Summary
Days 1-3: Arrive in Hanoi and Explore
Days 4-7: Ha Giang Loop (or Sapa if you don't want to be on a motorbike)
Days 7-9: Ha Long Bay
Days 10-12: Hoi An
Days 13-14: Da Nang and Depart
* Travel around Vietnam takes quite a while between destinations, if you want to squeeze in more places, especially southern Vietnam, in 2 weeks - it's doable, but I wouldn't recommend it. If you want to explore the whole country, I'd give yourself at least 3 weeks.
Days 1-3: Arrive in Hanoi and Explore
Hanoi
@bethanyb
Hanoi, Vietnam's bustling capital, is a blend of ancient history, French colonial architecture, and vibrant street life. Explore the historic Old Quarter with its maze of narrow streets, ancient temples, and bustling markets like Dong Xuan Market. Visit the Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple, where locals and tourists alike gather for leisurely walks and to witness traditional performances. Don't miss trying the famous local cuisine like pho and bun cha while exploring the city's lively food scene.
Details
Activities:
-Food Tour: This was one of my absolute favorite things we did in Vietnam, and I especially recommend it at the beginning of your trip so you're more comfortable with food in Vietnam.
-Walking Tour: I always love a walking tour, it's such a great way to acquaint yourself with a new city and get tips and recommendations from local guides.
-Temples and Pagodas: There are countless temples to visit in Hanoi, including The Temple of Literature, Tran Quoc Pagoda, Ngoc Son Temple, etc.
-Ninh Binh: We stayed in this beautiful town for 2 nights, but you really only need a day trip. It's a picturesque town definitely worth visiting, especially for Hoa Lu, Tam Coc, and Mua Cave.
Need more tips for Hanoi? Check out this in-depth guide:
Days 4-7: Ha Giang Loop (or Sapa if you don't want to be on a motorbike)
Transportation from Hanoi: Sleeper Bus or Private Car
Hà Giang
@bethanyb
Ha Giang, Vietnam, tucked away in the far north near the Chinese border, is renowned for its rugged landscapes, ethnic diversity, and scenic mountain passes. Drive along the Ma Pi Leng Pass for panoramic views of towering cliffs and the Nho Que River below, or trek through the Dong Van Karst Plateau Geopark to discover ancient rock formations and traditional Hmong villages. Explore the vibrant markets of Ha Giang Town, where you can sample local delicacies and handmade crafts, offering a glimpse into the unique culture and cuisine of northern Vietnam.
Details
Sa Pa
@bethanyb
Sapa, Vietnam, nestled in the Hoang Lien Son Mountains, is a picturesque town known for its terraced rice fields, ethnic diversity, and trekking opportunities. Explore the lush landscapes on hikes to villages like Cat Cat and Lao Chai, where you can immerse yourself in the local culture of the Hmong and Dao ethnic groups. Visit the vibrant Bac Ha Market on Sundays to shop for traditional handicrafts and textiles, or simply enjoy the cool mountain air and stunning views of the surrounding valleys and peaks.
Details
Activities:
-If you're not keen to do a motorbike or car tour of the Ha Giang Loop, Sapa is another great option to explore Northern Vietnam.
-Ha Giang Loop: Be sure to read the below for everything you need to know about the Ha Giang Loop:
Days 7-9: Ha Long Bay
Transportation from Ha Giang, Sapa, or Hanoi: Sleep Bus, Train and Bus, Flight (from Hanoi), or Private Car
Hạ Long Bay
@bethanyb
Ha Long Bay, Vietnam, known for its emerald waters and thousands of towering limestone islands topped with rainforests, is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a natural wonder. Embark on a cruise to explore the bay's breathtaking scenery, visit floating fishing villages, and kayak through hidden caves and lagoons. Experience the stunning sunset over the karst formations and indulge in fresh seafood onboard for a memorable culinary delight amidst this picturesque seascape.
Details
Activities:
-Cruise: A cruise along Ha Long Bay is probably what most people picture when they think of Vietnam. You can do a day trip from Hanoi, or sleep aboard a ship, whichever fits your schedule.
-Lan Ha Bay Cruise: An alternative to the Ha Long Bay area to avoid crowds.
Days 10-12: Hoi An
Transportation from Hanoi or Ha Long: Flight and Taxi
Hội An
@bethanyb
Hoi An, Vietnam, is a charming ancient town renowned for its well-preserved architecture, lantern-lit streets, and rich cultural heritage. Explore the UNESCO-listed Old Town, where you can wander through narrow alleys lined with historic buildings, visit ancient temples, and shop for tailor-made clothing and handicrafts. Take a leisurely boat ride along the Thu Bon River, stopping at nearby islands and villages to experience the local way of life and enjoy traditional Vietnamese cuisine.
Details
Activities:
-Food Tour: Why not take another food tour?! The cuisine changes quite a big throughout the regions of the country, so even if you took a food tour in Hanoi or Ho Chi Min, the food here is completely different.
-Walking Tour: As always, my favorite way to start my time in a new place to learn some tips from the locals.
-Cooking Class: Now that you've eaten all the food, why not learn how to make it?!
Days 13-14: Da Nang and Depart
Transportation from Hoi An: Taxi
Da Nang
@bethanyb
Da Nang, Vietnam, nestled along the central coast, is a vibrant city known for its beautiful beaches, rich history, and lively atmosphere. Visit the iconic Marble Mountains for scenic viewpoints, ancient temples, and caves filled with Buddhist shrines, or relax on the pristine shores of My Khe Beach, known for its soft white sand and clear blue waters. Explore the bustling Han Market for local handicrafts, fresh seafood, and authentic Vietnamese cuisine, making Da Nang a perfect destination for culture, relaxation, and culinary delights.
Details
Activities:
-Sun World: Where the iconic hand bridge is, this amusement park could be a nice break from temples and pagodas.
-Beach Day: There are tons of beach resorts in Da Nang, you could schedule a relaxation day here to break up the exploring and walking.
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