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Planning a 2-week Vietnam itinerary and feeling overwhelmed by where to start? You’re not alone — with so many stunning regions, rich culture, and contrasting landscapes, figuring out what to include (and what to skip) can feel like trying to pack the whole country into a carry-on.
That’s exactly why I put this itinerary together. After visiting Vietnam three times — and spending over four months travelling the country in the past year — I’ve figured out what’s worth your time, how to avoid common mistakes, and how to build a route that actually flows. This 2-week Vietnam itinerary focuses on the best of the north and central regions, starting in Hanoi and winding your way through misty mountains in Sapa, serene karst landscapes in Ninh Binh, imperial cities in Hue, lantern-lit streets in Hoi An, beach time in Da Nang, and even a hidden gem on the coast: An Bang.
Whether you’re a first-timer or coming back for more, this guide is packed with practical advice, personal recommendations, and real-world travel tips to help you see the highlights without rushing — and experience Vietnam the way it deserves to be seen.
Let’s dive in.
🛫 Overview: How to Use This 2-Week Vietnam Itinerary
- Itinerary pace
✈️ Hanoi → Sapa → Ninh Binh → Hue → Hoi An → Da Nang or An Bang ✈️
This two week Hanoi to Hoi An itinerary is not as fast-paced as my other Vietnam itineraries – I have included times for rest. I’ve included some night trains or buses, but prioritised rest around these.
I’ve also put in some suggestions for how to shorten it or extend your time at the end.
- Map of the route
- Visa info
For Vietnam, citizens of many countries can enter visa-free for 45 days, including Europe, the UK, USA, Australia, New Zealand and others. Arrival is usually easy and quick, especially if you’re arriving through airports (with the exception of Ho Chi Minh City Airport, see the tips section below).
Always check your government website for the most up to date requirements – I’ve used the British Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office as an example above.
- 📲 Get connected on arrival
I always prefer to make sure that I’m going to be able to access data when I arrive somewhere new, and the easiest way to do this is via an Esim. For Vietnam, I recommend Airalo as one of the most reliable eSim providers.
Want help planning Vietnam without overwhelm?
Vietnam, Unlocked is a culture-rich travel guide with itineraries, transport guidance, and planning tools — built for independent travellers who want depth, not rush.
Or, if you’re just getting started, you can sign up for my free Culture-First Traveller’s Guide to Vietnam, Laos & Cambodia — focused on history, everyday culture, and travelling thoughtfully.
And if you’d prefer someone to build a personalised itinerary just for you, I also offer custom trip planning.
👉 Request a custom Vietnam itinerary
Week 1: Northern Vietnam
🏙 Hanoi – 3 nights, 2 full days
📌 2 days in Hanoi
📌 Morning bus to Sapa on the 3rd day
Spend at least two full days in Vietnam’s bustling capital – especially if you’re arriving and likely dealing with jet lag. Hanoi is full of character, with streets in the Old Quarter still dedicated to traditional crafts or types of shop, delicious food and coffee everywhere and beautiful temples on serene lakes.
Prioritise wandering Hanoi’s Old Quarter, sipping Hanoi’s famous egg coffee (trust me, it’s delicious) and checking out Train Street in the evening. Walk across to the gorgeous temple on Hoan Kiem Lake, visit the famous water puppet theatre, and understand more of Vietnam’s past at the chilling Hoa Lo Prison. If you’re feeling adventurous, I loved the women-led easy rider motorbike tour I took around the city.
I’ve suggested travelling by day bus on the third morning to give you more chance to recover from jet lag, and also because I don’t think the 8 hour overnight journey to Sapa is great for sleep once settling in/waking up take up time at each end.
Best tours for food + culture
- Women-led motorbike tour (✨ 5/790+)
- Water Puppet Theatre ticket (✨ 4.6/5.6k+)
- Street food tour + Train Street (✨ 4.9/2k+)
Where to stay
Hanoi was the one place in Vietnam where I felt that reviews were truly inflated, and I stayed in places with high reviews but poor facilities – so I recommend doing some intensive research on this. I’ve put the one place I’ve personally stayed at and recommend below, but otherwise, I recommend staying in or around the Old Quarter.
