14 days in Vietnam itinerary – Explore the best of Vietnam in 2 weeks

Day 1–3: Hanoi – Dive into Vietnam’s cultural heart

Day 1: Arrival and first impressions

Arrive at Noi Bai Airport and head to the Old Quarter. After checking in, explore Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple, then grab a famous coconut coffee or egg coffee nearby. For dinner, try a classic pho at Pho Bat Dan or Pho Thin, followed by a water puppet show for a light cultural introduction.

Day 2: Historical highlights

Visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, Presidential Palace, and One Pillar Pagoda. Then explore the peaceful courtyards of the Temple of Literature. For lunch, try bun cha at Huong Lien—famously visited by Obama. In the afternoon, the Museum of Ethnology offers a rich look into Vietnam’s 54 ethnic groups. End the day with a quiet moment at Cafe Giang, the birthplace of egg coffee.

Day 3: French quarter & Old markets

Begin at the somber Hoa Lo Prison, then explore colonial architecture around the French Quarter. Wander through Dong Xuan Market, or hunt for silk goods in the Old Quarter. Grab cha ca (grilled turmeric fish) or crab spring rolls for a memorable farewell dinner in Hanoi.

Day 4–5: Ha Long bay – Cruise the emerald waters

Day 4: Set Sail on an overnight cruise

Transfer from Hanoi to Ha Long Bay (about 3.5 hours by shuttle or private car). Board a traditional or luxury cruise and begin sailing past Ha Long’s famous limestone karsts, hidden lagoons, and floating villages. After a seafood lunch, enjoy activities like kayaking, swimming, or visiting a pearl farm. In the evening, relax with sunset cocktails, followed by a Vietnamese dinner onboard. Optional: night squid fishing or stargazing from the deck.

Day 5: Sunrise and caves

Start with tai chi at sunrise on the sundeck. After a light breakfast, explore Sung Sot (Surprise) Cave or hike to a viewpoint on Titov Island. Brunch is served as you cruise back to shore by late morning. Continue by car or train to your next stop: Ninh Binh, about 4.5–5 hours by road if direct, or return to Hanoi and transfer from there.

Day 6–7: Ninh Binh – Inland Halong Bay with a rustic soul

Day 6: Rivers, pagodas & peace

Travel to Ninh Binh (approx. 2 hours from Hanoi). Begin with a Trang An or Tam Coc boat ride, where you’ll drift through towering limestone cliffs, lush rice fields, and cave tunnels. Visit the serene Bich Dong Pagoda, set against a cliffside with beautiful mountain views.

Stay the night in a cozy riverside eco-lodge or homestay in Tam Coc. For dinner, try local specialties like goat meat with lemongrass, crispy rice crust (com chay), and fresh vegetables from the region.

Day 7: Scenic views & countryside charm

Start your morning with a bicycle ride through the peaceful countryside, past buffalo, lotus ponds, and sleepy villages. Then tackle the 500-step hike to Hang Mua Peak, where a dragon statue watches over panoramic views of Tam Coc’s karst valley.

If time allows, visit Hoa Lu, the ancient capital of Vietnam, with temples dedicated to King Dinh and King Le. In the evening, take a train or flight onward to Hue, the next stop on your 14-day Vietnam journey.

Day 8–9: Hue – Vietnam’s imperial past

Day 8: Explore the ancient capital

Arrive in Hue, Vietnam’s former imperial capital. Check into a riverside hotel, then begin your visit at the majestic Imperial City (Citadel)—a vast complex of royal halls, ancient gates, and the Forbidden Purple City, partially destroyed during wartime but still echoing with grandeur.

For lunch, try the signature local dish: bun bo Hue, a spicy beef noodle soup rich with lemongrass flavor. In the afternoon, stroll along the Perfume River and explore architectural relics or colonial buildings scattered through the quiet city. Hue is known for its scholarly calm and cultural depth—perfect for slowing the pace of your journey. Enjoy a serene dinner in a garden house restaurant, with traditional music performances if available.

