Curated by Sheridan-Leigh | Powered by GPT Slow Travel Planner from MyLifestyle.au
VIETNAM – 14-day Travel ItineraryVietnam offers travellers an unforgettable blend of vibrant culture, breathtaking landscapes, and mouth-watering cuisine. Wander through the charming streets of Hanoi’s Old Quarter or sail the serene waters of Halong Bay’s limestone islands. Explore the lantern-lit town of Hoi An, experience bustling markets in Ho Chi Minh City, or relax on picturesque beaches in Da Nang and Phu Quoc. Delicious street food, from fragrant bowls of pho to crispy banh xeo pancakes, captures Vietnam’s culinary heart. Rich history, friendly locals, and diverse experiences make Vietnam an ideal destination, promising an adventure that will linger long after your trip ends. |  | ||
 | The Slow Travel Planner from MyLifestyle.au is your trusted guide to meaningful, authentic journeys. Designed for thoughtful explorers, it offers personalized itineraries, cultural insights, and sustainable travel tips. With a warm, seasoned voice, it encourages you to immerse deeply, travel mindfully, and connect with local communities—transforming every trip into a soulful adventure. | ||
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Vietnam – 14-day Travel Itinerary
Choose Your Perfect Slow Travel Route
Some places deserve more than just a visit they deserve your time, your presence, and a little bit of your heart.
Vietnam is one of those places.
From the vibrant energy of Ho Chi Minh City to the lantern-lit magic of Hoi An, the misty mountains of the north to the peaceful waters of Ninh Binh this country has a way of leaving a lasting imprint.
Whether you have two weeks or three, I’ve carefully crafted two itineraries that will help you explore Vietnam at your own pace. These aren’t “tick-the-box” itineraries. They’re designed for slow travellers, thoughtful adventurers, and curious souls who want to feel the places they go.
Take your time. Let the rhythm of Vietnam guide you. And as always travel with wonder.
14-Day Vietnam Travel Itinerary — Culture, Comfort & Connection
This 14-day Vietnam itinerary is ideal for couples, first-time visitors, and travellers seeking balance. With a mix of city highlights, cultural sites, nature, and rest days you’ll experience the beauty of Vietnam without feeling rushed.
Day 1: Arrival in Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC)
Arrange a private airport transfer to a centrally located hotel in District 1.
Spend the afternoon unwinding at the hotel or exploring a nearby café.
Enjoy a relaxed dinner at a local Vietnamese restaurant.
Day 2: Ho Chi Minh City Highlights
Morning: Visit the Notre Dame Cathedral and Central Post Office, iconic landmarks showcasing colonial architecture.
Afternoon: Explore the War Remnants Museum for a historical perspective. (Allow a few hours)
Evening: Stroll through a central market or enjoy a quiet dinner. (Ben Tranh markets are the best)
Day 3: Mekong Delta and Cu Chi Tunnels Full-Day Tour
(This will be a full 8-hour day with a lot of time in bus and in and out of boats etc)
Combine two famous sites in one day:
Visit Cu Chi Tunnels in the morning to learn about wartime history.
Explore the Mekong Delta in the afternoon, including a sampan ride through canals and a local lunch.
Return to HCMC in the evening for rest and dinner.
Day 4: Hoi An Ancient Town
Morning flight to Da Nang.
Arrange a private airport transfer to Hotel or Home stay in Hoi An
(Da Nang to Hoi An is a 40-minute drive)
Morning: Visit Hoi An Ancient Town to explore its charming streets and historic sites like the Japanese Bridge (Need tourist pass for historical sights allows entrance to 5 sites of your choice)
Afternoon: Join a lantern-making or coffee making workshop or relax by the river.
Evening: Enjoy dinner and a boat ride under the lantern-lit skies.
Day 5: Relax in Hoi An
Spend the morning at the beach or exploring a nearby organic farming village. (Beach about 15minutes out of Hoi An called An Bang)
Rest in the afternoon or shop for local handicrafts.
