Dreaming of experiencing the incredible diversity of Vietnam but only have about two weeks? Good news – it's absolutely possible to capture the essence of this captivating country on a 14-day journey! This itinerary takes you on a whirlwind adventure from the cultural heart of the North to the vibrant energy of the South, showcasing Vietnam's must-see highlights along the way.
This 2-week Vietnam itinerary is designed for travellers who want to see the best of the country efficiently, blending history, culture, stunning nature, and delicious food. It forms the foundation of many of our popular North to South Vietnam package tours, offering a well-paced and unforgettable experience.
Yes! While you could easily spend months exploring Vietnam, two weeks is enough time to experience the major highlights if you plan efficiently. This itinerary utilizes internal flights to maximize your time in each key region, ensuring you don't miss out on the iconic destinations from North to South.
Get ready for an adventure packed with incredible sights and experiences!
Days 1-2: Hanoi Charm & City Exploration
Day 1: Arrive in Hanoi. Welcome to Vietnam! Upon arrival at Noi Bai Airport (HAN), transfer to your hotel. Settle in and take your first steps into the bustling Hanoi Old Quarter. Enjoy a walk around the scenic Hoan Kiem Lake, cross the red bridge to Ngoc Son Temple, and soak up the vibrant atmosphere.
Day 2: Hanoi City Tour. Discover Hanoi's key landmarks: visit the Ho Chi Minh Complex (Mausoleum - view from outside on closed days, stilt house), explore the ancient Temple of Literature (Vietnam's first university), and gain insights at the Museum of Ethnology or the historic Hoa Lo Prison. In the evening, enjoy a traditional Water Puppet Show.
Days 3-4: Ha Long Bay Magic & Fly South
Day 3: Hanoi - Ha Long Bay Cruise. Depart Hanoi for the stunning Ha Long Bay (approx. 2.5-3.5 hour transfer). Board your comfortable overnight cruise vessel, enjoy a delicious seafood lunch onboard, and spend the afternoon cruising amidst the thousands of limestone karsts. Activities typically include visiting a spectacular cave (like Sung Sot Cave), kayaking or taking a bamboo boat through lagoons, and swimming at a secluded beach (like Titop Island). Enjoy sunset on deck.
Day 4: Ha Long Bay - Hanoi - Fly to Da Nang - Hoi An. Wake up to the serene beauty of the bay, perhaps joining a Tai Chi session on the sundeck. Enjoy brunch as the cruise returns to the harbour. Disembark and transfer back to Hanoi's Noi Bai Airport (HAN) for an evening flight to Da Nang (DAD) in Central Vietnam. Upon arrival, transfer to the charming nearby town of Hoi An (approx. 30-45 min drive) and check into your hotel.
Days 5-6: Hoi An's Enchanting Atmosphere
Day 5: Hoi An Ancient Town. Explore the incredibly well-preserved Hoi An Ancient Town (UNESCO World Heritage site) on foot. Wander through lantern-lit streets, visit the iconic Japanese Covered Bridge, explore historic merchant houses and colourful assembly halls. Consider visiting one of Hoi An's famous tailors.
Day 6: Hoi An Activities. Choose your own adventure! Options include a hands-on Vietnamese cooking class, a cycling tour through nearby rice paddies and villages (like Tra Que Vegetable Village), relaxing on An Bang Beach, or taking a half-day trip to the ancient ruins of the My Son Sanctuary (UNESCO).
Days 7-8: Hue's Imperial Past via Hai Van Pass
Day 7: Hoi An - Hue (via Hai Van Pass). Travel from Hoi An to Hue, the former imperial capital. The journey often goes over the spectacular Hai Van Pass (Pass of Ocean Clouds), offering breathtaking coastal views (weather permitting). Stop at scenic spots like Lang Co Beach before arriving in Hue and checking in.
Day 8: Hue Imperial City & Royal Tombs. Discover Hue's rich history. Explore the vast Imperial Citadel (UNESCO), visit the iconic Thien Mu Pagoda overlooking the Perfume River, and marvel at one or two of the elaborate Royal Tombs of the Nguyen Emperors (Khai Dinh Tomb or Tu Duc Tomb are popular choices).
Days 9-11: Ho Chi Minh City Energy
Day 9: Hue - Fly to Ho Chi Minh City. Enjoy a final morning in Hue before transferring to Phu Bai Airport (HUI) for your flight to Ho Chi Minh City (SGN). Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel. Spend the evening exploring the energetic downtown area.
Day 10: HCMC City Tour. Discover the highlights of Vietnam's bustling southern hub. Visit the historic Reunification Palace, the moving War Remnants Museum, admire the French colonial Notre Dame Cathedral and Central Post Office, and dive into the buzz of Ben Thanh Market.
Day 11: Cu Chi Tunnels Excursion. Take a half-day trip to the fascinating Cu Chi Tunnels, an immense network of underground tunnels used during the Vietnam War. Learn about their history and significance. Enjoy a free afternoon back in HCMC for shopping or further exploration.
Days 12-13: Mekong Delta Serenity
Day 12: HCMC - Mekong Delta (Ben Tre). Journey south from HCMC into the lush Mekong Delta (approx. 2 hours). Head towards Ben Tre, the "Coconut Kingdom". Take a relaxing boat trip along canals shaded by water coconut trees, visit a local workshop to see how coconut candy is made, sample fresh tropical fruits in an orchard, and experience the peaceful delta lifestyle. Check into a local homestay or riverside lodge for the night.
Day 13: Mekong Delta - Return to HCMC. Enjoy the morning in the Delta – perhaps take a short cycling trip along village paths or visit a bustling local market (floating markets like Cai Rang require an earlier start and are usually visited from Can Tho). Afterward, transfer back to Ho Chi Minh City.
Day 14: Departure from HCMC
Enjoy some free time for last-minute souvenir shopping or cafe hopping before transferring to Tan Son Nhat Airport (SGN) for your departure.
This 14-day itinerary covers significant ground and involves multiple modes of transport. Booking a Vietnam package tour based on this route is the most efficient and stress-free way to experience it all. We handle:
All Logistics: Internal flights, airport transfers, comfortable ground transport (including the Hai Van Pass), boat trips, and cruise bookings.
Quality Accommodation: Handpicked hotels and delightful cruises/lodges.
Expert Guides: Local, English-speaking guides in each region to enrich your understanding.
Activities & Entrance Fees: Key tours and site entries are included.
Peace of Mind: Travel confidently knowing details are managed, including advice on practicalities like staying hydrated safely (always stick to bottled or properly boiled water).
Two weeks is the perfect amount of time to get a fantastic taste of Vietnam's incredible diversity. This itinerary offers a balanced mix of culture, history, nature, and relaxation, creating memories that will last a lifetime.
Explore our detailed North-to-South Vietnam Package Tours that follow this popular route, or contact our Vietnam travel specialists to customize this itinerary to your interests!
