Streets full of food trucks, flea markets, and motorcycles, Vietnam is a country full of stunning natural beauty, delicious food, and a complex history waiting for you to explore.
A country as diverse as Vietnam is not easy to experience all in one go, but like most people, we are often on a limited timeframe. So, this backpacking travel guide will guide you through Vietnam in 2 weeks, covering all the places you should see, where to stay, and every other relevant information you might need to know to backpack through Vietnam effectively.
Without further ado, let's begin with an overview of my 2-week Vietnam itinerary for solo travelers.
2 Weeks Vietnam Itinerary Map
Quick Summary
| ☀️ Day 1-2: | Ho Chi Minh City |
|---|---|
| ☀️ Day 3-5: | Hoi An |
| ☀️ Day 6-7: | Phong Nha |
| ☀️ Day 8-9: | Ninh Binh |
| ☀️ Day 10: | Hanoi |
| ☀️ Day 11-13: | Sapa |
| ☀️ Day 14-16: | Halong Bay |
2 Weeks Vietnam Itinerary
Day 1 - 2: Ho Chi Minh City (3 Nights)
- 📍 Stay: Cabana Hotel SaiGon
- 🕐 Time: 3 Nights
- 📖 Full Guide: Explore Ho Chi Minh: 13 Best Things to Do and Places to Visit
A great city to start your journey in Vietnam is Ho Chi Minh City, or as it used to be known, Saigon. Ho Chi Minh City is a modern city full of history and attractions for you to grasp the essence of what Vietnam is about. The city is similar to other big cities in Southeast Asia, with traffic jams, vibrant nightlife, and plenty of activities for city-goers to enjoy.
But if you are looking to learn a little bit more about the history of Vietnam, the first thing I would recommend you do is to visit the Vietnam War Museum.
Be warned that the content of the Vietnam War Museum is very depressing, and some photos are incredibly graphic. I was utterly exhausted for the entire day just reading about all the atrocities that happened during the Vietnam War. That said, I highly recommend anyone to visit the museum so that you can learn about the Vietnam War from both the Vietnamese side and the US side of the story.
- Vietnam Intro 12 Day (12 days)
- 10 Days in Vietnam From South to North (10 days)
- 10 Days From the South to the North of Vietnam (10 days)
The museum is divided into several rooms and floors, starting from the top floor and going down. You can spend at least 2 hours going from room to room and learning about every part of the war, from the cause to the side effects and the aftermath that has not yet subsided from the Vietnam War.
After visiting the museum, you can spend the rest of the day exploring the city by visiting the Notre Dame Cathedral of Saigon located in downtown Ho Chi Minh City or the Saigon Central Post Office nearby. These sites provide excellent examples of how much French influence impacted the city during its colonization in the late 19th Century.
Ben Thanh Market is a market that a lot of people recommend visiting, but for me, the experience was not as fun as it sounds. We were shouted at by the vendors in the market for standing in front of their stores without buying. That said, the architecture is quite lovely from the outside, and it isn't too far from the main tourist area (Pham Ngu Lao Street).
If you are looking for a way to see Ho Chi Minh City from the top, I would recommend you to visit the Bitexco Financial Tower and go up to their rooftop bar for a stunning sunset view over the city. Everything is expensive up there, but the view is unbeatable.
For the second day, you can go on a day trip to Cu Chi tunnels, an old network of interconnected tunnels used by the Viet Cong to resist the US forces during the Vietnam War. It is only 2 hours away from Ho Chi Minh City, and you can visit and even walk through one of the small tunnels yourself.
Be warned, though, that the tunnels are tiny, and if you are claustrophobic, I would recommend against entering the tunnel. One of the guys in my group fainted due to not knowing he was claustrophobic, and it was extra hot that day. The day trip should take half a day before they drop you off back in Pham Nhu Lao district, where you can continue exploring Ho Chi Minh City.
You can also go to both Cu Chi Tunnel and Mekong Delta on this day trip. It will be a long day, but if you want to escape the bustling city and see the beautiful countryside around the Mekong Delta, this is the way to go. You can book the organized tour here.
After spending two full days in Ho Chi Minh City, we continue our journey to Hoi An, the riverside town known for its colorful houses and lanterns.
