Ultimate Vietnam Itinerary: 2 weeks, 3 weeks and 1-month
Planning a trip to Vietnam but not sure where to start?
Vietnam is one of the best countries in Southeast Asia for backpacking. From the chaotic streets of Hanoi and the limestone mountains of Ninh Binh to the beaches of Hoi An and the buzzing streets of Ho Chi Minh City, there is a huge amount to see. But Vietnam is bigger than it looks.
If you only have two weeks, trying to see the entire country can leave you spending more time on buses, trains and planes than actually enjoying your trip. If you have three weeks or a month, you have much more flexibility to slow down and explore some of Vietnam’s best destinations. I’ve travelled through Vietnam three times, including a 12-day backpacking trip and a separate trip of around three to four weeks. I’ve travelled different routes and experienced Vietnam in different ways, so this guide combines the routes I’ve actually travelled with what I’d do differently now.
If you have three weeks, this would be my ideal amount of time for a first trip to Vietnam. Two weeks is still enough to see some incredible places, while one month gives you the opportunity to explore much further.
Vietnam Itinerey at a Glance
Not sure which itinerary is right for you?
| Trip length | Suggested route | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| 2 weeks | Hanoi → Ha Long Bay → Ninh Binh → Hoi An → Hue | First-time visitors with limited time |
| 3 weeks | Hanoi → Ha Long Bay → Ninh Binh → Phong Nha → Hoi An → Hue → Ho Chi Minh City | Seeing more of Vietnam without constantly rushing |
| 1 month | Hanoi → Ha Long Bay → Ha Giang → Sapa → Ninh Binh → Phong Nha → Hoi An → Hue → Ho Chi Minh City → South | Backpackers wanting a deeper experience |
My recommendation: If you can, allow at least three weeks. It gives you enough time to experience northern, central and southern Vietnam without having to rush through every destination.
How Long Do You Need in Vietnam?
2 weeks in Vietnam
Two weeks is enough to experience Vietnam, but you’ll need to be selective.
I’d recommend concentrating on a handful of destinations rather than trying to visit the entire country.
Best for: first-time visitors, shorter holidays and backpackers on a tighter schedule.
3 weeks in Vietnam
Three weeks gives you much more breathing room. You can add destinations such as Phong Nha and Ho Chi Minh City while still having time to enjoy the places you’re visiting.
Best for: first-time backpackers who want a good overview of Vietnam
1-month in Vietnam
A month is ideal if you want to travel more slowly and experience some of Vietnam’s less touristy destinations.You can add the Ha Giang Loop, spend l onger in Sapa, explore more of southern Vietnam and build in some flexibility. Best for: backpackers who want to explore Vietnam in greater depth
2-Week Vietnam Itinerary
If you only have two weeks in Vietnam, I wouldn’t recommend trying to squeeze absolutely everything in. My preferred route would be:
Hanoi → Ha Long Bay → Ninh Binh → Hoi An → Hue
This gives you a good mix of city, nature, history, food and beaches without spending your entire trip travelling between destinations.
If seeing southern Vietnam is particularly important to you, I’ll explain an alternative north-to-south route further down.
Days 1–2: Hanoi
Your Vietnam adventure starts in Hanoi. Hanoi is chaotic, noisy and full of energy. At first, the traffic can feel overwhelming — particularly when you’re attempting to cross the road while hundreds of scooters seem to be heading directly towards you. You’ll soon get used to it.
The Old Quarter is the heart of the city and is a great place to base yourself. It’s packed with narrow streets, street food stalls, cafés, bars and shops, making it easy to spend hours simply wandering around.
Things to do in Hanoi
Some of my highlights include:
- Explore Hanoi’s Old Quarter
- Visit Hoan Kiem Lake
- Try traditional Vietnamese coffee
- Eat your way through the street food scene
- Visit Train Street
- Visit the Temple of Literature
- Explore the markets
- Try pho and banh mi from local vendors
I’d allow two days for Hanoi on a two-week itinerary.
You could easily spend longer here, but with limited time, two days gives you a good introduction before moving on.
Where to stay: The Old Quarter is the most convenient area for first-time visitors and backpackers.
Days 3–4: Ha Long Bay
From Hanoi, head towards one of Vietnam’s most recognisable landscapes: Ha Long Bay.
The towering limestone islands rising from the emerald water are one of the country’s biggest attractions.
How long should you spend in Ha Long Bay?
I’d recommend an overnight cruise rather than a day trip if your budget allows.
A typical 2-day, 1-night cruise will involve travelling out into the bay, stopping at viewpoints and caves and taking part in activities such as kayaking, swimming or cooking classes. There are cruises to suit a range of budgets, from backpacker-friendly options to much more luxurious experiences. The quality can vary significantly, so I’d recommend researching your cruise carefully rather than simply booking the cheapest option.
