You Have 2 Weeks To See Vietnam, Let’s Go!
Vietnam, easily the most beautiful country in the world and a place I was lucky enough to live in! Even after living here for the past 4 years Vietnam offers up pure magic. People, beaches, mountains, motorbikes, banh mi stands … there’s always something new and exciting to do, eat and see in Vietnam. That’s why I made this perfect itinerary for 2 weeks in Vietnam.
From the bustling motorbike filled streets of downtown Ho Chi Minh City, to the untouched islets and towering peaks of Ha Long Bay, this country should undoubtedly be on every traveller’s bucket list!
Having spent a ton of time in Vietnam over the past couple of years I know this country like the back of my hand, which is why this 14 Day Vietnam Itinerary is the only guide you’ll need!
14 Days In Vietnam Itinerary Breakdown
Here is an overview of an ideal 2 Week Vietnam Itinerary with recommendations of places you should visit! My personal preference is to start in Ho Chi Minh City and end in Hanoi!
🇻🇳 Day 1-3: Ho Chi Minh City 3 Nights
🇻🇳 Day 4-5: Da Nang 2 Nights
🇻🇳 Day 6-7: Hoi An 2 Nights
🇻🇳 Day 8: Hanoi 1 Night
🇻🇳 Day 9: Ha Long Bay Cruise 1 Night
🇻🇳 Day 10: Hanoi 1 Night
🇻🇳 Day 11-13: Ninh Binh 3 Nights
🇻🇳 Day 14: Hanoi
Vietnam Itinerary: Day 1, 2 & 3
Welcome To Beautiful Ho Chi Minh City
Ho Chi Minh City, one of the most vibrant and bustling cities in the world! And if you ask me, I just can’t get enough of it. Although I agree that living in Saigon is better than visiting it, there is an unparalleled vibe that this city can offer you … if you do it right!
Ho Chi Minh City is no doubt all about eating. I’m talking street food, smoothie stalls, high end Vietnamese cuisine, banh mi stands, brunching, lunching, you name it. The coffee scene is also undeniable with tons of rustic cafes scattered throughout the city.
Alongside grabbing a drink down Bui Vien and enjoying the hustle and bustle of this backpacker street, my number one piece of advice would be to get lost and sweaty in this city. Walk around and lose your way through all of the little Saigonese alleys! That’s what it’s all about.
How To Get To Ho Chi Minh City
The most convenient way to get from Tan Son Nhat International Airport to downtown Ho Chi Minh City upon arrival will be to book a taxi through the Grab app (Vietnam’s version of Uber). This is definitely the best and most inexpensive way to get to where you need to be.
Download the Grab App and quickly set up your account. Then, like Uber, book a car to your accommodation. You can pay the driver in cash which is nice if you don’t feel like setting up your credit card (they will only accept Vietnamese Dong so make sure you have exchanged some).
You can also grab a taxi waiting outside! VinaSun and MaiLinh taxi services are the most reputable in Ho Chi Minh City.
What To Do In Ho Chi Minh City
📌 Take a street food tour with Street Food Man and discover real Saigonese food
📌 Explore all of the old cafe apartment buildings
📌 Try your hand at bargaining through the infamous Ben Thanh Market
📌 Bar hop down Bui Vien day or night
📌 Grab some small bites in and around Japan Town
📌 Check out some of Saigon’s Most Instagramable Spots here!
📌 Eat your weight in street food with My 11 Favourite Street Foods in Ho Chi Minh City
Best Restaurants In Ho Chi Minh City
🍽️ The Vintage Emporium for a tasty brunch, pink lattes and a delicious eggs benny!
🍽️ Propaganda for some of the best Vietnamese out there!
🍽️ Secret Cottage Cafe & Dining for traditional Vietnamese dishes, yum!
🍽️ Bandido for amazing tacos, fun rooftop and crafty cocktails!
🍽️ Quan Bui and Quan Bui Garden for old Saigon Charm and tasty Vietnamese cuisine!
🍽️ Pizza 4P’s you need this 4 cheese pizza in your life, like yesterday!