From Ho Chi Minh City, you can either take an overnight train (17 hours) to Danang and continue with a bus/taxi to Hoi An or take an overnight sleeper bus (22 hours for 12 USD) to Hoi An. You can book your bus ticket to Hoi An here.
If you are not keen on spending almost a day on the bus/train, you can fly domestically to Danang (1.15 hrs) and take a bus from the airport to Hoi An. This is by far the fastest way to get to Hoi An, but it will cost you at least 80 USD for a flight.
Day 3 - 5: Hoi An (3 Nights)
- 📍 Stay: PaPa Villa Homestay
- 🕐 Time: 3 Nights
- 📖 Full Guide: 10 Best Things to Do in Hoi An
Hoi An is one of the most photogenic towns in Vietnam. It is an ancient port town that used to be an important Southeast Asian trading port between the 15th and 19th centuries.
It's a beautiful blend of traditional and foreign influences on the architecture of the ancient town that draws many tourists from around the world each year. It can get crowded sometimes, especially by the river at night, but Hoi An is just too beautiful to ignore.
On your first day, you can spend the morning exploring the crisscrossing streets of the ancient town, which should still be quite empty. Visit the Japanese Bridge and have a nice lunch eating some of the best food you can find in Vietnam, such as Cao Lau (a signature noodle dish), Banh Bao Vac (Vietnamese dumplings), and Banh Mi (a Vietnamese baguette sandwich). In 2026, the Hoi An Ancient Town sightseeing ticket for international visitors costs 120,000 VND and covers admission to selected heritage attractions within the old town.
Be sure to also drop by Reaching Out teahouse for a cup of tea or coffee when you are in Hoi An. This establishment is special because it only employs people who are deaf and mute, giving them jobs while providing wonderful service and a cozy atmosphere.
Try Cao Lau for lunch at Quán Cao Lầu Thanh restaurant. For dinner, I would highly recommend you try Bahn Mi at Bánh Mì Phượng, one of the best Bahn Mi places in Hoi An. Beware that you might have to wait in line for quite a while due to its deliciousness and affordability. But I can assure you, it's well worth the wait.
You can also rent a bike and explore a different part of Hoi An away from the bustling ancient town. You can visit the beach or learn how to cook Vietnamese food in one of the many cooking schools around Hoi An. If you are lucky, your homestay might be able to teach you for free.
Right before the sunset, the ancient town of Hoi An comes alive, lit up and illuminated by all the lanterns from the houses, making it quite a sight to behold. It will also be quite crowded with many activities happening all around, almost the opposite of what you saw in the morning.
For the second day, you can go on a day tour to My Son Sanctuary, an ancient spiritual capital of the Champa empire that occupied much of what is now central and lower Vietnam between the 7th and 10th centuries.
My Son is an easy half-day trip from Hoi An. In 2026, admission to My Son Sanctuary itself costs 150,000 VND for international visitors, while the transport or organized-tour portion varies depending on the operator and what is included, but I would say, the price should be around 25 USD. The ruins make for a worthwhile half-day visit if you want to learn more about the history of the Champa civilization in Central Vietnam.
Next up, we are heading to Phong Nha. From Hoi An, you can get on a bus operated by Hung Thanh Travel, leaving Hoi An at 8:30 AM and arriving in the Hue city center at 11:30 AM. From there, you can go to DMZ Bar and buy the 2 PM DMZ Bus ticket directly from the bar. You should arrive in Phong Nha by 6:30 PM with the DMZ bus.
This is a great option if you also want to see the Hue Citadel, which is located just across the Perfume River since you will have around an hour and a half to explore Hue.
Day 6 - 7: Phong Nha (2 Nights)
- 📍 Stay: Lucky Homes
- 🕐 Time: 2 Nights
- 📖 Full Guide: A Hiking Guide to Paradise Cave and Dark Cave, Phong Nha
After 2 days in Hoi An, it's time to go on a little adventure to the cave region of the country that has been steadily gaining popularity: Phong Nha. It is best known for being the place where they discovered the largest cave in the world, the Son Doong Cave.
