Planning a 2-week trip to Vietnam but not sure where to start? This 16-day Vietnam itinerary takes you from Hanoi to Saigon, with stops in Ninh Binh, Ha Long Bay and Hoi An along the way.
This is the route we followed during our own trip, and I’ve put together everything I wish I had known before going – from how to get between destinations and where to stay to what I would do differently next time.
Each destination on this itinerary has its beauty, from impressive historical sites and pagodas at every corner to unforgettable cycling and scooters through the most jungle-like landscapes and seeing beautiful, exotic coastal roads and beaches.
A Quick Look at the Ultimate 2-Week Route from Hanoi to Saigon
Here is a quick overview of the 16-day Vietnam itinerary, including the main tourist attractions for each day.
| DAY | DESTINATION | HIGHLIGHTS |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hanoi | Old Quarter, Hoan Kiem Lake, French Quarter |
| 2 | Hanoi | Temple of Literature, West Lake, Train Street, Water Puppet Show |
| 3 | Hanoi | One Pillar Pagoda, Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, Imperial Citadel, St. Joseph’s Cathedral |
| 4 | Ninh Binh(Transit Day) | Trang An, Mua Hill, Hoa Lu Ancient Town |
| 5 | Ninh Binh | Cuc Phuong National Park |
| 6 | Ninh Binh(Transit Day) | Cycle through rice fields, Tam Coc, Bich Ding Pagoda |
| 7 | Ha Long Bay(Transit Day) | Cruise Day |
| 8 | Ha Long Bay(Transit Day) | Cruise Day |
| 9 | Hoi An | Ancient Town, Ancient Town By Night, Visit A Tailor Shop |
| 10 | Hoi An | Cam Thanh Coconut Village, Basket Boat, Tra Que Village & Beach Side, Book A Local Workshop |
| 11 | Hoi An | Day Trip to Hue |
| 12 | Hoi An | Kim Bong Carpentry Village, Thanh Ha Pottery Village, Dinner at Chillax Eatery&Hangout, Sunset over the Rice Fields, Release a Floating Lantern on Thu Bon River |
| 13 | Hoi An | Sunrise, Beach Time |
| 14 | Ho Chi Minh City(Transit Day) | Nguyen Hue Walking Street, Coffee Apartment |
| 15 | Ho Chi Minh City | Thích Quảng Đức Memorial, Mariamman Hindu Temple, Ben Thanh Market, Notre Dame Cathedral, Saigon Book Street & Bui Vien |
| 16 | Ho Chi Minh City | Departure Day |
Want to jump straight to a destination?
Hanoi | Ninh Binh | Ha Long Bay | Hoi An | Ho Chi Minh City
My Travel Map
Before You Start Your Vietnam Trip
Best Time to Visit Vietnam
What you’ve seen so far is that Vietnam is a big country, so the seasons are different in every region. Even after I’ve researched, the best time to visit all regions is March to April. I visited at the end of March, beginning of April, and I can say that we really had excellent weather. I can admit that the whole country can be visited all around the year, but the weather can be more unpredictable and unpleasant. If you prefer another time, December-January is also a good season.
How Many Days Do You Need in Vietnam?
I suggest to have more than 2-weeks. Vietnam is a big country, so if you really want to enjoy it, I suggest to take more than 2-weeks. Even if I have a 16-day itinerary, this can be done easily as a 2-weeks Vietnam Itinerary.
How to Get Around in Vietnam
For getting around cities and shorter distances, I recommend Grab. It is convenient, affordable, and easy to use.
For longer distances, you can use trains, buses, private transfers, or domestic flights. I personally used Vietnam Airlines for some longer journeys, and it was a convenient option for saving time.
Do you need a visa?
You should check the official website of your country’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs to see whether you need a visa for Vietnam and to read the latest travel advice and entry requirements. You can also check Vietnam’s official immigration portal for updated visa information.
What vaccines or medication do you need?