Attend an evening cultural performance. (Hoi An memories show is essential (This show is about 20 minutes out of town and finishes about 10pm)
Day 6: Da Nang
(40minute drive to Da Nang from Hoi An)
Morning: Stop at Marble Mountain on your way to Da Nang
Afternoon: Visit Linh Ung Pagoda and enjoy panoramic views from the Lady Buddha statue.
Evening: Watch the Dragon Bridge’s fire and water show (available only Friday/Sunday nights). Best to see So Tra Seafood market and eat fresh cooked crayfish at the same time)
Day 7 Ba Na Hills and Golden Bridge
(1hours drive from Da Nang (go early as it gets packed allow full day)
You do not need to do a tour just book a Grab from Hotel to entrance
Take a cable car to Ba Na Hills and visit the famous Golden Hand Bridge.
Explore the gardens and other attractions at your own pace.
There are many Taxis and Grab available when you are ready to leave
The Buffet Lunch is good if you wish to indulge
Day 8: Hue Day Trip
(2.5-hour drive to Hue without stops)
Travel via the scenic Hai Van Pass to Hue.
Explore the Imperial City, Thien Mu Pagoda, and the Perfume River.
Return to Da Nang in the evening.
Day 9: Fly to Hanoi
Morning flight to Hanoi. Check into Hotel in Old Quarter
Afternoon: Explore the many attractions Hanoi has to offer or take a city tour. (I recommend the Jeep Hidden Gem Tour)
Day 10: Hanoi City Highlights
Morning: Visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum Complex and the One Pillar Pagoda. (Allow que times and distance for traffic)
Afternoon: Explore the Vietnamese Women’s Museum for cultural insights or other sites of interest.
Evening: Watch a water puppet show and enjoy dinner in the Old Quarter. (Must book in advance)
Day 11 & 12: Ha Long Bay
(2.5-hour drive from Hanoi to Ha Long)
Board an overnight trip on the bay a 2-day, 1-night luxury cruise.
Activities: Tai Chi, gentle boat rides, and visiting floating villages or caves.
Day 13: Ninh Binh Full-Day Trip
(Full day 10 to12 hours)
Explore the Ninh Binh countryside:
Take a serene boat ride in Tam Coc or Trang An.
Visit Hoa Lu Ancient Capital for a glimpse of Vietnam’s early dynasties.
Optional: Climb Mua Cave for panoramic views or relax in nearby gardens.
Day 14: Departure back to Ho Chi Min City and fly home.
(Allow at least 2 hours to clean immigration in Saigon)
Arrange a private transfer to the airport for your flight home. Vietnam Airlines are the best
This 14-day itinerary is designed to show you the very best that Vietnam has to offer, from vibrant cities and historic landmarks to breathtaking landscapes and cultural treasures. It will be a busy and, at times, tiring journey, packed with unforgettable experiences, but every step will be worth it as you discover the true beauty and spirit of Vietnam.
This balanced itinerary combines cultural highlights, natural beauty, and thoughtful experiences to impress both travellers.
Travel Smart, Travel Slow
Whichever route you choose, know that you don’t have to do it all. Some of the best memories are made when you take a wrong turn, sip coffee longer than expected, or chat with a stranger on a bench.
You can also use the MyLifestyle Slow Travel Planner GPT to personalise your adventure, swap out stops or extend your time in a favourite spot.
Bonus: Many of the tours and transfers in these itineraries are bookable via my Viator affiliate link, which helps support the blog (at no extra cost to you).
Sheridan-Leigh MyLifestyle.au – Travel Stories to Guide, Tips to Inspire
About the Author:
Below are some recent travels on an interactive map.
Alternatively, view the full interactive travel journey at MyLifestyle Travel Map
Click on a trip line to see images, posts, accommodation and travel information about the destinations.
See her recent travels: Click on the image. https://mylifestyle.travelmap.net