In order to visit Son Doong Cave, however, you have to join the licensed expedition operated by Oxalis Adventure. In 2026, the Son Doong Expedition costs 80,000,000 VND (about 3,000 USD) per person and is a 6-day, 5-night trip. Oxalis is currently the only operator licensed to run expeditions into Son Doong, and spaces are extremely limited, so this is something you need to plan well in advance. Thankfully, there are many other caves around Phong Nha that are much easier and cheaper to visit.
The Paradise cave tour is a great way to see the Phong Nha caves on a budget with limited time. You can buy the tour at the Easy Tiger Hostel or any hotel in the area. The tour will take an entire day, and you will go into the restricted and untamed area of the Paradise Cave.
The tour provides a guide (mine was hilarious), headlamps, caving clothes, helmets, and all other necessary equipment to explore the dark caves of Phong Nha in detail. This is a proper adventure and will require you to be in good shape to walk through water and wet mud while watching your head so you don't bump into the stalactites.
Equipped with your headlamps, you will be heading into many caverns, some as large or larger than a football field, filled with alien-looking stalagmites and stalactites. My experience exploring the caves of Phong Nha was nothing short of extraordinary, and I would highly recommend you to visit Phong Nha just for the cave.
After a full-on adventure in Phong Nha, we continue our journey north towards Ninh Binh, a Halong Bay on land.
From Phong Nha, you will have to book a train ticket from Dong Hoi to Ninh Binh via a local travel agency in Phong Nha the day before (Jungle Boss Tour Office can help you with the ticket).
When I traveled this route, I got up at 5 AM, caught the first local bus from Phong Nha to Dong Hoi at around 5:30 AM, and then took a moto-taxi to Dong Hoi Railway Station for the morning train north to Ninh Binh. The whole journey took most of the day. I got on the 8:45 AM train and it took me 10 hours to get to Ninh Binh. It costed me 20 USD in total, but keep in mind that local bus and train schedules can change, so make sure you check the current Dong Hoi to Ninh Binh departure before planning your connection.
Day 8 - 9: Ninh Binh (2 Nights)
- 📍 Stay: Tam Coc Holiday Hotel & Villa
- 🕐 Time: 2 Nights
- 📖 Full Guide: 8 Best Things To Do in Ninh Binh
After a 10-hour train ride from Phong Nha the day before, it is time to explore Ninh Binh at your own leisure, and the best way to do that is to rent a motorbike. You can ask your hotel/hostel to help you get a hold of this two-wheeler, and off you go, exploring the stunning landscape of Ninh Binh.
One of the best places to watch a sunset is at the Hang Mua Cave Viewpoint, a scenic mountain spot overlooking the Tam Coc river. You will have to climb 500 steps to get to the top, but I can tell you, the view is definitely worth it. Be sure to go there way before sunset to get a spot. You can also visit in the morning instead to avoid the crowds.
There are also a few caves you can explore around the Mua Cave area, but the highlight for me was definitely the viewpoint.
After seeing the Tam Coc River from above, it's time to grab your helmet and ride down to see the river from the bottom. You can get on one of these boats and sail along the river as well, completing your Tam Coc experience 😉.
Another nice place you shouldn't miss in Ninh Binh is the Bich Dong Pagoda, an ancient tiered pagoda nestled into a mountainside of Vietnam. You can climb the stairs up to the middle-tiered pagoda, but the top-tiered pagoda will require you to scramble up a steep path, which is not recommended if you are there on a rainy day.
After spending a day in Ninh Binh and getting used to riding a motorbike in Vietnam, it's time to continue our journey north to the capital city of Vietnam, Hanoi.
From Ninh Binh, it's only a 2-3 hour journey by train to Hanoi for only 5 USD. Book your train tickets from Ninh Binh to Hanoi here.
Day 10: Hanoi (1 - 2 Nights)
- 📍 Stay: My Moon Hotel Hanoi
- 🕐 Time: 1 - 2 Nights
- 📖 Full Guide: The Best Hanoi 5-Day Itinerary to Explore Vietnam's Capital (via bucketlistbri.com)
Hanoi is a bustling capital city of Vietnam, where motorbikes weave through the roads like unstoppable water flowing in a river. I didn't spend much time in Hanoi, but one of my favorite things to do in the city is to go out and try all the delicious street food there.
