Exploring Vietnam in 2 Weeks: My Detailed Travel Itinerary Diary

14 days represent an ideal duration to visit Vietnam, the S-shaped country in Southeast Asia. This 2-week itinerary will allow you to discover all the must-sees from north to south: the capital Hanoi, the stunning terrestrial and maritime Halong Bay, the charming old town of Hoi An, the bustling city of Saigon, and more. Here are some insights from our cherished travelers, Mr. and Mrs. Bernadette & Jean-Paul Aubert (Étampes, France), who traveled with our agency.

Written by Lan DUONG (Travel Counsellor) Updated on 03-06-2024

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1. Why Choose Vietnam for 2 Weeks?

Jean-Paul Aubert - Given its distance from Europe and its unique geography, 2 weeks is the minimum time to truly discover Vietnam, get to know it, familiarize yourself with its people, and immerse yourself without feeling rushed, as can happen with shorter 10 or 12-day tours.

In 2 weeks, you can plan a north-south circuit, or vice versa, to explore the historical, cultural, and natural richness through the country's must-see sites. What to do in Vietnam in 2 weeks? In this narrative, I'll share what I did during my 2-week trip to Vietnam.

2. What to Do in Vietnam in 14 Days?

The question everyone asks when planning their trip. Must-see sites or off-the-beaten-path sites, cultural activities, or more nature-oriented ones? It all depends on your preferences because this trip to Vietnam is, above all, yours! However, if you're planning a 2-week trip to Vietnam for the first time, I highly recommend prioritizing the must-see sites to get a first impression of this dragon-shaped country:

• In northern Vietnam, there's the majestic Halong Bay to discover, a magical natural site listed by UNESCO, the captivating thousand-year-old capital Hanoi with its fascinating history, the spectacular landscape of Ninh Binh with its UNESCO-recognized natural wonders, and the stunning terraced rice fields of Tonkin like those in Sapa.

• In central Vietnam, two cities full of charm and elegance listed by UNESCO reveal exceptional heritage. Hue, with its vestiges of the last royal capital, and Hoi An, a lovely small museum town that pleasantly blends history, culture, gastronomy, countryside, beach, and shopping.
• Saigon will dazzle you with its unique way of blending the old and the new, and you will surely be enchanted by the leisurely Eden that is the Mekong Delta, a picturesque aquatic world full of surprises.

3. My 2-Week Itinerary in Vietnam

3.1 Brief Itinerary for Vietnam in 14 Days

Here's my best proposal for a 2-week Vietnam itinerary:

Day 1: Hanoi – Arrival and first city tour

Day 2: Hanoi – City tour and night train to Lao Cai

Day 3: Lao Cai – Bac Ha with homestay

Day 4: Bac Ha – Visit a weekly market and transfer to Sa Pa

Day 5: Sa Pa – Hiking and return to Hanoi

Day 6: Hanoi – Ninh Binh (terrestrial Halong Bay) – Hanoi

Day 7: Hanoi – Halong Bay cruise

Day 8: Halong Bay – Hanoi – Flight to Hue

Day 9: Hue – Discover the last imperial capital

Day 10: Hue – Transfer to Hoi An

Day 11: Hoi An – Visit the charming town

Day 12: Hoi An – Flight to Ho Chi Minh City

Day 13: Ho Chi Minh City – Visit the Mekong Delta

Day 14: Mekong Delta – Floating market at Cai Rang – Departure from Ho Chi Minh City

>>> 🗺️ Interested in a 2-week stay in Vietnam? Check out this essential tour: A Journey Through Vietnam's Highlights in 2 Weeks. ✈

3.2 Detailed Program for Vietnam in 2 Weeks

Days 1-2: Hanoi City Tour – Lao Cai

Like most travelers, I started my 2-week trip to Vietnam with a city tour of Hanoi to get to know its symbolic places. I dedicated my first two days to this.

I particularly loved Hoan Kiem Lake, which, located in the heart of the city, is the soul of Hanoi. On weekends, the area around the lake is pedestrianized, and I was lucky enough to attend several performances taking place there. I loved the lively atmosphere of Hanoi's old quarter, which is the very expression of Vietnamese identity, where I enjoyed the legendary street food of the capital.

I visited the magnificent Ethnology Museum, which presents the beautiful ethnic mosaic of Vietnam. Then I went to the outskirts of Hanoi to discover one of the many craft villages, Bat Trang, specializing in ceramics, where I admired the artisans' millennial craftsmanship.

In the evening, I took the sleeper night train to Lao Cai, in the far north of Vietnam.

Day 3: Lao Cai – Bac Ha

Arriving early in the morning at Lao Cai station, I had a good local breakfast and then headed to Bac Ha, a small mountainous town in a dazzlingly beautiful region. A beautiful hike allowed me to discover stunning terraced rice fields cascading down the mountains where several ethnic minorities live.

I had an unforgettable stay with the experience of "staying with locals" in a family of the "Tay" ethnicity. This remains one of the highlights of my trip. I shared a convivial dinner with them, accompanied by a few glasses of corn liquor.

Day 4: Bac Ha – Sa Pa

Accompanied by a local guide, I ventured into the wild and beautiful surroundings of Bac Ha. I met beautiful Hmong flower women in their colorful traditional costumes. I also participated in some fieldwork with villagers, which was an incredible and enriching experience! We then headed to Sapa, an old colonial-era climatic station.

