How to Plan 2 Weeks in Vietnam: The Perfect Vietnam Itinerary
This is the perfect two-week Vietnam itinerary to help you plan your first visit. It includes the best places to explore, where to stay, bucket list attractions to see, and how to get around the country.
Vietnam is a must-visit Southeast Asian destination, with a diverse culture, ancient history, friendly people, mouthwatering food, and stunning landscapes. However, deciding where to start and end your trip on your first visit to Vietnam can be daunting. I have you covered!
Follow this Vietnam itinerary to visit beautiful destinations like Halong Bay, Hue, Hoi An, and Da Nang. Visit the bustling city of Hanoi, traverse the winding Hai Van Pass, and be mesmerised by the Marble Mountains. That's all you need to ensure your 14 days in Vietnam leave you with lifelong memories.
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Helpful information for planning a trip to Vietnam
Getting to Vietnam
My two weeks in Vietnam were part of my epic round-the-world trip.
I flew into Hanoi from Hong Kong, spent two weeks in Vietnam, and then flew out of Da Nang to Siem Reap, Cambodia. If you are flying internationally from Europe, prices are often lower if you fly into or out of Ho Chi Minh City.
The best time to go to Vietnam
The country has three distinct climates – the south, the central areas, and the north.
Southern Vietnam has two distinct seasons - wet and dry.
Expect dry, sunny days from November to early May. The wet season lasts from May until early November, with June, July, and August receiving the highest rainfall.
Central Vietnam
This area is hot and dry between January and August. The monsoon season will likely arrive from October to mid-January, when it will be hot, wet, and humid.
Northern Vietnam
This area is hot and dry between November and April. Rainfall arrives from May to October, and the climate is hot and humid.
Vietnam in April - What is the weather like?
I travelled to Vietnam in April. At the beginning of my trip, I encountered one full day of rain in Hanoi. The rest of the time, the weather was warm and sunny.
Halong Bay's weather was warm with cooling ocean winds; however, it can be unpredictable. Halong Bay is often shrouded in mist and low clouds.
In Hue, temperatures were hot and humid. Make sure to pack breathable clothing and comfortable footwear.
The weather in Hoi An was hot, dry, and sunny, perfect for a day on the beach after sightseeing.
In Da Nang, it was hot but quite windy and overcast. As this is a coastal location, the winds from the ocean can be pretty intense.
How long do I need in Vietnam?
The minimum time to see Vietnam's best attractions is two weeks, so this itinerary is perfect.
It will be a busy two weeks, but you will see some of the most beautiful places in Vietnam and still have time to relax - what could be better?
If you enjoy immersive travel and want to spend time in Vietnam at a slower pace, you can easily adjust your schedule. For example, you could skip Danang and spend more time in Hoi An.
You can also explore hidden gems in Vietnam off the tourist trail.
Best places to spend 2 weeks in Vietnam
The distances between Vietnam's north, central, and south can be vast, so planning your journey between locations is essential.
You can take the train or bus, but the journey can be long and uncomfortable. Flying is often the best option for both speed and comfort.
For these reasons, you must carefully decide what you want to experience in Vietnam to plan your perfect trip.
If you love big cities, start in Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City and work from north to south or vice versa.
If you want to experience rural Vietnam, head to Sapa or Ninh Binh, while culture lovers should include Hue or Hoi An on their trip itinerary.
Sun worshippers will want to relax on the beach in Da Nang or Phu Quoc. And, of course, every Vietnam travel itinerary must include an iconic cruise in Halong Bay - the scenery is like nowhere else on earth. It is one of the must-see places in Southeast Asia.
Best places to shop in Vietnam
Hanoi and Hoi An are the best places for a shopaholic, so make sure they are included on your Vietnam itinerary.
Hanoi's weekend night market is terrific, with many artisan crafts on sale (and many designer items sold cheaply!)
Hoi An is the best place for tailor shops in Vietnam; you can have a suit, dress or even shoes made during your trip. It's one of the most popular things to do in Hoi An and should be included in your Vietnam itinerary.
Travel essentials to pack for a Vietnam trip
Please read my post on Must-Have Travel Essentials to Pack before you go to Vietnam.
Books are great for a trip, so why not choose a favourite from my list of travel books written by travellers?
Travel vaccinations needed for Vietnam
If you are a seasoned traveller, you've probably already had an armful of vaccinations for other countries. If not, you’ll likely need a few vaccines.
You may need Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Yellow Fever, and Typhoid to travel to Vietnam. You will need vaccinations against dengue fever and malaria to go to the jungle or mountains.
Check with your doctor about which vaccines you need several months before travelling to Vietnam. Please do not leave it to the last minute.
Do you need a Vietnam visa?
The Vietnamese Government changed their visa entry rules in 2023, and it's good news for travellers.
UK citizens can now stay in Vietnam for up to 45 days for tourism, transit and business (but not paid or voluntary work) without needing a visa.
Previously, UK travellers could stay for up to 15 days, so this new move by the government significantly increases the number of days you can stay without needing a tourist visa in Vietnam.
