Embark on an exhilarating 2-week itinerary through Vietnam, where you’ll traverse the country from the dynamic Ho Chi Minh City to the captivating Central Highlands, and finally reach the historic cities of Hoi An and Hue. Brace yourself for an adventure that combines the energy of modern urban life, the awe-inspiring beauty of nature, and the allure of ancient traditions.
Begin your adventure in Ho Chi Minh City, a bustling metropolis that pulsates with vibrant energy. Explore the bustling streets filled with motorbikes, sample delectable street food, and delve into the city’s fascinating history at iconic landmarks like the War Remnants Museum and the Cu Chi Tunnels. Immerse yourself in the vibrant nightlife and witness the fusion of past and present as old colonial architecture stands tall amidst the towering skyscrapers.
Next, venture into the breathtaking landscapes of the Central Highlands, where nature unveils its wonders. Traverse verdant coffee plantations, mist-covered mountains, and cascading waterfalls in Dalat, often referred to as the “City of Eternal Spring.” Indulge in thrilling outdoor activities such as canyoning, trekking, and mountain biking, or simply revel in the serenity of the picturesque lakes and flower gardens that dot the region.
Continue your journey to Hoi An, a UNESCO World Heritage-listed city renowned for its enchanting beauty and rich history. Step into a time capsule as you wander through its ancient streets adorned with colorful lanterns and well-preserved architecture. Explore the iconic Japanese Covered Bridge, visit traditional craft workshops, and immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of the bustling markets. Hoi An is also known for its mouthwatering cuisine, so be sure to sample local specialties like Cao Lau and Banh Mi while enjoying the riverside charm.
Finally, arrive in Hue, a city steeped in history and charm. Once the imperial capital of Vietnam, Hue boasts a mesmerizing blend of ancient palaces, temples, and tombs that offer a glimpse into the country’s royal past. Explore the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Imperial City, cruise along the Perfume River to visit the iconic Thien Mu Pagoda, and savor the traditional cuisine that has made Hue famous throughout Vietnam.
Throughout your journey, you’ll encounter warm and welcoming locals who will enrich your experience with their genuine hospitality and share stories that bring the culture and traditions of Vietnam to life. From the bustling city streets to the serene mountain landscapes and the ancient charm of Hoi An, this itinerary promises an immersive and unforgettable exploration of Vietnam’s diverse and captivating destinations.
These highlights offer a glimpse of the diverse and captivating experiences you can expect on this 2-week itinerary covering Ho Chi Minh City, the Central Highlands, Hoi An, and Hue City.
Ho Chi Minh City:
Central Highlands:
Hoi An:
Hue City:
Ho Chi Minh – finished in Hue City, or in Ho Chi Minh City with airfare.
The itinerary can start from an opposite way.
Let’s check the details of 14-day itinerary from Ho Chi Minh City via Central Highlands to Hue City.
Arrive at Ho Chi Minh International Airport (SGN).
Be greeted by your English-speaking tour guide and driver at the airport.
Take a private transfer to your hotel in Ho Chi Minh City, which is located in the District 1. The drive will take about 30 minutes and will give you a chance to see some of the city’s sights, such as the Ben Thanh Market and the War Remnants Museum.
Check in to your hotel and leave your luggage.
Go for a walk around the city and explore the streets and markets.
Have lunch at a local restaurant.
In the afternoon, visit the Reunification Palace, which was formerly known as the Independence Palace. The palace was the seat of the government of South Vietnam during the Vietnam War. It is now a museum that tells the story of the war and the reunification of Vietnam.
In the evening, have dinner at a local restaurant and then relax at your hotel.
Have breakfast at your hotel.
Be picked up by your tour guide and driver and taken to the Cu Chi Tunnels. The drive will take about 1 hour.
Visit the Cu Chi Tunnels, a network of underground tunnels used by the Viet Cong during the Vietnam War. The tunnels were used for communication, transportation, and storage. They were also used as a base for launching attacks against the South Vietnamese and American forces.
In the afternoon, take a half-day city tour of Ho Chi Minh City. The tour will include the War Remnants Museum, which is a museum that tells the story of the Vietnam War from the perspective of the Vietnamese people. The tour will also include the Ben Thanh Market, which is a large market where you can buy souvenirs, clothes, and food.
In the evening, have dinner at a local restaurant and then relax at your hotel.
Have breakfast at your hotel.