- Huong’s Family Homestay – budget guesthouse with shared bathroom, spotlessly clean, decent sized rooms and very friendly host. (✨9.3/190+)
🧭 Find out more: read my 2 days in Hanoi itinerary to make the most of your time!
⛰ Sapa – 1 night, 1 night train
📌 Morning bus from Hanoi to Sapa, Fansipan visit in afternoon
📌 Spend a full day trekking or on a motorbike tour before a night bus to Ninh Binh (c.8.5h)
Take two days to head into Vietnam’s gorgeous northern mountains, where you can do a trek (try to make sure it’s ethical), head to the top of Mount Fansipan (the highest peak in Indochina) on the incredible new cable car, or do what I did: an easy rider motorbike tour that takes you out into the surrounding villages to see how people from Sapa’s many ethnic minority groups live.
Best tours:
- Book your Mount Fansipan tickets in advance
- Book an Easy Rider tour of the mountains around Sapa (✨5/190+) – I loved this experience!
Getting there via sleeper train or bus
Your time in Sapa includes one night travelling via sleeper bus and one night in a hotel/homestay in Sapa. You could do this north Vietnam itinerary with two nights on sleeper transport, but I personally think it would be too exhausting. Save your energy and take one early morning bus to ensure you get a good night’s sleep.
Book your bus and train tickets on 12GoAsia.
Where to stay in Sapa – homestays vs central Sapa
When visiting Sapa, you have two options: stay in central Sapa, or a more remote homestay. The best option for you depends on your plans and preferences.
| Central Sapa | Homestay | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Near to Mount Fansipan Cable Car | Very touristy and can be overwhelming | Authentic experience | Requires expensive taxis if you don’t hire a motorbike |
| Only short taxis needed | Best for trekking or if you’re hiring a motorbike | No access to restaurants/cafes |
Where to stay:
- Heart of Sapa Hotel – this was where I stayed and highly recommend. It’s in the centre of town but on a quiet street, with spacious, clean rooms, a good breakfast, and a friendly host family. (✨ 8.5/1k+)
- Sapa Farmer House – homestay in the mountains with terraces overlooking ricefields (✨ 9.6/500+)
- Sapa Relax Hotel and Spa – at a slightly higher price point, this has a beautiful roof terrace overlooking the mountains. Reviews are excellent and some rooms also have views (✨ 9.1/3k+)
- Hotel de la Coupole – if you really want to splash out, this hotel houses the Fansipan train, and is one of the most luxurious properties, right in central Sapa. (✨ 9.3/1.4k+)
Find out more:
🧭 My guide on how to visit Mount Fansipan
🧭 My guide to taking the train in Vietnam
🏞️Ninh Binh – 1 night. 1 night train, 2 full days
📌 After your night bus from Sapa, you’ll have most of your first day to explore
📌 Spend your next day exploring all day, before taking the night train to Hue
Ninh Binh is another of Vietnam’s incredibly beautiful landscapes, and a UNESCO-listed landscape. Take a boat trip through stunning limestone karsts, cycle through the gorgeous countryside, and relax in this vibrant little town.
I particularly loved the An Tiem Lake – when I visited, it was gently busy with local tourists but almost unknown by Westerners, and if you’re up for a climb, head to the famous Mua Cave for sunset. I visited sites across several days using Grab, but if you want to see all the most famous sites in one day, an organised tour will be more economical.
Best tours around Ninh Binh:
- Book your tour to Trang An Lake, Mua Cave, Hoa Lu Ancient City and Bai Dinh Pagoda here. (✨ 4.8/1.1k+)
Getting there via sleeper bus
The bus from Sapa to Ninh Binh takes around 8.5 hours and saves you a stop in Hanoi – unlike the sleeper train, it’s a direct journey. Sleeper buses in Vietnam are like nowhere else: if you spend the small amount extra on the good ones, you’ll get a spacious, lie-flat bed and charging point. Some have screens, but in my experience these rarely work – load up on downloads before you leave.
If you’re worried about sleeping or motion sickness, consider taking a motion sickness medication beforehand – these will help a lot and also help you sleep (note that I’m not a doctor and you should consult a pharmacist or doctor before taking any medication).
