14 Days Vietnam Itinerary
This 14-day itinerary explores the highlights of Vietnam, from the vibrant streets of Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City to the charming ancient town of Hoi An. It balances cultural immersion with relaxation and adventure, all within a reasonable budget.
Duration
14 days
Budget
$700-1400 total estimate
Best Time
February to April
Activities
57
Daily Avg
$75/day
Cities
Vietnam (3d), Da Nang (5d), Ho Chi Minh City (6d)
Pace
Moderate
Vietnam offers a captivating blend of bustling city life, serene natural landscapes, and rich cultural heritage. It's a budget-friendly destination with delicious food and friendly locals.
Your itinerary covers 12 of 12 must-have experiences
Street Food Exploration
Day 1: Enjoy Street Food Dinner
Historical Sites
Day 2: Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum & Museum
Natural Wonders
Day 3: Transfer to Halong Bay
Cultural Immersion
Day 2: Water Puppet Show
Shopping
Day 11: Ben Thanh Market
Relaxation
Day 5: My Khe Beach
Local Transportation
Day 2: Lunch at a Local Restaurant
Coffee Culture
Day 13: Coffee at a Rooftop Cafe
Nightlife
Day 13: Dinner & Drinks on Bui Vien Street
Ancient Ruins
Day 8: My Son Sanctuary
Tunnels & Underground
Day 11: Cu Chi Tunnels
Water Activities
Day 3: Kayaking or Swimming
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 your hostel/hotel in Hanoi Old Quarter by taxi or pre-booked airport transfer.$10
2:00 PM - Check into Hostel/Hotel
Settle in and leave your luggage.
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- 🚶Walk from your hotel to Hoan Kiem Lake (5-10 minutes).
- 🚶Walk around Hoan Kiem Lake to explore the Old Quarter (5-10 minutes).
- 🚶Enjoy street food at various stalls in the Old Quarter.$5
7:00 PM - Enjoy Street Food Dinner
Try Pho or Bun Cha.
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Hanoi Old Quarter
Central location, close to attractions, vibrant atmosphere, plenty of budget-friendly options.
📅 Best Time to Visit
February to April
The weather is generally sunny and dry with comfortable humidity levels. Expect warm days and mild evenings, perfect for outdoor activities and sightseeing. Rainfall is minimal during this period.
February to April is considered the shoulder season in Vietnam, offering pleasant weather throughout the country. It's generally dry with comfortable temperatures, making it ideal for exploring various regions.
Tet Nguyen Dan (Lunar New Year) can significantly impact travel, with closures and increased prices. Plan accordingly if traveling during this time.
Getting Around
Motorbikes dominate; growing ride-hailing adoption
Use Grab for safe, metered rides. Negotiate prices for cyclos before riding.
Travel
$200Accommodation
$300Food
$400Activities
$200Embrace 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 when shopping at markets.
- Be aware of your belongings in crowded areas.
- Drink bottled water.
- Try the local street food.
- Download a translation app.
- Book accommodations and transportation in advance, especially during peak season.
- Always negotiate the price before taking a taxi or cyclo.
- Dress respectfully when visiting temples and pagodas.
- Be prepared for hot and humid weather.
- 1Lightweight and breathable clothing
- 2Comfortable walking shoes
- 3Sunscreen and hat
- 4Insect repellent
- 5Universal adapter
- 6Small backpack
- 7Rain jacket
- 8Reusable water bottle
- 9First-aid kit
- 10Toiletries
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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Trip Summary
How was this itinerary?
The best time to visit Vietnam is generally from February to April, when the weather is pleasant throughout the country. This period offers dry conditions and comfortable temperatures, ideal for exploring various regions.
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- Personalized for your dates
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- Real-time pricing
- Budget tracking
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