Things to do in Ha Long Bay
Depending on your cruise, activities may include:
- Kayaking
- Swimming
- Visiting caves
- Island viewpoints
- Cooking classes
- Sunrise or sunset activities
- Exploring nearby islands
Should you visit Cat Ba Island?
If you have additional time, Cat Ba can be added to your itinerary and is worth considering if you want to spend longer exploring the area rather than simply taking a cruise.
Travel tip: Ha Long Bay is one of the places I’d recommend booking ahead, particularly if you want a specific cruise or are travelling during a busy period.
Days 5–6: Ninh Binh
After Ha Long Bay, head to Ninh Binh.
If Ha Long Bay is sometimes described as “Ha Long Bay on land”, it’s easy to see why.
Ninh Binh is surrounded by enormous limestone karsts, rivers, rice fields and caves. It’s also much more peaceful than Hanoi, making it a great place to slow down for a couple of days.
Things to do in Ninh Binh
- Take a boat trip through Trang An
- Visit Tam Coc
- Climb Hang Mua viewpoint
- Explore the surrounding countryside
- Visit ancient temples
- Cycle through the rice fields
I’d recommend staying around Tam Coc if you’re backpacking. There are plenty of accommodation options, restaurants and places to organise activities.
How long should you spend in Ninh Binh?
I’d allow at least two days.
You can visit as a day trip from Hanoi, but if you have the time, staying overnight is much more enjoyable.
Days 7–9: Hoi An
Next, head south towards Hoi An.
Hoi An was one of my favourite places in Vietnam, and it’s easy to understand why.
The ancient town is filled with colourful lanterns, narrow streets, cafés, restaurants and small shops. It has a completely different atmosphere from the chaos of Hanoi.
And then there’s the food.
Things to do in Hoi An
- Explore Hoi An Ancient Town
- Visit the Central Market
- Take a cooking class
- Cycle through the countryside
- Visit An Bang Beach
- Get clothes tailored
- Take a lantern boat ride
- Explore the cafés and restaurants
- Visit the Japanese Covered Bridge
Get clothes tailored in Hoi An
One of the most popular things to do in Hoi An is having clothes made.
There are countless tailors around the city, offering everything from suits and dresses to shirts and casual clothing.
If you want something made, allow enough time for measurements, fittings and alterations rather than leaving it until the morning you leave.
I’d recommend around three days in Hoi An.
Days 10–11: Hue
From Hoi An, travel north to Hue.
Hue is very different from Hoi An. While Hoi An is known for its charming streets, food and atmosphere, Hue is particularly interesting for its history.
Things to do in Hue
- Explore the Imperial City
- Visit the Royal Tombs
- Explore the Perfume River
- Visit Thien Mu Pagoda
- Try Hue’s local cuisine
Two days gives you enough time to explore the main sights without staying too long.
Days 12–14: Choose Your Ending
For the final few days, you have two options depending on what kind of trip you want.
Option 1: Stay longer in Central Vietnam
If you prefer a slower trip, stay longer in Hoi An or Hue.
This is what I’d recommend if you’re trying to avoid spending the last few days rushing around.
Option 2: Fly to Ho Chi Minh City
If you want to experience southern Vietnam, fly from Da Nang to Ho Chi Minh City.
Spend the remaining days exploring the city before flying home.
This means you’ll have experienced northern, central and southern Vietnam without trying to travel overland through the entire country.
Alternative 2-Week Vietnam Route: North to South
If your priority is seeing as much of Vietnam as possible, I’d use a slightly different itinerary:
Hanoi → Ha Long Bay → Ninh Binh → Hoi An → Ho Chi Minh City
This route sacrifices some destinations but gives you a taste of the north, central Vietnam and the south. I’d choose this over trying to include Hanoi, Sapa, Ha Long Bay, Ninh Binh, Hoi An, Hue and Ho Chi Minh City in just 14 days. Vietnam is too big to properly experience by ticking destinations off a list.
3-Week Vietnam Itinerary
With three weeks, I’d expand the route rather than simply adding more destinations for the sake of it. My recommended route would be:
Hanoi → Ha Long Bay → Ninh Binh → Phong Nha → Hoi An → Hue → Ho Chi Minh City
This gives you a much better balance between travelling and actually having time to explore.
Days 1–2: Hanoi
Follow the same Hanoi itinerary above. Spend two days exploring the Old Quarter, eating street food and getting used to the chaos of Vietnamese traffic.
Days 3–4: Ha Long Bay
Spend one night on an overnight cruise.If you’re particularly interested in exploring the area, you could extend this to two nights.
Days 5–6: Ninh Binh
Spend two days exploring Trang An, Tam Coc and the surrounding countryside. Don’t miss Hang Mua viewpoint if you’re up for the climb.
