14 Days Vietnam – North to South with Phu Quoc Island – Ultimate Itinerary & Travel Guide

Begin in the north with a picked 3-night stay in Hanoi, centered in the lively Old Quarter. Sharing tips with your travel buddy helps you lock in a comfortable stay and a solid plan, authentic experiences. This approach keeps logistics clear, with concrete timings and options for flights that connect each leg, so you spend more time on experiences and less on transit.

Day by day: Day 1-3 Hanoi (Old Quarter, street food tours, a day trip to Ninh Binh or a water puppet show). Day 4-5 Ha Long Bay cruise (kayaking, caves, and a sunset on the deck). Day 6-7 fly to Hue and Da Nang, visiting the Imperial City, the Lantern Bridge, and a relaxed ride to Hoi An’s UNESCO-listed ancient town. Day 8-10 Da Nang to Phu Quoc Island for beach time, snorkeling, and a seaside sunset. Day 11-14 move to Ho Chi Minh City for river life, Cu Chi tunnels, and Mekong Delta trips. Each segment includes transfers, comfortable stays, and flexible pacing to fit your style, including planned rest days.

Travel tips: book midrange stays with nightly rates around 40-120 USD, and look for bestprice deals on flights between regions. In Hanoi, choose a central stay near Hoan Kiem to shorten walks. In Phu Quoc, pick a resort with easy airport transfer and beach access. For souvenirs, shop at night markets for handicrafts and silk scarves, which make great keepsakes and gifts. For the overall plan, the route around the coast keeps you balanced between city energy and coastal calm, with a mix of guided tours and free time.

Ready to book? Choose your preferred dates, compare flight options, and lock in trips that align with your budget. Our plan helps you maximize value with bestprice options and reliable transfers. Share this plan with your companions to streamline decisions and start your adventure with confidence.

North-to-South Vietnam with Phu Quoc Island: Practical Itinerary Overview

Recommendation: Book the 14-day package that traces Hanoi to Phu Quoc, balancing cultural sights, river life, and island downtime for a practical, enjoyable experience during trips.

North leg: Begin in Hanoi to explore the old quarter, taste street food, and practice a few lang phrases with locals. Then transfer to Halong Bay for a two-night cruise aboard traditional junk boats featuring towering limestone cliffs, fishing scenes, and underwater views from a glass deck when available. This north section delivers a stunning, excellent balance of city energy and sea air, and it lays a strong place for your whole route during the northern days.

Central leg: Fly to Da Nang, stay in the city center to reach beaches and the Marble Mountains with minimal transfer. In Hoi An, wander lantern-lit streets and stop at garden cafes along the river. This section suits travelers who enjoy culture, good cuisine, and architecture, with nearby factories and craft villages that keep traditional trades alive, and pacing that can be adjusted for them.

Southern leg: Fly to Ho Chi Minh City and cruise the Mekong Delta by boat. Tour floating markets, observe houses on stilts, and sample fruit along riverbanks. The Mekong segment emphasizes authentic river life and generous seafood options, often served fresh, with flexible pacing to suit heat and crowds. The whole southern block pairs well with a few nights in districts around the city center before heading to the next flight, giving you time to relax and connect with locals.

Phu Quoc Island extension: end with 5–7 nights on this island offering stunning beaches, coral underwater life, and a garden-like resort atmosphere. Take a boats trip around the Cape Dinh Cau to see fishing boats and enjoy sunset. A local pepper farm and a fish sauce house provide a chance to learn local methods; the experience is excellent and perfect for a relaxed finish, with options to snorkel, fish, or simply unwind by the sea.

Note: If you prefer a shorter version, adjust the date and skip the Mekong Delta leg, dont miss Phu Quoc for a perfect finish.

Best Time to Travel North-to-South: Weather, Festivals, and Crowd Tips

Plan your North-to-South trip for late October through early December ή late February through early April to maximize comfort, minimize rain, and keep nighttime plans open. Mornings in Hanoi feel crisp (15–22°C), Halong Bay remains calm for cruising, and Phu Quoc offers dry days for island hopping and private dining on the coast; unwind with relaxed breakfasts and a steady pace.

North and Halong Bay shine from November to February: mornings 15–22°C, afternoons up to 28°C, lighter rain. This window makes cave visits and waterfront strolls enjoyable, with less crowd pressure at popular spots. In nearby towns you can miss the peak bustle by starting early and grabbing breakfast on the quay, then visiting a local museum to learn about history, including a former prison site.

