The Perfect Two-week Vietnam Itinerary for First Timers
Using our expert travel tips and insights, explore the best of Vietnam with our curated two-week itinerary.
Incorporating a mix of cities and nature, history and culture, our Vietnam itinerary is well-balanced, realistic, and perfect for any first-time visitor.
Vietnam threads the needle between the visceral and the sublime, chaos and calm.
Its city streets are a dizzying whirlwind of honking traffic, crumbling colonial architecture, and deliciously fragrant flavours that give way to traffic fumes and charcoal smoke, tangled wires and a constant thrum of people, all in the same breath.
Its natural beauty is unparalleled in all of Southeast Asia - the vast, serpent tributaries of the Mekong, the forests and rice paddies, the endless golden beaches, and of course, the famed karst towers of Ha Long Bay - unsurprising for such a long, thin country that covers many climatic zones.
And then there’s the food.
Vietnamese cuisine is an incredible mix of flavours, textures and ingredients that balances sweet, salty, sour, and bitter with the freshest of ingredients, creating a world-class culinary experience from street food to high-end restaurants.
With so much on offer, it’s easy to see why Vietnam has become one of the most popular tourism destinations globally.
Our recent three-week visit, coupled with previous visits over 10 years ago, makes us uniquely placed to share guides to the country. In this two-week Vietnam itinerary, we aim to showcase the best of the country, with intel we’ve gained along the way - think of this as the itinerary we’d share with our family and friends.
Although two weeks is nowhere near enough to traverse each corner of Vietnam, we’re aware most travellers don’t have the luxury of time, so we’ve condensed the best things to do into a well-balanced, realistic itinerary, incorporating a mix of cities and nature, history and culture.
Additionally, we share all our personal advice and travel tips to help you make the most of your journey.
So, plan away and enjoy, and don’t forget to let us know how the trip was.
LOVE OUR PHOTOS? Edit like us with our Tropical Dreams Preset Packs, and Tropical Bliss mobile video filters, inspired by the tropical beauty and colour of this beautiful country
VIETNAM ITINERARY | PLANNING TIPS
Before we delve into our Vietnam itinerary, we wanted to cover some pertinent questions that should inform your trip planning.
These are the questions we asked ourselves, and where we spent the most amount of time researching during our own planning phase, and feel they’ll give you a robust idea of when to visit, where to visit, and how to get around to make the most of your trip.
IS 14-DAYS ENOUGH?
Two weeks is nowhere near enough time to explore the incredible cities, unique landscapes and vast history of Vietnam. It really is such a diverse and incredible country, that anything less than a month does not do it justice.
So why have we created a 14-day itinerary then?
We feel like it’s the perfect sweet spot for any first-time visitor to Vietnam, allowing you to sample the country and visit all the major attractions in one manageable, bite-sized trip.
You’ll be able to visit the major cities (Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh, Hoi An), and attractions (Mekong Delta, Ha Long Bay, Hue Citadel), and not feel rushed.
SHOULD I START IN HO CHI MINH CITY OR HANOI?
While Hanoi is the capital of Vietnam, it doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll start your travels here.
The geographical quirks of Vietnam - it’s a very long, thin country - mean that those travelling from the northern hemisphere are likely to arrive in Hanoi, located in the far north of the country, while those coming from the southern hemisphere, like us from Australia, are likely to land in Ho Chi Minh City.
Does it matter where you land and start your journey? Not particularly.
Most Vietnam itineraries go north to south, or vice versa, so you’re likely to see everything you wish to, regardless of where you land.
We’ve based this two-week Vietnam itinerary on a south-to-north route.
WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO VISIT VIETNAM?
The climate may affect where you start your trip, so it’s important to understand before you start planning your trip. At least, it played a key part in our travel planning, as we wanted to experience all the regions at their best, which as you’ll read below, is somewhat of a challenge.
Firstly, Vietnam is a long, thin country that spans several different climatic zones.
Northern Vietnam is subtropical, which means cool, dry winters that extend from November to April (Jan - March are the coldest), and hot, humid summers (May - October), with large rainfall occurring during September.
This is in stark contrast to the tropical south, which is either hot and dry (December - April), or hot and wet (June - November).
Therefore, understanding when the best time to visit Vietnam is, is crucial to your overall enjoyment.
The best time to visit Vietnam is between February - and April when rainfall across the country is low, and the temperatures in most regions are low (although Saigon and the south will be hot no matter when you visit).
