Vietnam itinerary: 15 days, classic and backpacker routes

If you’re planning a trip to Vietnam and have only two weeks to explore this incredible country, you’re in the right place.

In this 15-day Vietnam itinerary we give you the keys to plan your trip and optimize your time the smart way — seeing as much as possible without rushing.

The good news about a 15-day Vietnam route is that it lets you cover many of the country’s main highlights. The bad news is that this country is so vast and so packed with attractions that, we guarantee, the moment you finish you’ll be itching to come back for everything you had to leave out.

Vietnam in 15 days: adventurous or classic?

In this article we present two recommended routes for traveling Vietnam in 15 days:

• A two-week route ideal for more adventurous or backpacker-style travelers — perfect if you enjoy diving into nature, exploring lesser-known places and trying exciting activities, on a tighter budget.
• A 15-day itinerary for more “classic” travelers, with a calmer travel experience built around the main tourist attractions. Perfect for the average traveler (families, couples, friends), with a more comfortable budget.

Note: All days are counted as full days at destination — the itinerary doesn’t include the outbound flight (where you normally lose a day to the time difference) or the return.

Depending on the kind of traveler you are, pick the one that best matches your travel style and what you’re looking for.

15-day Vietnam itinerary for backpackers

This two-week Vietnam itinerary is designed for travelers with a more adventurous spirit — those who want to see the country’s main highlights but also go beyond the typical tourist stops, diving deeper into the experiences and spending their time connecting with nature and discovering less-traveled corners.

Map of the budget 15-day Vietnam itinerary

Here’s the summary map of the backpacker version of the itinerary.

Day 1: Arrival in Hanoi — ease into Vietnam’s capital

The ideal starting point is Vietnam’s bustling capital, Hanoi. 

On the first day, after the long flight, the best plan is to take it easy and let yourself adjust to the country.

You can take bus No. 86 to the historic center — that link covers all the different ways to get from the airport to the city center.

Once you’ve settled into your accommodation, we recommend heading to exchange money at Hanoi’s jewelry street and taking a stroll around the Old Quarter.

Sit down at any of Hanoi’s hundreds of cafés to watch Vietnamese life flow by, and don’t forget to try the famous egg coffee — or our favorite, coconut coffee. 

If you’re a beer lover, drop by any of the dozens of Bia Hoi (local beer joints) around the city and try the light beer brewed locally in Vietnam.

If you’re not too tired, take a sunset walk around Hoan Kiem Lake — or, if you happen to arrive on a weekend, visit the night market before turning in to rest up for the next day.

Where to stay in Hanoi? Recommended budget accommodation

Here are some of our favorite budget places to stay in Hanoi.

Day 2: Day trip to Ha Long Bay

There’s no better way to start day two of your 15-day Vietnam itinerary than with a visit to one of the most breathtaking natural landscapes in all of Southeast Asia: Ha Long Bay. 

You can book your excursion the day before at any agency in Hanoi, or if you prefer to book online, this is our favorite tour.

Almost all excursions include the transfer from the capital to the port and back.

If you have time and want to study every option in detail, here’s a complete guide to Ha Long Bay to plan according to your taste.

Day 3: Discovering Hanoi, Vietnam’s capital

The best use of your third day in Vietnam is to discover Hanoi.

We recommend starting with this free walking tour of the historic center.

The capital has plenty of corners you won’t want to miss — more than enough to fill a whole day of visits and activities.

To organize it around your interests, here’s a complete post on what to see and do in Hanoi.

At the end of the day, it’s time to head to Ha Giang. This post covers the different ways to get from Hanoi to Ha Giang, though we recommend the comfortable overnight Cabin Bus.

If all goes well, you’ll arrive in Ha Giang around 3 or 4 in the morning — straight into a real bed to rest a few hours before the great adventure of the Ha Giang loop.

Days 4 to 7: Ha Giang motorbike loop

Get ready for what will be one of the high points of your Vietnam adventure: the Ha Giang Loop. 

Over the next 4 days, this motorbike route will carry you through landscapes packed with mountains, valleys, ethnic villages and roads that snake across some of the most spectacular terrain in northern Vietnam.

Don’t ride? No problem — Vietnam has plenty of specialized drivers known as Easy Riders whom you can hire to take you along the route while you simply enjoy the scenery.

If you choose to ride yourself, remember that a motorcycle license (category A) and a valid international driving permit are mandatory — skip them and it will cost you dearly, as police checkpoints sit on almost every corner.

You can read all about the experience in this complete article on the Ha Giang loop.

You can rent the motorbike or hire an Easy Rider directly through your hostel in Ha Giang, or join any of the tours offered by agencies in Hanoi.

