2 Week Vietnam Itinerary for First Timers

It’s official. I’m in love with Vietnam. From bustling cities to striking countryside to golden, sandy beaches, this country has it all (and that’s before we even get to the food). So much so that it can be hard to know where to start. Whilst you could easily fill months in this gorgeous country, you can still fit a huge amount into 2 weeks. Here is my recommended 2 week itinerary for Vietnam virgins to really make your make your first trip magical!

My Ultimate 2 Week Vietnam Itinerary

Day 1-2 – Ho Chi Minh City

Being honest, Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Saigon) was my least favourite place we visited on our Vietnam trip, but the old southern capital is still worth a look. Full of museums and sites from the war, it’s the perfect place to learn about the history of the amazing country you’ll be spending the next few weeks in. Take a half day tour to the Chu Chi Tunnels, a network of underground tunnels and bunkers used by the Vietcong during the war. It’s well worth a visit, even if you’re as claustrophobic as me!

Highlights: Independence Palace, Chu Chi Tunnels, Ben Thanh Market, The View Rooftop Bar.

Day 3 – Mekong Delta

For me, the countryside is where really Vietnam shines so get your first taste of it by taking a day trip to the Mekong Delta. The easiest way is to take a tour with countless options leaving from the HCMC every morning. Most include boat trips through the delta, a visit to Tortoise Island and a glimpse into local life, as well as transport and a delicious traditional lunch so they’re definitely worth the money!

Day 4 – Da Nang and Ba Na Hills

Now it’s time to start heading north to the coastal city of Da Nang. There are plenty of cheap, internal flights to get you there quickly, or you can get an overnight bus to save on accommodation costs (and so you don’t miss out on too much time in the city!). The main thing to do here is to visit Ba Na Hills, a European style resort/theme park type thing which is, quite frankly, one of the craziest places I have ever been. It’s also home to the insta-famous golden hands bridge and the cable car ride up to the resort is pretty special in itself!

Day 5-6 – Hoi An

Hoi An was one of my favourite places in South East Asia, nevermind just in Vietnam. The laid back town offers the perfect environment to relax and unwind with incredible food and cute riverside bars. Hoi An is famous for its tailoring shops where you can get a custom made suit or dress for as little as £20, as well as the lantern lined streets of the old town.

Highlights: Hoi An Ancient Town, An Bang Beach, Cau Chua Pagoda, eat Cao Lau (a Hoi An noodle specialty).

Day 7 – Hai Van Pass

Made famous by Top Gear, the Hai Van Pass between Hoi An and Hue is considered the most beautiful road in the country. The best way to experience it is on a motorbike, however, it’s a bit too dangerous for a beginner to drive. Alternatively, you can take a motorbike tour with a professional rider to take you along the pass while a car carries your luggage. This is a much safer and easier option and the guide will know exactly where to stop to get the best views. If spending several hours sitting on a bike isn’t for you, it’s fairly cheap to hire a private driver for the day who will drive you along the pass in a car. Be sure to ask to stop at the Marble Mountains and go for lunch at one of the waterside seafood restaurants on the way!

Planning a trip to Vietnam or the rest of South East Asia? Save money with these tips!

Day 8 – Hue

Hue is famous for the Imperial City, an ancient walled town full of beautiful pagodas, temples and gardens. You can spend a good portion of the day exploring hidden alcoves and getting lost in the grounds before heading to the walking street for dinner. The food may not be the cheapest or most traditional but it’s a great place to take in the street performers who give the city its musical reputation.

Day 9-10 – Ninh Binh

Dubbed ‘Halong Bay on land’, the stunning Ninh Binh region is guaranteed to be a highlight of your 2 week Vietnam itinerary. Take a boat trip in a traditional rowing boat that a local guide steers with their feet (they are insanely skilled) through Tam Coc, winding through caves, towering hills and preserved wetlands. You can also hire a bike and cycle around the area. Check out the Bich Dong Pagoda, a popular landmark but be sure to keep climbing past where the stairs end to get the best views. The next day, take on the walk up Lying Dragon Mountain (Mua Caves) for a panoramic view over the entire region. It’s a lot of steps but the view is worth it!

Day 11 – Hanoi

In my opinion, Hanoi has much more character than Ho Chi Minh. Whether you’re wandering the charming streets of the old town or relaxing by Hoan Kiem Lake, it’s easy to forget that you’re in the middle of a crazy city. For the perfect shot, head down to train street, where a railway passes right through a shopping street or to one of the many instagram ready cafes around. If history is more your style, there’s plenty around, from pagodas and temples to war memorials and artifacts.

Highlights: Old quarter, Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum, Ngoc Son Pagoda, Temple of Literature, Train Street

Day 12-13 – Cat Ba Island and Ha long Bay

I know it’s cliche but Ha Long Bay was one of my favourite places I have ever been to. I’ve dreamed of it for years and I was in no way disappointed. You just can’t visit Vietnam without spending at least one day on the bay. However, to get the full experience I’d recommend staying on Cat Ba Island and taking a boat trip from there. That way, you get all of the fun of a day cruise while also exploring the island’s national park, visiting the hilltop fort and enjoying the laid back vibe.

Day 14 – Back to Hanoi

Head back to the city for your final day in Vietnam. Whether you’d rather head down to the market for some last minute souvenirs, savour your last taste of the food or simply soak in the atmosphere, it’ll be hard not to start planning your next trip already!

Vietnam Travel Tips

• Grab (Vietnam’s version of Uber) is a great way to get around cheaply and easily whilst avoiding common taxi scams.
• Watch out for scams. As in most places, there are countless so do some research on the most common ones and how to avoid them.
• Eat local food! Not only is it way cheaper but it’s soooo much tastier than the mediocre versions of western food they serve.

What would you include in your 2 week Vietnam itinerary? Let me know below!

Katie x