Vietnam is a beautiful and diverse country with so much to see and do. From the energetic cities to the peaceful countryside” Vietnam has something for every type of traveler. With just two weeks to spare, you may be wondering how to make the most out of your Vietnam vacation. This complete 2 week Vietnam itinerary will help you plan the perfect trip from start to finish!
When to Visit Vietnam?
Vietnam has a tropical climate which is hot and humid year round. However, there are three distinct weather patterns:
Dry Season (December – April)
This is considered high season with lots of sunshine, low humidity and less rain. The temperatures are quite comfortable ranging from 17 – 28°C. Places like Sapa can get quite chilly in the winter months. This is a very popular time to visit Vietnam.
Shoulder Season (Late April – June, October – November)
During shoulder season there is occasional rain showers which help clear the skies. The summer months tend to get quite hot and humid while fall is cooler. There are also less tourists and lower prices on accommodation.
Rainy Season (July – September)
The summer rainy season sees hot, humid and wet weather.Sudden rain storms are very common which can disrupt plans. However, fewer tourists can also mean better deals. Just come prepared with rain gear!
Health and Safety in Vietnam
Vietnam is generally very safe, even for solo female travelers. However, as with anywhere, travelers should take common sense safety precautions. Be extra vigilant in crowded areas and be wary of petty theft like bag snatching and pickpocketing. Here are some key aspects related to health and safety in Vietnam:
1. Health System: Vietnam has been continually improving its healthcare system. It has a combination of public and private healthcare facilities, with major cities offering high-quality medical services. However, healthcare infrastructure and services in rural areas may be more limited.
2. Vaccinations: Like most countries, Vietnam has a national vaccination program in place to prevent the spread of vaccine-preventable diseases. It is advisable to check with your local healthcare provider or travel clinic for recommended vaccinations before visiting Vietnam.
3. Food and Water Safety: While Vietnamese cuisine is renowned worldwide, it’s essential to exercise caution regarding food and water safety. Stick to eating at reputable establishments, ensure that food is cooked thoroughly, and opt for bottled or treated water to stay hydrated.
4. Mosquito-Borne Diseases: Vietnam is known for diseases transmitted by mosquitoes, such as dengue fever, malaria, and Zika virus. To reduce the risk, use mosquito repellent, wear protective clothing, and consider staying in accommodations with adequate mosquito control measures.
5. Traffic Safety: Vietnam’s traffic can be chaotic, particularly in major cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. Exercise extra caution when crossing the road, consider using designated pedestrian crossings, and familiarize yourself with local traffic rules and customs.
6. Travel Insurance: It is highly recommended to have comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical expenses, emergency evacuation, and repatriation in case of unforeseen circumstances.
Please note that this information is subject to change, and it’s always wise to consult official government travel advisories and seek guidance from relevant authorities before traveling to Vietnam.
Visa to Vietnam
There are three main types:
E-Visa: This is an electronic visa you apply and pay for online. It is valid 90 days at the port of entry. E-visas are convenient but can not be extended.
Visa On Arrival: If you arrive by air, you can also get a visa on arrival for 30 days. This costs a bit more but gives you flexibility if plans change.
Extendable Visas: Tourist visas valid 3 to 12 months allow you to extend your stay once in Vietnam. This is the best option for longer vacations.
Visa rules change frequently so double check on the Vietnamese Immigration website.
How to Get to Vietnam
There are many international airports in Vietnam that major airlines fly into like Tan Son Nhat International Airport in Ho Chi Minh City and Noi Bai International Airport in Hanoi. From North America, flights average 15-30+ hours with layovers.
Travelers on a budget can consider flying into Bangkok, Thailand first then transferring to low cost carriers like AirAsia. This cuts costs but also travel time.
Within Southeast Asia, buses and trains allow you to cross borders overland. You can also take ferries from Cambodia, cruise ships from China or hire a private car.
How to Get Around Vietnam
Getting around Vietnam can be done in various ways depending on your preferences and the distance you wish to travel. Here are some common modes of transportation in Vietnam:
1. Flights: Domestic flights are the quickest way to cover long distances in Vietnam. Vietnam has several major airports, including those in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, and others. Airlines like Vietnam Airlines, Vietjet Air, and Jetstar Pacific operate regular domestic flights.
2. Trains: Vietnam has an extensive railway network connecting major cities and popular tourist destinations. The trains offer different classes, including soft seats, hard seats, and sleeping berths. The Reunification Express is the most famous train route, running from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City.
3. Buses: Buses are a common mode of transportation in Vietnam and are available both for short and long distances. Local buses are economical, but they may not have English signage or announcements. Open-tour buses are popular among travelers for long-distance journeys between cities and offer a more tourist-friendly experience.
