Vietnam is a type of locations that makes me remorse not taking a spot 12 months after school. It’s a lot greater than a 2.4 household, two-week vacation vacation spot. But when two weeks is all that you’ve, what are you able to see? On this publish I’m sharing our 2 week Vietnam itinerary together with 5 locations, the place we stayed and what we’d have completed in a different way.
*This publish accommodates affiliate hyperlinks*
Is 2 weeks in Vietnam sufficient?
Whereas I work for myself and our children have and eight week summer time vacation, Mr Tin Field’s depart allowance just isn’t fairly so beneficiant. So we might solely enable a fortnight for our Vietnam vacation. Should you’re in an identical state of affairs don’t be postpone spending simply two weeks in Vietnam.
Would we have now favored longer? In fact. However two weeks was sufficient time for us to journey between Vietnam’s two largest cities, cruise Ha Lengthy Bay and slot in a seashore break on the finish.
Planning a 2 week Vietnam itinerary
Planning our Vietnam itinerary concerned numerous compromises. I wished to permit sufficient time in to benefit from the experiences we might squeeze right into a fortnight and likewise ensure we had time to loosen up.
Once we visited Egypt and Sri Lanka final 12 months, three nights in every place felt like the correct quantity of time for us.
I checked out a couple of tour firm itineraries for Vietnam and so they moved a lot quicker than this. They urged staying one or two nights in every place, which had the benefit of overlaying extra floor. However I knew the tempo would exhaust us.
How I deliberate our Vietnam vacation
So I made a decision to plan our vacation myself utilizing reserving.com* to search out lodging, Get Your Information* to seek for excursions and Skyscanner* to work out our worldwide and inside flights.
I additionally purchased a duplicate of Lonely Planet’s Vietnam vacation spot information (the 2023 version) for inspiration, however was a bit disillusioned. Quite a lot of the data was generic and I noticed a number of errors.
Should you like having a information guide to plan your travels I counsel making an attempt the Tough Information* or Eyewitness journey information* as a substitute.
And, after all, I learn blogs about issues to do in Vietnam with children to assist me create a brief listing of locations we wished to see.
Vaccinations
We all the time verify the Journey Well being Professional web site to search out out the really helpful vaccinations for journey to nations new to us.
Once we had been again within the UK in July I booked us into the journey clinic at Boots the place we had been suggested on what we would have liked for the areas we had been travelling to. Do you know you will get Boots Membership Card Factors on vaccinations?
Getting round Vietnam in two weeks
To save lots of time we booked inside flights all over the place count on to Ha Lengthy Bay, the place we bought a mini bus switch from and again to Hanoi.
I’m certain we might have squeezed in a coach or a Vietnam sleeper practice someplace however having not traveled this far East with the youngsters I went for the straightforward, and really fairly low cost, possibility of flying.
We used Vietnam Airways for all of our inside flights. They had been low cost, dependable and the onboard service was good. All of our flights had been lower than and hour and a half however would have taken us entire days by street or rail.
All of our native journey for sightseeing was completed with Seize taxis. Mr Tin Field set this up utilizing our Revolut card for fee and it was tremendous easy to make use of.
We organized most airport transfers by means of our lodges and so they added the price to our invoice.
The one exception was in Ho Chi Minh Metropolis the place the lodge wished us to e mail them our financial institution card particulars upfront together with the CVC quantity. This appeared just a little dodgy. It in all probability wasn’t however we determined to guide the switch by means of a tour firm we’d utilized in Hanoi.
What to see in Vietnam in 2 weeks
Under is an summary of the two week Vietnam itinerary that I put collectively primarily based on how a lot time we had and the locations we actually wished to see.
If you wish to discover out extra about every place I’ve included hyperlinks to my extra detailed guides.
Days 1 to three: Hanoi
We started our journey from north to south Vietnam within the capital, Hanoi, basing ourselves within the Previous Quarter.
It is a mixture of low degree colonial townhouses and slender streets with loads of shade from bushes and store canopies making it straightforward to discover even within the warmth of the day.
