Hike up the tallest mountain in Vietnam, kayak through the scenic Halong Bay, and explore an elusive “theme park” in the mountains.

Vietnam has a special place in my heart. Compared to familiar favourites like Thailand and Malaysia, Vietnam is just so vastly different. The language barrier, lack of English signs and hordes of motorbikes everywhere might all seem daunting at first, but that just paves the way for great adventures away from the normal tourist schtick. 

Hiking Towards the Top of Fansipan Mountain - Vietnam Itinerary

If you ask me, Vietnam should be on everyone’s bucket list. For only a few hours on a plane, you’ll experience plenty of natural beauties that are rarely explored, colourful and quaint cities steeped in history and culture, and unique attractions like a fantasy park in a cave (no kidding!). Not to mention, flights are cheap, especially during off-peak or promo periods! Mmm.

River Ride on Tam Coc River - Vietnam Itinerary

For those who absolutely go all out when travelling? This Vietnam itinerary is for you. With all the hiking, kayaking, caving, cycling, and exploring across six cities, you might be wondering is two weeks is enough — but here’s how we did it!

Pre-trip Essentials

Connectivity: Pre-book a local SIM card (~S$8.40) and collect it upon arrival in Vietnam. The one we got came with unlimited data for up to 30 days.

Best times to visit: The best timeframe to complete this itinerary is between March and May. It’ll be springtime in Northern Vietnam, where temperatures are a cool 23°C during the day, and 18°C at night. Central Vietnam experiences pleasantly dry weather from February to July but starts getting a lot hotter (30°C and above) from May onwards.

Crossing Road in Vietnam GIF - Vietnam Itinerary

This is how you cross a road in Vietnam. Traffic doesn’t stop, and neither should you.

2-Week Vietnam Itinerary Route

First Stop: Northern Vietnam

Ha Long Bay - Vietnam Itinerary

Halong Bay is one of Northern Vietnam’s most popular attractions.

Northern Vietnam is the historical and cultural region of the country that keeps you on your toes. What makes Northern Vietnam stand out is its diverse landscapes — Hanoi is full of bustling streets, Sapa has incredible mountains, and Halong Bay boasts limestone islands and clear waters.

Read also: 15 Pho-nomenal Experiences to add to your Northern Vietnam Itinerary — Halong Bay, Hanoi & Sapa

Check Flights to Hanoi (Northern Vietnam)

Check flights from Singapore to Hanoi here!

Day 1 – 3: Hanoi

Explore Vietnam’s Charming Capital

Bicycle Seller at Hanoi Old Quarter - Vietnam Itinerary

Old Quarter: Getting lost in Hanoi’s Old Quarter is a strangely exciting experience. There’s much to do, from eating tasty street food to sightseeing and spotting Vietnamese people selling fruits on bicycles. The real fun, though, lies in trying to cross the chaotic streets — good luck dodging the endless stream of traffic!

Opening hours: 9:30AM – 7PM
Address: 99 Hàng Gai, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội 10000, Vietnam

Red Bridge to Ngoc Son Temple - Vietnam Itinerary

Ngoc Son Temple: One of Hanoi’s most famed attractions in the city, Ngoc Son Temple sits on an island in the middle of Hoan Kiem Lake, connected by an iconic (and Instagrammable) red bridge.

*Pro-tip: Visit earlier in the morning as it gets crowded with tour groups after lunchtime.

Entrance fee: 30,000₫ (~S$1.80)
Opening hours:
7AM – 6PM
Address: P. Đinh Tiên Hoàng, Hàng Trống, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội 100000, Vietnam

St Joseph's Cathedral - Vietnam Itinerary

St Joseph’s Cathedral: The Neo-Gothic design of St Joseph’s Cathedral might seem dark and out of place in the Old Quarter, but don’t be put off by its spooky appearance. Inside, the beautiful decor and quiet environment make it a peaceful sanctuary away from the hectic streets.

English Mass occurs on Sundays at 11:30AM so do arrive early as it can get very crowded.