Visiting Vietnam during this period will allow you to have the most enjoyable experience from a weather perspective, as you’ll likely avoid the monsoon rain in the south, and the typhoons in the north, while many of the major tourist cities and attractions, such as Ha Long Bay, Hoi An, Hue, and the Mekong Delta, will be at their best.
We’re aware that most people can’t travel during this period, so between June - July is another good period to visit - just expect some afternoon tropical storms in the south, and some pretty humid weather in the north.
Also, for what it’s worth, on our most recent visit, we travelled during late January and February and planned the start of our trip in the south, in the hope that the north shifted seasons and warmed up during our visit.
And it mostly worked - Saigon was delightful, Hoi An was a very pleasant mid-20s, and Hanoi was still rather cold and moody, but thankfully manageable.
HOW TO TRAVEL AROUND VIETNAM
Quality infrastructure, a vast colonial-built railway network, and an affordable aviation industry make travelling around Vietnam a relatively easy, affordable experience.
In a hurry? You can search all the main transport options along key routes to Da Nang / Hoi An on 12go.asia here:
BY AIR
For covering long distances quickly, flying is the most efficient option. But also the most carbon-intensive, so if you chose to fly, always offset your flights.
Vietnam has several domestic airlines, including Vietnam Airlines and VietJet Air offering routes connecting major cities like Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Hue, and Da Nang (Hoi An), as well as popular tourist destinations like Phu Quoc and Nha Trang.
Additionally, air travel is very affordable, especially if you book in advance - we found most fares were under $100 per person.
For this Vietnam itinerary, we recommend flying between destinations.
BY TRAIN
Vietnam’s railway system is vast and offers an affordable, if somewhat cumbersome way to explore the country. And while it might be slow, it’s incredibly scenic, which makes it such an appealing way to see the country.
Trains are more sustainable than flying and offer a great option for overnight journeys, and we’d much prefer one over the notorious sleeper buses.
However, for this Vietnam itinerary, we don’t recommend train travel, mostly due to time constraints.
If you plan to travel to Vietnam for longer than two weeks, we highly suggest taking part of the Reunification Express, which runs from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City and is particularly scenic through the centre of the country, winding along the country’s coastline, mountain ranges and stunning landscapes.
BY BUS
Probably the most economical and straightforward option for most travellers, buses offer frequent services operating between all the major cities and tourism hot spots (Hanoi, HCMC, Hue, Nha Trang, for example).
Many of these journeys are overnighters on Vietnam’s famous sleeper buses, and unlike other transport options, they do take you right into the heart of cities, making for a super convenient trip too.
If taking a bus, we suggest stocking up on food (a banh mi or two is perfect), water and toilet paper (just in case!)
BY CAR OR MOTORBIKE
A great way to move about Vietnam more broadly with your own freedom and flexibility is obviously renting your own 2- or 4-wheeled vehicle, although this recommendation comes with a preface that to legally rent a car or motorbike in Vietnam you do need to have either a Vietnamese Driver’s License, or a driver’s license from your own country accompanied by an International Driver’s Permit (IDP - apply for yours here).
For motorbikes particularly, the rules seem to change frequently and are enforced to varying degrees across the country - although, at the time of writing, a 50cc or electric scooter can be rented without documentation.
2 WEEKS IN VIETNAM | THE PERFECT ITINERARY
DAYS 1 - 4 | HO CHI MINH CITY & THE MEKONG DELTA
DAY ONE | EXPLORE DISTRICT 1, HO CHI MINH CITY
A bustling metropolis of close to 10 million people, Ho Chi Minh City (also known as Saigon) is large. Very large.
The size of the city can be overwhelming for any first-time visitor, however, it’s important to note that a vast majority of the main attractions exist within District 1, the commercial and tourist centre of town.
That’s why we recommend spending your first day exploring here.
There are a few ways to do this - either independently, walking from attraction to attraction (thankfully the walking distances aren’t huge), or by joining a half-day walking tour of the major landmarks.
We chose the latter and found it the perfect way to get a broad understanding of the city, quickly.
Most guided tours will visit the visually beautiful Saigon Post Office, Notre Dame Church (currently under renovations), the harrowing War Remnants Museum, Independence Palace, and Saigon Opera House, with a few stops on the way, including a street-side coffee.
In the afternoon, we suggest joining a food tour of the city. Ho Chi Minh City boasts an exceptional culinary scene, which beats strongest on its streets. But finding the best food can be hard, so we trust locals to do the searching for us.
Our street food tour opened our eyes (and taste buds) to a world of Vietnamese cuisine we knew nothing about, and we visited nondescript Michelin-recommend holes in the wall, and street sellers, and devoured some of the best Banh Mi ever while delving deeper into the local markets and discovering local delicacies.