You can also book ahead online through this link.

On the last day of the loop, back in Ha Giang, take the night bus to Ninh Binh — once again we recommend the Cabin Bus — arriving in Ninh Binh around 5 in the morning.

If you’d rather not wander the streets until sunrise, we recommend paying for that night’s accommodation in Ninh Binh too, so you can go straight to bed.

Where to stay in Ha Giang? Recommended budget accommodation

Here are some good-value places to stay in Ha Giang.

Days 8 and 9: Ninh Binh — Tam Coc and Trang An

After a few short hours of sleep, it’s time to get up and explore Ninh Binh, famous for its karst formations and postcard-worthy landscapes. 

Spend this first day exploring Tam Coc by bicycle — most accommodations rent them out or lend them for free — and end the day stretching your legs on the climb up Mua Cave for the sunset.

On the second day, explore the Trang An area and take one of the boat tours on offer.

If you rent a motorbike you can also ride out to Hoa Lu and even the Bai Dinh pagoda. If you don’t ride, arrange transport through your hostel or join a tour.

At the end of the day, take the night train from Ninh Binh to Hue.

Remember to book it in advance — you can do it through any agency during your first days in Hanoi, on the official website, or through this link.

There are sleeper compartments for 6, 4 and 2 people, priced according to the option you choose. 

Here’s a complete post on how to get to Hue from different parts of the country.

Where to stay in Ninh Binh? Budget accommodation we like

Here are some worthwhile budget stays in Ninh Binh.

Day 10: Hue, exploring Vietnam’s old imperial capital

Day ten of your 15-day Vietnam route is for discovering Hue, the old imperial capital.

Hue has more than enough attractions to keep you busy for a good while, so our recommendation is to rent a motorbike and explore them at your own pace.

Our absolute must-dos include visiting one of the imperial tombs, the Dong Ba market and the Thien Mu pagoda, where you can end the day watching the sunset on the banks of the Perfume River.

Here’s a complete post with everything you can see and do in Hue to plan it your way.

Where to stay in Hue? Cheap stays for your route

Here are some budget stays in Hue for low-cost trips.

Day 11: Hai Van Pass — Hue to Hoi An by motorbike

Today is one of the most special days of your two-week route through Vietnam, because the Hai Van Pass awaits: a spectacular motorbike ride from Hue to Hoi An.

The route usually starts in Hue, crossing rice fields and villages until the first stop at the Cau Hai lagoon, where you’ll get a glimpse of the traditional life of local fishermen.

After the lagoon stop, the route continues to one of the area’s many waterfalls, where you can cool off from central Vietnam’s intense heat.

The lunch stop is usually at Lang Co beach, where you can feast like a kid on fresh seafood and take a dip before pressing on.

The high point comes with the climb up the Hai Van pass, a narrow mountain road with spectacular views of the coast and Da Nang bay.

Finally you’ll cross the city of Da Nang, Vietnam’s third largest, to reach Hoi An at sunset.

In Hue you’ll find motorbike rental offices that handle the rental and send your luggage straight to Hoi An — though if you’d rather not organize it yourself, our recommendation is to do it on a tour like this one.

On arrival, make Hoi An your base for the next 3 nights and use it to explore the area from there.

Where to stay in Hoi An? Budget stays in the city of lanterns

Here are some budget places to stay in Hoi An for low-budget trips.

Day 12: Da Nang, Vietnam’s central coast

Two weeks in Vietnam go a long way but fly by fast, so every day counts — which is why we recommend spending day 12 visiting nearby Da Nang.

You can do it on your own by renting a motorbike or negotiating transport in Hoi An.

Da Nang is one of Vietnam’s most important cities and well worth a day to explore its charms.

Start with the beautiful Marble Mountains, then head to the Son Tra peninsula, riding its narrow roads to spots like the giant banyan tree, and looking out for the red-shanked douc langurs that inhabit the peninsula.

The Linh Ung pagoda, with its bonsai courtyard and impressive Lady Buddha statue, is another visit you shouldn’t miss before leaving the peninsula.

Before returning to Hoi An, stop by the Dragon Bridge — and if you’re there after dark, take a stroll through the night market next to it.

In case we’ve missed anything, here’s a complete article on what to see and do in Da Nang.

Days 13 and 14: Hoi An and its lanterns

Spending two days in Hoi An is ideal for soaking up Vietnam’s most famous town.

Touristy as it is, there’s no denying Hoi An has an atmosphere that makes it unique in the country.

Our recommendation: on the first day, use the morning for a free walking tour to soak up its history, then take the afternoon at a slower pace, strolling the old quarter, watching the sunset and wandering the night market.

