14 Days Vietnam Itinerary: Hanoi, Hoi An & Ho Chi Minh
This 14-day itinerary explores the highlights of Vietnam, from the bustling streets of Hanoi to the charming ancient town of Hoi An and the vibrant energy of Ho Chi Minh City. It balances cultural immersion with relaxation and delicious food experiences, all within a budget-friendly framework.
Duration
14 days
Budget
$700-1400 total estimate
Best Time
February to April
Activities
59
Daily Avg
$75/day
Cities
Hanoi (3d), Hoi An (1d), Ancient (3d), Ho Chi Minh City (7d)
Pace
Moderate
Vietnam offers a captivating blend of vibrant culture, stunning landscapes, and delicious cuisine. It's a budget-friendly destination perfect for exploring ancient history and modern cities.
Your itinerary covers 9 of 12 must-have experiences
Street Food Adventures
Day 1: Street Food Dinner
Historical Exploration
Day 2: Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum & Museum
Natural Wonders
Day 3: Halong Bay Day Trip (organized tour)
Cultural Immersion
Day 2: Water Puppet Show
Ancient Cities
Day 7: My Son Sanctuary Day Trip (organized tour)
Beach Relaxation
Day 6: An Bang Beach
Coffee Culture
Day 13: Coffee Shop Hopping
Market Bargaining
Day 5: Hoi An Night Market
Tailoring Experiences
Day 5: Tailor Shops
Underground History
Day 10: Cu Chi Tunnels Day Trip (organized tour)
Religious Sites
Day 2: Temple of Literature
Motorbike Adventures
e.g., Exploring the Countryside, Coastal Roads
Vietnamese cuisine is a vibrant tapestry of flavors, influenced by French colonialism and regional specialties. Fresh herbs, rice, noodles, and fish sauce are staples, creating dishes that are both light and satisfying. Be prepared for a culinary adventure that tantalizes your taste buds!
Must-Try Dishes
Vietnam's national dish, a flavorful noodle soup typically made with beef (pho bo) or chicken (pho ga). The broth is simmered for hours with spices, and the soup is garnished with fresh herbs, bean sprouts, and lime.
📍 Street food stalls, local restaurants (quan an)
A Vietnamese sandwich on a crispy baguette, filled with various meats (pork, pate, sausage), pickled vegetables, cilantro, chili, and mayonnaise. A delicious and portable meal.
📍 Street food vendors, banh mi shops
Translucent rice paper rolls filled with vermicelli noodles, shrimp, pork, fresh herbs, and vegetables. Served with a peanut dipping sauce or hoisin sauce.
📍 Restaurants, street food stalls
Grilled pork patties served with vermicelli noodles, fresh herbs, and a dipping sauce. A Hanoi specialty.
📍 Hanoi, specifically Bun Cha restaurants
Food Neighborhoods
Street food paradise
Modern and traditional Vietnamese cuisine
Local specialties like Cao Lau and White Rose dumplings
Imperial cuisine and local dishes
Vegetarian options are available, often using tofu and vegetables. Look for 'Chay' (vegetarian) signs. Vegan options may be more limited; inquire about ingredients. Halal food is not widely available, but some restaurants in larger cities cater to Muslim travelers. Specify any allergies clearly as cross-contamination can occur.
Use chopsticks for most dishes. It's polite to wait for everyone to be served before starting to eat. Don't stick your chopsticks upright in your rice bowl, as it resembles incense offerings for the dead. It is generally acceptable to slurp noodles and lift your bowl to your mouth.
Tet
Tet Nguyen DanVietnamese Lunar New Year with family gatherings, fireworks, and flower markets.
Note: Book 1-2 months ahead
🛣️Interesting Detours & Side Trips
- 🚶Arrive at hotel/hostel in Hanoi Old Quarter by taxi or pre-booked airport transfer.$15
2:00 PM - Check into Hostel/Hotel
Settle in and leave your luggage.
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- 🚶Walk from hotel/hostel to Hoan Kiem Lake (5-10 minutes).$2
3:00 PM - Explore Hoan Kiem Lake & Ngoc Son Temple
Visit the iconic lake and temple in the heart of Hanoi.
Book on Klook - 🚶Walk around Hoan Kiem Lake and explore the Old Quarter.FREE
5:00 PM - Wander the Old Quarter
Explore the narrow streets, browse shops, and soak in the atmosphere.
Book on Klook - 🚶Enjoy street food dinner within the Old Quarter, easily accessible by walking.$5
7:00 PM - Street Food Dinner
Sample local delicacies like pho or banh mi.
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Hanoi Old Quarter
Central location, vibrant atmosphere, close to attractions and street food.