🍽️ Tomatito for Spanish flare and incredible paella!
🍽️ L’Usine for a great brunch and some crafty drinks!
Best Cafes In Ho Chi Minh City
☕ Cong Ca Phe for the best coconut coffee and old school Vietnam vibes
☕ 81 Café for vintage Saigon vibes and traditional coffee
☕ Lacaph Coffee Bar for fun crafty coffees that are also delicious
☕ Nho Cafe for cool vintage vibes and incredible coffee
☕ The O’Palm Cafe for a bit of Bali in Ho Chi Minh City
☕ Mocking Bird for a bit of Saigon charm and a fun adventure
Best Bars In Ho Chi Minh City
🍸 Layla for cool apartment vibes
🍸 Social Club for some of the best rooftop drinks and views
🍸 The Deck for riverside drinks and a laidback vibe
🍸 DOT Bar for a hidden cocktail bar
🍸 Apt 852 for old school apartment vibes
🍸 Snuffbox for a downtown speakeasy
🍸 Hem Chill for a fun night on the town where all the expats hangout
Where To Stay In Ho Chi Minh City
Luxury Stay Ho Chi Minh City: Hôtel des Arts Saigon MGallery
Hôtel des Arts Saigon – MGallery is perfectly located directly downtown in District 1. It has an amazing rooftop pool, one of the best sky bars in the city, spacious rooms and a delicious breakfast buffet every morning. The rooms are chic, sleek and come equipped with air conditioning, wifi and room service which are sure to make this a super comfortable stay.
Check Prices For Hotel Des Arts Saigon MGallery HERE!
Check Prices For Hotel Des Arts Saigon MGallery HERE!
Mid Range Stay Ho Chi Minh City: Odys Boutique Hotel
The Odys Boutique Hotel is a stylish boutique accommodation right downtown and will cost you less than $50 a night. Seriously a steal. Fitted with wooden floors, their modern rooms are air-conditioned and feature a flat-screen TV with cable channels, a personal safe and a minibar. The private bathroom comes with a bath, a hairdryer and toiletries. Checkout my stay at The Odys Boutique Hotel HERE!
Check Prices For The Odys Boutique Hotel HERE!
Check Prices For The Odys Boutique Hotel HERE!
Budget Stay Ho Chi Minh City: Base Backpackers
Base Backpackers The Dorm Saigon is arguably the best budget accommodation in Ho Chi Minh City. Ideally set in the middle of the city, The Dorm Saigon offers air conditioned rooms, a shared lounge, free wifi and a garden. There are dorm rooms, double rooms and single rooms available for as little as $11.
Check Prices For Base Backpackers HERE!
Check Prices For Base Backpackers HERE!
↓ More places to stay in Ho Chi Minh City ↓
Vietnam Itinerary: Day 4 & 5
Welcome To Dreamy Da Nang
Da Nang’s tranquil beaches, clear blue waters and verdant national parks are, like me, a sun-seeker’s paradise. Da Nang is known as the tourist capital of South Central Vietnam, which is made totally obvious as soon as you step off the plane.
Aside from being a lush beach destination it’s also home to the Vietnam Golden Bridge, also known as the famous Giant Hand Bridge. If you plan to check out the Giant Hand Bridge you’ll want to set aside your second day here to drive out to Ba Na Hills amusement park. Going in the morning as early as possible will help you avoid the massive crowds that usually linger around and it will also give you all day to enjoy the park.
