2 Weeks in Vietnam — My Complete Itinerary, Highlights & Travel Tips

2 Weeks in Vietnam — My Complete Itinerary, Highlights & Travel Tips

Vietnam was my first ever trip to Southeast Asia—actually, my first time setting foot in Asia at all. I went in with very few expectations, unsure if I’d even connect with the place. Would I feel out of my depth? Would the food be too unfamiliar? Would I even enjoy it? But almost immediately, something clicked. I found myself falling head over heels—not just with the stunning landscapes, but with the food, the culture, and most of all, the people. From the first bowl of steaming phở on a plastic stool by the roadside to the stunning nature of Ninh Binh and the warm smiles of strangers who went out of their way to help me—Vietnam just had this way of making me feel welcome.

By the time I boarded my flight home, I already knew one thing for sure: I had to come back. That feeling of wonder, connection, and curiosity stayed with me long after I left. So if you’re reading this and planning your own adventure, I hope this itinerary can help guide you, give you some ideas, or even just inspire you to take the leap. Vietnam has so much to offer, and I truly believe it’s a trip you’ll never forget.

Vietnam has very different weather conditions throughout the country due to its long shape. So the best time to visit depends a bit on where you stay. I went in November and traveled from Ho-Chi-Minh City to Hanoi. We had beautiful hot weather and no rain at all. Here is an overview of the different regions. So I hope you can decide which is best for you.

Best Time to visit Vietnam?

North Vietnam (Hanoi, Sapa, Ha Long Bay)

• Best time: October to April
• Why: Cooler, drier weather—ideal for trekking in Sapa or cruising Ha Long Bay.
• Avoid: June to August (hot and humid, frequent rain)

Central Vietnam (Hue, Da Nang, Hoi An)

• Best time: February to May
• Why: Warm and dry with lots of sunshine, perfect beach weather.
• Avoid: September to November due to typhoon season.

South Vietnam (Ho Chi Minh City, Mekong Delta, Phu Quoc)

• Best time: December to April
• Why: Dry season, with sunny skies and less humidity.
• Avoid: May to October (wet season, though rain is usually short-lived)

Is 2 Weeks enough?

I would say 2.5 weeks is the perfect length to explore Vietnam. It gives you enough time to see a good amount of the major highlights such as Ho-Chi-Minh City in the south, the lanterns and the charm of Hoi An in the middle and the stunning Halong Bay up in the north. This timeframe gives you time to explore on a bit of a slower pace and not feel to rushed and really experience the country. You have time to get lost in one of the many markets and street food vendors, stroll around the stunning nature of Ninh Binh or hop on a motorbike. It’s a great balance between seeing the iconic spots and also slowing down enough to soak it all in.

Transportation Tips

One thing I quickly learned is that getting around in Vietnam is as easy as it is an adventure. It also can be quite cheap if you plan accordingly or if its in your timeframe. With my 2 weeks the goals was to be as efficient as possible but also have the full experience. Here are a list of the different options you have.

Domestic Flights

Vietnam is a long, narrow country, so if you’re short on time or traveling between the north, central, and south, domestic flights are a huge time-saver. Budget airlines like VietJet, Bamboo Airways, and Vietnam Airlines have regular (and affordable between 30 to 40$) routes connecting major cities like Hanoi, Da Nang, and Ho Chi Minh City. Flights are usually under two hours and can be very cheap if you book in advance. We took the plane from Ho-Chi-Minh to Da Nang to save time.

Trains

For a more scenic and laid-back option, the Reunification Express (which runs from Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi) offers a unique way to see the country. It’s not the fastest mode of transport, but it’s great if you enjoy slow travel. The stretch from Da Nang to Hue is especially beautiful, with views of the coastline and lush hills. We did the overnight train from Da Nang to Ninh Binh which took us 15 hours. One thing that you have to keep in mind is that there are different classes. And if you are a bit like me and enjoy your privacy while sleeping, it can get quite expensive.