Where to stay
There are two main areas that tourists stay when visiting Ninh Binh: the towns of Tam Coc and Trang An. Avoid staying in Ninh Binh city – this is just the jumping off point for the region and is an industrial town not geared towards tourists.
Tam Coc is a bigger, more developed town compared to Trang An, although for now it’s still very much a backpacker town. Trang An is much smaller and more spread out, and less easy to navigate on foot. The main area with hotels/homestays is not by the boat lake. If you’re planning to stay in Trang An, you’ll need to rent motorbikes or bikes to get around.
- Tam Coc Mandala hotel – about 5 minutes walk from the main road, this small budget hotel is clean, well designed and has a lovely pool. This is where I stayed and I highly recommend it. (✨ 9.4/250+)
- Banana Tree Hostel – this thriving hostel is one of the few properties directly on the lake at Tam Coc. While I’m not a hostel person, if you are it’s worth considering this hostel for the pool with lake views and social vibes. (✨ 8.8/1k+)
- Tam Coc Mountain Sunset and Garden Hotel – for a slightly more luxurious stay, try this highly rated hotel. It’s situated off the busy main road but not far from the centre of town, and has an indoor pool. (✨ 9.7/560+)
- Trang An Mountain House – slightly more expensive, this also has excellent reviews with a pool and restaurant. This one is a bit more central in Trang An village. (✨ 9.3/830+)
- Green Mountain Homestay – strong reviews across both Google and Booking.com, with a pool and restaurant. (✨ 9.5/1k+)
Find out more:
🧭 My guide to which boat trip to take through Ninh Binh’s magnificent limestone landscapes
🚂 Week 2: Central Vietnam
🏯 Hue – 2 nights, 1 full day
📌 Take a night train from Ninh Binh to Hue. On your first day, visit the Abandoned Waterpark and take a chance to rest
📌 Spend the next day exploring Hue’s Imperial City before leaving for Da Nang or Hoi An the following morning.
Hue is an underrated gem, often overshadowed by nearby Hoi An, despite being a UNESCO site in its own right. On your first day, head to Hue’s famous abandoned waterpark, an eerie but incredibly safe urbex-ing activity, and get a photo with the famous dragon statue (I used Grab Bike to get there). If you want a more chilled day, you could also head to Ca Phe Muoi, where central Vietnam’s famous Salt Coffee was invented in 2012.
On the next day, spend a full day in Hue’s incredible Imperial Palaces and you’ll be blown away by the history and intricacy of these beautiful buildings. Visit the Citadel and Imperial Palaces, Pagoda of the Celestial Lady, tombs of the last Emperors of Vietnam and the Perfume River to make the most of your time.
Best tour to see Imperial Hue:
- Take the exact excellent tour I used (✨4.6/795+) to see the highlights of Hue in one busy but fascinating day.
Getting there
From Ninh Binh, I recommend taking the night train. In my opinion, this is a better way to experience Vietnam’s famous overnight trains than the journey between Hanoi and Sapa, because the trip between Ninh Binh and Hue is longer, so you actually have enough time to sleep. I used the Lotus Train – it’s not as luxurious as the Sapa providers, but it’s still an amazing experience.
Where to stay in Hue
- Pisces Hotel – this incredible hotel is where I stayed. The design in just amazing, making it one of the most Instagrammable hotels I’ve ever stayed in. (✨ 8.5/530+)
- Than Thien Friendly Hotel – this is where I’d booked to stay before I found the Pisces Hotel. It’s a highly rated, budget hotel in a central location. (✨ 8.9/1.5k+)
🧭 Find out more: Read my guide to two days in Hue
🌊 Hoi An – 4 nights, 3 full days
📌 First day – either ride the Hai Van Pass for a full day adventure, or take the shorter bus/train and spend extra time in either Hue, Da Nang or Hoi An
📌 Spend 3 full days exploring Hoi An before a short journey to Da Nang or An Bang
It’s no secret that Hoi An is one of my favourite places in the world (if not my actual favourite) and nearby Da Nang, a much more modern city, is pretty cool too. I’ve visited Hoi An three times so I feel qualified to say that! If you’ve got time, you could even get clothes or shoes tailored, as Hoi An is one of the most famous places in the world for tailoring (if this is your aim, prioritise visiting tailors on your first day to give them time).
