Ultimate Vietnam Travel Itinerary for 2 Weeks
If you’re looking for a Vietnam Travel Itinerary 2 weeks is the perfect amount of time to see the main attractions of this beautiful country!
Ger and I have traveled all over the world and even lived in different countries, but Vietnam is without doubt one of our favorites! We motorbiked through Vietnam together and it was one of the best times of our lives!
While many people, especially budget backpackers, take more time to travel around Vietnam two weeks is plenty for an amazing trip!
The main difference between this itinerary and a budget backpacker’s plan is that you have to prioritize your time more. This means rather than taking a 19-hour sleeper bus between cities you would be taking a 2-hour flight!
By prioritizing your time in certain areas you will be able to experience the most amazing tours that Vietnam has to offer!
Vietnam Travel Itinerary 2 Weeks:
Days 1-2 Hanoi
Days 3-6 Ha Giang
Days 7-8 Ha Long Bay
Days 8-11 Hoi An
Days 12-14 Ho Chi Minh City
Extra Stops:
1. Sapa
2. Ninh Binh
3. Phong Nha
4. Dalat
5. Mui Ne
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Vietnam Travel Itinerary 2 Weeks:
Days 1-2 Hanoi
The main international airports in Vietnam are Noi Bai International Airport in Hanoi and Tan Son Nhat International Airport in Ho Chi Minh City.
You can start this trip from either city and travel north to south or vice versa. In this example, we will start in the north!
Hanoi is a great place to start a Vietnam trip, you arrive into the madness of the city with narrow streets, a blur of scooters whizzing past, and amazing food, shops, and attractions in all directions.
Day 1: Wander around the old quarter, explore close-by attractions on foot, and check out the nightlife in the area.
Day 2: Head to some museums, or go to a water puppet show. If you want you can get a grab taxi or scooter to visit the attractions that are further afield.
Main Attractions:
- Old Quarter
- Temple Of Literature
- Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre
- Beer Street
- Hoan Kiem Lake
- Train Street
Days 3-6 Ha Giang
Ha Giang is a mountainous region in the North of Vietnam with the most breathtaking scenery.
Day 3-6: The best way to explore this stunning area is by going on a Ha Giang Loop Motorbike Tour. I can’t recommend this experience enough, it is still the highlight of South East Asia for me!
You can do a 3 Night 4 Day tour or 2 Night 3 Day tour. I would recommend the shorter one as you only have 2 weeks for this trip!
You can drive your own motorbike (if you have a license) or get an Easy Rider, this is your own personal motorbike driver. They will do all the hard work for you while you just sit on the back of the bike and enjoy the views! Most people get an Easy Rider.
We did the tour with Cheers Hostel, so the Easy Rider, all meals, accommodation, and transport were organized for us. The total cost for this was $189 per person.
Side Note: This tour includes a sleeper bus from Hanoi to Ha Giang and also a bus back to Hanoi after the tour.
Photo Credit: @world_walkerz
Days 7-8 Ha Long Bay
Ha Long Bay is another stunning location in the North of Vietnam. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site made up of amazing cliffs, beaches, caves, and islands!
Day 7-8: You can explore Ha Long Bay on a 1 night 2 day cruise.
This tour includes all meals, swimming, kayaking, entrance fees, and a private balcony cabin. It also includes pick-up and drop-off in Hanoi. The total cost for this tour is $237.
Days 8-11 Hoi An
Hoi An is a beautiful city with UNESCO World Heritage Buildings, great restaurants, and the famous river lanterns!
Day 8: Get some tailor-made clothes!
Tailors are very popular in Hoi An, there are hundreds to choose from and they can create any clothes you want! And the price is very reasonable.
Photo Credit: Tripdvisor
Day 9: Wander around the city!
Hoi An is a great place to wander around and admire the architecture, little shops, and local businesses.
Day 10-11: Relax at the beach!
You might be surprised but Hoi An is actually a great place to relax for a few days during your trip. We had a few beach days while we were in Hoi An.
It was great to chill out before heading back to the madness of the big cities!
We also went back to the same restaurant by the beach twice while we were there. It’s called Bikini Bottom Express and the food is delicious!