On the second day, rent a bicycle and drift through the rice fields until you reach one of Hoi An’s beaches for a proper swim — and on the way back, squeeze in a lantern-making workshop or a Vietnamese cooking class.

Here’s a complete post with everything you can see and do in Hoi An.

Day 15: Back to Hanoi and home

On the final day, head back to Hanoi early: make your way to Da Nang airport and take a short domestic flight.

Leave at least 4 hours between your domestic flight and your international one, as you’ll need to change terminals and check in.

If your flight leaves late, spend your last hours in Hanoi haggling for a souvenir or some outdoor gear in the city’s many shops before boarding your flight home.

You can also fly home directly from Da Nang’s international airport on a multi-city ticket, though it usually works out a little more expensive.

Classic two-week Vietnam itinerary  

This 15-day Vietnam itinerary is designed for the average traveler seeking a comfortable experience, focused primarily on the country’s most emblematic destinations.

If what you’re after is a well-organized route that lets you enjoy the main attractions unhurried and in full comfort, this plan is ideal for you.

Map of the 15-day Vietnam itinerary — classic version

Here’s the map of the more classic two-week route through Vietnam.

Days 1 and 2: Hanoi, welcome to the Vietnamese madness

Just like in our previous itinerary, we begin the experience by flying into the capital, Hanoi.

On arrival, you can grab a taxi to your accommodation at the arrivals area — or, to save some hassle, we recommend booking it in advance so someone is waiting for you when you land. You can do it through this link.

Once settled in, take a walk around the center, exchange some money and enjoy the city’s atmosphere.

If you still have energy left, catch the water puppet theater performed daily — a lovely first dive into the country’s culture.

On the second day, we recommend kicking off with this free walking tour of the historic center to get your bearings and learn plenty of interesting things about the city and the country — then keep exploring the rest of Hanoi’s attractions on your own.

In this article we give you plenty of ideas to fill your time.

Where to stay in Hanoi? Recommended mid-range and upscale stays

Here are some of our favorite places to stay in Hanoi.

Day 3: Day trip to Ninh Binh

We’ll use our third day to discover Ninh Binh.

Ninh Binh is about 2 hours by car from Hanoi, so to make the most of your time, you can arrange a private driver through your Hanoi hotel to take you to its main sights and bring you back in the evening.

You can also opt for a full guided tour like this one, or alternatively this other option.

Days 4 and 5: Two-day cruise around Ha Long Bay

Halong Bay is an essential stop on any 15-day trip to Vietnam.

With a bit more time than on shorter trips, we can give it two days and calmly explore both Halong Bay and Lan Ha Bay.

The best option is to book a two-day boat cruise with a night in the bay — a relaxed, comfortable way to experience this beautiful place.

Practically all cruises offer similar experiences — bay routes, Tai Chi or cooking classes and spectacular sunsets from the deck. The price difference comes down mainly to the category of the boat and its facilities.

You can book at any agency in Hanoi and choose a cruise with more or less comfort to your taste.

If maximum comfort is your thing, you can book a 5-star cruise with a private cabin and bay views, packed with every luxury, through this link.

You can learn more about Ha Long Bay and how it all works in this complete article we’ve prepared for you.

On the second day, back in Hanoi, take the night train to Lao Cai, or the sleeper bus directly to Sapa. Once again, if you go by bus, we recommend the comfortable Cabin Bus.

Or, if you’d rather keep it simple, spend the night in Hanoi and book a two-day Sapa tour from the capital like this one with an early departure the next morning and everything included.

Either way, here’s all the information on getting from Hanoi to Sapa by different means.

Days 6 and 7: Sapa, among rice terraces and mountains

Sapa is one of Vietnam’s most famous and most visited places and the perfect spot to leave the city behind and reconnect with nature — so we’ll dedicate the next two days to it.

If you’re traveling independently without a tour, the ideal plan is to spend your first day in Sapa trekking through the valley and villages, and the next day hire private transport to visit some of its waterfalls.

If you love panoramic views and the weather cooperates, you can swap the waterfalls for a cable car ride to the top of Fansipan Peak.

Here’s an article on everything you can see and do in Sapa.

On the afternoon of the second day it’s time to head back toward Hanoi — and here you have several options depending on your taste:

• Option 1: Catch one of the last flights to Da Nang and sleep directly at your hotel in Hoi An or Da Nang. The bus from Sapa usually passes by the airport — or if you booked a tour, ask the guide to drop you there on the way back.
• Option 2: Spend the night in Hanoi and take the plane the next morning.
• Option 3: Take the overnight sleeper train from Hanoi, arriving in Da Nang first thing in the morning.

As you can see, there’s an option for every taste — you decide.

