Ultimate 14-Day Backpacking Trip Through Vietnam Itinerary

Begin with a visit to the solemn Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and explore the beautiful One-Pillar Pagoda. Have a hearty breakfast at Sen Tay Ho Restaurant, known for its local flavors.

Experience the vibrant atmosphere of the Tran Quoc Pagoda and enjoy a peaceful boat ride through the Trang An Landscape Complex in the nearby Ninh Binh. Lunch can be enjoyed at Nha Hang Ngon, offering a variety of Vietnamese dishes.

Return to Hanoi and take a leisurely walk on the historic Long Bien Bridge. Dine at Cau Go Vietnamese Cuisine Restaurant for a contemporary Vietnamese dining experience with a view of the city skyline.

Embark on your 2-day Halong Bay adventure with a luxurious 5-star cruise featuring a balcony cabin. Enjoy the stunning karst landscapes and the tranquility of the bay. Take in the breathtaking views and savor a sumptuous onboard breakfast.

Explore the otherworldly beauty of Sung Sot Cave (Surprise Cave) and later visit Luon Cave by bamboo boat. Enjoy a wide range of international and Vietnamese dishes for lunch onboard.

Relax and enjoy the sunset over the bay with a refreshing drink. Dinner will be served onboard with a variety of gourmet cuisine options.

Start your day with a Tai Chi session on the sundeck as the first rays of sunlight gently warm the bay. After breakfast, visit Titop Island for a refreshing swim or a panoramic view of Halong Bay from the top.

Cruise to the serene Lan Ha Bay, a less-visited area with equally stunning limestone karsts. Explore Dark and Bright Cave (Hang Sang Toi) by kayak or bamboo boat. Lunch and dinner will be served onboard with delightful culinary options.

Enjoy the peaceful evening on the bay, perhaps with some onboard entertainment or a drink on the sundeck.

Take a day trip to the ancient capital of Vietnam, Hoa Lu. Explore the historic Hoa Lu and the picturesque Tam Coc, also known as "Halong Bay on land." Enjoy the stunning scenery while rowing through the limestone caves.

Have lunch at Sen Tay Ho Restaurant and return to Hanoi. Visit the serene Tran Quoc Pagoda and explore the West Lake (Ho Tay) area, enjoying the peaceful ambiance and beautiful scenery.

Dine at Green Tangerine, a restaurant set in a charming French colonial building, offering a fusion of French and Vietnamese cuisine. End the day with a leisurely walk around the lake or enjoy a drink at a local bar.

Begin with a visit to the Perfume Pagoda (Chua Huong), a complex of Buddhist temples and shrines built into the limestone Huong Tich mountains. Enjoy the scenic boat ride to the pagodas and explore the mystical caves.

Return to Hanoi and have lunch at Bun Cha Huong Lien, famously known as the "Bun Cha Obama" restaurant. Afterward, visit the Temple of Literature (Van Mieu-Quoc Tu Giam), Vietnam's first national university, and explore the ancient Confucian temple grounds.

For dinner, indulge in the refined flavors of Vietnamese cuisine at Madame Hien, a restaurant that offers a menu inspired by the recipes of the last queen of Vietnam. Cap off the evening with a visit to the Hanoi Opera House (Nha Hat Lon) to enjoy a performance.

Embark on an exhilarating 3-day motorbike adventure from Hanoi to the stunning landscapes of Ha Giang Loop. Enjoy the freedom of the open road and the breathtaking scenery of northern Vietnam.

Return to Hanoi and refuel with a traditional Vietnamese meal at Green Tangerine. Spend your afternoon exploring the city's vibrant street food scene on a Small-Group Street Food Walking Tour.

Dine at Sen Tay Ho Restaurant and immerse yourself in the rich cultural heritage of Vietnam with a traditional water puppet show at the Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre.

Arrive in the charming city of Hoi An and start your day with a visit to the ancient Hoi An Ancient Town. Explore the well-preserved architecture, visit the old houses, and immerse yourself in the rich history of this UNESCO World Heritage site.

Enjoy a delightful lunch at Morning Glory Restaurant, known for its authentic Vietnamese dishes. Afterward, take a leisurely bike ride to the tranquil Cam Thanh Village and explore the lush countryside and coconut palm forests.

