Vietnam in 14 Days: Traveling from South to North Vietnam
Are you into Vietnam’s heavenly scenery with iconic rice fields in the North and expansive rivers in the South? Even if you only have a limited time for traveling, Vietnam can be explored from South to North in two weeks or less.
Each region has its typical climate and landscapes that will vary your experiences from the first day you visit the country to the last day of your trip. Make sure to plan a sound itinerary to diversify your experiences, savor tempting dishes and get to know interesting customs from South to North Vietnam.
Best time to travel
One of the most common concerns for travelers is the best time to travel to Vietnam. It makes sense to worry that your trip may turn to a nightmare if it is in the rainy season or sudden storms hit your trip. Generally speaking, Vietnam rainy season varies in Northern, Central and Southern Vietnam. Worry not, traveling to Vietnam during the rainy season may sound good to a certain extent.
You won’t have wrong time to visit Vietnam as this is a year-round destination. But if you really want to choose the best of the best and you have flexible time at hand, make it between September and December or March and May.
For more tips on the best time to visit from South to North Vietnam, read Vietnam Travel Tips.
Suggested itinerary from South to North Vietnam
It’s best to start off from the north and then go through the center to the south. But if you do not depart from Hanoi but Ho Chi Minh City, it’s totally fine to make a trip from South to North Vietnam with just the same level of fascination. Here are some suggestions.
Day 1: Ho Chi Minh City
Your adventure begins in Ho Chi Minh City, one of the most lively cities in South East Asia. The city is praised for the blend of vintage French colonial buildings and polished skyscrapers highlighting the city’s skyline. That is to say, you can explore the ancient atmosphere in museums, churches or find amazing vibes in bars and malls.
Best places to visit: Saigon Notre Dame Cathedral, Independence Palace, Ben Thanh Market, Bui Vien Street, Chinatown
Best restaurants in Ho Chi Minh: Banh mi Nhu Lan with Banh mi and Vietnamese specialties, Pho Le with beef noodles, Xoi Che Bui Thi Xuan with sweet soup desserts, Bui Bistro, Cuc Gach Quan, Secret Garden
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Day 2: Cu Chi Tunnels
After a city tour, it is time to leave the concrete jungle behind and dive into the former battlefield in Cu Chi, the outskirts of Ho Chi Minh. Just 70km away from the city, you can take a bus there and explore the intricate underground tunnels stretching up to 250km.
History buff loves this place for its relation to the Vietnam War while the others may be drawn to walk through the whole tunnels or try the shooting experience. This must be included in your travel plan from South to North Vietnam.
Best places to visit: Cu Chi Liberated Area, Ben Duoc Temple, Ben Dinh Tunnel, Trung An Garden
Best restaurants in Cu Chi: Bo to Xuan Dao with boiled heifer meat, stalls with sugarcane juice (with durian flavor)
Day 3: Tien Giang
The next stop will be the Mekong Delta which is dubbed the rice bowl of Vietnam. This is a great chance for you to sit peacefully on a sampan and cruise along the gigantic Mekong River.
The best part is, obviously, the floating market that offers almost everything you can imagine. They even sell lottery tickets on boats. When you have enough ‘floating experiences’, head to Tan Phong island for some activities such as cooking or biking. The simple life of locals living in the countryside will purify your soul.
Day 4: Can Tho
Your trip from South to North Vietnam would not be complete without Can Tho. A market worth your visit is Cai Rang in Can Tho. It is not just a floating market like any others, it is the staple of the Mekong Delta. The unfussy life here begins at dawn when you can order a morning coffee on a boat and enjoy the early sunlight.
After a lively scene from the Mekong River, continue to travel 12km to Binh Thuy Ancient House and you can round off your experience in the Mekong Delta. Get ready to get lost in a polished mansion dated more than a hundred years ago. Crystal chandeliers and many valuable antiques reflect the golden age of one of the most celebrated families in the 19th century.
Find your way back to Ho Chi Minh before heading to Central Vietnam.
Day 5, 6: Danang
Even when you don’t have enough time to travel to Vietnam from South to North or this is your first trip to Vietnam, Danang is always the top choice. Scenic white sandy beaches will pamper your toes and the magnificent sunrise and sunset is just as in your dream. My Khe Beach is where to connect to your inner self! Alternatively, you can get plenty of vitamin D at scenic beaches in Nha Trang.
Take a break before you visit Ba Na Hills the next day. Children love it, lovers love it, Instagrammers love it – This is the place for having fun! Don’t forget to visit the giant Golden Bridge overlooking the mountains and take tons of pictures there.
Best places to visit: Ba Na Hills, Fantasy Park, French Village, Linh Ung Pagoda, My Khe Beach, Marble Mountains
Best restaurants in Danang: Pho Bac Hai with beef noodles, Banh Xeo Ba Duong with savory Vietnamese Crepes, Com Ga A Hai with chicken rice, Bep Hen Restaurant
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Day 6, 7: Hoi An
From Danang, it takes only 45 minutes to get to Hoi An by car. The taxi will cost you around $20. Hoi An is a favor for vintage souls thanks to its yellow tone covering the background of the city, one of the reasons that make everyone loves Hoi An.