Personally, I spoke with my doctor before traveling. If you are unsure whom to ask, you should talk to your doctor for advice about vaccines, medications and general health recommendations. Just be sure to inform yourself about all the necessary details 2-3 months before your trip.
16-Day Vietnam Itinerary: Hanoi to Saigon
This Vietnam itinerary includes some of the country’s most iconic attractions. Taking you from exploring Hanoi’s Old Quarter and the elegant French Quarter to the misty landscapes of Ninh Binh and the most known UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ha Long Bay. You’ll continue to the heart of the country, Hoi An, and its lantern-lit streets, and then you’ll end your journey in the most vibrant and modern side of Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon).
Days 1-3 : Hanoi
One of the best ways to experience Vietnam is from North to South. Hanoi is the perfect place to start your Vietnam trip. The capital is full of historic temples, amazing street food, French architecture and some of the best cafes in the country. To help organize your trip I have created a day to day itinerary with everything that is worth visiting in Hanoi.
If you’re spending only three days in the city, check out my 3-Day Hanoi Itinerary for a more detailed day-by-day guide.
Day 1 – Explore Hanoi’s Old & French Quarters
Highlights: Old Quarter, Hoan Kiem Lake, French Quarter, Hanoi Opera House & Ta Hien Street.
Take it easy on your first day in Hanoi and simply enjoy the city. Start strolling through the narrow streets filled with local shops, markets and colorful lanterns in the Old Quarter. Then, enjoy the Hoan Kiem Lake, where you can see Turtle Tower and Ngoc Son Temple. In the evening, the streets around the lake become pedestrian-only, making it a great place to experience local life and watch street performances.
One pleasant surprise for us was seeing the French Quarter, known for its wide boulevards, elegant colonial buildings, and the beautiful Hanoi Opera House. If you still have energy after your flight, finish the day with a local beer or soda on Ta Hien Street, Hanoi’s famous Beer Street.
Day 2 – Hanoi’s History & Culture
Highlights: Temple of Literature, West Lake, Tran Quoc Pagoda, Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, Train Street & Phung Hung Mural Street.
After your first night in Hanoi, it’s time to delve deeper into the cultural side of the city. But first, as it will be a full day, be sure to enjoy Vietnamese traditional coffee at The Hanoi Cafe in the morning. Afterwards, head to the most well-known tourist attraction, Van Mieu – Literature Temple, the first university in Vietnam that taught children from prestigious families.
Useful Information:
– Opening hours: 8 am – 5 pm daily
– Entrance fee: Adults: 70000 VND, Students: 35000 VND (student cards required)
– Bring cash, as credit cards are not accepted at the ticket counter;
– Dress Code: Dress politely, avoid revealing clothes;
– To avoid the crowds, visit early or at the end of program.
After your first glimpse of history, walk to the West Lake and Tran Quoc Pagoda, one of the oldest and most beautiful Buddhist temples in Vietnam. While walking along the way, you’ll see three important landmarks: Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, One Pillar Pagoda and Presidential Palace.
To make it easier, take a GrabCar to the famous Train Street. Enjoy a coconut water while you admire the train pass through the narrow street lined with cafes and houses. Near the Train Street is Phung Hung Mural Street, where you can admire the work of talented Vietnamese artists. You’ll still have to walk a few minutes to see the paintings.
Useful Information
Phung Hung(Location: here):
– Monday – Friday: 08:30 AM, 09:30 AM, 11:50 AM 03:15 PM, 07:50 PM, 09:15 PM, 09:30 PM, 10:00 PM
– Saturday – Sunday: 6:00 AM, 7:15 AM, 9:30 AM, 11:50 AM 3:30 PM, 5:30 PM, 7:30 PM, 7:50 PM, 9:15 PM, 9:30 PM, 10:00 PM
– Train schedules may change without prior notice. It’s recommended to arrive 30 minutes before the scheduled train time or ask the coffee owner for specific details.
