Vietnam in 2 Weeks: North→South vs South→North (Weather, Pace, and Must-Keeps)

Vietnam in 2 Weeks: North→South vs South→North (Weather, Pace, and Must-Keeps)

Vietnam in 2 Weeks: North→South vs South→North (Weather, Pace, and Must-Keeps)

Lanterns and limestone in the north, imperial cities and beaches in the centre, big-city buzz and delta calm in the south—Vietnam is a perfect two-week arc. The real question is which way round? Here’s the clean answer, plus two ready routes that keep the highlights without the hurry.

If you’d like a low-fuss, small-group version, check Icons of Vietnam. Or browse All Tours.

Quick Answer

  • Choose North→South if you want a story that builds: historic Hanoi → karst country → imperial Hue → photogenic Hoi An → fast-paced Ho Chi Minh City → Mekong exhale. Cooler → warmer feels natural.

  • Choose South→North if your flights land in HCMC, or you want beach weather up front, then finish cooler with street-food deep dives in Hanoi.

  • Weather shorthand: North has real seasons (cooler winters), South is tropical year-round, Centre has a distinct dry stretch and a rainy period later in the year.

  • Must-keeps (either way): Hanoi, Ninh Binh, Ha Long/Lan Ha Bay (overnight), Hue, Hoi An, HCMC, Mekong.

How to Decide Your Direction (30-second flow)

  • Flying into HCMC and out of Hanoi? Go South→North.

  • Flying into Hanoi and out of HCMC? Go North→South.

  • Chasing warmer temps early? Start South.

  • Prefer easing into heat? Start North.

  • Tight on time (10–12 days)? Start where you land and trim one central stop (not both).

North→South: 14-Day Route (classic build, smooth finish)

Days 1–3 — Hanoi
Old Quarter wanders, egg coffee, street-food tour, and a calm courtyard or two.

Day 4 — Ninh Binh
Rivers through rice paddies and limestone cliffs. Short hikes for big viewpoints. (Overnight nearby or return to Hanoi.)

Days 5–6 — Ha Long / Lan Ha Bay
Overnight boat: kayak, cave, sunrise deck time. Worth every slow breath.

Day 7 — Hue
Citadel, royal tombs, and a bowl of bun bo Hue with attitude.

Days 8–10 — Hoi An (via Hai Van Pass)
Lantern lanes, tailors, An Bang beach, a cooking class, and a lazy riverside evening.

Days 11–13 — Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)
War Remnants Museum, rooftop sunsets, café-hopping.
Day trip: Mekong Delta (pick smaller canals for the good stories).

Day 14 — Fly out
One last pho for the road.

South→North: 14-Day Route (warm welcome, cool finish)

Days 1–3 — Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)
Colonial boulevards, market buzz, and modern food culture.
Optional: brief Mekong trip here or save it for the end.

Days 4–6 — Hoi An (via Da Nang)
Beach mornings, lantern nights, tailor magic if you’re wardrobe-inclined.

Day 7 — Hue
History, river breezes, and a sunset by the Perfume River.

Days 8–9 — Ha Long / Lan Ha Bay
Fly north and board your overnight cruiser—kayaks, karsts, calm.

Day 10 — Ninh Binh
Sampan through karst valleys; short ridge walk for the panorama.

Days 11–14 — Hanoi
Street food, museums, lakeside strolls, and a final coffee that spoils you for life.

Weather, Pace & Swaps (so you don’t fight the forecast)

  • North (Hanoi / Ninh Binh / Ha Long): Can be cool-cold in winter, pleasant in spring/autumn, warmer in summer. Pack layers for mornings/evenings.

  • Centre (Hue / Hoi An / Da Nang): Has a dry, beach-friendly stretch earlier in the year; later months can be wetter/windier—build a flexible day.

  • South (HCMC / Mekong): Warm year-round; drier months feel easier, wetter months bring short showers that rarely ruin a day.

Easy swap: If seas look choppy, prioritise Lan Ha over day-only Ha Long, or push the cruise by a day and linger in Hanoi/Da Nang.

What to Keep (non-negotiables)

  • An overnight bay cruise (Ha Long or Lan Ha) — sunrise on limestone = core memory.

  • A full Hoi An day — lanterns, tailors, markets, and a beach exhale.

  • One imperial day in Hue — citadel + tombs + river time.

  • A Mekong day — smaller canals > big boats.

  • A proper Hanoi street-food night — let a guide lead you to the good stuff.

Where to Trim If You Have 10–12 Days

  • Keep Hanoi (2) + Bay (1–2) + Hoi An (2–3) + HCMC (2).

  • Trim Ninh Binh or Hue (not both), and use a flight for the long jump.

Transport Cheat Sheet

  • Flights: Use for long hops (e.g., Da Nang ↔ Hanoi/HCMC).

  • Trains: The Hai Van Pass (Hue–Da Nang) is scenic; book a window seat.

  • Boats: Overnight in the bay beats day trips for most travellers.

  • Transfers: Private shuttles or shared vans work well around Hoi An/Da Nang.

Packing & Etiquette (comfort = better photos)

  • Heat-smart layers: breathable clothing + light rain shell.

  • Footwear: walkable trainers; sandals for beach days.

  • Temples: shoulders/knees covered; move calmly.

  • Money: cards in cities, cash for markets and small rides; carry small notes.

  • Connectivity: eSIM or local SIM; download offline maps before intercity moves.

FAQs

Which direction is “best”?
The one that matches your flights and season. If in doubt, North→South feels like a story that widens from cool mornings to warm evenings.

Will I miss anything if I skip Hue or Ninh Binh?
You’ll be fine—but try to keep one central stop (Hue or Hoi An) and one northern countryside day (Ninh Binh or the bay cruise).

Can I add Sapa or Phong Nha?
Yes—add 2–3 days. If time’s tight, protect sleep instead of cramming miles.

Street food safe?
Busy stalls, cooked-to-order, and common sense. Your taste buds will write thank-you notes.

Ready to set your direction?

Lock in dates for Icons of Vietnam or keep exploring All Tours. Whether you chase the story from cool north to warm south—or flip it—Vietnam rewards curiosity and a good pair of walking shoes.