Get ready to dive into two weeks of Vietnamese adventure that will have you questioning why you ever thought staying home was a good idea. From the misty mountains in the north to the sunny beaches in the south, Vietnam’s charm is undeniable. You can expect a mix of bustling cities, serene villages, and mouthwatering food that will leave you drooling. So, pack your bags, grab your camera, and let’s get this journey rolling!
Week 1: Northern Vietnam
Start your adventure in Hanoi, the buzzing capital, where every street tells a story. Spend 3 days here soaking in the culture. Spend your mornings sipping egg coffee and exploring Hoan Kiem Lake. You’ll want to visit the iconic Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum to pay respects to the man himself, then stroll through the Old Quarter, where you can get lost in the maze of shops and street food stalls.
- Day 1: Arrive in Hanoi – Morning: Check in at your hotel, grab a banh mi for lunch. Afternoon: Visit Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and Museum. Evening: Try some pho at a local eatery.
- Day 2: Day trip to Ninh Binh – Morning: Take a 2-hour drive to Ninh Binh, visit Tam Coc for a boat ride. Afternoon: Explore Trang An or hike up to Mua Cave for a panoramic view. Evening: Return to Hanoi for dinner.
- Day 3: Culture day – Morning: Visit the Temple of Literature. Afternoon: Explore the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology. Evening: Enjoy a traditional water puppet show.
After Hanoi, hop on a bus to Sapa (about 5-6 hours). This mountainous region is perfect for trekking. Consider spending 3 days here, hiking through terraced rice fields and visiting local hill tribes.
- Day 4: Arrive in Sapa – Morning: Check in at your hotel, enjoy lunch with a mountain view. Afternoon: Take a short trek to Cat Cat village. Evening: Dinner at a local restaurant.
- Day 5: Full-day trek – Morning: Head to Lao Chai and Ta Van villages, meet the locals. Afternoon: Lunch in the village, then hike back. Evening: Rest and enjoy some local wine.
- Day 6: Relaxation and return – Morning: Enjoy a leisurely breakfast, take in the mountain views. Afternoon: Travel back to Hanoi for your next destination.
Week 2: Central and Southern Vietnam
Next, fly to Da Nang (about 1 hour) and spend 2 days here. Explore the stunning Marble Mountains and relax on My Khe Beach. Don’t forget to visit the famous Golden Bridge held up by gigantic stone hands. It’s Instagram gold!
- Day 7: Arrive in Da Nang – Morning: Check in, grab a quick bite. Afternoon: Visit Marble Mountains. Evening: Dinner with a view at a riverside restaurant.
- Day 8: Day trip to Hoi An – Morning: Take a 30-minute drive to Hoi An, explore the Ancient Town. Afternoon: Try your hand at a cooking class. Evening: Enjoy the lantern festival (if you’re lucky!).
Then, take a train or bus to Hue (about 3 hours). Spend 2 days exploring this historical city, where you can check out the Imperial City and the beautiful Thien Mu Pagoda.
- Day 9: Arrive in Hue – Morning: Visit the Imperial City. Afternoon: Take a boat ride on the Perfume River. Evening: Sample local dishes like bun bo Hue.
- Day 10: History and culture – Morning: Explore the royal tombs, like Khai Dinh Tomb. Afternoon: Visit the local market. Evening: Relax at a cafe.
After soaking in the history, fly to Ho Chi Minh City (also known as Saigon) for 3 days of urban exploration. This city is a mix of old and new, with bustling markets and sleek skyscrapers.
- Day 11: Arrive in Ho Chi Minh City – Morning: Check in, grab breakfast at a local café. Afternoon: Visit the War Remnants Museum. Evening: Explore Ben Thanh Market.
- Day 12: Cu Chi Tunnels day trip – Morning: Head to Cu Chi Tunnels (1.5 hours). Afternoon: Learn about the tunnels’ history, try shooting a gun (if you dare). Evening: Return to the city for some street food.
- Day 13: Mekong Delta adventure – Morning: Take a day trip to the Mekong Delta (2 hours). Afternoon: Explore the canals, visit a coconut candy workshop. Evening: Return and enjoy your last dinner in Vietnam.
Wrap up your trip with a day of relaxation at one of the beautiful beaches in Vung Tau or Phu Quoc. You deserve it after all that walking, eating, and exploring. Spend your day lounging, swimming, or pretending to be a beach model for some Instagram photos.
Two weeks in Vietnam will leave you with memories, flavors, and stories that will make your friends envious. As you say goodbye to this beautiful country, don’t forget to grab some souvenirs and maybe a few extra pounds from all that delicious food. Safe travels!