As you have seen so far, Hanoi is a really lively and busy city. Every weekend from Friday to Sunday, around 6:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. there are night markets. This means the streets of Hang Dao and Dong Xuan Market will be full of stands and food stalls.
Day 3 – Slow Morning in Hanoi
Highlights: One Pillar Pagoda, Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, Imperial Citadel of Thang Long, St. Joseph’s Cathedral & French Quarter.
The last day can start more slowly. I suggest visiting the One Pillar Pagoda. It is unique for being built on a single stone pillar rising from a lotus pond. I visited the famous Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum only from outside, so it was a short stop; but if you decide to go inside, it will require some additional time.
Useful Information – One Pillar Pagoda & Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum:
– Opening hours for One Pillar Pagoda: 08:00 – 17:00 (every day);
– Entrance fee for both: free;
– Dress code for both: Choose formal, non-revealing clothing (No shorts, mini skirts, or tank-top);
– Opening hours for Ho Chi Minh City: April 1st to October 31st: 7.30 a.m -10.30 a.m, (Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays: 7.30 a.m – 11.00 a.m), November 1st to March 31st of next year: 8.00 a.m – 11.00 a.m;
– Opening days for Ho Chi Minh City: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday, Sunday;
Another important historical site is the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long, which showcases more than a thousand years of Vietnamese history. It is a UNESCO World Heritage and Hanoi’s ancient capital. Near the Citadel is also a statue of Lenin that is worth a stop.
Useful Information
– Opening hours: Regular days: 8 AM – 4 PM, Lunar New Year’s Eve: all night, The 1st and 15th days of every lunar month: 6 AM – 6 PM
– Entrance fee: free
– Opening days: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday, Sunday
– Dress code: Choose formal, non-revealing clothing (No shorts, mini skirts, or tank-top)
Then visit the St. Joseph’s Cathedral. It was built by the French colonials on the site of a former Buddhist pagoda. That’s why it has became one of the marks of Vietnamese history, and the entire building is inspired by Notre-Dame de Paris. Take also time to watch the traditional Vietnamese Show – Water Puppet Show.
Useful Information-St. Joseph’s Cathedral
– Exterior Visits: anytime for exterior viewing and photography, and best time to visit is early morning or late afternoon
Interior Access:
– Weekdays: 5:30 AM and 6:15 PM
– Saturday: 6:00 PM
– Sunday: 5:00 AM, 7:00 AM, 9:00 AM, 11:00 AM, 4:00 PM, 6:00 PM, 8:00 PM.
Where to stay in Hanoi
The are two good quarters were you can stay in Hanoi:
- Old Quarter – we stayed in a good hotel there, but take into consideration that during the night this part of Hanoi is very noisy;
- French Quarter – the nights here are more peacefully.
Days 4-6: Ninh Binh
Ninh Binh known as Ha Long Bay on Land, fully deserves that title. In my opinion, this region surpasses Ha Long Bay. During this time, you’ll have the opportunity to explore so many different tourist attractions. Visit Hoa Lu in the evening to enjoy the lanterns decorating the city, ride a bicycle around Tam Coc Lake, visit pagodas, and explore Vietnam’s first national park, Cuc Phuong National Park.
If you have more than a few days in Ninh Binh, don’t miss my 3-Day Ninh Binh Itinerary, where I go into much more detail about what to see and do.
Day 4 – From Hanoi to Ninh Binh: Trang An & Mua Cave
Highlights: Trang An boat tour, Mua Cave, Tam Coc viewpoints & Hoa Lu Ancient Town.
After your arrival at the accommodation, decide whether to visit the Trang An boat tour, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site, or Tam Coc. Here, the question of which boat tour to choose between them always arises. Personally, Trang An was a good decision for us because I visited Tam Coc by bike. I also read that the experience in Trang An is smoother and peaceful than Tam Coc, and both take you to the limestone mountains and different pagodas. I can confirm that everything at Trang An was well organized. Anyway, try to avoid taking the boat at midday because it can be very hot.