A stay of more than 45 days will require an e-visa. Check with www.gov.uk for up-to-date guidance on Vietnam's entry requirements.
Your passport should be valid for at least six months from the date you enter Vietnam.
Some British nationals have been refused entry and exit due to damaged passports. Make sure your passport is in good condition before you leave home.
All US citizens must still apply for an e-visa to enter Vietnam. It is valid for 30 days.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is so important, and you should never travel without it. Arrange your travel insurance before your trip, and know exactly what you are covered for if you need it.
Vietnamese Currency
The dong is Vietnam's currency and comes in colourful notes in very high denominations. You will feel like a millionaire with thousands of Dong in your pocket until you realise it is only worth around £50!
ATMs are in all the large cities, and I found it easy to withdraw cash. I also had my WISE travel card, which I could top up as I travelled.
Vietnam time differences (GMT)
7 hours ahead of London, England
12 hours ahead of Washington DC, USA
4 hours behind Canberra, Australia
6 hours behind Wellington, New Zealand
Book a flight to arrive in Vietnam in the late afternoon/early evening. This will give you time to freshen up, eat dinner and familiarise yourself with the area you will be staying in.
Getting around Vietnam safely
I don't recommend riding motorbikes in major cities, as the roads are crazy and chaotic.
Even so, many travellers hire motorbikes when travelling through the countryside and between towns.
Ultimately, make sure you have travel insurance in case of an accident.
Vietnam has Grab (their version of Uber) in major cities such as Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh and Da Nang. I used taxis a few times, but mostly, I just walked around the cities; this way, you see more.
Vietnam accommodation
Accommodation in Vietnam is cheap, and you can stay in some stunning properties. Please visit the links below to find your perfect hotel or guesthouse.
Epic 2-week Vietnam Itinerary Schedule
Fly into Noi Bai International Airport in Hanoi | Transfer by taxi from the airport to Hanoi Old Quarter
Days 1-4 in Vietnam / 3 Nights in Hanoi
1st Day in Vietnam - Arrive in the evening and head straight to the hotel to unpack. Get a good night's sleep so you're ready for the next day of sightseeing.
On your second day in Vietnam, spend the day exploring Hanoi's Old Quarter. Wander around this ancient town and watch local life unfold at Hoan Kiem Lake. Learn about the history of the Temple of Literature and taste the delicious Vietnamese street food.
3rd Day in Vietnam - Continue exploring further afield in Hanoi. Head to Ho Chi Minh's mausoleum, the Imperial City of Thang Long and Tran Quoc Pagoda. Try egg coffee at one of Hanoi's superb coffee shops. On the weekend, prepare for a sensory assault at the night market. You will appreciate that it's free from traffic on Fri-Sat-Sun!
For more information on what to do in Hanoi, please read my travel guide: The Perfect 3-Night Hanoi Itinerary.
4th Day in Vietnam - Head to Halong Bay for a 2-night cruise to Bai Tu Long Bay. It's the best way to see the magnificent limestone islands rising from the water. Your cruise company will pick you up from your Hanoi hotel and transfer you to Halong Bay.
Recommended Hotels in Hanoi
Both hotels are located near Hoan Kiem Lake in Hanoi's Old Quarter.
| Hanoi La Siesta Hotel 4* |
| Hanoi Pearl Hotel 4* (I stayed here) |
Travel Tip: Check out of your Hanoi hotel after your first three nights, but make sure you have rebooked a room for the night you return from Halong Bay. You will need to store your suitcases at the hotel, as only one piece of hand luggage will be permitted on the cruise. After the cruise, return to your Hanoi hotel for one night to collect your luggage and prepare for your onward journey.
Days 4-6 in Vietnam / 2 Nights cruising Halong Bay and Bai Tu Long Bay
No trip to Vietnam can be complete without a cruise in Halong Bay. It is one of Vietnam's main attractions and is worth visiting.
The idyllic and unique landscape of this UNESCO World Heritage Site will leave you mesmerised.
Join a day cruise or enjoy an extended Bai Tu Long Bay cruise to see the surrounding area away from Halong Bay. Over two or three days, you can relax on golden beaches and marvel at sea caves and fishing villages scattered across the calm waters while immersing yourself in the natural beauty around you.
Read what it is like to take an Indochina Junk Dragon's Pearl Cruise: Cruising Halong Bay and Bai Tu Long Bay.
Day 6-7 in Vietnam / 1 Night in Hanoi
Return to the Hanoi Pearl Hotel to pick up your left luggage for one night.
Head to the airport for a flight from Hanoi to Hue with Vietnam Airlines. I chose to fly between these two destinations because it was the quickest way. You can also travel by train or road between Hanoi and Hue, but it will take much longer.
Days 7-10 in Vietnam / 3 Nights in Hue
7th Day in Vietnam - Arrive mid-afternoon - Relax by the pool
8th Day in Vietnam - Explore the Imperial City of Hue
9th Day in Vietnam - Explore the Royal Tombs of Hue
10th Day in Vietnam - Check out of the hotel and travel by road to Hoi An
Once the ancient capital, the Imperial City of Hue is now one of Vietnam's UNESCO World Heritage sites. It's a nice place to stroll around, especially toward the end of the day when the crowds have dispersed, the heat is dying down, and the evening light makes everything look a little more magical.
