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No matter where you are in Vietnam, expect to uncover something unique, whether it’s the landscapes, traditions, food, or culture — even the dialect differs slightly depending on which part of the country you’re in.
If you’re planning a trip to the land of rice, coconuts and cà phê sữa đá, a two week Vietnam itinerary is an ideal timeframe for traveling across the country. Living in Vietnam for six years, I didn’t even manage to explore half of the cities, towns, and little villages in between; there’s just so much to experience.
In the interests of giving you the most well-rounded experience of this wonderful country, we’ve compiled an itinerary for newbies that makes the most sense. Fly into the north and make your way across the country, through the central parts, and end in the south.

If Vietnam is not your final destination. the Cambodian border is close (ish) to HCMC, so logically, finishing off in the south side is easiest for travelers wanting to head over to Cambodia. Alternatively, if you’re off to Laos next, simply swap the itinerary around, starting in HCMC and ending in Hanoi.
Ready for the mountains, rice paddies, countrysides, beaches, islands, waterfalls, UNESCO sites, quaint towns, and metro cities?

The best way to travel around Vietnam is to join a local tour, fly between cities, complete a motorbike trip of a lifetime (guided adventures available, too), or use the local buses and train systems.
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Day 1 – 4: Hanoi
As the gateway to Northern Vietnam, the country’s second-largest city and capital is unlike anywhere else in Vietnam. It boasts a similar street food, coffee art, and cultural lifestyle as the rest of the country, but there’s a certain manic ambiance about Hanoi that’s so addictive. I’d recommend kick-starting your 2-week Vietnam itinerary from the capital city, where there are loads of things to do in Hanoi and unique day trips are possible.

Day 1
Get acquainted with Hanoi on Day 1 — trust me, you’ll need time to adjust to its “go go go” attitude. The Old Quarter is the perfect starting point; conveniently, it’s an ideal base for travelers (and where most tourists stay). Stroll around Hoan Kiem Lake with a soft serve (kem in Vietnamese) and get a caricature done. Explore the ins and outs of the individual shopping streets, like Sunglass Street, Train Street, or Shoe Street — and yes, this is totally a thing in Hanoi. Streets are literally lined with shops selling the same products and nicknamed after their offering.

Feel the buzz of Vietnamese coffee at the specialty coffee houses; wine and dine at fancy restaurants (check out these best restaurants in Hanoi Old Quarter); or leave it up to street food in Hanoi to fill your bellies. End day one in Hanoi with a quintessential cultural show; the Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre.
Day 2
For Day 2, I’d suggest an early morning day trip to the famous Hạ Long Bay. Alternatively, stay overnight on a boat/yacht floating between one of the New Seven Wonders of Nature. Go kayaking among soaring limestone karsts, explore caves, dock on small beaches, and shop from the floating shops passing by.

Day 3
Dedicate Day 3 to the cultural and historical sites around Hanoi. Visit the Temple of Literature, the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum (where Uncle Ho’s body is laid to rest inside), and the Vietnam National Museum of History. Then delve into some of the city’s other areas, like picturesque Tay Ho, Truc Bach Lake, and trendy Ba Dinh. Veer beyond the city perimeters to the Bat Trang Pottery Village (a 45-minute scooter drive away, or local buses run here, too). Then, hop on a tour bus or train (the scenic journey is three hours), and arrive in the Mai Chau countryside for the night at a local homestay.



Day 4
Rise with the red sun and bike between verdant rice fields. Discover the different northern Vietnamese hilltop tribes, shop for crafts, and snap pics of the different style stilt houses of the area, then head back to the capital city.

Travel tip: If you have more than just a two week Vietnam itinerary, Sapa way up north is a MUST!
Day 5 – 9: Danang, Hoi An and Hue
The fastest way to get to Danang from Hanoi is on a two-hour flight. Situated in the central region of Vietnam; fall into coastal bliss — a huge change of pace from the business of Hanoi.
Danang
Spending your first day in the oceanic city makes the most sense. Danang has a laid-back vibe, and its tropical climate means it’s always balmy. Check into a beachfront hotel, or stay within the city. Laze about the beaches, learn to surf, and feast on plenty of fresh seafood. You can even snorkel around the shores of Cham Island. Sipping cocktails at sunset hour is very much a thing here!

Hoi An
Hire a car (or take local transport) and spend Day 6 and Day 7 of your two week Vietnam itinerary in French-influenced Hoi An — my favorite town in all of Vietnam. It’s a 45-minute car journey from Danang. This lantern-laden terra cotta town feels unlike anywhere in the world.
It’s split into two sides, divided by a river bridge. Walking between the intertwining streets and alleys of shops, restaurants, and cafes is an experience in itself and the ultimate way to discover Hoi An. It’s a renowned shopping mecca — especially on the tailoring side. Tailor a suit for next to nothing, a leather backpack, or a custom-made pair of boots.

