What To Do In Vietnam For 2 Weeks: A Complete North-to-South Itinerary

What To Do In Vietnam For 2 Weeks: Best Itinerary For 14 Days

If you're planning your dream trip and wondering what to do in Vietnam for 2 weeks, you’ve landed in the right place. This 14-day Vietnam itinerary will guide you from the ancient streets of Hanoi in the north to the vibrant Ho Chi Minh City in the south. Along the way, you’ll explore UNESCO World Heritage sites, cruise on emerald waters, taste world-class cuisine, and meet warm-hearted locals.

Based on a carefully designed route inspired by Asia Mystic Travel’s 14-day Splendors of Vietnam Tour, this guide gives you the perfect blend of culture, nature, history, and relaxation:

• Explore diverse landscapes from limestone mountains in the North to tropical canals in the South.
• Experience cultural depth at ancient temples, royal palaces, and UNESCO heritage towns.
• Enjoy contrasts in atmosphere, from Hanoi’s vibrant chaos to Hoi An’s timeless charm.
• Savor mouthwatering cuisine, from local street food to Mekong Delta specialties.
• Add adventure to your trip by cruising Halong Bay, riding motorbikes over Hai Van Pass, or unwinding on the beach.
• Meet friendly locals and learn about Vietnamese traditions firsthand.
• Embrace a full North-to-South journey, capturing the essence of Vietnam in just 14 days.

Day 1: Arrival In Hanoi

Your journey begins in Hanoi, the bustling capital of Vietnam. Upon arrival, you’ll be greeted with a warm welcome and transferred to your hotel in the heart of the Old Quarter. Spend your evening unwinding or heading out for your first taste of Hanoi’s famous street food. Don’t miss pho bo or bun cha.

Highlight: Explore Hoan Kiem Lake by night and enjoy a traditional water puppet show.

Day 2: A Day Dive Into Vietnam’s Capital

Spend the day exploring Hanoi’s cultural heart. Visit Hoa Lo Prison to understand the country’s wartime past, then enjoy a cyclo ride through the Old Quarter’s vibrant streets.

Families may prefer peaceful landmarks like the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, the One Pillar Pagoda, and the Temple of Literature.

For solo travelers or couples, the evening comes alive on Ta Hien Street - Hanoi’s nightlife hub full of local beer, energy, and street food vibes.

Day 3: Discover the Natural Beauty of Ninh Binh

Leave Hanoi for a scenic drive to Ninh Binh, often called “Halong Bay on land.” Visit Hoa Lu, the ancient capital of Vietnam, then take a sampan boat ride through the stunning Trang An Grottoes, drifting between towering limestone cliffs and caves. Cap the day with panoramic views from Mua Cave viewpoint before checking into your hotel in Tam Coc.

Day 4: Ninh Binh to Halong Bay

After breakfast in Ninh Binh, you’ll head east to the breathtaking coast of Halong Bay. Upon arrival, board a traditional cruise and begin your journey through the bay’s emerald waters and limestone islands. Enjoy lunch on board, explore a cave or swim, then relax on deck at sunset. Dinner is served on the boat, followed by free time or optional squid fishing. Spend the night anchored in this natural wonder.

Day 5: Overnight train to Sa Pa (Lao Cai)

Wake up to sunrise over Halong Bay and enjoy breakfast on board. After exploring a limestone cave or fishing village, cruise back to the harbor and return to Hanoi by early evening. Enjoy dinner in the capital before transferring to Hanoi Railway Station for your overnight train to Lao Cai, the gateway to the majestic mountains of Sapa.

Day 6: Explore Sa Pa and Local Culture

Arrive at Lao Cai Station early in the morning and transfer to Sapa. After breakfast, set off on a walking tour to Cat Cat Village, home to the Black H’mong ethnic group. Discover traditional houses, rice terraces, and local crafts in this scenic valley. Return to Sapa around noon, check in, and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure. Overnight in Sapa.

Day 7: Sa Pa Trekking and Back to Hanoi

After breakfast, begin a scenic trek through the Muong Hoa Valley, home to some of the most stunning rice terraces in Vietnam. Walk from Lao Chai to Ta Van Village, meeting the Black H’mong and Giay ethnic minorities along the way. Learn about their daily life, customs, and traditional stilt houses.

Enjoy lunch at a local village eatery before returning to Sapa to freshen up. In the late afternoon, transfer to Lao Cai Station and board the overnight train back to Hanoi.

After an unforgettable week exploring the cultural heart and mountain beauty of Northern Vietnam, it's time to head south for the sun-soaked coastlines, heritage towns, and vibrant life of Central and Southern Vietnam.