Entrance fee: Free
Opening hours: 8AM – 11AM, 2PM – 5PM (Mon – Sat), 7AM – 11AM, 3PM – 9PM (Sun)
Address: 2RGX+WHM, Hàng Trống, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội, Vietnam

Ad
My Ga Tan in Hanoi - Vietnam Itinerary

My Gà Tần: Along 24 Hang Bo, you’ll find a crowded streetside stall selling Mi Ga Tan — think of it as herbal chicken soup for the Asian soul. The herbal broth is on the sweeter side and is served with instant noodles and chicken (innards like brain and liver are also available for a little bit more). It’s a highly popular dish among locals, no matter the season.

Cost: From 40,000₫ (~S$2.40)
Opening hours: 10AM – 11PM
Address: 24 P. Hàng Bồ, Hàng Bồ, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội, Vietnam

Read more: Where to Eat in Hanoi — 31 Local-Approved Places to Eat in Vietnam’s Charming Capital

Visit Hanoi’s Popular Attractions

Guards at Ho Chi Minh Masuoleum - Things to do in Hanoi

Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum: Start day two at this enormous mausoleum housing leader of communist Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh’s embalmed body. Visiting hours are only in the morning so arrive early to avoid disappointment! Afterwards, you can watch the hourly changing of guards that happens in front of the building.

Entrance fee: Free
Opening hours:
Varies (closed on Mon and Fri; and from Sep – Oct for maintenance)
How to get there:
From Old Quarter, take Southeast Asia’s Uber — Grab (or GrabBike!) for 15–20 mins to the mausoleum. Then, head to the side entrance to queue and enter.

Temple of Literature in Hanoi - Things to do in Hanoi

Temple of Literature: Built in 1076, this historical landmark served as Vietnam’s first university as a dedication to Confucius. Nowadays, the Temple of Literature serves as a popular site for students and their parents to pray for good grades.

Entrance fee: 30,000₫ (~S$1.80)
Opening hours: 7:30AM – 5:30PM (Apr – Oct), 8AM – 5PM (Nov – Mar)
How to get there: From Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, walk 15 mins, or take a Grab for 5 mins.

Tran Quoc Pagoda - Things to do in Hanoi

Tran Quoc Pagoda: Hanoi’s oldest Buddhist temple sees a steady stream of devotees and visitors coming daily to pray, make offerings, or marvel at the architecture of its unique pagoda. On a clear day, the Tran Quoc Pagoda is an excellent place to catch the sunset.

Entrance fee: Free
Opening hours: 7:30AM – 11:30AM, 1:30PM – 6:30PM
Address: 58 P. Quốc Tử Giám, Văn Miếu, Đống Đa, Hà Nội 100000, Vietnam

Bun Mien Ngan at Hanh Ngan De - Things to do in Hanoi

Sliced duck with Mien Tron, dry glass noodles.

Bun-Mien Ngan: You don’t get average duck noodles at Hạnh Ngan Dé. They use the larger muscovy duck, which has leaner and more tender meat. You can also order boiled ngan luoc or ngan nuong (grilled duck) on its own. A whole duck costs 320,000₫.

Cost: From 40,000₫ (~S$2.40)
Opening hours: 7AM – 9:30PM
Address: 63 Cửa Bắc, Quán Thánh, Ba Đình, Hanoi, Vietnam

MF Special Massage at MF Spa Hanoi - Things to do in Hanoi

End the day with a relaxing massage at MF Spa. To really unwind, we recommend adding MF Special to your Vietnam itinerary. This interesting massage consists of different techniques from traditional Vietnamese, Thai and Swedish massages.

Cost: From 180,000₫ (~S$10.80)
Opening hours: 9:30AM – 11:30PM
Address: 11 Ng. Báo Khánh, Hàng Trống, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội 100000, Vietnam

Day Trip to Ninh Binh: A Countryside Escape

Bicycle Ride through Ninh Binh Province - Things to do in Ninh Binh

No trip to Northern Vietnam is complete without exploring the scenic Ninh Binh province and taking an exciting day trip (~S$43.30/pax) in your itinerary. This tour lets you cycle past some of Vietnam’s natural beauties like paddy fields and iconic limestone hills. It’s little wonder why this place is dubbed “Halong Bay on land”.

