Vietnam 14-Day Itinerary 2026 – Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh, Halong Bay, Hoi An
Vietnam is a long thin country – the only sensible way to see it is to start at one end and finish at the other. 14 days covers the highlights without rushing. Here is the proven north-to-south route.
Visa for Indians
Apply e-visa online at evisa.gov.vn 1 week before travel. USD 25 single entry, valid 90 days, allows 30-day stay. Approved within 3-5 working days. Print and carry.
The Route
Hanoi (3N) → Halong Bay cruise (1N) → Hanoi (1N) → fly to Da Nang → Hoi An (3N) → Hue (1N) → fly to Ho Chi Minh → Saigon (3N) → Mekong Delta (1N) → fly out.
Days 1-3: Hanoi
Day 1: arrive, settle in Old Quarter. Walking tour: Hoan Kiem Lake, Ngoc Son Temple, Train Street (the one where trains pass through a narrow alley – check timing online). Day 2: Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, One Pillar Pagoda, Temple of Literature, Vietnam Women’s Museum. Day 3: street food tour with local guide (Rs.2,500, 4 hours), evening water puppet show (Rs.500).
Day 4-5: Halong Bay Overnight Cruise
2D/1N cruise on Indochina Sails or Paradise Cruise (Rs.10,000-25,000/person). Pick-up from Hanoi 8 AM, return next day 4 PM. Includes kayaking through caves, Ti Top Beach climb for views, all meals on boat. The most magical part of the trip.
Day 6: Fly Hanoi to Da Nang + Hoi An Arrival
Vietnam Airlines or VietJet (1.5 hours, Rs.4,500). Land Da Nang, taxi to Hoi An (40 min, Rs.800). Check into Old Town homestay or beach resort at An Bang. Evening: lanterns light up the Old Town – magical.
Days 7-8: Hoi An
Day 7: Old Town walking tour (Japanese Bridge, Tan Ky House, Pottery Village). Tailor visit – get a custom suit/dress made (Rs.5,000-15,000, ready in 24 hours). Evening Hoi An Memories Show (Rs.800-1,200).
Day 8: My Son Sanctuary day trip (90 minutes drive, Cham temple ruins, UNESCO heritage). Afternoon free for beach or basket boat ride in Cam Thanh coconut village. Evening cooking class.
Day 9: Hoi An to Hue (2.5 hours)
Drive over Hai Van Pass (most scenic mountain road in Vietnam, “Top Gear” featured it). Stops at Marble Mountains, Lang Co Beach lunch. Reach Hue by afternoon. Imperial Citadel visit, Perfume River dinner cruise.
Days 10-12: Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)
Fly Hue/Da Nang to Saigon (1.5 hours, Rs.4,000). Day 10: settle, evening Bui Vien backpacker street experience. Day 11: War Remnants Museum (heavy but essential), Reunification Palace, Notre Dame Cathedral, Saigon Central Post Office, evening rooftop bar (Saigon Saigon or Chill Skybar). Day 12: Cu Chi Tunnels half-day (Rs.1,000), afternoon Ben Thanh Market shopping.
Day 13: Mekong Delta Overnight
2-day Mekong Delta tour to Can Tho – floating markets at Cai Rang, motorcycle ride through rice paddies, homestay night with Vietnamese family, sunrise boat ride. Rs.4,500/person all inclusive.
Day 14: Return to Saigon + Departure
Return Can Tho-Saigon by lunch (2.5 hours). Final lunch + last shopping. Evening flight home.
Budget
- Round-trip flights India-Hanoi/Saigon: Rs.45,000-75,000
- 3 internal Vietnam flights: Rs.15,000-22,000
- 13 nights stays: Rs.45,000-90,000
- Cruise + Mekong tour: Rs.15,000-30,000
- Food (varied): Rs.18,000-30,000
- Activities, entries, transport: Rs.15,000-25,000
- Visa, SIM, misc: Rs.5,000-8,000
Total: Rs.1,58,000-2,80,000 for couple’s 14 days.