What To Do In Da Nang
📌 Relax and catch sunset on My Khe Beach
📌 Climb Marble Mountain for some spectacular views
📌 Watch the Dragon Bridge breathe fire Friday and Saturday from 9:00pm onward
📌 Eat Da Nang’s original dish Mi Quang at Mi Quang Ba Mua
📌 Spend a day at Ba Na Hills Amusement Park to check out the Golden Hand Bridge
📌 Venture out to a beach club at An Bang Beach
Best Restaurants In Da Nang
🍽️ Mi Quang Ba Mua for Da Nang’s infamous and delicious dish Mi Quang
🍽️ Madame Lan’s Restaurant for tasty Vietnamese cuisine
🍽️ Pizza 4P’s you need this pizza trust me
🍽️ Puna Coffee And Cake for a delicious smoothie bowl or a bit of brunch
🍽️ Bikini Bottom for a Western breakfast and brunch
🍽️ Rainforest Da Nang for Vietnamese food with a gourmet twist
🍽️ Esco Beach Da Nang for great music, delicious food and divine drinks
Best Cafes In Da Nang
☕ Lu Coffee for delicious treats and drinks and an interior to fall in love with
☕ Chợ Cá Gỗ ManThaibeach sip the day away on the beach while sitting in colourful beanbags
☕ Cong Ca Phe for the best coconut coffee and old school Vietnam vibes
☕The Hide Out Café for a cute and comfortable garden cafe
☕ Flavoury Coffee And Tea for true Vietnamese coffee culture
☕ 43 Factory Coffee Roaster for a stunning minimalist coffee shop
Best Bars In Da Nang
🍸 Waterfront for classy cocktail or craft beer
🍸 Oasis Tapas Bar for a chill drink or two or three
🍸 Esco Beach Da Nang for great music, delicious food and divine drinks
Where to Stay in Da Nang
Luxury Stay Da Nang: InterContinental Danang Sun Peninsula
The InterContinental Danang Sun Peninsula is a beautiful beachfront hotel perched on a lush hillside overlooking a dazzling private bay in Da Nang. Equipped with spacious rooms, an outdoor swimming pool, wifi, air conditioning and a continental buffet breakfast, you con’t go wrong with a stay at this legendary resort.
Check Prices For The InterContinental Danang HERE!
Check Prices For The InterContinental Danang HERE!
Mid Range Stay Da Nang: The Now Boutique Hotel
For around USD $50 you can stay in this beautiful boutique property set in Da Nang City. The Now Boutique Hotel features air-conditioned accommodation and a bar. This hotel also offers a 24-hour front desk, a restaurant and a year-round outdoor swimming pool.
Check Prices For The Now Boutique Hotel HERE!
Check Prices For The Now Boutique Hotel HERE!
Budget Stay Da Nang: The Glomad Danang Hotel
For as little as $10 USD you can book yourself a bed in The Glomad Danang Hotel dormitory or upgrade to a private room. This gorgeous hotel on a budget has a rooftop pool and is right around the corner from the beach.
I had a fantastic time during my stay at the Glomad. I especially loved the rooftop pool and bar as well as the delicious breakfast served every morning. The room was extremely chic and comfortable!
Check Prices For The Glomad Danang Hotel HERE!
Check Prices For The Glomad Danang Hotel HERE!
↓ More places to stay in Da Nang ↓
Vietnam Itinerary: Day 6 & 7
Welcome To Charming Hoi An
Just 45 minutes from Da Nang, Ancient Town Hoi An is perfectly frozen in time with a cafe culture to make any hipster let their man bun down. The narrow alleys interlaced with the two-story shophouses bustling with restaurants, cafes and leather shops make Hoi An an absolute must on everyone’s itinerary!
Although a lot of people say to just day trip out to Hoi An from Da Nang, I think you definitely need to stay at least one or two nights in this gorgeous little city! It’s my favourite place in Vietnam and the perfect place to wander aimlessly and enjoy an ice cold cà phê sữa đá! Hoi An is all about custom clothing, tailored leather bags and personalized footwear so be sure to visit the local shops.