As Vietnam newbies we determined to throw ourselves straight into the road meals scene with a tour. We booked this by means of Get You Information* and opted for a personal tour as we knew this is able to be simpler with the youngsters.
It was costly however paid off. Our information gave us a great deal of details about Hanoi and took us to locations of eat we’d by no means have discovered on our personal. Pho and Bánh mì had been massive hits with the youngsters.
They continued to order these and be extra adventurous with their meals decisions all through our journey.
We additionally visited Hanoi’s Practice Road as a part of the meals tour. The remainder of our time was spent seeing Hanoi independently.
We wandered across the cafes and touristy retailers within the Previous Quarter, visited Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum and the Presidential Palace, and walked throughout Hoàn Kiếm Lake to see the weird turtle relics at Ngoc Son Temple.
Learn extra about our two days in Hanoi.
The place we stayed: Acoustic Resort & Spa* in Hanoi’s Previous Quarter
Days 3 to five: Ha Lengthy Bay
We checked out of our lodge early on day three and had been picked up by a mini bus which took us to Ha Lengthy Bay to hitch a two day cruise.
Ha Lengthy Bay is one among Vietnam’s vacationer sizzling spots. Lots of of vessels rotate across the 1969 jungle-draped limestone islands that appear like the set of a Jurassic Park film.
We had been completely wowed by its pure magnificence. The hovering islands lined in tumbling greenery that plunges into turquoise water had been like nothing we’ve seen earlier than.
It was an exquisite expertise to kayak across the coves, go to Cat Ba Island and expertise the superb hospitality onboard our cruise ship.
Cruising Halong Bay or neighbouring Lan Ha Bay are a should on any Vietnam itinerary. And the excellent news is you don’t have to stint on the nights even on a two week vacation in Vietnam.
We booked a two night time/three day cruise and thought this was the right period of time.
I’ve defined why and shared extra about what we did on our cruise in addition to addressing the elephant within the bay, aka the garbage, in my publish all about cruising Ha Lengthy Bay.
Our cruise ship: Mon Cheri 2*
Days 5 to eight: Hoi An
From Ha Lengthy Bay we transferred to Noi Bai Worldwide Airport in Hanoi and flew to Da Nang. A taxi booked by our subsequent lodge was ready to switch us to Hoi An.
This historic sea port is unashamedly brash. It’s vibrant and bustling, and we beloved it.
The Previous City is a UNESCO World Heritage website with a whole lot of historical buildings whose structure was impressed by colonials from China, Japan, Portugal and France. There’s tailors for all budgets, chilled out cafes, and meals stalls promoting every little thing from pho to fruit and dried fish and ice cream rolls.
By night time the city comes alive with vivid lanterns, fairy lights and throngs of individuals shopping the markets and driving illuminated boats alongside the river.
We packed lots into our two days in Hoi An: a go to to the Lantern Woman, and afternoon at An Bang Seashore, a loopy bucket boat expertise, a extra ethereal lantern boat journey and buying within the night time market.
However we got here away realizing there was a lot extra to see.
I’ve written all about our three nights in Hoi An and the place else we’d have favored to have seen within the area.
The place we stayed: Lantana Riverside Resort* in Hoi An.
Days 8 to 11: Ho Chi Minh Metropolis
We timed our flight from Da Nang to Ho Chi Minh Metropolis good so we had a little bit of time within the afternoon to discover. Nevertheless, not for the primary time throughout out journey, the climate had completely different concepts and handled us to a thunder storm.
As a substitute of a go to to the Warfare Remnants Museum to introduce the youngsters to Vietnam’s twenty first Century historical past we hit the lodge pool and ventured out within the night to the Bitexco Monetary Tower Skydeck when the rain stopped.
The following morning we’d booked a full day tour to the Cu Chi Tunnels and Mykong Delta.
The battle tunnels had been one thing each Mr Tin Field and I wished to do however I wasn’t certain how family-friendly they might be. So the afternoon on the Mekong Delta with boat rides, biking and a yummy lunch was the sweetener for the youngsters.