The tour then allowed us to enjoy the rest of our time in Vietnam much more, as we knew what and where to find the best food.
To end the day, visit one of the many incredible craft breweries in town - either Pasteur Street Brewing Co. or Belgo. Both offer an insight into Saigon’s burgeoning craft beer scene and after all the walking, you’ll deserve a brew or two.
For those exploring independently, here are a few other things to see in District 1:
The City Apartments
Tan Dinh Pink Church (actually just outside of District 1)
Jade Emperor Pagoda
Ho Chi Minh City Museum
THE DETAILS
BOOK | City highlights walking tour, This wonderful Saigon markets & food tour
STAY | Yu Stay Apartments, The Reverie Saigon, or Chez Mimosa
DAY TWO | VISIT CU CHI TUNNELS, & EXPLORE SAIGON
After a day of settling in, we suggest an early half-day tour departure to the infamous Cu Chi Tunnels.
About a 1.5-hour drive (in good traffic!) from Ho Chi Minh City, the Cu Chi tunnels were used by the guerilla-style VietCong to go, quite literally, underground to hide from their enemy and plan offensive attacks (learn more about the tunnel’s history here). They’re an essential stop on any Vietnam itinerary, and the half-day tour is informative, if not a little rushed.
It’s worth noting that Cu Chi Tunnels are quite commercialised and busy, so if you’re after a quieter experience, we’d recommend the nearby Ben Duoc tunnels.
Expect to arrive back in Saigon around 2 pm.
The afternoon is free to explore more of the city, and there are a number of options depending on your travel style.
For those looking to go off the beaten track, this 3-hour tour of Saigon’s lesser-visited districts is wonderful. This was our favourite tour during our time in Saigon and helped us discover local coffee shops, bustling markets, foodie hot spots and hidden cultural gems.
Alternatively, see another side of the city and jump aboard a Saigon River boat cruise. This sunset cruise departs Tan Cang pier at 5 pm and takes in HCMC’s famous bridges, and its vibrant urban centres as they light up for the evening, and also includes a cocktail or mocktail as the perfect sundowner for your HCMC explorations. Book it here
Or, head up to the Saigon Skydeck for the best view of the sunset and some birds-eye viewing of the streets below (purchase them on Klook here or GetYourGuide here).
THE DETAILS
BOOK | Cu Chi Tunnels, District 3 & 5 walking tour, Saigon Skydeck, Saigon River sunset cruise
STAY | Yu Stay Apartments, The Reverie Saigon, or Chez Mimosa
DAY THREE | TOUR TO THE MEKONG DELTA
Awake early, and head south to the rice bowl of Vietnam, the Mekong Delta.
As Saigon falls away, watch the jungle take back the land, its barrage of tangled trees interrupted only by emerald rice paddies, humble fruit orchards, and the piercing arms of the Mekong River. The region is an agricultural treasure trove, producing much of Vietnam’s rice, fruit, and vegetable crops, and a visit here is essential to understand its unique culture.
There are many 1 and 2-night Mekong Delta tours available from Ho Chi Minh City, and while we feel like the region needs more than one night and two days to do it justice, time is of the essence. It’s worth noting that most tours are stock standard, and follow the same route.
The first morning is punctuated by a stop at the majestic Vinh Trang Pagoda, before visiting the market town of My Tho, where the Delta explorations begin.
Jumping in a Sampan boat, the tour slices through the tributaries of the Mekong River, slipping away from the urban sprawl into the embrace of coconut-lined canals.
You then visit a local village, where you’re able to engage with locals over honey tea, local fruits and karaoke tunes, before enjoying a traditional lunch among rice fields.
The day ends in the region’s largest city, Can Tho, where you’re free to explore the city (read our Can Tho guide for recommendations) - we suggest hitting up the local street food markets to sample some local produce.
THE DETAILS
BOOK | This popular 1 night, 2-day tour of the Mekong Delta
READ | A guide to the Mekong Delta
DAY FOUR | EXPLORE MEKONG DELTA, BACK TO HO CHI MINH CITY
Day breaks over the frenetic, bustling, and chattering Cai Rang Floating Market, a whirlpool of commercial activity that is the highlight of the trip.
The boat tour offers close encounters within the markets, including with noodle makers and colourful stalls, before it’s time for breakfast.
A dozen or more boats are latched together around a food vendor. Hot bowls of hủ tiếu are passed around, while there’s also a coffee sampan, bringing hot or iced cups of Vietnamese coffee to the people. It’s awesome.