4. Motorbikes: Renting a motorbike or scooter is a popular option in Vietnam, especially for shorter distances and exploring rural areas. However, be cautious about traffic conditions and ensure you have a valid driver’s license.
5. Taxis and Ride-hailing services: Taxis and ride-hailing services like Grab and SM Xanh are available in major cities. They provide a convenient and comfortable option for getting around, especially within urban areas.
6. Cyclos and Xe Om: Cyclos (three-wheeled bicycles with a passenger seat) and Xe Om (motorbike taxis) are traditional forms of transport in Vietnam. They are commonly found in tourist areas and can be a fun way to experience the local culture, but make sure to negotiate the fare before the trip.
Remember to plan your transportation depending on the distance, budget, and your personal comfort.
WiFi and Staying Connected
Vietnam has excellent WiFi penetration even in small towns. Cafes offer it for free or with purchases. Most hotels and guest houses provide it complimentary or for a small fee.
Purchasing a local SIM card for your unlocked phone gives affordable access to 4G data. Service providers like MobiFone/ Vinaphone/ Viettel have tourist packages with lots of data. To register, you need your passport.
For emergencies, the country code is +84. Carry small bills or exchange money at ATMs when paying cash as counterfeit money is an issue. Inform your bank if using international credit cards.
What to Bring to Vietnam?
Packing appropriately helps you make the most of your Vietnam vacation:
Light, Loose, Moisture-wicking Fabrics
Breathable clothes will keep you cool in Vietnam’s humidity. Quick-dry materials allow hand washing and drying overnight. Bring layers for the Northern Mountains or chilly indoor ACs.
Raincoat and/or Umbrella
These essentials will keep you comfortable and doing activities in occasional downpours during monsoon season from May to October.
Sturdy, Comfortable Walking Shoes
Vietnam can be explored on foot whether it’s cities or natural landscapes. Well broken-in shoes prevent aching feet or twisting ankles on uneven terrain.
Refillable Water Bottle
Stay hydrated conveniently without plastic waste. Large bottles allow fewer refills. Metal bottles keep water cooler in the tropical heat.
Power Bank/Adaptor
Charge phones and devices anywhere since outlets may be limited in rural areas or dorm rooms. Adaptors suit Vietnam’s A/C outlets and voltage.
Cash in Vietnamese Dong
Have local currency as backup if credit cards are unaccepted. Some businesses charge extra fees for USD. Get change for small purchases.
Hand Sanitizer/Wet Wipes
Clean hands before eating helps prevent stomach issues in regions with poor hygiene. Wipes are great for keeping refreshed on long, hot days of activities.
Two Weeks in Vietnam Itinerary
Two weeks is a great amount of time to get a taste of Vietnam’s north, central and south regions. This itinerary packs in the must-see places for first-timers in a mix of cities and nature. It also builds in transit time and is a comfortable pace:
Day 1-2: Ho Chi Minh City
Land in Vietnam’s busiest city, formerly known as Saigon. Spend two days exploring vibrant districts like:
- French Quarter: Full of museums, cathedrals and people watching cafes that showcase the city’s French colonial past. Don’t miss Post Office and Notre Dame Cathedral.
- War Remnants Museum: Important museum documenting Vietnam War from the Vietnamese perspective with poignant exhibits about soldiers, protestors and journalists.
- Ben Thanh Market: Bustling market selling souvenirs, clothes, snacks and fresh flowers & produce. Bargain with the vendors and sample local street food.
In your free time, learn about Vietnam’s coffee culture or check out the nightlife scene.
Day 3-4: Mekong Delta
Escape the city to the Mekong Delta, Vietnam’s “Rice Basket”. Join group tours or hire a private guide to see:
- Cai Be Floating Market: A unique market where vendors sell produce directly from boats. Very photogenic spot!
- Local Cottage Industries: Visit coconut candy factories, rice noodle makers and fish sauce facilities to understand this agricultural region’s economy up close.
- Boat Rides along Mekong: Relaxing river cruises pass through lush green landscapes and small countryside villages. Certain tours stop on islands to bike or sample more tropical fruit.
In the evenings, dine on scrumptious seafood or try homestays.
Day 5-6: Hoi An
Fly up to charming Hoi An, a pedestrian riverside town famed for:
- Ancient Town: Over 500 traditional wooden buildings with influences from China, Japan and Europe. Lovely lanterns glow at dusk.
- Tailors & Silk Shops: Get custom clothing like suits, dresses and shoes made incredibly fast by skillful tailors trained for generations. Silks sold affordably.
