If you're dreaming of a trip to Vietnam, this guide is your ultimate bible! It'll give you all the top-tips to fully immerse yourself in the experience, from ticking off all the must-visit destinations to indulging in the mouth-watering cuisine and refreshing drinks the country has to offer. Get ready for an unforgettable adventure!
Our trip to Vietnam in December 2022 was probably one of my favourite trips to date! With two weeks to explore from North to South, our itinerary was jam-packed, and we got to see so many incredible places. But even with all that, I feel we could have easily stayed for another two weeks – there’s just so much to see and do in this amazing country! Whether you’re planning a quick 10-day jaunt or a full month-long adventure, you won’t run out of things to experience in Vietnam!
This blog is your one-stop-shop for all things Vietnam! To kick things off, I'm gonna give you our full itinerary and highlight all the must-see spots we saw during our trip. But don't worry, there's more where that came from! Keep an eye out for my future blogs where I'll be diving deep into all the locations in more detail, sharing the best ways to travel around Vietnam, no matter the weather, duration, or budget. And get ready for some serious foodie inspo, because let's be real, the food and drink was the absolute highlight of our trip to this amazing country.
2 weeks in Vietnam - our itinerary!
Day 1 - Day 4: Hanoi
Day 4 & 5: Ha Long Bay
Day 6: Hue to Hoi An
Day 7 - Day 8: Hoi An
Day 8 - Day 10: Danang
Day 11 - Day 13: Ho Chi Minh
Day 14: Flight to Singapore! Check out my Singapore blog to find out more about our 48-hour city-break!
Hanoi:
Train Street South: The quieter and more secret part of train street - a must visit to experience a more peaceful drink away from other tourists. This is also where we found there to be better photo opportunities as you are less restricted on where to go!
Train Street North (Hoan Kiem): This street is also worth a visit for the famous pictures and good coffee shops. It is currently closed to pedestrians but shop owners will bring you to their cafe's and restaurants if you do want to stop! We found a great bar where we sat on the first floor to give us an even better view! You can catch the train at 3.45 pm and 7.20 pm or 7.45 pm.
ETA Restaurant: A place we stumbled across whilst exploring. We experienced our own food, which is a fun and unique way to sample local cuisine. There are also many other great places to eat nearby that are always busy and popular.
Lighthouse Sky Bar: Enjoy stunning views of the city while sipping on a drink at this rooftop bar. A bit more of a civilised way to start your evening - we headed there for sunset and the service was amazing!
Imperial Citadel of Thang Long: This UNESCO World Heritage site is a must-visit for those interested in exploring the cultural heritage of Vietnam.
Hanoi Food Culture: This is a great restaurant that offers a unique dining experience with traditional Vietnamese cuisine but on a higher end scale. Ask to sit upstairs for better ambience and vibe and be prepared to spend a little more as it is a bit pricier than the street places, but it's very worth it.
Tran Quoc Pagoda: This temple is a peaceful and serene place to visit and offers a break from the bustling city.
Balcony Cafe/Pub: Enjoy a drink and watch everyone wandering round at this cozy spot in Hanoi.
The Note Coffee: A great place for coffee and people watching, this cafe is a must-visit for coffee lovers.
And of course, you can't visit Hanoi without visiting Beer Street! A packed street which comes alive at night. With delicious and very cheap beer and hours of people-watching, this is a must-stop place in the evening!
Ha Long Bay
We chose to go on Heritage Cruise: We felt it was one of the best boats available, offering a comfortable and luxurious experience. It is worth investing a bit extra for this experience, as some other boats can be disappointing.
Places to see whilst in Ha Long bay include: The Floating Villages, The Islands and Rock Formations and The Cave Systems.
One night is enough: While you could spend more time on Ha Long Bay, one night is enough to get a good feel for the place. It's a great escape from the hustle and bustle of Hanoi and is a perfect way to relax and recharge.
Check out my Ha Long Bay page to find out more about what we did on the boat, what our experience was like & also where to book!
Hoi An
Hoi An was probably our favourite place in Vietnam and I have so many things to share with you about this place, so check out my Hoi An blog post to get more information! But check out this list as a starter for ten:
Vy Market: This is a bustling market located in the heart of Hoi An, where you can find a range of different restaurants serving up delicious local cuisine. With its diverse offerings, you're sure to find something that suits your taste buds.
Home Taste Coffee: If you're a coffee lover, you'll want to stop by Home Taste for a delicious iced coconut coffee. This cozy little cafe is known for its delicious drinks and is a great place to relax and take a break from exploring the town.
Banh Mi Phuong: This is one of the most popular street food stalls in Hoi An and is famous for its delicious banh mi sandwiches. It's always busy, so be prepared to wait in line, but it's definitely worth it!
Rent Bikes: Renting a bike is a great way to explore Hoi An and its surroundings. You can rent them for the day for a very reasonable price and it's easy to find a place to park them when you're done.
Morning Glory: This restaurant serves up traditional Vietnamese cuisine and is highly recommended by locals. Don't miss out on trying the duck leg curry and duck leg and crispy noodles!
Hoi An Cooking School Ba Tran: If you're interested in learning how to cook traditional Vietnamese dishes, then this cooking school is a must-visit. You'll visit the market to buy ingredients, take a basket boat trip, and then participate in a cooking class. Book your experience through Get My Guide and expect to pay 30 euro each.
Rubin Tailors: If you're in the market for some custom-made clothing, then Rubin Tailors is the place to go. They are known for their high-quality tailoring and are a popular destination for travelers.
Da Nang
Our experience in Da Nang was slightly different as we were here for our wedding anniversary and Christmas! Therefore we checked into the beautiful Hyatt Regency and relaxed for a few days. However, on our day trip of the Hai Van Pass we stopped in Da Nang and got to see some of the sights:
Marble Mountains: This is a group of five marble and limestone hills that offer incredible views of the city and coast. You can explore the caves, temples and pagodas scattered throughout the mountains.
Dragon Bridge: The Dragon Bridge is a unique bridge in Da Nang that is shaped like a dragon and is lit up at night. Walk or drive across the bridge for amazing views of the city.
Linh Ung Pagoda: The Linh Ung Pagoda is a beautiful temple located on the Son Tra Peninsula and offers stunning views of the coast. Explore the temple grounds and learn about Buddhism in Vietnam.
Ho Chi Minh
Visit the War Remnants Museum: This museum provides an insightful look into the Vietnam War and its impact on the country.
The Ben Thanh Market was great. It's a busy place but perfect to experience local life, sample street food and purchase souvenirs for loved ones back at home!
We did a day trip from HCM to take a tour of the Cu Chi Tunnels. The tunnels were used by Viet Cong soldiers during the Vietnam War and are a fascinating historical site, although maybe don't try the tunnels out yourself if you are claustrophobic!
The Independence Palace or the Reunification Palace is an iconic building that was the former presidential home and workplace. It's a great museum to learn all about the Vietnam War and the architecture is pretty cool too!
We didn't get to visit the Saigon Opera House but have heard that it is a beautifully restored building and a popular tourist attraction!
Explore the Pham Ngu Lao Street: This street is known as the backpacker district and is full of bars, cafes, and street food vendors.
As you can see, Vietnam is a truly unique and unforgettable destination that offers a perfect blend of culture, history, natural beauty and delicious cuisine! Whether you're an adventure-seeker, foodie, or just looking to relax, this country has something for everyone. The two-week itinerary outlined in this blog provides a great starting point for your trip, but there is so much more to explore. Keep an eye out for future blogs, as we delve deeper into the various regions and cities in Vietnam, including their hidden gems, local experiences, and much more!
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Daisy x
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