Useful Tips
- Tickets are purchased at the Trang An Departure Boat Ticket;
- Price: 11.4$;
- Open hours: 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM daily;
- Duration: around 3-4h;
- Best time to visit: early in the morning or late . Avoid the midday as it’s very hot;
- What to wear: wear sunscreen, hut or sunglasses.
Then, book a scooter on the Grab App or a car and head to the Mua Cave (Dragon Mountain). Climb all 500 stone steps that lead you to one of the beautiful viewpoints of Tam Coc. To enjoy this sight the most, go at sunset; if you’ll catch a beautiful sky, then it will be worth it. If you still have energy head to the tiny capital of the region, Hoa Lu, where you can enjoy the lights.
Useful Tips
- Location: Mua Cave;
- Opening hours: 6:00 AM to 7:00 PM;
- Price: 100000 VND (approximately $4 USD) per adult. You’ll have to pay also for the parking spot;
- Best time to visit: the sunrise and sunset;
- What to wear: good shoes, hut, sunscreen, water bottle.
Day 5 – Cuc Phuong National Park & Hoa Lu
Highlights: Cuc Phuong National Park, Endangered Primate Rescue Center, Botanical Garden & Hoa Lu Ancient Town.
The second day in Ninh Binh was absolutely perfect, because we visited the Vietnam’s oldest national park and one of the country’s most important nature reserves, Cuc Phuong National Park. I consider it a hidden gem as it is for people who enjoy nature and hiking. The park includes the Turtle Conservation Centre, the Botanical Garden, and the Endangered Primate Rescue Center, where you’ll learn more about various species. It has a 20km paved road that leads to the central area. One of the best ways to enjoy the park is by riding a scooter at your own pace. This method allows you to stop whenever you want to appreciate the scenery. Otherwise, if you don’t have a valid license or permit to ride a scooter, you can travel on the road with a private car.
Useful Tips
- More details about opening hours, tickets on Vietnam Airlines ;
- Location: here;
- Duration: it will take a time so prepare to stay at least half a day.
- What to wear: sunscreen, a hat, long pants, a blouse, and good shoes because the terrain is muddy.
- If you visit in April or May, it’s butterfly season.
Then, spend the evenings in the illuminated Hoa Lu Ancient Town. The whole town will be adorned with colorful lights. The traditional boats on the river are decorated with glowing lanterns, creating a truly beautiful atmosphere.
Day 6 – Cycling Around Tam Coc, Bich Dong Pagoda & Return to Hanoi
Highlights: Tam Coc cycling, rice fields, Bich Dong Pagoda, traditional boats & local countryside.
In the last day of visiting Ninh Binh, cycle through the rice fields and discover the Tam Coc area by bicycle. I really recommend exploring every corner you can because it has a lot to offer. Spend as much time as you can and enjoy it to the fullest. Along the way, make your way to the Tam Coc River to see the traditional boats being paddled with the legs by the locals and to the Bich Dong Pagoda, a very beautiful pagoda built in a cave. You’ll also see water buffalo, duck farms, and also stunning viewpoints.
How to get to Ninh Binh
There are several ways to get to Ninh Binh, depending on your budget and how convenient you want the journey to be. Here are the main options:
- Take the train: This is one of the most affordable ways to travel to Ninh Binh. It is a good option if you are travelling on a budget and don’t mind a slightly longer journey.
- Ask your hotel to arrange a transfer: You can ask the hotel where you are staying in Hanoi to help you arrange a private car to your next accommodation in Ninh Binh. This is what we did, and the staff at our hotel were very helpful.
- Book a private car through Grab: Another convenient option is to book a private car through the Grab app. The driver can pick you up directly from your hotel in Hanoi and take you to your accommodation in Ninh Binh.
For us, the easiest option was to ask our hotel to arrange the transfer. The staff helped us book a private car, which made the whole process simple and stress-free. However, I recommend comparing the price with other options before booking. Sometimes, booking a car directly through Grab can be cheaper than the price offered by your hotel.