You can spend one night in Hanoi and get on an overnight train to Sapa, allowing you to have 2 half-days to explore the city, which should be enough. You can also spend 2 nights and have more time to see what Hanoi has to offer.
Tourist attractions worth visiting in Hanoi are the Tran Quoc Pagoda, the oldest Buddhist temple in Hanoi, which is located on the West Lake. It is another excellent place to walk around in the evening. Within the same area, you can also drop by and admire the stunning Presidential Palace and visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum.
The Hoàn Kiếm Lake area is also another great place to explore, with a visit to the Temple of the Jade Mountain, St. Joseph's Cathedral, and many more.
After Hanoi, it is time to make your way to our last destination in Vietnam - Sapa. From Hanoi, you can either take an overnight train, which leaves at 9-11 PM and arrives around 5-6 AM. It will cost you 35 USD for a bed berth per person.
You can also take a bus, which is faster than the train-and-transfer option via Lao Cai. Sapa Express still operates the Hanoi to Sapa route in 2026. Its current one-way fares start at 16 USD for the S28 VIP soft-seat service, with a 7 AM departure arriving around 1 PM. Its sleeping-cabin buses currently cost 24 USD one way and run at 7 AM and 10 PM, with the overnight service arriving around 4 AM.
Book your train or bus tickets from Hanoi to Sapa.
Day 11 - 13: Sapa (3 Nights)
- 🕐 Time: 3 Nights
- 📖 Full Guide: 9 Best Things To Do in Sapa
Sapa is one of my favorite places in Vietnam. The area is full of beautiful mountains and hills with rice terraces for me to hike in the cool breeze of the highlands. Sapa is also home to the Black Hmong minorities, and they will make themselves known immediately when your bus rolls into Sapa.
Sapa is a prime place for tourists to hang out and for the Hmong minorities to make money, so you might get overwhelmed by the number of people trying to sell you trinkets. Do not let that deter you from visiting Sapa, though, as the place has a lot to offer: a unique experience staying in a homestay with the locals in the mountains, hiking around the rice fields, and exploring the hills of Sapa on a motorbike.
On your first day, I would recommend that you spend the day exploring the surrounding nature, such as the Love Waterfall and the Silver Waterfall.
You can either rent a motorbike and drive up to these places by yourself or if you are more than one, you can hire any taxi driver in Sapa to take you there and back. Be sure to negotiate the price before getting in the car.
Photo by Constant Loubier.
You can now reach near the top of Fansipan (3,143m), the highest mountain in Vietnam and Indochina, by cable car. When I was there, they were still building it, and the only way up was to trek, so the experience has changed quite a bit since my trip. In 2026, the standard round-trip Fansipan cable car ticket costs 850,000 VND for adults and 550,000 VND for children between 1 and 1.4 meters tall, while children under 1 meter ride free. The separate funicular sections cost extra if you use them.
If you are a little more adventurous, you can rent a bike and drive south to explore the beautiful landscape and small villages at your own pace. In my opinion, this is the best way to explore Sapa. Once you get away from the town center, you will be able to experience the true beauty of Sapa. You will have an infinite view of rice terraces all to yourself.
If you are interested in seeing a local village, you can also visit Cat Cat Village, but I think it's too touristy and isn't really worth the walk. I'd say if you decide to stay in a homestay with the locals, you are more likely to have an authentic experience than to visit Cat Cat Village.
After two full days in Sapa, you can take the bus or an overnight train down to Hanoi and end your trip in Vietnam from there, unless you have a few more days to spare.
Day 14 - 16: Halong Bay (Optional 3 Nights)
Halong Bay is undoubtedly one of the most popular and touristy things to do in Vietnam, and it would be a shame if you came all the way here and did not see it for yourself. That said, I would recommend that you stay clear of party boats and look for a more nature-centric experience if you want a more immersive experience at Halong Bay.
Halong Bay cruise prices now vary enormously depending on whether you choose a day cruise, a one-night boat, or a higher-end multi-night itinerary. Also note that from July 1, 2026, Ha Long International Passenger Port charges 80,000 VND per passenger for a round-trip through the port, although your cruise operator may already include this and other sightseeing fees in the package.
Other than the scenery, you can visit local villages, explore caves, and swim in the water for 2-3 days. Not a bad way to end a long 2-week trip in Vietnam, if you ask me 😉.
