What to do for 2 Weeks in Vietnam
A two-week timeframe is quite suitable for you to visit all three regions of Vietnam – North, Central, and South. This also helps cover the most highlighted destinations for first-time visitors to Vietnam, and, of course, the most worthwhile experiences.
Attractions & Activities
Hanoi Capital: Setting foot in the capital of a country is something that must be noticed on a must-visit list, right? This is also convenient for transportation and accessing services like buying a SIM card, and exchanging currency... to help you get acquainted initially.
Here, you can take a city tour to explore the tourist attractions, go on a food tour, discover the suburban areas with traditional villages, and experience a cyclo or double-decker bus ride.
Ninh Binh: This is a destination near Hanoi (about 2 hours by car) and very appealing to nature lovers. For me, Ninh Binh is an excellent retreat away from the hustle. You can visit the fields, go boating, explore caves, visit scattered temples, and go mountain climbing.
Halong Bay: This is Vietnam's most well-known UNESCO Site as it also sits on the list of the 7 Natural Wonders of the World. Most people would choose a cruise tour to avail services on the boat: meals, cocktails, bedrooms, swimming pool, etc... and the cruise will take you to visit attractions in the bay such as fishing villages, Sung Sot Cave, Titop Island, and pearl farms.
Where to go for Vietnam itinerary 14 days
Da Nang: This is a vibrant city and one of the top destinations in Central Vietnam. The city area has many attractions for you to explore, and there are major wholesale markets (Han Market, Con Market, Bac My An Market) for shopping. The most featured place in the city is Ba Na Hills with the Golden Bridge.
Hoi An: The ancient town along the river exudes a charming and nostalgic atmosphere, harmoniously mixed with a variety of colors. Furthermore, other common activities here include experiencing countryside life like farming and cooking.
Ho Chi Minh City: The city is also known as Saigon - the central urban area of Southern Vietnam. This place is also convenient for shopping like Hanoi. When visiting this city, you should also take the time to go on a city tour to explore landmarks such as the city post office, and Saigon River, and spend a day visiting the historical site of Cu Chi Tunnels.
Best time to Visit
Vietnam 2 weeks itinerary - Time to start your travel
The recommended time for traveling to Vietnam is typically from September to April of the following year. I have a small note for you when choosing the travel time:
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Check the weather and sea conditions of the places you are going to. For instance, from May onwards, Halong Bay might experience choppy seas, and cruises may not operate as usual on those days. Or, in the Central region, the rainy season starts in August, and roads may be flooded.
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If you want to avoid crowded situations while traveling, consider going on weekdays.
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Is it a good idea to travel from May to August in Vietnam? If you don't mind the heat ranging from 30 to 38°C, this time is also okay, and prices are reasonable. Remember to dress comfortably for sweating and stay hydrated.
Things to pack
Next, what to pack for 2 weeks in Vietnam?
Getting the luggage ready for your trip to Vietnam is a simple task. I just want to mention a couple of things:
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You should check the weather temperature in advance to prepare suitable clothing. Vietnam has a humid tropical climate. So pack lightweight, breathable, and sweat-absorbent clothes. If it's cold and rainy, bring warm clothes and a raincoat.
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Insect repellent, especially when you visit rural and mountainous areas.
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Sun protection items (hat, fan, sunscreen) are crucial. The sunray in Vietnam can be quite scorching. You should not expose yourself to the sun for more than 30 minutes. Otherwise, the burning sensation will cause discomfort to your body.
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If your itinerary includes visiting temples, you should wear pants below the knees and a top covering the shoulders.
Detailed Itinerary
2 weeks in Vietnam starting in Hanoi
- Day 1: Hanoi Arrival
- Day 2: Hanoi City Tour Full Day
- Day 3: Hanoi Surrounding (Traditional Villages & Countryside)
- Day 4: Ninh Bình Ancient Capital Full Day (2 hours by car from Hanoi)
- Day 5: Halong Bay Cruise 2 Days 1 Night (2 hours by car from Hanoi)
- Day 6: Halong Bay - Hanoi - Fly to Da Nang City (1.30 hours flight) - Transfer to Hoi An Town (45 mins by car)
- Day 7: Hoi An Countryside
- Day 8: Hoi An Ancient Town or Da Nang Ba Na Hills
- Day 9: Hoi An - Fly to Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) - Saigon Night Explore
- Day 10: Mekong Delta Full Day (My Tho & Ben Tre)
- Day 11: Cu Chi Tunnels Full Day
- Day 12: Ho Chi Minh City departure
Budget for 2-Week
Have you gathered the necessary information yet? Now, let's explore a 12-day, 11-night itinerary below together.
How much for 2 weeks in Vietnam
I won't include the airfare cost because it depends on each individual. On average, the expense for 2-week of travel in Vietnam is about 1500 - 1600 USD, roughly 100 USD per day. The table below outlines budget levels from low to average spending:
|
Visa |
25 - 50 USD |
|---|---|
|
Accommodation |
5 - 50 USD/person/ night |
|
Food & Drink |
1 - 10 USD/meal |
|
Transportation (City) |
1 - 5 USD/day |
|
Transportation (Country) |
10 - 100 USD/day |
|
Ticket/ Entertainment |
10 - 30 USD/day |
A guide to planning a 2-week trip to Vietnam
For more on this topic, read our Vietnam travel guide!
The information provided has addressed various aspects to assist you in preparing for 2 weeks in Vietnam, answering questions such as what to pack for 2 weeks in Vietnam, How much for 2 weeks in Vietnam, and Vietnam's 2 weeks itinerary. If you have any further doubts or need more details about Vietnam tours, feel free to let me know in the comments or leave a message for New Asia Tours.
