Vietnam is one of those destinations that was never really on my bucket list until these incredible videos of coconut boat rides, crazy streets and beautiful lantern covered streets started popping up on my Instagram. The next thing I knew, I was planning my 30th birthday solo trip to go there! One minute you’re sipping egg coffee beside a buzzing street, the next you’re floating past limestone karsts, hiking through rice terraces, or watching lanterns glow on a river at night – and this country is every bit as exciting and adventurous as those Instagram stories made it out to be!
If you’re planning your first trip – or trying to figure out how to see a lot without feeling rushed – this 2-week North and Central Vietnam itinerary is what I followed and hits all the highlights: culture, nature, adventure, food, and just enough downtime to soak it all in. Do I wish my trip had more time? Oh yes, I can see why people spend months in Southeast Asia – there is so much to see!
This route takes you from the historic streets of Hanoi down to the lantern-lit magic of Hoi An, combining cities, countryside, mountains, and coast in one unforgettable journey. You can always do this route in reverse too by starting in the centre (Da Nang) and ending the trip in Hanoi – whatever works for you!
2-Week Vietnam Itinerary Summary
| DAY | ITINERARY |
|---|---|
| Day 1-2 | Hanoi |
| Day 3-4 | Ha Long Bay |
| Day 4-6 | Ninh Binh |
| Day 7-9 | Sapa |
| Day 10-12 | Da Nang |
| Day 13-14 | Hoi An |
Day 1: Arrive in Hanoi
Welcome to Vietnam! After landing in Hanoi, head straight into the Old Quarter, where narrow streets hum with motorbikes, food stalls, and daily life unfolding all at once.
Where to stay in Hanoi
Budget: Hanoi Capsule Station Hostel
Mid-Range: Golden Moon Suite Hotel & Travel
Luxury: La Siesta Classic Hang Thung
Explore the Old Quarter
Start your trip wandering the streets of the Old Quarter, where each lane has its own personality (and specialty). Walk without a plan, pop into little shops, and get used to the rhythm of the city.
Don’t miss:
- Hang Ma Street
- Hoan Kiem Lake
- Ngoc Son Temple
Egg Coffee Stop
It’s time for your first egg coffee – the iconic Vietnamese coffee!
Note Coffee is a favourite, covered in handwritten notes from travellers around the world. Order an egg coffee and enjoy the people-watching.
Water Puppet Show
Wrap up the day with a water puppet show at Thang Long Theatre – a uniquely Vietnamese experience and a great introduction to local folklore.
Book your Thăng Long Water Puppet Theatre Tickets in advance here or purchase directly at the ticket booth.
Day 2: Hanoi
Train Street
Head to Hanoi Train Street via a café that has permission to host visitors. Grab a drink, take a seat, and wait for the train to roll through just inches away. It’s surreal, exciting, and very Hanoi. Join a food tour that includes a visit to Train Street to ensure you get a great spot and don’t have any issues with vendors on your visit.
Temple of Literature
Vietnam’s first university and one of the most peaceful places in the city. Wander the courtyards and escape the noise for a while.
West Lake & Tran Quoc Pagoda
Head towards West Lake and visit Tran Quoc Pagoda, Hanoi’s oldest Buddhist temple. Sunset here is especially beautiful.
Street Food Tour
Kick off your foodie adventure with:
- Pho for dinner
- Banh Mi from a street stall (I LOVED Banh Mi 25 – it definitely lived up to the hype!)
- Fresh or fried spring rolls
Book a guided street food tour to learn the ins and outs of Vietnamese food!
Check out my Full Guide to Hanoi here!
Top Tours/Day Trips in Hanoi if you have more time:
– Hanoi: City Sightseeing Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour
– Hanoi: Incense Village, Hat, and Lacquer Artisanal Tour
– Hanoi: Ninh Binh, Bai Dinh/Hoa Lu, Trang An, & Mua Cave Tour
Day 3: Hanoi → Ha Long Bay
Travel to Ha Long Bay by VIP limousine bus – comfortable, easy, and door-to-door and board your overnight cruise! Once aboard your overnight cruise, the scenery completely shifts from chaotic city vibes to incredible views of limestone karsts!