Day 8: Take flight to Hue

Arrive in Hanoi early in the morning by overnight train. After breakfast and a short rest, transfer to the airport for your flight to Hue, Vietnam’s former imperial capital. Upon arrival, check in and enjoy a relaxing afternoon. You can stroll along the Perfume River, visit the local market, or sample Hue’s royal-style cuisine.

Day 9: Discover the Royal Legacy of Hue

Spend the day exploring Hue’s rich imperial history. Visit the Imperial Citadel, Thien Mu Pagoda, and the majestic royal tombs of past emperors. Stop by Dong Ba Market to experience local life and sample traditional snacks.

Optional: End your day with a peaceful boat ride on the Perfume River.

Day 10: Scenic Drive to Da Nang and Arrive in Hoi An

After breakfast, leave Hue for a scenic drive over the Hai Van Pass. Stop in Da Nang to visit the Cham Museum and Marble Mountains.

Arrive in Hoi An for a tasty local lunch like cao lau or Phuong’s bread. Spend the afternoon at leisure or take a relaxing stroll through the lantern-lit Old Town.

Day 11: Explore My Son Sanctuary and Local Life

Set out on a half-day tour to My Son Sanctuary after breakfast, exploring ancient red-brick ruins and learning about the lost Champa civilization.

Return to Hoi An in the afternoon for free time. Relax at the beach, explore shops, or take a boat ride to nearby fishing villages.

Catch the sunset at the Dai estuary before another restful night in Hoi An.

Day 12: Fly to Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)

Transferring to the airport for your flight to Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam’s bustling southern hub. Upon arrival, check in and relax at the hotel. In the evening, you may take a short walk around Ben Thanh Market or sample street food in the vibrant downtown area.

Day 13: Discover the Mekong Delta & Ben Tre Day Trip

After breakfast, travel to Ben Tre in the Mekong Delta. Visit fruit orchards, watch coconut candy making, and ride a motor cart (xe lôi) to a traditional mat-weaving workshop.

Enjoy a local lunch at a riverside restaurant, then relax on a peaceful sampan boat ride through palm-shaded canals. Return to Ho Chi Minh City by late afternoon.

Day 14: Departure from Ho Chi Minh City

After breakfast, enjoy some free time for last-minute shopping or a relaxed stroll through the city’s lively streets. Depending on your flight schedule, your driver will transfer you to the airport for your international departure.

14 days may pass quickly, but the memories of Vietnam will stay with you forever. From north to south, Vietnam offers a perfect mix of nature, history, cuisine, and culture. Whether you're planning or dreaming, now is the time to turn this 2-week itinerary into your unforgettable trip.

>>> Check out our 2-week tour to discover the best of Vietnam!: 14-day Splendors of Vietnam Tour

Best Time To Visit Vietnam For 2 Weeks

Planning a 2-week journey through Vietnam? Timing is key to making the most of your experience. Since Vietnam stretches over 1,600 km from north to south, weather conditions vary significantly by region. Here’s a breakdown to help you choose the best time to visit all three regions in one trip:

• Northern Vietnam: The best time to visit Vietnam is from October to April, when the weather is cool and dry, ideal for trekking in Sapa, cruising Halong Bay, and exploring Hanoi. May to August should be avoided due to heat, humidity, and frequent rains.
• Central Vietnam: The ideal time to explore Central Vietnam is from February to August, when the region enjoys warm sunshine and minimal rainfall, perfect for relaxing on beaches, sightseeing in Hoi An, and exploring imperial relics in Hue.
• Southern Vietnam: There are two main seasons in Southern Vietnam - the dry season and the rainy season, each offering a different travel experience. The best time to visit is during the dry season, from December to April, when the weather is hot but less humid, ideal for cruising canals in Ben Tre or exploring bustling Saigon.

How Much Money For 2 Weeks In Vietnam

Vietnam is a fantastic destination for all kinds of travelers, offering a balance between affordability and unforgettable experiences. Let’s explore how to spend 2 weeks in Vietnam efficiently!

Accommodation Costs

Vietnam offers options for every type of traveler, from budget backpackers to luxury vacationers:

• Budget travelers: Hostels, guesthouses, or homestays cost around $6–$12 per night, totaling $85–$170 for 2 weeks.
• Mid-range comfort: 2–3-star hotels or boutique stays range from $20–$50 per night, totaling $280–$700.
• Luxury travel: Upscale hotels and beachfront resorts cost $70–$160 per night, adding up to $980–$2,240 for 14 nights.