Vietnamese Man Rowing with Feet at Tam Coc River - Things to do in Ninh Binh

We especially loved this boat ride on the Tam Coc River through limestone karsts and caves. The landscapes aren’t the only thing that will that catch your attention — what’s even more impressive about this is that Vietnamese people steer and row the boat with just their feet.

Feel free to ask them if you can try rowing, but be warned: it’s tough!

Accommodation in Hanoi: Hanoi Hostel & Travel, ~S$11.70/bed in a six-bed dorm room (includes free breakfast).

Read also: 7 Adventurous Day Trips from Hanoi — Halong Bay, Sapa, Ninh Binh, Trang Vu and More

Day 4 – 5: Halong Bay

Cruise Around Vietnam’s Rocky Islands

Looking at Ha Long Bay from Cruise Ship - Vietnam Itinerary

A must-visit for every adventurer’s itinerary, Halong Bay is a world-renowned UNESCO World Heritage site. To experience the best of the bay, hop on a 2D1N cruise (~S$122/pax). This comprehensive tour provides a multitude of water and land-based activities like island hopping, kayaking and hiking.

Exploring Sửng Sốt Cave in Ha Long Bay - Vietnam Itinerary

One of the coolest highlights of the tour is that you get to visit Sửng Sốt, Halong Bay’s largest cave. You’ll need to climb a few flights of stairs to reach it, but it’s worth the effort. The cave is full of stunning stalactites and stalagmites that come in various shapes and sizes. You’ll be chartered back to Hanoi thereafter.

Hanoi Nightlife at Ta Hien Beer Street - Vietnam Itinerary

Head to Ta Hien Street for a taste of the chaotic Hanoian nightlife. There are plenty of eateries and bars along the narrow street that is great for dining and hanging out.

Interestingly, there’ll be bars selling “balloons” containing laughing gas (nitrogen oxide). Breathing in these balloons will give you an ephemeral high which is a quick thrill for the first time, but we wouldn’t recommend consuming it too much (because, you know, health).

Day 6 – 9: Sapa

Getting from Hanoi to Sapa: Save time and money by taking a night bus from Hanoi to Sapa. The entire journey lasts about 5 hours.

Explore Vietnam’s Popular Mountain Town

Enjoying the View at Love Waterfall Sapa - Vietnam Itinerary

Tucked away inside Sapa’s jungles lie Love and Silver — the town’s well-known waterfalls that shouldn’t be missed. You can explore them with a private day tour (~S$32.90/pax) which comes with a convenient round-trip transfer and lunch.

Picking Skewers at Quán Đồ Nướng Sapa - Vietnam Itinerary

Afterwards, explore the attractions in Sapa town like the Holy Rosary church, lake, and town square. At the Sapa Night Market, you’ll find fresh produce and embroidery with intricate patterns weaved by different hill tribes for sale.

Once you’ve worked up an appetite, head to the food section for dinner. The stalls serve a wide range of skewered bamboo sticky rice, vegetables, and barbecued meats.

Opening hours: 4PM – 10PM (Fri – Sun)
Address: Đường N1, Sa Pa, Lao Cai, Vietnam

Hike Up Vietnam’s Tallest Mountain (Or Take a Cable Car)

Posing at Fansipan - Things to do in Sapa

Fansipan is the tallest mountain in Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia combined! Standing 3,143m tall, the “Roof of Indochina” offers gorgeous views of Northern Vietnam’s vast countryside.

Hiking through Fansipan Boardwalk - Things to do in Sapa

There are two ways to reach the peak. We went with the more adventurous option: a 2D1N guided hike. This includes an experienced, English-speaking guide who provided necessities like meals, water, a tent and sleeping bags along the journey.

Celebrating Fansipan Ascent - Vietnam Itinerary

From the starting point up to base camp, it’s a rather steep 7-hour trek. The next morning, there will be a further 2-hour climb to the summit — where you’ll receive an actual certificate of accomplishment! It’s always nice to be recognised for your efforts, no?

Fansipan Cable Car - Vietnam Itinerary

Photo credit: https://www.hanoilocaltour.com

Photo credit: Hanoi Local Tour

Alternatively, hop on a cable car and enjoy the scenery while going up Fansipan in just 15 minutes. A return ticket costs ~S$42.80. From the landing point, either walk up a further ~600 stair steps or take a funicular up to the summit for 70,000₫.

