2-Week Vietnam Itinerary for First-Time Backpackers
Hanoi → Ha Long → Hoi An → Da Nang → Ho Chi Minh. 14 days, under $1,400 AUD, no wasted travel days.
{{UNSPLASH_IMAGE}}
Quick Verdict
This route nails Vietnam’s best hits without dragging you across the entire country by overnight bus. Hanoi gives you culture and chaos, Ha Long is your postcard moment, Hoi An is the slow-food-and-lanterns reset, Da Nang is beach time, and Ho Chi Minh is the energy‑drink finale.
What’s Inside
Route Overview
Fly into Hanoi, move south by flight, and finish in Ho Chi Minh. This keeps transit short and gives you a clean north‑to‑south story without overnight buses wrecking your sleep.
Days 1-3: Hanoi
Hanoi is chaotic in the best way. Scooters everywhere, bowls of pho on every corner, and a city that never fully shuts up.
Day 1: Arrival + Old Quarter
Settle into the Old Quarter and just walk. Grab bun cha, sip egg coffee, circle Hoan Kiem Lake at sunset.
Day 2: Culture Day
Do the big hits: Temple of Literature, Hoa Lo Prison, and a water puppet show at night.
Day 3: Food Crawl
Sign up for a street food tour or DIY it: pho for breakfast, bun cha for lunch, bia hoi and grilled skewers at night.
Pro tip: Grab a travel eSIM before arrival. Data is essential for Grab, maps, and translations.
Days 4-5: Ha Long Bay
Yes it’s touristy. It’s still worth it. Do an overnight cruise for the sunrise on the water.
What to Do
Kayak through the karsts, swim off the boat, and eat fresh seafood on deck.
Book through GetYourGuide or Klook for vetted operators.
Days 6-8: Hoi An
Hoi An is the slow‑down button. Think lanterns, tailors, river walks, and cheap beer by the water.
Day 6: Old Town + Night Market
Explore the Old Town, grab a banh mi, and walk the lantern bridge at night.
Day 7: Beach Day
An Bang beach for a lazy day. Rent a scooter if you’re confident.
Day 8: Tailor or Cooking Class
Hoi An is famous for tailoring. If that’s not your thing, do a cooking class instead.
Days 9-10: Da Nang
Da Nang is a modern beach city with better infrastructure than Hoi An. It’s also a solid digital nomad base.
Stay near My Khe Beach, eat mi quang, and hit the Dragon Bridge at night.
Days 11-14: Ho Chi Minh City
HCMC is loud, fast, and full of coffee shops. War museums, rooftop bars, and day trips to the Cu Chi Tunnels make it worth the finish.
Budget Breakdown
Vietnam is cheap if you keep it simple. Here’s a realistic backpacker spend:
Getting Around
Book domestic flights early for the best fares. Use Trip.com or direct airline sites. For buses and trains, 12Go keeps it simple.
What to Pack
Vietnam is hot and humid. Pack light and do laundry. Essentials: travel backpack, packing cubes, power bank, and a dry bag for boat days.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to Book?
Lock in flights, sort your eSIM, book transport, then just show up hungry.
Disclosure: Some links in this article are affiliate links. If you book through them, we earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. We only recommend services we use or trust. Thanks for supporting Backpacking Is Life!
Leave a Reply