Vietnam is a dream destination for many people after seeing beautiful photos and hearing great things from friends who’ve been there. Of course, the visuals in the movies set in the country and the delicious local food in Vietnamese restaurants are also deeply impressive.
Two weeks is a decent amount of time to spend exploring the unique things to do in Vietnam and really experience it. Although, of course, with just a short trip itinerary to the country, you have to prioritize where you want to go, as there’s so much to choose from.
It’s generally quite easy and cheap to travel around Vietnam. If you like to do things on your own, in some cases, it may be much easier to join group tours!
Whatever type of traveler you are, here’s an ideal 2-week Vietnam South to North Itinerary you can use for your next trip.
Arrival in Ho Chi Minh City
For many, Ho Chi Minh City is the central hub and arrival portal to the country. However, it is more commonly known as Saigon by locals and expats alike. This was the name of the city until 1975, when it was captured by North Vietnamese troops.
Best Time to Visit
Plan your trip to the capital city during the dry season from January to February. Around then, you’re more likely to be able to enjoy its natural beauty during warm, sunny days with lower humidity and minimal rain.
However, any time from December to March should be good. From April, you’ll see fewer crowds just before the rains start again in May.
Getting Around the City
From the airport, you can quite easily take the bus to the city, but it doesn’t run very late into the evening. If you plan to stay out until around 10 pm or later, consider taking a taxi instead.
A Breakdown of a Perfect Vietnam 2-Week Itinerary from South To North
Here is an action-packed and fun south to north Vietnam itinerary that will keep you exploring the area’s top sites and attractions.
Day 1: Ho Chi Minh City and Cu Chi Tunnels
Many times, when people start planning their trips to Vietnam, the War Remnants Museum and Cu Chi Tunnel are usually high on their list. This makes sense as it is one of the top places to visit in Vietnam.
The tunnels are the main tourist site in Ho Chi Minh City, and are ideal for someone with an avid interest in history. They served as the location for a number of military campaigns during the Vietnam War (or the American War, as it is referred to by the Vietnamese).
During that time, they were used for a number of reasons, including as living quarters, hiding spots, and routes for communication and the transport of supplies.
There was no public transport to the tunnels, so you would need to take a group tour. The tours leave at intervals in the morning and the afternoon, with a car ride theres taking approximately two hours.
On the guided tour of the grounds and the tunnels, you’ll have an opportunity to go down into the tunnels themselves. The tunnels are tiny, and if you’re claustrophobic, you might find it hard to imagine anyone spending more than ten minutes in them, let alone a few days, a week, or more. The rest of the tour involves looking at some of the gruesome traps set to catch American soldiers during the war.
In the evening, you’ll have ample time to explore the lively city. There are a good number of great rooftop bars all over the city, and it’s definitely worth having a drink at one of them. Saigon Saigon Rooftop Bar is a good place to check out if you want to catch up with friends and take in the view.
Day 2: Mekong Delta Tour
A full-day Mekong Tour sometimes requires you to have grit and a lot of patience. Expect your bus trip there to sometimes be late or even overpacked, but that is part of the Ho Chi Minh City experience.
There are various boat trips to choose from, each with unique stops, including a honey bee farm, a coconut candy workshop, and a crocodile farm. If you can, take the opportunity to go on a smaller boat shared with the locals for an authentic experience.
Some of the stops can be a bit too touristy, but overall, it is extremely worthwhile to take a trip.
If you want a more efficient trip, consider this full-day tour with an English-speaking guide instead. It offers hotel pickup, lunch, and a stop at Vinh Trang Temple on the way back.
Day 3: Ho Chi Minh to Mui Ne
A trip from Ho Chi Minh to Mui Ne takes about 3.5 hours by car or 5 hours by bus. This seaside town in southern Vietnam is known for its white sand dunes and extensive coastline.
Once here, take a half-day tour of the famous Mui Ne Sand Dunes, Fishing Village, and Fairy Stream, like this sunset Jeep tour. These usually have two departure times. One at sunrise, and for early risers who want to avoid crowds, a sunrise ride too.
These trips take you to both the white and red sand dunes (approximately a one-hour drive apart), a fairy stream, and to a fishing village where you stop for a short time to take photos of colorful boats in the ocean. Watching the sky turn different shades against the white sand dunes is truly a lovely experience.
The beach is also worth visiting while here for adventure travellers as it’s best suited for those who want to practice windsurfing or take some lessons. It’s quite windy, which is perfect for windsurfing, but as you can imagine, it’s not very pleasant for sunbathing.
The wind just blows sand into your face while you’re lying down trying to rest or read. Of course, it’s still worth popping down to the beach in any case. There are a number of restaurants along the beach that you can head to any time of the day to get some local food and enjoy the view of the ocean and windsurfers.
Days 4 and 5: Da Lat to Da Nang
To make the most of your Vietnam itinerary, take some time to visit both Da Lat. From Mui Ne, you can expect a four-hour bus ride to Da Lat. This makes getting to your next destination, Hoi An, easier.
It’s possible to tour on your own if you rent a scooter or motorbike. But if you don’t feel comfortable with this option, that’s understandable. The traffic in Da Lat can be quite dangerous and fast for anyone unfamiliar. If this is you, the group tour was definitely the best option.
Top attractions here include visiting Van Thanh Flower Village, the Da Lat Eiffel Tower, a beautiful coffee plantation, the incredible Elephant Waterfall, and the Linh An Pagoda, to name a few. It is sure to be a great day with lots of good photos.
