The Best Vietnam 2 Week Itinerary

Duration icon Duration: 2 Weeks
Trip code icon Trip Code: ORG-NIO2WK
Map marker icon Best places to visit: Hanoi → Ha Giang LoopBan Gioc Waterfall → Ha Long Bay → Hue → Hoi An → Da Nang → Ho Chi Minh City → Mekong Delta

Overview

Vietnam is a nation of contrasts, where ancient civilizations, dramatic geography, and modern cities blend in perfect harmony. From the historic city of Hanoi, through the towering limestone peaks of Ha Giang, from the majestic Ban Gioc Waterfall near the Chinese border to the serene beauty of Ha Long Bay, and from the charming old town of Hoi An to the vibrant energy of Ho Chi Minh City, the Vietnam travel experience is like no other in Southeast Asia.

The Vietnam 2 Week Itinerary has been carefully crafted to meet the needs of the traveler who wishes to experience the very best of Vietnam without any sense of rush. By traveling in a logical North-South axis, the itinerary covers the best of Vietnam’s famous destinations while focusing in particular on the dramatic mountain scenery of Ha Giang and the magnificent Ban Gioc Waterfall, two of the most spectacular and off-the-beaten-path destinations in the country.

The itinerary is fully flexible and tailored to the needs of the first-time visitor to Vietnam, providing the ultimate combination of authenticity, adventure, culture, and comfort in one smooth and seamless travel experience.

Why Choose This Vietnam 2 Week Itinerary?

Two weeks is the perfect amount of time to explore Vietnam in detail without compromising the quality of your travel experience. This Vietnam travel guide has been carefully crafted to minimize travel time, avoid repetition of sites, and provide enough time in each location to allow you to fully experience the culture of Vietnam.

Unlike most Vietnam travel itineraries, this Vietnam travel guide will allow you to explore Vietnam in detail, including an in-depth tour of the famous Ha Giang loop as well as the remote Ban Gioc Waterfall, giving you a rare opportunity to experience the untamed natural beauty of Vietnam.

Whether you are looking for adventure, culture, or just wanting to relax on an overnight cruise or drive through the picturesque roads of Vietnam, this Vietnam 2-week travel guide is one of the most complete ways of exploring Vietnam.

Highlights of the Vietnam 2 Week Itinerary

  • Explore the Old Quarter, colonial architecture, and cultural attractions of Hanoi
  • Travel through the stunning scenery of the Ha Giang loop, Vietnam’s most spectacular mountain region
  • Visit the impressive Ban Gioc Waterfall, one of the top natural attractions in Southeast Asia
  • Take an overnight cruise in the stunning Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
  • Explore the Imperial Citadel and royal tombs of Hue
  • Walk through the charming streets of the Hoi An Ancient Town
  • Visit the Golden Bridge at the famous Ba Na Hills
  • Take a boat tour of the Mekong Delta region

Who Is This Vietnam 2 Week Itinerary For?

  • First-time visitors who want to get the full Vietnam experience
  • Adventure seekers who want to visit off-the-beaten-path places
  • Individuals or groups who want to have a unique travel experience
  • Travelers who are interested in ethnic culture and scenic beauty
  • Travelers who value quality over quantity in their travels

Travel Tips for Vietnam

  • Light and breathable clothing, suitable for warm and humid weather, should be packed.
  • Comfortable walking shoes are essential, especially for Ha Giang and heritage sites.
  • The early morning hours provide the best time for viewing and visiting popular destinations.
  • This travel itinerary can be done at any time of the year, with the best weather occurring between March and May and September and November.

Experience the Best of Vietnam in Two Weeks

Varying from the misty mountain passes to the roaring waterfalls, Vietnam has everything in store for you. The Vietnam 2 Week Itinerary is a well-balanced tour that combines the best experiences Vietnam has to offer for the travelers who want to not only see Vietnam but also feel it.

Map of Vietnam 2 Week Itinerary

Vietnam 2 Week Itinerary Travel Map

Itinerary Details

Day 1: Arrival in Hanoi - First Touch of Vietnam (D)

Day 1: Arrival in Hanoi - First Touch of Vietnam (D)

Morning activities

You will arrive in Hanoi, a city that perfectly blends tradition and modernity. Upon arrival, you will meet your guide and head to your hotel for check-in or storage of your luggage.

Afternoon activities

You will start your day with a soft introduction to Hanoi. Take a stroll in the Old Quarter, which features narrow streets full of scooters, street food smells, and the hustle and bustle of local life.

Evening activities

You will have a welcome dinner at a local restaurant. Free time in the evening, either to discover Hanoi by night or simply rest after your trip.