Spend the afternoon cruising past limestone karsts, kayaking, swimming, and enjoying sunset views from the deck. Dinner on the boat is usually a highlight.
Ha Long Bay Cruise Options:
Day Trip Cruise: Ha Long Bay Day Cruise – Swimming, Meal, Kayaking
Overnight Cruise: 2-Day Halong & Lan Ha Bay 5-Star Cruise with Balcony
2-Night Cruise: 3 Days Ha Long Lan Ha 5 – Star Cruise & Viet Hai Cycling
This is the cruise I went on (La Regina Cruises) and 10/10 would recommend! The whole experience was seamless and absolutely incredible: 2-Day Halong & Lan Ha Bay 5-Star Cruise with Balcony
Day 4: Ha Long Bay → Ninh Binh
Wake up to misty karsts, enjoy a final morning activity (to a cave!), then disembark and transfer directly to Ninh Binh by limousine bus – an efficient route that saves backtracking. These limousine buses are FANCY and super comfortable (hello, recliner seats!)
By evening, you’ll be surrounded by rice fields, rivers, and dramatic limestone cliffs. Enjoy a relaxed afternoon at your homestay or head out and find a delicious restaurant in town.
Where to stay in Ninh Binh (highly recommend staying in the Tam Coc area)
Budget: Tam Coc Guest House & Hostel
Mid-Range: Tam Coc Eco Field Nest By ANMS GROUP
Luxury: Havana Tam Coc Ninh Binh
Day 5: Ninh Binh
xplore Trang An or Tam Coc by Boat
No trip to Ninh Binh is complete without a boat ride through limestone karsts, and this is where the “Ha Long Bay on land” nickname really makes sense.
You can choose between:
- Trang An – more polished, scenic, and UNESCO-listed
- Tam Coc – slightly more rustic and famous for rowing with feet
I recommend Trang An if you want jaw-dropping scenery, peaceful waterways, and temple stops along the route. The boat ride lasts around 2–3 hours and takes you through caves, valleys, and hidden pagodas. This was one of the most peaceful and iconic experiences of my Vietnam trip.
This is the day tour I took and would 10/10 recommend: From Ninh Binh: Hoa Lu, Bai Dinh, Trang An, & Mua Cave Tour
Visit Hoa Lu Ancient Capital
Start day two with a visit to Hoa Lu, Vietnam’s ancient capital during the 10th and 11th centuries.
Here you’ll find historic temples surrounded by mountains and greenery, offering a quieter, more reflective experience compared to the larger pagoda complexes.
Visit Bai Dinh Pagoda
After your boat ride, head to Bai Dinh Pagoda, the largest Buddhist temple complex in Vietnam.
This place is massive – think towering statues, endless courtyards, and sweeping views of the surrounding countryside. Even if you’re not big on temples, the scale alone makes it worth a visit.
Day 6: Ninh Binh
Morning Hike at Mua Cave Viewpoint
Start day with one of Ninh Binh’s most iconic spots: Mua Cave (Hang Múa).
Climb the steep staircase (worth every sweaty step!) and you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views over rice fields, winding rivers, and karst peaks. Sunset here is absolutely magical and one of the best photo spots in all of Vietnam however sunset is a crazy busy time to visit as this is when all the tour buses are scheduled to visit. My recommendation would be to start hiking early in the morning around 8am to avoid the crowds.
Bike Through the Countryside
One of the best things to do in Ninh Binh is also the simplest: cycling through the countryside.
Ride past:
- Lush rice fields
- Water buffalo grazing
- Small villages and local homes
It’s peaceful, slow, and gives you a real feel for rural Vietnam.
Visit Bich Dong Pagoda
Next up on Day 2 is Bich Dong Pagoda, one of Ninh Binh’s most charming and atmospheric temple complexes. Often referred to as the “Jade Grotto Pagoda,” Bich Dong is built directly into a limestone mountain and surrounded by lotus ponds, rice fields, and lush greenery.
The site is split into three levels:
- Lower Pagoda – easily accessible and set near the entrance
- Middle Pagoda – tucked into the cliffside and reached via stone steps
- Upper Pagoda – higher up the mountain, offering peaceful views over the countryside
The walk between levels is scenic, and the whole area feels calm and uncrowded compared to some of Ninh Binh’s bigger attractions. It’s a lovely place to slow down, explore at your own pace, and soak up the serene atmosphere.