As the sun sets, the streets of Hoi An are adorned with colorful lanterns. Dine at Brother's Cafe and Restaurant and take a romantic stroll along the Lantern-lit Streets of Hoi An, enjoying the magical atmosphere and the local crafts and arts on display.

Start your day with a visit to the Hoi An Central Market (Cho Hoi An). Immerse yourself in the bustling market atmosphere and discover a wide variety of fresh produce, local specialties, and handicrafts.

Indulge in a cooking class at Red Bridge Restaurant and Cooking School. Learn to prepare traditional Vietnamese dishes and enjoy the fruits of your labor for lunch in a beautiful riverside setting.

Dine at Mango Mango Restaurant and enjoy a fusion of flavors with a contemporary twist. Spend a relaxing evening by the Hoi An Riverside (Song Hoai), watching the colorful lanterns reflect on the water.

Take a boat trip to the Cham Islands (Cu Lao Cham), a breathtakingly beautiful and peaceful island cluster. Explore the marine life with some snorkeling, relax on the pristine beaches, and visit the traditional fishing village.

Enjoy a sumptuous seafood lunch on the island. Return to Hoi An and visit the Museum of Trade Ceramics to learn about the history of the region's ceramic production and trade.

Dine at Saigon House Restaurant and savor the flavors of both Vietnamese and international cuisine. Cap off the evening with a visit to the Reaching Out Arts and Crafts Workshop, a social enterprise that supports people with disabilities through the production of beautiful handicrafts.

Embark on a bicycle tour of the Hoi An Countryside (Tra Que Village). Explore the lush fields, vegetable gardens, and herb village, and learn about traditional farming practices.

Have a healthy and organic lunch at Orivy Restaurant, which specializes in vegetarian and vegan cuisine. Return to Hoi An and spend your afternoon exploring the town's many tailor shops, where you can have custom clothing made in just a day or two.

Dine at White Marble Restaurant and enjoy a sophisticated dining experience with a menu that combines the best of Eastern and Western culinary traditions. Afterward, take a leisurely walk through the Lantern-lit Streets of Hoi An, enjoying the magical atmosphere and the local crafts and arts on display.

Enjoy a leisurely morning with breakfast at Banana Leaf Restaurant, known for its serene ambiance and delicious dishes. Take a stroll along the Hoi An Riverside (Song Hoai), visiting the ancient houses and assembly halls that dot the waterfront.

Pamper yourself with a spa treatment at 5 Senses Spa, where you can indulge in a range of massages and therapies. For lunch, head to The Market Restaurant & Cooking School and enjoy a meal that's as educational as it is delicious.

Dine at Soul Kitchen and enjoy the laid-back vibe and the fusion of flavors from East and West. Spend the rest of the evening exploring the Lantern-lit Streets of Hoi An, perhaps taking in a traditional music performance or visiting a local art gallery.

Take a guided tour of the Craft Villages Around Hoi An, visiting the traditional workshops where artisans produce everything from pottery to woven mats. Have lunch at Red Dragon Restaurant and sample some of the region's most famous dishes.

Return to Hoi An and spend your afternoon exploring the town's many tailor shops, where you can have custom clothing made in just a day or two. Visit the Museum of Folk Culture to learn about the traditions and customs of the people of Quang Nam.

Dine at Morning Glory Restaurant, one of Hoi An's most famous eateries, and enjoy a meal that showcases the best of the region's cuisine. After dinner, take a leisurely walk through the Lantern-lit Streets of Hoi An, enjoying the magical atmosphere and the local crafts and arts on display.

Enjoy a final breakfast in Hoi An at Saigon House Restaurant, savoring the flavors of both Vietnamese and international cuisine. Spend your morning revisiting your favorite spots in the city or exploring new ones, perhaps taking a boat ride on the Thi Bon River.

For lunch, head to Mango Mango Restaurant and enjoy a fusion of flavors with a contemporary twist. Afterward, take some time to relax on the beach or by the pool, reflecting on your journey through Vietnam.

Dine at White Marble Restaurant and enjoy a sophisticated dining experience with a menu that combines the best of Eastern and Western culinary traditions. As the sun sets on your final day in Hoi An, take a moment to appreciate the beauty and tranquility of this special place.