Buses and Sleeper Buses

If you’re on a budget or want to visit places not served by trains, Vietnam’s extensivebus network has you covered. Sleeper buses are super common for long distances—they’re quirky (think: bunk bed-style seating), and while not luxurious, they get the job done. Just bring headphones and maybe a neck pillow for comfort

Taxis & Ride Apps

In big cities, apps like Grab (Vietnam’s version of Uber) are super easy to use for both cars and motorbike taxis. It’s affordable, reliable, and removes the need for negotiating fares. Traditional taxis are fine too—just stick to reputable companies like Vinasun or Mai Linh and make sure they use the meter. I personally always used Grab, its very easy to book a ride and there is no language barrier. Just be aware especially at airports or train stations everyone want give you a ride and yells at you that they offer a better price than Grab.

Quick view: 2 Week Vietnam itinerary

Day 1 to 3: Ho-Chi-Minh City – Explore the city and eater on day 3 or 4 take a flight to Da Nang (if you want a full Guide on Ho-CHi-Minh City i have on here)

Day 4 to 7: Hoi An – Stay in Hoi and and gte yourself some tailored clothes 

Day 8 to 11: Ninh Binh – Take the train to Ninh Binh and enjoy the nature and the backpacker pups. (my in Depth Guide to Ninh Binh will come soon)

Day 11 to 13: Ha Long Bay – if your budget allows it definitely take a cruise around Ha Long Bay

Day 13 to 16: Hanoi – Soak up the cool vibe of Hanoi and enjoy your last days in Vietnam. (my in Depth Guide about Hanoi is here if you want to read more about it)

2 Week Vietnam itinerary – My full Guide

Day 1 to 3: Ho-Chi-Minh City

We landed in Ho Chi Minh City and were instantly shocked—there were so many motorbikes! I was relieved we had a Grab driver. Crossing the street was another challenge—no one stops for you. You just walk, and somehow it works. It felt chaotic at first, but you get used to it quickly.

Our first mission: eat pho. And wow—that first bowl changed everything. It became our daily staple from that moment on.

On day one, we had no real plan. We just wandered around the city. Ho Chi Minh felt surprisingly safe to walk, especially in the central districts. We loved just exploring aimlessly, taking in the noise, colors, and energy.

Day two was more structured. After breakfast, we visited the War Remnants Museum. It was intense and emotionally heavy—graphic, disturbing, and eye-opening. If you’re into history, it’s a must-visit, but be mentally prepared. Afterward, we checked out the famous Post Office. It’s cute, but Instagram definitely oversold it.

We needed a nap after all that, then headed out again in the evening. Nguyen Hue Street was our go-to for drinks and food. It’s vibrant and packed with bars, restaurants, and the quirky Coffee Apartment building—which we visited properly on day three.

Day three was a self-made walking tour. We visited the Independence Palace, Notre Dame Cathedral, Ben Thanh Market, and more. In the evening, we returned to Nguyen Hue Street to explore the Coffee Apartments. A tip: you have to pay to use the elevator, so go all the way up, then walk down to see the cafes on each floor.

Day 4 to 7: Hoi An

On day 4, we took a morning flight to Da Nang and arrived in Hoi An by midday. The heat was a shock after cold Switzerland, so we spent the afternoon relaxing in the hotel. In the evening, we strolled through the magical lantern-lit streets of Hoi An—colorful, romantic, and full of charm.

Day 5 started with a visit to a tailor—one of the most iconic Hoi An experiences. There are tons of options, but our host kindly helped us choose one. We spent the rest of the day wandering the town, browsing cute shops, and enjoying the atmosphere. Hoi An is a dream for lovers of handmade souvenirs, quirky decor, and especially food.

You can buy an Ancient Town Pass to visit cultural sites like the Japanese Bridge and the Tan Ky Old House. We also considered a lantern-making class—Hoi An’s famous lanterns are everywhere and absolutely beautiful.

Every morning started with coffee from Mr. Viet—don’t miss the coconut coffee! Just a few meters away is Madame Khanh, where I had the best banh mi of the entire trip. Hoi An is also known for rose dumplings—delicate shrimp-filled parcels made by one family using a secret recipe.

Though we didn’t do big excursions, our three days in Hoi An flew by. The town is full of hidden gems—cute cafés, cozy bars, and excellent restaurants. It’s easy to get lost in the best way.