Central Vietnam stays driest from February to August, with daytime highs around 28–34°C and cooler evenings. If you ride the coast in March or April, enjoy enchanting scenery in Da Nang and Hoi An, plus comfortable conditions for biking or walking lantern-lit streets. Reserve private dining experiences at riverside restaurants to savor seafood without long lines in peak weeks. Spices and pepper from local farms add flavor, and a quick island break can fit in if you plan Phu Quoc side time.

In the south, December through April brings a reliable dry spell with temperatures near 30°C and smoother humidity. A Mekong Delta cruise to Thoi Son Island (thoi) offers a quiet waterway escape and breakfast on the boat, perfect for travelers seeking to immerse in local life without rushing crowds. In Ho Chi Minh City, live music and nighttime markets create an amazing atmosphere after dark; private dining options let you tailor the experience. Trains connect major hubs, letting you travel in comfort and wake refreshed in the next town. Use a home base in Saigon or Da Nang to reduce transfers and enjoy longer, relaxed explorations.

Tips for avoiding crowds: book Halong Bay and Mekong experiences well ahead, travel midweek, and avoid public holidays around Tet. Keep plans flexible for weather shifts, especially if you want to enjoy cruise or island time. This approach delivers rich experiences, memorable mornings, and opportunities to unwind in Vietnam–a country that welcomes travelers with friendly smiles and a broad menu of options for every tempo.

Top Cities and Highlights Along the Route

Start in Hanoi for breakfast on the curb and head toward Ha Long Bay, where a kayaking outing left you with a clean, unforgettable view. Choose a compact plan that avoids long transfers, which helps you maximize time on the water and in markets, and keeps a flexible pace you can adjust if weather shifts.

In Ha Long Bay, leave the crowd behind as you approach grottoes carved by water and wind; the view from the deck at sunrise is unforgettable. If you want, book a kayaking session to glide between karst towers and hidden coves with calm seas and natural light. If you prefer the quieter left side of the bay, tell your guide to tailor the route, and keep daylight available for a second horizon.

In Ninh Binh, glide along rivers framed by hill silhouettes and rice fields, where cattle graze and farmers feed buffalo in the fields at dawn. Consider a Trang An boat ride for a close-up look at limestone cliffs; breakfast at a riverside stall sets a practical start, and the route here remains available for spontaneous breaks and witnessing peaceful rural life again. If you miss a stop, you can switch to a quiet cafe along the water.

From there, Phong Nha-Ke Bang national park brings long cave corridors and grottoes beyond compare. Take a guided tour to see the underground rivers, then hike to viewpoints that offer broad natural panoramas. Guides charge modest fees for cave access, and the air inside stays cool, making the experience unforgettable. This stop also highlights the national scale of natural restoration and the sense of history you carry forward.

Hue’s imperial relics stand beside Da Nang’s modern beaches; a day here blends history with coastal scenery. The restoration of old town facades in Hoi An adds color to lantern-lined lanes, while a stroll along the river offers a peaceful pace. Hoi An also shines with quiet cafes and shops selling silk and crafts that you can carry home as keepsakes. The point of this stretch is balance between culture and seaside calm.

Hoi An’s quiet streets invite a slow morning: breakfast at a riverside cafe, a ride through nearby rice fields, and a stop at a tailor shop for a custom outfit. At sunset, lanterns rise and the town takes on a soft glow that makes the day unforgettable.

Down the coast, Da Nang offers bright beaches and the Marble Mountains with commanding views. Move on to Nha Trang for a lively seafood scene and long beachfront stretches; if you want a cooler break, take a day trip to Dalat for pine forests, hill views, and a restful café scene. The weather shifts with the sea, so plan two pace options and enjoy the variety.

Finish in Ho Chi Minh City with a mix of museums, markets, and street food adventures; then fly to Phu quoc island, known locally as quoc, where you unwind on beaches and snorkel near coral reefs. The island’s lush coast and peaceful coves offer a natural finale, with fresh fish breakfasts and late-night snacks before your departure.

14-Day Day-by-Day Breakdown with Phu Quoc Optional Add-On

Plan a compact North-to-South itinerary that blends city energy, coastlines, and cultural highlights, including a flexible Phu Quoc add-on on Day 14. Begin in Hanoi with a green stroll through the Old Quarter and a visit to the Hoa Lo Prison Museum for a national context, then hop a train toward the coast to maximize experiences on the ground and minimize backtracking. Start each day with a hearty breakfast and a smart pace to keep nights lively but not exhausting, so those evenings in local streets and markets feel welcoming rather than rushed.

