Vietnam had been at the top of my bucket list for some time now. Ever since I first saw a photo of the mist soaked limestone islands of Ha Long Bay in the dewy morning light, it's a destination that captured my imagination. So when Adam and I decided to spend 6 months travelling through Asia, it was a key highlight of our itinerary.
There's always that fear though, when you finally visit somewhere that you've had such high expectations of. Would it be too touristy? Would the food disappoint? What if it just wasn't all that I'd imagined it would be?
We landed in Ho Chi Minh City at the halfway point of our trip, fairly bedraggled and a bit burnt out. But the second we hit the frenetic city streets, all fears were swept away. It's a horribly overused word, but Vietnam has this vibrancy, this energy, that truly is like nowhere else I've been.
But it's not all bustling cities. There's ancient, lantern-lined old towns, grand imperial palaces, sprawling beach resorts, and plenty of nature destinations for adventure lovers. It's one of those destinations that has so much to offer every kind of traveller.
Let's get something out of the way, straight off the bat. Is two weeks enough time in Vietnam? Absolutely not. But it's a country so rich in experiences that you could dedicate months to it, and still have more to see. Nonetheless, two weeks is a good length to provide a reasonable overview, allowing you to discover a number of different sides to this diverse destination. However, I can't guarantee it won't leave you wanting more...
I've put together this two week Vietnam itinerary to highlight some of the best experiences and must-do activities across the country. From cafe hopping in HCMC to the tranquil karst landscapes of Ninh Binh, read on for the very best experiences and things to do in Vietnam.
The Vietnam Two Week Itinerary
3 Nights: Eat, shop, and learn about Vietnam's history in Ho Chi Minh City
+ 2 Nights: Nha Trang for beaches, or Dalat for adventure and colonial architecture
3 Nights: Discover the ancient Old Town and get tailored clothes in Hoi An
+ 2 Nights: Drop and flop at a resort in Da Nang
2 Nights: See the Historic Citadel of imperial Hue
2 Nights: Take a boat trip around "Ha Long Bay on land" in picturesque Ninh Binh
4 Nights: Soak up Vietnamese city life in vibrant Hanoi, with a night in Ha Long or Lan Ha Bay
+ 3 Nights: Head up to the Northern region of Sapa for rice fields and trekking
In this itinerary we've travelled South to North, inspired by a couple we met in Sri Lanka who told us to do so because "it gets better & better as you travel North". I'm not entirely sure this is true, purely because we loved Vietnam throughout, but I'll leave that with you! However, you could easily switch this from North to South depending on where you fly into.
Italics are suggested additions if you have more time in Vietnam. This itinerary focuses on culture, architecture, and history. However if you're, for example, more interested in taking it chill on the beach, or want to spend more time in nature, feel free to swap some things around!
Vietnam 101
Getting to Vietnam: I recommend either flying into Ho Chi Minh City in the South (which we did, hence the order of this itinerary), or Hanoi in the North. If you're coming in from other parts of Asia, such as Phnom Penh in Cambodia, you can also get a coach (Giant Ibis is my pick).
Money in Vietnam: Vietnam uses the Vietnamese dong (VND ₫). Cash is handy, particularly when paying for things like street food, though most restaurants, retailers etc will take card.
Getting around Vietnam: Most of this route is doable via train, which we booked in advance via Baolau. Many major destinations in Vietnam, including HCMC, Da Nang, and Hanoi, are also connected with international airports. There are also a plethora of tourist coach options via Red Bus or 12Go Asia, which are handy if you're on a tight budget, but generally less pleasant as an experience! Within cities, Grab is your ride hailing app of choice.
Mobile Service in Vietnam: Your cheapest option is generally to grab a local sim when you arrive at the airport. The main provider in Vietnam is Vietell, and you'll see plenty of kiosks selling these. Or if you prefer a more convenient option, organise an eSim in advance of your trip. I use Nomad, and you can use ANOULDADMU for money off.