Prioritise Hoi An – wander the beautiful UNESCO heritage streets, pop into temples and see how people used to live in ancient houses. Board a boat at sunset to release one of the famous paper lanterns, set sail in a bamboo boat during the day to cruise through serene mangrove forest or ride a bike through Hoi An’s gleaming rice fields.
Best tours for day trips, culture and coffee:
- Basket Boat, Lantern Making and Cooking Class (✨ 4.9/1.2k+) Book here
- Vietnamese Coffee Culture and Coffee Making Class (✨ 4.9/3.1k+) Book a class now
- Cycle through Hoi An’s rice fields on a small-group countryside tour (✨ 4.8/500+) Book your spot today
Getting there
From Hue, there are a few options to get to either Da Nang or Hoi An. You can:
- Take the train to Da Nang and an onward taxi to Hoi An (c.2.5-3 hours, beautiful views) – I used Vietnam Rail on my way to Hue and booked with 12GoAsia
- Take a direct bus to Da Nang or Hoi An – book via 12GoAsia
- Take a one-way sightseeing bus across the beautiful Hai Van Pass (✨4.6/300+)
- Take an easyrider motorbike tour across the Hai Van Pass (✨4.9/33+) – this is the exact tour I did on the way back and it was an amazing experience (and they will transport your luggage for you)!
Where to stay in Hoi An
- Yen Villas – this is where I stayed. It has spacious, clean rooms and a beautiful small pool. The family running the small hotel are among the most helpful and kind people I’ve come across while travelling. (✨ 9.4/600+).
- Hoi An Town Centre Hotel – on An Hoi, this highly rated hotel is budget/mid-range for Vietnam. It has excellent reviews, and is away from the noise of the night market. (✨ 9.5/1.1k+).
- River Town Hoi An Resort and Spa – also on An Hoi, but on the riverfront, this is a 5* resort, with an infinity pool, gardens, spa and free bicycles (✨ 9.4/1.2k+)
Find out more:
🧭 My full guide to the best things to do in Hoi An
🧭 My guide to the best day trips from Hoi An and Da Nang
🧭 My guide to getting clothes tailored in Hoi An
🧭 My guide to the best cafes in Hoi An’s rice fields
🧭 My full guide to riding the Hai Van Pass on an easy rider tour
🌊 Da Nang or An Bang – 2 nights
📌 Take a Grab from Hoi An to either Da Nang (around 40 minutes) or An Bang (about 15 minutes)
📌 Spend your last days in Vietnam relaxing, buying souvenirs and enjoying as much Vietnamese coffee as possible before you leave
For your last two days, either head to modern Da Nang or relax at the beach in nearby An Bang.
📌 Fly home from Da Nang’s excellent modern airport – airport transfers are easy from either An Bang or Da Nang city
Compared to Hoi An, Da Nang is a much more modern city – and most often visited as a stopping off point because of train or airport access. However, there’s plenty to do in this bustling town – spend the day on Da Nang’s thriving beach, take part in a coffee making or jewellery making workshop or head to the nearby Marble Mountains and visit the beautiful Lady Buddha, who protects the city from Typhoons.
An Bang is a quiet beach town between Hoi An and Da Nang, with golden sands, chilled out cafes and endless opportunities to relax. It’s up to you how you choose to spend your last few days in gorgeous Vietnam!
Read my full guide to Vietnamese coffee to make the most of your last few days.
Best tours:
- Marble Mountains & Lady Buddha ( ✨4.7/3.8k) Check availability
- Visit the iconic Golden Bridge at Ba Na Hills (✨ 4.5/700+) — ticket includes round-trip transfers and skip-the-line entry. Reserve now
- Take another opportunity to learn how to make Vietnamese coffee so you can recreate it at home (✨ 4.9/400+) – book here.
Where to stay in Da Nang or An Bang
- Golden Lotus Da Nang – this popular hotel is often sold out. It has a rooftop bar and is right next to my favourite cafe in Da Nang for salt coffee. (✨ 9.4/2k+)
- Ha Trieu Hotel – I stayed at this hotel when I first arrived in Da Nang. It’s not in the main tourist area, but further down the beach, near a quieter beach area. (✨ 8.1/1.7k+).
