2 week Vietnam itinerary

Vietnam is not just a country; it’s a world of experiences packed into one. It’s a place where you can wake up to the sight of mist rolling over ancient rice terraces and fall asleep to the gentle lapping of waves in a majestic bay. But with so much to see, from the rugged northern mountains to the vibrant southern delta, one question looms large: How do you possibly see the best of it in just two weeks?

The answer is a perfectly planned journey. Forget the stress of connecting the dots. We’ve crafted the perfect 2-week Vietnam itinerary that flows seamlessly from North to South, balancing iconic sights with deep cultural immersion and moments of pure relaxation. Consider this your expert led blueprint to an unforgettable adventure.

A Quick Note on Pacing

This itinerary is designed to be comprehensive, showcasing the incredible diversity of Vietnam. It involves a couple of overnight journeys and internal flights to maximize your time. At Tripmonks, we believe travel should be enriching, not exhausting. This plan is a popular template, but we can always customize it to add more relaxation days or focus on the regions that excite you most.

The Ultimate North-to-South Vietnam Adventure

Part 1: The Cultural North (Days 1-5)

Days 1-2: Hanoi’s Historic Charm Arrive at Hanoi’s Noi Bai Airport (HAN) where your pre-arranged transfer will whisk you to your hotel. Spend the next two days diving into the capital’s soulful energy.

  • Explore: Wander the chaotic yet charming streets of the Old Quarter, stroll around the serene Hoan Kiem Lake, and watch a traditional water puppet show.
  • Eat: Embark on a guided street food tour to taste iconic dishes like Phở and Bún Chả from the vendors who do it best.
  • Tripmonks Tip: Ask your guide to take you to a hidden cafe tucked away in a narrow alley for an authentic Cà Phê Trứng (Egg Coffee) experience.

Days 3-4: The Majestic Mountains of Sapa On the evening of Day 2, board the comfortable overnight sleeper train to Lao Cai, the gateway to Sapa. Wake up to the crisp mountain air on Day 3.

  • Trek: Embark on a breathtaking trek through the Muong Hoa Valley, passing through villages of the H’mong and Red Dao hill tribes. The views of the cascading rice terraces are simply spectacular.
  • Stay: Opt for an authentic (but comfortable) local homestay to share a meal with a family, or relax in a beautiful mountain-view hotel.
  • On Day 4, enjoy a final morning in the mountains before taking the overnight train back to Hanoi.

Part 2: The Natural Wonders & Ancient Towns (Days 6-9)

Days 5-6: Cruising Majestic Ha Long Bay Arriving in Hanoi early on Day 5, your private vehicle will be waiting to take you east to the coast. Step aboard your luxurious overnight cruise on the UNESCO World Heritage site of Ha Long Bay.

  • Relax: Let the stunning scenery of thousands of limestone karsts rising from emerald waters drift by.
  • Activities: Go kayaking into hidden lagoons, explore magnificent caves, and enjoy a sunset cocktail on the sundeck.
  • Wake up on Day 6 for a final, serene morning on the bay before disembarking.

Days 7-9: The Lantern-lit Magic of Hoi An From Ha Long, you’ll be transferred directly to the airport for a short flight to Da Nang (DAD) in Central Vietnam. A quick drive brings you to Hoi An, a perfectly preserved ancient town.

  • Discover: Spend your days getting lost in the pedestrian-friendly streets, admiring the Japanese Covered Bridge, and visiting ancient merchant houses.
  • Experience: Get custom-tailored clothing made, take a Vietnamese cooking class, or simply relax on the nearby An Bang Beach. As dusk falls, the town transforms into a magical wonderland of colourful lanterns.
  • Tripmonks Tip: We can arrange a private boat trip along the Thu Bon River at sunset, where you can release a paper lantern for good luck.

Part 3: The Dynamic South (Days 10-14)

Days 10-12: Bustling Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) Take a morning flight from Da Nang to the energetic hub of the south, Ho Chi Minh City (SGN).

  • History: Dive into the city’s recent history with visits to the War Remnants Museum and the Reunification Palace.
  • Explore: On Day 11, take a fascinating half-day trip to the Cu Chi Tunnels, an immense network of underground tunnels used during the Vietnam War.
  • Vibe: Soak in the modern energy of the city, from rooftop bars in District 1 to the colonial architecture of the Notre Dame Cathedral and Central Post Office.

Day 13: The Lush Mekong Delta Embark on a full-day trip from the city into the “rice bowl” of Vietnam.

  • Cruise: Take a boat trip through the maze of rivers and canals, past lush coconut groves and sleepy villages.
  • Taste: Visit a coconut candy workshop, sample local honey, and enjoy a lunch of regional specialties like Elephant Ear Fish. It’s a glimpse into a completely different, more rustic way of life.

Day 14: Departure Enjoy a final Vietnamese coffee and some last-minute souvenir shopping before your transfer to the airport (SGN) for your flight home, filled with incredible memories.

FAQ Your 2-Week Vietnam Trip

Q1: What is the estimated budget for a 2-week trip to Vietnam? Vietnam is very affordable. A comfortable, premium trip with good hotels, private transfers, cruises, and guides can range from ₹1,20,000 to ₹2,00,000+ per person, depending on the level of luxury.
Q2: Is this itinerary suitable for families with children? Yes, it’s highly adaptable! For families, we might suggest swapping the overnight train to Sapa for a comfortable private cabin or focusing more on beach time in Hoi An and interactive activities like lantern-making.
Q3: What’s the best way to travel between cities in Vietnam? For a 2-week trip, flying is the most efficient way to cover the long distances between North, Central, and South. For shorter journeys, pre-booked private vehicles offer the most comfort and convenience.

Conclusion

This itinerary is more than just a plan it’s a promise of the incredible diversity and beauty that Vietnam has to offer. It’s a journey that takes you from the cool mountains to the warm, tropical south, with every detail handled for you.

Suggested Internal Links
Hanoi’s Historic Charm
Cruising Majestic Ha Long Bay