With this plan you gain a total mix of city, coast, and cultural experiences, including those moments on quiet mornings, market evenings, and island sunsets. If you want more time on the water, the Phu Quoc add-on is worth it for the speedboat rides and snorkeling, giving you a compact, well-rounded itinerary that could suit travelers seeking a varied, memorable trip.

Getting Around: Trains, Buses, Domestic Flights, and Transfers

Recommendation: book the Hanoi–Da Nang sleeper train to enjoy a comfortable night, then fly to Phu Quoc to maximize time here on the islands.

• Trains

  Use the Reunification Express for the coast-to-coast arc: Hanoi to Da Nang or Hue takes about 12–14 hours in a soft sleeper, with practical cabins and large windows for the morning countryside. From Da Nang, a short ride to Hoi An is easy by taxi or shuttle. For the northern highlands, the Hanoi–Lao Cai line offers daytime and overnight options to Sapa, with scenic views and a chance to unwind before town exploration. Reserve cabins 2–3 weeks ahead in peak season; seats fill quickly in holidays.

• Buses

  Long-distance buses connect major hubs when rail options don’t align with your schedule. Sleeper buses between Hanoi and Sapa shorten travel time and preserve daytime for markets and museums. In the central region, buses link Da Nang, Hoi An, and Nha Trang with comfortable seats and onboard rest stops. From Ho Chi Minh City, overnight buses reach Mui Ne, Nha Trang, and Da Lat in 8–12 hours, with variants that include refreshments and legroom. Always carry a small cushion, a water bottle, and a charger for a smoother ride.

• Domestic flights

  Domestic networks keep you efficient: Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City to Da Nang (about 1h10m), Hue (55–70 minutes), Nha Trang (an hour), and Phu Quoc (about 50–70 minutes). VietJet Air, Vietnam Airlines, and Bamboo Airways offer frequent daily services, with early bookings delivering the best prices. For Phu Quoc, combine an early morning flight from Da Nang or Ho Chi Minh City with a relaxed beach afternoon on arrival.

• Transfers and practical tips

  At airports and train stations, arrange a fixed-price transfer or a hotel pickup to avoid negotiation delays. In big cities, metered taxis or ride-hailing apps reduce surprises; always confirm a fare estimate before departure and keep baggage constraints in mind in crowded terminals. For Phu Quoc, plan the arrival transfer to your resort or guesthouse, then decide on a ferry or speedboat to cross to the island from Ha Tien or Rach Gia when you’re extending your stay on the coast.

Islands and arrival planning: reserve a multi-sector ticket when possible to minimize bag changes and waiting times. A typical route pairs a night train in the north with a mid-morning flight to the central coast, then a short bus or taxi to your next stop. This approach offers a lively balance of scenic hours onboard and productive days on land. If a typhoon season disrupts schedules, flexibility is your best asset; keep a secondary option like a daytime bus or alternate flight ready, especially during the October–December window.

• Phu Quoc transfers

  Direct flights from Hanoi and Saigon save time on the island portion; if you prefer a slower pace, take a flight to Rach Gia or Ha Tien and a 2–3 hour ferry to Phu Quoc. On arrival, your hotel or resort usually provides a welcome transfer, or you can book a private vehicle for a convenient start. From the island, short hops to neighboring islets offer an optional day of exploration on smaller boats.

• Cost notes

  Trains often run from $40–$90 for cross-country soft sleepers; flights vary by season but frequently land around $50–$120 if booked 3–6 weeks ahead. Buses are typically $12–$30 for adult long-haul legs; private transfers can be $25–$60 depending on distance and vehicle type. For a whole plan that includes Phu Quoc, a mixed rail + flight approach usually yields the best balance of time and value.

• Useful details

  Keep a digital and physical copy of tickets, carry a light rain jacket (seasonal showers), and note the arrival facilities at each hub. Some routes offer onboard power outlets and rest areas for quick work sessions, which adds to the opportunity to stay connected. Look for official sources, and note the источник as guidance for current schedules and changes.

What to pack for transfers: a compact daypack, a universal adaptor, and a reusable water bottle to stay prepared between hops. Here, the focus is on seamless movement between trains, buses, and flights, with arrival transfers that feel like a welcome mat. The whole experience stays flexible, allowing you to witness different faces of Vietnam–from ancient towns with thoi-era hints to vibrant modern hubs–while keeping a steady pace that works for smaller stops and lively markets alike.

Where to Stay: Neighborhoods, Budget, Midrange, and Comfort Picks

Stay in the center of Hanoi’s Old Quarter for a practical base that puts meals, markets, and friendly staff within walking distance. This option starts your plan with easy transfers to the northbound route and makes exploring villages and ancient sites simple. If you want a change of pace, plan time later for islands and the Trang An area to immerse in history and nature.

