14 days in Vietnam: How to spend it with 5 unique itineraries

Visit Vietnam for its captivating blend of rich culture and history (and fantastic cuisine) that consistently ranks high on the travel wish lists of adventurers worldwide. Ready to make the most of your visit? Dive into our 2-week Vietnam itineraries, designed by our Vietnam travel experts to ensure you experience the very best this enchanting country has to offer.

See our other Vietnam itineraries:  5 days | 10 days

Itinerary #1: Vietnam for romantics

Embark on a romantic 14-day Vietnam odyssey through the heart of the country, where love and culture intertwine.  If you're looking to plan a romantic getaway, Vietnam offers the perfect blend of cultural experiences in places like Hoi An and Ho Chi Minh City. This 14 day itinerary is complemented by the beauty of nature in Halong Bay and the Mekong Delta, culminating in the idyllic paradise of Phu Quoc with its crystal-clear waters and pristine sandy beaches.

Itinerary overview

Our journey commences in Hanoi, a city rich in history, where days 1 and 2 leads you to explore iconic sites like Ho Chi Minh's Stilted House and the One Pillar Pagoda.

Day 3 unveils the unique art of Vietnamese water puppetry before you set sail on day 4 to the ethereal Halong Bay. A mesmerizing 3-day cruise awaits, brimming with adventures like kayaking and village immersions.

The adventure soars to new heights on day 6 as you fly to Da Nang, leading to an enchanting exploration of Hoi An's cultural treasures on day 7. Day 8 invites leisure and personal indulgence in Hoi An. Arrive in Ho Chi Minh City on day 9 to uncover its colonial heritage, followed by a houseboat adventure in the Mekong Delta on day 10.

Day 11 is marked by the vibrant Cai Rang Floating Market visit before jetting off to the tropical haven of Phu Quoc Island. Enjoy two days of beachfront bliss, water adventures, and island expeditions. Finally, on day 14, you'll bid farewell to Vietnam, marking the end of an unforgettable journey filled with romance and cultural discovery. Read more.

Panorama Aerial view of Hoi An ancient town © Shutterstock

Panorama Aerial view of Hoi An ancient town © Shutterstock

Day 1: Welcome to Vietnam

  • Arrival in Hanoi

Day 2: Explore Hanoi

  • Visit Ho Chi Minh's Stilted House
  • Explore the Presidential Palace
  • Visit One Pillar Pagoda
  • Explore the Temple of Literature
  • Visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum

Day 3: Water puppet show

  • Morning Vietnamese water puppet show
  • Savor local cuisine, including a variety of street foods. Explore guided food tours through bustling markets, family-run eateries, and street food specialties for an authentic taste of Vietnam's diverse culinary landscape

Days 4-5: Halong Bay cruise

  • Marvel at the local nature
  • Admire karst islands
  • Kayaking
  • Cave exploration
  • Village visits

Day 6: Finish the cruise

  • Sunrise on the deck
  • Flight to Da Nang and transfer to Hoi An

Day 7: Explore Hoi An

  • Visit Japanese Bridge
  • Explore Chinese Temple
  • Engage in lantern-making
  • Enjoy a bamboo raft dinner

Day 8: Leisure Day in Hoi An

  • Shopping
  • Cooking class
  • Biking

Day 9: Ho Chi Minh City

  • Flight to Ho Chi Minh City
  • Guided city tour

Day 10: Cruise the Mekong Delta

  • Aboard a traditional houseboat
  • Explore floating villages

Day 11: Can Tho

  • Mekong Delta cruise to Cai Rang
  • Early visit to Cai Rang Floating Market
  • Flight to Phu Quoc

Days 12-13: Leisure in Phu Quoc 

  • Scuba diving at local spots
  • Visit the night market
  • Spa and beach time

Day 14: Departure

  • Transfer to Ho Chi Minh City for your flight home
  • Concluding your Vietnam journey

Planning and booking can become too much. Simplify it – book this trip with us today.

Mekong Delta in Vietnam © Shutterstock

Mekong Delta in Vietnam © Shutterstock

Itinerary #2: Vietnam for families

Pack your bags and bring the family along for a fully customizable, 12-day Vietnam family itinerary for all ages. Kicking off in Hanoi, this trip is one the family is sure to never forget.

Itinerary overview

Hanoi's charm unfolds with visits to historic marvels like the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, while immersive delights await, from mesmerizing water puppetry to heartwarming conversations with Vietnam War veterans.

The adventure sets sail with a 3-day cruise in Halong Bay, a realm of stunning islets and optional thrills like kayaking. Returning to Hanoi, take a quick flight to Hoi An, where picturesque villages beckon for cycling escapades. Dive deep into culture, hop on a bamboo basket boat, and master the art of Vietnamese cuisine in a captivating cooking class.

