Vietnam is a kind of locations that makes me remorse not taking a niche yr 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 got, what are you able to see? On this put up I’m sharing our 2 week Vietnam itinerary together with 5 locations, the place we stayed and what we’d have carried out otherwise.
*This put up 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 go away allowance just isn’t fairly so beneficiant. So we might solely permit a fortnight for our Vietnam vacation. For those who’re in the same state of affairs don’t be postpone spending simply two weeks in Vietnam.
Would we’ve appreciated longer? After all. However two weeks was sufficient time for us to journey between Vietnam’s two largest cities, cruise Ha Lengthy Bay and slot in a seaside break on the finish.
Planning a 2 week Vietnam itinerary
Planning our Vietnam itinerary concerned a number of compromises. I needed to permit sufficient time in to benefit from the experiences we might squeeze right into a fortnight and likewise ensure we had time to chill out.
After we visited Egypt and Sri Lanka final yr, three nights in every place felt like the correct quantity of time for us.
I checked out just a few tour firm itineraries for Vietnam they usually moved a lot sooner than this. They instructed staying one or two nights in every place, which had the benefit of protecting 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*, Get Your Information* and Skyscanner.
I additionally purchased a replica of Lonely Planet’s Vietnam vacation spot information (the 2023 version) for inspiration, however was a bit upset. Plenty of the knowledge was generic and I noticed a number of errors.
For those who like having a information ebook to plan your travels I counsel making an attempt the Tough Information* or Eyewitness journey information* as an alternative.
And, after all, I learn blogs about issues to do in Vietnam with youngsters to assist me create a brief record of locations we needed to see.
Vaccinations
We all the time verify the Journey Well being Professional web site to seek out out the really helpful vaccinations for journey to nations new to us.
After 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 wanted 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 inner flights in all places anticipate to Ha Lengthy Bay, the place we acquired a mini bus switch from and again to Hanoi.
I’m positive we might have squeezed in a coach or a Vietnam sleeper prepare someplace however having not traveled this far East with the youngsters I went for the simple, and truly moderately low-cost, possibility of flying.
We used Vietnam Airways for all of our inner 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 complete days by street or rail.
All of our native journey for sightseeing was carried out 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 our motels they usually added the associated fee to our invoice.
The one exception was in Ho Chi Minh Metropolis the place the resort needed us to e-mail them our financial institution card particulars upfront together with the CVC quantity. This appeared a bit of dodgy. It most likely wasn’t however we determined to ebook the switch by a tour firm we’d utilized in Hanoi.
What to see in Vietnam in 2 weeks
Under is an outline of the two week Vietnam itinerary that I put collectively based mostly on how a lot time we had and the locations we actually needed 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 Outdated Quarter.
This can be a mixture of low degree colonial townhouses and slender streets with loads of shade from timber and store canopies making it simple 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 Get You Information* and opted for a non-public 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 huge hits with the youngsters.
They continued to order these and be extra adventurous with their meals selections all through our journey.
We additionally visited Hanoi’s Practice Avenue as a part of the meals tour. The remainder of our time was spent seeing Hanoi independently.
We wandered across the cafes and touristy outlets within the Outdated 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 Lodge & Spa* in Hanoi’s Outdated Quarter
Days 3 to five: Ha Lengthy Bay
We checked out of our resort 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 considered one of Vietnam’s vacationer scorching spots. A whole lot of vessels rotate across the 1969 jungle-draped limestone islands that appear to be the set of a Jurassic Park film.
We had been completely wowed by its pure magnificence. The hovering islands coated in tumbling greenery that plunges into turquoise water had been like nothing we’ve seen earlier than.
It was a beautiful 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 put up 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 resort was ready to switch us to Hoi An.
This historic sea port is unashamedly brash. It’s vibrant and bustling, and we liked it.
The Outdated City is a UNESCO World Heritage web site with tons of of historic 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 all the things from pho to fruit and dried fish and ice cream rolls.
By night time the city comes alive with brilliant lanterns, fairy lights and throngs of individuals looking the markets and using 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 trip and procuring within the night time market.
However we got here away understanding 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 appreciated to have seen within the area.
The place we stayed: Lantana Riverside Lodge* 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 an alternative of a go to to the Warfare Remnants Museum to introduce the youngsters to Vietnam’s twenty first Century historical past we hit the resort pool and ventured out within the night to the Bitexco Monetary Tower Skydeck when the rain stopped.
