Complete 2 weeks in Vietnam itinerary

Offering a captivating blend of culture, history and fantastic food, there are so many reasons Vietnam consistently ranks high on the travel wish-lists of adventurers worldwide. For help planning your own trip, the following 2 week Vietnam itinerary provides day-by-day-detail on a diverse way to spend 14 nights in Vietnam.

2 weeks in Vietnam itinerary overview

Featuring some of the best things to do in Vietnam as it invites discovery of Hanoi, Halong Bay, Sapa, Ninh Binh and Hoi An, this itinerary covering 2 weeks in Vietnam is nothing but exhilaratingly diverse.

Before we go into day-by-day detail, here’s a handy overview of a wonderful way to spend 2 weeks in Vietnam.

• Day 1: Arrive in Hanoi
• Day 2: Uncover Hanoi's history
• Day 3: Overnight stay in Ha Long Bay 
• Day 4: Return to Hanoi
• Day 5: Transfer to Sapa and explore
• Day 6: Trek to Lao Chai and Ta Van villages
• Day 7: Explore Fansipan Mountain
• Day 8: Transfer from Sapa to Hanoi
• Day 9: Ninh Binh via Tam Coc and Hoa Lu
• Day 10: Explore around Ninh Binh
• Day 11: Transfer to Hoi An and explore
• Day 12: Uncover culture in Hoi An
• Day 13: Explore around Hoi An
• Day 14: Depart Vietnam 

Daunted by the thought of prepping for your trip? Read up on how to plan a trip to Vietnam, or contact our Vietnam travel experts to have them take care of every last detail.

Day 1: Arrive in Hanoi

Your Vietnam adventure begins in Hanoi, Vietnam's vibrant capital. 

After checking-in to your hotel, kick off this varied Vietnam itinerary in the Old Quarter, where a maze of narrow streets, street food stalls and shops showcase the city’s unique vibe.

We also recommend visiting the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum Complex, resting place of Vietnam’s revered leader, and the Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first university.

Come the late-afternoon, make your way to the serene Hoan Kiem Lake, which plays host to the handsome Ngoc Son Temple, before rounding off your first day in Hanoi by watching a traditional water puppet show at the Thang Long Theatre.

How’s that for a wonderful way to start your two-week trip to Vietnam?

Where to stay in Hanoi

When it comes to deciding where to stay in Hanoi, you should choose according to what you most want to see and do, and what kind of vibe you’re looking for. 

For example, staying in Hanoi's Old Quarter means you’ll be in walking distance of many of Hanoi's top attractions, including Hoan Kiem Lake and the Water Puppet Theatre.

Located in the heart of this historic district, Hanoi Tirant Hotel comes recommended for its elegant Indochinese-themed rooms.

Meanwhile, sitting in Hanoi’s cultural heart, and home to several historic and political attractions, staying in Ba Dinh is ideal for culture lovers who prefer a quieter environment — it’s not as busy as the Old Quarter.

Not sure how long to spend in Vietnam? See our 7 days in Vietnam itineraries, and our 10 days in Vietnam itinerary.

Day 2: Uncover Hanoi's history

Day 2 of this 14 day Vietnam itinerary will see you dive deeper into Hanoi’s history, starting with a morning visit to the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology, which shares insights into the country’s 54 ethnic groups.

Next, head to West Lake to see the wonder that is Tran Quoc Pagoda — Hanoi’s oldest Buddhist temple — before spending the afternoon shopping at Dong Xuan Market, or strolling through the French Quarter. 

Come the evening, head to the buzzy Bia Hoi Junction for a craft beer (or two).

The next day, you'll leave Hanoi and head to Ha Long Bay — but if you're wondering about the ideal number of days in Hanoi, know that it’s worth planning a future trip with more time to explore.

Not sure when to take your trip? Read up on when to go to Vietnam.

Day 3: Overnight stay in Ha Long Bay 

Next up your two-week trip to Vietnam — the wonders of Ha Long Bay.

While there are a few ways to get from Hanoi to Ha Long Bay and experience this stunning UNESCO World Heritage Site, we suggest staying overnight on a boat.

Travel time: 4 hours by bus or private car

Plan to arrive at Tuan Chau Pier by midday to board your boat to begin cruising the bay’s dramatic limestone karsts and emerald waters. 