Where to stay in Sapa? Mid-range and upscale stays we like

Here are some Sapa stays with great value for money.

Days 8, 9, 10 and 11: Central Vietnam — Hue, Da Nang and Hoi An

The next stop on our 15 days in Vietnam is Hoi An, the city of lanterns, where — after so much moving around these past days — we’ll set up base to explore the region.

If you chose the train in the previous step, the ideal move is to get off in Hue and spend your first night there, then transfer to Hoi An once you’ve seen the city.

Here’s how to get from Da Nang to Hoi An easily.

Once in Hoi An, dedicate your first day to exploring the old town and everything it has to offer. Don’t forget to visit at night too, when the city takes on a different kind of charm.

For the second day you have plenty of options, like the ones we cover in this complete article on Hoi An — plan according to your tastes and interests.

If you skipped Hue because you didn’t arrive by train, you still have a chance to see it: on the third day, take a day trip to the city’s main sights by hiring transport from Hoi An to Hue with a late return.

An ideal option is this tour, which also lets you comfortably take in Hue’s main landmarks and the Hai Van pass.

On the last day, we recommend visiting the nearby city of Da Nang, with stops at the Marble Mountains, the Linh Ung pagoda and the Dragon Bridge.

If you won’t leave Vietnam without the famous photo of the hands bridge, or if you’re traveling with kids, we also recommend visiting Ba Na Hills, the theme park where you can make it happen and enjoy some lovely views. 

You can do it, like the previous day, with a private driver arranged in Hoi An, or on a tour like this one, which also includes the My Son sanctuary.

Where to stay in Hoi An? Recommended mid-range and upscale stays

Here are some Hoi An stays that fit the classic Vietnam route.

Days 12, 13 and 14: Ho Chi Minh City, the Cu Chi tunnels and the Mekong Delta

We’ll take an early flight from Da Nang to the capital of the south, Ho Chi Minh City.

The old city of Saigon is a mostly urban place without too many conventional sights — and yet it rewards a full day of exploration very nicely.

To help, we’ve prepared a complete post on everything you can see and do in Ho Chi Minh City.

The following two days are best spent discovering both the Mekong Delta and the Cu Chi tunnels, the south’s headline attractions.

You can hire transport from Saigon to the Cu Chi tunnels and onward to Can Tho, where you can spend a full day exploring the area before returning to Ho Chi Minh City for your international flight.

Can Tho also has an airport with direct flights to Saigon, in case you’d rather not go back by car — or want to connect directly with your international flight on day 15.

Another option is to base yourself in Ho Chi Minh City and take two separate day trips from there: one to the Cu Chi tunnels on the first day, and another to the Mekong Delta on the second.

You can also simply hire the transport, without a full guided tour, if you’d rather do things at your own pace.

It all comes down to your tastes, your style and what you need when traveling and getting around.

Here’s our guide to the Cu Chi Tunnels, and in this other post, the guide to the Mekong Delta, so you can plan it all the best way.

Where to stay in Ho Chi Minh City? Mid-range and upscale stays

Here are some Ho Chi Minh City stays that work well for this itinerary.

Day 15: Heading home

Sadly, it’s time to say goodbye to Vietnam and head home. 

Here’s how to get from the airport to the city center and back.

If your flight departs from Hanoi because you booked a round trip instead of a multi-city ticket, remember to fly back to Hanoi with enough time to connect with your international flight, as you’ll have to change terminals at Noi Bai airport.

Budget for a 15-day trip to Vietnam

Here’s an estimated budget for each version of this 15-day trip to Vietnam. 

For the classic version we give a budget range, since the final figure depends on the quality of accommodation you choose and how many private transfers and activities you book. 

On top of that, the classic traveler tends to be warier about eating in the places backpackers love (that is, more authentic, generally cheaper local spots) and leans heavily on other tourists’ reviews (Google Maps, Tripadvisor, Instagram), often landing in tourist traps (same food, at foreigner prices).

If you don’t mind eating at more local places, take the backpacker version’s estimated budget and add about US$55 — on the backpacker route, food during the Ha Giang Loop days is included if you go with a tour.

Flights to Vietnam for the 15-day itinerary

To fly to Vietnam for either of these 15-day itineraries, the cheapest option is usually a round trip to Hanoi, the country’s capital.

For the classic version, if the price difference is under US$110 or so, it’s worth booking a multi-city ticket: arriving in Hanoi and flying home from Ho Chi Minh City.

That saves you from having to fly back to Hanoi on your last day.

Long-haul flights to Vietnam usually run around US$900 outside peak season, with prices climbing considerably during the summer, especially in July and August.

Frequently asked questions about 15 days in Vietnam