Vietnam 2 Week Itinerary Breakdown
3 Nights in Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)
I'd initially planned for Ho Chi Minh City (formerly, but still commonly known as Saigon) to be a brief stopover for us. It was a destination to get our bearings, have a bit of down time, and catch up on admin. Honestly, I wasn't expecting much from Vietnam's second city. However as soon as we stepped out onto the streets, we both fell head over heels for it.
To me, HCMC really encapsulates the Vietnamese experience. Life unfurls in the secret hidden back alleys, where you'll often find the best food, if you're in the know. For the coffee enthusiasts, there's plenty of excellent coffee culture with a number of hip and unique cafes to explore. We had our first taste of egg coffee in HCMC, and it didn't get topped all trip! Then there's the "walking street", a nightlife strip that's such an extreme assault on the senses that it's actually quite surreal.
It's not just eating street food and partying, however. I'd also recommend starting your travels in HCMC as it's an excellent place to gain a basic understanding of the country's turbulent history, thanks to the number of historical sights and museums in and around the city. What had meant to be our downtime ended up being traded for hours wandering the streets, discovering the city's rich culture, and I have zero regrets.
Things to do in Ho Chi Minh City
- War Remnants Museum: A sobering look inside the Vietnam war, with a number of exhibitions charting the course of events during this tumultuous period of Vietnamese history. At times it makes for a hard, but necessary viewing. The museum is very information dense, so make sure to give yourself plenty of time, at least a couple of hours.
- Tân Định Catholic Church: Ho Chi Minh City isn't somewhere I would particularly describe as "Instagrammable", but it is home to a rather fetching pink church. Apparently the church was painted pink in the 1950s to bring some joy after bleak years of war. Now it's a bit of a HCMC icon, and well worth a detour to admire.
- Saigon Central Post Office: I know what you're thinking, a post office, really Anoushka?! But the striking building is a wonderful example of colonial era architecture in Vietnam, and a popular spot from which to send postcards home.
- Bui Vien Street: HCMC's nightlife strip is a sight to behold. You'll be immediately greeted (assaulted) by pounding music and flashing neon lights from outrageously gaudy bars flanked by sullen faced go-go dancers, whilst promoters try to lure you in with dubious shot offers. Normally it's the kind of place I'd avoid like the plague, but Bui Vien is so out there, it's an experience just to soak up the craziness. I'm not sure I'd actually recommend frequenting any of these establishments, but you at least need to see it once!
- Aesthetic Cafes: HCMC is home to a number of Instagram-friendly cafes. One such is Ngâm Cafe, with walls lined with books and vinyl. I can't actually comment on the calibre of the F&B, as when we tried to visit it was so packed out with people taking pictures that it was completely full. A couple of photogenic cafes a bit further out of town that I'd earmarked but we also sadly didn't get to are Cafe Sân Vườn Miền Thảo Mộc, and Tiệm cà phê Noọng Ơi. If you go, report back!
- Củ Chi tunnels Day Trip: The most popular day trip from HCMC is to see the Củ Chi tunnels, a network of tunnels outside the city that Viet Cong soldiers hid in during combat. You'll see tours being advertised across the city, or make your own way.
Shopping in Ho Chi Minh City
- Ben Thanh Market: If you're looking for fresh fruit and veg, or perhaps "designer" handbags and fake North Face jackets, Ho Chi Minh's Ben Thanh Market is your best bet. This iconic market is packed with vendors selling all sorts of food, souvenirs, and dubious knockoffs. There's a lot of tat, but if you're dedicated you may just find a gem or two. Between all the low quality drop-shipped goods we stumbled upon a really nice menswear stall on the first floor where Adam picked up several shirts, so keep an eye out!
- Shopping local brands: Why did no one tell me that the shopping in Vietnam is so good?! The country is home to a number of stylish womenswear brands at very affordable prices by Western standards, so make sure to come with an empty suitcase. In HCMC a number of these are concentrated around Nguyen Trai and hidden in the surrounding streets. They're not always very obvious, as stalls may be on higher floors or tucked into back alleys. My favourites were Rechic, Huong Boutique (more expensive, but SO worth it), and Clothes Bar. Many brands can also be found in Hanoi if you don't get round to it in HCMC.
