Two weeks in Vietnam is the sweet spot for experiencing the country’s extraordinary north to south diversity without feeling rushed. From the ancient streets of Hanoi and the karst wonder of Ha Long Bay to the lantern-lit lanes of Hoi An and the electric energy of Ho Chi Minh City, this complete Vietnam 2 week itinerary gives you the best Vietnam route for a 14-day journey that feels genuinely comprehensive.
Vietnam 2 Week Itinerary: Overview
| Days | Destination | Focus |
|---|---|---|
| 1 to 3 | Hanoi | Old Quarter, Hoan Kiem Lake, Temple of Literature |
| 4 to 5 | Ha Long Bay | Overnight cruise |
| 6 to 7 | Hue | Imperial Citadel, royal tombs, Hue cuisine |
| 8 to 10 | Hoi An | Ancient Town, beaches, tailors |
| 11 to 12 | Da Nang | Marble Mountains, beaches |
| 13 to 14 | Ho Chi Minh City | War Museum, Cu Chi Tunnels, street food |
Days 1 to 3: Hanoi
Begin your Vietnam 2 week itinerary in Hanoi, the atmospheric northern capital that sets the cultural tone for the journey ahead. Spend Day 1 exploring Hoan Kiem Lake and the 36 streets of the Old Quarter, ending the evening at Bia Hoi Corner with local draft beer and street snacks.
Day 2 covers the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum complex, the Temple of Literature (Vietnam’s first university), and the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology, one of the finest museums in Southeast Asia. On Day 3, take a day trip to Ninh Binh, the “Ha Long Bay on land,” for stunning karst scenery and the Trang An boat tours.
Days 4 to 5: Ha Long Bay
No Vietnam 14 days itinerary is complete without Ha Long Bay. Depart Hanoi on Day 4 by organized cruise transfer (approximately 3 to 4 hours), boarding a traditional wooden junk boat for an overnight cruise through the UNESCO World Heritage limestone island landscape.
Day 5 includes morning kayaking through sea caves and lagoons before returning to shore in the afternoon. A mid-range cruise for this leg of the best Vietnam route costs approximately $120 to $250 per person for the full 2-day, 1-night experience.
Days 6 to 7: Hue
Fly from Hanoi to Da Nang and transfer to Hue (approximately 2 hours south) for two days exploring Vietnam’s former imperial capital. Day 6 covers the Imperial Citadel and Forbidden Purple City, a vast UNESCO-listed royal complex that rivals the scale and beauty of Beijing’s Forbidden City.
Day 7 is dedicated to the Royal Tombs, scattered across the hills south of Hue along the Perfume River, and the Thien Mu Pagoda, one of the most iconic religious landmarks in central Vietnam. In the evening, sample Hue’s extraordinary local cuisine including bun bo Hue (spicy beef noodle soup) and banh khoai (Hue-style crispy pancake).
Days 8 to 10: Hoi An
Drive or take a day trip through the Hai Van Pass (one of Vietnam’s most scenic drives) to Hoi An, arriving to one of the most enchanting towns in Southeast Asia. The Ancient Town’s UNESCO-protected yellow-walled merchant houses, covered Japanese Bridge, and atmospheric riverside promenade are extraordinary at any hour but most magical in the lantern-lit evenings.
Day 9 can be dedicated to a cooking class (Hoi An has some of the best in Vietnam), a bicycle ride through the surrounding rice fields, or a visit to the My Son Sanctuary, ancient Cham temple ruins about 45 minutes inland. Day 10 offers a beach day at An Bang Beach or Cua Dai Beach, among the most beautiful on Vietnam’s central coast.
Days 11 to 12: Da Nang
Spend two days in Da Nang, Vietnam’s rapidly growing third city. Day 11 covers the Marble Mountains, a cluster of five limestone hills housing Buddhist sanctuaries and offering panoramic views of the city and coastline, followed by time at My Khe Beach, one of the longest and cleanest urban beaches in Vietnam.
Day 12 can include the Dragon Bridge (spectacular during fire and water shows on weekend evenings), the Museum of Cham Sculpture (the world’s finest collection of Cham artifacts), and the Ba Na Hills cable car to the famous Golden Bridge, one of Vietnam’s most photographed landmarks.
Days 13 to 14: Ho Chi Minh City
Fly south to Ho Chi Minh City to complete your Vietnam north to south journey. Day 13 covers the War Remnants Museum, Reunification Palace, Notre-Dame Cathedral, and Saigon Central Post Office. The evening is ideal for exploring Bui Vien Walking Street or a rooftop bar.
Day 14 is best spent at the Cu Chi Tunnels for a morning tour before returning for a final afternoon of street food exploration around Ben Thanh Market and the surrounding lanes of District 1 before your departure.
Getting Between Destinations
Domestic flights are the most efficient way to cover the long distances on this best Vietnam route. Key flights to book in advance: Hanoi to Da Nang (for Hue, 1 hour), Da Nang to Ho Chi Minh City (1 hour). Budget airlines VietJet and Bamboo Airways offer the lowest fares, typically $20 to $60 per leg when booked early.
The overland transfers within each region (Hue to Hoi An, Da Nang to Hoi An) are short and best handled by private car or open bus for scenic value.
Vietnam 14 Days: Budget Estimate
Excluding international flights, a comfortable mid-range Vietnam 2 week itinerary costs approximately $800 to $1,400 per person, covering domestic flights, accommodation, meals, activities, and local transport. Budget travelers can manage on $400 to $700 for the same route.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is 2 weeks enough for Vietnam?
Yes. Two weeks in Vietnam allows a complete north to south journey covering all the major highlights, making it the ideal minimum duration for a comprehensive Vietnam 14 days experience.
Q: What is the best Vietnam route for a 2-week trip?
The classic north to south route (Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City via Ha Long Bay, Hue, Hoi An, and Da Nang) remains the best Vietnam route for first-time visitors, offering the widest variety of landscapes and cultural experiences.
Q: Should I fly between destinations or travel overland in Vietnam?
A combination works best on this Vietnam 2 week itinerary. Fly between distant points (Hanoi to Da Nang, Da Nang to Ho Chi Minh City) to save time, and use ground transport for shorter scenic stretches like the Hai Van Pass between Da Nang and Hue.
Q: Can I do a Ha Long Bay cruise within a 2-week Vietnam itinerary?
Yes. A 2-day, 1-night Ha Long Bay cruise fits naturally into Days 4 and 5 of this Vietnam north to south itinerary, departing from and returning to Hanoi.