If you are looking for a trustworthy Halong Bay tour, I highly recommend you check out these available shared tours: 1-day in Halong Bay, and 2-day in Halong Bay. They both come highly recommended!
When to Visit Vietnam?
There isn't really any right or wrong time to visit Vietnam, except maybe during a typhoon, as it is a tropical country located by the sea, with highlands in the north. You will likely experience everything from the cold north to the high humidity of the lowlands.
Because this itinerary runs almost the full length of Vietnam, there is no single month that guarantees dry weather everywhere. For the best overall balance, I would aim for March to May. Southern Vietnam is generally in its drier period, Central Vietnam is usually sunnier before the wetter months later in the year, and Northern Vietnam is warming up after winter. January to March can still work well, but Sapa and Halong Bay are often cold, misty, and cloudy at that time, so I would no longer call it the clear-cut best period for this particular route.
If your trip falls around Tet, Vietnam's Lunar New Year in late January or February, book transport and accommodation well ahead. Domestic travel demand surges around the holiday, and some businesses close while people return home to celebrate with their families.
Visiting around this time should maximize the number of clear days you will have during your trip, all the while avoiding being melted by the high humidity and heat from metropolitan areas of the lowland.
How to Get to Vietnam?
Vietnam is such a popular country that you will have no trouble finding a cheap way to get to Vietnam from your home country. More often than not, most travelers will include Vietnam as part of a big Southeast Asian trip.
Before booking, check the entry rules for your passport. Vietnam's e-visa is available for stays of up to 90 days and can be issued for single or multiple entry; the current government fee is 25 USD for a single-entry e-visa and 50 USD for a multiple-entry e-visa. Vietnam also has visa-exemption arrangements for a growing number of nationalities, including 45-day exemptions for several European and Asian passports, so you may not need an e-visa at all. Apply only through Vietnam's official immigration e-visa portal and verify the rule for your nationality before departure.
If Vietnam is part of a longer Southeast Asia trip, compare flying directly into Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, or Da Nang with connections through regional hubs such as Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, and Singapore. Low-cost flights like AirAsia are common within the region, but prices vary too much by date and route to assume that entering through another country will always be cheaper.
Getting from your home country to Vietnam, if you are from the US, you can fly with ANA Airline via Japan to get to Vietnam or one of the three big hubs in the region (Bangkok, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur).
If you are from Europe, there are several European airlines (such as KLM and Air France) as well as Middle Eastern airlines (like Emirates, Qatar, and Etihad) that connect Europe to Southeast Asia.
If you are flying from Asia, AirAsia is the way to go, with several routes and schedules at a very affordable price.
For more information on which flights to take, I would recommend you browse through Skyscanner or Expedia to find the best affordable flight that fits your Vietnam itinerary.
How to Get Around Vietnam?
Trains are a great way to travel through Vietnam. They may be slow, but you can see the countryside at your own leisure. Night trains are also a comfortable way to travel to places like Sapa from Hanoi.
Another option is to take a bus, which is cheaper and faster than the train but not as scenic. In Vietnam, regular buses and sleeping buses with sleeper berths make overnight trips a bit more comfortable.
You can book your bus ticket for Vietnam online here: Get your Vietnam Bus Ticket Online with 12GO.
Watch out for thieves when you travel on an overnight bus! I have heard many reports of people having their money stolen from their wallets while they were sleeping on the bus.
For traveling around smaller destinations such as Hoi An, Ninh Binh, and Phong Nha, motorbikes and scooters can give you a lot of freedom, and many guesthouses and rental shops offer them for roughly 120,000 - 250,000 VND per day depending on the bike. However, renting a bike and being legally allowed to ride it are not the same thing. Foreign visitors generally need a valid home-country motorcycle license together with an International Driving Permit issued under the 1968 Vienna Convention in a category that covers the motorcycle they are riding. Check whether your country's IDP is recognized before renting, and make sure your travel insurance covers you.
If you do not want to ride yourself, Grab is widely available for cars and motorbike taxis in Vietnam's major cities, while local taxis and hotel-arranged transfers fill the gaps in smaller destinations. This is often the easiest option in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, where traffic can be overwhelming for first-time riders.