- On the corner of Đồng Khởi and Lý Tự Trọng, opposite the Vincom Centre, you'll find another hub of shops secreted away in an unassuming block, including the aforementioned Rechic. Next door, streetwear fans will also enjoy The New Playground, which hosts a number of small urban brands.
- Kavin Sports: So good it's worthy of its own spot on this list, this replica shirt shop is a must for football fans looking for a unique souvenir. The shop is packed out over two levels with shirts from all over the world, including lots of unique and limited edition designs. Be prepared to spend ages shifting through stock. Sadly, they had no West Brom shirts so I left empty handed, but Adam bought a bunch!
- Malls: For your usual brand names, there's a number of malls dotted throughout the city, such as Saigon Centre, Takashimaya, and AEON at multiple locations.
Eating & Drinking in Ho Chi Minh City
- Cơm tấm Đề Thám: Our very first meal in HCMC, a back alley street food stall serving up heaving plates of broken rice with pork belly. One big plate to share, with two beers, came up to less than £4. It's no frills, but great fun, and probably one of my favourite dishes all trip.
- Banh Mi: Possibly a controversial take, but HCMC didn't have the greatest banh mi's. However if you're determined to try one nonetheless, Bánh Mì Huynh Hoa is one of the most famous spots in the city for them. There's usually a queue, but it moves fast. Their take on the classic Vietnamese sandwich is massive, overflowing with fillings, however in my opinion the processed meat let it down. That said, a lot of people rave about it! Another spot we tried was Bánh Mì Cô Linh, which is a little out of the way, but better. Or just wait till Hoi An for the best banh mi!
- Secret Garden: A classic example of hidden gems in the backstreets of Ho Chi Minh City, Secret Garden is a picturesque, lantern lined restaurant, tucked away on a roof terrace in a hard to find back alley. Food is simple, satisfying Vietnamese fare - not the best meal you'll ever eat, but perfectly decent for a light lunch.
- Phở Việt Nam: We somehow only had one Pho in Vietnam (there was so much else to try!), but it was a good 'un. Phở Việt Nam is a simple spot serving up steaming bowls of the classic dish, with topping options including beef shank, beef ribs, oxtail, or even wagyu if you're feeling fancy. It's been Michelin recognised, so can be busy, but turnaround is fast.
- Cafe Apartments: You know they take their cafe culture seriously when a whole apartment block is dedicated to the stuff. At Cafe Apartments, 42 Nguyễn Huệ, a multi-story building has been taken over with cafes, as well as boutiques and restaurants. We had the best coffees of our whole trip at Po Cafe on the 8th floor - it's worth the climb!
- Ola Hale: Let's be honest, you're visiting Ola Hale for the view of the pink church. However it's actually a very good restaurant, with a sleek, modern international menu. It's expensive by Vietnam standards, but you'd pay far more for less anywhere else.
Hoi An
If you ask those who've been to Vietnam where their favourite place was, Hoi An is a common answer. And it's easy to see why. Where much of Vietnam feels relatively modern, Hoi An is a delightful glimpse into the rich tapestry of history and heritage that makes the country's culture so enticing. An ancient port town, as far back as the 15th century merchants from China, Japan, and Europe all once stopped on Hoi An's shores.
The charming Old Town at its heart, a medley of Chinese shophouses and French colonial architecture lined with colourful lanterns, is one of the most picturesque places in the country. The riverfront on which it resides comes to life at night, as boats take tourists up and down the Thu Bon River.
Hoi An isn't just a pretty face, however. There's more than enough to keep you occupied, with shopping, sightseeing, excellent dining, and a nearby stretch of beaches for a slower pace. All things considered, it's an essential inclusion in your Vietnam itinerary.
From Ho Chi Minh City you can fly to Hoi An (well, into nearby Da Nang Airport), or get an (admittedly rather long) train, again to either Da Nang or Ga Trà Kiệu. If you have the time, consider splitting up the train journey with a night or two in Dalat or Nha Trang.
