Vietnam is a kind of locations that makes me remorse not taking a spot 12 months 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, what are you able to see? On this submit I’m sharing our 2 week Vietnam itinerary together with 5 locations, the place we stayed and what we’d have accomplished in another way.
*This submit accommodates affiliate hyperlinks*
Is 2 weeks in Vietnam sufficient?
Whereas I work for myself and our children have and eight week summer season vacation, Mr Tin Field’s depart allowance shouldn’t be fairly so beneficiant. So we may solely enable a fortnight for our Vietnam vacation. For those who’re in an analogous scenario don’t be delay spending simply two weeks in Vietnam.
Would we now have appreciated longer? In fact. 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 plenty of compromises. I wished to permit sufficient time in to benefit from the experiences we may squeeze right into a fortnight and in addition make sure that we had time to chill out.
Once we visited Egypt and Sri Lanka final 12 months, three nights in every place felt like the correct amount of time for us.
I checked out a number of tour firm itineraries for Vietnam and so they moved a lot quicker than this. They recommended staying one or two nights in every place, which had the benefit of masking 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* to search out lodging, Get Your Information* to seek for excursions and Skyscanner* to work out our worldwide and inside flights.
I additionally purchased a duplicate of Lonely Planet’s Vietnam vacation spot information (the 2023 version) for inspiration, however was a bit dissatisfied. Loads 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 a substitute.
And, after all, I learn blogs about issues to do in Vietnam with children to assist me create a brief checklist of locations we wished to see.
Vaccinations
We all the time test the Journey Well being Professional web site to search out out the really helpful vaccinations for journey to international locations new to us.
Once we have been again within the UK in July I booked us into the journey clinic at Boots the place we have been suggested on what we would have liked for the areas we have been travelling to. Do you know you may get Boots Membership Card Factors on vaccinations?
Getting round Vietnam in two weeks
To avoid wasting time we booked inside flights in every single place anticipate to Ha Lengthy Bay, the place we obtained a mini bus switch from and again to Hanoi.
I’m certain we may have squeezed in a coach or a Vietnam sleeper prepare someplace however having not traveled this far East with the children I went for the simple, and really moderately low cost, possibility of flying.
We used Vietnam Airways for all of our inside flights. They have been low cost, dependable and the onboard service was good. All of our flights have been lower than and hour and a half however would have taken us complete days by highway or rail.
All of our native journey for sightseeing was accomplished with Seize taxis. Mr Tin Field set this up utilizing our Revolut card for cost and it was tremendous easy to make use of.
We organized most airport transfers by our motels and so they added the fee to our invoice.
The one exception was in Ho Chi Minh Metropolis the place the resort wished us to e-mail them our financial institution card particulars prematurely together with the CVC quantity. This appeared a little bit 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
Beneath is an outline of the two week Vietnam itinerary that I put collectively primarily based on how a lot time we had and the locations we actually wished 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 Previous Quarter.
This can be a mixture of low degree colonial townhouses and slender streets with loads of shade from bushes and store canopies making it straightforward 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 could be simpler with the children.
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 have been huge hits with the children.
They continued to order these and be extra adventurous with their meals decisions 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 retailers within the Previous 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 Resort & Spa* in Hanoi’s Previous Quarter
Days 3 to five: Ha Lengthy Bay
We checked out of our resort early on day three and have been picked up by a mini bus which took us to Ha Lengthy Bay to affix a two day cruise.
Ha Lengthy Bay is considered one of Vietnam’s vacationer sizzling spots. A whole lot of vessels rotate across the 1969 jungle-draped limestone islands that seem like the set of a Jurassic Park film.
We have been completely wowed by its pure magnificence. The hovering islands lined in tumbling greenery that plunges into turquoise water have 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 scrimp on the nights even on a two week vacation in Vietnam.
We booked a two evening/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 submit 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 beloved it.
The Previous City is a UNESCO World Heritage web site with lots 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 evening 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 rather a lot 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 purchasing within the evening market.
However we got here away realizing 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 Resort* 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. Nonetheless, not for the primary time throughout out journey, the climate had totally different concepts and handled us to a thunder storm.