If you’re up for exploring more, consider biking to the beach or taking a short trip to Da Nang.

On the afternoon of day 7, we grabbed a ride to Da Nang train station and boarded the overnight train to Ninh Binh.

Day 8 to 11: Ninh Binh

We arrived in Ninh Binh around midday on Day 8 after taking the overnight train from Da Nang. It was an adventure on its own! We had booked a private cabin for two, which was definitely worth it—we actually slept quite well. From Ninh Binh station, we took a Grab to our homestay in Tam Coc, a touristy but charming little backpacker town.

After checking in, we rented a motorbike and drove about 30 minutes to Bai Dinh, the largest temple complex in Southeast Asia. The ride itself was fun and scenic, and exploring the massive temple grounds on our own was both peaceful and fascinating.

On Day 9, we got up early to beat the crowds and headed to Trang An for a boat tour—an excellent decision. Starting early meant we had the place nearly to ourselves. As a photographer, I loved capturing the untouched scenery without boats in the background. By the time we returned, the river was packed! Known as the “Ha Long Bay on land,” Trang An truly lived up to the name—serene, majestic, and easily one of our favorite experiences of the trip. That night, we ended up in a backpacker karaoke bar, which made for a surprisingly fun and lively evening.

Day 10 was more relaxed. We spent the morning by the pool, then took the motorbike again in the afternoon to hike up Lying Dragon Mountain (Hang Mua). The climb is a bit of a workout, but the panoramic views from the top are absolutely worth it.

On the morning of Day 11, we had breakfast and caught a bus to our next destination: Ha Long Bay.

Day 11 to 13: Ha Long Bay

We decided we didn’t just want to get a bus directly from Ninh Binh to the ferry and then to Hanoi. We wanted to also see the town of Ha Long. Which for us was quite sad. There was a very high flooding 6 months before we went and Ha Lang basically was a ghost town. We quickly decided to just go to the beach and enjoy the beach and the views. Including a stunning sunset.

On the Morning of day 12 our driver form the cruise picked us up and we went cruising along the Ha Long Bay, we did this cruise and it was amazing. Which was quite q pricey but unforgettable experience which if you have the budget for it I 100% recommend you doing. It was one of those places I’d seen in photos for years and always wondered if it could really be that beautiful in real life. Spoiler: it absolutely is. With thousands of limestone karsts rising from emerald-green water, misty mornings that feel like scenes from a fantasy novel, and peaceful moments floating between islands—it’s pure magic.

Whether you’re into kayaking, cave exploring, or just want to relax on the deck of a boat with a drink in hand, Ha Long Bay has something for everyone.

Day 13 to 16: Hanoi

After our Ha Long Bay cruise, we took a direct bus to Hanoi (about 3.5 hours). Just like in Ho Chi Minh City, we spent our first afternoon walking and exploring the city’s charm. We were lucky to arrive on a Sunday—perfect timing for the weekend street market! We wandered through stalls, bought souvenirs, and sampled all kinds of delicious street food.

On Day 14, we walked to Tay Ho Lake and visited the Tran Quoc Pagoda. Along the way, we discovered quiet little streets and cozy cafés. Later, we returned to the Old Quarter and had the famous egg coffee at The Note Coffee—so creamy and unique! In the afternoon, we headed to Train Street, arriving early at 2 PM to grab a beer and wait for the 3 PM train. It was such a fun and surreal experience—watching a train pass so close while surrounded by cute cafés and neon lights. Definitely worth the hype.

Day 15 began with a visit to Hoa Lo Prison, also known as the “Hanoi Hilton.” It was historically fascinating and impactful, though less emotionally heavy than the War Museum in Ho Chi Minh. In the evening, we went to a water puppet show, which completely exceeded expectations. The colorful puppets performing on water tell stories of Vietnamese folklore, rural life, and legends. It was charming and culturally rich—a perfect ending to our trip.

Our final day started slowly, sipping one last egg coffee and enjoying a final bowl of pho. By midday, it was time to head to the airport and say goodbye to Vietnam—a country that completely stole our hearts.