Where to stay in Hoi An
Budget Hotels in Hoi An
- Betel Garden Villas: Spacious rooms and a picturesque pool at this affordable hotel.
- An Villa Boutique Resort: Another budget friendly option with a lovely pool area.
- Hoianese Heritage Hotel: Simple, well furnished rooms and friendly staff in the heart of Hoi An.
- The Muse House: Well located with large rooms and helpful staff at prices that are kind on the purse-strings.
- Green Tea Villa: A stylish stay away from the bustle of the Old Town
Mid Range Hotels in Hoi An
- RiverTown Hoi An Resort and Spa: Riverfront setting with pool, tranquil garden, and spa facilities.
- La Charm Hoi An Hotel & Spa: For those who like the comfort of a big box hotel, with a well rated buffet breakfast.
- Hotel Royal Hoi An: Not one but two pools (complete with rooftop views!) at this fully equipped Hoi An hotel.
Luxury Hotels in Hoi An
- Namia River Retreat: A peaceful wellness inclusive resort with private pool villas (pictured) and excellent F&B. Read my full review here.
- Four Seasons Resort The Nam Hai: A sleek luxury stay for those who prefer sunning on the beach to the bustle of the city.
- Anantara Hoi An Resort: The luxury chain's Hoi An outpost overlooks the river with chic, stylish interiors.
Things to do in Hoi An
- Japanese Bridge: An elaborately decorated covered bridge dating back to the 16th century, connecting the Old Town with the Japanese Quarter. Chances are you'll wander across it at some point during your Hoi An travels!
- Hội Quán Phước Kiến: An elaborate Chinese temple and assembly hall in the heart of the Old Town (pictured), dedicated to the Sea Goddess Mazu.
- Get Tailored Clothes Made: Hoi An is famous for its tailoring shops, where you can get custom made clothes for a fraction of the price that they'd cost pretty much anywhere else. If you want to get clothes made, make sure to go on your first day to allow time for adjustments. The sheer choice of tailoring shops can be overwhelming, so make sure to check reviews in advance (and make sure said reviews seem legit!).
- Hit the beach: Hoi An is best known for its Old Town, however it also boasts some excellent coastline. Take a break from the bustle of the streets and head to Cửa Đại or An Bang beach for a brief respite.
- Take a boat ride: You've got a couple of choices here. Head to the riverfront for a lantern lit evening boat ride, or take a traditional basket boat through the coconut trees surrounding the Thu Bon River.
- My Son Sanctuary: Head an hour out of town to explore My Son Sanctuary, a collection of ancient Hindu temples constructed between the 4th and 13th centuries. It's the perfect half day trip if you've thoroughly explored the streets of Hoi An.
Read More: The Very Best Things To Do In Hoi An
Eating and Drinking in Hoi An
- Banh Mi Phuong: Bourdain-approved Banh Mi from a no frills stall in the Old Town. The banh mi's here are fairly compact, with a crispy baguette and lots of different filling choices. I was sceptical of the hype, but it was probably the best banh mi we had all trip, and we went back several times!
- Madam Khanh - The Banh Mi Queen: Banh Mi Phuong faces stiff competition from Hoi An's other famous banh mi spot, Madam Khanh. Honestly, there's very little between them, so I'd recommend trying both. If you do, please report back in the comments with your favourite!
- Morning Glory: A touristy spot for Vietnamese cuisine in the heart of the Old Town, but with a hefty menu and decent food, it's worth it.
- Old River Restaurant: This little stretch of river a little outside the main tourist hub hosts a number of restaurants from which to watch the boats float by. We picked Old River on a whim, but it turned out to be a great shout, with some of the best spring rolls we ate all trip.
- Rosie's Cafe: Because sometimes you just want avocado on toast! Rosie's does excellent brunch fare including plenty of classics like smoked salmon, poached eggs, and yes, avocado, with plenty of veggie and vegan options.