That said, if you want to try it out, I would recommend renting it in a calmer place like Hoi An, Ninh Binh, or Phong Nha, where it isn't as hectic as big cities like Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City.
If you are not so keen on exploring with a motorbike by yourself, most hotels/hostels will often provide you with a list of day tours you can take, so you can see everything without having to ride yourself.
Daily Budget
This place is quite affordable compared to all the other countries in the world. If you are planning a trip here, you can expect to spend around $25 - $45 USD per day per person, which should include accommodation and three meals.
Please keep in mind that these are suggested daily budgets based on my own style of travel, which leans more towards the budget side of things. If you aim to stick to this budget, anticipate sleeping in dormitories, dining out only occasionally, and being comfortable with the cheapest and most convenient modes of transportation, which often involve a considerable amount of walking.
Is Vietnam Safe?
Vietnam is relatively safe, especially outside of big cities. However, when you are in big cities, particularly around touristy areas like Pham Ngu Lao district in Ho Chi Minh City, there are a few things you have to watch out for:
Do not walk around with your phone out when you are walking along the streets, whether it is during the day or night. I have heard many reports from friends that passing motorbikes snatched their phones from their hands.
Do not leave your things unattended on the bus or the train, especially overnight ones. Many of my friends had their money and bags stolen while sleeping on overnight buses or trains.
Do not crash your motorbike. This goes without saying, but this is where they will scam you out of more money than you should pay for a fix. So, it's better not to crash it.
That said, do not let these warnings deter you from visiting Vietnam, as these things could happen anywhere in the world, whether in Europe or South America.
I have experienced many random acts of kindness from the locals multiple times throughout my trip to Vietnam. For example, a guy drove me to the train station for free, and my guesthouse in Hoi An cooked lunch for me free of charge. Therefore, don't completely shut yourself off, but be mindful of these occasional annoyances.
Which tourist SIM card is best for Vietnam?
Update: If your phone supports eSIM, I highly recommend checking out Airalo, a global eSIM marketplace. It allows you to stay connected affordably while traveling in Vietnam without having to switch out your physical SIM card.
Gone are the days when you needed to scramble to find a local SIM card at an airport upon arrival. You can purchase an eSIM before your arrival, and you'll be good to go. If your phone doesn't support eSIM, here is how you can get a local SIM card in Vietnam:
Wi-Fi is widely available in hotels, hostels, cafes, and restaurants, but I still recommend getting a local SIM for navigation and transport apps. Viettel remains a good choice if coverage is your priority, especially when traveling beyond the major cities. Tourist and prepaid data packages change frequently, so I would choose the current package based on how much data you need rather than relying on the old 2 USD for 3 GB price from my earlier trip. If you buy a physical tourist SIM, use an official carrier shop or authorized counter and have your passport ready for registration.
Alternatively, if your phone supports eSIMs, you can set one up before arriving and have mobile data as soon as you land. You can browse through available eSIMs here.
For more information on local SIM cards in Vietnam: Vietnam Prepaid Data SIM Card.
Tips: To stay connected with people at home, be sure that you have a VPN, such as ProtonVPN, installed before traveling. It's FREE, and you can gain access to services that may be blocked in certain countries.
Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. See our disclosure policy.
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4 Comments
Why did you miss out Hue, Is Hue not worth going, because I am planning my itinerary and I have been suggested that Hue is not really worth going. Please suggest
Hey Denis,
From what I researched, it doesn't seem like there are as much of things to do in Hue as other places except the Imperial City which can easily be done in a few hours if you have the time while you are switching buses in Hue so I decided not to include it. If you have the luxury of time, by all means, visit Hue. It's not bad or anything. I just prefer nature and going a little off the beaten path more so I spent that time in Phong Nha instead.
If you are not so much into caving or would rather prefer staying in a city, Hue is still a great place to break your trip northward down a little. :)
I hope this helps!
I absolutely loved Hoi An and I wish I could have spent more than one day there, not to have as basecamp Da Nang. From Hoi An it is easy to visit Da Nang and the region, but also do a day trip to Hue - the old town is really nice and worth seeing.
Thank you Ingrid. I have fond memories in Hoi An as well. The colors, the food, what an incredible place. Can't wait to visit Danang the next time I am there. :)