Vietnam is a beautiful country with a lot to offer, and 2 weeks is a good amount of time to see many of its highlights. Here is a suggested itinerary for traveling Vietnam in 2 weeks:
- Ho Chi Minh City: Start your trip in Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Saigon), Vietnam’s largest city. Explore the bustling streets, visit the War Remnants Museum, and take a walk around the historic Notre-Dame Cathedral.
- Mekong Delta: Take a day trip to the Mekong Delta to experience the unique culture and natural beauty of the region. Go on a boat trip to visit floating markets and small villages, and experience the local way of life.
- Hoi An: Take a train or bus to Hoi An, an ancient town known for its well-preserved architecture and charming streets. Explore the town’s many temples, museums, and tailors.
- Hue: From Hoi An, take a train or bus to Hue, the former imperial capital of Vietnam. Visit the Citadel, the Imperial City, and the Thien Mu Pagoda.
- Hanoi: Take an overnight train or flight to Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam. Explore the city’s Old Quarter, visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and Museum, and take a walk around the beautiful Hoan Kiem Lake.
- Halong Bay: Take a day or overnight cruise to explore the stunning limestone islands of Halong Bay.
- Sapa: Take a train or bus to Sapa, a beautiful mountain town known for its rice terraces and ethnic minority villages. Take a trek through the surrounding hills and valleys to experience the local culture and natural beauty.
- Ninh Binh: Take a train or bus to Ninh Binh, a beautiful province known for its limestone cliffs, temples, and scenic boat trips.
- Ha Long: Take a train or bus to Ha Long City and go for a Ha Long Bay cruise, this is a must-see destination with thousands of limestone islands, caves and beaches.
- Mai Chau: Take a bus or drive from Hanoi to Mai Chau, this is a great destination for those who want to experience rural Vietnam and the beautiful rice terraces.
- Phong Nha: Take a bus or drive from Hue to Phong Nha, this is a great destination for those who want to explore the caves and limestone cliffs of the Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park.
- Nha Trang: Take a train or bus to Nha Trang, a popular beach destination with clear waters, white sandy beaches and a lively nightlife.
- Ho Chi Minh City: Return to Ho Chi Minh City for the last day or two of your trip. Take a trip to the Cu Chi Tunnels, go shopping in the markets, and explore the city’s nightlife.
This itinerary offers a good balance of culture, history, and natural beauty. It can be adjusted according to your interests and preferences. It’s important to note that the mode of transportation you choose will affect the duration of your trip, and also that the distances between destinations in Vietnam are quite long so it’s better to plan your trip carefully.