- Nhan's Kitchen: Try Hoi An specialities like Cao Lau noodles, white rose dumplings, and crispy wontons at this bustling local spot. We stumbled upon Nhan's Kitchen (pictured) when looking for a quick bite to eat near our hotel, however it was so good we ended up eating there again on our trip.
- Faifo Cafe: A popular spot for coffee thanks to its roof terrace view over the picturesque roofs of Hoi An. Expect it to be crowded from open till close, but hey, at least there's caffeine.
- Hoi An Roastery Espresso & Coffee House: If you can't get a spot at Faifo, this nearby cafe has a small balcony ideal for watching the world go by below. Don't get the egg coffee though, it was the worst I had (Adam's iced latte was fine)!
Hue
Hue is a destination that doesn't always make it onto the well trodden Vietnam backpacker trail - but they're seriously missing out. The former imperial capital's big ticket attraction is the imperial city, a sprawling palace complex that once housed the Nguyen Emperors. This in itself is worth a stopover, but there's plenty more besides. Hue hosts a number of historic tombs and palaces dotted around the city. Hue also has its own unique regal cuisine, with animals artistically carved out of ingredients. But beyond all these draws, the vibe of the city in itself is a slower pace than chaotic HCMC and Hanoi, making it a pleasant pause on the journey North.
Hue's sights are sufficiently compact that you really only need a day or two to take it all in. It's conveniently accessible via the Vietnamese Railway network. We got a train from nearby Da Nang, which took 2.5 hours. It was an unexpectedly pleasant journey as the line runs through the Hai Van Pass, showcasing lush foliage and stunning ocean vistas.
Things to do in Hue
- Hue Historic Citadel: If you do one thing in Hue, it's got to be this. This historic forbidden city perched alongside the Perfume River served as the capital of the Nguyen Dynasty, the last ruling dynasty of Vietnam. It's a massive complex housed inside a walled fortress, with a number of extravagant gates, palaces, and temples to discover within. Tickets can be bought at the main entrance gate - check opening times in advance as these vary depending on the time of year. There are also combined tickets available which include the tombs around the city, which is very worth doing if you're planning further sightseeing.
- An Dinh Palace: This early 20th century palace is a wonderful example of Vietnamese neoclassical architecture. Painted in sunshine yellow with ornate flourishes and lavish interiors, it's also a popular spot for photoshoots.
- Mausoleum of Emperor Tu Duc: Hue is home to a number of mausoleums to past emperors, and Tu Duc's is one of the most popular. You'll find a number of intricately decorated structures including temples and pavilions, all dotted around a vast, tranquil park.
- Mausoleum of Emperor Khai Dinh: Despite being a little further out of town, this is one of the most worth visiting of Hue's tombs. The tomb sits atop a flight of stairs, offering views back out over the surrounding countryside. The tomb itself is incredibly ornate, with some beautiful architectural details.
- Mausoleum of Minh Mang: Yep, there's a few of these in Hue. Minh Mang's tomb is set inside a vast area of peaceful gardens on the banks of the river.
Where to stay in Hue
- Ancient Hue Garden Houses: A truly beautiful Hue stay with French colonial influences across a collection of chic, timeless rooms and suites. We booked this as a treat for our anniversary, but it's still a relatively affordable stay given the experience.
- Pilgrimage Village Hue: A tranquil retreat set in lush tropical gardens on the outskirts of the city.
- Eldora Hotel Hue: Central Hue stay with a chic art deco pool and similarly nostalgic, design-led rooms.
- The Chum Boutique: Stylishly moody, this hip stay is complete with velvet curtains and roll-top baths in a conveniently central location.
Eating and Drinking in Hue
- Bistro La Carambole: A stylish French-bistro style restaurant in a lovely old colonial building, serving up French and Vietnamese cuisine.
- Madam Thu: A great place to try lots of local specialities, with a couple of locations in the heart of town. If you're like me and can't decide what to go for, they do a tasty platter loaded up with lots of Hue speciality dishes for 190k dong (pictured). It's actually a fairly manageable portion, and a fun crash course in all things Hue cuisine.
