Table of Contents
A structured 14-day itinerary covering Vietnam's northern, central, and southern regions. Includes travel logistics, transportation options, and visa entry requirements.
Overview of the 14-Day Itinerary
Vietnam offers diverse landscapes, historical sites, and regional cultures across its northern, central, and southern regions. A 14-day itinerary provides sufficient time to explore major destinations in all three areas. As of 2026, the Vietnam eVisa allows up to 90 days of stay for all nationalities, with 83 designated ports of entry, facilitating flexible travel arrangements.
Booking open-jaw flights—arriving in Hanoi (HAN) and departing from Ho Chi Minh City (SGN)—optimizes travel time by eliminating the need to return to the initial point of entry.
Days 1-2: Hanoi – The Capital Region
Begin the itinerary in Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam. The first day focuses on the historic Old Quarter, Hoan Kiem Lake, and Ngoc Son Temple. On the second day, recommended historical sites include the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, the Temple of Literature, and the Hoa Lo Prison Museum. Local culinary specialties include Pho and Bun Cha.
- Notable sites: Old Quarter, Temple of Literature, Hoan Kiem Lake
- Port of Entry: Noi Bai International Airport (HAN)
Days 3-4: Ha Long Bay – Coastal Karsts
A 2.5-hour transit from Hanoi leads to Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its limestone karsts. Overnight cruises offer structured activities including cave exploration and kayaking. Travelers typically return to Hanoi on the afternoon of Day 4 or proceed directly to Ninh Binh.
Day 5: Ninh Binh – Inland Karst Formations
Ninh Binh features limestone mountains situated among agricultural plains. Primary activities include sampan boat tours in Trang An or Tam Coc and visiting the Hang Mua (Mua Cave) viewpoint, which overlooks the Ngo Dong River. Evening transportation options to Da Nang include sleeper trains or domestic flights from Hanoi.
Days 6-9: Da Nang and Hoi An – Central Coast
Upon arrival in Da Nang, transfer to Hoi An, located approximately 45 minutes south. Days 6 and 7 allow for exploration of the ancient town, noted for its historical architecture and regional dishes such as Cao Lau. Day 8 offers optional excursions to the My Son Sanctuary or nearby coastal areas like An Bang Beach. Day 9 focuses on Da Nang's Ba Na Hills and the Golden Bridge before taking a domestic flight to Ho Chi Minh City.
Days 10-12: Ho Chi Minh City – Southern Commerce Hub
Ho Chi Minh City serves as Vietnam's primary economic center. Day 10 covers central landmarks, including the War Remnants Museum, Notre Dame Cathedral, Central Post Office, and Ben Thanh Market. Day 11 features a half-day excursion to the Cu Chi Tunnels. Day 12 is designated for exploring specific districts, such as District 5 (Cho Lon/Chinatown).
Days 13-14: Mekong Delta – River Systems
The final segment involves the Mekong Delta. Day 13 consists of river navigation, visiting agricultural areas, and observing local production methods. After an overnight stay in Can Tho, Day 14 starts early at the Cai Rang Floating Market, the largest regional market of its kind. Return to Ho Chi Minh City for departure. For travelers planning to visit neighboring countries and return, a multiple-entry eVisa (costing $50 USD) must be secured prior to arrival.
Domestic Transportation Options
Domestic flights provide the most efficient transit between the three main regions. Airlines such as Vietnam Airlines, VietJet Air, and Bamboo Airways operate daily routes connecting Hanoi, Da Nang, and Ho Chi Minh City. Ground transport options include the north-south railway system and sleeper buses for shorter regional connections. Within urban areas, ride-hailing applications are widely used.
| Transport Mode | Best For | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Domestic Flight | Inter-regional (e.g., Hanoi to Da Nang) | $30 - $80 |
| Train | Overnight transit, scenic coastal routes | $20 - $50 |
| Sleeper Bus | Inter-provincial travel | $10 - $20 |
| Ride-hailing Apps | Urban transit | $1 - $5 per ride |
Visa and Entry Planning
Before finalizing your itinerary, ensure your travel documentation is in order. The single-entry eVisa costs $25 USD, while the multiple-entry eVisa costs $50 USD. Applications should be submitted via the official National Web Portal on Immigration or through verified services like Entry Vietnam.