Along the way, you’ll get to see Seeing Sung Sot Cave (Surprise Cave) — one of the largest and most beautiful in the bay — and have the chance to kayak through hidden lagoons and caves.

Anther highlight of trips here is heading to Ti Top Island, which offers panoramic views from its summit. 

Come the evening, enjoy a sunset dinner and spot of stargazing before retiring to your cabin.

Day 4: Return to Hanoi

On the morning of day four, get up early to see a sensational sunrise and enjoy breakfast in Ha Long Bay before making the journey back to Hanoi. 

You should arrive in time to explore the Old Quarter’s night market, and sample some of the best Vietnamese food, either from a street vendor, or in an atmospheric Old Quarter eatery.

Day 5: Transfer to Sapa and explore

Though it takes a good few hours to get from Hanoi to Sapa by road, the ride along a new highway is comfortable, and incredibly scenic. 

Travel time: 5-6 hours

As such, the journey will set you up well for the next stage of your two weeks in Vietnam — a leg of the trip that showcases a remarkable range of landscapes and cultures

Editor’s tip: if you have time, take an afternoon trip to Cat Cat Village, a traditional Hmong settlement.

Where to stay in Sapa

Good news — accommodation in Sapa covers all budgets and tastes.

By which we mean you can take your pick from budget-friendly hostels, mid-range hotels, and luxury resorts. 

For a more authentic experience, you could enjoy a homestay with a local hill tribe family.

Day 6: Trek to Lao Chai and Ta Van villages

Day 6 of your 2 weeks in Vietnam heralds a rewarding mix of extraordinary landscapes and cultural experiences when you trek from Sapa to Lao Chai and Ta Van villages.

The trek takes you through picturesque rice terraces, lush valleys, and small babbling streams, offering breath-taking views of the Hoang Lien Son mountains as you traverse them.

During the walk, visit Lao Chai, a Black Hmong village, to learn about their traditional lifestyle and craftsmanship.

Next, continue to Ta Van, home to the Dzay ethnic group, to enjoy a delicious homemade lunch before returning to Sapa town.

Day 7: Explore Fansipan Mountain 

A literal highpoint of Vietnam — and the wider region, for that matter — lies in wait on day 7, courtesy of taking a trip to Fansipan Mountain, Southeast Asia’s highest peak. In fact, it’s known as the "Roof of Indochina”.

The Fansipan Cable Car Station is just a 15-minute drive by taxi or motorbike from town. On arrival, a 15–20-minute ascent will have you soaking up spectacular views of the Hoang Lien Son mountain range.

At the summit, climb a short staircase to the 3143-metre peak to marvel at the panorama of mountains, with terraced rice fields and lush valleys spreading out below.

Come the afternoon, it’s time to visit Silver Waterfall. Located a mere 30-minute drive from Sapa, its 200-metre cascade is a wonder, especially when it glistens in the sunlight.

Then, after a 3km walk through a scenic forest from Silver Waterfall, you’ll reach Love Waterfall — another of the mind-blowingly beautiful natural attractions around these picturesque parts. 

Day 8: Transfer from Sapa to Hanoi

The next stage of this 14 day Vietnam itinerary is a transfer day that'll see you head back to Hanoi ready to explore a different area on day 9.

Travel time: 5-6 hours

So, rise early to reach Hanoi before lunch, giving you time to revisit places you fell for at the start of this trip, or else to uncover attractions you might have missed first time round. 

If you have the nerve for it, visit vibrant Train Street — an iconic narrow train bypass, which sees a twice-daily train pass super-close to buildings on either side of the tracks.

Day 9: Ninh Binh via Tam Coc and Hoa Lu

On day 9, it’s time to travel from Hanoi to Ninh Binh, with opportunities to visit some rather special sights en route.

Travel time: around 2 hours by bus or train, plus stop-off time.

Though you can reach Ninh Binh — provincial capital of Northern Vietnam — from Hanoi by train or bus in just a couple of hours, it’s better to arrange a private car, private tour, or shared tour shuttle service so you can, in the first instance, stop at Tam Coc.

Known as “Halong Bay on land”, here you can take a scenic boat ride that winds through limestone cliffs, lush fields and three natural caves.

