North Vietnam in 2 weeks – A Trip You’ll Love
In this exciting North Vietnam itinerary, you’ll see beautiful North Vietnam in 2 weeks from Hoi-An in the centre of the country to Hanoi and stunning Halong Bay.
You’ll visit the historic old town of Hoi An and the royal citadel in Hue. You’ll travel inland to the largest cave system in the world at Phong Nha Ke Bang and end your trip in Vietnam’s bustling capital, Hanoi. A highlight is cruising on Halong Bay surrounded by stunning karst scenery in this beautiful UNESCO World Heritage National Park.
This article explains where to go, how to get there, the best things to see and do on a 2 week itinerary in Vietnam. I loved compiling this North Vietnam itinerary and I’m sure you’ll enjoy it too!
I travelled from Ho Chi Minh City in the south of Vietnam to Hanoi in the north of the country. You can see my Vietnam from Top to Toe 3-week itinerary here.
Where to go in Vietnam for 2 weeks
With just 2 weeks in Vietnam, I would suggest focussing on either the north or south of the country.
With 2 weeks in Vietnam’s tropical south, you can explore Ho Chi Minh City, beautiful Phu Quoc Island and the Mekong Delta.
But this 2 week itinerary in Vietnam focuses on beautiful north Vietnam with its stunning karst scenery, awe-inspiring caves and bustling capital. 2 weeks is enough time to see the highlights in the north like Hanoi, Halong Bay and historic Hoi An but you can easily spend more time there.
When to Visit North Vietnam
December or January are good months to visit the north of Vietnam. There’s clear weather and little rainfall in Hanoi and it’s a good time for a cruise on Halong Bay. It’s winter and the weather is cooler in Hanoi and it can be cold with snow in the mountains. I was there in January and found the winter weather mild but pack a warm jacket, especially if you plan to visit Sapa.
TIP: Vietnam experiences very different weather from the north to the south of the country Learn more about the best and the worst times to visit Vietnam, When to travel to Cambodia and Vietnam and find out more about what it’s like to visit Vietnam in January.
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North Vietnam in 2 weeks from Hoi An to Hanoi
This 2 week itinerary in Vietnam begins in Hoi An in central Vietnam and finishes in the capital Hanoi.
Your international flight will arrive in Hanoi and you’ll need to book a domestic flight from Hanoi to Danang. You’ll transfer directly from Danang airport to Hoi-An, around 45 minutes away by car or taxi.
TIP: Take the stress out of your arrival in Hanoi Vietnam and book an airport transfer to your hotel
Buses and trains can be booked in advance with 12Go Asia.
Hoi An
Days 1 & 2: Hoi An is a lovely start to this 2 week itinerary in Vietnam. The historical town is brimming with old-world charm and is a favourite destination for sightseeing, shopping, and tailoring. At night the Old town lights up with colourful lanterns and during the day you can visit beautiful traditional houses and temples, shop for souvenirs or buy clothing made to measure.
You could easily spend 4 or 5 days in Hoi An so you’ll have to choose carefully how you spend your time here or perhaps extend your Vietnam itinerary.
In the Ancient Town of Hoi-An, you can visit the Chinese Assembly rooms, Chinese temples & wooden shophouses. Wander the laneways, walk through the pretty Japanese Covered Bridge and enjoy the French colonial architecture.
Much of Hoi An’s charm comes from the Vietnamese houses that are decorated with strings of colourful lanterns and at night they are especially pretty. You can take a boat out on the river to see the old town lit up by lanterns at night.
Hoi An is a great place for shopping. There’s a bustling night market across the river where you’ll find a good choice of souvenirs. And while you’re in Hoi An, why not have some clothing made to order by one of the local tailors?
TIP: Visit your tailor as soon as you arrive in Hoi An. Having tailored clothing made to measure can take 2 or 3 days.
Another fun thing to do during your 2 weeks in Vietnam is to shop at the fresh food markets and learn how to cook Vietnamese food. I enjoyed the Green Bamboo cooking class with Van and can recommend it as a fun day out in Hoi An. This course is popular so you’ll need to book in advance and it costs around US$50 for the day.
TIP: Some other good day trips from Hoi An include visiting the UNESCO World-heritage ruined Hindu temples at My Son or cycling to An Bang Beach a few kilometres away.
Where to stay in Hoi An
Mid-Range: Green Apple Hotel I loved staying here and especially enjoyed the wonderful service. The rooms are new and spotless though perhaps the decor is a bit clinical. I enjoyed the pool and the shuttle service to the old town. Bike hire is also available here.
Luxury: If you’re after something more upmarket try the Allegro Hoi An. A Little Luxury Hotel & Spa It has exceptional reviews for its stunning rooms, building and decor, and wonderful service.