I biked here from my hotel past some stunning rice fields and ended up parking my bike at a little cafe at the entrance to the pagoda. This cafe offered free parking in exchange for buying something from their cafe. I ordered a coconut hot chocolate and enjoyed the most stunning scenery before visiting the pagoda.
Day 7: Ninh Binh → Sapa
Take a VIP sleeper bus from Ninh Binh to Sapa (8 hours). I would highly recommend booking through the 12Go Asia app (I travelled with both HK Buslines and G8 Open Tour bus lines – both were excellent and offered pretty much the same experience)
I traveled during the day, which I personally prefer however if you would like to make better use of daylight and save money on a night’s accommodation – booking an overnight sleeper bus would be a great option. Check out my full guide to VIP Sleeper buses here!
Where to Stay in Sapa
Budget: Phuong Nam Hotel
Mid-Range: Lá Đỏ Homestay & Coffee
Luxury: Bamboo Sapa Hotel
Explore Sapa Town
Spend your first afternoon wandering Sapa town:
- Walk around Sapa Lake
- Browse the local markets and shops (including the iconic “Made in Vietnam” fake hiking gear shops)
- Pop into cafés with mountain views
It’s a great way to get your bearings and enjoy the slower pace.
Day 8: Sapa
Perched high in the mountains of northern Vietnam, Sapa feels like a total contrast to the chaos of Hanoi in the best possible way. Think misty valleys, endless rice terraces, cool mountain air, and tiny villages tucked into the hills.
Guided Trek Through the Muong Hoa Valley
This is the reason most people come to Sapa and it’s worth every step.
Book a single day guided trek (or overnight trek) through the Muong Hoa Valley, passing:
- Rice terraces cascading down the mountains
- Bamboo forests
- Traditional villages like Lao Chai and Ta Van
Your local guide will share insights into daily life, culture, and traditions of ethnic minority communities such as the Hmong.
The trek is usually moderate and takes most of the day, with plenty of photo stops (you’ll be taking pictures non stop!).
Note: some local ladies will attach themselves to your group and then expect you to buy something from at the end of the trek – I felt weirdly pressured especially because none of us wanted them to join us but these ladies make their living this way.
Check out these trekking tour options here:
– Sapa 1 Day Long Trek: Trek to Hau Thao and Sa Seng Villages
– EXPLORE SAPA: 2D1N TREKKING & HMONG CULTURE
Day 9: Sapa
Fansipan – The Roof of Indochina
If the weather is clear, take the cable car to Fansipan Mountain, the highest peak in Indochina.
Even without hiking, the views are spectacular – layers of mountains fading into the distance, often wrapped in mist.
Check out these tours that include a visit to Fansipan Mountain:
– Sapa: Sun World Fansipan Legend Ticket
– Sapa: Fansipan Cable, Cat Cat Village, Moana Instagram Tour
– SAPA : Climb up to Fansipan mountain with LOCAL GUIDE
– 2-Day Fansipan Mountain Trek – Indochina’s Highest Peak
Silver Waterfall & Love Waterfall or Cat Cat Village
Prefer something gentler? Visit:
- Silver Waterfall (Thác Bạc)
- Love Waterfall
- Cat Cat Village
These are easily accessible and make a great half-day outing surrounded by forest and mountain scenery.
Check out these tours here:
– Sapa: Silver Waterfall and Love Waterfall Day Trip
– Sapa: Fansipan Cable, Cat Cat Village, Moana Instagram Tour
Lunch with a View
Wrap up your Sapa trip with a coffee overlooking the valley. Watching the mist roll through the mountains is the perfect goodbye.
Day 10: Sapa → Da Nang
A big travel day today – hop back on a VIP Sleeper bus directly to Hanoi Airport and then hop on a flight to Da Nang. Alternatively you can take an overnight sleeper bus to Da Nang, all depending on your preference of travel.
Where to Stay at Da Nang
Luxury: Radisson Hotel Danang
Mid-Range: Paris Deli Danang Beach Hotel
Budget: Sekong Hotel Da Nang
Day 11: Da Nang
Relax by the Beach
Kick things off with a relaxed morning at My Khe Beach. This long stretch of golden sand is clean, calm, and perfect for a morning walk or swim.