Hue offers plenty to satisfy culture vultures. Highlights include visiting ancient palaces and royal tombs or taking a Perfume River boat trip. You can join a guided walking tour of Hue's citadel and forbidden city to learn about its history.
Combine your city visit with some relaxation at one of Hue's luxury resorts. It's a great way to balance this part of your trip around Vietnam.
My Vietnam road trip continued with a transfer between Hue and Hoi An along the Hai Van Pass. It's the easiest way to get between the two towns, and you can visit the Marble Mountains.
Days 10 - 13 in Vietnam / 3 Nights in Hoi An
10th Day in Vietnam - Arrive mid-afternoon - Relax by the pool
11th Day in Vietnam - Head into Hoi An's Ancient Quarter
12th Day in Vietnam - Day at An Bang Beach
13th Day in Vietnam - Morning in Hoi An old town, then head to Naman Retreat Beach Resort in Da Nang
Hoi An is a UNESCO heritage site in Vietnam known as the "City of Lanterns". Hundreds of lanterns illuminate it at night. If your trip coincides with the monthly lunar cycle, you will experience Hoi An's Lantern Festival. You can also enjoy a romantic evening boat ride on the lake.
During the day, it is a charming place to wander around. Discover the Hoi An heritage trail with its ancient temples and historic Japanese bridge. Soak up its history and culture and enjoy great food, fantastic coffee and artisan shops. Beautiful An Bang Beach is also a short distance from the town centre.
Stay in Hoi An's ancient quarter to explore the town first thing in the morning, before it gets crowded. Have a coffee at one of the riverside cafes and soak up the atmosphere in this unique little town. Hoi An is quite magical and is my favourite place in Vietnam.
Recommended Hotels in Hoi An
| La Senta Hotel 4* (overlooks rice fields and has a shuttle bus into Hoi An several times daily. |
| Anantara Hoi An Resort (walkable to Hoi An central). |
| Cozy Hoi An Villas (in the Old Quarter - I stayed here). |
The Naman Retreat Resort arranged the transfer from Hoi An.
Days 13 - 15 in Vietnam / 2 Nights in Da Nang
Days 13 to 15 in Vietnam - Da Nang is close to Hoi An, so we spent our final two days relaxing at the Naman Boutique Beach Resort.
However, if you still have plenty of energy, Da Nang has plenty to do, and a day trip is a great way to experience it.
Conclusion
I hope that this epic Vietnam travel itinerary has inspired you to consider a trip to this beautiful country. Its allure may leave a lasting impression, just as it has on me.
I love this country and want to revisit Hanoi and Hoi An and explore other hidden gems in Vietnam, like Phong Nha, Cat Ba and Tam Coc.
You may want to add an extra day or more to this 2-week Vietnam travel itinerary. Ho Chi Minh City and the Mekong Delta are a 90-minute flight from Da Nang.
Ho Chi Minh (Saigon) is one of Vietnam's biggest cities and has many great attractions. These include the War Remnants Museum, Notre Dame Cathedral, Saigon Central Post Office, Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and Ben Thanh Market. And let's not forget the famous Cu Chi tunnels, used to move soldiers about underground, undetected by the enemy.
Recommended Ho Chi Minh Tours
Need help planning your next holiday?
Please check out my curated Travel Resources Guide for the exact booking platforms, transport tools, and eSIMs I use on my travels.
PIN for Future Travel to Vietnam
HEADING TO VIETNAM? PLEASE CHECK OUT MY TRAVEL GUIDES ↓
Vietnam’s Hidden Gems: 12 Breathtaking Places off the Tourist Trail
8 Vietnam UNESCO World Heritage Sites Worth Visiting
13 Cool Places To Visit In Vietnam: Authentic Experiences From North To South
Northern Vietnam
Discover Hanoi in 3 Nights: The Best Hanoi Travel Itinerary
Bai Tu Long Bay Cruise: 2-Night Travel Guide
Central Vietnam
A Guide to Exploring the Best Hue Royal Tombs, Vietnam
Are The Marble Mountains in Vietnam Worth Visiting?
How To Get from Hue to Hoi An on the Hai Van Pass
How to See the Hoi An Lantern Festival Full Moon Celebration
Naman Retreat Review: The Best Boutique Beach Resort in Danang
Angela Price: is an accomplished travel writer bringing extensive expertise and passion to the world of travel.
With over 40 years of globetrotting adventures under her belt and with a keen eye for unique experiences, she has established herself as an authoritative voice in travel, offering invaluable insights for fellow adventurers seeking to uncover the delights of worldwide destinations.
Her motto is “live life wandering not wondering”. Read more about Angie.
Have you a total rough cost of this 2 week tour
I organised this tour myself and less flights would budget approx £2500 - £3000 incl food but the cost can be substantially lower if you chose budget accommodation and higher if you want luxury all the way through. I did a mixture of mid-range and luxury hotels.