What To Do In Hoi An
📌 Ride a bike through the weaving streets of Ancient Town
📌 Enjoy coffee at some of Hoi An’s Cutest Cafes
📌 Hop on a boat and release a lantern into the river in the evening
📌 Have shoes made at Bi 99 quality materials and ready the next day
📌 Check out Hoi An’s bustling night markets
📌 Eat Hoi An’s regional dishes Cao Lao
📌 Cross the historic Japanese covered bridge
📌 Take a cooking class with Thuan Tinh Island – Cooking Tour
Best Restaurants In Hoi An
🍽️ Rosie Cafe for delicious brunch options and yummy coffees
🍽️ Secret Garden for a beautiful garden bistro serving up Vietnamese fusion
🍽️ Nourish Eatery for breakfast, lunch, juices and tasty smoothie bowls
🍽️ MÙA an exciting beachfront eatery serving up some tasty dishes
🍽️ House Of Hoi An for classic yet delicious Vietnamese dishes
🍽️ Blackfin Cafe for a bistro beachside cafe and wine bar
🍽️ Morning Glory for traditional Vietnamese cuisine in the heart of Hoi An
🍽️ Ty Cao Lau for some of the most delicious Cao Lau around
🍽️ Banh Mi Phuong Anthony Bourdain’s favourite banh mi
Best Cafes In Hoi An
Checkout my other blogpost on all of My Favourite Hoi An Cafes here!
☕ Faifo Coffee for gorgeous views over Ancient Town
☕ Rosie Cafe for yummy coffees and a boho inspired cafe
☕ The Espresso Station for the best coffee you may ever drink
☕ The Hill Station for cute traditional vibes and delicious cake
☕ Hoi An Roastery for amazing coffee and Vietnamese charm
Best Bars In Hoi An
→ The Shamrock Irish Pub because no matter where you go there will always be an Irish Pub
→ Art Space for wines, beers and crafty cocktails amongst some epic art pieces
→ Soul Kitchen Hoi An for live music and a beachfront property
→ Hoi An Brewery for cold beer and great food in the heart of Hoi An
Where To Stay In Hoi An
Luxury Stay Hoi An: Anantara Hoi An Resort
The Anantara Hoi An Resort is a perfect location to soak up the beauty of Hoi An. With a fitness center, garden, outdoor pool, spa, riverside restaurant and beautiful boutique suites, you won’t want to leave. They also provide bicycles free of charge so you can venture out into beautiful Ancient Town!
Checkout my wonderful stay at Anantara Hoi An Resort HERE!
Check Prices For Anantara Hoi An Resort HERE!
Check Prices For Anantara Hoi An Resort HERE!
Mid Range Stay Hoi An: The Mansion Hoi An
The Mansion Hoi An may just be the most instagrammable place to stay in all of Vietnam! For around $50 USD per night you can curl up in this cute little boutique hotel with all the fixings. Not only is the outside gorgeous, but each room is unique to its own and perfectly placed to make you feel right at home.
Check Prices For The Mansion Hoi An HERE!
Check Prices For The Mansion Hoi An HERE!
Budget Stay Hoi An: Hoi An Love Ly Hostel
Hoi An Love Ly Hostel is one of the best chill-out-hostels in town. Hoi An Love Ly runs for about $10 USD a night and is only a 2 minute walk to the old town. They offer up free breakfast, wifi, all day coffee and tea and even free beer on Monday, Wednesday and Friday!
Check Prices For Hoi An Love Ly Hostel HERE!
Check Prices For Hoi An Love Ly Hostel HERE!
↓ More places to stay in Hoi An ↓
Vietnam Itinerary: Day 8
Welcome To Historic Hanoi
Flying into Hanoi from Da Nang will be the official start to your Northern Vietnamese itinerary. Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam, swarming with motorbikes, fruit sellers, the home of egg-coffee, more motorbikes and endless choices of delicious street food. Its old town is beautifully preserved and holds that traditional Vietnamese atmosphere we all crave.
Chipped yellow walls and stunning temples are found on every corner and the tiny alleyways are perfect for getting lost in. Hanoi will instantly absorb you into Vietnamese culture and trust me you won’t want to leave.