Next stop: Ho Chi Minh City, a trove of history and flavors. Take a thrilling Vespa Foodie Tour and travel to the Mekong Delta for boat-bound immersions that reveal local life.

But the journey isn't over yet; relish leisurely moments in Ho Chi Minh City before a flight sweeps you away to the serene Phu Quoc Island, where pristine beaches and lush landscapes await your family's delight. Read more.

Halong Bay, Vietnam © Shutterstock

Halong Bay © Shutterstock

Check out the overview of this Vietnam 2 week itinerary

Day 1: Welcome to Vietnam

  • Arrive at Noi Bai International Airport
  • Transfer to your hotel

Day 2: Explore Hanoi

  • Explore the historical sights of Hanoi
  • Old Quarter exploration with a rickshaw ride

Day 3: Learn about history & culture

  • Morning water puppetry
  • Tour with a Vietnam War veteran

Days 4-5: See Halong Bay

  • Depart for Halong Bay
  • Begin a 3-day Halong Bay cruise
  • Islet discovery
  • Tai Chi
  • Visit Sung Sot Cave

Days 6-7: Discover Hoi An

  • Countryside cycling
  • Visit the Japanese Bridge
  • Cultural exploration in Hoi An
  • Visit the Hoi An market
  • Enjoy a bamboo basket boat ride
  • Cooking class
  • Leisure time

Days 8-9:  Ho Chi Minh City

  • Guided city tour
  • Experience the vibrant culinary scene of Ho Chi Minh City with an evening Vespa Foodie Tour
  • Explore the Cu Chi Tunnels and War Remnants Museum

Day 10: Mekong Delta Adventure

  • Boat tour to Can Tho in the Mekong Delta 

Day 11: Can Tho

  • Explore the vibrant Cai Rang Floating Market
  • Return to Ho Chi Minh City

Day 12: Goodbye Vietnam

  • Transfer from Ho Chi Minh City to the airport

Planning and booking can become too much. Simplify it – book this trip with us today.

Phu-Quoc-Island-vietnam-shutterstock_521611651

Phu Quoc Island © Shutterstock

Itinerary #3: Very Vietnam

Your 16 day Vietnam adventure is a thorough exploration of this fantastic travel destination. Experience the romance of charming cities, embark on captivating cruises and unwind on unspoiled beaches.

Itinerary overview

This trip begins  in the capital, Hanoi, a city teeming with history. The path then leads you to the serene Mai Chau Valley and picturesque Ninh Binh. Here, you'll immerse yourself in rural life and bask in the beauty of nature's finest landscapes.

The next stop is the legendary Halong Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Step aboard the Bhaya Cruise for an exploration of its captivating islands and hidden caves. Transitioning to Hue via Da Nang, you'll pause to admire cultural wonders along the way. In charming Hoi An, enjoy a leisurely day or opt for a Fisherman Tour for a deeper cultural dive.

Nha Trang awaits with its historic sites, followed by Da Lat, a realm of natural beauty and the best things to do in Vietnam.

The grand finale unfolds in Ho Chi Minh City, a bustling metropolis brimming with culture and historical significance. With bittersweet emotions, bid adieu to Vietnam, a land of wonders and memories. Read more.

Trang An ( Ninh Binh, Vietnam)- the world heritage site © AdobeStock

Trang An ( Ninh Binh, Vietnam)- the world heritage site © AdobeStock

Check out the overview of this Vietnam 2 week itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Hanoi and City Tour

  • Arrive in Hanoi
  • City tour
  • Visit Hoan Kiem Lake
  • Explore Ngoc Son Temple
  • Explore Old Quarter

Day 2: Explore Hanoi's Heritage

  • Visit Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum
  • Explore One-Pillar Pagoda
  • Visit the Temple of Literature
  • Attend a Water Puppet Show

Day 3: Transfer to Mai Chau

  • Depart for Mai Chau

Day 4: Explore Mai Chau

  • Visit Mai Chau Valley
  • Cycle through villages
  • Drive to Ninh Binh 

Day 5: En Route to Halong via Hai Phong

  • Stop in Hai Phong
  • Visit Du Hang Pagoda
  • Explore Hang Kenh Temple

Day 6: Halong Bay Voyage

  • Cruise Halong Bay
  • Explore islands and caves
  • Overnight on Bhaya Cruise 
  • Visit Man's Head Island
  • Explore Tortoise Island
  • Explore Luon Cave
  • Visit Toad Island
  • Hike Bai Tho Mountain

Day 7:  Hue Perfume River Tour

  • Visit Thien Mu Pagoda
  • Explore Imperial City & King Tu Duc's Tomb
  • Stroll around Dong Ba Market