After leaving Can Tho, the tour stops at an ancient house, where you can join a hands-on pancake cooking session, before cycling through scenic paths that navigate the rice paddies.
Returning to Ho Chi Minh City by late afternoon, the whirlwind tour if the Delta concludes.
We don’t necessarily recommend anything for the evening - you’ll likely be stuffed, so get to bed early. Or, head to Ben Nghe Nightmarkets for some street food.
THE DETAILS
STAY | Yu Stay Apartments, The Reverie Saigon, or Chez Mimosa
READ | A guide to the Mekong Delta
DAYS 5 - 9 | HOI AN & HUE
DAY FIVE | FLY TO DA NANG, TRANSFER TO HOI AN
Next on our Vietnam itinerary is a trip to central Vietnam, and the wonders of Hoi An, Hue and surrounds.
We suggest booking an early flight from Saigon to Da Nang to allow for any potential delays.
From Da Nang, you’ll need to arrange a transfer to Hoi An - you can read how to get from Da Nang to Hoi An here.
One you’re in Hoi An, settle into your accommodation (we recommend Mulberry Silk Village), before taking a later afternoon stroll in the ancient town to get your bearings.
THE DETAILS
STAY | La Siesta Hoi An, Mulberry Silk Village, or Mad Monkey Hostel
DAY SIX | EXPLORE HOI AN + WALKING TOUR
For many, Hoi An will be the highlight of their trip to Vietnam, and it’s not hard to understand why.
Wandering through Hoi An’s old town for the first time is an undeniably charming experience. Its labyrinthine streets are flanked by mustard-yellow merchant houses and brightly coloured temples, and everywhere you look, there are examples of the foreign worlds that left their indelible marks on the town’s architecture, culture, and food.
We feel the best way to get your bearings and understand the depth and complexity of Hoi An’s history is to start with a guided walking tour.
Your guide will explain the complex, deep and multicultural history of Hoi An, from the iconic Japanese Bridge and the town’s historical connections with Japan to the ancient homes and assembly halls of the early Chinese settlers and the history of the families that built them.
You’ll visit local markets, be recommended hidden gems, and end the tour at the home of the Ngô family, masters of Hoi An’s Xí mà (black sesame soup).
All in all, it’s the perfect way to spend half a day.
For lunch, you can’t go past Madame Khanh, Hoi An’s Banh Mi queen. Serving up potentially the best banh mi in Vietnam, this is the place to sample the world’s most popular sandwich.
We enjoyed meandering through the ancient town without a plan so much that we recommend you do the same in the afternoon. Do a spot of shopping, visit a tailor to get some linen sets made, stop for tea at Reaching Out Tea House, head back into the markets, or simply sit at a riverside restaurant and watch the world go by.
In the evening, venture into town to see the streets lit up with colourful lanterns. Tucked behind the Japanese Bridge on a nondescript canal, Hy Restaurant is a great place to try the local dish, Cao lầu, although the Com Ga, and crispy spring rolls, are also excellent. The ambience is lovely too - fairy lights and tables on the water, without the crowds - the perfect night!
THE DETAILS
BOOK | This highly-rated Hoi An walking tour
STAY | La Siesta Hoi An, Mulberry Silk Village, or Mad Monkey Hostel
READ | The best things to do in Hoi An, 15+ Important Hoi An Travel Tips, A guide to the Hoi An Old Town Ticket, The best day trips from Hoi An
DAY SEVEN | MY SON SANCTUARY & EXPLORE HOI AN/BEACH
It’s an early start to visit Vietnam’s most beautiful ancient ruins, My Son Sanctuary. But trust us, it’s worth it.
It’s about an hour’s drive to get to My Son Sanctuary, and we suggest taking this tour to arrive first before the crowds well and truly arrive.
Against the backdrop of emerald green mountains and blue skies, the burnt orange ruins of Mỹ Sơn Sanctuary make for an emphatic feature of the landscape.
The area was the spiritual and political capital of the ancient Cham Kingdom between the 4th and 15th centuries. Once home to over 70 Hindu temples, the American war was not kind to the Sanctuary. Over just a few days in 1969, the ruins were almost entirely razed by US carpet bombing raids that reduced all but 20 or so of the temples to rubble.
Thankfully, a combined international effort led to the site being UNESCO World Heritage protected since 1999, and recent restoration efforts have rebuilt some of the main highlights in painstaking detail.
Your guide will take you through each temple complex, which is grouped from A to H, and will explain the history, both ancient and modern, in detail. Group A is the most impressive of the sites, with B & H also well restored.
Now, if guided tours aren’t your thing, you can visit Mỹ Sơn Sanctuary by yourself - you’ll just need to organise transport there and back - and read our detailed guide here.