- Cozy Restaurant: A simple, no frills spot for hearty bowls of noodles and local cuisine at purse friendly prices.
- Thành cafe: An eclectically designed cafe filled with antiques, serving up a varied menu of drinks and light bites. We went to the Phan Bội Châu branch on the way to Khai Dinh's tomb, however there's also one more centrally located.
Ninh Binh
UNESCO protected Ninh Binh (also known as Hoa Lư), is commonly referred to as "Ha Long Bay on land" due to the meandering rivers that snake their way through its dramatic landscapes of karst mountains. Somewhat confusingly, Ninh Binh is the name of both the province, and main city. However this guide refers to the wider province. Within this, there's two main tourist areas, Tam Coc and Trang An. Most visitors will base themselves in one of the two. Tam Coc is more built up and has more to offer in terms of restaurants, whereas Trang An is quieter and more secluded.
There's plenty of natural sights to discover throughout the region, including a number of waterways, dramatic caves, national parks, and historic monuments. Not to mention, it's a pleasant break from the (amazing, but intense!) bustle of Vietnamese city life. My top tip: hire a scooter or bicycle (your hotel may well have them available to rent, or should be able to point you in the right direction) to get around whilst immersed in incredible landscapes.
Ninh Binh is a long haul train journey (we did an overnight) from Hue. There are also buses, which will take around 9.5hrs. Many choose to do it as a day trip from Hanoi, and whilst it's certainly doable if you're short on time, I'd recommend allowing yourself a night or two to get as much as possible out of this beautiful province.
Things to do in Ninh Binh
Hang Mua: A steep 500-ish step uphill climb to a mountain atop a cave offers sweeping views out over rice fields and winding rivers. The path forks about 2/3 of the way up. One fork leads to a ridge featuring a carved dragon, whilst the other takes you to a small pagoda. The former is the higher of the two, but both offer excellent views. It's hard work, but worth it! I recommend visiting as early as possible to avoid the heat of the day. You have to buy a ticket, priced at 100k, to enter the complex, and a further 10k for bike parking.
Take a Boat Ride: There are a number of places to enjoy a traditional sampan boat ride in Ninh Binh, however the most popular are Tam Coc and Trang An. Our homestay recommended to do the latter, as it's supposedly the less touristy of the two. There are three routes available, which all offer a mix of caves and temples. We chose route 3, which we were advised was the most scenic! The boat can fit four people - however if you want a private boat, you can pay for the extra fares (250k per person). We decided to do this as it was our anniversary, and it was much nicer having it to ourselves! The boat is ridden by a local, and takes you through lush landscapes, with regular stops to explore temples along the route.
Bich Dong Pagoda: This striking complex (pictured) comprises three temples built into the mountains. From the first temple, keep an eye out for a fairly hidden staircase that takes you to the next temple. From there, it's through a dark cave and up more steps to the last temples. It's free to enter, and one of the more peaceful experiences in the area. Keep in mind, you're required to wear modest clothing.
Note: this applies to a number of sights in Ninh Binh, but be wary of parking scams. People will attempt to charge you high prices to park with them, even purposely dressing like officials to fool you. It can be hard to judge, but trust your instincts! We very nearly paid an exorbitant price at Bich Dong, only to find much cheaper parking around the corner.
Hoa Lu Ancient Capital: When you've done all the hiking, biking, and river cruising you can manage, Ninh Binh also has it's own little slice of history on offer. The 10th century ancient capital features a scattering of temples, pagodas, and tombs. It's not quite as spectacular as Hue's Ancient Citadel, and honestly, probably only worthwhile if you're really interested in Vietnamese architectural history. Entry costs 20k dong, from 7am to 5pm.
Note: I haven't got an eating and drinking section here, because honestly, we didn't eat anywhere particularly good in Ninh Binh! Sadly, what it offers in spectacular landscapes is not matched by it's culinary offerings. A particular low was one of our dinners, hungry and tired after a day of exploring, getting served instant noodles... The only place remotely worth mentioning was The Coop by Chookie's for pancakes and bacon after a sunrise hike up Hang Mua, and Chookie's Beer Garden for international fare in a fun, fairylit pool garden.