Be picked up by your tour guide and driver and taken to Cat Tien National Park. The drive will take about 3 hours.
Visit Cat Tien National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site home to a variety of wildlife, including tigers, elephants, and monkeys. The park is located in the Dong Nai Province, about 100 kilometers from Ho Chi Minh City.
Take a guided tour of the park, where you will have the opportunity to see some of the park’s wildlife, including tigers, elephants, and monkeys. You will also learn about the park’s history and conservation efforts.
In the afternoon, take a boat trip on the Dong Nai River, which runs through the park. The boat trip will give you a chance to see some of the park’s more remote areas and to spot some of the park’s wildlife.
In the evening, stay overnight in Cat Tien National Park.
Cat Tien National Park:
The drive from Cat Tien National Park to Pongour Waterfall takes about 2 hours. The road is well-maintained and there are several scenic viewpoints along the way. You can stop at any of these viewpoints to take in the views of the surrounding countryside.
Pongour Waterfall is one of the largest waterfalls in Vietnam. It is located in the Lam Dong Province, about 50 kilometers from Da Lat. The waterfall is made up of seven tiers and is surrounded by lush rainforest. It is a popular tourist destination and is a great place to relax and enjoy the natural beauty of Vietnam.
Once you arrive in Da Lat, you can check into your hotel and relax for the rest of the day. There are many things to do in Da Lat, but you may want to just take some time to rest
The drive from Cat Tien National Park to Pongour Waterfall takes about 2 hours. The road is well-maintained and there are several scenic viewpoints along the way. You can stop at any of these viewpoints to take in the views of the surrounding countryside.
Pongour Waterfall is one of the largest waterfalls in Vietnam. It is located in the Lam Dong Province, about 50 kilometers from Da Lat. The waterfall is made up of seven tiers and is surrounded by lush rainforest. It is a popular tourist destination and is a great place to relax and enjoy the natural beauty of Vietnam.
Once you arrive in Da Lat, you can check into your hotel and relax for the rest of the day. There are many things to do in Da Lat, but you may want to just take some time to rest after moving a long route.
Have breakfast at your hotel.
We will do a tour of Da Lat, including the Da Lat Flower Gardens, the Xuan Huong Lake, and the Lang Biang Mountain.
The Da Lat Flower Gardens are a beautiful park with a variety of flowers from all over the world. You can wander through the gardens and admire the flowers, or you can take a guided tour to learn more about the flowers.
The Xuan Huong Lake is a large lake in the center of Da Lat. You can take a boat trip on the lake, or you can simply relax on the shores of the lake and enjoy the view.
The Lang Biang Mountain is the highest mountain in Da Lat. You can hike to the top of the mountain for stunning views of the city and the surrounding countryside.
In the afternoon, visit the Crazy House, a unique house designed by architect Dang Viet Nga. The house is made up of a series of interconnected rooms, each of which is designed in a different style. You can wander through the house and explore its many unique features.
In the evening, have dinner at a local restaurant and then relax at your hotel.
Please note:
Have breakfast at your hotel in Da Lat.
Be picked up by your tour guide and driver and taken to Lak Lake. The drive will take about 2 hours.
Take a boat trip on Lak Lake, the largest lake in the Central Highlands of Vietnam. The boat trip will give you a chance to see the lake’s beautiful scenery and to spot some of the lake’s wildlife, such as fish, turtles, and birds.
In the afternoon, visit the M’nong Village, a traditional village of the M’nong ethnic minority. The village is located on the shores of Lak Lake and is a great place to learn about the M’nong culture and way of life.
In the evening, stay overnight in Buon Ma Thuot.
Have breakfast at your hotel in Buon Ma Thuot.
Visit the Buon Ma Thuot Market, a bustling market where you can buy local produce, souvenirs, and handicrafts. The market is a great place to experience the local culture and to get a taste of the local cuisine.
Visit the Coffee Museum, to learn about the history and production of coffee in Vietnam. The museum is located in the center of Buon Ma Thuot and is a great place to learn about the importance of coffee to the Vietnamese economy and culture.
In the evening, have dinner at a local restaurant and then relax at your hotel.
Take a trip from Buon Ma Thuot to Kon Tum, a city in the Central Highlands of Vietnam. The journey will take about 4 hours.