Upon returning to Hoi An, we suggest making your way to Roving Chillhouse, an excellent, bohemian-style cafe located in the rice fields, for some lunch, smoothies, and much-needed chill time.
The afternoon should be spent by the beach, enjoying a little rest and relaxation after a busy few days.
We suggest An Bang (map); a long stretch of soft, white sand gently kissed by the clear waters of the East Sea. Flanked by palm trees, dotted with sun beds, and frequented by backpackers, it feels quintessentially South East Asia.
Our favourite place was Sound of Silence, a laidback hostel cafe serving excellent coffee and decent food, with epic views and lovely sun beds. Alternatively, the Deck House An Bang has a Bali beach club vibe and excellent beach access.
We’re not sure you’ll want to do too much tonight - so grab an early dinner. The Hill Station is a great option, serving Asian and European fusion alongside craft beers in an exquisite former French colonial building.
THE DETAILS
BOOK | This morning trip from Hoi An to My Son Sanctuary or the public shuttle bus from Hoi An
STAY | La Siesta Hoi An, Mulberry Silk Village, or Mad Monkey Hostel
READ | The best things to do in Hoi An, 15+ Important Hoi An Travel Tips, A guide to the Hoi An Old Town Ticket, The best day trips from Hoi An
DAY EIGHT | DAY TRIP TO HUE
The unfortunate reality of spending only two weeks in a country like Vietnam is that, invariably, bucket-list places will be missed. But you can’t visit central Vietnam and not visit the famed imperial city of Hue, so it’s another early start… sorry about that!
Between 1802 and 1945, Hue served as the political, cultural, and religious centre of Vietnam under the Nguyen dynasty, and as a result, has a vast array of incredible historical and cultural sites, including the Imperial City.
There’s a lot to see and do and is worth exploring with a guided tour.
This Hue Heritage tour dives head first into the historic city and its vast Citadel, which encompasses grand palaces, ornate temples, and beautifully landscaped gardens of the former home of the Nguyen Dynasty.
The tour also further explores Hue, including a cruise on the famed Perfume River, stops at Thien Mu Pagoda and Khai Dinh Royal Tomb, as well as a lunch stop for Bún bò Huế, a local dish that enamoured Anthony Bourdain. The tour also includes a drive over the historic Hai Van Pass.
We feel like this is the best way to see Hue without staying a night or two, however it will be a long day.
Alternatively, it is possible to incorporate a visit to My Son Sanctuary and the Marble Mountains into one long day tour, in which case, we’d shift this tour to day seven, and spend today relaxing in Hoi An.
THE DETAILS
BOOK | Explore Hue with this Hue Heritage tour
STAY | La Siesta Hoi An, Mulberry Silk Village, or Mad Monkey Hostel
DAY NINE | HOI AN COOKING TOUR + RELAX
Finish your time in Hoi An learning all about how to cook this incredible cuisine, and experience one of the best tours we took in Vietnam.
Most classes begin with a tour of the local fresh produce and wet market, providing an insight into the quality of local produce, and an environment that feels a million miles away from the bustling tourist-trap markets found in central Hoi An.
Then, it’s often a stop past a nearby rice paddy to learn how rice is cultivated (although this may differ between tours), before being whisked to a traditional kitchen to learn about making Vietnamese staples - spring rolls, Bánh cuốn (Vietnamese steamed rice rolls), Bánh Xèo (Hoian rice pancakes), Phở (pho noodles with beef), and Chè (sweet bean soup) - all the good stuff.
Then it’s time to sit down and feast upon the fruits of your labour.
There is a heap of food tours offered in Hoi An, so it can be hard to discern which is best - we opted for this 4-hour class, which included a market tour, basket boat ride, and cooking class. Vegetarians, vegans, omnivores, pescatarians, and everyone in between are catered for — and it’s not a stretch to say that this cooking class was one of our favourite things to do in Hoi An!
We highly doubt you’ll need to eat until dinner, so spend the afternoon savouring your last day in Hoi An. Head to Faifo Coffee’s famed rooftop for some delicious coconut coffee, admiring the best view in town. Or, depending on your preference, join either a lantern-making class, take a boat trip along the Thu Bon River, or, take it easy, strolling the colourful streets and getting some last-minute shopping done.
For dinner, visit our favourite restaurant in Hoi An, Minh Hien restaurant. Serving all your Vietnamese favourites, but vegetarian, Minh Hien’s white rose dumplings are exceptional, while their Cao lầu offering was the best we tried during our time in Hoi An. Don’t sleep on the stuffed tofu wrapped in banana leaf - what a delight.