From Hoi-An to Hue
Travel Day 3: There’s a lot to see between Hoi-An and Hue so try to see the sights as you travel to make the most of your 2 weeks in Vietnam. An Easy Rider Motorbike Tour is a great way to do this and will give you an adventure South East Asia style. It will definitely add some spice to your 2 weeks in Vietnam.
If you’re not keen to ride on the back of a motorbike you can travel by train, bus, or taxi between Danang and Hue but you’ll drive through a tunnel and miss the lovely scenery on the Hai Van Pass.
On your motorbike trip. make sure you stop off at Marble Mountain near Danang on the way. Follow the trails to the top of the mountain. There are stunning views of the surrounding countryside with pagodas, caves, and statues to enjoy.
I booked my Easy Rider tour through my hotel and the driver strapped my luggage on the back of his bike. I rode behind him on a separate seat on the back of the bike. I was surprised by how spacious and comfortable the motorbike was and how easily my backpack went on the back. Vietnamese are experts with motorbikes.
An Easy Rider motorbike tour is a lot of fun for US$55. On a motorbike, you can ride over the Hai Van Pass and enjoy the stunning coastal scenery and you’ll be delivered directly to your hotel in Hue. On the way, you’ll visit Marble Mountain, Da Nang Beach, Dragon Bridge, and Elephant Falls, and stop at all the viewpoints.
Hue
Day 4: In this Vietnam itinerary, you’ll stop for a day in Hue, the ancient Royal capital in central Vietnam. Hue is known for its 19th-century citadel. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage historic site surrounded by a moat and thick walls Inside the Imperial city of Hue, there are palaces royal tombs, and shrines to visit.
On this 2 week itinerary in Vietnam, you’ll have just one day in Hue so it’s best to book a tour so that you can see all the sights of the ancient royal capital of the country in 1 day.
TIP: On a Hue city full-day tour, you’ll visit the Hue Royal Palace, and the Royal Tombs and cruise on the Perfume River.
Where to stay in Hue
Mid-Range: Serene Shining Hotel and Spa This comfortable hotel is located right on the river and I enjoyed my stay here.
Luxury: Try the Melia Vinpearl Hotel Hue It has an exceptional location and spectacular city views.
From Hue to Phong Nha
Travel Day 5: The next stop in this 2 weeks itinerary in Vietnam is incredible Phong Nha and to get there you’ll catch a bus. From Hue to Phong Nha Ke Bang takes around 5 hours.
TIP: The public bus passes right past the Lake House in Phong Nha and it’s a great place to stay. The bus driver was happy to drop me off at the Lake House which is on the main road on the way into town. Make sure you arrange this in advance with your driver.
Phong Nha Ke Bang
Days 6 & 7: One of the highlights of your 2 weeks in Vietnam itinerary will be the stunning karst scenery and phenomenal limestone caves at Phong Nha Ke Bang. This UNESCO World Heritage National Park is less visited than other parts of Vietnam. It’s a superb place to see and a great addition to any Vietnam itinerary.
Exploring Phong Nha Cave by boat is the first thing to do when you arrive. If you’re in town, head down to the wharf. You can hire a boat here and travel up the river to Phong Nha Cave. The scenery is spectacular along the river and your oarsman (or woman) will row your boat silently through the Phong Nha Cave.
It’s a magical experience to float past the formations that are lit up inside the cave and you can read more about visiting Phong Nha here.
There are other caves to visit around Phong Nha like the spectacular Paradise Cave and Dark Cave.
TIP: If you’re looking for an adventure, book a multi-day caving tour and get right off the beaten track.
Another fun experience is a trek through the Phong Nha Botanical Gardens. These botanical gardens are a series of jungle trails and require some serious walking so don’t expect a walk in the park and wear you’re hiking boots.
Where to stay in Phong Nha
Mid-Range: Lake House Resort has a scenic location on a lake and I loved staying here. My bungalow was huge. It had a private balcony right on the water and the service was wonderful. It’s a bit out of town but the bus stops right at the front door.
Upper Mid-Range: Victory Road Villas gets exceptional reviews for its beautiful surroundings. It’s a gorgeous villa with amazing views.
From Phong Nha to Hanoi
Travel Day 8: From Phong Nha take a bus to Dong Hoi to meet the overnight sleeper train to Hanoi. It’s best to book your train ticket in advance.
TIP: I booked an e-ticket for the sleeper train online with 12Go Asia and it all went smoothly.
It’s worth staying a bit longer in Phong Nha if you have some time to spare and can stay a bit longer than 2 weeks in Vietnam. You could book a tour and spend several days hiking and exploring the more inaccessible caves in Phong Nha Ke Bang National Park.
Another alternative is to break the trip to Hanoi with a night or two in Ninh Binh and Tam Coc for more stunning scenery on the way.
