Design Your Dream Exotic Getaway: The Only 2 Week Itinerary in Vietnam You Need

Vietnam is a destination that ignites the senses: lantern-lit streets, lush rice terraces, limestone bays, and the comforting aroma of simmering pho on every corner. With two weeks, you can truly experience Vietnam’s vibrant culture, breathtaking nature, and world-class cuisine without feeling rushed.

This guide provides the only 2-week Vietnam itinerary you need for a seamless, enriching, and exotic getaway, ensuring every day brings a new layer of discovery.

Why Vietnam Is the Perfect 2-Week Exotic Getaway

  • Diverse landscapes: From the emerald waters of Halong Bay to golden beaches in Da Nang and terraced hills in Sapa.
  • Rich local culture: Ancient temples, French colonial architecture, and unique ethnic communities.
  • Affordable luxury: Boutique stays, private cruises, and fine dining at a fraction of Western prices.
  • Incredible cuisine: Street food tours, fresh seafood, and hands-on cooking classes.
  • Warm, welcoming locals who make you feel at home.

When to Travel for Your Dream Vietnam Trip

Best travel seasons:

  • North: October – April (cool, dry weather; ideal for Hanoi, Halong Bay, Sapa).
  • Central: February – August (dry season; perfect for Hoi An, Hue, Da Nang).
  • South: December – April (dry, sunny weather for Saigon and the Mekong).

If traveling during the rainy season:

  • Pack a light rain jacket.
  • Schedule flexibility for weather-dependent activities.
  • Enjoy fewer crowds and lush scenery.

Your Ultimate 2-Week Vietnam Itinerary

Day 1-3: Hanoi – Dive Into Culture

  • Wander the Old Quarter’s lively streets.
  • Street food tour for bun cha, pho, and egg coffee.
  • Visit Hoan Kiem Lake, Temple of Literature, and hidden cafes.
  • Watch a water puppet show.

Day 4-5: Halong Bay – Exotic Cruise

  • Embark on an overnight luxury cruise in Halong or Lan Ha Bay.
  • Kayak through limestone caves.
  • Sunset cocktails on deck, tai chi at sunrise.

Day 6-7: Ninh Binh – Inland Halong Bay

  • Tam Coc boat ride through rice paddies and karst formations.
  • Explore the ancient capital of Hoa Lu.
  • Cycle through local villages and countryside paths.

Day 8-9: Hue – Imperial Heritage

  • Explore the Imperial Citadel and royal tombs.
  • Take a sunset cruise on the Perfume River.
  • Taste Hue’s imperial cuisine.

Day 10-11: Hoi An – Lantern Town Charm

  • Walk lantern-lit streets and riverside cafes.
  • Take a cooking class with a local chef.
  • Relax on An Bang Beach.

Day 12: Da Nang – Coastal Vibrance

  • Visit Marble Mountains and Dragon Bridge.
  • Relax on My Khe Beach or take a day trip to Ba Na Hills.

Day 13-14: Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) – Urban Energy

  • Visit Cu Chi Tunnels for a glimpse of history.
  • Explore Ben Thanh Market and local coffee shops.
  • Take a Mekong Delta day trip for floating markets and local life.

Optional Extensions for Your Exotic Getaway

If you have additional days or want to swap certain stops for a unique flavor, these optional extensions will add depth and variety to your Vietnam adventure:

Sapa (Add 2-3 Days) – Trekking & Mountain Culture

  • Located in northern Vietnam near the China border, Sapa offers breathtaking rice terraces, cloud-kissed valleys, and cool mountain air.

  • Trek through Muong Hoa Valley with local Hmong or Dao guides, passing terraced fields and bamboo forests.

  • Stay in a local homestay for a deeper cultural immersion and warm family meals.

  • Visit Sapa town markets for colorful handicrafts and interactions with ethnic minorities.

    Best during September–November (harvest season) or March–May (pleasant weather and flowers).

Phu Quoc – Beach Paradise & Relaxation

  • Vietnam’s largest island, located off the southwestern coast, is known for pristine white-sand beaches and turquoise waters.

  • Stay in luxury beachfront resorts or boutique eco-villas for a perfect unwind.

    Activities include:

    • Snorkeling and diving in coral-rich waters.

    • Sunset seafood dinners by the beach.

    • Exploring local pepper farms and fish sauce factories.

    • Visiting Sao Beach and Ong Lang Beach for crystal-clear waters.

  • Ideal for honeymooners or travelers wanting a slow-paced retreat.

Ha Giang Loop – Northern Frontier Adventure

  • For travelers seeking rugged adventure, the Ha Giang Loop offers dramatic limestone mountains, deep valleys, and ethnic minority culture.
  • Travel by motorbike or private jeep along winding mountain roads, passing through Dong Van Karst Plateau, Ma Pi Leng Pass, and Meo Vac.
  • Stay in local homestays or small guesthouses for authentic experiences.
  • Explore local markets in Dong Van or Lung Phin to see traditional costumes and unique regional produce.
  • Ideal for photographers, adventure lovers, and those wanting Vietnam’s raw beauty.
  • Best visited October–April for clear skies and cooler weather.

