Planning a Two-Week Trip from North to South Vietnam
Fly into Hanoi and out of Ho Chi Minh City to avoid backtracking. Use domestic flights for long distances and trains for scenic, shorter segments to maximize your 14 days.
- Budget
- 50 dollars per day
- Duration
- 14 days
- Best Time
- February to April or September to November
- Visa Required
- Yes, e-visa must be obtained online prior to arrival.
Step by step
Book an Open-Jaw Ticket
Book your arrival flight into Hanoi (HAN) and your departure from Ho Chi Minh City (SGN). This saves you at least 20 hours of travel time by not returning to your starting point.
Select Your Domestic Transport
Use Vietnam Airlines or VietJet for north-to-central leaps (e.g., Hanoi to Da Nang). Book the 'Reunification Express' train only for the Da Nang to Nha Trang leg if you want a scenic coastal view.
Secure Your E-Visa Early
Apply for your Vietnam e-visa at least 10 business days before departure. Print two copies of the approval document to keep in your carry-on.
Use Local Ride-Hailing Apps
Download the Grab app before you arrive. It is the most reliable way to get transparent pricing for taxis and motorbike taxis in every major city.
Questions people ask
Is it easy to get around by train?
It is reliable but slow. Only take the train for segments under 6 hours; otherwise, fly to save time.
Do I need local currency?
Yes, carry Vietnamese Dong (VND) for street food and small markets. Many shops and hotels accept cards, but cash is king for daily life.
- Notes
- Budget $50 per day for food, local transport, and mid-range entrance fees. This does not include internal flights or your Ha Long Bay cruise.
- Daily Estimate
- 50
Packing
- Lightweight rain jacket (it rains unpredictably even in the dry season)
- Comfortable walking sandals with straps (for uneven pavement)
- Universal power adapter (Type A, C, and F are common)
- Modest clothing covering shoulders and knees for temple visits
Itinerary
- 1-3 — Eat bun cha for dinner and grab a bia hoi on a street corner. — Arrive in Hanoi, check into the Old Quarter. — Walk the perimeter of Hoan Kiem Lake and visit Ngoc Son Temple. — Expect to pay $5-8 for a high-quality local meal.
- 4-5 — Kayaking or squid fishing off the boat. — Take a shuttle to Ha Long Bay or Lan Ha Bay. — Board your cruise ship for a 2-day/1-night tour. — Book a mid-range cruise ($150-200) for better safety standards.
- 6-9 — Get custom clothes made at a tailor shop and visit the Night Market. — Fly from Hanoi to Da Nang, then taxi to Hoi An. — Rent a bicycle to explore the Ancient Town and nearby rice paddies. — Hoi An is very walkable; $30/day is plenty for activities.
- 10-14 — Take a day trip to the Cu Chi Tunnels and spend your final night in District 1. — Fly to Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon). — Explore the War Remnants Museum and the Independence Palace. — Saigon is more expensive than the north; budget $50/day.
See also open-jaw tickets, more 2-week trips and Southeast Asia on $50 a day.