Vietnam in two weeks north to south: Hanoi, Ha Long Bay, Hoi An and Saigon

TUREFF• •0

Vietnam is long and thin, and two weeks is the classic length for a first trip that runs from Hanoi in the north to Ho Chi Minh City in the south. You will not see everything, but this route covers the highlights without spending half the trip on buses.

Visa and entry

Vietnam's e-visa is available to citizens of all countries and territories, valid for up to 90 days, with single and multiple entry options. Apply on the official government e-visa portal and allow several working days for processing. Many lookalike sites charge extra for the same application, so check the address carefully. Some nationalities can enter visa-free for a shorter period, and the list and length of stay change. Check the official sources for your passport before you book, and make sure your passport has at least six months' validity.

The two-week route

Hanoi (3 nights): the Old Quarter's streets, Hoan Kiem Lake, the Temple of Literature, street food tours and egg coffee. Crossing the road is a skill: walk slowly and steadily, and let the motorbikes flow around you.
Ha Long Bay or Lan Ha Bay (1–2 nights): limestone karsts rising from green water. An overnight cruise is the classic way; quality varies widely, so read recent reviews. Lan Ha Bay is often quieter.
Ninh Binh (optional, 1–2 nights): "Ha Long Bay on land", with boat trips through caves and rice fields. Many people prefer it to the bay.
Hue (1–2 nights): the old imperial city and royal tombs.
Hoi An (3 nights): the lantern-lit old town, tailors, cycling through rice paddies and An Bang beach. Travel from Hue over the Hai Van Pass by car or motorbike tour for the views.
Ho Chi Minh City (3 nights): the War Remnants Museum, the Reunification Palace, Ben Thanh Market, and a day trip to the Cu Chi Tunnels or the Mekong Delta.

If you have less time, fly from Hanoi to Da Nang (for Hoi An) and on to Ho Chi Minh City, skipping Hue.

Getting around

Domestic flights are the fastest way to cover the long distances and are often inexpensive if booked ahead.
The Reunification Express train runs the length of the country. It is slow, but a sleeper berth between Hanoi and Hue, or the coastal stretch from Hue to Da Nang, is an experience in itself.
Sleeper buses are cheap; comfort and safety vary, and tall travellers find them cramped.
Ride-hailing apps for cars and motorbike taxis work in the cities and avoid fare disputes.

Money

The currency is the dong, and the numbers have many zeros; check notes carefully before handing them over. Cards are accepted in hotels, cafés and larger restaurants; street food and markets want cash. Bargaining is normal in markets, not in shops with marked prices.

Food worth travelling for

Pho and bun cha in Hanoi.
Bun bo Hue in Hue.
Cao lau and banh mi in Hoi An.
Com tam (broken rice) and everything at the street stalls in Ho Chi Minh City.
Small plastic stools on the pavement usually mean the best food.

When to go

The weather differs by region. The north has a cool, sometimes grey winter and a hot, humid summer. Central Vietnam, including Hue and Hoi An, gets heavy rain and storms in autumn, roughly from September to December, with flooding in some years. The south is warm all year, with a dry season and a rainy season. Spring is a good compromise for a full north-to-south trip.

Safety and etiquette

Traffic is the main risk. Think twice about renting a motorbike without a licence and experience; insurance often excludes it.
Petty theft, especially bag snatching from passing motorbikes, happens in the big cities. Keep phones away from the road side.
Dress modestly at temples and pagodas, covering shoulders and knees.

Visa rules can change at short notice, so confirm the e-visa details on the official portal before travelling. Done this route yourself, or planning it? Share your questions and tips in the comments.