Overnight Bus to Hanoi and Sapa - Things to do in Sapa

Sleeper buses are the best ways to save time.

If you’re hiking up Fansipan, you can spend another night in Sapa before taking a bus back to Hanoi the day after. Otherwise, completing the hike, you can take a night bus back to Hanoi and spend an extra day there if you wish.

If you’re taking the cable car, spend the remaining time in Sapa trekking to nearby places like Cat Cat Village and Muong Hoa Valley.

Accommodation in Sapa: Sapa Eco Garden Homestay, ~S$8/bed in a 10-bed mixed-gender room.

Second Stop: Central Vietnam 

Ba Na Hills Golden Bridge - Vietnam Itinerary

Central Vietnam gets (sadly) overlooked by first-time travellers who usually head to Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. But this quirky region with even quirkier attractions shouldn’t be missed.

Hue is filled with historical landmarks, Hoi An is an ancient UNESCO World Heritage site, and Da Nang has the whimsical Ba Na Hills. Oh, this is also where the majestic Golden Bridge (lifted by two hands) is, which went viral when first unveiled in 2018!

Getting from Northern to Central Vietnam: The fastest way is to fly from Hanoi to Hue. Flights are available every morning and cost about ~S$82. If you prefer going on long journeys, an overnight train or bus from Hanoi to Hue takes about 12–15 hours.

Read also: 5D Central Vietnam Itinerary: Go Off-The-Beaten-Path In Da Nang, Hue, and Hoi An

Day 10 – 11: Hue

Venture Around the Ancient Capital City of Vietnam

Dragon Boat Ride on Perfume River Hue - Vietnam Itinerary

Photo credit: Day Trip Vietnam

Perfume River: One of Hue’s most iconic landmarks, the Perfume River derives its name from orchid flowers that fall into the river in Autumn. Though the waters may not be pleasant as the name suggests, you can take a traditional dragon boat ride and enjoy the scenery.

Entrance to Imperial City in Hue - Vietnam Itinerary

Imperial City: Hue used to be the capital during the last dynasty of Vietnam. Although the Imperial City is still in the midst of restoration, wandering around the large, elaborate complex is a fantastic way to learn more about Vietnamese history.

Entrance fee: 150,000₫ (~S$8.90)
Opening hours: 8AM – 5:30PM, closes 10PM on Thurs
How to get there: From Hue city centre, walk ~20 mins to the entrance. Alternatively, take a private charter or motorbike to the Imperial City. Parking at the east exit costs 25,000₫ (~S$1.50).

Inside the Royal Khai Dinh Tomb - Vietnam Itinerary

Royal Tombs: There are a total of seven royal tombs dispersed around Hue. Visiting all the tombs requires a full day. However, if you only have time to visit one, the Khai Dinh Royal Tomb is the most lavish of them all. There’s a huge compound with a three-story palace to explore.

Entrance fee: 100,000₫ (~S$6) for Khai Dinh Royal Tomb. 280,000₫ (~S$16.70) for a combo ticket to the other six tombs
Opening hours: 7AM – 5:30PM
How to get there: Take a private charter or motorbike. If you take a Grab, you’ll need to ask them to wait for you. Most of the tombs are ~30 mins away and Grab rides are not readily available at these locations.

Thien Mu Pagoda in Hue - Vietnam Itinerary

Thien Mu Pagoda: The seven-storey Thien Mu Pagoda is an iconic landmark that overlooks beautifully landscaped gardens. It also doubles as a tranquil sunset spot as it’s right beside the Perfume River.

Entrance fee: Free
Opening hours: 7:30AM – 5:30PM
How to get there: From Hue city centre, it’s a ~10 min Grab or motorbike ride.

Bun Bo Hue My Tam - Vietnam Itinerary

Bun Bo Hue My Tam: You cannot leave Hue without having bun bo hue (beef noodles), where the dish originated from! This eatery serves a generous bowl of noodles in beef broth with pork balls, ribs, and more.

Cost: 40,000₫ (~S$2.40)
Opening hours: 24 hours
Address: 3 Trần Cao Vân, Vĩnh Ninh, Thành phố Huế, Thừa Thiên Huế, Vietnam

Accommodation in Hue: Amy Hostel Hue, ~S$6.50/bed in a 4-bed dorm room.