- Aira Boutique Hotel & Villa – Beachfront luxury in An Bang with pools (✨9.1/700+)
- The Watermark Beachside Hotel – Stylish & central in An Bang (✨ 9.7/200+)
- Cashew Tree Bungalow – Budget-friendly garden retreat in An Bang (✨9.5/150+)
- La Belle An Bang Seaside Hideaway – Quiet & serene with a pool in An Bang (✨ 9.1/180+)
- The Linh Seaside Villa – An Bang Sea views and a private beach area (✨ 9.5/380+)
Find out more:
🧭 My full guide to unique experiences in Da Nang
🧭 My guide to the best cafes in Da Nang and in Hoi An’s rice fields
🧭 My guide to the best vegetarian and vegan restaurants in Da Nang
🧭 My guide to the best cafes in An Bang
🎒 Bonus: What to Pack for Vietnam
Clothes:
There are a few key tips for packing clothes for a Vietnam trip:
- Bring loose, light fabrics to avoid sweating in the humidity. However, I don’t recommend linen – I honestly found it too heavy.
- I swear by the Airism underwear from Uniqlo – they dry much more quickly than cotton so are much more comfortable.
- While Vietnam is more relaxed than other Asian countries, you’ll still need to make sure your knees and shoulders are covered at many sites. A lightweight scarf can be really useful.
- You’ll need sturdy shoes that are lightweight and comfortable – look around any group of tourists in Vietnam and you’ll see that Tevas or Birkenstocks are the universal choice. You can also get tailored Birkenstock-style shoes in Hoi An for around $15 – check out my guide to getting clothes tailored.
- Depending on the time of year, Sapa can be significantly colder than anywhere else. Bring a hoodie/warm clothes and close-toed shoes if you’re visiting outside their summer
- During typhoon season (June to November), Vietnam can see significant rain. While you’ll be able to buy ponchos quickly and easily, remember that it’s not always sunny or warm when doing your packing. You might also have to avoid some activities.
Other essentials – the items I swear by:
- Lightweight packing cubes – I’ve used these for over a year and they let me pack far more than I could without them
- Small handbag charger, or this bigger but heavier charger that offers more power – both perfect for making sure your phone doesn’t run out when you’re trying to get those Mount Fansipan selfies
- Mini USB Fan – Perfect for hotels with poor AC or the million other times you’ll be hot.
- Multi-Port Plug Adapter – My go-to for travel: fast charge + universal.
- Locks to keep your luggage safe in hostels, buses and trains – I’ve used these combination locks for the past year with no issue
- Book swaps are far less common than they used to be and I often found that hotels in Vietnam wanted to keep hold of their books – keep yourself occupied through inevitable transport waits with a Kindle, and sign up for Kindle Unlimited Membership to stock it up
📘 Want to read books by Vietnamese authors before you travel? I’ve got you covered – I pulled together my list of books I recommend reading before visiting Vietnam (and one I think you should avoid!).
🔁 Variations & Shortcuts
- Need to trim your itinerary? My recommendations:
- If you prioritise history and culture: skip either Sapa or Ninh Binh.
- If you prefer nature: prioritise Sapa and Ninh Binh over Da Nang/An Bang
- Got more time? There are so many options! But I recommend:
- Adding a cruise to Lan Ha Bay (the less touristy bay next to the famous Halong Bay) to view one of Vietnam’s UNESCO landscapes. I did this highly rated 5* tour cruise around Lan Ha Bay, which had sea kayaking experiences, an amazing balcony, a bathtub with panoramic views and onboard cooking classes. I chose the 3 day/2 night version, as the 2 day/1 night version only gives you a small amount of time on the water – but the shorter version is even more popular!
- Add extra time in Sapa or An Bang
- If you’ve got time for an extra week, check out my 3 week Vietnam itinerary, which also covers the south of this beautiful country.
🙋♀️ Final Tips for Your Vietnam Trip
- Cross-border SIM advice: I prefer to have an eSim when arriving in a new country, so that I’m ready to get taxis from airports or bus stations – and I just feel safer in general. For Vietnam, I recommend Airalo, as one of the most reliable eSim companies. You can buy an Asia eSim or specific ones for each country.