And that’s Hoi An done.
THE DETAILS
BOOK | This excellent 4-hour class
STAY | La Siesta Hoi An, Mulberry Silk Village, or Mad Monkey Hostel
READ | The best things to do in Hoi An, 15+ Important Hoi An Travel Tips, A guide to the Hoi An Old Town Ticket, The best day trips from Hoi An
DAYS 10 - 14 | HANOI & HA LONG BAY
DAY TEN | FLY TO HANOI, EXPLORE HANOI OLD QUARTER
We suggest leaving a few hours to get from your hotel in Hoi An back to Da Nang for your flight to Hanoi. Throughout this itinerary, we’ve suggested early flights, and today is no different - try to book around 11 am, which will see you get into Hanoi at a reasonable hour.
Hanoi is overwhelming, and no words we write here will ever fully prepare you for the assault on your senses that is Vietnam’s northern capital.
A dizzying whirlwind of honking traffic, crumbling colonial architecture, and deliciously fragrant flavours that give way to potent motorbike fumes all in the same breath; it’s a city that truly exists in the well-used traveller cliches of contrasts and juxtapositions.
So once settled into your Hanoi accommodation (we recommend La Siesta Premium Hang Be in the Old Quarter), we suggest setting off and aimlessly walking the character-filled streets of the Old Quarter to get your bearings - you’re going to need it.
Start at St. Joseph’s Cathedral and make your way along P. Nhà Chung Street, stopping at Banh My Mama for one of the best banh mi in town, before setting in for a relaxing afternoon of egg coffee at Loading T coffee house.
Slowly wind your way through the rabbit-warren streets, before enjoying dinner at Pizza 4Ps. No, we know what you’re thinking - pizza in Vietnam? But hear us out.
We asked our Instagram audience about the best places to eat in Hanoi, and Pizza 4Ps were recommended time and time again. And it’s probably the best pizza we’ve had outside of Italy. The menu, including the pizzas, is a mix of traditional and Asian-influenced, which results in a wonderful mix of flavours - don’t sleep on the 4 mushroom pizza.
Then enjoy an early night - you’ve earned it.
THE DETAILS
STAY | Capella Hanoi, La Siesta Premium Hang Be & Old Quarter View Hanoi Hostel
DAY ELEVEN | EXPLORE HANOI
Start your day early, as the locals do, with a delicious, hearty bowl of pho.
Phở Gia Truyền Bát Đàn is a basic, shop house located in the Old Quarter, but it hides some of the best Pho in Hanoi. Included in the Michelin guide, so you know it’s good, expect a long wait though as it’s popular here. Or, go next door to Phở Xào Phú Mỹ for an equally good broth.
Then, start exploring. You can explore Hanoi’s Old Quarter two ways - via your own, independent meandering. Or through a guided tour. Whatever you choose, there are several essential stops you need to tick off, most within walking distance of each other.
We recommend starting at the Ho Chi Minh Precinct, where Uncle Ho is celebrated for his tireless commitment to Vietnam's liberation from colonial rule.
Within the Ho Chi Minh precinct, there are a few major attractions that we suggest visiting (see below). Although you can book a guided tour, we actually think it’s best to explore the surroundings at your own pace - unless, of course, you’re interested in Vietnamese history.
The brutalist Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum is the obvious starting point, where the preserved body of Ho Chi Minh is on display.
To the right is the striking, bright yellow facade and green shutters of the adjacent Presidential Palace, as well as Ho Chi Minh’s Stilt House and gardens. It was here where Ho Chi Minh spent the remaining years of his life, and you can see his simple dwelling, still intact from his death in 1969.
The final stop within the precinct is the Ho Chi Minh Museum, a monumental tribute to the life and legacy of the respected leader. Inside, the heavily curated museum is divided into eight chronological sections, from birth through to his crowning years as leader of the new Vietnam, and finally through to his death in 1969. If you’re not too interested in Uncle Ho’s history, you can pass on entering.
Next door is the historic One Pillar Pagoda, a famed temple that stood for almost 1,000 years until it was razed to the ground by a Vietnamese Lieutenant of the French Army in 1954. Stone by stone, it was slowly rebuilt in the place you find it today. The complex includes the small yet stunning Dien Huu Temple.
It will take around 1.5 - 2 hours to explore this part of Hanoi.
A short walk away is the Citadel of Thang Long, home to the centre of regional political power for 13 centuries. You can walk through and over the imposing main southern gate (Doan Mon), and see the remains of The Kinh Thien Palace, as well as the rather beautiful Lady’s Pavilion (Hau Lau) and the imposing North Gate (Bac Mon).