One word of advice: don’t leave your cameras behind!
The local markets display fresh products from the area; definitely eat your heart out with all the special food from this region. Or, join a cooking class! There’s also the epic Taboo Bamboo Workshop, where you’ll learn to craft wall sconces, artistic decor, cups, or whatever you desire, all from bamboo.
Add in more vitamin D at Hoi An’s beaches. Wake up to the sounds of the ocean, or opt to stay within the Ancient Town.

Hue
On Day 8, it’s all about the Imperial City of Hue! The drive between Danang and Hue is noted by Jeremy Clarkson as one of the most beautifully scenic roads in the world! Along the Hai Van Pass, there are many stop-offs, from hidden beaches to mountain hikes to local villages nestled away in the mountains, even the Bach Ma National Park.
Once in Hue, check out the Imperial City complex, where there are loads of attractions and UNESCO sites within the citadel. Amazing cafes await you in Hue, and other super intriguing places to adventure include an abandoned water theme park on a lake, and a gorgeous incense village, Thuy Xuan Incense-making Village.



Danang
Before making your exit to Nha Trang, lap up a final day in Danang, ticking off famous attractions. These include the 67-meter-tall Lady Buddha, Marble Mountain, the Insta-famous Golden Bridge at Ba Na Hills, Nui Than Tai Hot Springs Park, My Son Sanctuary (1-hour away), and more. End with a delightful dinner cruise on the Han River.



Day 10 – 11: Nha Trang
Continuing with the coastal vibes, catch a short one-hour flight from Danang to Nha Trang (the gateway to the Central Highlands and the South Central region). The next leg of your two week Vietnam itinerary is where the island-hopping fun begins. Home to 19 isles, dedicate an entire day to this boating sightseeing venture. A playground of water activities awaits, like scuba diving and snorkeling underwater worlds.
(Hon Mun Island is the best for snorkeling; Hon Tre Island is the largest; Hon Lao is nicknamed Monkey Island; and Hon Noi Island is simply sublime.)



The best parts of Nha Trang are beyond the inner city perimeters. See the Hon Khoi Salt Fields (the largest in Vietnam), feel the spirituality in the air at the striking Buddhist Long Son Pagoda, and step back hundreds of years ago at Ponagar Temple (Cham Towers) — constructed in the 8th century! Chase cascades during a hike to Ba Ho Waterfalls or try something uniquely Nha Trang-esque: spa-ing in one of the famous mud baths.



Travel tip: You can set aside one of your Nha Trang days from your two week Vietnam itinerary to day-tripping to Da Lat (three hours from Nha Trang by car).
Day 12 – 14: Ho Chi Minh City
From wartime history to sunset vistas from rooftop bars above skyscrapers, no trip to Vietnam is complete without a visit to Ho Chi Minh City. After your flight, check in to your stay in District 1 (Districts 3, 5, and 7 are also super cool). Then, it’s time to tick the quintessential city scenes off your list. Shop the local boutiques, markets, and mega malls (nearing your two week Vietnam itinerary, it’s now a fab time to fill your suitcase to the brim).
Have dinner at Michelin-listed restaurants (both Ănăn Saigon and Long Trieu hold one Michelin star!), or head into District 4 for street food heaven. Book a food tour and compare the difference between Southern and Northern cuisine, and end the day in style with a ride up the 262-meter-tall Bitexco Tower for the best views sweeping Saigon.

On Day 13, it’s time for the famous Mekong Delta. Tours from HCMC are extremely popular, and you’ll need the whole day for this excursion. Sail down the Mekong on a traditional boat through jungle scenes, stopping over at riverside villages in between. I’d also suggest a trip to the Cu Chi Tunnels to scope out how the Viet Cong Soldiers strategically won the Vietnam War. Either begin or end at the tunnels — it’s an awesome way to split up your day.



Drawing to a close for this two week Vietnam itinerary, there’s still time on Day 14 for a visit to the museums. My recommendations are the War Remnants Museum, HCMC History Museum, Ao Dai Museum, and Quang San Art Museum. Not a museum fan? Treat yourself to a spa morning — spas in Vietnam are really, like really affordable compared to countries like the USA, Australia, and the UK — so take advantage.
Other gems of Vietnam
Do you have more time to spare over and above your two week Vietnam itinerary? Here are some of the other must-see destinations in Vietnam.
North? Hà Giang, Pù Luông Nature Reserve, Ba Be National Park, Ninh Binh (and Tam Cốc)
Central? Phong Nha – Ke Bang National Park, Quảng Bình, Quy Nhon
South? Mui Ne, Phú Quốc Island, Côn Đảo
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