewpoint: Is It Worth 500 Steps?
- Bich Dong Pagoda – All You Need To Know
- Hoa Lu Ancient Capital: Vietnam’s Best-Kept Secret
- Where To Stay In Ninh Binh: All You Need To Know