Hanoi
Days 9 & 10: No Vietnam itinerary would be complete without visiting Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam. It’s a fascinating place to visit with ancient temples and unique museums, right in the city centre. French architecture brings colonial charm to the city and the historic Old Quarter is a great place to base yourself in Hanoi.
Make sure you try some Pho (soup) for breakfast and some Vietnamese coffee while you’re there.
Getting around Hanoi can be a lot of fun. Jump on the back of a motorbike taxi, and take a tuk-tuk or a green Mai Linh metred taxi.
TIP: Avoid taxi scams in Vietnam by using the green Mai Linh cars. They use a metre and you’re more likely to avoid being overcharged or scammed.
Start your Hanoi visit at the Hoan Kiem Lake in the city centre and don’t miss the colourful Ngoc Son Temple. It’s the most visited temple in Hanoi. Then make your way to the lovely Temple of Literature.
One of the most interesting things to do in Hanoi is to visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum. You’ll join crowds of local Vietnamese people and groups of schoolchildren as they queue at the entrance. And once inside the mausoleum you’ll file past the embalmed body of the dead Vietnamese leader Ho Chi Minh. Visitors are closely supervised by military guards. It’s a bizarre and unique cultural experience to add to your Vietnam itinerary.
Nearby is the presidential Palace and you can walk or take a tuk-tuk to the One Pillar Pagoda and the Tran Quoc Pagoda.
Train Street is another cultural experience that you will enjoy in Hanoi. The train squeezes between houses in a tiny street on a single-track railway.
Hanoi’s streets are alive at night and there’s a night market in the Old Quarter where you can shop for souvenirs and try some street food.
Watching a circus performance is another fun way to spend an evening in Hanoi. The performance I saw was quite dazzling.
Where to stay in Hanoi
Mid-Range: I stayed in the old quarter at the Hanoi Graceful Hotel I loved the intricately carved bedhead and the quaint balcony.
Luxury: The Oriental Jade Hotel might be more your style. It’s a smaller hotel with a personal touch and a rooftop pool. The location in the Old Quarter is exceptional and so are the reviews.
Ha Long Bay Cruise
Days 11 & 12: A great way to end your 2 weeks in Vietnam is with a cruise on stunning Ha Long Bay.
To save time book your Halong Bay Cruise in advance.
Or wait until you arrive in Hanoi to make your arrangements.
An overnight cruise is enough time to appreciate the lovely scenery of Halong Bay. But you can spend an extra night or two enjoying the emerald waters and visit nearby islands and villages as well.
I booked with La Fairy Sails and was very happy with my choice. Find out more about visiting Stunning Halong Bay
Overnight cruises usually include a 4-hour bus trip to Halong Bay, all meals & activities, sightseeing stops, and activities like Kayaking, cooking classes & morning Tai Chi
TIP: Cruise boat cabins are very small so leave your luggage in storage at your hotel in Hanoi and take a small overnight bag on the cruise.
Return to Hanoi
Days 13 & 14: This Vietnam itinerary ends back in the capital, Hanoi with some more sightseeing before your flight home.
2 weeks in Vietnam is enough time to experience the vibrant culture, meet the friendly local people and enjoy some stunning scenery. But there’s so much to see and do, you may want to stay a bit longer in north Vietnam.
How to extend your 2 week Itinerary in Vietnam
Why not extend your 2 weeks in Vietnam if you have a bit more time? Spending more time in Halong Bay and trekking in the lovely rice fields of Sapa are both great ways to expand on this north Vietnam itinerary.
TIP: On a 3-day cruise, you can experience the beauty of Ninh Binh and Halong Bay, Explore the natural wonders of the Ninh Binh province, including the Hang Mua peak, and spend the night in an eco-lodge. Take a luxury cruise around the emerald waters of Ha Long Bay.
Another great way to extend this Vietnam itinerary is with a trip to Sapa in the mountains. Take an overnight sleeper train to Sapa for hiking amongst the beautiful rice fields with stunning scenery and colourful markets.
TIP: An easy way to see Sapa from Hanoi is to book a 2-day Sapa trekking tour with a transfer. Discover the beauty of Sapa across 2 days on a guided tour. Stay overnight in a beautiful hotel, enjoy local cuisine, enjoy a variety of treks, and discover more about local communities.
Solo travel in Vietnam
I loved visiting Vietnam as a solo female traveller and I think you’ll enjoy this north Vietnam itinerary.
But if you still feel a bit nervous about traveling in Vietnam, there are some things you can do to make sure you have a smooth trip. These tips for women travelling solo will help you to have a fun and successful trip, whether you’re travelling alone or with a companion, especially if it’s your first time travelling to Vietnam.
Final Thoughts: North Vietnam in 2 weeks
With 2 weeks in Vietnam, you’ll see the highlights of Central and North Vietnam. From the busy capital Hanoi to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Hoi An and Hue. Vietnam is a fascinating place to visit and I’m sure you’ll enjoy this 2 week itinerary in Vietnam.