Tip: Always compare prices before booking your transfer, especially if you are travelling on a budget.
If you want to find out more about the prices, opening hours and other logistic matters, don’t miss my 3-Day Ninh Binh Itinerary, where I go into much more detail.
Where to stay in Ninh Binh
There are several great areas to stay in Ninh Binh, and the best one for you will depend on the type of experience you are looking for. Here are the two areas I would recommend:
- Trang An: If you are looking for a peaceful and scenic place to stay, Trang An is a great choice. The area is quieter than Tam Coc and is surrounded by beautiful landscapes. It is also only about 20 minutes from Hoa Lu, making it a convenient base for exploring the area. I found some lovely accommodations here that are perfect if you want to enjoy a more peaceful stay surrounded by nature.
- Tam Coc: If you prefer to be close to restaurants, cafés and bars, Tam Coc is the better option. It is one of the most popular areas to stay in Ninh Binh, and you will also be within easy reach of many of the main attractions. This makes Tam Coc a convenient choice, especially if you want to have plenty of places to eat and explore within walking distance.
Days 7-8: Ha Long Bay
A UNESCO World Heritage site, Ha Long Bay is one of the most popular tourist spots in Vietnam. You will have the chance to experience the natural beauty of this region while on a cruise by engaging in various activities like kayaking, boat tours, island and cave visits, and more.
Day 7 – From Hanoi to Ha Long Bay & Overnight Cruise
Highlights: Hanoi transfer, cruise check-in, kayaking, Tip Top Island visit & sunset.
After three days in Ninh Binh, we returned to Hanoi, where we spent the night before our Ha Long Bay cruise. The following morning, we were picked up from our hotel by the cruise company and transferred to Ha Long Bay.
After boarding and having lunch, we spent the afternoon exploring the bay, including kayaking and visiting Tip Top Island. In the evening, we returned to the cruise to enjoy the sunset and dinner while surrounded by the famous limestone karsts.
Day 8 – Ha Long Bay Cruise & Departure
Highlights: Morning activities, breakfast, cruise, lunch & onward journey.
Wake up early to watch the sunrise over Ha Long Bay before breakfast. Depending on your cruise, you may have time for another activity before returning to the port.
After disembarking, we continued our journey south towards Hoi An, the next destination on our Vietnam itinerary.
How to get to Ha Long Bay
Ha Long Bay is located around 2.5–3 hours from Hanoi, making it an easy overnight trip. Booking a cruise is the most convenient option, as nearly all companies include round-trip transportation from Hanoi in the price. You’ll usually be picked up directly from your hotel or from a central meeting point, so you don’t have to worry about arranging separate transport.
How to Choose the Right Ha Long Bay Cruise
Choosing the right cruise can be overwhelming because there are hundreds of options available. The best choice depends on your travel style and budget.
If you’re short on time, a day cruise lets you see the highlights, although it can feel rushed. An overnight cruise offers a much more relaxing experience, with time to enjoy the scenery, kayaking, cave visits, and sunset on the bay. If you want to avoid the busiest areas, consider cruises that visit Lan Ha Bay instead of the central part of Ha Long Bay. Before booking, pay attention to:
- Transportation from Hanoi;
- Cruise duration (day trip or overnight);
- Included activities (kayaking, swimming, cave visits);
- Cabin quality and meals;
- Reviews from recent travelers.
Choosing a Ha Long Bay cruise can be overwhelming, so I put together a separate Ha Long Bay Travel Guide with more tips on cruises, things to do and what to expect.
How Many Days Are Good for Visiting Ha Long Bay?
I recommend spending 2 days and 1 night in Ha Long Bay. This gives you enough time to enjoy the cruise at a relaxed pace without feeling rushed. It also allows you to experience the bay in a quieter atmosphere once most of the day-trippers have left.