Getting around Hue: The best way to get around is by renting your own motorbike (~S$8/day). You don’t need a motorcycle licence in Vietnam, but do drive carefully (especially in the city centre)! Grab rides and taxis can be difficult to get, especially when you’re far away from the city centre. Alternatively, hire a convenient private car charter and customise your itinerary to see Hue’s attractions.

Make Your Way to Hoi An

After exploring Hue’s historical attractions, head over to Hoi An to immerse yourself in the ancient town for the second half of the day. The drive is slightly over 2.5 hours with a private transfer.

Hai Vong Dai Lookout Point Bach Ma National Park - Vietnam Itinerary

For an optional adventure, make a stop at Bach Ma National Park. Located in between the two cities, Bach Ma is perfect for hiking. The entrance fee is only 60,000₫, and there are plenty of natural beauties to explore. For example, Hai Vong Dai is an old, abandoned pavilion that provides a panoramic view of the park.

Hiking Five Lakes Trail at Bach Ma National Park - Vietnam Itinerary

Afterwards, go on an adventurous Five Lakes hike. The hike splits into two routes: the path on the right is longer but easier. It will lead you straight to lake no. 5. The trail on the left is more physically demanding as you’ll pass through all five lakes. Bring along some food for an epic picnic at the base of a waterfall.

Crossing Waterfall at Bach Ma National Park - Vietnam Itinerary

Further down lake no. 5 is Bach Ma’s biggest waterfall: Do Quyen Fall (Rhododendron Fall). It’s a steep 738 steps that will bring you to the base of the waterfall, but the only way out is back up!

Day 12: Hoi An

Experience Vietnam’s Quirky Ancient Town

Coconut Boat Tour - Things to do in Hoi An

Get to know Hoi An’s fun side with a Coconut Forest Tour (~S$35.60/pax). This family-run tour leads you on a whirlwind of adventures like spinning around on a basket boat on the river, cycling through the Vietnamese countryside, and even riding a water buffalo!

Coffee and Tea at Phai Pho Cafe Hoi An - Things to do in Hoi An

For an interesting experience, head to Phai Pho Cafe and chill out with a cup of coffee with condensed milk from 15,000₫. That’s not all though — this cafe serves it alongside complimentary tea. Drink like a local and alternate sips between each beverage like DIY yuen yang.

*Pro-tip: Bring your own food! The cafe allows you to enjoy outside food along with your drinks. For a quick snack or early dinner, have a sandwich from Banh Mi Queen.

Opening hours: 6AM – 9PM
Address: 35 Phan Chu Trinh, Phường Minh An, Hội An, Quảng Nam, Vietnam

Hoi An River Lanterns - Things to do in Hoi An

Hoi An’s streets are decorated with colourful paper lanterns, and it’s even more beautiful after sunset. Like a scene out of a Disney movie, the city glows with many small lanterns and boats floating along the river. For 20,000₫, you can purchase your own lantern and set it afloat on the waters too.

Accommodation in Hoi An: Starfruit Villa Hoi An, ~S$20/night for a private room

Day 13 – 14: Da Nang

Getting from Hoi An to Da Nang: With a private transfer, it’s a fast 45-minute drive to Da Nang.

Explore Vietnam’s Historic Coastal City

My Khe Beach Da Nang - Things to do in Da Nang

My Khe Beach: It’s not all forests and cities in Vietnam, so put this down in your itinerary! Don your swimsuit and escape to My Khe Beach. This pristine stretch of white sand with crashing waves is an ideal place to bum around or get active by surfing or parasailing.

Opening hours: 4:30AM – 7PM, 5AM – 6:30PM (Nov – Apr)
How to get there: 
From the city centre, the fastest way is to take a Grab or taxi.

Shopping at Da Nang Con Market - Things to do in Da Nang

Cn Market: Da Nang’s Cồn Market is a local market selling an array of goods like clothing, handicrafts, dried fruits, and more. Try ordering some local food — the lack of English signs will make the experience even more interesting.