What To Do In Hanoi
📌 Take a stroll around Hoan Kiem Lake
📌 Wander through the Old Quarter
📌 Check out train street and grab a coffee along the tracks
📌 Try the O.G. famous egg coffee at Giang Cafe
📌 Admire Tran Quoc Pagoda
📌 Eat Bun Cha at Bun Cha Nem Chua Be Dac Kim
📌 Visit the Temple of Literature
📌 Take a stroll past the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum or take a peep inside
Best Restaurants In Hanoi
🍽️ The Hanoi Social Club for incredible mouthwatering Mediterranean dishes
🍽️ Maison De Tet Decor for a gorgeous airy villa that brings the Tay Ho food scene alive
🍽️ Pincho Tapas Kitchen for some tasty tapas bites
🍽️ SunKat’s for some of the best burgers in town
🍽️ Hanoi Taco Bar West Lake if you’re craving some fabulous tacos
🍽️ Pizza 4P’s once again, you need this pizza trust me
🍽️ Bun Cha Ta for the best bun cha you’ll ever have
🍽️ The Hung Snake Restaurant if you want to try something a little more out there
Best Cafes In Hanoi
☕ Cafe Giang a coffee shop since 1946 you gotta try their egg coffee (maybe an egg beer too)
☕ The Note Coffee write a note and stick it anywhere while sipping a coffee
☕ La Studio for vegan cakes and delicious drinks
☕ Meli for a chic antique style cafe that serves up a great brunch as well
☕ Cafe De Flore 46 for a beautiful coffee shop inside and out
☕ Libre Coffee Studio for a fun coffee in the city
Best Bars In Hanoi
🍸 One of the best things to do is just grab a street table in the Bia Hoi Junction
🍸 Mad Botanist Hanoi’s first speakeasy with over 100 types of gin
🍸 Ne Cocktail And Wine Bar for a cool new spot on the block
🍸 The Atlas for a never ending beer list
🍸 Pasteur Street Brewing Company for some of Vietnams greatest craft beer
Where To Stay In Hanoi
Luxury Stay Hanoi: Peridot Grand Hotel & Spa
Peridot Grand Hotel & Spa a luxurious downtown hotel has 2 on-site restaurants, 3 bars, an outdoor swimming pool, a fitness center and spa for guests. You will definitely feel the luxury of this gorgeous contemporary accommodation as soon as you step through its doors.
Check Prices For The Peridot Grand Hotel & Spa HERE!
Check Prices For The Peridot Grand Hotel & Spa HERE!
Mid Range Stay Hanoi: Hanoi Graceful Hotel
The Hanoi Graceful Hotel I loved my stay here so much I’ve been back 3 times since! Situated in the heart of Hoan Kiem District the Hanoi Graceful Hotel is a beautiful accommodation for under $50 USD. The rooms are newly renovated and come with wifi, breakfast and the loveliest staff willing to help you in any way they can!
Check Prices For The Hanoi Graceful Hotel HERE!
Check Prices For The Hanoi Graceful Hotel HERE!
Budget Stay Hanoi: Old Quarter View Hanoi Hostel
I also loved my stays at the Old Quarter View Hanoi Hostel. Their dorm rooms are clean, air conditioned and typically go for around USD $10 per night. Plus, they also offer free welcome drinks on your first night and free beer at their happy hour every evening.
Check Prices For The Old Quarter View Hanoi Hostel HERE!
Check Prices For The Old Quarter View Hanoi Hostel HERE!
↓ More places to stay in Hanoi ↓
Vietnam Itinerary: Day 9 & 10.5
Welcome To Breathtaking Ha Long Bay
Ha Long Bay is one of the most beautiful places in the world, it’s straight out of a movie and neeeeeds to be at the top of everyone’s Vietnam bucket list. The best way to get to Ha Long City and experience all things Ha Long Bay is through booking a 1-night-2-day cruise from Hanoi. This will guarantee you a transfer to and from your hotel in Hanoi, kayaking through the limestones and will allow you to get up close and personal with Ha Long Bay’s beauty!
Although this might not seem like a very long time to spend in such a gorgeous place, it is more than enough as tours typically pack your days full, letting you see as much as possible! It was more than enough time for me. Make sure to confirm a transfer with whichever company you decide to go with! You shouldn’t have to pay extra for a transfer to and from Ha Long Bay, so if for some reason it’s not included try calling them or emailing them directly.
What Cruise To Choose In Ha Long Bay
Here are 3 companies I’ve taken on a 1-night-2-day cruise through the bay. Each one was similar to the next and they all had a great guide, clean rooms, incredible food and amazing activities. I would totally go on any one of these cruises again!
