Two Weeks in Vietnam : Perfect Itinerary for an Epic First-Time Trip

Created by Colleen | Updated : 17 September 2024 |

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

Vietnam can feel overwhelming for first-time visitors and my biggest fear was missing out on something we’d later regret.  Vietnam is huge and honestly you can’t see it all in two weeks.  But with careful planning you can maximise your itinerary to spend less time on the road and more time doing what you love.

We’ve created a two-week Vietnam adventure, packed full of incredible sights. We’ve skipped touristy Can Tho in favour of a few hidden gems including :

  • Ho Chi Minh in the south
  • Fabulous Hanoi in the north
  • The stunning and often overlooked Phong Nha
  • Hai Van Pass and the Tam Giang Lagoon
  • And even found time for a fabulous Ha Long Bai cruise

We’ve been travelling independently for years, and now in retirement we travel almost full time.  Use our experiences, because regardless of your age, our tips will save you time and avoid costly mistakes. Keep reading because we feel this is the perfect 2 week Vietnam itinerary for an epic first time visit.

colourful lanterns hanging from a shop in Hoi An in Vietnam

Our Choice For 2 Weeks in Vietnam

As first time visitors ourselves, we had no idea what to expect from Vietnam. We’d come from a three month journey through India and previously fallen in love with Cambodia but Vietnam was unknown to us.

Ultimately we found Vietnam incredibly easy to get around and offers something for everyone. Two weeks isn’t enough to see it all but don’t let that put you off. We’ve packed a great deal into our itinerary, so you’ll still get to see and do a great deal!

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 at the airport and 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.  We used Grab extensively throughout Asia without issue.

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 reminded us very much of Kuala Lumpa or Singapore but still managed to retain a small town atmosphere.

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

  • Take a stroll down Nguyen Hue Walking Street to the Mekong River; we loved this at night
  • Spend some time in the beautiful Tao Dan Park; it’s great in the early morning watching folks do their exercise
  • Make sure you try Vietnamese Coconut coffee; we loved Propaganda Cafe
  • Definitely have dinner at Hum (even the building is amazing) and they offer gluten free and vegetarian options (I loved the lotus crisps!)

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 have no regrets about our choice. Here are our top picks :

  • 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.
  • 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 if like us, you like a little comfort.
beautiful Hum restaurant building in downtown siagon

Day 2 : Ho Chi Minh City

The best way to discover a city is with a really great walking tour and we loved this Guruwalk but do go in the morning as it’s cooler. For more details jump over to our post about 24 hours in Ho Chi Minh but today you’ll :

  • Take a walking tour of downtown Saigon
  • Have Bahn Mi for lunch : this iconic little sandwich is famous in Ho Chi Minh. Go to Bánh Mì Bảy Hổ for the best in Saigon. It’s not good for me as it’s not gluten free but it was the perfect lunch for Gerry.
  • Visit the War Remnants Museum in the afternoon: No stay in Ho Chi Minh would be complete without a glimpse into the Vietnam War from the Vietnamese perspective.  It’s not the easiest visit but we felt if you want to understand modern Vietnam it is a must.
  • For dinner take this fabulous night time street food tour. I always choose a food tour because I know I can eat safely in a new location.
  • Take a stroll to the waterfront and walk along the promenade until you reach Ba Son bridge for the best free views of Ho Chi Minh at night. We loved this. Our guide recommended this walk and we ended up wandering along the river most evenings and stopped for a night cap before bed.
Ho Chi Minh at the start of walking street at night

Day 3 : Cu Chi Tunnels From Ho Chi Minh City

We took a half day tour at the advice of our walking guide. 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. Our day never felt rushed and we had time in the evening for more activities.

We returned in the mid afternoon from our Cu Chi Tunnel Tour.

Top Tip : You don’t have to crawl through the tunnels if you don’t want to. But they are lit and made easier for tourists. You are only in them for a few minutes, never alone and it gives you a real opportunity to experience how it might have been.

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 city views.

Book Your Cu Chi Tunnels Tour
Colleen climbing down to the entrance of one of the Cu Chi Tunnels

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 and the floating markets and having breakfast in our boat as the sun rose over the Mekong will be a special memory.

We took a 3-day Mekong tour but for your 2 week itinerary, 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 a day travelling.

Book Your Mekong Delta Tour
exploring Con Son Islet on the Mekong Delta meant crossing small handmade bridges with a single plank of wood

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; we almost didn’t visit because of the talk. To be fair it is 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).

  • 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.
cafe beside the river in hoi an with colourful lights and lanterns

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. Our Guru guide was fabulous and she brought the town to life; and taught us how to avoid saying shut up rather than hello in Vietnamese; a very important skill!

After your walk have lunch at Morning Glory Restaurant; you’ll need to book ahead as this restaurant gets sooo busy but you’ll be glad of the tip

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.  Or skip this and head to the beach instead.

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.

colourful art gallery in the centre of the old town of Hoi An

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 stopped at the Giant Buddha at Da Nang (nice views and worth a short stop)
  • Our driver stopped a few times as we drove along the pass and we were able to walk up to a headland for the views.
  • We visited the stunning Tam Giang Lagoon which was a true hidden gem and should be on your list.