Hanoi
Vietnam's capital, Hanoi, is one of those cacophonous cities where it feels like life is being thoroughly lived in every corner. There is no such thing as a quiet moment in Hanoi, it crackles constantly with electricity. There's truly nowhere quite like it. Crossing roads, swerving through the hoards of scooters coming from all directions, could be an Olympic sport. Speaking of scooters, you'll see all sorts on them - piles of flowers, scraps of cardboard, even a crate filled with ducks at one point. The French Quarter is a magnet for travellers hailing from every corner of the globe, converging on the markets, bars, and banh mi stalls. Then Hanoi's own "beer street", Ta Hien, plastic seats spilling in to the streets from bars, cafes, and no frills canteens. At night, it feels like the whole world has descended upon this small patch of Hanoi.
Though there are things to do, Hanoi is a city where the real joy is in just "being". Wandering the streets, soaking up the scenes they offer. A stop for some street food, a duck into a nearby secret bar. Sadly, rather bleak, rainy weather hampered quite a lot of our Hanoi plans so this guide is a little light on the ground in this section unfortunately. But I'm hoping I'll be back soon to pad it out (and eat more banh mi, obvs).
One non-negotiable whilst in Hanoi is an overnight (or two, if you have the time!) in Ha Long Bay, or it's less touristy neighbour, La Ha Bay. We did an overnight, and it was one of my favourite Vietnam experiences - which you can read all about here.
From Ninh Binh to Hanoi, it's 2.5hrs by train, or 1.5hrs by bus.
Where to stay in Hanoi
Budget Hanoi Hotels
- Hanoi Centre Silk Classic: Flamboyant decor and friendly staff make this an enjoyable French Quarter stay, plus the free rice crackers in the lobby are seriously addictive.
- Lavender Central: Art Deco interiors at budget prices at this convenient Old Quarter hotel.
- Eliana Premio Hotel: Elegant, nostalgic interiors with pops of colour and chic design details make this much more luxe a stay than the price tag might suggest.
Mid Range Hanoi Hotels
- Aurora Oriental Hotel: Sleek, stylish spaces in jewel box hues at this lakeside Hanoi hotspot.
- Peridot Grand Luxury Boutique Hotel: Maximalists will rejoice with these interiors, however the real standout here is the rooftop pool, affording views across the city.
Luxury Hanoi Hotels
- Capella Hanoi: Art Deco extravagance abounds at this iconic property near the Hanoi Opera House.
- Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi: For those who prefer the comfort of a brand name, the Hanoi outpost of Sofitel is all Old World class and sophistication.
- GM Premium Hotel: The facilities shine at this luxury hotel boasting a spa and roof terrace, centrally located but away from the bustle of the French Quarter.
Things to do in Hanoi
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Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum Complex: There are a number of buildings dedicated to the revolutionary leader Ho Chi Minh, including the stilt house, One Pillar Pagoda, and Presidential Palace.
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Temple of Literature (Văn Miếu): Explore Vietnam’s very first university, built in 1070 and dedicated to Confucius. With peaceful gardens and historic architecture, it's one of the city's most important cultural sights.
- Explore the Old Quarter: Hanoi's vibrant Old Quarter is the tourist heart of the city, packed with restaurants, bars, markets, and so much more besides. Best explored by foot, there's no better way to while away an afternoon than wandering the streets and taking in the scenes.
- Ta Hien Beer Street: The beating heart of the Old Quarter is arguably Ta Hien, aka "Beer Street". It's a dense concentration of bars and street eats that comes alive at night.
- St Joseph's Cathedral: This 19th century Gothic Revival Cathedral is set in the heart of a bustling Hanoi square, with many cafes, bars, and restaurants offering views out over it (my pick is cocktails at Moon Men).
