Two weeks is the ideal amount of time to experience Vietnam full range — from Hanoi and Ha Long Bay in the north to Hue, Hoi An, and Ho Chi Minh City in the south.
Days 1-3: Hanoi
Explore Hoan Kiem Lake, the Old Quarter, Temple of Literature, Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, and the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology. Try bun cha, pho, and egg coffee. Evening water puppet show.
Days 4-5: Ha Long Bay Overnight Cruise
Travel time from Hanoi: 2.5-3 hours. Activities: limestone cave exploration, kayaking, and fresh seafood dinner on board. Day 5: sunrise Tai Chi, Titop Island beach.
Day 6: Ninh Binh
Boat rides through Trang An or Tam Coc, countryside biking, visit to the ancient capital of Hoa Lu. Local cuisine: goat dishes and crispy rice.
Day 7: Hanoi to Hue (by flight)
Return from Ninh Binh to Hanoi, then fly to Hue (1h15m). Flights typically VND 800,000-1,500,000.
Day 8: Hue — Royal Heritage
The Hue Historic Citadel, Thien Mu Pagoda. Evening: bun bo Hue at local restaurants.
Day 9: Hue Tombs to Da Nang
Visit the Mausoleum of Emperor Khai Dinh and Minh Mang Tomb. Travel to Da Nang via the scenic Hai Van Pass.
Days 10-11: Da Nang
My Khe Beach, Son Tra Peninsula (Linh Ung Pagoda, rare langurs), Dragon Bridge fire and water show, Marble Mountains, Museum of Cham Sculpture.
Day 12: Hoi An
Japanese Covered Bridge, Tan Ky Old House, lantern-making workshops, custom tailoring, basket boat rides through coconut forests.
Days 13-14: Ho Chi Minh City
Notre-Dame Cathedral, Saigon Central Post Office, War Remnants Museum, Ben Thanh Market. Rooftop dining and farewell com tam before departure.
Budget Estimate
Two weeks typically costs VND 22,000,000-35,000,000 (USD 840-1,337) per person: accommodation/transport 50-60%, food 15-20%, experiences 10-15%, shopping 5-10%.
Practical Tips
- Book domestic flights 3-4 weeks in advance
- Local 4G SIM cards cost VND 100,000-150,000 for 2-4 weeks
- November-February: pack a light jacket for northern Vietnam
- Peak seasons (June-August, Tet) require 2-4 weeks advance booking