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).

Book Your Private Transfer

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.

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

And a few great places to eat in Hue :

  • Cozy is fab and we visited a few times. It’s small and gets busy and upstairs can be a bit warm, but the food is great and they were gluten aware.
  • Madam Thu makes the best Hue Pancakes and naturally gluten free. There are two restaurants in town but we preferred the bigger one with the outdoor terrance and tables.
  • The Nook Eatery  offer gluten-free choices, but they were a little limited.  However, Gerry loved the food and we went back a second time.
  • Quán Hạnh is really Vietnamese. They’ll sit you at a big table with others. Our waiter spoke English and folks next to us helped too. The food was great, very inexpensive and the ambiance was very cool.
beautiful blue sky reflected in the water of the Tam Giang Lagoon

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 1st 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. 

Check Availability And Book
Gerry in his seat in the VIP sleeper bus in Vietnam

Day 9 : Exploring Paradise Cave

Don’t visit Phong Nha if you’re not keen on visiting the caves; you may prefer Sapa instead from Hanoi. 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.

Book Your Paradise Cave Tour
the interior of Paradise Cave, the scale of he cave was astounding

Day 10 : Fabulous Hanoi

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

  • Fly : Take a 40 minute taxi ride to Dong Hoi Airport (VDH). Fly to Hanoi International Airport (65 minutes) and from Hanoi airport, use GRAB for a taxi to your hotel (40 minutes).  Vietnam Airlines run a daily flight for generally less that 50€.
  • VIP Sleeper bus :  We enjoyed travelling by bus in Vietnam.  We used these journeys as down time; we read, slept and caught up with family and friends.  The bus is an easy option, starting in Phong Nha and ending on the edge of the Old Quarter in Hanoi.  The journey is 11 hours but we never felt uncomfortable and there are food and comfort stops.
  • Train : Take a taxi to Dong Hoi train station and book a train either with a normal seat or a 1st class sleeper carriage.  The journey is 12 hours but you do get to travel along one of the world’s great train rides.  You must book ahead.  We left it too late hence we took the bus (which ultimately we enjoyed). 

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.

  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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. 
colleen on a railway bridge in the old quarter in Hanoi. the bridge was built by the French and resembles ironwork of the Eiffel tower

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 :

  • Yep. Take a walking tour.  Ours was excellent and perfect for covering a lot of ground in a short space of time and you learn so much from the guides.
  • No visit to Hanoi would be compete without a visit to the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum. It is only open in the mornings and closed on Monday and Friday. Go early as there is always a long queue and follow the dress code and cover shoulders and knees.
  • Explore the Temple of Literature, a beautiful temple and gardens and the perfect escape from the city.
  • We loved our Night Street Food Tour which ended on Train Street in time for the night train. Take our word for it; this was great fun. And again if you have food sensitivities this is the perfect way to eat more safetly.
  • Visit To Hao Lo Prison Museum.  You can tour this infamous prison museum alone, used by the French but later home for POWs in the Vietnam-American war where it gained the nickname the Hanoi Hilton. Another sobering tour but worth an hour of your times.
  • Thang Long Water puppet show is an institution in Hanoi.  It’s a cultural must and only lasts 50 minutes so a perfect pause before dinner. 
  • And if you can spare the time and you love a cooking class then we’d recommend Rose Kitchen; cook up a storm and have dinner included (we’d opt for afternoon class).   

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

  • Cumulus Restaurant is tiny. You walk through a meandering corridor and up a tiny staircase but don’t judge a book by its cover.  The food is amazing and plentiful.  100% go and eat here.
  • Bancong Restaurant is in the heart of the Old Quarter and we loved it so much we returned a few times.
  • At KOTO the philosophy is Know One, Teach One (KOTO).  It’s a very popular community project and if you’re visiting the Temple of Literature it’s just around the corner and the food is excellent; as is the cause.
  • Hanoi Coffee Station was our favourite and we felt they made the best coconut coffee.  It’s opposite Cumulus so perfect for after lunch. We visited so many cafes in Hanoi but for us this was tops!
the train is just leaving train street. lots of tourists taking photos and lots of colourful lanterns in this very narrows street.

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 it’s difficult to know which is best. 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 (they cooked just for me).  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.

Check Availability And Book Your Cruise
our cabin on our Ha Long Bay Cruise. Very comfortable with a huge terrace and ensuite bathroom too.

