2-Week ‘Best-Of-Vietnam’ Itinerary For Adventurous Backpackers

This post provides a 2-week itinerary for Vietnam suitable for adventurous backpackers!

A backpacker’s favourite, Vietnam is one of the best destinations to go backpacking purely because of the vast range of activities on offer across the country.

As you travel through different areas of Vietnam, you’ll soon discover that each town and city is like being in a completely different world.

In the very northwest of Vietnam, there is Sapa, a village high in the mountains that is great for long treks and rice-paddy tours.

To the northeast, you have stunning beaches and glistening aquamarine seas of Cat Ba and Halong Bay. These destinations are a must for any backpacker (hence why you’ll experience these locations as part of this 2-week itinerary!).

Towards the south, you’ll find the enormous dunes of sand in Mui Ne. Here, I recommend quad biking for the daredevil backpackers!

My second home, Ho Chi Minh (formerly Saigon), is a city like no other. The nightlife is absolutely incredible and the city’s background is rich in history making it a great place to learn and immerse yourself in Vietnamese culture. Here you’ll discover the horrific yet important events of the past that have left major imprints on the world today!

Now that you have a taste of what Vietnam has to offer, let’s get into important details you’ll want to know and of course, the 2-Week ‘Best-of-Vietnam’ Itinerary!

As I’ve mentioned before, Vietnam is incredibly diverse from city to city.

This means you’ll never be lost for things to do in each location since the range of activities that this country has to offer is enormous!

Vietnam is one of the most affordable countries to travel to in Southeast Asia making it a great destination for backpackers on a budget! In Vietnam, it is easy to survive comfortably on £20 a day.

Money-saving tips are also sprinkled throughout the guide to help you make your budget stretch further. So keep on reading to discover more of these!

Vietnam is very well connected and travelling particularly by night bus is very easy and a smart way to travel if you’re looking to save money on accommodation (money-saving tip number 1!).

The best buses I have used in Southeast Asia have to be in Vietnam. The seating is comfy, everything is clean, and many buses even include plug sockets to charge your devices.

Seriously, what else do you need as a backpacker?

Like the night buses, I found that many of my favorite hostels I’ve ever visited were in Vietnam.

They were all extremely sociable and had great facilities, which really made Vietnam feel like a home away from home.

5. The Cuisine

For all the pho lovers out there, Vietnam is screaming out your name. However, the delicious meal options don’t just stop at noodle soup; Vietnam is also the birthplace of the world-renowned and adored Banh Mi and my favourite Hoi An special Cau Lau.

As you can tell, the fresh and tasty Vietnamese meals are as good a reason as any to visit the country.

It would also be unforgivable to not mention the coffee that Vietnamese has to offer.

From traditional Vietnamese coffee (the sweet and addictive kind) to the dreamy iced coconut coffee or the strange-yet-satisfying egg coffee, fill your boots as much as you can while in Vietnam.

Trust me, you’ll be daydreaming about these the moment you step out of the country.

To save money while eating out in Vietnam, I cannot recommend eating at local family-run businesses enough. Here you’ll have the same (or often better) meals for a fraction of the price that slightly fancier locations would charge you.

Since the country is so big, there are various climates across Vietnam making it sometimes difficult to guarantee absolute sunshine every step of the way.

In general, it’s best to visit Vietnam between September-November and February-March if you’re seeking dryer conditions for your entire trip.

I’d recommend always bringing a jumper and waterproof jacket wherever you go in Southeast Asia since some regions or times of the year can be cooler than you’d expect. Therefore, as long as you pack these, you’ll be fit to travel to Vietnam any time of the year!

For more ideas on what you should pack for your trip to Vietnam, check out my post The Complete No-Nonsense Packing Guide for Southeast Asia.

Here you have it… the 2-Week Best-of-Vietnam Itinerary for Backpackers!

This route takes you from north to south of Vietnam, starting and ending your trip in the two major cities of Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh (Saigon).

Along the way you’ll stop in the beautiful island of Cat Ba, taking a day trip to Ha Long Bay, so you really feel like you’ve taken a trip to paradise. Next, you’ll head down to Hue, for a short stop before jumping on your scooters and driving YOURSELF to Hoi An (aka the ‘City of Lanterns’).

This 2-week Vietnam Itinerary ensures that you get to experience as much of the country as possible despite the limited amount of time.

Using this itinerary as your guide, you’ll visit 6 areas of Vietnam and take part in unforgettable experiences each step of the way.

The guide will also include recommendations of where to stay, based upon my own experience and considering location and price as important factors.

Since this is a guide for backpackers, I have chosen affordable accommodations to recommend, with many of these also including free breakfast.

This will leave extra in your budget for any extra activities or – let’s face it- alcohol during nights out!

Without further ado, let’s take a look at each of these destinations in more detail…

Starting your trip in the bustling city of Hanoi, you’ll quickly become immersed in the Vietnamese lifestyle. A city of tradition and culture, here you can wander around the lively streets in the Old Quarter, taking in the magnificent architecture while sipping on a Vietnamese iced coffee.

