Best Two weeks in Vietnam For First Time Visitors

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Searching for the perfect two weeks in Vietnam? We spent an incredible two months exploring this amazing country, falling in love with its chaotic charm and stunning landscapes.

Vietnam offers endless possibilities and we’ve created a two-week adventure, packed full with incredible sights and hidden gems; the perfect itinerary for a first time visitor.

Vietnam is huge and diverse and honestly you can’t see it all in two weeks.  But careful planning will maximise your time and planning is part of the fun! 

Our Choice For 2 Weeks in Vietnam

As first time visitors ourselves, we had no idea what to expect from Vietnam. We’d recently travelled through India and Cambodia but Vietnam was unknown to us. Ultimately we found the country incredibly easy to get around and we loved our two months here.

Day 1 : Ho Chi Minh City

You’ll probably arrive at Ho Chi Minh airport; officially called Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN).  We easily found an ATM to withdraw cash but we pre-purchased our Airalo E-Sim before we arrived.

To travel from the airport to Ho Chi Minh city, either book an airport transfer or download the GRAB app (it’s like UBER in Asia) and order a taxi when you arrive. 

Ho Chi Minh city was not what we expected.  It’s a modern, beautiful, bustling city, blending old and new with French colonial buildings rubbing shoulders with traditional Vietnam.  It’s wonderful.

Keep day one light. If you’ve flown long haul you’ll need an easy day because you’re going to be busy over the coming 2 weeks. But, we have plenty of ideas for things to do in Ho Chi Minh if you’d rather get started.

Where To Stay In Ho Chi Minh City

Choose a hotel in District One; it is by far the easiest area for walking to the major attractions and is full of cafes, bars, shops and restaurants. I did a ton of research before booking our accommodation and here are our top picks :

• Budget Stay : Diep Anh Guesthouse or Little Saigon Boutique.  Both highly rated across all platforms and both represent excellent value in an ideal location.

• Comfort Stay: Silverland La Jolie (which we loved) or if full try Chez Mimosa Local.  With high ratings across all platforms and a great location, they are both perfect choices.

• Luxury Stay: Need comfort after a long flight?  Both La Siesta Saigon and Fusion Saigon are stunning hotels and in the perfect location for exploring.

Day 2 : Ho Chi Minh City

The best way to discover a city is with a really good walking tour and we loved this Guruwalk tour . Do go in the morning though as it’s cooler. For more details jump over to our post about 24 hours in Vietnam. 

Day 3 : Cu Chi Tunnels From Ho Chi Minh City

Some companies offer full day tours to both Cu Chi and the Delta; don’t do this as you’ll see the worst of both. Instead, take a half day tour and you’ll have a great time; and we didn’t get back until mid afternoon from our Cu Chi Tunnel Tour.

In the evening, we recommend a night at the Saigon Opera House for the Bamboo Theatre.  Do buy your tickets ahead of time as they sell quickly and don’t buy the cheap seats (like us) as there are are few large pillars. Arrive early for a free drink and the show lasts no more than an hour.

Have Dinner at Banana Mamas Rooftop Kitchen and stay and enjoy the glorious sunset views.

Day 4 : Mekong Delta Tour from Ho Chi Minh City

We loved our days on the Mekong Delta, it’s too good to miss. Life revolves around the river with floating markets, riverside villages and beautiful landscape.

We recommend this excellent Mekong day tour.  It leaves from Ho Chi Minh, meaning you don’t have to switch hotels for the night or lose time travelling.

Day 5 : Fly to Hoi An

You’re moving on to Hoi An and don’t listen to the nay-sayers who tell you it’s too touristy.  It is too touristy but oh my it’s beautiful too. Our biggest regret was that we only had 3 nights here.

Take a morning flight from Ho Chi Minh to Da Nang.  Vietjet run several flights every day for less than 50€. From Da Nang (about 40 minutes from Hoi An), book a shared minibus or private transfer from as little as 10€.

The ancient town of Hoi An is famous for its well-preserved architecture and beautiful lantern-lit streets; the waterfront at night is so pretty.  It’s also famous for it’s tailor shops although we travel light so never purchased anything. 

Hoi An also has a great beach; An Bang Beach.  If you are a beach fan you could spend this afternoon here or :

Or do as we did and after dinner take a stroll along the river, watching the boats and the lanterns and the candles. It’s pretty magical and costs nothing.

Where To Stay In Hoi An

Stay on the edge of the Old Town, rather than in the thick of it.  You’ll be an easy walk away but it will be quieter and cheaper. Your money goes a lot further in Hoi An but do expect rooms to be on the smaller side (small rooms and hard beds are common in Vietnam).

• Budget Stay :  Hoianese Hotel is so good that every reviewer gave it ten of ten. Flame Flowers Homestay has an equally impressive score from over 500 guests.

• Comfort Stay : In Hoi An it was easy to find a great hotel within our budget. We loved Hoi An Heart Lodge but if it’s full, you can’t go wrong with the equally excellent Mint Hoi An Villa.