The citadel also houses the D67 Revolutionary House, which was the general headquarters of the Vietnam Communist Party during the war against the US. You can enter the preserved rooms and bunkers, which provide a tangible insight into where strategic plans were formulated in the Vietnam War.
While the overall site is a must-visit, we don’t think you should spend long here - an hour is the max you’ll need.
After a spot of lunch in the old town (any banh mi cart will do!), we recommend joining a street food tour, which includes a visit to the infamous ‘train street’.
Similar to our tour in Ho Chi Minh City, this street food tour stopped by hidden storefronts, holes in the wall, street sellers, and some of the best Banh Mi ever, while delving deeper into the local markets and discovering local delicacies. The visit to Train Street, while very cliche, is also a lot of fun.
We highly recommend joining a food tour - it was potentially the best thing we did in Hanoi.
You’ll probably be too full to eat anything more, so head straight to Ta Hien Corner, and end the day on a blue stool sipping Bia Hoi by the dozen.
THE DETAILS
BOOK | Join a city walking tour and let a guide take you on the journey
STAY | Capella Hanoi, La Siesta Premium Hang Be & Old Quarter View Hanoi Hostel
DAY TWELVE | HA LONG BAY OVERNIGHT CRUISE
The most famous attraction in Vietnam, and one of the wonders of the World, Ha Long Bay sits atop almost every traveller’s bucket list in the country.
UNESCO World Heritage protected and famous for its limestone mountains and caves, pristine beauty, and peaceful fishing villages, it’s a truly stunning part of the world.
To maximise time in Hanoi, you could opt for a day tour, but that doesn’t do the Bay justice, so we recommend at least a night, and even more if you have a spare night or two in addition to this itinerary (you should do this 1-night / 2-day cruise - it’s amazing).
The drive from Hanoi’s Old Quarter to Ha Long Bay port takes around two hours before the boat sets sail slowly into the Bay.
After lunch and check-in, there are several different excursions that you can join which take you deeper into the National Park.
Depending on your fitness, you can kayak through caves and islets, or jump aboard a traditional bamboo boat to visit hidden corners. If we’re honest, this part of the tour can feel a little bit processional, however with limited time in the bay it’s worthwhile joining.
In the afternoon, the cruise slowly moves further into the Bay, showcasing the famous limestone karsts, and fishing villages. We suggest heading onto the deck, grabbing a Bia Hoi, and watching the scenery drift by.
Dinner includes excellent Vietnamese food, while the night ends with a spot of karaoke (if interested).
THE DETAILS
BOOK | This 1-night / 2-day cruise or this one-day trip is also possible from Hanoi
DAY THIRTEEN | HA LONG BAY TO HANOI
After a night spent floating amongst the karst towers of Ha Long Bay, there’s an early morning Tai Chi class on deck, before your final excursion in the Bay - either kayaking and swimming (depending on the time of year), or a visit to one of the many famous caves.
After a buffet breakfast, it’s time to slowly head back to port, enjoying a few final moments of the exquisite natural beauty before a long drive back to Hanoi Old Quarter.
Once back in Hanoi and settled, we suggest spending the afternoon exploring a few more of the city’s famous sites, starting at Hoan Kiem Lake.
In the heart of Hanoi, Hoan Kiem is a meeting place where locals and tourists gather to enjoy the calm waters, exercise or take respite from the frenetic energy of Hanoi’s Old Quarter.
Not only is it beautiful, but it provides an enjoyable escape from the Old Quarter, try local street food, and watch locals go about their business. The lake also houses the peaceful island that houses Ngoc Son Temple.
Connected to the mainland by its famed red bridge (Cau The Huc), Ngoc Son Temple is built in typical Vietnamese style, all scarlet doors, terracotta roofs, upswept eaves and intricate carvings, and inside you’ll find a mix of shrines and pavilions dedicated to various deities and philosophers. Expect colourful offerings, the ever-present smell of incense and delightful views back to the Old Quarter.
Nearby is the Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre, which showcases the short, but lively Water Puppet Show (we suggest pre-booking tickets). Water puppetry, or Múa rối nước, dates back to the 11th century, originating in the villages of the Red River Delta, where farmers became puppeteers, animating the stories of their land through figures that danced on water.
Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre carries this tradition forward, its stage a pool of water, its actors intricately carved wooden puppets guided by the unseen hands of skilled puppeteers behind a bamboo curtain. While the storyline is tough to follow, you can enjoy the puppeteer’s skills, while the folk music is suitably fun.
