Vietnam runs more than 1,600 km from north to south, and two weeks is the sweet spot: enough to travel the classic north-to-south route without spending the whole trip in transit. You’ll go from the chaos of Hanoi’s Old Quarter to limestone bays, an imperial citadel, a lantern-lit trading port and, finally, the roar of Saigon. Here’s the itinerary, plus the visa and weather details that actually shape the trip.
Before You Go
- The e-visa is now simple. As of 2026, citizens of all countries are eligible for Vietnam’s e-visa: around $25 for single entry, valid up to 90 days, processed in about three working days through the official government portal. Multiple-entry is available if you’re hopping to Cambodia or Laos. Some nationalities are visa-exempt for short stays – check before you book, and apply directly rather than through a costly agency.
- Fly open-jaw. Into Hanoi (Noi Bai), out of Ho Chi Minh City (Tan Son Nhat). It saves you a full day of backtracking.
- Budget: Vietnam is outstanding value. Independent travel with budget hotels runs roughly $750-1,000 for two weeks; mid-range comfort $50-100 a day. A bowl of pho costs about $2.
When to Go (It Varies Hugely by Region)
Vietnam is too long to have one climate. Broadly, March-April and September-November are the best windows for a full north-to-south trip. The far north (Hanoi, Sapa) gets genuinely cold in winter; the central coast (Hue, Hoi An, Da Nang) sees heavy rain and possible typhoons from October to December; the south is warm year-round and is at its best November to February.
The 2-Week Itinerary
Days 1-3: Hanoi
Start in the 1,000-year-old capital – frenetic, atmospheric and full of French colonial architecture. Wander the Old Quarter’s 36 trade streets, circle Hoan Kiem Lake and cross the red Huc Bridge to Ngoc Son Temple, then take in the Temple of Literature, the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and the sobering Hoa Lo Prison. Do a street-food tour on your first night – egg coffee, bun cha, banh mi – and finish on a tiny plastic stool at Bia Hoi Corner with a 20-cent beer.
Days 4-5: Ha Long Bay (or Lan Ha)
Take an overnight cruise among the limestone karsts – the day trip isn’t worth the 2.5-hour drive each way. Sunset and sunrise on the water are the whole point. Consider a boat that sails the quieter Lan Ha Bay instead of the busiest Ha Long routes.
Day 6: Ninh Binh
Often called “Ha Long Bay on land” – the same karsts rising out of rice paddies instead of sea. Take a rowboat through the caves at Trang An or Tam Coc and climb to the Mua Cave viewpoint. An easy day trip or overnight from Hanoi.
Days 7-8: Hue
Fly or take the overnight train south to Hue, Vietnam’s former imperial capital. The walled Citadel and Forbidden Purple City are the draw, along with the royal tombs scattered along the Perfume River. It’s a quieter, more contemplative stop between the two big cities.
Days 9-12: Hoi An
Travel over the spectacular Hai Van Pass (by motorbike tour or car) to Hoi An – for many travellers, the highlight of Vietnam. The UNESCO-listed Ancient Town is a preserved trading port of yellow shophouses, the Japanese Covered Bridge, and thousands of silk lanterns lit each evening. Get clothes tailor-made, cycle to An Bang beach, take a cooking class, and float a lantern on the Thu Bon River. Da Nang, 45 minutes away, adds the Marble Mountains and the Golden Bridge.
Days 13-14: Ho Chi Minh City
Fly south to Saigon – faster, hotter and more cosmopolitan than Hanoi. See the powerful War Remnants Museum, the Reunification Palace and Ben Thanh Market, then take the half-day trip to the Cu Chi Tunnels. With an extra day, add a Mekong Delta excursion for floating markets and waterways.
If You Have More Time
- Sapa (2-3 extra days) – terraced rice fields and hill-tribe homestays in the northern mountains, reached by overnight train or a 5-hour minivan from Hanoi.
- Phong Nha – some of the largest caves on Earth.
- Phu Quoc – white-sand island beaches, an hour’s flight from Saigon.
- The Ha Giang Loop – the country’s most spectacular motorbike route, for the adventurous.
Getting Around
Domestic flights (VietJet, Vietnam Airlines, Bamboo) are cheap and save enormous time on the long legs – Hanoi to Da Nang, Da Nang to Saigon. Overnight sleeper trains are a characterful alternative. Within cities, use Grab (car or motorbike) – a bike ride across Hanoi costs $1-2. Book buses and trains ahead in peak season.
Practical Tips
- Traffic is the biggest hazard: to cross the road, walk slowly and predictably – the scooters flow around you. Don’t stop suddenly.
- Don’t drink the tap water, and build up to street food gradually.
- Pack layers if you’re heading north in winter – Sapa gets cold.
- Safety: Vietnam is one of the safest countries in Southeast Asia for travellers; petty theft and bag-snatching in Saigon are the main concerns.
Conclusion
Two weeks lets Vietnam unfold properly: north to south, city to karst to coast, with some of the best and cheapest food anywhere. Sort your e-visa, book an open-jaw flight, fly the long legs, and don’t try to squeeze in more. For the individual stops, see our Hanoi travel guide and our Ha Long Bay cruise guide.
FAQs
Is two weeks enough for Vietnam?
Yes – two weeks comfortably covers the classic north-to-south route: Hanoi, Ha Long Bay, Ninh Binh, Hue, Hoi An and Ho Chi Minh City. Add a third week if you want Sapa, Phong Nha or Phu Quoc.
Do I need a visa for Vietnam in 2026?
Most visitors need an e-visa – around $25 for single entry, valid up to 90 days, processed in about three working days via the official government portal. All nationalities are now eligible, and some are visa-exempt for short stays.
When is the best time to visit Vietnam?
March-April and September-November are best for a full-country trip. The central coast (Hue, Hoi An) floods from October to December; the far north is cold in winter; the south is warm year-round and best from November to February.
How much does two weeks in Vietnam cost?
Roughly $750-1,000 per person for independent travel with budget hotels, excluding international flights. Mid-range comfort runs $50-100 a day. It’s one of the best-value destinations in Southeast Asia.
Should I fly or take the train in Vietnam?
Fly the long legs (Hanoi-Da Nang, Da Nang-Saigon) – domestic flights are cheap and save days. Overnight sleeper trains are a fun alternative for one leg, and Grab is cheap within cities.
Is Vietnam safe for tourists?
Yes, it’s among the safest countries in Southeast Asia. The main risks are chaotic traffic, petty theft and bag-snatching in Ho Chi Minh City, and stomach upsets – take normal precautions.
