14 days
Vietnam in 2 weeks: the north-to-south itinerary
In short
Two weeks are enough for a first look from north to south, as long as you take at least one domestic flight. Hanoi, Ha Long, Ninh Binh, Hue, Hoi An, Saigon and a night in the Mekong Delta.
- Who and when
- A complete first trip, February to April.
The route
Days 1 to 3 · 2 nights
Hanoi
Arrival, Old Quarter, Hoan Kiem Lake and an evening street food tour. Next day: Temple of Literature, Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and a water puppet show.
Hanoi: guided food tour with Train Street4.9 · 8,499 reviewsSee and book Days 3 to 4 · 1 night
Ha Long Bay
Getting there: Cruise shuttle from Hanoi, about 2.5 hours on the expressway. Hanoi to Ha Long Bay
2-day / 1-night cruise in Ha Long or Lan Ha Bay: kayaking, a cave, sunset on deck.
Hanoi: 2-day 5-star cruise in Ha Long and Lan Ha Bays with balcony4.8 · 6,215 reviewsSee and book Days 4 to 6 · 2 nights
Ninh Binh
Getting there: Direct transfer by car or limousine van, about 3 hours. Ha Long Bay to Ninh Binh
Early-morning boat ride at Trang An or Tam Coc, cycling through rice fields, climb to the Mua Cave viewpoint at sunset.
Ninh Binh: Cuc Phuong jungle trek and wildlife day trip4.5 · 590 reviewsSee and book Days 6 to 7 · 1 night
Hue
Getting there: Night train from Ninh Binh (about 11-12 hours), or back to Hanoi and a flight to Hue (about 1h15). Ninh Binh to Hue
Imperial City in the morning, Tu Duc and Khai Dinh tombs in the afternoon, dinner by the Perfume River.
Hue: private tour of the 3 best royal tombs and the pagoda4.9 · 300 reviewsSee and book Days 7 to 10 · 3 nights
Hoi An
Getting there: Private car over the Hai Van Pass, about 4 hours with stops. Hue to Hoi An
Old town early morning and at night under the lanterns, cooking class with a basket-boat ride, cycling to An Bang beach, half a day at My Son Sanctuary.
Hoi An: boat tour in the coconut forest4.9 · 7,128 reviewsSee and book Days 10 to 12 · 2 nights
Ho Chi Minh City
Getting there: Da Nang-Ho Chi Minh City flight, about 1h20 (Da Nang is 45 minutes from Hoi An). Hoi An to Saigon
City centre (War Remnants Museum, Central Post Office, Ben Thanh Market) and half a day at the Cu Chi Tunnels. Street food by motorbike in the evening.
Ho Chi Minh City: Cu Chi Tunnels, Mekong Delta and coconut village4.8 · 7,918 reviewsSee and book Days 12 to 13 · 1 night
Mekong Delta
Getting there: Road to Can Tho, about 3.5 hours. Saigon to Can Tho (Mekong Delta)
Night in Can Tho, Cai Rang floating market at sunrise, then a sampan through canals and orchards.
2-day tour: Mekong Delta and Cai Rang floating market4.6 · 1,934 reviewsSee and book Days 13 to 14 · 1 night
Ho Chi Minh City
Getting there: Back to Ho Chi Minh City by bus or car, about 3.5 hours.
Last evening in Saigon: rooftop bars, last-minute shopping, a night near the airport if your flight is early.
Ho Chi Minh City: A O Show bamboo circus at the Saigon Opera House4.8 · 2,516 reviewsSee and book
End of the trip
Fly home from Ho Chi Minh City (Tan Son Nhat airport).
Book activities in Vietnam
Cruises, day trips and guided tours — free cancellation up to 24 hours before on most offers.
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