Day 5: Sapa – Lao Cai – Hanoi

I devoted my day to discovering the ethnic villages around Sapa, accompanied by my kind local guide, always ready to give me fascinating information. I met black Hmong women in their indigo traditional costumes and red Dao women with their superb headgear. The highlight was the incredible terraced rice fields that create breathtaking views. Leaving this sensational scenery, I took the bus back to Hanoi with images full of my mind!

Day 6: Hanoi – Ninh Binh (Terrestrial Halong Bay) – Hanoi

Today, I excitedly set off to discover the terrestrial Halong Bay in Tam Coc, Ninh Binh. I immediately felt a sense of calm and relaxation upon arriving here. The area is so peaceful that it seemed like I could only hear the sound made by the rower during the splendid boat ride. And please, here they row with their feet! I highly recommend this terrestrial Halong Bay for its beautiful flooded rice fields, caves, and lovely rural landscapes.

Day 7: Hanoi – Halong Bay

I got up early this morning to visit the must-see Halong Bay. I chose a different program from the classic circuit by taking a cruise in Lan Ha Bay, Halong's neighbor and a great alternative to Halong Bay's tourist overcrowding. During the cruise, we had the chance to swim in the bay and go kayaking. My favorite: the excellent fresh seafood meals served on board!

Day 8: Halong Bay – Hanoi – Hue

Following the advice of the junk's captain, I woke up very early to see the sunrise. What a wonderful spectacle to see the sun rise in this limestone fairyland straight out of primordial chaos! We navigated further through this exceptional scenery, had a delicious lunch, and said goodbye to the crew before heading back to Vietnam's capital. This cruise will remain one of my most beautiful memories of my trip to Vietnam.

Day 9: Hue – City Tour

This day was dedicated to visiting Hue, the former royal capital under the Nguyen lords' dynasty. I enjoyed visiting the old royal citadel, the elegant Thien Mu pagoda perched on the banks of the romantic Perfume River, and the magnificent emperors' tombs nestled in splendid natural settings. I also visited the vibrant Dong Ba market and ended this beautiful day by tasting some of Hue's gastronomic specialties, known for offering one of the most refined cuisines in the country.

Day 10: Hue – Hoi An

In the morning, I drove towards Hoi An along the East Sea and vast stretches of rice fields. After passing the sublime Lang Co Lagoon, we ascended the Cloud Pass, offering breathtaking panoramas. Passing through Danang, we visited the excellent Cham Museum, initiated by archaeologist Henri Parmentier, before reaching the charming town of Hoi An, where I couldn't resist going to An Bang Beach for a refreshing swim.

Day 11: Hoi An

Hoi An is, for me, the most charming town in Vietnam. What a pleasure it is to stroll through its pedestrian streets, discover its centuries-old wooden buildings, cross the picturesque Japanese bridge with its tiled roof, and enjoy the local cuisine full of flavors. In the afternoon, I explored the surrounding countryside by bike to visit some of the many craft villages where, with the help of artisans, I made my own souvenirs: lanterns and pottery. Lit by hundreds of lanterns at night, the old town of Hoi An becomes truly magical!

Day 12: Hoi An – Ho Chi Minh City

To save time, I took a flight to Ho Chi Minh City, the capital of southern Vietnam. A fascinating city where colonial architecture mingles with the most daring modern constructions. A city full of contrasts, dynamism, and energy that houses exciting Ho Chi Minh City's museums such as the Fine Arts Museum or the War Remnants Museum. In the evening, I enjoyed a cocktail on one of the city's many rooftop terraces, enjoying an incredible panoramic view of this metropolis that never seems to sleep.

Day 13: Ho Chi Minh City – Mekong Delta

Heading to the Mekong Delta, where the legendary river ends its more than 4,500-kilometer journey by dividing into nine arms. The Mekong Delta revealed yet another side of Vietnam. A surprising aquatic world where nature reigns supreme and is generous with the inhabitants. The orchards are abundant with tropical fruits, coconut trees grow like a jungle, and the rice fields yield three harvests a year. Spoiled by this nature, the locals are incredible hosts. I appreciated their hospitality by spending a night with a local family, where I helped prepare and share dinner with them.

Day 14: Mekong Delta – Ho Chi Minh City – Departure

I made the effort to get up very early to attend the floating market of Cai Rang in Can Tho. What a reward! A dizzying spectacle where hundreds of boats of different sizes come to trade. It was amazing to see this jumble of boats and the intense activity on the water. I even had breakfast on a boat serving soups, sandwiches, and coffee! After lunch with my lovely hosts, I headed back to Saigon.

After a visit to Cholon, Saigon's Chinatown, and the Ben Thanh market to buy some souvenirs, I was able to enjoy a regenerating massage before flying to Europe with lasting travel memories!

My 2-week trip to Vietnam is coming to an end, but I already have thoughts of another trip to explore this magnificent country in depth. I'm sure I'll be back!

I hope sharing my 2-week Vietnam itinerary will help you prepare for your trip.

4. Essential Information about Vietnam Before You Go

• Capital: Hanoi
• Area: ≃ 331,000 km²
• Population: ≃ 99.1 million (2024)
• Language: Vietnamese
• Exchange Rate: 1€ ≃ 25,300 VND (2024)
• Weather: Although the climate varies greatly between different regions of Vietnam, the best times to visit the whole country are from October to April, when the weather is pleasant with little chance of rain.

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