Main Attractions:
- Hoi An Ancient Town
- An Bang Beach
- Ba Ri Tailor
- The Lantern Lady: Lantern Making Workshop
- Coconut Boat
Days 12-14 Ho Chi Minh City
Ho Chi Minh City, also known as Saigon, is the perfect place to learn about the history of Vietnam!
The city has lots of museums and tours where you can learn about French colonialism in Vietnam, the Vietnam War and so much more.
Ho Chi Minh also has some incredible food. We went to a restaurant called Pho Quynh twice while we were there. You need to try the beef stew with noodles!
Day 12: Wander around the city!
There is so much to see around the city that you could spend the day exploring and only scratch the surface. On day 12 you should try some of the local food and check out some museums.
Day 13: Go on the Cu Chi Tunnels tour!
On this tour, you can learn about the Viet Cong and how they fought in the Vietnam War. You can even go inside some of the hiding places and tunnels that were built by the Viet Cong!
Day 14: Check out the local attractions!
On your last day in Ho Chi Minh City, you should tick off a few more amazing attractions in the city. If you didn’t get enough Instagram-worthy pics then places like the Cafe Apartments and Tan Dinh Church are very picturesque!
Main Attractions:
- Cu Chi Tunnels Tour
- Cafe Apartments
- Tan Dinh Church
- War Remnants Museum
- Bui Vien Street
- Central Post Office
Photo Credit: @vietnamlocaladventures
Vietnam Travel Itinerary 2 Weeks – Extra Stops:
1. Sapa
Sapa is another area of stunning natural beauty. The main attraction of Sapa is the sprawling rice terraces that stretch across the whole landscape.
You can also climb the famous Fansipan Mountain (or get a cable car to the top!).
We also did a trekking tour while in Sapa, the local guide met us at our accommodation and we walked out of the town, through rice fields, into forests, along riversides, and into the rural villages.
We learned about the rice terraces, the local traditions, and the way of life in the rural villages. I would highly recommend this activity if you’re in Sapa.
2. Ninh Binh
Ninh Binh is another stunning area with mountain peaks popping up through the flat agricultural land. It is a very unique and impressive landscape.
You can go on a really cool boat tour that takes you around the lakes and through a cave!
3. Phong Nha
The highlight of Phong Nha is the Paradise Cave. This is a massive cave located in a national park. You can see some incredible rock formations, stalagmites, and stalactites in this cave.
You can also visit The Duck Stop, where a local farmer will perform a routine with his ducks and even let you feed them and take pictures with them!
You also get a delicious lunch as part of this activity.
Photo Credit: @naughtyandcurly
4. Dalat
Dalat is a cool city with lots of interesting bars, markets, and other tourist attractions.
We visited Dalat Crazy House, the Maze Bar, and the Alpine Coaster. It’s a great place to do some different activities!
Photo Credit: @lee.hye.jung
5. Mui Ne
The highlight of Mui Ne is the Sunrise Sand Dunes tour!
We were picked up from our accommodation in a pink jeep and headed to the White Sand Dunes for sunrise, we then visited the Red Sand Dunes and the Fairy Stream.
It was a really fun day out and I would highly recommend it!
How Much Does Vietnam Cost?
Vietnam is a very cheap country, but like anywhere you can blow your budget if you choose the more expensive places to eat or stay!
Here are some average prices in Vietnam:
Vietnam was actually the cheapest place we’ve been to in South East Asia. Food and drinks are very affordable. Accommodation can be super cheap as well, especially in hostels and homestays.
- A takeaway meal (e.g. Banh Mi which is a baguette with meat and salad) could cost between $0.80 and $1.25.
- A dine-in meal at a local restaurant (e.g. Pho or Rice and Meat dishes) could cost between $1 and $6. It will cost more for Western dishes or in tourist areas.
- A hostel dorm bed would cost about $7 per night.
- A private room in a hostel, homestay, or mid-range hotel would cost about $12 per night.
Do You Need A Visa To Enter Vietnam?
Visa requirements are different depending on which country you are from. Check the requirements and restrictions for your country a few weeks before arriving.
