Vietnam is a vibrant and captivating destination that offers a plethora of unique experiences for travelers. From the bustling streets of Hanoi to the peaceful countryside of Southern Vietnam, this 14-day trip will take you on an unforgettable journey through the highlights of this beautiful country.
Trip Highlights
- Unique tour to Hanoi’s lesser-known area: Explore the heart of sightseeing and food adventure in Hanoi Old Quarter, where you can immerse yourself in the local culture and indulge in delicious Vietnamese cuisine.
- A glimpse of the most uncanny parts of Vietnam in only 14 days: Experience the diversity of Vietnam’s landscapes, from the stunning limestone formations of Halong Bay to the ancient town of Hoi An and the vibrant metropolis of Ho Chi Minh City.
- Peacefulness of Southern Vietnam: Discover the tranquility of the countryside in Southern Vietnam, where you can cruise along the scenic Mekong River, visit floating markets, and explore the fascinating Cu Chi Tunnels.
Trip Summary
Day 1: Hanoi Arrival
Upon your arrival at Hanoi airport, you will be warmly welcomed and transferred to your hotel. Take some time to rest and relax before exploring the vibrant city. Overnight in Hanoi.
Hanoi Old Quarter is the heart of sightseeing and food adventure – Photo by Elena Ermakova / Shutterstock.com
Day 2: Hanoi City Tour
Embark on a full-day city tour of Hanoi, starting with a visit to the Ho Chi Minh complex, where you can explore the mausoleum, museum, presidential palace, house on stilts, and one pillar pagoda. Continue to the Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first university, and the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology. Explore Hanoi’s Old Quarter on a walking tour to experience its daily life. Overnight in Hanoi.
Vietnam Museum of Ethnology
Day 3: Hanoi > Halong Bay
After breakfast, transfer from your hotel to Halong Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its stunning limestone karsts. Embark on a traditional wooden boat and cruise through the emerald waters of the bay. Relax, sightsee, and swim while enjoying the breathtaking scenery. Visit the floating fishing village and immerse yourself in the local culture. Overnight on board.
Cruising on Halong Bay
Day 4: Halong Bay Kayaking
Start your morning with a Tai Chi lesson on the deck as you watch the sunrise. Embark on a kayaking trip to explore the hidden caves, coves, and floating villages of Halong Bay. Enjoy lunch on a support boat and return to the mother boat for dinner and overnight stay.
Kayaking at Halong Bay
Day 5: Halong > Hanoi
Wake up to the sounds of waves and birds welcoming the new day. Enjoy breakfast while admiring the sunrise over Halong Bay. Visit a beautiful limestone grotto before cruising back to the dock. Drive back to Hanoi and spend the night in the bustling city. Overnight in Hanoi.
Hanoi at night
Day 6: Hanoi > Hue
Take a morning flight to Hue, the former imperial capital of Vietnam. Upon arrival, visit the Citadel, the Forbidden Purple City, the Imperial Museum, and Dong Ba Market. Immerse yourself in the rich history and culture of this ancient city. Dinner and overnight in Hue.
Museum of The Imperial City in Hue
Day 7: Hue City Tour > Hoi An
Explore the ancient capital city of Hue in the morning. Take a boat cruise on the Perfume River, visit the Thien Mu Pagoda, and explore ornate Minh Mang’s tomb. After lunch, travel to Hoi An, crossing the Hai Van Pass and visiting the Cham Museum and a handicraft village at the foot of Marble Mountain. Check into your hotel in Hoi An and have some free time to explore the charming town. Overnight in Hoi An.
Huong River in Hue
Day 8: Hoi An > My Son > Hoi An
Embark on a morning excursion to My Son, a UNESCO World Heritage site and the religious center of the Cham people. Discover the ancient Hindu temples built between the 7th and 13th centuries. Return to Hoi An and spend the rest of the day exploring the ancient town or indulging in some shopping. Overnight in Hoi An.
Ancient Hindu temples of Cham culture in My Son
Day 9: Hoi An Free Day
Enjoy a free day in Hoi An to relax on the beach or explore the ancient town at your leisure. Immerse yourself in the colorful streets, visit local shops, and try the delicious street food. Overnight in Hoi An.
Hoi An – Vietnam
Day 10: Hoi An > Ho Chi Minh City
Fly to Ho Chi Minh City and embark on a day tour to explore this bustling metropolis. Visit iconic landmarks such as Notre Dame Cathedral, the Central Post Office, the Reunification Palace, and the War Remnants Museum. Immerse yourself in the history and culture of this vibrant city. Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.
Central Post Office in Ho Chi Minh City
Day 11: Ho Chi Minh City > My Tho > Ben Tre > Can Tho
Leave Ho Chi Minh City and embark on a scenic journey along the National Highway. Visit Vinh Trang Pagoda in My Tho and take a boat ride along the river to enjoy the stilt houses, fruit plantations, and fishing villages. Continue to Ben Tre and An Khanh, where you can experience the idyllic rural lifestyle and taste delicious coconut candy. Proceed to Can Tho for dinner and overnight stay.
Floating market in Can Tho
Day 12: Floating Village > Ho Chi Minh City
Embark on a morning boat trip to explore the picturesque tributaries of the Mekong River. Visit the lively Cai Rang floating market and learn how Vietnamese vermicelli soup is made. Wander around the village, meet the friendly locals, and experience crossing a “Monkey bridge.” Enjoy lunch in a local restaurant and return to Ho Chi Minh City. Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.
Money bridge in Vietnam
Day 13: Ho Chi Minh City > Cu Chi Tunnel > Ho Chi Minh City
Embark on a half-day tour to the historic Cu Chi Tunnels, a complex network of tunnels used during the war. Explore the tunnels, watch a short introductory video, and learn about their significance in Vietnam’s history. Return to Ho Chi Minh City and enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure. Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.
Cu Chi Tunnel
Day 14: Ho Chi Minh City
Enjoy a free day in Ho Chi Minh City until it’s time for your transfer to the airport. Take this opportunity to explore more of the city, do some last-minute shopping, or simply relax before your flight back home. Your Vietnam adventure comes to an end, leaving you with memories that will last a lifetime.
Trip ends.
This article was written with the help of the Travel Guide. For more information on Vietnam travel, visit Travel Guide.