- Cooking Classes: Take lessons on Vietnamese dishes from the central region then enjoy eating your own creations. Combine with market tours to shop ingredients.
In spare time, lounge at An Bang beach or join farming/pottery classes.
Day 7: Hue
Continue up Vietnam passing the old DMZ border area to visit imperial capital Hue known for:
- Complex of Hue Monuments: Massive UNESCO World Heritage site with royal tombs, towers and the 19th-century Citadel palace replicating Beijing’s Forbidden City layout.
- Dong Ba Market: Shop for handicrafts like embroidered artwork or snack at the varied food stalls. Catch a traditional music performance while here.
- Perfume River: Relax on breezy boat tours that float by iconic Thien Mu Pagoda and other historical monuments. Stunning photo opportunities.
Dine at garden restaurants or cafes converted from French villas if time allows.
Day 8: Hanoi
Fly to Hanoi, Vietnam’s bustling present-day capital up north. Ambiance differs from the laidback central/southern cities with highlights like:
- French Quarter: Leafy boulevards with grand European buildings from 19th century colonial rule. Get lost wandering along scenic Hoan Kiem lake.
- Water Puppet Theater: Whimsical tradition where puppeteers standing waist-deep in water put on variety shows accompanied by live Vietnamese folk music.
- Local Nightlife: Join youth drinking bia hoi (fresh beer) at the curbside “plastic stool” pubs. Or try iconic Vietnamese egg coffee drink in cozy cafes.
Get comfortable with Hanoi as the next few days include some lengthy transit.
Day 9-10: Sapa
Travel way up northwest near the Chinese border to backpacker town Sapa. Journey options include:
- Overnight Train: Most common way to go. Book early for comfortable berths on the 10 hour ride. Enjoy views along the way.
- Night Bus: Budget route under $20 but expect squished seats and lots of twisting mountain roads. Pack motion sickness tablets to be safe! From Sapa, hike through breathtaking rice terraces carved into mountainsides and meet ethnic tribes for homestays/visits in native villages. Top treks are:
- Fansipan: Summit Vietnam’s highest peak at over 10,000 ft. Difficult 2-4 day trek with rewarding panoramas if weather clears. Requires booking tour guide.
- Hilltribe Villages: Do-it-yourself 1 to 3 day hikes staying overnight in basic homestays. Meet Red Dzao, Black Hmong and Giay people. lighter trek good for beginners. Use extra day to bus over to less-visited northern towns like Bac Ha or Sa Pa Valley for local handicraft/textile markets.
Day 11: Hanoi
Make journey back to Hanoi. Catch up on sightseeing or simply recharge with street food tours, foot massages or water puppet shows.
Day 12-13: Halong Bay
No visit to northern Vietnam is complete without seeing magical Halong Bay with allure stemming from:
- Limestone Islands: Over 1,600 green peaked towers blanketed in jungle vegetation rise directly from the Gulf of Tonkin waters, an awe-inspiring sight.
- Caves & Lagoons: Many ethereal caves hide inside. Kayak through lagoons enclosed by dramatic cliffs jutting straight out of the sea around you.
Book Halong Bay overnight cruise boat tours to fully experience the atmosphere. Enjoy fresh seafood, squid fishing, sunrise yoga or swimming without crowds before returning to port cities.
Day 14: Departure
Fly back home from Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City depending on connections. Souvenir shop or see any sites missed at beginning of trip if extra time allows before your flight.
How Much is a 2 Week Trip to Vietnam?
- Flights: $800 – 1500 roundtrip
- Accommodation: $20 – 80 per night
- Food: $10 – 50 per day
- Transport: $10 – 20 between cities
- Activities: $10 – 50+ per tour or tickets
So realistically plan around $100 – 150 total spending per day which adds up quickly. Costs depend largely on choices of luxury versus budget for lodging and transport methods picked.
Visas, immunization, insurance and shopping should factor in too. Having at least $2000 set aside ensures comfort without skimping on must-do experiences for first-timers. However, backpacker budgets under $1000 are very feasible for adventurous travelers.
Cash in Vietnamese Dong gives best value while credit cards have foreign transaction fees. Carry small bills since vendors rarely have change. Research reputable ATM locations which minimize confusing conversion rates when withdrawing money.
Conclusion
With lush landscapes, delectable cuisine and multi-faceted history – Vietnam dazzles visitors’ senses. This complete 2 week Vietnam itinerary covers the must-see spots for first-timers wanting a taste of everything.
Focus on just a few regions instead of cramming it all in if you prefer a more relaxed pace. You can always return to see more as Vietnam leaves quite an impression!
By mixing cities with nature plus history and culture, two weeks in Vietnam promises beautiful sights and friendly encounters around every corner.