Travel Essentials
#1. For a trip to Vietnam and on any overseas holiday, travel insurance is essential for peace of mind. I use and recommend travel insurance so I’m covered for overseas medical expenses, baggage and more. I can relax and enjoy my trip without worrying that something might go wrong.
#2. A Travel Guide book for Vietnam is also essential. I rarely travel without a trusted Lonely Planet Guide.
FAQs
Is Vietnam expensive to visit?
Like most Southeast Asian countries, Vietnam is relatively cheap to visit if you’re spending US$, Euros, Pounds or AUD$. The exchange rate is favourable and you can live and travel very comfortably in Vietnam without spending a lot of money. Vietnam is slightly less expensive to visit than Cambodia or Thailand and it’s a great choice for a budget holiday.
Do I need a visa for Vietnam?
Most travellers will need a visa to enter Vietnam and it’s best to arrange your visa before you go. Either apply for an e-visa online or contact the Vietnamese embassy in your country. A Visa on Arrival is available for people arriving in Vietnam by air but you must apply before you go and present a visa approval letter at the airport when you arrive.
Are 2 weeks in Vietnam enough?
2 weeks in Vietnam is enough time to take in some of the highlights and get a taste of the fascinating culture, enjoy the food and see some amazing sights. But, because Vietnam is such a long country, it’s best to concentrate on either the north or south to maximise the time you have if you only have 2 weeks in Vietnam. But if you want to travel the length of the country allow more time.
Pin It? If you enjoyed this itinerary save it for later!
Vietnam Itineraries & travel tips
An Exciting 10-Day Itinerary in Vietnam’s Tropical South
Beautiful Vietnam in 3 weeks from Top to Toe
How to Visit Stunning Ha Long Bay in Vietnam
What a great itinerary – so much to see. I think I will need to spend at least 3 months in Vietnam to see everything!
I visited Vietnam about 2 years back, and I followed the same itinerary, but I started in Hanoi and finished at Hoi An. I loved my time in the country.
And yes, I agree with you that no trip to Vietnam is complete without a visit to Hanoi. It has such a charm.
I love Vietnam, and so glad to see Hue on this list. We actually spent 2 nights there and it was a wonderful place. I really enjoyed Hoi An but Hanoi was an amazing city. Crazy busy but so much to do. What a great itinerary, you have me wanting to go back to Vietnam as soon as possible
I would absolutely love to hike the Phong Nha Ke Bang National Park. Your trip sounds amazing.
Great itinerary! I spent 2 full weeks in Vietnam and I did a similar itinerary, and I feel that I would need at least 2 months in Vietnam to explore all I wanted. Such a beautiful country with amazing people and food – certainly Vietnam has a lot to offer.
This is a great itinerary! I was supposed to go in 2020 so I can’t wait to finally visit, saved this for later 🙂
What a fantastic itinerary. I look forward to visiting this beautiful country and follow this exact plan
What. a great itinerary! I haven’t been to Vietnam but would love to go and follow this itinerary. I had no idea you could actually do an overnight tour of Ha Long Bay, so I would definitely book a multi-day boat trip to explore some of the islands. The cooking class sounds fun as well!
I love Vietnam, and I was gutted I only had two weeks to cram in as much as possible, so I missed a lot of the places you’ve covered in this article. I do have amazing memories of Ha Long Bay though, but I totally missed places like Phong Nha! I need to go back to see this!
I visited Vietnam many years ago but only spent a week in the south (on the way to a wedding in Australia). I have always felt the pull to return & you have only cemented that. Love this itinerary & will definitely follow it when I do go back.
Such a dream of mine to do a trip like this! Great itinerary!
This is a great itinerary! I went a few years ago but I missed Hue. I’d love to go back sometime soon….one of my fav countries.
I’d love to visit Vietnam again and spend a bit more time there this time around. I only visited for three days on my last trip, which gave me just enough time to explore Hanoi and to do an overnight cruise to Bai Tu Long Bay. There’s so much of the country I’ve yet to see! Thanks for this itinerary – I’ll definitely be referring back ?. Xx Sara
This looks like an incredible itinerary! It’s so varied and fun looking! I would never have thought of going on an Easy Rider motorbike tour – that sounds like so much fun! You go to see sooo much!
I have not been to Vietnam yet but it is in my bucket list. Your 2-week itinerary looks great. The Hai Van Pass and the Pagoda look beautiful. I am bookmarking your blog for future reference. 🙂
Love how slow this itinerary is – exactly how I like to explore new and foreign lands! Thanks for sharing – I’m definitely getting back to it later 🙂
This makes us so sad that we weren’t able to visit North Vietnam ourselves on our travels. Your guide is really informative and we’ll definitely be saving it for when we do visit; thank you for sharing!