Transportation Costs

Getting around Vietnam is both convenient and cost-effective, with options by road, rail, and air:

• Trains: Overnight trains cost between $15–$30 per trip, totaling $100–$200 for a few major transfers.
• Domestic flights: Flights from Hanoi to Danang and Danang to Ho Chi Minh City range from $60–$120 per flight, totaling $120–$240.
• Scooter rentals: Renting a scooter for local travel is about $6–$10 per day, with fuel costing just a few dollars daily. Expect around $90–$140 for 2 weeks.

Food & Drink Costs

One of the best parts of traveling in Vietnam is indulging in delicious cuisine at affordable prices:

• Street food: Meals like pho, banh mi, or bun cha cost $1–$3 each, adding up to $50–$80 if you eat locally every day.
• Local restaurants: A more comfortable sit-down meal costs $4–$10, with three meals a day totaling $170–$420 for two weeks.
• Fine Dining: Gourmet meals or fine dining range from $15–$30 per person, with a 2-week total of $600–$1,200.

Activities & Excursions Costs

Vietnam offers countless memorable experiences, many of which are surprisingly affordable:

• Cultural & historical sites: Entrance fees to museums, temples, and heritage sites are $1–$5, totaling $30–$50.
• Local tours & day trips: Group or private tours like cooking classes, trekking, or village visits cost $25–$60, adding up to $150–$300 for 5–6 activities.
• Halong Bay cruise: A 2-day/1-night cruise is a must-do, typically priced between $110–$190, including transport, meals, and excursions.
• Adventure activities: Kayaking in Halong Bay, biking in the Mekong, or trekking in Sapa can add $30–$80 more.

Total Estimated Cost For 2 Weeks In Vietnam

As our Splendor VN 14 days covering Hanoi, Ninh Binh, Da Nang,.... Including domestic flight, accommodation, entrance tickets,... we are offering these 2 service tiers:

To estimate the best price based on the number of people, click on this tour and choose from our price table. Please note that we are offering a PRIVATE TOUR, which means your itinerary is customizable. It’s just a suggested price.

Travel Tips For Visiting Vietnam In 2 Weeks

Before you dive into the vibrant streets of Hanoi or cruise the emerald waters of Halong Bay, here are some essential travel tips to help you make your journey smooth, safe, and unforgettable.

• Visa requirements: Most travelers will need a visa or an e-visa to enter Vietnam. Check the official Vietnam e-Visa website to see if your country is eligible. Remember to apply at least 3–5 working days before arrival.
• Regional weather differences: Vietnam spans multiple climate zones, so pack layers to handle the North’s cool winters (Oct–Mar), Central Vietnam’s rainy season (Sept–Dec), and the South’s year-round heat and humidity.
• Transport tips: For easy travel in Vietnam, use overnight trains or flights for long distances, the Grab app for city rides (always confirm the fare or request the meter in regular taxis).
• Get a local SIM with data: Buy a SIM card at the airport (Viettel, Mobifone, or Vinaphone). A $5–10 SIM with 5–10GB data is enough for navigation, Grab, and translation tools like Google Translate.
• Watch out for scams: Vietnam is generally safe, but to avoid scams and petty theft, keep valuables secure, carry small VND bills, and always agree on prices before paying.
• Respect local culture: Respect local customs by dressing modestly at temples, removing shoes when entering homes or sacred places, and learning simple Vietnamese phrases like “Xin chào” (Hello), “Cảm ơn” (Thank you), and “Tạm biệt” (Goodbye).

FAQs

Q: Is two weeks enough in Vietnam?

A: Yes, two weeks is enough to explore Vietnam’s highlights from North to South. With a well-planned itinerary, you can visit key destinations like Hanoi, Halong Bay, Hue, Hoi An, Ho Chi Minh City, and the Mekong Delta, enjoying a balanced mix of culture, nature, and local experiences.

Q: Can I travel to Vietnam independently, or should I join a tour?

A: Both are great options. Vietnam is traveler-friendly with solid infrastructure, making it suitable for independent travel. However, if you want a smooth, well-curated experience with local insight, especially as a first-timer, joining a tour with a trusted operator like Asia Mystic Travel can help you make the most of your 2 weeks.

Q: Is it okay to visit Vietnam during the rainy season?

A: Yes, but expect sudden downpours and humidity, especially in the central and southern regions. Travel is still possible with proper planning - pack light rain gear, quick-dry clothes, and plan indoor activities for rainy periods.

From Hanoi to the Mekong Delta, this itinerary shows you exactly what to do in Vietnam for 2 weeks. With a smart route, diverse service options, and rich experiences, two weeks is just right to capture Vietnam’s best. Ready to go? For a smooth and memorable trip, let Asia Mystic Travel help you explore Vietnam with ease.

>>> Drop us your request here, or choose what kind of contact options you prefer below:

• Hotline: +84963623907
• Email: info@asiamystictravel.com
• WhatsApp: +84963623907