The Ultimate Two Week Vietnam Itinerary

Vietnam is a country of contrasts where ancient traditions meet modern life, and natural beauty ranges from misty mountains to tropical beaches. A 14-day itinerary offers the perfect opportunity to experience the best the country has to offer – from the breathtaking landscapes of Lan Ha Bay to the cultural richness of Hoi An. This guide explores where to go in Vietnam over a two-week period and possible extension ideas to further explore this fascinating country.

View our suggested 2-week Vietnam itinerary in full

A vibrant city of tree-lined boulevards, temples, lakes, parks and a bustling Old Quarter, Hanoi’s charm lies in the preservation of a distinct North Vietnamese culture and way of life. After acclimatising after your flight, spend the next two days exploring Vietnam’s capital.

During a stay in Hanoi visit the Mausoleum of Ho Chi Minh, his house in the compound of the former Presidential Palace, and the picturesque One Pillar Pagoda which was originally built during the 11th century AD. Other landmarks of interest include the wonderful Temple of Literature, which is dedicated to Confucius, Tran Quoc Pagoda, Hanoi’s oldest Buddhist temple located on a small island in West Lake and St. Joseph’s Cathedral.

Another unmissable visit in Hanoi the city’s Old Quarter, an intriguing and atmospheric maze of narrow streets, traditional architecture and green spaces. The neighbourhood comprises of nearly 40 streets packed with bustling shops and markets where each street is named for its primary good. Other recommended experiences whilst in the capital include a street food tour by Vespa, a Vietnamese master tea ceremony, cooking class in a tranquil garden house and a street photography tour.

Departing Hanoi continue your two-week Vietnam adventure and head to Hai Phong, the departure point for a Lan Ha Bay cruise. Lan Ha Bay is a quieter alternative to Ha Long Bay, where limestone-karst islands protrude from the sea to create a labyrinth of channels, secluded beaches and yawning caves.

Step onboard Ylang, a luxurious ship that sails to the far-flung corners of Lan Ha Bay. Equipped with lavish suites, all elegantly decorated with Indochinese heritage in mind, the boat also boasts a sanctuary spa, terrace deck with a jacuzzi pool and sun loungers, a restaurant and bar and library lounge. Over the next three days kayak to hidden bays, take a cycling tour of majestic Cat Ba Island, visit the fisherman at Ben Bao’s floating community, enjoy cooking demonstrations and admire the surreal landscape as the sun sets.

Nestled along the banks of the Perfume River, Hue is one of Vietnam’s most significant cultural and historical centres where the influential Nguyen dynasty ruled from 1802 to 1945. A highlight of any visit to Hue is the UNESCO protected Imperial City which offers a captivating glimpse into Vietnam's imperial past. Enclosed within thick stone walls and a moat, the Imperial City is a vast complex of palaces, temples, gates, and administrative buildings and at its heart lies the Forbidden Purple City, which was once reserved exclusively for the emperor and his family. Outside of Hue, take a cycling tour and explore the outlying rural villages, enjoy a scenic boat trip down the Perfume River or visit Thien Mu Pagoda and the Imperial tombs.

Hoi An is undoubtedly one of Vietnam’s highlights – a quaint, picturesque town of pastel-coloured merchant houses, winding cobbled streets, pagodas and silk merchants that is now UNESCO protected. Around two-hundred years ago Hoi An was a bustling little port home to Chinese traders and a strong commercial link to Japan which, over time, influenced the town’s architecture and design.

Aside from its strong cultural identity, Hoi An is often referred to as Vietnam’s foodie capital. Dishes unique to the town include cao lau, a noodle dish made with thick noodles, pork, fresh herbs and white rose dumplings, delicate shrimp-filled dumplings shaped like flowers, whilst classics such as pho, bánh mì, bánh xèo and fresh spring rolls can be found at street vendors or restaurants throughout Hoi An. We would highly recommend taking a cookery class where you will visit a local market before enjoying a hands-on culinary experience learning to prepare and cook traditional Vietnamese specialities.

Departing central Vietnam, take a short flight south to Ho Chi Minh City, the modern face of Vietnam. Growing from a small 15th century Khmer trading port, today this city is a bustling dynamic metropolis of crumbling colonial buildings, chaotic streets, colourful markets and informal pavement cafes. During a stay in Ho Chi Minh City take a guided tour to see landmarks such as the former Presidential Palace, now Reunification Hall, famously occupied by the army of North Vietnam in 1975, the city’s colonial centre including Notre Dame Cathedral and General Post Office and colourful Chinatown with its historic pagodas. A visit to the War Remnants Museum is also recommended.

Another highlight whilst in Vietnam's southern city is taking a day trip to visit the Mekong Delta. Characterised by its lush landscapes the region is often referred to as the ‘rice bowl’ of Vietnam, being a major agricultural hub, producing much of the country's rice, fruits, and seafood. Take a traditional riverboat made from wood, rattan and bamboo and spend the day cruising the winding canals and exploring the floating markets and riverside villages.

Ninh Binh

Often referred to as a ‘Ha Long Bay on land’, the Ninh Binh province in northern Vietnam is known for its dramatic limestone karsts that frame the winding rivers and emerald-green rice fields. Offering a peaceful escape only a two-hour drive from bustling Hanoi, explore the awe-inspiring landscapes and visit cultural sites such as Hoa Lu Ancient Capital and Bai Dinh Pagoda. Take a cycle tour to observe water buffalo, local farmers and traditional villages, allowing you to immerse yourself in authentic rural Vietnamese life.

Sapa

Nestled high in the Hoàng Liên Son mountain range of northern Vietnam, Sapa is a tapestry of misty landscapes, terraced rice fields and colourful markets. Developed as a hill station by the French during the 1930s, who left their stamp on the architecture of the town, Sapa is today home to numerous minority groups including the Hmong, Dao and Tay. Whist in Sapa we would recommend visiting the Muong Hoa valley which has the largest concentration of rice terraces in the area and the Black Hmong village of Lao Chai.

Phu Quoc

Phu Quoc, Vietnam’s largest island, is a tropical paradise renowned for its pristine beaches, lush jungles and vibrant local culture. Located in the Gulf of Thailand, closer to the Cambodia than Vietnam, it boasts over 150km of coastline, featuring powdery white sands and crystal-clear turquoise waters ideal for swimming, snorkelling and relaxing. The island is home to several excellent hotels and more exclusive resorts including Luxnam*, Vinpearl Resort and Spa, La Veranda Resort and Sailing Club Signature Resort.