Day 9: Royal tombs and spiritual sites

Take a dragon boat cruise on the Perfume River to Thien Mu Pagoda, one of Vietnam’s oldest and most iconic religious sites. Then visit two of the most beautiful imperial tombs: Tomb of Tu Duc, known for its peaceful lotus ponds and poetic layout, and Tomb of Khai Dinh, with intricate mosaic work and European-inspired architecture.

In the evening, relax with a sunset drink or optional folk music show along the river. Prepare for a scenic road trip south to Hoi An the following morning.

Day 10–11: Hoi An – Ancient charm and creative energy

Day 10: Lanterns, bridges, and culture

Depart Hue in the morning and enjoy a scenic 3-hour drive over the Hai Van Pass, one of Vietnam’s most beautiful coastal roads. Make a quick photo stop at Lang Co Beach before arriving in Hoi An, the atmospheric riverside town frozen in time.

In the afternoon, explore Hoi An Ancient Town—a UNESCO World Heritage site full of preserved merchant houses, Chinese assembly halls, and the iconic Japanese Covered Bridge. Visit the Tan Ky House, one of the oldest traditional residences open to visitors.

As the sun sets, the streets glow with lanterns of every color. Browse the lively night market, get measured for a tailored suit or dress, and dine by the river with local dishes like cao lau or white rose dumplings.

Day 11: Cooking, cycling & beach time

Start your day with a cooking class - many include a market tour and boat ride, followed by hands-on experience making dishes like fresh spring rolls, clay pot fish, and green papaya salad.

In the afternoon, take a bicycle ride to Tra Que Vegetable Village, where you can meet local farmers and learn about traditional agriculture. If you’re in the mood to relax, head to An Bang Beach for swimming, a massage, or drinks at a beachfront café.

Before leaving Hoi An, pick up your tailored clothes and souvenirs such as lanterns, embroidered fans, or leather goods made to order.

Day 12–14: Ho Chi Minh city – Southern speed and spirit

Day 12: History, energy, and colonial splendor

Fly from Da Nang to Ho Chi Minh City (about 1.5 hours). After checking into a hotel in District 1, kick off your southern Vietnam experience with visits to key historical landmarks.

Start at the War Remnants Museum, known for its powerful photos and exhibits about the Vietnam War. Then head to the Reunification Palace, a 1960s building frozen in time where the fall of Saigon officially ended the war.

Just a short walk away are two architectural gems from the French colonial era: Notre-Dame Cathedral and the Saigon Central Post Office, both perfect for photos and history buffs.

Spend your afternoon exploring Ben Thanh Market, or venture into District 3 for modern coffee shops and quiet alleys. Enjoy dinner with southern specialties like com tam (broken rice with grilled pork) or banh xeo (crispy rice pancakes), and finish the night with rooftop cocktails at a sky bar overlooking the dazzling skyline.

Day 13: Cu Chi tunnels and local life

Take a half-day tour to the Cu Chi Tunnels, a complex underground network used by the Viet Cong during the war. You’ll crawl through tight passageways, learn about wartime survival, and see booby traps and bomb craters.

Return to the city in the afternoon and spend your free time shopping at local boutiques, exploring art galleries in Le Cong Kieu Street, or relaxing at a spa.

For a deeper look at Saigon’s modern life, explore neighborhoods like District 5 (Chinatown) or Thao Dien for its mix of expat-friendly cafés and riverside restaurants.

Day 14: Mekong Delta day trip & farewell

Wrap up your Vietnam journey with a full-day trip to the Mekong Delta. Leave early for Ben Tre or Cai Be, where you’ll cruise narrow canals by sampan boat, visit coconut candy factories, and enjoy fresh tropical fruits.

Have lunch at a local home surrounded by palm trees and rice paddies, then return to Ho Chi Minh City in the late afternoon. Depending on your flight time, enjoy a final bowl of pho or iced coffee before heading to the airport for departure.

Conclusion

This 14-day Vietnam itinerary brings together culture, cuisine, landscapes, and local life—offering a complete journey from north to south. You’ve explored ancient temples, kayaked in emerald waters, biked through rice fields, wandered lantern-lit towns, and cruised the Mekong.

Need more itinerary ideas or want to extend your journey? Check out our full Vietnam Itinerary to explore deeper and travel smarter.

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