If you are short on time during your trip to Vietnam, a day trip is still worth considering. However, if you have the time, I highly recommend choosing an overnight cruise. Staying on the bay overnight makes the experience much more relaxing and memorable.
Days 9–13: Hoi An
Hoi An is one of the most beautiful destinations in Vietnam and a place where you can experience many different sides of the country. Its charming Ancient Town, traditional architecture, local crafts and surrounding villages make it a wonderful place to spend a few days. The town is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offering a glimpse into Hoi An’s fascinating history and cultural heritage.
During this part of the itinerary, you’ll have the chance to take a basket boat ride through the coconut forests, cycle through the surrounding villages and rice fields, and experience some of the local crafts and traditions.
If you’re planning to spend more time in Hoi An, check out my 6-Day Hoi An Itinerary, where I share a more detailed day-by-day guide to the Ancient Town, surrounding villages, beaches and best things to do. The guide is also suitable for 5 days.
Day 9: Discover Hoi An Ancient Town, Tailor Shops & Lantern-Lit Streets
Highlights: Hoi An Ancient Town, Japanese Covered Bridge, historic architecture, tailor shops, Thu Bon River & lantern-lit streets.
On your first day in Hoi An, take it easy after your flight and spend the day exploring the Ancient Town. The historic center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for its charming architecture and mix of Vietnamese, Chinese and Japanese influences.
Hoi An is beautiful at any time of day, so make sure to explore the Ancient Town both during the day and after sunset. The town is also famous for its tailor shops, making it a great place to have custom-made clothes created. I recommend deciding what you would like to order before arriving and visiting a tailor as early as possible, as it can take some time to have your clothes made and adjusted.
After sunset, don’t miss the famous lantern-lit streets of Hoi An. The atmosphere changes completely as hundreds of colorful lanterns light up the streets and the Thu Bon River. This is one of the most magical times to explore the Ancient Town, so take your time, walk along the river and enjoy the atmosphere.
Day 10: Basket Boat Ride, Tra Que Village & Local Experiences
Highlights: Basket boat ride, coconut village, cycling, Tra Que Vegetable Village, Vietnamese coffee workshop & local crafts.
After breakfast, head to the coconut village for a traditional basket boat ride. Why go so early? The area can get very crowded later in the day. We arrived before the main crowds, but there was already a group ahead of us, so I definitely recommend going early if you want a more peaceful experience.
One of the best ways to reach the coconut village is by bicycle. Many hotels in Hoi An offer bicycles for rent, and I highly recommend checking this before booking your accommodation. Cycling is a great way to explore Hoi An and the surrounding villages at your own pace.
The coconut village itself is relatively small, so you won’t need too much time to explore it. Afterwards, continue by bicycle to Tra Que Vegetable Village, where you can stop for lunch and get a glimpse into local life. The village is known for its vegetable gardens, and you can see how local farmers grow and harvest their produce.
After a good lunch, it’s time for a good coffee, right? Consider booking a Vietnamese coffee workshop in advance, where you can learn how some of Vietnam’s most popular coffees are prepared. You’ll have the chance to taste different types of coffee as well, although I recommend taking it easy if you’re planning to try several!
If coffee isn’t your thing, there are plenty of other workshops to choose from. You could try a lantern-making workshop, a pottery class or even a Vietnamese cooking class. These experiences are a great way to learn more about the local culture while doing something hands-on.
Day 11: Day Trip to Hue via the Scenic Hai Van Pass
Highlights: Hai Van Pass, Hue day trip, historic landmarks, local guide & Vietnamese cuisine.
After spending several days exploring Hoi An, we decided to book a guided day trip to Hue. It was a full-day trip, and the price included everything we needed, including transportation, a guide, lunch and entrance fees to the main attractions.
We booked the tour with the help of the staff at our hotel, who were very helpful. However, you can also find and book similar tours online through GetYourGuide.
If a day trip to Hue isn’t for you, there are plenty of other day trips and experiences to choose from around Hoi An.