Days 7–8: Phong Nha
Phong Nha is one of the destinations I’d add if you have three weeks rather than two. It’s famous for its spectacular caves and dramatic landscape.
Things to do in Phong Nha
- Explore Phong Nha Cave
- Visit Paradise Cave
- Explore the national park
- Take a motorbike or bicycle through the countryside
- Visit local villages
Phong Nha is particularly good for travellers who enjoy outdoor adventures.
Days 9–11: Hoi An
Spend three days in Hoi An. Use this time to explore the Ancient Town, visit the beach, take a cooking class and — if you’re interested — get some clothes made.
Days 12–13: Hue
Travel from Hoi An to Hue. Explore the Imperial City and surrounding historical sites. The journey between Hoi An and Hue can also be part of the experience, particularly if you travel over the Hai Van Pass.
Days 14–17: Ho Chi Minh City
Fly south to Ho Chi Minh City. The city is a complete change of pace from northern Vietnam. It’s busy, modern and energetic, with an incredible food scene and plenty of history.
Things to do in Ho Chi Minh City
- Visit the War Remnants Museum
- Explore the Cu Chi Tunnels
- Visit Ben Thanh Market
- Explore the city’s cafés
- Try Vietnamese street food
- Visit the Notre-Dame Cathedral area
- Explore the different districts
Days 18-21: Slow Down or Explore Southern Vietnam
Use your final few days flexibly. You could:
- Stay longer in Ho Chi Minh City
- Visit the Mekong Delta
- Head to Mui Ne
- Take a day trip
- Add another beach destination
This is one of the reasons I prefer a three-week itinerary. You have room to change your plans rather than having every single day booked.
1-Month Vietnam Itinerary
If you’ve got a whole month, I’d take advantage of it. Rather than simply spending longer in the major cities, I’d add some of Vietnam’s more adventurous destinations. My ideal route would look something like:
Hanoi → Ha Long Bay → Ha Giang → Sapa → Ninh Binh → Phong Nha → Hoi An → Hue → Ho Chi Minh City → Mui Ne → Mekong Delta
You don’t have to follow this exactly. One of the best things about backpacking Vietnam is having the flexibility to change your route.
Hanoi — 2–3 days
Start with a few days in Hanoi before heading further north.
Ha Long Bay — 2 days
Take an overnight cruise and enjoy the limestone landscapes.
Ha Giang Loop — 3–4 days
If you’re looking for adventure, the Ha Giang Loop is one of the destinations I’d strongly consider adding to a longer Vietnam itinerary. The mountainous northern landscape is spectacular, with winding roads, dramatic viewpoints and small villages along the route. You can travel the loop independently if you’re experienced and comfortable doing so, or join a guided group. For backpackers, joining a group can also be a great way to meet other travellers.
Sapa — 2–3 days
After the Ha Giang Loop, head towards Sapa. Sapa is surrounded by mountains and rice terraces and is particularly popular for trekking. One of the best ways to experience the area is through a guided trek and homestay. Staying with a local family gives you a completely different experience from simply staying in a hotel in the town centre.
Ninh Binh — 2 days
Slow down again in Ninh Binh. Spend time exploring the rivers, caves, rice fields and surrounding countryside.
Phong Nha — 2–3 days
Continue south to Phong Nha for caves and outdoor adventures.
Hoi An — 3 days
Give yourself time to enjoy Hoi An rather than rushing through it. This is somewhere I’d happily spend a few extra days.
Hue — 2 days
Explore the Imperial City and surrounding historical sites.
Ho Chi Minh City — 3 days
Spend a few days exploring southern Vietnam’s biggest city.
Mui Ne — 2–3 days
If you’re travelling further south, Mui Ne is worth considering for its beaches and sand dunes. It’s a good opportunity to slow down after several weeks of travelling.
Mekong Delta — 2–3 days
Finish your trip by exploring the Mekong Delta. You can visit as a day trip from Ho Chi Minh City or spend longer in the region.
How to Travel Around Vietnam
One of the best things about backpacking Vietnam is how easy it is to travel between destinations. There are buses, trains, domestic flights and organised transfers connecting most popular destinations.
Sleeper Bus
Sleeper Buses are one of the most common ways for backpackers to travel around Vietnam. They’re particularly useful for longer journeys because you can trave travel overnight and save the cost of a night’s accommodation. However, they’re not for everyone. If you’re a light sleeper or don’t enjoy long journeys, flying may be worth the extra cost for some routes
Trains
Vietnam’s railway network connects many of the country’s major destinations. Overnight trains can be a good alternative to sleeper buses, particularly for longer journeys.
Flying
Domestic flights are useful when travelling long distances. For example, if you’re travelling from central Vietnam to Ho Chi Minh City, flying can save a huge amount of time compared with travelling overland. I wouldn’t avoid flying simply because you’re backpacking. Sometimes paying a little more can give you an extra day of actually enjoying your trip.
