Vietnam is a country of rich history, stunning landscapes, and delicious cuisine. With 14 days, you can explore bustling cities, ancient towns, beautiful beaches, and scenic mountains.

This Vietnam itinerary is designed for first-time travelers, covering Northern, Central, and Southern Vietnam with options for budget and luxury travel.

Days 1-3: Explore Hanoi & Ha Long Bay

Day 1: Arrive in Hanoi – Vietnam’s Capital

Why Visit Hanoi?

Hanoi is a city full of history, culture, and amazing street food.

✔ Walk around Hoan Kiem Lake & Ngoc Son Temple.

✔ Explore Hanoi Old Quarter and its hidden alleys and coffee shops.

✔ Visit Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum & Temple of Literature.

✔ Enjoy Pho (Vietnamese noodle soup) and Egg Coffee at a traditional café.

Budget Stay: Little Charm Hanoi Hostel ($10/night).

Luxury Stay: Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi ($200/night).

Day 2-3: Ha Long Bay – A UNESCO Wonder

Why Visit Ha Long Bay?

Ha Long Bay is a UNESCO-listed natural wonder with stunning limestone karsts and emerald waters.

✔ Take a luxury or budget cruise for 1 or 2 nights.

✔ Explore Sung Sot Cave, Ti Top Island, and go kayaking.

✔ Enjoy a seafood dinner and sunset on the cruise deck.

Budget Stay: Swan Cruises ($130/person).

Luxury Stay: Paradise Elegance Cruise ($300/person).

Days 4-6: Sapa – Trekking in the Northern Highlands

Why Visit Sapa?

Sapa is a mountain paradise, home to ethnic minority villages and stunning rice terraces.

✔ Take an overnight train or bus Hanoi to Sapa.

✔ Trek through Lao Chai and Ta Van Villages.

✔ Visit the Fansipan Mountain by cable car.

✔ Experience a homestay with a local H’Mong family.

Budget Stay: Sapa Eco Home ($20/night).

Luxury Stay: Hotel de la Coupole ($150/night).

Days 7-8: Hue – Discover Vietnam’s Imperial City

Why Visit Hue?

Hue is Vietnam’s former imperial capital, full of historic sites and royal tombs.

✔ Explore the Imperial City and Forbidden Purple Palace.

✔ Visit Thien Mu Pagoda & Tomb of Khai Dinh.

✔ Take a boat cruise on the Perfume River.

Budget Stay: Hue Serene Palace Hotel ($25/night).

Luxury Stay: Azerai La Residence Hue ($200/night).

Days 9-10: Hoi An & Da Nang – A Perfect Blend of Culture & Beaches

Day 9: Explore Hoi An Ancient Town

Why Visit Hoi An?

Hoi An is Vietnam’s most charming town, famous for its lantern-lit streets and tailor shops.

✔ Visit Japanese Covered Bridge & Tan Ky Old House.

✔ Try Cao Lau noodles & Banh Mi Phuong.

✔ Take a boat ride on the Thu Bon River.

Budget Stay: Tribee Bana Hostel ($15/night).

Luxury Stay: Anantara Hoi An Resort ($250/night).

Day 10: Relax in Da Nang

Why Visit Da Nang?

Da Nang has beautiful beaches and modern attractions.

✔ Relax at My Khe Beach.

✔ Visit the Golden Bridge at Ba Na Hills.

✔ Explore Marble Mountains & Linh Ung Pagoda.

Budget Stay: Funtastic Beach Hostel ($20/night).

Luxury Stay: InterContinental Da Nang ($350/night).

Days 11-12: Ho Chi Minh City – The Bustling Metropolis

Why Visit Ho Chi Minh City?

This city is Vietnam’s economic hub, blending modern skyscrapers with colonial history.

✔ Visit the War Remnants Museum & Notre-Dame Cathedral.

✔ Try Banh Xeo & Com Tam at famous street food spots.

✔ Experience the nightlife at Chill Skybar.

Budget Stay: The Like Hostel & Café ($12/night).

Luxury Stay: The Reverie Saigon ($300/night).

Days 13-14: Mekong Delta & Phu Quoc Island

Day 13: Mekong Delta – A Floating Market Experience

Why Visit the Mekong Delta?

The Mekong Delta is Vietnam’s agricultural heartland, famous for floating markets and river life.

✔ Visit Cai Rang Floating Market.

✔ Take a boat ride through coconut groves.

Tour Cost: ~$50/person.

Day 14: Phu Quoc Island – A Tropical Paradise

Why Visit Phu Quoc?

Phu Quoc is Vietnam’s most beautiful island, featuring white-sand beaches and crystal-clear water.

✔ Relax at Sao Beach & Long Beach.

✔ Snorkel at Fingernail Island.

✔ Visit a pepper farm & fish sauce factory.

Budget Stay: Lahana Resort ($50/night).

Luxury Stay: JW Marriott Phu Quoc ($400/night).

Final Thoughts

This 14-day Vietnam itinerary is perfect for first-time travelers, covering the best of Northern, Central, and Southern Vietnam. Whether you’re a budget traveler or seeking luxury, Vietnam offers unforgettable experiences.

Start planning your Vietnam adventure today!