• Luxury Stay: Choose the ever popular Hoi An Rivertown Resort or for one of the best views of Hoi An try Delicacy Hoi An Hotel & Spa.

Day 6 : Hoi An

We took an excellent Old Town walking tour; it’s the best way to see Hoi An and learn about her history.  The old town isn’t large so you’re not walking far but do go in the morning to avoid the heat.

After your walk have lunch at Morning Glory Restaurant; you’ll need to book ahead as this restaurant gets sooo busy.

In the afternoon, if you time things well, take this tour to the My Son Sanctuary for sunset.  This ancient monument is beautiful and taking the sunset tour not only makes the best use of your time but offers an amazing sunset to boot. 

For dinner book a table at Little Faifo.  It’s pretty special. And a special mention for celiacs and gluten free; Dingo Delhi is amazing!  The pizza tastes like real pizza and the little shop sells GF bread.

Day 7 : Top Gear’s Hai Van Pass To Hue

We’re leaving Hoi An and heading to Hue; I know there are mixed opinions on Hue but we enjoyed our time here. Hue was once the capital of Vietnam and is famous for the UNESCO Imperial City and Royal Tombs but there’s also another great reason to visit. 

We’re fans of the TV show Top Gear and a few years ago they travelled to Vietnam and drove motorbikes along the Hai Van Pass.  It’s considered one of the world’s most beautiful coast roads, so of course we had to check it out for ourselves. We did this journey twice; once with a private car and driver and once on the train.  Both were amazing but with a private car you can explore a few other sights en-route. 

We left Hoi An around 8:00am and arrived in Hue in time for a late lunch. Your driver can take you directly to your hotel. Drop your bags and go explore the Imperial City. After your visit take a stroll along the Perfume River at Sunset (or better still jump on a Dragon Boat).

Where To Stay In Hue

There is a Walking Street area in Hue and it’s akin to Pub Street in Siem Reap. Don’t stay here. It’s not terrible but there are nicer, quieter places to stay.

• Budget Stay : Nearly a thousand guests rate Tam Homestay excellent and you can book a bed with breakfast for under 20€.

• Comfort Stay : We loved Melia Vinpearl and whilst there, do make the most of their excellent rooftop bar.

• Luxury Stay : The Silk Path offers a little touch of luxury for those looking for something special but take a look at Melia Pearl first!

And a few great places to eat in Hue :

Day 8 : VIP Bus To Phong Nha

Today you’ll be jumping aboard our favourite buses; the Vietnam VIP Sleeper bus.  You’re heading to Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, famous for its caves, including the world’s largest Son Doong Cave.

Book the VIP Sleeper Bus (20 or 22) on 12GO and you’ll have a very comfortable lie-flat seat (a bit like travelling 1^st class on a flight). Take a morning bus and you’ll arrive mid-afternoon.

There are limited choices for accommodation in Phong Nha; mainly hostels or homestays.  We opted to stay a few minutes out of town at Dawn Homestay.  It is simple with a huge pool and excellent home cooked food. We couldn’t fault it and it was one of our favourite stays. They’ll also arrange transfers, Paradise Cave tours and collect you from the bus stop in Phong Nha. 

Day 9 : Exploring Paradise Cave

Don’t visit Phong Nha if you’re not keen on visiting the caves.  But these caves are enormous and we were blown away by the scale and the beauty. Most tours follow the same route but we recommend this tour; the group is smaller and lunch is included. 

At Paradise you walk for 15 minutes along a flat, paved path but you can ask for transport if you’d like to conserve your energy.  After you need to climb a hill to reach the cave entrance but it gradually zig-zags you up, on a paved trail.  At the cave entrance there is a large wooden (well maintained) staircase to take you down to the cave floor.

This is an active day but not overly so, and we never felt it was difficult. Trust us when we say it is so worth it; Paradise Cave was way more than we had expected.

Day 10 : Fabulous Hanoi

We’re moving north to the Nation’s capital Hanoi :

Top Tip : If you travel overnight, you miss the views but it does save sight-seeing time but make sure your hotel in Hanoi has a 24 hour reception.

Where to Stay in Hanoi

We spent ages trying to decide where to stay but choose the San Grand in Old Quarter and it was the best decision.

• Budget Stay : TrangTrang Boutique is a budget hotel but offers a great deal for the money and is right in the heart of the old town. 

• Comfort Stay : We loved the San Grand Hotel & Spa. We stayed a week and had perhaps the most comfortable bed in Vietnam. It books quickly so our second choice was the equally wonderful Solaria Hanoi.

• Luxury Stay : Looking for a treat? Book the Peridot Grand.  I was sold by the rooftop pool! But be warned you need to book ahead as it is very popular.

Day 11 and 12 : Exploring Hanoi

Hanoi is amazing; famous for its rich history, vibrant street life and centuries-old architecture. It has wide tree-lined boulevards and some pretty impressive lakes.  We spent 8 days here and loved it so much we returned after our Ha Giang Loop.  