Along the way:
Stop at the Dak Lak Elephant Conservation Center, a sanctuary for elephants that have been rescued from the illegal wildlife trade. The center is located about 20 kilometers from Buon Ma Thuot and is a great place to learn about elephants and their conservation.
Enjoy the beautiful scenery along the way, including the rolling hills, lush forests, and traditional villages.
Make a photo stop at the Kon Tum Bridge, a suspension bridge that offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
Enjoy a cup of coffee at a local coffee shop and chat with the locals.
In the afternoon: Arrive in Kon Tum and check in to your hotel. Relax and enjoy the rest of the day at your hotel.
Have breakfast at your hotel in Kon Tum.
Visit the Kon Tum Cathedral, a beautiful cathedral built in the Gothic style. The cathedral is located in the center of Kon Tum and is a great place to admire the city’s architecture.
Visit the Kon Tum Museum, to learn about the history and culture of the Kon Tum Province. The museum is located in the center of Kon Tum and is a great place to learn about the local ethnic groups and their way of life.
In the afternoon, take a bus from Kon Tum to Mang Dang, a district in the Kon Tum Province. The journey will take about 2 hours.
Visit the Mang Yang Pass, a mountain pass that offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside. The pass is located about 10 kilometers from Mang Dang and is a great place to take in the views of the surrounding mountains and forests.
In the evening, stay in Mang Dang or return to Kon Tum depending the rooms available for that day. Relax and enjoy the rest of the day at your hotel.
Have breakfast at your hotel in Kon Tum or Mang Dang.
We start the drive to Hoi An, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its well-preserved ancient town.
Along the way, we can stop for taking pictures.
This route does not have much tourist places for visiting, but it goes through mountainous regions for green colors.
In the afternoon, arrive in Hoi An and check in to your hotel.
Relax and enjoy the rest of the day at your hotel.
Have breakfast at your hotel in Hoi An.
Relax and enjoy the day at your leisure.
You can choose to:
Have breakfast at your hotel in Hoi An.
Be picked up by your tour guide and driver and taken to Ba Na Hills, a mountain resort located about 30 kilometers from Da Nang. The drive will take more than 1 hour.
Visit the Golden Bridge, a unique bridge that is built on top of a mountain. The bridge offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and forests.
Visit the Linh Ung Pagoda, a Buddhist temple located on top of a mountain, which is a popular pilgrimage site to learn about Buddhism.
In the afternoon, continue to Hue, the former imperial capital of Vietnam. The drive will take about 2.5 hours.
Check in to your hotel in Hue.
Relax and enjoy the rest of the day at your hotel.
Have breakfast at your hotel in Hue.
Visit the Imperial City of Hue, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city is home to a number of historical and cultural sites, including the Forbidden Purple City, the Thien Mu Pagoda, and the Perfume Pagoda.
Visit the Forbidden Purple City, the inner sanctum of the Imperial City. The city was built in the 19th century and was the capital of Vietnam for over 100 years. The city is home to a number of palaces, temples, and government buildings.
Visit the Thien Mu Pagoda, a Buddhist temple located on the Perfume River. The temple was built in the 17th century and is a popular pilgrimage site. The temple is home to a number of statues and paintings, including a statue of the Lady of the Realm, who is the patron saint of Hue.
In the afternoon, you can embark on a fascinating historical journey by visiting the Minh Mang Royal Tomb, Khai Dinh Tomb, and Vong Canh Hill. These attractions are located in Hue, Vietnam, and offer a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of the region.
Have breakfast at your hotel in Hue.
Be picked up and taken to Hue airport.
Fly from Hue to Ho Chi Minh City.
Arrive in Ho Chi Minh City and transfer to your hotel if any.
Please note that your flight in this itinerary will fly back Ho Chi Minh City. If your destination is different, please tell us! It can get an extra charge for the other flights.
Our two-week Vietnam adventure was filled with incredible highlights. Starting in Ho Chi Minh City, we explored the historic Cu Chi Tunnels and experienced the vibrant city life. The natural beauty of Cat Tien National Park and the awe-inspiring Ponguar Waterfall left us speechless. Da Lat, with its charming atmosphere and picturesque landscapes, stole our hearts. Driving through the Central Highlands allowed us to witness the local culture up close. The stunning Golden Bridge in Ba Na and the captivating history of Hue were unforgettable. This itinerary provided us with the perfect blend of adventure, relaxation, and cultural immersion. Highly recommended!