🚢 Pelican Cruise
🚢 Oriental Sails
🚢 Christina Diamond Cruise
Vietnam Itinerary: Day 10.5
Back To Hanoi From Ha Long Bay
After your Ha Long Bay cruise is finished you’ll be dropped off back at your hotel in Hanoi around 4:00pm. Personally, I would just book the same hotel as before the cruise just to make the transition to and from Ha Long Bay smoother.
Your transfer home will drop you off around 4:00pm which gives you plenty of time to drop your belongings off and head out for some dinner and adventuring around Hanoi. Take the evening to explore some more of Hanoi before getting ready to leave for Ninh Binh the next morning!
Vietnam Itinerary: Day 11, 12 & 13
Welcome To Magical Ninh Binh
Ninh Binh gives you all those quintessential Vietnam vibes you’ve dreamt about. In the province of Ninh Binh you’ll want to stay in Tam Coc village in order to get those Vietnamese countryside vibes. This is where you get to see the true beauty of Vietnam for miles upon miles and to be honest Tam Coc just can’t be beat, simple as that.
How To Get To Ninh Binh From Hanoi
The best way to get to Ninh Binh is through booking a bus or private transfer. You can hop on one of the many buses that leaves daily. Or your hotel in Hanoi will be able to help you book a private transfer in advance.
One word of advice is to book your transportation to Ninh Binh/Tam Coc while you’re in Hanoi. Booking online only seems to be more expensive and with so many buses going to and from, you’re bound to find a better deal just by asking the concierge at your hotel, guesthouse or hostel!
What To Do In Ninh Binh
📌 Visit the beautiful mountain side Bich Dong Pagoda
📌 Climb the Mua Caves to get those breathtaking views over Tam Coc
📌 Take a river cruise through Trang An
📌 Relax at Chookie’s Beer Garden
📌 Take a local boat ride through the streams of Tam Coc
📌 Visit Southeast Asia’s Largest Buddhist Complex Bai Dinh Pagoda
📌 Stroll through the beautiful Thung Nham Bird Park
📌 Shop for cute souviners in Tam Coc Village
Best Restaurants In Tam Coc
🍽️ Chookies Beer Garden for great food, a great atmosphere and great vibes
🍽️ Ninh Loan Rose a family run restaurant serving up authentic Vietnamese food
🍽️ T-Pub Restaurant for a cool laidback place serving up some tasty Vietnamese-Euro dishes
🍽️ The Napoleon Fine Italian Cuisine if you’re craving some tasty pizza and pasta
🍽️ Ngon Vegan Restaurant for some delicious vegan dishes
Best Cafes In Tam Coc
☕ Chookies Beer Garden for great smoothies, coffees and cakes
☕ La Carte Bar and Hotel a beautiful traditional Vietnamese coffee house
☕ Brick Coffee Shop for a cute little coffee shop serving up a great coconut coffee
☕ Luciole Bistro a quaint little cafe off the beaten path
☕ Doi Cafe & Bakery a cute vintage cafe for any day of the week
Best Bars In Tam Coc
🍸 Gia Minh Beer Garden for a fun place to hangout
🍸 Chookies Beer Garden for chilled place to have a beer or two or three
🍸 T-Pub Restaurant for a cool laidback with comfy outdoor seating
🍸 DMZ Bar & Fast Food for a fun local hangout
Where To Stay In Ninh Binh
Luxury Stay Ninh Binh: Aravinda Resort Ninh Binh
The Aravinda Resort Ninh Binh provides you with luxury in the countryside. The accommodation features room service, babysitting service, currency exchange, air conditioning, a bar, garden and outdoor swimming pool. A delicious continental or a buffet breakfast is also included every morning!
Check Prices For Aravinda Resort Ninh Binh HERE!
Check Prices For Aravinda Resort Ninh Binh HERE!