Grab a Vietnamese iced coffee or smoothie from one of the beachside cafés and ease into the day – Da Nang mornings are blissfully unhurried.
Explore the Marble Mountains or Monkey Mountain
Next, either head to the iconic Marble Mountains or Monkey Mountain. These limestone hills are dotted with caves, pagodas, and viewpoints overlooking the coastline. (and monkeys if you choose Monkey Mountain!)
You can climb the steps or take the elevator partway up. Wander through incense-filled temples, explore hidden caves (with secret giant buddhas!), and don’t skip the viewpoints – they’re some of the best in the region.
Check out this tour to Marble Mountain:
Da Nang/Hoi An: Lady Buddha, Marble Mountains & Am Phu Cave
City Exploring & Coffee Stops
Spend the afternoon exploring the city at a slower pace. Wander around the Han River area, pop into local cafés, or visit markets if you’re in the mood for something lively.
Da Nang has an excellent café scene, making it a great place to take a midday break from sightseeing.
Dragon Bridge Fire Show
As night falls, head to Dragon Bridge. On weekend nights, the bridge puts on a fire- and water-breathing show – equal parts quirky and fun.
Finish the day with dinner along the river or near the beach, enjoying Da Nang’s laid-back evening vibe.
Check out this evening river cruise:
Da Nang: Han River Local Cruise by Night.
Day 12: Da Nang
Choose between the following:
Option 1: Ba Na Hills & the Golden Bridge (Most Popular)
If it’s your first time in Da Nang, a trip to Ba Na Hills is a classic choice. Home to the famous Golden Bridge, this mountaintop attraction features record-breaking cable cars, misty views, and European-style architecture.
It’s very touristy and the theme park is a little weird but it’s also genuinely unique and worth seeing to get that instagram-worthy pic!
Check out this tour to Ba Na Hills:
From Da Nang/Hoi An: Golden Bridge Ba Na Hills Full-Day Tour
Option 2: Hai Van Pass (More Adventurous)
Prefer something a little more scenic and less crowded? Drive or ride the Hai Van Pass, one of Vietnam’s most beautiful coastal roads.
Winding mountain roads, ocean views, and dramatic scenery make this a favourite for adventurous travelers. You can go by motorbike or book a guided trip if you’re not confident driving. I wish that I could have fit this day trip into my itinerary – the views would have been spectacular!
Check out this tour to Hai Van Pass and Hue:
Da Nang: Hue Imperial Day Trip, Hai Van Pass Train, & Lunch
Day 13: Hoi An
Start the morning with an early transfer/Grab to Hoi An (around an hour drive) and drop off your luggage at your hotel/resort before heading out to explore.
Where to stay in Hoi An
Luxury: Hoi An Beach Resort
Mid-Range: Emerald Hoi An Riverside Resort
Budget: Spring Breeze Hotel Hoi An
Explore Hoi An Ancient Town
Start your day early to beat the crowds and the heat. Wander through the beautifully preserved Hoi An Ancient Town, where mustard-yellow buildings, wooden shutters, and bougainvillea-lined streets feel straight out of a postcard.
Don’t miss:
- Japanese Covered Bridge
- Traditional ancient houses like Tan Ky House
- Chinese Assembly Halls with ornate interiors
Grab a Vietnamese iced coffee and just… wander. This is peak Hoi An energy.
Lunch: Local Specialties
Hoi An is famous for its food, so lunch is serious business.
Must-try dishes:
- Cao Lầu (Hoi An’s signature noodle dish)
- Bun Cha (Rice noodles with pork and a broth)
- Bánh Mì (Hoi An has some of the best in Vietnam)
You honestly can’t go wrong – just follow where the locals are eating.
Rice Fields or the Beach
After lunch, escape the Old Town crowds.
Option 1: Bike Through Rice Fields
Rent a bicycle and pedal through the peaceful countryside just outside town — think rice paddies, palm trees, and water buffalo sightings.
Option 2: An Bang Beach
Head to An Bang Beach for a swim, beach club lunch, or lazy afternoon under an umbrella.
