Vietnam 2-Week Route: North to South Guide

Vietnam is one of the most rewarding and accessible destinations in Southeast Asia. Stretched across 1,600 kilometers, it moves from mountain-ringed northern cities through ancient coastal towns to sprawling southern megacities and river delta landscapes. Two weeks is the minimum to experience that range properly, and they are two weeks extremely well spent.

The classic route runs north to south: Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City. You can do it in reverse. Flights are sometimes cheaper depending on the season if you land in Ho Chi Minh City and fly home from Hanoi. This guide follows the more common direction, top to bottom.

What does the route actually look like?

Hanoi (2 nights): The capital is loud, chaotic, and fascinating. The Old Quarter around Hoan Kiem Lake is the center of everything. Street food breakfast, Temple of Literature, the 36 guild streets each historically dedicated to a single trade. Hanoi does not need more than two days. It is the right place to start adjusting to the country.

Halong Bay (2 nights): A two-night cruise through 1,600 limestone karst islands is one of the most spectacular things Vietnam offers. Book a mid-range wooden junk. The cheapest boats are overcrowded. The most expensive add little beyond cost. The 80 to 130 euro per night range hits the balance well.

Hoi An (3 nights): The most beautiful town in Vietnam. The Ancient Town is a UNESCO World Heritage site and best explored early in the morning before day-trippers arrive from Da Nang. Hoi An also has the best tailor scene in Southeast Asia. Custom-made clothing delivered in 24 to 48 hours. Budget extra luggage space accordingly.

Hue (1 night): The former imperial capital sits roughly halfway along the route. The Imperial Citadel and the Royal Tombs, particularly Tu Duc’s mausoleum, are genuinely impressive. Hue is also considered Vietnam’s most serious food city. One evening is enough if you have spent three nights in Hoi An.

Ho Chi Minh City (2 nights): The former Saigon, now Vietnam’s economic engine. The War Remnants Museum and Reunification Palace are essential. So is the rooftop bar scene in District 1. The city operates at a different speed from everywhere else in Vietnam.

Mekong Delta (1 to 2 nights): A day trip from Ho Chi Minh City is not enough. Book a guided tour with a homestay in Can Tho. Floating markets at sunrise, rice paddies, life built around water channels. This is Vietnam that no city guide covers adequately.

How do you get between cities?

This is the question that occupies most two-week itineraries. The answer depends on budget and how much time you are willing to spend in transit.

Domestic flights are the fastest option. Vietnam Airlines, Vietjet, and Bamboo Airways cover all major routes. Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City costs 30 to 80 euros booked in advance. For long-haul legs, flying is the right call.

Sleeper buses are the cheapest option and sometimes surprisingly comfortable. The buses have reclining flat-ish pods stacked in two rows. Hue to Hoi An costs around 8 to 12 euros and takes four hours. Good for shorter legs in the central section of the route.

The Reunification Express, Vietnam’s main rail line, connects Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City in 30 to 35 hours. For specific segments, the stretch from Da Nang to Hue offers what many consider one of the most scenic train rides in Asia, running along the coast through the Hai Van Pass.

When should you visit, and what does it cost?

The best time depends on which part of Vietnam you prioritize. The north (Hanoi, Halong Bay) is best from October to April. Central Vietnam (Hue, Hoi An) has good weather from February to August. The south (Ho Chi Minh City, Mekong) is dry from December to April.

A realistic daily budget for 14 days runs 50 to 90 euros per person, including accommodation, food, transport, and activities. The Halong Bay cruise is the biggest single expense. Travelers on a tight budget can manage on 40 euros per day. Those who want to eat and sleep well should plan for 80 to 100 euros.

The visa is straightforward for most European passport holders: an e-visa through the official Vietnam National Administration of Tourism portal. A 90-day single-entry visa costs around 25 US dollars. Apply at least five working days before departure.

For accommodation ideas across the route, our boutique hotels guide covers smaller properties worth seeking out. If you want to extend your trip into the wider region, the Costa Rica road trip route guide is a useful comparison for planning another immersive long-haul itinerary. And for booking your flights at the best price, check our cheap flights tips.

Save your picks in your Zercy Logbook so you have everything ready when booking.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should you apply for the Vietnam visa?

Apply for the e-visa at least three to five working days before departure. During peak season, processing can take longer. One week of lead time is the safe standard.

What are the essential dishes to eat in Vietnam?

Pho in Hanoi, Bun Bo Hue in Hue, Cao Lau and White Rose dumplings in Hoi An, Hu Tieu in Ho Chi Minh City. Street food is consistently fresher and more interesting than most restaurant menus.

What health precautions are recommended for Vietnam?

Hepatitis A and typhoid vaccinations are recommended. Do not drink tap water. Ice at street food stalls is generally made from filtered water and considered safe. Travel insurance with emergency evacuation is non-negotiable for a two-week trip.

What is the best way to manage money in Vietnam?

Many smaller businesses, street food vendors, and transport providers only accept cash. Withdraw Vietnamese Dong regularly from ATMs rather than street money changers. Vietcombank and BIDV ATMs offer fair exchange rates and are widely available in cities and tourist areas.

Read more:

Vietnam 2-Week Route: The Classic North to South Journey