Traveling through Vietnam means immersing yourself in a country of intense contrasts: from the rice terraces covered mountains of the north to the tropical bustle of the south, passing through colonial cities, magical bays, and exquisite yet affordable cuisine. In this two-week itinerary, I propose a complete tour from north to south, ideal for those who want to experience the essence of the country in a short time.
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Areas to visit in Vietnam
Vietnam stretches from north to south for more than 1,600 kilometers, and traveling through its entire length is a truly diverse experience. Each region has its own identity, unique landscapes, and distinct ways of life. Therefore, to better organize your trip, it's key to understand how the country is divided:
North: nature, mountains and tradition
Northern Vietnam is perfect for those seeking majestic landscapes and contact with local communities. In Sapa offers hikes among terraced rice fields and ethnic minority villages. Hanoi, the capital, combines chaos with history, a vibrant culture, and a communist heritage. And Halong Bay is, without a doubt, one of the most iconic landscapes in all of Asia, with its karst formations emerging from the sea.
Downtown: history, colonial cities and beach
In the central region, you'll find some of the country's most picturesque cities. Hoi An, with its yellow architecture, colorful lanterns, and quiet alleyways, is a colonial gem. Hue, the former imperial capital, preserves vestiges of its glorious past. And for those seeking relaxation or the sea, Da Nang offers wide beaches and good infrastructure.
South: modernity, Mekong Delta and urban life
The south revolves around Ho Chi Minh City, a vibrant metropolis where skyscrapers mingle with street vendors. From there, it's worth exploring the Mekong Delta, a region filled with canals, floating markets, and rural life. You can also escape to islands like Phu Quoc if you want to end your trip with complete relaxation.
My favorite experiences in Vietnam
During these two weeks traveling through Vietnam, I experienced moments that will stay with me for a long time. Among so many landscapes and contrasts, there were a few places that particularly left their mark on me:
Sapa and its endless terraces
The days I spent in Sapa were probably my favorite. Walking among terraced rice fields, with those misty mountains in the background, was like being inside a painting. I loved the calm, the connection with nature, and seeing how the local communities live. It was one of those places that invites you to stay longer than planned.
Halong Bay, like something out of this world
Halong Bay is one of those landscapes unlike any other. Sailing among these karst formations made me feel like I was in an episode of Dragon Ball or some fantasy film. It's a place that impresses both for its scale and its atmosphere, especially if you're lucky enough to see it in foggy weather or at sunset.
Paradise Cavern, a hidden gem
In Phong Nha, I visited Paradise Cave, and it truly blew my mind. I'd never been in such a large cavern, with such impressive stalactites and stalagmites. Although it's designed for heavy tourism, with walkways and dim lights inside, the sensation of being underground in such a majestic place is something I won't soon forget.
Hoi An, a charming postcard
Yes, it's very touristy. But it's also undeniably beautiful. Its colonial streets, colorful lanterns, riverside markets... everything has a fairytale feel. I enjoyed wandering aimlessly, discovering quiet corners, and sitting down to eat something while the bikes went by.
2 Week Vietnam Travel Itinerary Map
Detailed Itinerary: 2 Weeks in Vietnam from North to South
This itinerary was part of a longer trip through Southeast Asia, and began just after crossing from northern Laos. It was an intense two weeks, making the most of the sleeping buses on the long journeys, traveling from north to south of Vietnam, combining natural landscapes, vibrant cities, and a bit of history. This was my route:
Day 1-3: Sapa and the rice fields between mountains
I entered Vietnam from Laos and my first destination was Sapa. I spent three days walking among terraced rice fields and enjoying the unique mountain setting. It's an excellent place to connect with nature and learn about the culture of the ethnic minorities that inhabit the region.
Day 4-5: Hanoi, between chaos and charm
From Sapa, I took a sleeping bus to Hanoi, where I stayed for two days. I really enjoyed the Old Quarter, its frenetic pace, the hidden cafes, Hoan Kiem Lake, and the imposing Soviet-style architecture. I also took the opportunity to try a lot of street food.
Day 6-7: Halong Bay and overnight in Cat Ba
From Hanoi, I booked a two-day tour of Halong Bay. Sailing among the karst formations was a magical experience. I spent the night on Cat Ba Island, which has a lot of potential for further exploration if you have time.
Day 8: Ninh Binh, the “land Halong”
After the tour, I went to Ninh Binh, a place I would have enjoyed more if the weather had been better. Still, I was able to take a boat ride through the rice paddies and mountains. It's well worth it if you have good weather.
Day 9: Dong Hoi and Paradise Cave
My next stop was Dong Hoi, the base city for visiting the Phong Nha caves. I went to Paradise Cave, and it was one of the most rewarding experiences of the trip. I had never seen such a large and spectacular cavern.
Day 10: Hue, imperial capital
A brief visit to Hue allowed me to explore part of its Citadel and experience the historical significance of this place. If you're interested in Vietnamese history, you can spend more time there.
Day 11-12: Hoi An, picturesque and charming
From Hue, I took the famous Hai Van Pass to Hoi An. Although very touristy, I found the city beautiful. I enjoyed walking through its streets, seeing colorful lanterns, trying local food, and breathing in the colonial atmosphere.
Day 13: Da Lat, nature in the mountains
I made a brief stop in Da Lat. I didn't have time to explore it much, but it's a destination with a distinct climate and plenty of outdoor activities. If you enjoy trekking or mountain landscapes, it's worth considering.
Day 14 – 15: Ho Chi Minh City, before continuing to Cambodia
I concluded the tour in Ho Chi Minh City, a vibrant, modern city steeped in history. It's the perfect place to say goodbye to Vietnam and then continue on to Cambodia, just like I did.
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