The subsequent morning we’d booked a full day tour to the Cu Chi Tunnels and Mykong Delta.
The struggle tunnels had been one thing each Mr Tin Field and I needed to do however I wasn’t positive 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 an extended day however a shock hit with the women. The notably liked the Horrible Histories-style info on the struggle tunnels – man traps and all. And the menagerie of unique animals bred within the Delta villages was fascinating to them.
The subsequent day we made it to the Warfare Remnants Museum and had a enjoyable dinner at Bến Nghé Avenue Meals Market.
We liked loads of issues about our time right here. However I’ll be sincere and say HCMC didn’t seize me like Hanoi did. It’s a contemporary metropolis with loads 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 Lodge* 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 simple 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 grow to be 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 outlets, eating places and nightly firework shows at Sundown City in addition to the Hon Thom Cable Automobile to the Aquatopia Water Park and different sights on Hon Thom Island.
Nevertheless we flew to Phu Quoc to chill out on the finish of a busy fortnight and selected to not go away 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 feel, fairly good worth for a stunning three bed room villa with a non-public pool and a powerful breakfast buffet thrown in. The one kicker was the worth of the opposite food and drinks which was a lot costlier than on the mainland
Learn our full evaluate 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. The truth is we might have stayed for as much as 45 days.
A bit of recommendation I did take note of in my Lonely Planet information ebook was to verify the arrival date stamp earlier than you allow immigration. If the stamp hasn’t been modified to that days date you could possibly be brief 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 an enormous spotlight for our hungry youngsters. They liked Ban Mi, Pho and spring rolls.
The meals was unimaginable in all places 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 moderately priced, besides in our Phu Quoc resort, which was extortionate compared.
The espresso was an enormous 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 mild and had 23kg of bags allowance every for our worldwide and inner flights. So if you’re intending to simply convey a backpack you’ll wish to adapt my ideas to your journey fashion.
Having mentioned that each our ladies travelled with a small suitcase and, usually, my mum bag was the place all of the extras just like the seaside bag, journey video games and first assist equipment ended up.
So with out supplying you with a blow by blow packing record, right here’s our suggestions for what to pack should you comply with the same itinerary as us:
What to pack for sightseeing
Lengthy or cropped trousers, t-shirts and shirts created from cotton with sturdy sandals or trainers are the best garments for exploring. Don’t neglect your hat and solar glasses too.
Shorts are acceptable however you gained’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 coated. 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 buddy should you determine to go for floaty clothes within the warmth!
Seashore and pool days
Swim fits or bikinis are high quality at public seashores and resort 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 complete household particularly if you’re doing a kayaking or snorkelling journey.
Pack flip flops for the seaside – the sand might be scorching – and water sneakers for boat journeys. We additionally threw in just a few 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 motels and our Ha Lengthy Bay cruise.
Additionally, don’t neglect 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 acquired to our pool days in Phu Quoc.
Different issues to pack for Vietnam
You should buy most stuff you would possibly neglect to pack. In my expertise, there’s all the time one thing that drops off the record!
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 they usually can carry different nasty ailments
Common journey adaptor* – Vietnam has Kind 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 a bit of bag of plasters, anti-septic cream, Sudocrem, a bug chew zapper, rehydration sachets, paracetamol, Immodium and Rennies.
Moist wipes and tissues – these are simple to return by in Vietnam however have a pack or two in your day bag for quick use. We didn’t come throughout a squat and drop rest room throughout our complete 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 resort 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 college 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. The truth is we noticed every kind 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 nevertheless it was nonetheless 27°C.
When the solar was shining there was excessive humidity and temperatures over 30°C. We averted being out in the course of the day until we had been within the shade.
The changeable climate didn’t put a dampener on our journey.
Nevertheless, should 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 yr.
Nevertheless anticipate 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 complete two week Vietnam vacation by trying out my Instagram account the place there are three Tales and loads of grid posts about our experiences.
Extra vacation itineraries for households
For those who loved this itinerary you may also prefer to learn these:
Disclosure: this put up accommodates affiliate hyperlinks marked with *. For those who click on on considered one of these and make a purchase order I’ll earn some fee. This doesn’t have an effect on the worth you pay.