Overnight in Hanoi

Day 2: Hanoi City Tour: Culture, History & Daily Life (B/L)

Day 2: Hanoi City Tour: Culture, History & Daily Life (B/L)

Morning activities

Hanoi’s cultural attractions include the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum complex, One Pillar Pagoda, and the Temple of Literature.

Afternoon activities

Next, visit the Museum of Ethnology, which provides a good background on Vietnam’s 54 ethnic groups, a necessary precursor to visiting northern Vietnam’s highlands.

Evening activities

Enjoy a water puppet show, a northern Vietnamese art form.

Overnight in Hanoi

Day 3: Hanoi - Ha Giang: Into the Northern Highlands (B/L)

Day 3: Hanoi - Ha Giang: Into the Northern Highlands (B/L)

Morning activities

Leave Hanoi early and head north to Ha Giang. The further north the road takes you, the more the urban landscape gives way to mountain and river scenery.

Afternoon activities

Arrive in Ha Giang and have lunch. The rest of the day will be spent exploring the nearby ethnic villages and getting a glimpse into the lives of the people in the highlands.

Evening activities

Spend the rest of the day relaxing at the lodge and taking in the mountain scenery.

Overnight in Ha Giang

Day 4: Ha Giang Loop - Dong Van Karst Plateau (B/L)

Day 4: Ha Giang Loop - Dong Van Karst Plateau (B/L)

Morning activities

The legendary Ha Giang loop journey begins. Pass through mountain passes and valleys, and stop by scenic lookout points such as the famous Quan Ba Heaven’s Gate.

Afternoon activities

Explore some villages of different ethnic groups and then proceed to Dong Van, which is located in the UNESCO World Heritage Site Karst Plateau.

Evening activities

Take a leisurely walk around Dong Van Old Quarter and have a relaxing evening in the highlands.

Overnight in Dong Van

Day 5: Dong Van - Ma Pi Leng Pass - Meo Vac (B/L)

Day 5: Dong Van - Ma Pi Leng Pass - Meo Vac (B/L)

Morning activities

Drive across Ma Pi Leng Pass, which is rated as one of the most beautiful mountain passes in Vietnam. Take your time and enjoy the scenery, especially the view of the Nho Que River valley far down below.

Afternoon activities

Arrive in Meo Vac and take a stroll in the countryside, which still retains a very traditional character.

Evening activities

Relax in the evening in a peaceful setting, deep in the mountains.

Overnight in Meo Vac

Day 6: Meo Vac - Cao Bang: Journey to the Northeast (B/L)

Day 6: Meo Vac - Cao Bang: Journey to the Northeast (B/L)

Morning activities

Leave Meo Vac and travel towards Cao Bang, passing villages, forests, and rivers, which are off the beaten path for mass tourism.

Afternoon activities

Arrival at Cao Bang. After check-in, free time at leisure, either relaxing or exploring the town at your own pace.

Evening activities

Dinner at a restaurant and overnight stay.

Overnight at Cao Bang

Day 7: Ban Gioc Waterfall - Return to Hanoi (B/L)

Day 7: Ban Gioc Waterfall - Return to Hanoi (B/L)

Morning activities

Have breakfast and then leave for the Ban Gioc Waterfall, which is one of the most impressive waterfalls in Southeast Asia. You can behold the sight of water falling across the border between Vietnam and China, set amidst the backdrop of rice fields and limestone mountains.

Afternoon activities

Visit the Nguom Ngao Cave and walk through the massive cave filled with beautiful stalactites and stalagmites. Then, the journey back to Hanoi begins.

Evening activities

Reach Hanoi in the late evening and check into the hotel.

Overnight in Hanoi

Day 8: Hanoi - Ha Long Bay Cruise (B/L/D)

Day 8: Hanoi - Ha Long Bay Cruise (B/L/D)

Morning activities

Have your breakfast, and then leave the hustle and bustle of the city behind as you head towards the coast.

Afternoon activities

Step onboard your luxury cruise and start your sailing experience into the emerald waters of Ha Long Bay. While the dramatic limestone cliffs tower above you, have your lunch onboard as you sail past the famous landmarks.

Later in the day, visit a hidden cave or kayak through a quiet lagoon surrounded by untouched beauty.

Evening activities

As the sun sets over the bay, bathing the entire area in a golden glow, sit back on the sundeck of your cruise with a cocktail in hand. Later, have your dinner onboard, and then a peaceful night under the stars.

Overnight on cruise

Day 9: Ha Long Bay - Hanoi - Flight to Hue (B/L)

Day 9: Ha Long Bay - Hanoi - Flight to Hue (B/L)

Morning activities

Wake up early to see Ha Long Bay in its peaceful state. You can participate in a soft Tai Chi practice or just sit quietly while watching the sun rise over the water. Next, visit a stunning limestone cave, then return to the harbor after breakfast.