Day 12: Hoi An’s Villages, Rice Fields & Floating Lanterns
Highlights: Pottery Village, Carpentry Village, cycling through rice fields, countryside sunset, dinner with a view & Thu Bon River boat ride.
Rent a scooter or bicycle early in the morning and explore some of the traditional villages around Hoi An, including the Pottery Village and Carpentry Village. This was one of my favorite activities because cycling through the villages gave me the chance to see the everyday life of the locals away from the busy streets of the Ancient Town.
For a more unique experience, I recommend heading to the rice fields before sunset and having dinner surrounded by the countryside. Afterwards, you can stay in the area and watch the sunset over the rice fields. For me, combining dinner with sunset was one of the most memorable experiences we had in Hoi An.
In the evening, you can return to the Ancient Town and take a traditional boat ride on the Thu Bon River while releasing a floating lantern and making a wish.
We happened to be in Hoi An during the full moon, so we decided to take the boat ride that evening. However, it was extremely crowded, and many of the boats available were electric rather than traditional wooden boats. We enjoyed the experience much more when we returned on another evening after the full moon and found a traditional boat with fewer people around.
Since you’ll be spending several nights in Hoi An, you don’t need to do the lantern boat ride on the busiest night. Choose an evening when the town is quieter and take your time enjoying the experience.
Day 13: Sunrise, Beach Time & a Final Evening in Hoi An
Highlights: Sunrise at the beach, relaxing by the sea, Hoi An Ancient Town, souvenirs & a final evening among the lanterns.
Your last day in Hoi An is all about slowing down and enjoying the town at your own pace. If you are an early riser, I recommend heading to the beach to watch the sunrise. You might be surprised by how many locals are already there in the morning, especially exercising, walking or enjoying the cooler temperatures.
After sunrise, spend some time relaxing at the beach, exploring the town or picking up some last-minute souvenirs.
Alternatively, you can use this day to take another day trip from Hoi An. There are plenty of options available, so it really depends on how you want to spend your final day.
How to get to Hoi An
Whether you are coming from Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City, I recommend flying with Vietnam Airlines. For us, flying was the easiest option, and the price was quite similar to taking an overnight train.
We booked one of the latest flights and arrived at Da Nang International Airport around midnight. From there, our hotel had arranged a private car to pick us up and take us directly to Hoi An.
If you arrive late at night, I recommend arranging your transfer with your hotel in advance. It makes the journey much easier, especially after a long flight.
More about prices, opening hours, restaurants, check out my 6-Day Hoi An Itinerary, where I shared all these details.
Days 14-16: Ho Chi Minh City
Ho Chi Minh City, also known as Saigon, was one of the most surprising destinations of our trip. It felt completely different from the places we had visited earlier in Vietnam, with its busy streets, skyscrapers, historic buildings, markets and lively nightlife.
Day 14: Arrival, Nguyen Hue & Ho Chi Minh City Highlights
Highlights: Nguyen Hue Walking Street, Ho Chi Minh City Opera House, Dong Khoi Street, Independence Palace & The Café Apartment.
After arriving in Ho Chi Minh City, check in and take some time to relax. If you arrive before sunset, head to Nguyen Hue Walking Street and enjoy your first glimpse of the city.
From there, walk towards the Ho Chi Minh City Opera House, one of the city’s most beautiful examples of French colonial architecture. You can easily combine it with a walk along Dong Khoi Street.
Next, visit the Independence Palace, one of the most important historical landmarks in Ho Chi Minh City.
To finish the day, head to The Café Apartment at 42 Nguyen Hue Street. The old apartment building has been transformed into cafés, restaurants, boutiques and creative spaces.
As someone who really loves coffee, I couldn’t miss this place! Allow around 1–2 hours to explore the different floors and find a café with a balcony overlooking Nguyen Hue Walking Street.