Booking Transport
You can arrange transport through your accommodation, local travel agencies or online booking platforms. I found it useful to compare different options before booking, particularly for longer journeys.
Where to Stay in Vietnam
Vietnam has accommodation for almost every budget. As a backpacker, you’ll find everything from cheap dorm rooms to private rooms, hotels and homestays.
Hostels
Hostels are a great option if you’re travelling solo and want to meet other travellers.
Hotels
Private rooms can be surprisingly affordable, particularly if you’re travelling with someone else and splitting the cost.
Homestays
For destinations such as Sapa, staying with a local family can be one of the most memorable experiences of your trip. I usually booked accommodation through a mixture of online booking sites and recommendations from other travellers. During quieter periods, I often booked only a few days ahead. However, if you’re travelling during a busy period or know exactly where you want to stay, I’d recommend booking further in advance.
Tours and Activities in Vietnam
You don’t need to book an organised tour for your entire Vietnam trip. In fact, one of the things I love about backpacking Vietnam is how easy it is to organise your own trip. However, there are some experiences where booking a tour makes sense.
Ha Long Bay cruise
I’d recommend researching and booking your cruise carefully.
Sapa trekking
A local guide can make the experience much more enjoyable and gives you the opportunity to learn more about the area.
Ha Giang Loop
You can choose between travelling independently or joining a guided group, depending on your experience and confidence.
Cooking classes
Hoi An is a great place to take a Vietnamese cooking class.
When Is the Best Time to Visit Vietnam?
Vietnam has a long, narrow shape, which means the weather can vary considerably between the north, central and south. There isn’t necessarily one perfect month for the entire country. If you’re planning a longer trip, check the weather for each region rather than assuming the whole country will have the same conditions. This is another reason I wouldn’t plan your itinerary entirely around one destination.
Vietnam Travel Tips
Don’t underestimate travel time
Vietnam looks relatively narrow on a map, but travelling between destinations can take longer than you expect. Always factor transport time into your itinerary.
Don’t plan every day
Some of my best travel experiences came from having the flexibility to change plans. Leave yourself some breathing room.
Carry some cash
Cards are increasingly accepted, particularly in tourist areas, but cash is still useful for smaller restaurants, street food and local businesses.
Be prepared for the traffic
Crossing the road in Hanoi was one of the first things that made me realise I was definitely somewhere different. My advice? Take a breath, watch the traffic and walk steadily. You’ll get used to it surprisingly quickly.
Try the local food
Vietnamese food was one of the highlights of travelling through the country. Don’t be afraid to eat at small local restaurants and street food stalls. Some of the best meals I’ve had were also some of the cheapest.
What to Pack for Vietnam
You don’t need to take your entire wardrobe to Vietnam. In fact, I made the mistake of overpacking when I first started travelling. Choose lightweight, versatile clothes that you can mix and match, and remember that you’ll be able to wash clothes along the way.
For a full breakdown of what I’d actually pack, check out my [Vietnam Backpacking Packing List].
What I Would Do Differently
I’ve travelled through Vietnam three times, and each trip taught me something different. My first trip was only around 12 days and included:
Hanoi → Ha Long Bay → Sapa → Hanoi → Ninh Binh → Phong Nha → Hoi An
It was an incredible trip, but looking back, I was trying to fit a lot into a short amount of time.
My second trip was around three to four weeks and followed a different route, including:
Hanoi → Ha Giang Loop → Sapa → Hoi An → Hue → Mui Ne → Ho Chi Minh City
Having more time made a huge difference. If I were planning my first Vietnam trip again, I’d:
- Allow more time between destinations
- Avoid trying to see the entire country in two weeks
- Spend at least two nights in most destinations
- Use overnight transport selectively
- Book important experiences such as Ha Long Bay in advance
- Leave some days unplanned
- Prioritise experiences over ticking destinations off a list
So, What Is the Best Vietnam Itinerary?
If you only have two weeks, I’d focus on northern and central Vietnam and avoid trying to squeeze everything in. If you have three weeks, I’d add Phong Nha and Ho Chi Minh City. However, If you have a month, I’d take the opportunity to explore northern Vietnam more deeply with destinations such as Ha Giang and Sapa, before travelling south. And if you ask me how long I’d recommend? Three weeks.
It’s long enough to see a huge amount of Vietnam without feeling like you’re constantly packing your backpack and heading to the next bus station. But there’s no single perfect Vietnam itinerary.
The best route depends on what you want from your trip — whether that’s mountains, beaches, food, culture, nightlife or simply the freedom to see where the road takes you. Vietnam was the first country I travelled through in Southeast Asia, and after returning twice more, it’s still one of the countries I’d recommend most strongly to anyone looking for an adventure. Now it’s your turn!