There is so much to see in Hanoi (check out 3 days in Hanoi ideas) but we recommend you add the following to your itinerary :

Top Tip : Try to be in Hanoi on a Friday, Saturday or Sunday to experience the Walking Street, Hanoi Night Market and Hoan Kiem Lake at night.  Hanoi Old Quarter is busy every night but weekends are even more special.  Expect more stalls, more people, more music and more dancing. 

Our Favourite Restaurants in hanoi

Day 13 : Ha long Bay (Bai Tu)

It would be impossible to visit the North of Vietnam and not cruise Ha Long Bay. Known for its emerald waters and towering limestone islands, Ha Long Bay is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a hugely popular spot for a short cruise. BUT.  Ha Long Bay is a hugely popular spot for a short cruise.

We’d read that maybe it had become too popular, so we dug a little deeper and learned about the less touristy Bai Tu Long Bay; Ha Long’s little sister.  You still see the Karsts, you still sail on the emerald sea, indeed you leave from the same port but Bai Tu is much quieter.  We booked a one night cruise and it was absolutely perfect.

There are so many cruises so how do you choose the right one? I worried that we should have spent more but honestly ours was perfect. Trust us; book this cruise.  The rooms were amazing, the crew went out of their way to make the trip memorable, the food was first class and gluten free was no problem.  The standard was way beyond what we expected; it was a real pinch-me moment. We loved this cruise.

Top Tip : It does cost extra to be collected from Hanoi but go with their offer as it makes everything so easy.

Day 14 : Back To Hanoi And Home

Your cruise will return you to Hanoi; if you would prefer to return to the airport they can arrange this. 

Top Tip : We spent the night at a airport hotel and it was a bit sad to end of our amazing Vietnam Tour this way. Hanoi Centre is not that far from the airport so spend your last night in the Old Quarter!

Alternatives For Your 2 Weeks

Should You Start in Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh?

If you want to explore both the north and south of Vietnam in your two weeks, we recommend that you fly into one city and exit via the other.  But there are a few considerations :

Tips For Travelling In Vietnam

Do You Need A Visa?

Yes, probably. We made an error with ours, only using my first name on the Visa rather than exactly what appears on my passport.  Thankfully when we arrived in Ho Chi Minh our very nice Passport Check-in guy let us stay for the full 2 months.

There are many websites offering Visa support. Ignore them. This is the official website. 

Currency

The official currency is the Dong (VND) but we found that cards were widely accepted in towns and cities. However, sometimes, like for the entrance to the Imperial City in Hue, only cash was accepted. Do carry some cash and I recommend having smaller bills for tips too.

We use both Revolut and Wise Bank Cards with travelling.  We also use Virtual Cards on Google Pay. We’ve been travelling across the world for a few years now and this combination has served us well. 

Best Time To Visit Vietnam

Vietnam spans a considerable distance from north to south, resulting in distinct regional climates.  Choosing the right time to visit is crucial. I’ve given some guidelines below but I do recommend that you make further research if visiting in the wet seasons.

Southern Vietnam (Ho Chi Minh City and the Mekong Delta)

Central Vietnam (including Hue, Hoi An and Phong Nha)

Northern Vietnam (Hanoi, Sapa, Ha Giang, Ha Long Bay)

Getting Around Vietnam

We really loved using the buses. We had more that 2 weeks, so didn’t mind the slow travel. Buses are a very comfortable and inexpensive way of travelling. Do download the GRAB app and do use 12GO to book trains and buses.

Buses : We found it easy to move around Vietnam on the VIP Sleeper buses.  Make sure you book a 22 or 20 as these buses are more spacious.  Also book 2 beds for 2 people, otherwise you’ll have to share!

Flights : Domestic flights are a great way of covering long distances and there are a surprising number of local airports.  Use SkyScanner to find the flights.

Taxis : There are no tuk tuks but taxis and private transfers are plentiful and offer good value.  Download and use GRAB. It’s simple, easy and perfect for getting around.

Trains : The Reunification Railway is one of the worlds greats. But you must book ahead; you can book on 12GO. We gleaned excellent information from The Man in Seat 61.

Easy-Riders : This is a common option in Vietnam. We tried it in Phong Nha and decided were not bikers. This option involves experience motorbike drivers transporting you around on the back of their motorbikes.

SIM Card, Wi-Fi and Phone Coverage

We were surprised at how great the phone signal was across Vietnam and we found Wi-Fi in most places (even on the bus).  We purchased an Airalo e-Sim before we left home and if your phone accepts e-Sims then just do this.  It is so easy.  It’s cost effective, the customer service is good, it works and you’re not hunting around looking for a SIM card at the airport.

Are You Ready To Book Your 2 Weeks In Vietnam?

Congratulations if you made it to the end of this post!  I’ve packed it full of what we believe offers you the best of Vietnam for a two week visit. Our DIY tour of Vietnam gives you an incredible trip with memories to last a life time but saves you money too!

However, if the thought of going alone fills you with dread then take a look at this amazing done-for-you tour. We travelled with a few folks using G Adventures and they were having the time of their life.  If you are short on time and the idea of planning this trip alone is too much then take a look at this fabulous tour.

Just writing this post makes me yearn to return; enjoy your two weeks in Vietnam!  It’s going to be amazing!

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