Hanoi is one of the best places to shop, particularly around the Old Quarter. You can find ANYTHING and EVERYTHING including loads of great clothes, coats, bags, gifts, and souvenirs!

The shops are open every day, however for an even more special Vietnamese shopping experience, time your stay around Friday or Saturday evening to see the incredible night market!

The city is also great for nightlife; as a sociable backpacker, you’ll definitely want to check out Pub Street which is located in the heart of Hanoi.

List of activities to do in Hanoi:

• Check out the Friday & Saturday Night Market in the Old Quarter
• Head out for a drink on Pub Street
• Enjoy a Banh Mi at the famous Banh Mi 25
• Take a walk around the beautiful Hoan Kiem Lake
• Visit the magnificent Temple of Literature
• Explore the incredible Museum of Ethnology
• Take a stroll up to the immense Saint Joseph’s Cathedral
• Visit the beautiful Hanoi Train Street
• Try the Vietnamese special: egg coffee
• Try out a coconut coffee (my absolute favourite)

Hanoi Backpackers Hostel & Rooftop Bar

Hanoi Buffalo Hostel

On day 4, you’ll take an early bus and ferry to arrive at Cat Ba Island, one of the largest islands in Ha Long Bay.

This island is less-visited compared to other destinations in Vietnam, adding to the charm and remote feel of this stunning location.

During these upcoming few days, you can relax on the beautiful beaches or take a trek up to incredible viewpoints in Cat Ba’s jungle landscape.

You should also book a day trip to explore the islands surrounding Ha Long Bay. This was one of the best and most unforgettable experiences I had during my time in Vietnam!

Many backpackers opt to go on a 2-3 day Ha Long Cruise. However, based on other backpackers’ feedback, the tour was overpriced and not nearly as exciting as expected.

Therefore, I’d recommend checking out a Ha Long Bay Day Tour. This 1-day boat trip allows you to avoid the crowds and explore islands with ‘secret beaches’, kayak in the crystal-clear waters, hike up to ‘Surprise Cave’, and enjoy a freshly cooked meal. All of this will also cost a lot less than the cruise!

List of activities to do in Cat Ba:

• Go on a Ha Long Bay day tour
• Hike to Ngu Lam Peak viewpoint for extraordinary jungle views
• Visit Cannon Fort during sunset
• Take a short trip to Monkey Island
• Relax on the beautiful Cat Co Beaches

The Oversleep Catba Hostel

Secret Garden Cat Ba

Next, you’ll take an overnight bus to arrive in Hue, located roughly halfway up the east coast of Vietnam.

You will only be staying here for 1-2 nights but that’ll be more than enough time to wander around this quiet yet breathtaking city.

The main attraction in Hue has to be the Imperial City. You can enter for 200,000 VND (~£6.10) and explore the incredible architecture and gardens within the city walls.

There are also information guides that will inform you about the rich history of the Imperial City, and you can take a stop for a refreshing beverage at a quaint little cafe about halfway through your visit.

A key reason why you’ll also be stopping at Hue is so that you can drive along the Hai Van Pass. This day tour will be a self-transfer to your next stop in Hoi An.

The Hai Van Pass is a 21-kilometre scenic drive that connects Hue to Da Nang. The route is incredible; you’ll drive 500m above the sea, looking out into the vast oceans and wind around lush forest paths all in one trip!

Don’t worry about your larger luggage, the tour I recommend will transfer your bags and deliver them safely to the meeting point in Hoi An before you arrive!

We took our time during the journey from Hue to Hoi An, meaning this route took us 8 hours to complete.

Although this sounds like a long time, the amount of stops you make along the way (the tour guide will provide you with a map of sightseeing spots), will mean the time will soon pass you by!

Therefore, I’d advise you to set out on the road at 9 am to avoid driving the final part of your journey in the dark!

To feel safer and have a little guidance along the way, I’d recommend this popular tour by Lefamily Riders that includes your own private tour guide!

If you have any other questions about the Hai Van Pass Self-Transfer Tour, comment below and I’d be more than happy to provide advice based on my experience!

List of activities to do in Hue:

• Visit the Hue Imperial City
• Explore the Mausoleum of Emperor Minh Mang
• Discover and learn about Hue at the Royal Tombs
• Take a scooter the Hai Van Pass

Hue Vietnam Backpacker Hostels

Hue Happy Homestay

The next stop you’ll arrive at is the beautiful city of lanterns: Hoi An!

This city, once an old trading port is rich in culture and history. You’ll be spending three whole days here because, trust me, you’ll need it!

My favourite part about Hoi An is the nighttime. The colourful array of lanterns hung high around the traditional Vietnamese town is the most jaw-dropping spectacle.

For a small price, you can purchase a lantern and a boat where you can make a wish and set the lantern along its way down the river. This is truly a special moment.