- Tips for booking transport online: I used 12GoAsia for almost every trip I booked across the whole of Asia and never had any issues. I particularly like that they let you select upper/lower cabins on sleeper buses.
- Airport Tips – I used Da Nang and Hanoi airports and had no issues with delays. Both were modern airports with good facilities. I also used Ho Chi Minh, but only as a transfer – facilities were more limited, and I have consistently heard reports of severe delays at security and passport control
Frequently asked questions
Can I do this 2-week Vietnam itinerary in reverse?
Yes! If you find cheaper flights into Da Nang or want to front-load the more mountainous parts of the trip, you can absolutely start in the centre of Vietnam and head north. Just reverse the transport options.
What’s the weather like during this 2-week itinerary?
Vietnam stretches over 1,000 km, so weather can vary a lot. Generally, the south is warm and dry Nov–March, central Vietnam may be cooler or rainy, and the north can get chilly — especially in Sapa. Bring layers and check regional forecasts before you go.
What currency does Vietnam use?
Vietnam uses Dong. The easiest currency to exchange is USD but Euro and GBP (as well as some other currencies) will be accepted for exchange.
Can I use credit or debit cards in Vietnam.
Cards are widely accepted in major cities but outside of tourist areas you’ll need cash.
What’s the best way to get cash in Vietnam?
ATMs are widely available in cities and accept foreign cards, though some charge withdrawal fees. I recommend bringing a fee-free travel card like Wise or Revolut. Avoid currency exchange at airports or on the street — rates are poor and scams are common.
How should I book transport within Vietnam?
The easiest way to book buses, trains, and airport transfers is through 12GoAsia, which I used throughout my trip. You can compare prices, pick your seat type (like upper/lower bunks on night trains), and book in English with card payment.
🧭 Read my guide on what I wish I’d known before my first sleeper train journey in Vietnam.
Is it easy to get vegetarian or vegan food in Vietnam?
Yes — especially in tourist-friendly cities like Hoi An, Da Nang, Hanoi, and Ho Chi Minh City. Vietnam has a tradition of Buddhist vegetarian cuisine (called chay) and you’ll find lots of delicious plant-based options. I also have a full guide to the best vegetarian spots in Da Nang.
🎯 Ready to Book Your Vietnam Trip?
Here’s everything I used on my own journey — most of it booked in advance to avoid hassle on the road:
✅ My go-to site for transport across Asia: 12GoAsia – book buses, trains & transfers here
✅ My top-rated tour picks:
- Easy Rider Hai Van Pass Motorbike Tour ✨4.9/33+
- Easy Rider Mountain Tour in Sapa – ✨5/190+
- Mount Fansipan Tickets
✅ My personal hotel recommendations:
- Huong’s Family Homestay ✨ 9.3/190+
- Heart of Sapa Hotel ✨ 8.5/1k+
- Pisces Hotel in Hue ✨8.5/530+
- Yen Villas in Hoi An ✨ 9.4/600+
- Ha Trieu Hotel in Da Nang✨ 8.1/1.7k+
✅ Don’t forget:
- Get your eSIM sorted before you land
- Grab these must-have travel accessories: Portable charger ~ USB Universal Adaptor ~ Locks ~ Packing Cubes ~ Kindle
If you want a detailed, culture-first Vietnam travel guide with realistic itineraries, destination deep dives, transport advice, and practical planning tools, Vietnam, Unlocked is designed to help you plan a confident, well-paced trip — without overwhelm or rushed decisions.
👉 Explore Vietnam, thoughtfully with Vietnam, Unlocked
If you’re still in the inspiration or early planning phase, you can also download my free Culture-First Traveller’s Guide to Vietnam, Laos & Cambodia — a thoughtful introduction to travelling Southeast Asia with context, care, and curiosity.
👉 Get the free culture-first guide
And if you’d prefer someone to build a personalised itinerary just for you — tailored to your time, interests, pace, and travel style — I also offer custom trip planning.
👉Request a custom Vietnam itinerary
Em is a solo travel writer exploring Southeast Asia with a coffee in one hand and a Kindle in the other. She’s been travelling for over a year, testing the best places to stay, eat and explore so you don’t have to.