Day 14: Hoi An
Do a Coconut Basket Boat Ride in Cam Thanh
One of the most fun (and slightly chaotic) experiences near Hoi An is a coconut basket boat ride through the waterways of Cam Thanh Coconut Village.
Just a short drive from Old Town, this area is famous for its lush water coconut palms and round bamboo basket boats and yes, the boats spin!
What to Expect:
- A guided ride through narrow canals lined with coconut palms
- Local boat drivers showing off impressive (and dizzying) spinning skills
- Traditional fishing demonstrations using nets
- Plenty of laughs, splashes, and photo opportunities
It’s touristy, loud, and a little over-the-top but in a genuinely fun, memorable way.
Check out this tour which includes a coconut boat ride here:
Da Nang/Hoi An: Market Tour, Basket Boat Ride, Cooking Class
Late Morning: Tailor Time
Hoi An is famous for custom clothing.
Whether it’s a linen dress, suit, or jumpsuit, you can get something made in 24–48 hours! Just make sure to:
- Allow time for fittings
- Bring inspiration photos
- Be clear about fabrics and timelines
Even if you don’t order anything, it’s fun to browse the tailor shops or order something else personalised like chop sticks or engraved stamps.
One Last Food Feast
Use your final day to tick off anything you missed:
- Another bánh mì (yes, absolutely)
- Mi Quang noodles
- Fresh spring rolls
- Street food from the night market like grilled rice paper (would recommend!)
Relax or Day Trip
Depending on your energy levels, spend the last moments of your trip:
- Enjoying a final café stop overlooking the river
- Getting a massage or spa treatment
- Visiting nearby villages like Tra Que Vegetable Village
- Relaxing and enjoy your hotel/resort facilities
- Or squeezing in one last beach visit
Hoi An rewards slowing down – don’t overpack your final hours.
Lanterns & River Vibes
As the sun sets, enjoy the magic of Hoi An at night!
- Wander Old Town as lanterns light up the streets
- Take a lantern boat ride on the Thu Bon River
- Release a floating lantern for good luck (touristy, but magical – true Rapunzel vibes!)
Finish up your Vietnam trip with dinner by the river and a cocktail or fresh juice while soaking up the atmosphere.
Check out this lantern boat ride here:
Hoi An : Hoai River Boat Trip by Night and Floating Lantern
Two weeks in Vietnam is the kind of journey that stays with you long after you’ve unpacked your bags. From early mornings wandering Hanoi’s Old Quarter to drifting between limestone karsts in Ha Long Bay, hiking through misty rice terraces in Sapa, and ending your trip beneath glowing lanterns in Hoi An, this itinerary captures the incredible diversity that makes Vietnam so special.
My Vietnam trip was filled with contrast – busy cities and quiet countryside, adventure and stillness, unforgettable food and even better memories. Whether it’s your first time in Vietnam or the start of a lifelong love affair with the country, this route offers a beautifully balanced way to experience its culture, landscapes, and magic and chances are, you’ll already be dreaming about coming back before you even leave! (I know I am!)
Vietnam Helpful Links
How to Get Around Vietnam: Grab & 12Go
Getting around Vietnam is incredibly easy once you download the right apps.
Grab is Vietnam’s version of Uber and is hands-down the best way to get around cities like Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Da Nang. You can book motorbikes, cars, and even food delivery, all with upfront pricing (no haggling required).
For longer journeys between cities, 12Go is a lifesaver. It lets you book trains, buses, and ferries across Vietnam in advance – perfect for planning trips between places like Hanoi, Ninh Binh, Ha Long Bay, and Hoi An. I booked my VIP sleeper bus from Ninh Binh to Sapa and would definitely recommend.
👉 Check out 12Go here
Vietnam SIM Card: Airalo eSIM
Staying connected in Vietnam is a must for maps, transport apps, bookings, and Googling “best pho near me” (trust me). I used Airalo, an eSIM app that lets you download a Vietnam data plan before you even land.
There’s no need to swap physical SIM cards or hunt down a store at the airport. Just activate your eSIM and you’re online the moment you arrive – easy, affordable, and super convenient.
👉 Get your Vietnam eSIM with Airalo here
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you purchase through these links – at no extra cost to you
🐉 More Vietnam Posts
Check out these Vietnam blog posts:
Jess at Sea 
Leave a comment