Itinerary for 2 Weeks in Vietnam
Day 1: Hanoi Arrival
Where are you from? If you comes from a quite-far country from Vietnam and the flight to this country is long and makes you tired, just find a soft bed, relax and take a deep sleep to prepare for the following day. If not, your two weeks in Vietnam should be started with a visit around Hoan Kiem Lake, Hanoi Old Quarter and enjoy the nightlife in this vibrant city.
Day 2: Hanoi City Tour
Today is time for you to discover all the highlights of Hanoi City such as Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum Complex, Temple of Literature, Hoa Lo Prison (or you can replace by visiting Ethnology Museum), West Lake (with Tran Quoc pagoda if you’re interested).
At night, after visiting Hoan Kiem Lake & Hanoi Old Quarter (if you did not do it on previous day), find a good seat at Ta Hien Street, enjoy a bottle of beer and see an astonishing atmosphere around you.
Day 3: Hanoi – Ninh Binh: Cuc Phuong National Park
As one of the highlights in the North of Vietnam, Ninh Binh is worth for you to spend 2 days of your Vietnam 2 week itinerary to explore. After transferring from Hanoi to Ninh Binh, you should stop in Gia Vien District first to discover Cuc Phuong National Park: see the wild animals and trek through the mysterious jungle.
For overnight, you can stay at bungalows built in scenic spots of Cuc Phuong National Park Area or transfer to other accommodation.
Day 4: Ninh Binh Highlights
Today is time for you to see the famous names of Ninh Binh, which you should not miss in 2 weeks in Vietnam. Firstly, don’t miss the chance to enjoy a boat trip in Van Long Nature Reserve. Here, the landscape is very scenic and peaceful. If lucky, you can see many flocks of bird flying to this place.
After that, transfer to Hoa Lu Ancient Capital with Dinh & Le Temples where you can learn a little about history of 2 historic Kings of ancient Vietnam. Next destinations are Tam Coc, where the King Kong was filmed and the sacred Bich Dong Pagoda.
Day 5: Ninh Binh - Halong Bay
Travelling to Vietnam, no visitor misses a short or long cruise in the picturesque Halong Bay, a famous Natural World Heritage Site recognized by UNESCO. If somebody asks you “What did you do in Vietnam in 2 weeks” and you replied “Without Halong Bay”, he/she will kill you immediately.
Certainly, you shouldn’t miss this site. After transferring from Ninh Binh to Halong Bay, you will reach there by noon time, also when you board the cruise for lunch. Take time enjoying your trip!
Day 6: Halong Bay – Hanoi – Hue
The first half day is still for the cruise. At noon time, you will disembark the cruise and transfer back to Hanoi Airport for flight to Hue, the ancient royal capital of Vietnam. The earliest time you arrive in Hue is around 8.30pm or 9.00pm, good time to go to bed soon.
Day 7: Hue City Tour
In the morning, start your trip to the Imperial City, then visit the sacred Thien Mu Pagoda, the famous pagoda in the Central Vietnam.
After lunch with some nice dishes, you can consider visiting Tu Duc Mausoleum or Minh Mang Mausoleum for a little discovery about history of Vietnam. And then, head to the Dong Ba market for a short walking trip to see how the daily life of people here is.
Day 8: Hue - Danang - Hoi An
Mentioned in all Vietnam travel guide, Hoi An is ideal destination for travelers to find a little peace and simplicity. On the way from Hue to Hoi An, you should stop for few minutes for break at the Lang Co Beach and the scenic Hai Van Pass.
Arriving in Hoi An, let’s discover the charm of Hoi An Town, the UNESCO World Heritage Site, by a stroll around here. Your 2 weeks in Vietnam itinerary will be memorable with the images of the friendly people and tranquil streets.
Day 9: Hoi An – My Son Sanctuary – Hoi An
Today, why not exploring the sacred My Son Holy Land, famous for 68 Hindu Temples which are over 900 years old. This is perfect place for those who want to see the ancient architecture.
Back to Hoi An, just fill up your time with another walking trip around the Hoi An Town, enjoy some street food and see the sunset cover the sky of this peaceful place.
Day 10: Hoi An – Tra Que Organic Village – Hoi An
Today is a very good chance for you to experience farming work of people living in the surrounding of Hoi An Town. Tra Que Organic Village is famous with a lot of unforgettable experience to tourists. You can wear the local costume, be guided how to do farming as a real local person.
Saying goodbye to this place, transfer back to Hoi An for sightseeing around. Some visits to Japanese Bridge, the Chinese Temple, and Phung Hung Chinese-style trading house are indispensable.
Day 11: Hoi An – Danang – Ho Chi Minh City
Today, transfer to the airport in Danang for flight to Ho Chi Minh City. For half day in Ho Chi Minh City, you should visit some major highlights of the city such as Notre Dame Cathedral and Central Post Office.
Day 12: Ho Chi Minh City – Cu Chi Tunnels
You should spend the first half day to discover the historic Cu Chi Tunnels, a famous site which is associated with Vietnam war history. And then, spend the rest of day to visit the local markets such as Binh Tay and An Dong Market, which are followed by Thien Hau Temple.
Day 13: Ho Chi Minh City – Mekong Delta
Today, pack your bag and transfer to Cai Be for a boat trip and visit the famous colorful Cai Be floating market as well as try fresh fruits in many local orchards. Then, continue the trip to Vinh Long, the particular area of river life in Southern Vietnam and head to Can Tho by road then. Let’s spend one night here to see the difference between river life in Mekong and urban life in Ho Chi Minh City.
Day 14: Mekong Deta – Ho Chi Minh Departure
On the last day in Vietnam in two weeks, just begin with a visit at Cai Rang floating market once arriving in Ninh Kieu Quay. You surely will be mesmerized by the ambiance here.
After that, it’s time to say goodbye to the Mekong Delta, human and nature, to transfer back to Ho Chi Minh City Airport for your departure flight.
Some Notes for Your 2 Weeks in Vietnam
The above itinerary of 2 weeks in Vietnam is not recommended with adventure in Sapa because you have to miss other 3 or 4 days in Central for that. Missing Hue or Hoi An for visiting too much in the North of Vietnam? No, you should not!
On the Day 12: You had better visit the Cu Chi Tunnels in the morning because it often rains in Ho Chi Minh at noon time, which makes the road very dirty and not convenient for transfer to that attraction.
What to See in Vietnam in 2 Weeks
As mentioned, 2 weeks in Vietnam is perfect itinerary for your holiday in this country, so don’t miss the chance to see the natural landscape, the famous attractions mentioned above as well as the daily life of people in Hanoi, Hue, Hoi An, Ho Chi Minh City and Mekong Delta. All of them will give you an exhaustive look at Vietnam, the country of tranquility.
Best Time for This 2 Weeks in Vietnam
The best time for this itinerary is from February to the end of April when the weather is not too hot. Besides, it’s ok if you want to enjoy this itinerary in 2 periods: from May to September ending or from December to February ending.
