Vietnam: North to Central
Eat your way from Hanoi to Hoi An
Vietnam could swallow months of your life and still feel barely scratched.
With about two weeks, I'd skip the whole country and do the North and Central regions: chaotic cities, limestone landscapes, imperial history and a slow finish in Hoi An.
The pace shifts as you go, so it never feels like ticking boxes.
Why I love it
I'd rather build a route with some slack than one where missing a bus ruins the next three days.
Things I'd Genuinely Recommend
Eating your way through the country, with a few cooking classes
History living outside museums
Cities, mountains, rice fields and limestone
Rural Vietnam by bike
Ha Long Bay and Ninh Binh from water and land
A slow finish around Hoi An
A possible flow
Hanoi · about 3 days
Dive into the hectic life of the capital and its historic cuisine, with a wet market visit and a cooking class. Add some temples and museums for a deeper connection to Hanoi's history.
Ha Long Bay & Ninh Binh · about 4 days
Hop on a day cruise in Ha Long Bay, kayak between the rocks and feast on board. Then move on to Ninh Binh, known as "Ha Long on land," where you can climb limestone peaks and rent a bike or scooter to explore like a local.
Mai Chau · about 2 days
Cycle through rice fields and learn about the ethnic communities of rural Vietnam.
Hue · about 2 days
Explore the ancient imperial city and the emperor tombs, and dig into its unique culture and cuisine.
Hoi An · about 2 days
Finish slowly in one of the most picturesque towns in Asia, with secluded rice paddies and trendy cafés. Nothing is urgent here.
Insider Notes
Vietnam's weather is complicated. The country stretches a long way from north to south, so conditions can be completely different depending on where and when you're travelling. Check the weather for each region rather than assuming the whole country will have the same forecast.
Don't underestimate the distances. Vietnam can look deceptively compact on a map, but roads can be slow and transport can take longer than expected. Give yourself some breathing room between destinations rather than planning every connection down to the minute.
Leave room for things to change. Weather, transport delays or simply finding somewhere you like can completely change your plans. I’d rather build a route that has some flexibility than one where missing a bus ruins the next three days.
Trip Recommendations
Duration:
10 - 14 days
When to Go:
Dec - Apr
Pace:
Balanced
Budget:
Flexible. Cheap eats and nicer hotels can sit in the same trip
Best for:
First-timers with about two weeks, and food lovers
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