Mid Range Stay Ninh Binh: Little Tam Coc Homestay
If there was one place in Vietnam that I would keep coming back to it’d be Little Tam Coc Homestay. For around USD $50 this homestay comes equipped with a restaurant, free private parking, bar, shared lounge, room service, air conditioning and wifi throughout the property. There’s also a great breakfast buffet with Vietnamese options available every morning. On top of this the owners are absolutely lovely and so accommodating!
Check Prices For Little Tam Coc Homestay HERE!
Check Prices For Little Tam Coc Homestay HERE!
Budget Stay Ninh Binh: Green Mountain Homestay
Green Mountain Homestay is one of the best budget accommodation in Tam Coc, Ninh Binh. Offering up air conditioned dorm rooms, a shared lounge, pool, free wifi and a garden for as little as $11 per night sounds pretty good!
Check Prices For Green Mountain Homestay HERE!
Check Prices For Green Mountain Homestay HERE!
↓ More places to stay in Tam Coc↓
Vietnam Itinerary: Day 14 Hanoi
You might decide it’s best to head back to Hanoi in the evening of Day 13 and stay in the city for your last night in Vietnam. Or, like me, you can jam pack your last day by filling it with transfers and traveling just to enjoy those last couple hours in the Vietnamese countryside.
Whatever you choose to do I know you’ll be sad to leave such a beautiful country. I mean look at me, 3 years later and I’m still here. So make sure your last day is filled with Vietnamese coffee, bun cha and bia Hanoi!
Vietnam Itinerary: Places To Add On
If you’re thinking about extending your trip or just have some extra time to spare in this gorgeous country here are 4 places I recommend that you can add on and work into your itinerary.
Sapa: Valleys Of Magnificent Rice Terraces
Sapa is a small, quaint mountain town located in the province of Lao Cai, which is about 350 km northwest of Hanoi taking you 5-6 hours to reach by bus. You can enjoy the cute little town of Sapa and visit Mount Fansipan, the tallest mountain the Hoang Lien Son Range, before heading to a homestay in the valley. Life here is simpler so enjoy being in nature and trekking through Vietnam’s infamous rice terraces. The beauty fo Sapa is seriously drool worthy.
Cat Ba Island: To Soak In More Ha Long Bay
If you haven’t had enough of Ha Long Bay you can head to beautiful Cat Ba Island to really experience Ha Long Bay on land! Relax on one of the many beaches on this little island or take a short boat trip to Monkey Island. Rent a motorbike and visit the national park or make a loop around the entire island to soak in all of its glory.
Hue: Infinite Amounts Of History & Charm
Hue is one of the most charming towns in Vietnam. From the rambling ancient architecture to the tombs of former emperors this city provides you with a fascinating insight into old Vietnam. Hue is also home to Vietnam’s infamous abandoned water park, which is conspicuously creepy and cool at the same time.
Phu Quoc Island: For Relaxing Beach Vibes
This island is all about the beaches for you to sit back and relax! There’s even a starfish beach with tons of little starfish resting all along the shore. Check out the seafood night market, Dinh Cau, in town nightly, as it’s some of the best food I’ve ever tasted. And don’t forget to watch the sunset at Ocsen Beach Bar & Club.
Best Tours in Vietnam
If you’re looking for some great tours in Vietnam during your visit check out some of the very best here! Whether it’s a walking food tour of the city or tickets to Saigon’s Bitexco Skydeck, Viator has everything you might need to start planning your days in each city! I’ve had nothing but great experiences with their local tours and you can book at any time!
Best Time To Visit Vietnam
There is no wrong time to visit Vietnam! Although, the best time for travel overall is autumn (September to December) and spring (March and April). This just means temperatures are milder and the rain is minimal! Vietnam is a long, narrow country which means all three of its regions (north, central, and south) experience different types of seasons and weather throughout the year! So, these are the most favourable months to visit if you’re planning to cover the whole country.
Vietnam Tourist Visas
In a nut shell, Vietnam visa-on-arrival is a process of obtaining a pre-approved visa letter (visa approval letter which you can buy online) to check in at the departure airport and pick up the actual visa stamp at an international airport in Vietnam upon arrival.