While here, you should also take a few hours walking around the town, visiting all the interesting street stalls and trying the tasty street food. If you’re into whimsical magic, grab a coffee at Cafe Harry Potter or 100 Roof Bar. For dinner in Da Lat, you’re spoiled for choice and good cocktails in the town center. Just walk around, and you’re sure to find something that grabs your attention.
From Da Lat, you can take a direct flight to Da Nang airport within an hour. From there, you’ll have to take a 30-minute taxi to Hoi An.
Day 6: Central Vietnam (Hoi An)
Hoi An is a UNESCO World Heritage site for its beautifully preserved 15th-19th-century trading port. You can spend a full day exploring the Ancient Town taking photos of the beautiful well preserved architecture, lanterns, buildings, and temples.
You also have the option to go to the An Bang beach near the city to dip your toes in and go for a little walk. Many hotels are located near the shore, allowing a quick cycle from our inn. Thankfully, renting a bicycle in Hoi An is extremely easy and popular, and many hotels even offer them for free.
Who knew this city in South East Asia would have such delicious Greek food? MIX Restaurant in the Old Town has a very good reputation for having the most delicious meals. Souvlaki can be quite filling, especially when you finish your night with Greek-style chocolate fudge.
Looking for sometime more traditional? Get a delicious Bahn mi (a Vietnamese sandwich) at Queen Bahn Mi. This restaurant is extremely popular among tourists for a good reason. The food here will leave you both extremely satisfied and stuffed for only 1 USD or so!
Day 7: Central Vietnam (Cham Islands)
To get to the Cham Islands from Hoi An, you’ll need to take a public ferry or a speed boat if you want to travel in half the time, in 30 minutes. These should be easy to book through your hotel, along with other beachside activities near the island.
A snorkeling tour of the Cham Islands is a great way to explore. You’ll spend most of the day on a boat, soaking up the rays, stopping at different snorkeling spots, and seeing some beautiful underwater life.
Don’t forget to take some time eating a fresh seafood lunch and relaxing on the main destination of Cham Island before heading back to Hoi An.
Day 8: Explore the Former Imperial Capital Of Hue
Hue is an incredibly short bus ride away from Hoi An. But, it wouldn’t be a great Vietnam itinerary without visiting the Imperial City.
One day is enough time to spend in this walled enclosure. While here, you will see beautiful ancient buildings, including temples and places of worship, as well as impressively stunning gardens.
The Perfume River flows through the center of the city, offering a sweet fragrance from the upriver flowers. But that’s not the only place you can experience magnificent senses. The 700-year-old Thuy Xuan Incense Village doesn’t only smell good, but is also bursting with vibrant hues.
After spending a day in Hue, you can take an evening flight to Hanoi or hop on an overnight sleeper bus, which takes approximately 16 hours. There is also a sleeper train that offers an interesting experience worth considering if you’re interested in overland travel.
Day 9: Ninh Binh
Ninh Binh is just under a 2-hour drive from Hanoi. It is affectionately nicknamed the “Ha long Bay on Land” because of its serene boat rides.
You can get a cab the entire way, but consider taking the train station to save a couple of bucks. The entire trip there by train should take approximately 2 and a half hours so doesn’t make that much of a time difference.
Once you’ve arrived in Ninh Binh, stop by a café to rent motorbikes and scooters. You don’t always need to show a license to rent them, but it’s best to only ride one if you feel comfortable. If you’re in a group, it’s not so costly to rent a car either. It’s possible to cycle as well if you prefer, but if you’re experincing very hot and humid weather, it’s not recommended.
In Ninh Binh, there’s so much to see from Bai Dinh Temple to a boat trip at Tam Coc. There’s also multiple hiking trails with panoramic views. If you ever feel like extending your trip to explore more of one region, consider it this.
Day 10: Relax in Hanoi
Probably exhausted from traveling, take some time to spend a more chilled day exploring Hanoi and eat some good food. Walk around the city’s Old Quarter and visit Tay Ho, a great place to sit by the lake and have a traditional Vietnamese coffee at Maldives Cafe.
The Women’s Museum is also worth visiting, as it offers some really interesting insights into the role of women in Vietnamese society and throughout history. Lotte Tower is Hanoi’s tallest building and the best place to take in the view of the city and have a few cocktails.
Hanoi Social Club in the Old Quarter is a great restaurant to pick up dinner. It serves a lot of delicious Western food and good cocktails (including vegan burgers!)
Day 11 -13: Halong Bay tour
Another must-do on the list is a Halong Bay tour. If you ask at your hotel or hostel, you can find a wide variety of tours to suit your needs.
There are mid-range tours, luxury tours, and, of course, party tours! A mid-range tour costs approximately $150 USD for the one-night option. But if you have time to stay for two nights, you definitely should, as this option includes a visit to Cat Ba Island, which is meant to be truly beautiful.
Most trips include a guided cave tour and some kayaking. There is a stop at an overly touristy beach, which was my least favorite part of the tour, but overall, the trip was really pleasant.
Day 14: Mai Chau Valley
Finally, for the end of this vietnam 2 week itinerary, take a one-day trip to Mai Chau Valley. This involves visiting a hill tribe, doing some cycling, and taking in views of the beautiful mountains, forests, and terraced rice paddies.
It’s the perfect destination for nature lovers! You can easily spend hours exploring the area before heading back to Hanoi airport.
2-Week Vietnam Itinerary South To North Wrapped Up
2-Week Vietnam Itinerary South To North Wrapped UpAnd then, just like that, it is all over. The journey may seem long and exhausting at times, but it is so incredible.
The charm of a visit to Vietnam is that there is always so much more to explore, no matter how long you stay. So, you should definitely start thinking of a way to go back when you can.
Last updated on April 10th, 2026 at 04:44 pm