Tips for Your Dream Vietnam Getaway

  • Travel light: Laundry is cheap and convenient.
  • Use a local SIM or eSIM for easy navigation and translation.
  • Embrace street food, but choose busy, clean vendors.
  • Dress modestly at temples and cultural sites.
  • Use domestic flights to save time between regions.

Why Plan Your Dream Trip with FTrip Vietnam

While independent travel is possible, planning your exotic Vietnam getaway with FTrip Vietnam ensures you transform your 2-week trip from good to unforgettable:

Truly Custom Itineraries:  Your itinerary is not a generic copy-paste plan. FTrip Vietnam designs a journey around your interests, pace, and comfort level, whether you want luxury beach escapes, immersive street food tours, or mountain trekking adventures. You decide how fast or slow you travel.

Access to Hidden Gems: Anyone can Google “Top 10 things to do,” but FTrip Vietnam unlocks authentic local experiences you won’t find on popular travel blogs:

  • Private pho tastings with local chefs.
  • Visits to artisan villages hidden in the countryside.
  • Secret photography spots in Ha Giang and Sapa.
  • Unique local market tours with guides who know vendors personally.

Seamless, Stress-Free Logistics: FTrip Vietnam arranges trusted drivers, private transfers, domestic flights, luxury train tickets, and vetted accommodations to match your budget and comfort level. No last-minute taxi or bus stress, just seamless connections from city to mountain to coast.

Trusted Local Guides:  Your guides aren’t just “guides” – they’re local hosts passionate about sharing Vietnam’s culture and stories with you, adding depth to each destination while respecting your personal space and travel style.

24/7 In-Country Support: If plans need to change due to weather or your preferences, FTrip’s local team is just a WhatsApp or call away to adjust your itinerary, reschedule tours, or help in any emergency, giving you peace of mind throughout your journey.

Flexible for All Travel Styles: Whether you are a solo traveler seeking adventure, a couple on a honeymoon, or a family needing seamless comfort, FTrip Vietnam tailors your trip to ensure everyone enjoys the journey.

Save Time, Gain Confidence: Planning Vietnam alone can take hours of piecing together unreliable information. FTrip Vietnam’s local expertise saves you weeks of research while ensuring your plans align with real-time local conditions, hidden gems, and insider experiences.

Contact FTrip Vietnam to start planning your exotic 2-week Vietnam journey with zero planning stress and complete confidence.

FAQs About 2-Week Vietnam Trips

Is 2 weeks enough to explore Vietnam fully?

Yes, two weeks allow you to experience North, Central, and South Vietnam at a comfortable pace, covering key highlights without feeling rushed.

How much should I budget for a 2-week Vietnam trip?

Typically, $1,200–$2,500 per person, depending on your accommodation style, activities, and level of comfort.

Is Vietnam suitable for luxury and exotic travel?

Absolutely. Vietnam offers affordable luxury experiences, from boutique hotels and private cruises to curated culinary tours.

Should I book a guide or travel independently?

Guides enhance cultural understanding, access hidden spots, and simplify logistics, especially for first-time visitors or deeper local immersion.

Final Thoughts

Vietnam offers everything you need for an exotic 2-week escape—vibrant cities, tranquil beaches, rich culture, and unforgettable cuisine.

This carefully crafted itinerary ensures you see the best of Vietnam without the overwhelm, allowing you to immerse yourself in the country’s beauty while traveling at your own pace.

Let FTrip Vietnam help design your seamless, enriching, and truly exotic Vietnam getaway.

Reviewed by
Diep Van

Founder & Photography Guide

Specialties: Culture, landscape, portrait, hiking, active and adventurous tour

Besides my unlimited passion for traveling, a professional tour guide for over a decade, I have been taking photographs since sitting at Hanoi of the University of Culture in the early 2000s. Photography started as a hobby but it was seriously taken due to my work relations and my significant passion for the beauty of our world, especially in Southeast Asian parts such as Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, and Myanmar.

Within a few years of taking photographs, my works began to be recognized by many reliable international publications such as AFAR Travel, The Times, and The Daily Telegraph newspaper. In addition, I continuously add to my growing profile by winning numerous major awards: 3rd Position of The Independent Photographer 2018, 1st Position of Amateur Photographer of the year 2018, Grand Prize Winner of the AFAR Travel Photography 2019, and a Gold Award of San Francisco Bay International Photography 2020.

I photograph a wide variety of subjects, from travel to landscapes to street scenes. I enjoy documenting the East’s rich cultural heritage and its land soaked in glorious sunrise or sunset light in remote and secluded spots. And, I am very happy to share my knowledge and experience with you. You can visit Luminousvietnamtour to explore tour!

Design Your Dream Exotic Getaway: The Only 2 Week Itinerary in Vietnam You Need