The tour was a protracted day however a shock hit with the ladies. The notably beloved the Horrible Histories-style data on the battle tunnels – man traps and all. And the menagerie of unique animals bred within the Delta villages was fascinating to them.
The following day we made it to the Warfare Remnants Museum and had a enjoyable dinner at Bến Nghé Road Meals Market.
We beloved a number of issues about our time right here. However I’ll be trustworthy and say HCMC didn’t seize me like Hanoi did. It’s a contemporary metropolis with a number of western influences. Historical past has an enormous half to play in that and we had the chance to discover a few of this throughout our keep.
Learn extra about our keep in Ho Chi Minh Metropolis.
The place we stayed: Orchids Saigon Resort* in District 3.
Days 11 to 14: Phu Quoc
Phu Quoc is Vietnam’s largest Island and a brief 45 minute flight from Tan Son Nhat Worldwide Airport. This makes it a straightforward add on to a keep in Ho Chi Minh Metropolis.
Fishing was the island’s fundamental business. Backpackers had been drawn right here by the laid again vibes and pristine seashores. In recent times Phu Quoc has change into much more industrial with costs to match.
We stayed on Khem Seashore within the south of the island the place there’s a free shuttle bus to take you to the retailers, eating places and nightly firework shows at Sundown City in addition to the Hon Thom Cable Automotive to the Aquatopia Water Park and different sights on Hon Thom Island.
Nevertheless we flew to Phu Quoc to loosen up on the finish of a busy fortnight and selected to not depart our 5 star resort.
For 2 full days we whizzed down slides on the waterpark, dipped our toes within the turquoise sea and pranced round on inflatable unicorns.
The lodging and services had been glorious and, I believe, fairly good worth for a stunning three bed room villa with a personal pool and a formidable breakfast buffet thrown in. The one kicker was the worth of the opposite food and drinks which was a lot dearer than on the mainland
Learn our full overview of our family-friendly Phu Quoc Resort.
The place we stayed: New World Phu Quoc Resort*.
Do you want a visa for 2 weeks in Vietnam?
We’re UK passport holders and after we visited in July to August 2024 we didn’t require a visa for our two weeks in Vietnam. In reality we might have stayed for as much as 45 days.
A bit of recommendation I did take note of in my Lonely Planet information guide was to verify the arrival date stamp earlier than you allow immigration. If the stamp hasn’t been modified to that days date you may be quick modified.
That is good recommendation wherever you’re holidaying notably if there’s a free however time restricted visa.
In case you are from the UK verify the newest visa necessities on the gov.uk web site.
Different nationalities ought to verify their authorities’s official web sites for journey recommendation.
What to eat
The meals in Vietnam was a giant spotlight for our hungry children. They beloved Ban Mi, Pho and spring rolls.
The meals was unimaginable all over the place we went, from small cafes in Hanoi to road meals markets in Ho Chi Minh Metropolis to posh nosh spots in Hoi An. And it was so fairly priced, besides in our Phu Quoc resort, which was extortionate as compared.
The espresso was a giant shock too. Who knew Vietnam was a caffeine lover’s paradise?! Salt espresso and egg espresso with candy and frothy condensed milk are to die for.
In case you are visiting Vietnam for the primary time I’d advocate together with a road meals tour* in your itinerary. Ours actually opened our eyes to what was on the menu right here and made us extra adventurous.
What to pack for Vietnam
We don’t pack gentle and had 23kg of baggage allowance every for our worldwide and inside flights. So if you’re intending to only carry a backpack you’ll wish to adapt my options to your journey fashion.
Having mentioned that each our women travelled with a small suitcase and, sometimes, my mum bag was the place all of the extras just like the seashore bag, journey video games and first assist equipment ended up.
So with out providing you with a blow by blow packing listing, right here’s our suggestions for what to pack in case you comply with an identical itinerary as us:
What to pack for sightseeing
Lengthy or cropped trousers, t-shirts and shirts constructed from cotton with strong sandals or trainers are the best garments for exploring. Don’t overlook your hat and solar glasses too.