Afternoon activities

Go back to Hanoi, then take a short flight to Hue, the ancient imperial capital of Vietnam. When you arrive, you can then proceed to your hotel.

Evening activities

Time to spend however you want: a peaceful walk along the riverside or a quiet dinner along the Perfume River.

Overnight in Hue

Day 10: Hue Imperial Heritage & Perfume River (B/L)

Day 10: Hue Imperial Heritage & Perfume River (B/L)

Morning activities

Explore the Imperial Citadel, which was once the political and cultural center of Vietnam under the Nguyen Dynasty. Walk through ancient gates, royal courtyards, and historical palaces.

Afternoon activities

Cruise along the Perfume River to visit royal tombs located in pine forests and lotus lakes, gaining a glimpse of Vietnam’s royal philosophy.

Evening activities

Time for yourself to soak up Hue’s tranquil and elegant ambiance.

Overnight in Hue

Day 11: Hue - Hai Van Pass - Hoi An (B/L)

Day 11: Hue - Hai Van Pass - Hoi An (B/L)

Morning activities

Drive south through the scenic Hai Van Pass, considered one of the most beautiful drives in Vietnam, with sweeping ocean vistas and misty mountain scenery.

Afternoon activities

Arrive in Hoi An and start exploring the Ancient Town, with its rich merchant history, assembly halls, and the famous Japanese Covered Bridge.

Evening activities

Hoi An in the evening, with its colorful lanterns, is one of the most romantic destinations in Vietnam. Take your time and enjoy the evening at leisure.

Overnight in Hoi An

Day 12: Hoi An: Local Life & Leisure (B)

Day 12: Hoi An: Local Life & Leisure (B)

Morning activities

A leisurely day in Hoi An. Explore local markets, visit tailors for bespoke clothing, or just enjoy a coffee by the river.

Afternoon activities

Optional activities include a bike ride in the surrounding countryside, a cooking class visit, or time at An Bang Beach.

Evening activities

Time to enjoy the evening in Hoi An – a magical place.

Overnight in Hoi An

Day 13: Hoi An: Flight to Ho Chi Minh City (B)

Day 13: Hoi An: Flight to Ho Chi Minh City (B)

Morning activities

Following breakfast, transfer to Da Nang Airport for your flight to Ho Chi Minh City.

Afternoon activities

Arrival in Vietnam’s vibrant southern metropolis. Commence a light city orientation, passing colonial landmarks like Central Post Office and Notre Dame Cathedral.

Evening activities

Explore Ho Chi Minh City’s lively food scene or take it easy after your journey.

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City

Day 14: Mekong Delta - Ho Chi Minh City - Departure (B/L)

Day 14: Mekong Delta - Ho Chi Minh City - Departure (B/L)

Morning activities

Travel to the Mekong Delta region, where the pace of life is dictated by the waters that flow through the palm-lined canals.

Afternoon activities

Savor a traditional Mekong Delta lunch before returning to Ho Chi Minh City. Transfer to Tan Son Nhat International Airport for your departure flight.

End of Vietnam 2 Week Itinerary

This could be the end of your journey in Vietnam, but the memories will live on with you even after you leave the country. If you want to make any changes to the itinerary, spend more time in Ha Giang, or make it fit your style, we are always here to assist you in making your trip to Vietnam the best it can be.

Inclusions

  • PRIVATE door to door transport (new vehicle) with air-conditioned
  • Domestic Air Fare Hanoi – Hue – Ho Chi Minh (Priority Vietnam airline first)
  • Experience English speaking guide
  • Meals as mentioned above (B= Breakfast, L= Lunch, D = Dinner)
  • Great 3 star hotel with good location selected. Buffet Breakfast included at hotel
  • Well selection Hotel or homestay in Ha Giang
  • Luxury Cruise package 2days/1night with accommodation, kayak, entrance fee, meals on board, permission…
  • Private local boat in Hue and Mekong Delta
  • Cable car
  • Free visa letter to Vietnam (If yes expect difficult countries will have additional charge)
  • Entrance fees, permission
  • Mineral water daily 2 bottle 500ml/per day
  • 24/7 hotline support guaranteed
  • Gov tax and service charge
  • No extra charge after final confirmation

Exclusions

  • International Air Fare in & out Vietnam
  • Personal expenses such as laundry, telephone calls, soft & hard drinks
  • Individual expenses
  • All NOT mentioned in the program
  • Tips are welcomed!
  • Travel Insurance

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Meet Our Local Experts

Ms Angela - Vietnam Travel Expert

Ms Angela

Ms Lucy - Vietnam Travel Consultant

Ms Lucy

Ms. Angela & Ms. Lucy are our experts for this itinerary and as seasoned travellers they have the inside track on the most memorable adventures.

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