Opening hours: 6AM – 8PM
Address: 
269 Ông Ích Khiêm, Hải Châu 2, Hải Châu, Đà Nẵng 550000, Vietnam

Burger Bros NN Burger - Things to do in Da Nang

Burger Bros: The juicy, buttery, lip-smacking burgers from Burger Bros may be pricier compared to local foods, but they are hella worth. We recommend the NN Burger (110,000₫) that’s loaded with avocado and bacon — but everything else is just as amazing. 

Cost: From 70,000₫ (~S$4.20)
Opening hours: 
11AM – 2PM, 5PM – 10PM (or until sold out)
Address: 
31 An Thượng 4, Bắc Mỹ Phú, Ngũ Hành Sơn, Đà Nẵng 550000, Vietnam

Day Trip to Ba Na Hills

Golden Bridge in Ba Na Hills - Vietnam Itinerary

The amazing Golden Bridge

Hidden away in Truong Son Mountains, Ba Na Hills is a peculiar theme park with many attractions. Its most popular one is an online viral sensation — ever seen a Golden Bridge that’s held up by two stone hands? Yep, it’s here in Ba Na Hills.

Drop Ride and Rock Climbing Ba Na Hills - Vietnam Itinerary

Besides sightseeing, Ba Na Hills boasts many free rides and games like arcade games, rock climbing, and bumper cars. It’s pretty much a fun-filled carnival for you to relive your childhood, except it’s in a cave in Vietnam (still counts!).

Maximise your experience with a package tour that includes entrance tickets, a convenient round-trip transfer, and a buffet lunch.

Accommodation in Da Nang: City Hostel Da Nang, ~S$6/bed in a 6-bed dorm room.

Read also: Vietnam Ba Na Hills Guide — Vietnam’s Breathtaking Hidden Playground

Tips for planning your Vietnam Itinerary

Enjoying the Fansipan Scenery - Vietnam Itinerary

Most of this itinerary was planned with Klook and that helped save a lot of hassle dealing with individual booking sites as well as to keep our costs low. Some activities even offer huge discounts compared direct booking! For example, we saved ~S$52 on the same 2D1N Halong Bay Cruise via Klook compared to booking through the official website.

Here’s what we got from Klook for this Vietnam trip:

Pre-trip Essentials4G SIM Card
Travel Insurance incl. Covid-19 coverage
TransportShuttle Bus between Hanoi and Sapa
Private Car Charter in Hue City
Private transfer from Hoi An to DaNang
ActivitiesHoa Lu – Tam Coc Day Trip
2D1N Fansipan Mountain Trek with Camping from Sapa
Sun World Fansipan Legend
Hoi An Coconut Basket Boat Tour
Ba Na Hills and Golden Bridge Custom Day Tour from Da Nang
AccommodationHanoi House Hostel & Travel
Sapa Eco Garden Homestay – Hostel
Starfruit Villa Hoi An
Crossing Chaotic Hanoi Roads - Vietnam Itinerary

Trying to cross the roads during rush hour is an adventure on its own.

Trust me, the end of these 14 action-packed days spanning Northern to Central Vietnam will leave you wanting more! From cruising around Halong Bay, hiking and exploring mountains and waterfalls, to ordering food without any English menus, the adventures are endless in this country.

Water Buffalo Ride in Hoi An - Vietnam Itinerary

I’m not gonna lie. These two weeks around Vietnam are a long journey filled with loads of adventures and city-hopping in between. It’s tiring, but the good news is that you’ll be experiencing some of the very best adventures in this relatively unexplored country!

Having Fun Cycling through Ninh Binh Province - Vietnam Itinerary

What’s your favourite place in this Vietnam itinerary? Share your stories with us in the comments below!


This post was brought to you by Klook.

For more travel inspiration, follow us on FacebookInstagram, and YouTube.

2 COMMENTS

  1. Hi Michelle,

    Your article was really helpful for me during my traveled to Vietnam.
    I traveled there as solo and I had so much fun doing the stuff that you had mentioned.
    Really appreciate you work and truly thank you.

    Sai
    From Myanmar(Currently in SG)

    • Hi Sai, glad this article helped in your Vietnam travels! Nice to know that you had a lot of fun travelling solo too 😀 It’s quite an experience, especially in Vietnam.

      I hope you have more awesome adventures soon! ✌

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here