Vietnam from North to South: A Two-Week Itinerary

Cover Vietnam by flying into Hanoi and out of Ho Chi Minh City, using a mix of internal flights and sleeper trains to maximize your time. Spend your first week in the north and central regions, and your second week moving south through the coast and the Mekong Delta.

  1. Book your internal flights first. Distances in Vietnam are deceptive. Book domestic flights between Hanoi and Da Nang, and Nha Trang and Ho Chi Minh City to save 12-15 hours of travel time per leg.
  2. Get your e-visa in advance. Apply for the official Vietnam e-visa at least 10 business days before departure. Do not rely on visa-on-arrival services unless you have a pre-approved letter.
  3. Download Grab. Install the Grab app before you arrive. It is the standard for booking rides and prevents price haggling with taxi drivers.
  4. Use sleeper trains for the coast. For the Hue to Da Nang or Da Nang to Quy Nhon stretches, book a soft-sleeper cabin on the Reunification Express to see the coast while you rest.
Is it safe to drive a motorbike in Vietnam?
Only if you have an international driving permit and significant experience. Traffic is chaotic; stick to Grab or taxis for safety.
Should I change money at the airport?
Change only enough for your initial taxi ride. You get better rates at gold shops in the city centers or by withdrawing from local ATMs.