Day 15: Historic Landmarks, Markets & Bui Vien
Highlights: Thích Quảng Đức Memorial, Mariamman Hindu Temple, Ben Thanh Market, Notre Dame Cathedral, Saigon Central Post Office, Saigon Book Street & Bui Vien.
Start your day with breakfast and then visit the Thích Quảng Đức Memorial. This was one of the saddest moments of our entire trip, as the monument commemorates the Buddhist monk who died by self-immolation in Saigon in 1963.
Next, head towards the center and visit the Mariamman Hindu Temple, a small but colorful temple near Ben Thanh Market.
Continue to Ben Thanh Market, one of the city’s most famous landmarks. You’ll find everything from souvenirs and clothes to handicrafts, spices and Vietnamese food. Bargaining is common, so compare prices before buying.
From the market, walk towards Notre Dame Cathedral of Saigon. The cathedral is one of the city’s most recognizable landmarks and an important reminder of its French colonial history.
You’ll be right near the Saigon Central Post Office, where you can enter the building and see how things work. I suggest writing your letters in your hotel room at your own pace and coming back the next morning, when I expect it to be less crowded. If you don’t have time the next morning, you can write them there. I consider writing letters to your loved ones one of the most beautiful things to do in Saigon.
Right nearby, you’ll find Saigon Book Street, a small pedestrian street with bookshops and cafés. It’s a nice place to stop for a coffee or cold drink and take a short break.
In the evening, return to Nguyen Hue Walking Street and enjoy the atmosphere as the city comes alive.
For your final night, you can head to Bui Vien Walking Street. The famous backpacker street is filled with neon lights, bars, restaurants, street food and plenty of people.
Personally, Bui Vien wasn’t really my type of experience, and the atmosphere of Ho Chi Minh City wasn’t completely for me either. However, I still think it’s interesting to experience this side of the city.
Day 16: Departure Day
Highlights: Relaxed breakfast, last-minute shopping, final walk around Ho Chi Minh City & departure.
Your final day is time to say goodbye to Vietnam and head to the airport for your flight home.
If you have a late flight, you can enjoy a relaxed breakfast, do some last-minute shopping or take one final walk around the city.
How to Get to Ho Chi Minh City
Since Ho Chi Minh City is the final stop of this itinerary, I recommend flying here. It’s the easiest and most convenient option, especially if you want to save time.
We travelled with Vietnam Airlines and had a very good experience. Our flight was on time and everything went smoothly. If you have checked luggage, I recommend arriving at the airport early.
Vietnam Travel Tips for First-Time Visitors
Even if you are a first time visitor in Vietnam or you visit again this country, you need to know some essentials things before travelling here:
- Carry some cash with you. While cards are accepted in many hotels, restaurants and larger businesses, cash is still widely used, especially at smaller restaurants, markets and local shops.
- Get an eSIM before you arrive. This makes things much easier when you land and means you can immediately access maps, Grab and other apps. You can also buy a SIM card at the airport if you prefer.
- Use Grab for taxis and private cars. We mostly used the Grab app during our trip. At airports and busy tourist areas, you may be approached by people offering rides, so I recommend booking your transport through the app instead.
- For domestic flights, compare airlines and prices. We chose Vietnam Airlines for our domestic flights and had a very good experience. We had heard some mixed reviews about other airlines, so we preferred to stick with Vietnam Airlines.
Final Thoughts on This 2-Week Vietnam Itinerary
I really loved all the destinations included in this itinerary, even though I found it quite challenging to write about the whole trip. We experienced so many things along the way, and there are still plenty of places I would love to discover in Vietnam.
However, I think this is a great itinerary for first-time visitors, as it covers many of the highlights you will want to see on your first trip to Vietnam. Of course, there is so much more to discover, so you can always adjust the itinerary depending on your interests and the time you have available.
I really hope this guide gave you some ideas and helped you plan your own trip to Vietnam. I wish you an amazing vacation and, most importantly, a wonderful time exploring this beautiful country!
Thank you for reading!