Day 8: Kim Long Village By Bicycle

  • retrace the glory of the "Great City"

Day 9: Hue to Hoi An via Da Nang

  • Pass through Hai Van Pass
  • Explore Cham Museum
  • Continue to Hoi An 

Day 10: Hoi An Fisherman Tour

  • Visit fishing village
  • Try local seafood lunch

Day 11: Explore Nha Trang

  • Visit Po Nagar Cham Towers
  • Explore Long Son Pagoda
  • See the many cultural experiences Nha Trang has to offer

Day 12: Journey to Da Lat

  • Transfer to Da Lat
  • Visit Summer Palace
  • Explore Xuan Huong Lake
  • Visit the train station
  • Explore the "Crazy House"

Day 13: Dalat's Beauty and Plantation Tours

  • Visit the Flower Garden
  • Enjoy plantation tours
  • Depart for Ho Chi Minh City 

Day 14: Unveil Ho Chi Minh City's Culture

  • Explore museums
  • Visit the former Presidential Palace, Central Post Office and Notre Dame Cathedral
  • Afternoon visit to Thien Hau Temple, Chinatown, and Binh Tay Market

Day 15: Tây Ninh & The Cu Chi Tunnels

  • Journey to Tây Ninh
  • Visit the center of Cao Daiism
  • Explore Cu Chi Tunnels
  • Drive back to Ho Chi Minh City

Day 16: Departure

  • Leisurely morning in Ho Chi Minh City
  • Transfer to Tan Son Nhat airport
     

Leave the stress of trip preparation behind. Book this adventure with us today.

Have the time to explore Vietnam in depth? Explore our Vietnam 3-week itineraries for inspiration.

The Thien Mu Pagoda is one of the ancient pagoda in Hue city © Shutterstock

The Thien Mu Pagoda is one of the ancient pagoda in Hue city © Shutterstock

Itinerary #4: Discover Vietnam and Laos

This 2 week Vietnam & Laos itinerary weaves through the vibrant cultural fabrics of Vietnam and Laos, promising an unforgettable journey. 

Itinerary overview

Commence your expedition in the bustling Ho Chi Minh City, where historical wonders like the Cu Chi Tunnels await exploration. Dive into the Mekong Delta's heart, where a boat voyage along the Tien River and a visit to the lively Cai Rang Floating Market awaits.

Your adventure then carries you to the enchanting city of Hue, where Perfume River cruises and Imperial Citadel explorations beckon. Traverse the picturesque Hai Van Pass en route to Hoi An. In Vietnam's capital, Hanoi, cultural treasures abound, and a mystical two-day cruise through Halong Bay promises enchantment.

Afterward, you'll soar to Luang Prabang, Laos, where Mekong River cruises lead to the ancient Pak Ou Caves and Kuang Si Falls' natural wonder. Concluding your remarkable journey in Luang Prabang, you'll depart with cherished memories of Vietnam and Laos, two lands steeped in culture and natural beauty. Read more.

Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum on the Ba Dinh Square in Hanoi, Vietnam © Shutterstock

Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum on the Ba Dinh Square in Hanoi, Vietnam © Shutterstock

Check out the overview of this Vietnam 2 week itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Ho Chi Minh City

  • Arrive in Ho Chi Minh City
  • Transfer to the hotel

Day 2: Cu Chi Tunnels & Saigon Highlights

  • Visit Cu Chi Tunnels
  • Explore the landmarks of Saigon

Day 3: Tien River Boat Ride & My Tho Fish Market

  • Enjoy a boat ride on the Tien River
  • Visit local islands
  • Explore My Tho Fish Market
  • Factory tour
  • Transfer to Can Tho

Day 4: Mekong River Cruise & Cai Rang Floating Market

  • Mekong River cruise
  • Visit the Cai Rang Floating Market
  • Return to Ho Chi Minh City

Day 5: Flight to Hue

  • Fly to Hue
  • Check into your hotel

Day 6: Perfume River Cruise & Imperial Citadel

  • Cruise on the Perfume River
  • Visit Thien Mu Pagoda
  • Explore the Imperial Citadel
  • Visit Dong Ba Market

Day 7: Drive to Hoi An via Da Nang and Hai Van Pass

  • Drive to Hoi An via Hai Van Pass
  • Visit attractions in Da Nang

Day 8: Flight to Hanoi

  • Fly to Hanoi
  • Check into your hotel

Day 9: Hanoi City Tour

  • Visit Mausoleum
  • Explore the Temple of Literature
  • Explore the Old Quarter
  • Enjoy a rickshaw ride

Day 10: Halong Bay Cruise

  • Start a 2-day Halong Bay cruise
  • Explore islands

Day 11: Halong Bay & Flight to Luang Prabang

  • Participate in Tai Chi
  • Visit Sung Sot Cave
  • Fly to Luang Prabang

Day 12: Mekong River Cruise & Pak Ou Caves

  • Morning cruise on the Mekong River
  • Visit Pak Ou Caves and villages 

Day 13: Luang Prabang Highlights

  • Explore attractions in Luang Prabang
  • Visit Kuang Si Falls

Day 14: Departure from Luang Prabang

  • Breakfast
  • Transfer to the airport for departure

The process of coordinating and arranging can become quite burdensome. Ease your journey by booking with us today.

