Ancient capitals, lantern-lit towns, and emerald bays shape this immersive experience. Over 14 days, travel from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City on a north-to-south journey through heritage cities, coastal charm, and river life. Cruise Halong Bay, explore imperial Hue, wander Hoi An’s glowing streets, and navigate the Mekong Delta while discovering Vietnam’s rich culture, cuisine, and striking regional contrasts.
Fourteen days gives Vietnam the space it deserves. This thoughtfully paced journey begins in the capital, Hanoi, and travels south through dramatic seascapes, imperial cities, central coast towns, and the dynamic streets of Ho Chi Minh City. Along the way, you cruise through limestone karsts in Halong Bay, explore royal citadels in Hue, wander lantern-lit alleys in Hoi An, and drift along the waterways of the Mekong Delta.
The route is designed for travellers who want a comprehensive introduction to Vietnam without feeling rushed. Guided experiences provide cultural and historical context, while built-in free time allows for spontaneous discoveries, café stops, market browsing, and optional excursions.
Hanoi and Halong Bay: Vietnam’s northern soul
Your adventure begins in Hanoi, a city rich in centuries of history. The Old Quarter hums with motorbikes, street food vendors, and narrow shopfronts selling everything from silk to spices. Guided walks introduce key landmarks, including Hoan Kiem Lake and historic temples, offering insight into Vietnam’s cultural and political past.
From Hanoi, the journey continues to Halong Bay, one of Southeast Asia’s most iconic natural landscapes. An overnight cruise glides through towering limestone pillars rising from emerald waters. Time on the water often includes kayaking, cave visits, and relaxed meals on deck. Sunrise over the bay is a highlight that captures the serene beauty of northern Vietnam.
Imperial Hue and the charm of Hoi An
Heading south, you arrive in Hue, the former imperial capital. The vast Imperial City complex features ornate gates, courtyards, and temples that reflect the grandeur of the Nguyen Dynasty. A boat ride along the Perfume River adds another dimension to your understanding of the region’s history and spiritual traditions.
Further along the central coast lies Hoi An, a UNESCO-listed trading port known for its preserved architecture and colourful lanterns. The pace slows here. You can cycle through rice fields, visit local markets, explore traditional houses, or have clothing custom-made by skilled tailors. Evenings transform the town into a glowing riverside scene, with lantern reflections shimmering across the water.
Ho Chi Minh City and the Mekong Delta
The journey concludes in vibrant Ho Chi Minh City, often still called Saigon. This southern metropolis blends French colonial architecture with glass towers, street markets, and a thriving café culture. Guided visits to historical landmarks, including the War Remnants Museum, provide an important perspective on Vietnam’s modern history.
A full-day excursion into the Mekong Delta offers a contrasting rhythm. Travelling by boat through palm-lined canals, you encounter small villages, local workshops, and floating markets that reflect the agricultural heartbeat of southern Vietnam.
What’s included in this 14-day Vietnam tour
A two-week itinerary allows for both headline experiences and quieter cultural moments. The tour typically includes comfortable, centrally located accommodations, guided sightseeing in key cities, domestic transfers between regions, and an overnight cruise in Halong Bay.
You can expect:
- Hotel stays in major destinations
- An overnight Halong Bay cruise
- Guided city tours in Hanoi, Hue, and Ho Chi Minh City
- Transportation between cities, including domestic flights
- Selected meals showcasing regional Vietnamese cuisine
The extended timeframe ensures that travel days are balanced with meaningful exploration, rather than constant transit.
Who this Vietnam adventure suits best
This 14-day journey is ideal for:
- First-time visitors seeking a well-rounded introduction to Vietnam
- Solo travellers who appreciate structured logistics and group camaraderie
- Couples and friends looking for cultural depth and varied landscapes
- Travellers who want both guided insight and independent exploration time
The pacing is thoughtfully structured, giving you time to experience Vietnam’s major highlights without constant transit or long, exhausting days. Guided city tours involve comfortable walking through historic centres, with optional cycling in Hoi An and relaxed boat excursions in destinations such as Halong Bay and the Mekong Delta. Overall, the activity level remains moderate and accessible to most travellers with average fitness levels.
Plan your Vietnam escape
Vietnam rewards curiosity at every turn. From steaming bowls of pho at dawn in Hanoi to golden sunsets drifting across the Mekong Delta, this journey reveals a country shaped by resilience, layered history, and genuine warmth. The itinerary balances depth with momentum, connecting Vietnam’s diverse regions into a seamless narrative while allowing time to absorb local rhythms, flavours, and landscapes along the way.
If you’re ready to experience Vietnam from north to south, explore the full details and departure dates.
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