Another part of Hoi An’s charm is the impressive shopping scene. Many tourists flock to Hoi An to purchase their own tailor-made items, including suits, dresses, and sandals!

If you wander around the vibrant town, you’ll find loads of shops with friendly locals that will help you to manifest your dream outfit into a reality!

Top tip: to ensure your unique tailored item is ready before you leave, visit a store on your first day to leave time for the owner to work their magic!

List of activities to do in Hoi An:

• Go shopping around the old town (and order your tailor-made item!)
• Explore the night markets, harbor, and bars in the evening
• Go on a coconut boat tour
• Try out a cooking class
• Take a lantern-making class
• Visit the Golden Bridge!

Top tip: If you’re starting to feel overwhelmed by the amount of activities there are to squeeze in then opt for day tours! Booking day tours as a package is a great way to fit in everything while saving money by combining the experiences!

Bed Station Hostel & Pool Bar Hoi An

iHome Hoi An

This immense city is a non-negotiable stop for adventurous backpackers who want to expand their knowledge of Vietnam’s history during the day and experience exciting clubs and rooftop bars during the night!

During your time in Ho Chi Minh City, formerly known as Saigon, I recommend you learn about the Vietnam War by taking a day trip to the Cu Chi Tunnels where you’ll learn about the Vietnamese tunnel network that extends over 200 km. You can even try squeezing into an entrance yourself!

During the evening head out to Bui Vien Walking Street for a crazy night out in one of the many bars that line the road.

This is the perfect end to an action-packed trip across Vietnam!

List of activities to do in Ho Chi Minh City:

• Take a day tour to discover the Cu Chi Tunnels
• Hit the town at night along Bui Vien Walking Street
• Go to the War Remnants Museum (trigger warning: some of the information discussed here can be very disturbing)
• Shop in Ben Thanh Market
• Head to Little Hanoi Cafe for a scenic and yummy breakfast to start your day!

Money-saving tip: when you go shopping in markets, it’s common practice to barter for lower prices. This can be useful because locals will often charge foreigners a lot more for goods compared to what they would charge other locals.

This being said it’s important to be flexible and not negotiate the price to be too low to where the shopkeeper is barely making a profit. At the end of the day, this is the livelihood of the locals. So while this can be a fun way of exchanging money for goods, make sure that the agreement is fair for both parties!

Saigon Rooftops Hostel

Mobylette Saigon Hotel

By Bus

The BEST way to travel around Vietnam has to be by night bus!

Not only does this save time and money (by not spending on accommodation for a night) but it’s a very easy, for the most part comfortable, and fun way to travel around!

When travelling around Southeast Asia, I always check prices online using the 12Go website since this usually shows the best deals and also the journey duration.

This information is super useful when weighing up the time spent travelling versus the cost!

By Bike

In various destinations, you may be tempted to rent a scooter or manual bike to explore the city areas. If you opt to do the Hai Van Pass to travel from Hue to Hoi An, you may choose to go by scooter too so you can drive yourself!

This is an extremely fun and convenient way to get around and is very affordable (most bikes cost a couple of £s a day!).

However, the roads in Vietnam (especially in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh) are very chaotic. Therefore, to avoid injuries or any other accidents, ensure that you are always wearing a helmet and drive carefully!

By Plane

On rare occasions, such as when you are tight on time, I believe it is appropriate to take a flight from the halfway point of Vietnam.

This is because the vast size of the country results in a lot of time spent travelling, and although night buses are fun, you are in Vietnam to see Vietnam after all.

Therefore, I’d recommend taking a flight from Da Nang Airport (a short taxi journey from Hoi An) to Ho Chi Minh, to save precious time! This allows you to make the most of your time making memories during this 2 week Vietnam Itinerary.

Depending on where you are in the world, it will be easier and cheaper to fly either to Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City.

If you’re already in Laos or Cambodia, it may be even cheaper to take a bus and cross a land border instead.

Again, I’d advise using 12Go Asia to find out the best price for travelling by bus into Vietnam.

Although Vietnam is an amazing country to explore, it’s still important to keep your wits about you!

I had my passport pickpocketed along Bui Vien Walking Street meaning I was stranded in a foreign country without any means of escape! You can read the full story here.

What To Do If Your Passport Is Lost Or Stolen In Vietnam

Pickpocketing or anything else going wrong is likely to happen, especially when you’re travelling to lots of different places over a long period. Therefore, it’s important to be prepared by taking out travel insurance before you leave.

I recommend Outbacker Insurance, which was the company I was using during the time my passport was pickpocketed.

When researching travel insurance, I found that Outbacker had great coverage at extremely competitive premiums. The best part for me was the very low excess that I would pay in the event of making a claim (which turned out to be pretty useful!).

For a more in-depth guide to finding the right travel insurance policy for you, check out The Best Travel Insurance For UK Backpackers 2024.