📅 Best Time to Visit
February to April
During February to April, Vietnam experiences warm temperatures and relatively low humidity. Rainfall is minimal, making it ideal for outdoor activities and exploring the country's diverse landscapes. Expect sunshine and comfortable conditions throughout most regions.
February to April is considered the shoulder season, offering pleasant weather with less rainfall and humidity compared to other times of the year.
Tet Nguyen Dan (Lunar New Year) can affect travel, with closures and increased prices. Plan accordingly.
Getting Around
Motorbikes dominate; growing ride-hailing adoption
Use Grab for safe, metered rides. Negotiate prices for cyclos before riding.
Travel
$200Accommodation
$280Food
$300Activities
$120Embrace street food and local eateries! You can find delicious, authentic meals for a few dollars. Avoid tourist-centric restaurants for everyday dining.
Use local buses or Grab for transport rather than private taxis. For intercity travel, consider overnight trains (sleeper class) which save on accommodation costs.
Invest in a high-quality Halong Bay cruise (2-3 days). Cheaper options can be overcrowded and less enjoyable. A reputable cruise offers better service and experience.
Consider a cooking class to learn about Vietnamese cuisine. It's a fun, immersive cultural experience and you get to enjoy your creations.
Learn a few basic Vietnamese phrases like 'Xin chào' (hello), 'Cám ơn' (thank you), and numbers. Locals appreciate the effort.
Seek out 'Bia Hoi' (fresh beer) establishments, especially in Hanoi. This extremely cheap, locally brewed beer is a quintessential Vietnamese experience.
- Learn basic Vietnamese phrases.
- Bargain respectfully when shopping.
- Be aware of your belongings in crowded areas.
- Drink bottled water.
- Try local street food but choose reputable vendors.
- 1Lightweight and breathable clothing
- 2Comfortable walking shoes
- 3Sunscreen and insect repellent
- 4Universal adapter
- 5First-aid kit
Visa (if required)
At least 1-2 months in advance to avoid last-minute stress. E-visas typically take 3 working days but allow more time.
International Flights
3-6 months in advance for best prices, especially during peak travel seasons.
Accommodation (first few nights or peak season)
1-3 months ahead, particularly for popular cities like Hanoi, Hoi An, HCMC, or during festivals like Tet.
Halong Bay Cruise
2-3 months in advance for reputable companies and specific itineraries, as popular tours sell out.
Domestic Flights/Train Tickets
1-2 months ahead for popular routes (e.g., Hanoi-HCMC, Da Nang-HCMC) to secure preferred times and prices.
Travel Insurance
Immediately after booking your first major travel component (flights/accommodation) to cover unexpected cancellations.
Airport Transfer
Can be arranged upon arrival or pre-booked online for convenience and to avoid taxi touts, especially for late arrivals.
Note: Travel conditions, regulations, and local customs may change. We recommend verifying essential details — such as visa requirements, emergency contacts, and payment options — closer to your travel date.
SIM & Connectivity
SIM Options
📍 Airalo website or app
📍 Viettel stores, airport kiosks, convenience stores
📍 Mobifone stores, airport kiosks, convenience stores
📍 Online rental platforms, some airport rental services
Free WiFi is widely available in hotels, cafes, and restaurants, especially in tourist areas. Connection speeds can vary. Some public areas may also offer free WiFi.
Useful Apps
Consider buying a local SIM card for reliable and affordable data. Check data roaming charges with your home provider, as they can be expensive. Download offline maps before you arrive. Power banks are useful for keeping your devices charged on long days of exploring.
Electric Socket Guide
Socket Types
Two flat parallel pins
Two round pins (Europlug)
220V
50Hz
Tipping Etiquette
5–10% at upscale restaurants; not expected at street food
Round up to the nearest 10,000 VND
20,000–50,000 VND per bag for porters
Tipping is not traditional but increasingly appreciated in tourist areas.
Safety & Travel Advisories
Vietnam is generally a safe country for tourists. Be aware of petty theft, especially in crowded areas. Exercise caution when crossing roads due to heavy traffic.
Check official government advisories for the latest safety information, entry requirements, and travel warnings before your trip.
Emergency Numbers
113
115
114
Limited English — ask hotel for help calling
Payments
Cash is king, especially outside major cities
Accepted at hotels, upscale restaurants, and malls
Limited; cash and card are more common
Carry Vietnamese dong in small denominations. USD accepted at some tourist spots.
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How was this itinerary?
The best time to visit Vietnam is during the dry season, from November to April. The weather is generally pleasant with lower humidity and less rainfall, making it ideal for exploring the country.
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- Real-time pricing
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