If the puppet show isn’t of interest, we thoroughly enjoyed delving a little deeper into the Old Quarter, and the northern reaches around Đồng Xuân Market. The streets are filled with colourful market stalls, selling everything from fresh produce to skinned frogs. It provides a real insight into the market-centric nature of Vietnam, even in larger cities.
As evening falls, head to Dong Kinh Nghia Thuc Square on Hoan Kiem Lake, which turns into an exciting pedestrian-friendly street filled with street food vendors. Sample some local delights, before heading to MẸT Vietnamese Restaurant, one of the best local restaurants in town, for one final Vietnamese feast.
THE DETAILS
BOOK | The ever-popular Thang Long Water Puppet Show
STAY | Capella Hanoi, La Siesta Premium Hang Be & Old Quarter View Hanoi Hostel
DAY FOURTEEN | EXPLORE HANOI, FLY BACK HOME / ONWARDS
And that’s 14 days done. Well, almost - depending our your departure time, we suggest a few final attractions before you leave Hanoi and Vietnam.
One of the best brunch spots in town, Dreamers and Seekers serves incredible coffee and a Melbourne-style brunch. The miso mushrooms with poached eggs were delicious, and the avocado smash with goat’s cheese was also scoffed down in about two seconds flat - washed down with the most rich, decadent coconut coffee.
Next door is St. Joseph’s Church, a slice of Gothic Europe amid the scooter-filled, pho-scented streets of Hanoi. Its weather-beaten façade is reminiscent of Notre Dame, while inside, the cathedral has an incredible array of stained glass windows, which stand out against the fairly dark interior, especially on a sunny day.
The final stop on our Vietnam itinerary is our favourite temple in Hanoi, and potentially Vietnam - The Temple of Literature.
Spread across a large, manicured site in the leafy centre of town, The Temple of Literature (Van Mieu) was established in 1070 to honour and teach the learnings of Chinese philosopher Confucius and the pursuit of knowledge, and features an array of traditional Vietnamese architecture, including halls, ponds and manicured gardens, and the stunning details and muted colours were breathtaking.
Depending on your departure time, we suggest spending 1-2 hours here.
It’s been a busy two-week Vietnam itinerary, and one we hope you’ve loved and enjoyed, and made some memories to last a lifetime.
THE DETAILS
BOOK | Temple of Literature tour
READ | Our detailed guide to The Temple of Literature
TRAVEL INSURANCE | STAY SAFE IN VIETNAM
If you can't afford travel insurance, you really can't afford to travel. As the current global situation has taught many people, things can go wrong anywhere in the world - and insurance is often the only way of mitigating any issues with minimal expense or stress for you.
Here are our recommendations, based on 8+ years of full-time travel:
FOR TRAVELLERS | HeyMondo - COVID-19 coverage, comprehensive travel + medical insurance, an app with 24-hour medical support, and no out-of-pocket fees.
*The Common Wanderer readers get 5% off your policy by booking through our link here.
FOR DIGITAL NOMADS | SafetyWing - COVID-19 coverage, comprehensive travel & medical, and policies can be purchased while already abroad.
CAR INSURANCE | Insurance4CarHire - a great annual car insurance policy
EXPERIENCE THE BEST OF VIETNAM
HO CHI MINH CITY | The best things to do in Ho Chi Minh City, 15+ Essential Saigon Travel Tips, How to visit Tan Dinh Church (Saigon’s Pink Church), Where to eat and drink in Ho Chi Minh City, How to get from Saigon Airport to the city centre
HOI AN | The best things to do in Hoi An, 15+ Essential Hoi An Travel Tips, How to visit My Son Sanctuary, How to get from Danang Airport to Hoi An, A guide to the Hoi An Old Town Ticket, The best day trips from Hoi An
HANOI | The best things to do in Hanoi, How to visit the Temple of Literature
MEKONG DELTA | The best things to do in the Mekong Delta
PHOTOGRAPHY | Love our photography? Read our detailed photography gear guide, as well as our top travel photography tips!
RESPONSIBLE TRAVEL | Learn our top responsible travel tips to help you, your family and your friends travel more consciously around the globe
ECO-FRIENDLY PACKING ESSENTIALS | Don’t leave home without our favourite eco-friendly travel essentials
DISCOVER THE COLOUR OF VIETNAM WITH OUR GUIDES
If you choose to purchase using these links, we receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Please know that by using these affiliate links, you're directly supporting The Common Wanderer to stay wandering, the running costs of the site, and our ability to provide you with free content to help you on your travels.
That, and you're officially a legend.