Shorts are acceptable however you received’t see many Vietnamese sporting them as they like to not tan.
In case you are visiting a temple then your shoulders and knees have to be lined. That is additionally anticipated when visiting locations of nationwide significance like Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum in Hanoi.
Women: chub rub fashion shorts are your pal in case you determine to go for floaty clothes within the warmth!
Seashore and pool days
Swim fits or bikinis are advantageous at public seashores and lodge swimming pools. However topless sunbathing can be a step to far.
I’d commend bringing lengthy sleeve, UV protecting swim fits or rash vests to your entire household particularly if you’re doing a kayaking or snorkelling journey.
Pack flip flops for the seashore – the sand will likely be sizzling – and water sneakers for boat journeys. We additionally threw in a couple of light-weight towels which got here in helpful after we visited An Bang Seashore in Hoi An. Towels had been offered in any respect our lodges and our Ha Lengthy Bay cruise.
Additionally, don’t overlook swim goggles for the youngsters. We ended up shopping for some in Ho Chi Minh Metropolis as a result of we’d solely packed one pair. We knew there would have been arguments after we bought to our pool days in Phu Quoc.
Different issues to pack for Vietnam
You should purchase most belongings you may overlook to pack. In my expertise, there’s all the time one thing that drops off the listing!
Nevertheless there are some particular issues I’d advise bringing to your two weeks in Vietnam:
Issue 50 solar cream – it doesn’t take lengthy to get burnt in the summertime solar in Vietnam
Insect repellant* – all the locations we visited had been malaria free so there was no want for anti-malarials however there are nonetheless mosquitos about and so they can carry different nasty ailments
Common journey adaptor* – Vietnam has Sort A, C and F plug sockets so that you want an adaptor that can work for one or all of those
First assist equipment – we all the time journey with just a little bag of plasters, anti-septic cream, Sudocrem, a bug chew zapper, rehydration sachets, paracetamol, Immodium and Rennies.
Moist wipes and tissues – these are straightforward to come back by in Vietnam however have a pack or two in your day bag for fast use. We didn’t come throughout a squat and drop bathroom throughout our entire two weeks however they’re there.
Issues we packed however didn’t use
I hate writing it however we didn’t use our reusable water bottles. It’s greatest to not drink the faucet water in Vietnam and all our lodge lodging offered plastic bottles of water within the rooms.
Our cruise was the one lodging that had refillable glass bottles within the cabin.
When to go to Vietnam
We had been tied to the varsity holidays for our journey and the summer time was the one time we might get two full weeks off altogether.
July and August are the monsoon season for a lot of Vietnam and we did get rain in every place we stayed. In reality we noticed all types of climate from excessive humidity in Hanoi, Hoi An and Ho Chi Minh Metropolis to torrential downpours in Ha Lengthy Bay and Phu Quoc.
The moist days had been nonetheless heat. We sat beside the pool in Phu Quoc in heaving rain however it was nonetheless 27°C.
When the solar was shining there was excessive humidity and temperatures over 30°C. We prevented being out in the midst of the day except we had been within the shade.
The changeable climate didn’t put a dampener on our journey.
Nevertheless, in case you can solely vacation for 2 weeks in Vietnam and wish to keep away from the sticky, moist season then visiting throughout the Easter holidays is the higher time of 12 months.
Nevertheless count on the climate to alter by area. Within the spring you’ll discover cooler temperatures within the north and hotter temperatures within the south.
Extra from our 2 week Vietnam itinerary
You may see extra from our entire two week Vietnam vacation by testing my Instagram account the place there are three Tales and loads of grid posts about our experiences.
Extra vacation itineraries for households
Should you loved this itinerary you may additionally prefer to learn these:
Disclosure: this publish accommodates affiliate hyperlinks marked with *. Should you click on on one among these and make a purchase order I’ll earn some fee. This doesn’t have an effect on the worth you pay.