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 and take a taxi in the morning.

beautiful tree-lined street in the old quarter in Hanoi

Alternatives For Your 2 Weeks

  • Want a day at the beach? Swap out your Mekong Delta day trip for an extra day in Hoi An.
  • Prefer to see the rice fields of Sapa than the caves of Phong Nha?  Fly straight to Hanoi from Hue Airport.  You’ll start your visit in Hanoi earlier and do allow for a busy 2 days at Sapa. We allowed 4 days as I desperately wanted to hike and visit Fansipan. However we had 4 days of thick fog and our hikes were cancelled.  Maybe March is not the best time to visit.
  • Every post told us to visit Ninh Binh but we were underwhelmed and really didn’t enjoy Tam Coc.  If you do wish to visit the area choose Trang Anh instead or go a little further to Vinh Long. You can go from Hanoi but you’d have to lose a day elsewhere.
  • One of the best tours we took was the Ha Giang Loop by car. I was mesmerised by the landscape, the ethnic villages and a land lost in time.  We had 4 days but you could do it in 3 days from Hanoi; book a tour which starts and ends in Hanoi.
sunset on the Ha Giang Pass, Colleen and Gerry watching the sun dip from the top of the pass

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 :

  • Weather : Vietnam is a long country and the weather in the north is very different from the south. We opted to start in Ho Chi Minh in the south as we arrived in February and the climate was better there.  
  • Flights : Both Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh are major international airports and your airline should accommodate different entry and exit points.  But check before making your plans to avoid losing a day in transit.
  • Festivals : Tet really had an impact on our travels; Tet is Vietnams New Year and it’s a huge celebration.  Some of it was great, as we saw amazing exhibitions and fireworks but we also suffered a lot of travel disruption and closures. I would not book my only 2 weeks during Tet.
  • Best use of time :  The 2 week itinerary that we’ve offered starts in Ho Ch Minh and only has one longer day of travel.  If you make adjustments to the itinerary try to avoid adding in too many travel days; they’ll easily eat into your time.  And use 12Go to book your bus; we loved bus travel in Vietnam.
The Vietnamese flag flies high above the citadel walls and moat and the entrance to the Imperial city

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 recommend that you make further research if visiting in the wet seasons.

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

  • Climate : Tropical with two main seasons.
  • Dry Season (December to April) :  Warm to hot temperatures, minimal rainfall and lower humidity. In the Delta our host told us they had two seasons; hot and hotter! It was hot enough in February!
  • Wet Season (May to November) : Hot with high humidity. Frequent, heavy rain showers and occasional thunderstorms. The wettest months are June to August.

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

  • Climate : Transitional between northern and southern climates.
  • Dry Season (January to August) : Hot with lower rainfall. The best period to visit is from February to July when the weather is more stable. We were in Hue in February and it was hot but not oppressively so. Even so, try to do the walking tours in the mornings.
  • Wet Season (August to December) : Heavy rainfall, especially in October and November. Typhoons and flooding can occur.

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

  • Climate : Temperate with four distinct seasons.
  • Spring (March to April) : Mild temperatures with occasional light rain and fog. We were in Sapa in March and for 4 days had thick fog and could do nothing. In Ha Giang they told us this is common for that region.
  • Summer (May to August) : Hot and humid with heavy rains and occasional typhoons. The wettest months are July and August.
  • Autumn (September to November): Cooler temperatures with less rain, and clear skies. Considered one of the best times to visit.
  • Winter (December to February) : Cold with occasional rain and overcast skies. It can get colder in the mountainous areas with snow.

Getting Around Vietnam

We really loved using the buses. We had more than 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. We flew from Can Tho to Da Nang and were surprised at the number of daily regional flights and the good value for money.

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. Coming from India the taxis felt like limousines; they were very well looked after and surprisingly good value.

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. We couldn’t get seats when we wanted; I know it was Tet but book ahead if you want to use the train.

Easy-Riders : This is a common option in Vietnam. We tried it in Phong Nha and decided we’re not bikers. This option involves experienced motorbike drivers transporting you around on the back of their motorbikes. Make sure your insurance covers you if you take this option.

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. I was even able to pick up a Chinese signal during our Ha Giang tour, which our homestay found hilarious as they’d never seen this before!

colourful street scene in an old part of Ho Chi Minh at night

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 itinerary gives you an incredible trip with memories to last a life time but saves you money too!

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.

Check Availability Book Your 10 Day Tour

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

Want More Vietnam Posts?

beautiful flower shop in the old quarter Hanoi

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance

Whenever you travel, you should have great travel and medical insurance.  None of us expect anything bad to happen, but in the event of an incident, you want to be sure that your insurance will cover you.

I’ve ended up in hospital in Peru, Indonesia, Portugal, Japan and Ireland. Every time my insurance took care of everything. I would never leave home without full and comprehensive insurance.

TrueTraveller : We have this policy and are very happy with the cover, especially considering our ages and pre-existing conditions.

Globelink: We have used and recommended Globelink for years and not heard of any issues. They are a great choice for European and UK Residents.

Genki : This is an EU based company offering long term policies for nomads and travellers. Their monthly rates are very competitive for longer trips too.

Safety Wing : Many of my travelling buddies from the USA recommended Safety Wing; we’ve not used them personally but know folks who have.

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Colleen in Salamanca on the Via de la Plata

Author : Colleen Sims

Hey I’m Colleen. I’m married to Gerry, we’ve three fabulous kids and been living in France for almost two decades. I fell in love with Spain in the 1980s and I’ve walked 1000s of miles along the Camino de Santiago. Now we’re exploring and walking the world and I can’t wait to share what we’ve learned!

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