As an alternative of a go to to the Warfare Remnants Museum to introduce the children 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 conflict tunnels have been one thing each Mr Tin Field and I wished to do however I wasn’t certain how family-friendly they’d be. So the afternoon on the Mekong Delta with boat rides, biking and a yummy lunch was the sweetener for the children.
The tour was a protracted day however a shock hit with the women. The significantly beloved the Horrible Histories-style data on the conflict 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 beloved lots 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 lots 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 Resort* 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 straightforward add on to a keep in Ho Chi Minh Metropolis.
Fishing was the island’s fundamental trade. Backpackers have been drawn right here by the laid again vibes and pristine seashores. In recent times Phu Quoc has turn out 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 retailers, eating places and nightly firework shows at Sundown City in addition to the Hon Thom Cable Automobile to the Aquatopia Water Park and different points of interest on Hon Thom Island.
Nonetheless we flew to Phu Quoc to chill out on the finish of a busy fortnight and selected to not depart 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 amenities have been glorious and, I feel, fairly good worth for a beautiful three bed room villa with a non-public pool and a formidable breakfast buffet thrown in. The one kicker was the value 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 once we visited in July to August 2024 we didn’t require a visa for our two weeks in Vietnam. In truth we may 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 test the arrival date stamp earlier than you allow immigration. If the stamp hasn’t been modified to that days date you possibly can be quick modified.
That is good recommendation wherever you might be holidaying significantly if there’s a free however time restricted visa.
In case you are from the UK test the most recent visa necessities on the gov.uk web site.
Different nationalities ought to test their authorities’s official web sites for journey recommendation.
What to eat
The meals in Vietnam was a giant spotlight for our hungry children. They beloved Ban Mi, Pho and spring rolls.
The meals was unbelievable in every single place 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 as compared.
The espresso was a giant 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 inside flights. So if you’re intending to simply deliver a backpack you’ll wish to adapt my solutions to your journey type.
Having mentioned that each our women 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 help package ended up.
So with out supplying you with a blow by blow packing checklist, right here’s our suggestions for what to pack if you happen to observe an analogous itinerary as us:
What to pack for sightseeing
Lengthy or cropped trousers, t-shirts and shirts comprised of cotton with strong sandals or trainers are the best garments for exploring. Don’t overlook your hat and solar glasses too.
Shorts are acceptable however you received’t see many Vietnamese sporting them as they like to not tan.
In case you are visiting a temple then your shoulders and knees should be lined. That is additionally anticipated when visiting locations of nationwide significance like Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum in Hanoi.
Girls: chub rub type shorts are your good friend if you happen to resolve to go for floaty attire within the warmth!
Seashore and pool days
Swim fits or bikinis are fantastic at public seashores and resort swimming pools. However topless sunbathing could 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 will likely be sizzling – and water footwear for boat journeys. We additionally threw in a number of light-weight towels which got here in helpful once we visited An Bang Seashore in Hoi An. Towels have been offered in any respect our motels and our Ha Lengthy Bay cruise.
Additionally, don’t overlook swim goggles for the children. 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 once we obtained to our pool days in Phu Quoc.
Different issues to pack for Vietnam
You should purchase most belongings you would possibly overlook to pack. In my expertise, there’s all the time one thing that drops off the checklist!
Nonetheless 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 have been malaria free so there was no want for anti-malarials however there are nonetheless mosquitos about and so they can carry different nasty illnesses
- Common journey adaptor* – Vietnam has Kind A, C and F plug sockets so that you want an adaptor that may work for one or all of those
- First help package – we all the time journey with a little bit bag of plasters, anti-septic cream, Sudocrem, a bug chew zapper, rehydration sachets, paracetamol, Immodium and Rennies.
- Moist wipes and tissues – these are straightforward to return by in Vietnam however have a pack or two in your day bag for speedy 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 have been tied to the college holidays for our journey and the summer season was the one time we may 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. In truth 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 have 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 prevented being out in the midst of the day until we have been within the shade.
The changeable climate didn’t put a dampener on our journey.
Nonetheless, if you happen to can solely vacation for 2 weeks in Vietnam and wish to keep away from the sticky, moist season then visiting in the course of the Easter holidays is the higher time of 12 months.
Nonetheless 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’ll be able to 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 additionally wish to learn these:
Disclosure: this submit 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 value you pay.