- Hanoi Train Street: Hanoi's most iconic sight comes with a cup of coffee, and an extra shot of adrenaline. The famous "train street" sees a train make its way down a narrow street multiple times a day, whilst visitors sit at cafes on either side of the tracks. There's a couple of spots from which you can sit by the tracks, Phung Hung and Le Duan. Train times vary, so it's worth wandering down beforehand to check the times. Cafes can also fill up, so it's recommended to arrive 30 minutes before.
Eating and drinking in Hanoi
- Tam Vi: Michelin-starred dining at Vietnam prices make this a popular spot, so be sure to book ahead. The crispy roasted pork and spring rolls were highlights, but there were also a couple of less wow-worthy dishes. I'll be honest, my experience wasn't star worthy, but if you put that aside it's a lovely meal in a beautiful restaurant spanning multiple buildings and rooms.
- Banh Mi 25: Each city has it's much-hyped "must try" banh mi, and this is Hanoi's. A hard to miss outlet in the Old Quarter, Banh Mi 25 extends across three separate storefronts to accommodate the hoards of tourists that flock to it. There’s a hefty menu to choose from, including traditional picks, chicken, beef, and vegetarian. All in all, a decent banh mi, but not touching Hoi An's renditions.
- Hidden Gem Cafe: Vietnam's cafe culture is epitomised in the quirky Hidden Gem cafe. For a start, it's tucked away down an unsuspecting back alley. Murals of Hanoi scenes line the walls, foliage grows through unexpected spaces, old wheels are built into tables and shoes act as planters. The food menu is a short list of Vietnamese staples, banh mi, spring rolls, and noodles. We chose a combo platter to try a bit of everything. Light, fresh, the salad and noodles in particular were a hit, the banh mi skippable.
- Banh Mi Mama: Another popular banh mi stall, just around the corner from St Joseph's Cathedral. The banh mi's are cheap, there's plenty of choice, and turnaround is fast. Personally, a better banh mi than Banh Mi 25.
- Pizza 4Ps: For when you've had enough of pho and banh mi, Vietnam's favourite pizza joint is actually pretty good. Don't expect the usual flavours here, but they have all sorts of playful toppings for the adventurous.
- Muối Tiêu - Salt n' Pepper Kitchen: Stylish brunch spot (pictured) that's popular with locals. They do a heaving breakfast platter that I honestly still regret not getting - but everything is delicious!
- The Hanoi Social Club: Backstreet cafe ideal for breakfast in Hanoi, spread out over several floors and serving up lots of great local and international staples.
- Hanoi Croissant and Coffee: This cafe doesn't look anything particularly special from the outside (in fact, we only visited due to proximity to our hotel), however it was home to the best almond croissants I've ever had, hands down. We're still reminiscing about them to this day.
Hanoi Cocktail Bars: When the weather is bad in Hanoi, what do you do? Bar crawl, of course. We made it our mission to research the best bars in the city for you (blog post incoming!). Some favourites: eccentrically themed The Haflington, super hidden house party aesthetics at Le Maquis for those in the know, Reno Bar for cool basement vibes, and as the sun sets, Bar Dinh's rooftop views.
From Hanoi, you'll likely either fly back home, or fly back to HCMC to catch your return flight. However if you've got the time, there's plenty more of Vietnam to discover beyond Hanoi. There's the rice terraces of Sapa, Bac Son, and the (supposedly life changing) motorbike trail the Ha Giang loop. Or, continue your South East Asia journeys by travelling into nearby Luang Prabang in Laos to discover beautiful French colonial architecture and striking temples, or Siem Reap in Cambodia to marvel at the ancient structures of Angkor Wat.
I hope this Vietnam 2 week itinerary has been helpful - do let me know in the comments if it helps you plan your own adventures! And if you've been, I'd love to know your favourite places to visit in Vietnam?
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thank you so much for your article
you described your trip in great detail, with a beautiful country.
I hope one day you will come back to Vietnam
your photos are beautiful.
Thank you for this. I am following this guide for our trip to Vietnam next month.