What’s The Weather Like In Vietnam?
Winter is cool but mostly dry and lasts from November to April with average temperatures of 17-22 degrees Celsius. January to March is the coldest period.
Summer is hot and humid and lasts from May to October. This is when there is the most rainfall. July to September are usually the wettest months of the year.
What Is The Currency In Vietnam?
The currency in Vietnam is the Vietnamese Dong (VND). 1 US dollar equates to about 25,000 Vietnamese Dong. Cash is king in Vietnam so be sure to take out plenty of cash when you arrive.
The good part is you’ll be a millionaire! Even if it is just dong and not dollars…
How To Get Around Vietnam?
Bus: This is the number one option for budget backpackers. For example, a 15-hour sleeper bus from Hoi An to Da Lat is only $26!
Sleeper buses in Vietnam are very popular and can be booked through your accommodation or on 12Go!
Train: You can take the train for some scenic routes such as around Hoi An or from Sapa to Hanoi. These are usually quite cheap as well but not as popular as the buses.
Flight: If you’re trying to see a lot of Vietnam in a short amount of time then you should definitely catch some internal flights!
Instead of taking sleeper buses from Hoi An to Ho Chi Minh City (with stops in between) and taking a couple of days, you can simply get a flight between the two cities which will take about an hour!
Motorbike/Scooter: If you can drive a scooter it is one of the most fun ways to travel around South East Asia.
Generally scooter rental costs no more than about $6 per day in Vietnam.
In the bigger cities you can walk to most places or get public transport but in smaller towns, having your own transport gives you a lot more freedom to explore!
What To Eat In Vietnam?
There are some dishes that you cannot miss out on when traveling around Vietnam!
The most famous is Banh Mi, which is a baguette with meat and salad. You can get beef, pork, or chicken with grated carrots, cucumber, coriander, and spices. It’s delicious and really cheap!
Photo Credit: @banhmi25
Pho is another very famous Vietnamese dish. It is a beef broth with noodles, thin slices of beef, herbs, and bean sprouts. Also delicious and cheap!
Is Vietnam Safe?
As long as you don’t try to ride a scooter through its major cities, Vietnam is a safe, fascinating destination with much to see, try, and taste. Riding a scooter in Vietnam can be a lot of fun, but you need to be very confident and experienced to drive safely in the busy cities.
FAQs On Vietnam Travel Itinerary 2 Weeks:
Is 2 Weeks Enough For Vietnam?
If you can, spend two weeks in Vietnam, which is just the right amount of time to cover the whole country and see the highlights. If you have less time, you should concentrate on the north or south to experience that area properly. With more time you could add extra stops to your trip.
Is Thailand Cheaper Than Vietnam?
Vietnam is cheaper than Thailand. If you want to save some money on your trip to Southeast Asia, then head to Vietnam instead of Thailand. Vietnam is less tourist-oriented so food, drinks, accommodation, and activities are generally cheaper than in Thailand. Some parts of Thailand are still quite cheap, but not as cheap as Vietnam.
Is Bali Better Or Vietnam?
If you’re looking for a relaxing vacation with plenty of beach time and indulgent spa treatments, Bali might be your better choice. Although Vietnam has nice beaches and great spas too, it is more famous for its stunning landscapes, rich history, and vibrant cities. Bali is better for relaxing while Vietnam is better for exploring.
Is North Or South Vietnam Better For Tourists?
North and South Vietnam have plenty to offer tourists depending on their unique tastes and interests. Tourists who want to explore the mountains and stunning landscapes of Vietnam will prefer the North while those who want to experience the bustling cities and history museums will head down south to Ho Chi Minh City.
Now with this Vietnam Travel Itinerary, you are ready to explore the beautiful cities, incredible rural towns, and stunning landscapes of Vietnam!
Vietnam is such an incredible country with delicious food, friendly people, and some of the best tours and experiences in South East Asia!
If you decide to extend your trip you can just add on some of the optional stops included in this itinerary.
For many people, Vietnam is their favorite country in South East Asia, and after this trip, you will see why.
If you’re looking for more information about Vietnam or South East Asia you can check out some of these articles below!
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