Wat Xieng Thong buddhist temple in Luang Prabang, Laos © Shutterstock

Wat Xieng Thong buddhist temple Luang Prabang, Laos © Shutterstock

Itinerary #5: A classic Vietnam and Cambodia trip

Embark on a 14-day Vietnam and Cambodia odyssey , where adventure, history, and culture intertwine.

Itinerary overview

Commencing in Hanoi, delve into historical landmarks like the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, then set sail on a captivating 2-day cruise amidst the otherworldly landscapes of Halong Bay.

As your journey unfolds, immerse yourself in the alluring charm of Hoi An, relax amid the imperial history of Hue, and explore historical treasures along the Perfume River. Ho Chi Minh City awaits with its bustling markets and a glimpse into the history of the Cu Chi Tunnels.

The adventure carries you into the serene beauty of the Mekong Delta, where a cycling tour unveils stilt-house communities and tranquil landscapes. Your journey's apex takes you to Cambodia's Siem Reap, a gateway to iconic temples like Angkor Wat, Angkor Thom, and Angkor Bakheng. This odyssey promises a rich blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. Read more.

Water puppet in Hanoi, Vietnam © Shutterstock

Water Puppet in Hanoi © Shutterstock

Check out the overview of this Vietnam 2 week itinerary:

Day 1: Arrival in Hanoi

  • Transfer to the hotel

Day 2: Hanoi City Tour

  • Visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum
  • Explore One Pillar Pagoda
  • Visit the Museum of Ethnology
  • Enjoy a rickshaw ride
  • Attend a water puppet show

Day 3: Halong Bay Cruise

  • Embark on a 2-day cruise
  • Explore Karst Formations
  • Participate in onboard activities such as kayaking or swimming

Day 4: Halong Bay Exploration

  • Join a Tai Chi session
  • Visit Sung Sot Cave
  • Fly to Da Nang
  • Transfer to Hoi An

Day 5: Hoi An Ancient Town

  • Explore landmarks in Hoi An
  • Participate in a lantern-making workshop 

Day 6: From Hoi An to Hue

  • Travel via Da Nang
  • Visit attractions, including Marble Mountains and Cham Museum
  • Arrive in Hue

Day 7: Perfume River Cruise & Imperial Citadel

  • Take a Perfume River cruise
  • Visit historical sites in Hue, including the Imperial Citadel and Thien Mu Pagoda

Day 8: Flight to Ho Chi Minh City

  • Fly to Ho Chi Minh City
  • Check-in

Day 9: Cu Chi Tunnels & Saigon Highlights

  • Explore Cu Chi Tunnels
  • Visit Ben Thanh Market and the War Remnants Museum

Day 10: Mekong Delta Day Excursion

  • Explore the Mekong Delta
  • Enjoy activities like cycling and motorboat rides

Day 11: From Ho Chi Minh City to Siem Reap

  • Fly to Siem Reap
  • Free time to explore local shops or relax

Day 12: Angkor Wat Private Tour

  • Visit Angkor Thom
  • Explore Angkor Wat
  • Visit Banteay Srei Temple

Day 13: Banteay Srei and Ta Prohm Temple

  • Witness the Angkor Wat sunrise
  • Explore Banteay Srei carvings
  • Visit Ta Prohm

Day 14: Departure from Cambodia

  • Head to the airport for departure
Bayon temple in Angkor Thom, Cambodia © Shutterstock

Bayon temple in Angkor Thom, Cambodia © Shutterstock

Skip the hassle of planning and booking

Ready to explore Vietnam? Reach out to our Vietnam local travel experts. We'll craft a personalized itinerary just for you, and you can make adjustments until it's perfect.

Is your trip to Vietnam just around the corner? Be prepared by reading our tips for traveling in Vietnam.

See our other Vietnam itineraries:  5 days | 10 days

  • Vietnam
  • Hoi An
  • Hanoi
  • Ho Chi Minh City
  • Phu Quoc
Dre Roelandt

written by
Dre Roelandt

updated 14.05.2024

Dre Roelandt is originally from the United States but lives and works in Berlin, Germany. Dre is a freelance writer and artist with a passion for travelling. They are an in-house Senior Content Editor at Rough Guides.

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