Next, visit Hoa Lu — capital of Vietnam during the 10th and 11th centuries. While the fortified royal palaces of the Dinh and Le kings are now archaeological remains, their dynastic temples (seventeenth-century copies of eleventh-century originals) are still well worth visiting.

Once you’re done exploring (don’t miss the temples’ dark inner sanctuaries), continue to Ninh Binh ­ — your base for the night.

Where to stay in Ninh Binh

Convenient and budget-friendly, with low-cost hostels and a range of mid-price guesthouses, accommodation in Ninh Binh Town caters to all kinds of travelers. It’s your best bet for a convenient base when you’re only here for a short time.

Alternatively, you could stay in Tam Coc for scenic views, easy access to cave adventures, and opportunities to enjoy a culturally rewarding riverfront homestay

Meanwhile accommodation in Trang An is typically more tranquil and largely of the eco-resort variety.

Day 10: Explore around Ninh Binh

Day 10 kicks off with departing your Ninh Binh accommodation to enjoy a morning hike up to Mua Cave Viewpoint.

At the end of your 500-step ascent, you’ll be rewarded with sublime views of Tam Coc’s lush rice fields, winding rivers and dramatic limestone karsts. 

Come the afternoon, it’s time to visit Bai Dinh Pagoda, one of Southeast Asia’s largest Buddhist temple complexes. 

Boasting a huge bronze Buddha statue, hundreds of intricately carved Buddha images, and a towering pagoda, its expansive grounds are a joy to wander.

After exploring the site, head back to Ninh Binh to collect your luggage before returning to Hanoi, in readiness for the next leg of this fabulous 14-day Vietnam itinerary.

Day 11: Transfer to Hoi An and explore

Loaded with traditional charm and sights, the small city of Hoi An is your day 11 destination. How long to stay in Hoi An? At least two days to explore its lantern-lit streets, riverside markets, and nearby beaches at a relaxed pace.

As getting from Ninh to Hoi An involves a couple of stages, it’s best to start out early.

Travel time: 1.5-hour flight to Da Nang, plus 45-minute transfer to Hoi An

First, go to Noi Bai International Airport for a morning flight to Da Nang, and then take a 45-minute transfer by private car or shuttle to Hoi An — a charming riverside city with UNESCO World Heritage Site status.

Spend the afternoon exploring the Hoi An Ancient Town, which is renowned for its well-preserved architecture and lantern-lined streets that lay bare Chinese, Japanese and European influences. 

Key stops include the iconic Japanese Covered Bridge, the Assembly Hall of the Fujian Chinese Congregation, and the ancient Tan Ky House. 

Come dusk, Hoi An transforms into a magical scene, thanks to the glowing lanterns that reflect off the Thu Bon River. Enjoy dinner at a riverside café to soak up the magic.

Day 12: Uncover culture in Hoi An

On day 12, it’s time to do a deeper dive into Hoi An’s culture. For example, you could take a morning cooking class, during which you’ll shop at a local market, learn about Vietnamese ingredients, and prepare dishes like banh xeo or pho under expert guidance. 

After enjoying your culinary creations, hire a bike and cycle to An Bang Beach, a serene spot that’s perfect for relaxation and a swim. 

Make sure you’re back in the Ancient Town before dusk to take a magical lantern-lit boat ride on the Thu Bon River in the early evening

Day 13: Explore around Hoi An

Start day 13 of your Vietnam itinerary with a morning trip to My Son Sanctuary, a UNESCO World Heritage site located about an hour’s drive from Hoi An. 

Here, tucked in a lush valley surrounded by mountains, you can spend a few hours exploring the ancient Hindu temple ruins of the Champa Kingdom. 

Return to Hoi An to enjoy lunch at a local café before spending the afternoon at Tra Que Herb Village — you can cycle here from town. 

It’s a great place to learn about organic farming and traditional Vietnamese agriculture.

Day 14: Depart Vietnam 

On day 14, it’s time to transfer to Da Nang International Airport for your flight home, having experienced a richness of natural and cultural marvels during a truly diverse 2 week Vietnam Itinerary.

Ready to venture to Vietnam? Wise up on things to know before going to Vietnam as you plan your trip.

You could also reach out to our Vietnam local travel experts, who are on hand to curate a personalized itinerary that's perfect for you.