Stores with handicrafts and tailoring services offer some great souvenirs to bring back home. Wait until night when lanterns brighten the city and you can release paper lanterns into the river. It’s time for beautiful wishes in your Vietnam 14 days journey!
Best places to visit: Phung Hung House, Fukian Assembly Hall, Hoi An Museum, Tra Que Village, Japanese Covered Bridge, Quan Cong Temple
Best restaurants in Hoi An: Com Long Ga with chicken rice, Miss Ly Café, E-Village, Madam Khanh with Banh mi, Good Morning Vietnam
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Day 8, 9: Hue Citadel
Hue, the former capital city of Vietnam is a perfect connection to the laid-back vibes of the Central in your journey from South to North Vietnam. Hue is the land of imperial stories and poetic scenery where every breath is full of serenity. Things go slowly and the locals seem to enjoy every moment of life to its fullest.
Hue is somehow like a lofi song that evokes emotions you are looking for. Cruising along the Perfume River, you can truly feel the emerald water blending with green forests and the clear blue sky. That’s a gem that Mother Nature granted Hue, making it ‘the land of poetry’.
Places to visit: Complex of Hue Monuments, Royal tombs, Thien Mu Pagoda, Perfume River, Thuan An Beach, Truong Tien Bridge
Best restaurants in Hue: Ba Do with tapioca savory dumplings, Thuy Bun Bo Hue with spicy vermicelli noodles, Di Cuc with baby basket clams rice, Hanh Restaurant, Nook Cafe & Bar
Day 10, 11: Hanoi City Tour
Where to devor the best of local dishes and explore a thousand years of history in a blink of an eye? Hanoi knows how to indulge travelers. For the first day, you can start strolling through the Old Quarter and continue with a cyclo tour around Hoan Kiem Lake. End your day at Thang Long theatre to enjoy traditional water puppet shows.
For the second day in Hanoi out of 14 days in Vietnam, recover your full energy to visit a plethora of historic destinations including Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, Ba Dinh Square, Hoa Lo Prison and Temple of Literature. Save enthusiasm for a night party at Ta Hien, a backpacker’s nightlife hub and explore Vietnamese drinking culture in your trip from South to North Vietnam.
Best places to visit: Old Quarter, Hoan Kiem Lake, Temple of Literature, Ba Dinh Square, Hoa Lo Prison, Long Bien Bridge
Best restaurants in Hanoi: Au O Vietnam Kitchen with Vietnamese cuisine, Cafe Giang with egg coffee, Bun Cha Huong Lien with grilled pork served with noodles, Banh Cuon Thanh Tri with steamed spring rolls
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Day 12: Ninh Binh
Ninh Binh is still a hidden gem that not many travelers have ever heard of when it comes to traveling to Vietnam. It offers breathtaking views that are not less charming than any other touristy destination. Climb up to Mua Cave to sit calmly and admire the scenery dubbed ‘a mini Great Wall of China’ or take a boat tour along Ngo Dong River and smell the yellow rice paddy fields.
Best places to visit: Tam Coc, Trang An Grottoes, Bai Dinh Pagoda, Mua Cave, Hoa Lu, Bich Dong Pagoda.
Best restaurants in Ninh Binh: Quan Ngon Ba Mai with bun noodles and salad, Chookie’s, Viet Bamboo Restaurant, Bamboo Bar and Restaurant
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Day 13, 14: Phong Nha Ke Bang National Park
Phong Nha Ke Bang National Park has everything to capture your heart and soul. From Ninh Binh, you can take bus or train to Phong Nha. Overnight train travel is a good option so that you won’t miss out on another day.
A trip to this natural wonder is highlighted by a day trip to Phong Nha Cave and Paradise Cave. The system of stalactites will be an eye-opener adding a final touch to your journey from South to North Vietnam. Wanna something unique? What about taking an overnight adventure in En Cave?
Best places to visit: Phong Nha Cave, Paradise Cave, Son Doong Cave
Best restaurants in Phong Nha: Wild Boar Eco Farm, Mountain Goat Restaurant, Bamboo Cafe, Vung Hue
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If you want to get closer to the local life, ride a bike or a scooter through the town to the local market or farm and enjoy fantastic treats. When you have enough of everything, travel back to Hanoi and go home with wonderful memories.
Vietnam is not giant in its size but there are plentiful places to explore and amazing things to do. With Vietnam in 14 days and you will have a journey to remember for the rest of your life. Keep an open mind and have a good trip from South to North Vietnam! Are looking for 11-Day Tour Best of South, North and Central Vietnam, 15-Day Tour Highlights of Vietnam or 20-Day Tour Best of Vietnam? Consult with our travel experts about Vietnam visa requirements so that we can plan your trip perfectly.
© Maika Tours
Written by Trinh Tran