North and central Vietnam: base in the center for easy access to trains and day trips. In Hanoi, choosing the Old Quarter or near the station keeps you close to the center of activity. In Hue or Da Nang, pick a riverfront or Han River area that is still practical for exploring nearby villages and coast. In the south, Ho Chi Minh City center puts you near museums and markets and makes it easy to ride to Phu Quoc’s islands when your plans include a beach finish.

Budget picks: Hostels and simple guesthouses in the Old Quarter, Da Nang, and Duong Dong on Phu Quoc offer clean, compact rooms with shared kitchens and free breakfasts where available. Private rooms run roughly 15–40 USD, dorm beds often under 15 USD, and walking distance to eateries means you can keep meals affordable.

Midrange picks: Boutique hotels in central Hanoi or Da Nang provide a balanced mix of comfort and value, with dependable wifi, air conditioning, and practical layouts that save time for exploring. Many feature on-site cafés with inexpensive meals and easy access to markets or riverside walks; some offer balconies with light sea breezes near the coast.

Comfort picks: Beachfront resorts on Phu Quoc and riverfront stays in Da Nang or Nha Trang deliver larger pools, spa options, and inclusive meals packages. Look for rooms with sea views, flexible check-in, and staff ready to arrange captain-led boat trips to nearby islands for a richer adventure–the kind that makes travel plans feel effortless.

september travelers often enjoy calmer seas and better value. For a deeper immersion, choose stays based in villages for a night or two before finishing with a comfortable property near the center, making it easier to pick up souvenirs and continue your north-to-south route without extra plans. Always check with staff for local routes and seasonal recommendations.

Phu Quoc Island: Iconic Beaches, Activities, and How to Add It to the Itinerary

Plan a 4-day extension: 2 days on iconic beaches, 1 day for adventure, 1 day for culture and markets, prior to returning home. This layout minimizes travel time and maximizes downtime.

Long Beach (Bai Truong) traces about 20 km along the southwest coast, offering fine white sand and gentle, snorkel-friendly water. Sao Beach in the southeast presents a postcard backdrop with palm shadows and breathtaking turquoise shallows, while Ong Lang Beach provides calmer seas and sunset silhouettes. For bestprice meals, stroll the sand-side eateries and watch for fresh seafood by the water–the kind of simple, fresh flavors that travelers crave.

To reach the island’s highlights quickly, add a cable car ride to Hon Thom (Pearl Island) from An Thoi. The trip is among the world’s longest sea-crossing lines and delivers a breathtaking panorama of reefs and islets. After the ascent, combine snorkeling around the An Thoi archipelago with a lunch on the water, a true adventure that can be booked at the bestprice tier for groups or families.

Exploring the coast also means discovering grottoes and sea caves along carved limestone walls. A boat day trip can drop you off near several grottoes where you can listen to the waves and snap dramatic highlights for your souvenirs. If you love a little adventure, climb a hill inland for a panoramic look over rice paddies, villages, and the πολιτισμός that threads through every stop.

Culture comes alive with pepper farms, fish sauce workshops, and seaside markets. Learn how island πολιτισμός blends with learning moments about rural life–watch pepper vines coil around trellises and see jars of nuoc mam being made in small, family-run plants. The ancient traditions linked to Minh-era trade routes echo in the harbor stories and market chatter, adding a vibrant texture to the day. Pick up souvenirs crafted by local artisans and taste-test fresh snacks that reflect the island’s reef-fish and pepper aroma.

Timing matters: plan a September visit for warm days, occasional showers, and fewer crowds, which helps you enjoy the stunning beaches without traffic jams. The mekong breeze drifts through the night markets, where you’ll hear stories from locals and fellow travelers. If you’re visiting with kids or a group, designate a total day for the south, a day for the ancient town core, and a half-day for island hopping to keep everyone engaged and active. Learning about the island’s pepper farms and fish sauce πολιτισμός makes those souvenirs feel earned and incredibly meaningful.

How to add Phu Quoc to your itinerary: slot it after a mainland stretch in Ho Chi Minh City or Hanoi, then allocate 4 days as described. Visiting the island right after a Mekong-focused segment creates a natural flow from river markets to sea breezes. For their comfort, book a mix of guided tours and independent scooter days to balance adventure with flexibility. Quocs lovers will tell you that the island’s pace invites slow mornings, discover moments, and long sunset hours, making it easy to explore without rushing. Total costs stay friendly when you combine a few bestprice packages with local eateries and public transport between sites.