Vietnam Itinerary: The Perfect 2-Week Route from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City

Vietnam is one of Southeast Asia's most rewarding countries to travel — diverse landscapes, extraordinary food, rich history, and a north-to-south journey that could take a lifetime to fully explore. Two weeks is the sweet spot for first-timers.

Here's a route that experienced travelers on Parada consistently recommend.

The Classic North-to-South Route

Most travelers fly into Hanoi and out of Ho Chi Minh City (or vice versa), avoiding backtracking and maximizing variety.

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Days 1–3: Hanoi

Vietnam's capital is chaotic, charming, and endlessly walkable. The Old Quarter's 36 streets (each historically dedicated to a single trade) are best explored on foot.

Must-do:

• Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple at dawn
• Train Street (the famous narrow street where trains pass between houses)
• Bun cha and pho for breakfast — Hanoi's take on Vietnamese food is distinct from the south
• Hoa Lo Prison Museum (sobering and important)

Days 4–5: Ha Long Bay

The UNESCO-listed limestone karsts of Ha Long Bay are one of Southeast Asia's most spectacular natural sights. The only real way to experience them is on an overnight cruise.

Book in advance: Budget cruises (€80–120/person for 2 nights) fill up fast. Splurging on a mid-range boat gets you significantly better food and smaller group sizes.

Days 6–7: Hoi An

Fly or take the train to Da Nang, then travel 30 minutes to Hoi An. This beautifully preserved ancient trading port is one of Vietnam's most photogenic towns.

Don't miss:

• The Ancient Town at sunrise and sunset (before the tour groups arrive)
• Getting custom clothes made — Hoi An's tailors are genuinely excellent and affordable
• My Son Sanctuary (nearby Cham temple ruins, worth a half-day)
• The best bánh mì in Vietnam is debated endlessly; Bánh Mì Phượng is a worthy contender

Days 8–9: Hue

Vietnam's former imperial capital is often overlooked in favor of Hoi An, but its Imperial Citadel, royal tombs, and hue-style cuisine (pungent, spicy, complex) are extraordinary.

Days 10–11: Da Lat

A highland escape 1,500m above sea level, Da Lat has a cooler climate, French colonial architecture, and excellent coffee. It's increasingly popular with Vietnamese domestic tourists and far less crowded with foreigners.

Days 12–14: Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)

End your trip in Vietnam's largest and most energetic city. The War Remnants Museum is essential (and difficult) context for understanding the country. The Cu Chi Tunnels, 40km northwest, are a remarkable testament to wartime ingenuity.

Food in HCMC: Bánh xèo (sizzling crepe), hủ tiếu (noodle soup), and Vietnamese coffee with condensed milk at any street-side café.

Practical Tips

• Grab (ride-hailing app) works across Vietnam and is the easiest way to get around cities
• Book sleeper trains or flights between cities at least a few days in advance
• Sim cards are cheap and widely available at airports

Join the Vietnam Community on Parada

For destination-specific tips in Hanoi, Ha Long Bay, Hoi An, and Ho Chi Minh City, each has its own community thread on Parada.

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Just back from Vietnam? Share your route tips on Parada.