Visa on arrival is for air travel only, so if you enter Vietnam by land or cruise, you must obtain a full visa before you arrive which you can organize with your tour company or previous hotel and travel agent. Your passport has to be valid for at least 6 months beyond your planned visit to Vietnam.
The stamping fee at Vietnam airports is payable in cash only, no credit cards are acceptedThere is no official website for visa on arrival services meaning that all websites offering the pre-approved visa letter are private agencies For more information about visas in Vietnam you can head over to MyVietnamVisa.com
If you have any questions or just want to see some more travel content find me on Instagram at @agirl.enroute! I’m always happy to chat!
↓ Pin For Later ↓
After living in Vietnam for over 4 years, a piece of my heart will always be left in Ho Chi Minh City! Vietnam should be a top destination for all travelers! White sand beaches, limestone mountains, terraced rice fields and incredible street food make Vietnam a bucket-list destination! From foodies to beach hoppers, arts & culture buffs to adventure seekers, Vietnam has something for everyone! Checkout more of my Vietnam blogposts below!
🇻🇳 Ultimate 2 Week Vietnam Itineraniry: Everything You Need To Know for 14 Days in Vietnam 🇻🇳
Check out my Ho Chi Minh City travel guides…
📌 10 Instagram Worthy Spots in Saigon You Need To Visit!
📌 Amazing Night With Street Food Man: A Truly Authentic Street Food Tour in Ho Chi Minh City
📌 Odys Boutique Hotel: Soak In Your Love For Ho Chi Minh City With A Chic Staycation
📌 District 5: The Beautiful Pagodas & Churches of Saigon’s Chinatown
📌 The Hammock Hotel, Ho Chi Minh City: A Staycation So Fun We Wanted To Stay
📌 Lotus Ponds & Gigantic Lily Pads In Ho Chi Minh City
Best restaurants, cafes & bistros in Ho Chi Minh City…
📌 4 Old School Apartment Blocks in Saigon That Are Now The Coolest Places To Grab A Coffee!
📌 11 Street Foods To Try That Will Rock Your World In Ho Chi Minh City
📌 30 Cute Cafes in Saigon You Need To Checkout
📌 Bandido: Tacos, Tequila & The Best Mexican Food in Saigon!
📌 Best Brunch in Saigon: 10 Underrated Spots in Ho Chi Minh City You Need To Try
📌 Looking For A Cool New Bar in Saigon? You Need To Check Out Kohei’s Hidden Cocktail Bar!
📌 The 10 Best Places For Salad In Saigon
📌 Tingle Your Tastebuds At Tomatito Tapas Bar: The Best Spanish Food in Ho Chi Minh City
📌 Tomatito Has A Fantastic New Brunch Menu: A Must Try For Brunch Lovers in Ho Chi Minh City!
Amazing things to do in Mui Ne & the Mekong Delta…
📌 4:00AM Wake Up Call To The Cai Rang Floating Market
📌 A Wonderful Weekend Getaway To The Victoria Can Tho Resort In The Heart Of The Mekong
📌 Escape This Weekend To Anantara Mui Ne’s Beautiful Beachfront Resort
What to do in Central Vietnam…
📌 1 Day in Hue Itinerary: How To Have The Most Epic 24 Hours In This Ancient City
📌 5 Cute Coffee Shops in Hoi An Brewing Up Some Epic Coffee
📌 Anantara Hoi An Resort: Luxury In An Ancient City
📌 Anantara Quy Nhon Villas: A Luxury Beachfront Escape in Vietnam
📌 LAK Tented Camp: This Glamping Resort Will Make You Never Want To Leave Vietnam!
📌 Journey Through Central Vietnam: Da Nang, Hoi An, Quy Nhon & Hue is Your Trip of a Lifetime
📌 The Vietage: A Luxury Rail Escape Through Central Vietnam
Heading to Northern Vietnam…
📌 Why You Need An Epic Road Trip Around The Ha Giang Loop!
📌 A Complete Guide to Vietnam’s Cat Ba Island
📌 How to Choose A Halong Bay Cruise
📌 Traveling Ninh Binh: The Most Beautiful Place in Vietnam?
