Two Weeks in Vietnam: Solo Adventure from Hanoi to Hoi An

Settle into your Hotel in Hanoi. After a long journey, I suggest staying in the Old Quarter and grabbing a casual dinner.

Take a morning bus from Hanoi to Sa Pa. I highly recommend staying in a homestay rather than in Sa Pa town. When you arrive in Sa Pa, your homestay guide will take you to a local restaurant for lunch. Trek through rice paddy fields from lunch to your accommodation via Mao Sapa Trekking and Homestay.

The views will be breathtaking, but wear something comfortable and that you don’t mind getting muddy. Sa Pa can be very touristy, but the minute you step into the rice fields, you’ll forget the crowds.

Tonight, enjoy a home-cooked meal and local spirits with other guests at your home stay. If the weather is nice, you can swim in the pool or you can stay up chatting around the table.

Wake up to a lovely breakfast with a view of the rice paddy fields and start your journey back to Sa Pa town through a bamboo forest. Enjoy lunch in Sa Pa, then take the bus back to Hanoi and enjoy cocktails and dinner in Hanoi.

Today, enjoy all the food and culture of Hanoi. Start the day at one of the many coffee shops. I highly recommend Hidden Gem Cafe Hanoi and Sonder Coffee Bar Lý Thường Kiệt.

There are multiple types of Vietnamese coffee you should try while you are visiting. Specifically in Hanoi, you should try the egg coffee or cà phê trứng and coconut coffee or cà phê cốt dừa. There is also a lot of delicious food in Hanoi, but bun cha is a must, usually had for breakfast or lunch. You won’t find this available for dinner. During one of your days in Hanoi, I highly recommend doing a street food tour.

After spending your day yesterday surrounded by good food and coffee, today explore the rich history of Hanoi. I highly recommend the Vietnamese Women’s Museum and the Hanoi Prison. I also really enjoy peace from the crowds when I travel. I found the Temple Of Literature to be beautiful and serene.

End your day at Chào Bạn for dinner, a blend of French and Vietnamese food that will leave you remembering your meal long after you’ve left Hanoi.

Journey by bus from Hanoi to Cat Ba. Explore Cat Ba’s National Park, where you will walk among the trees and mangroves. Then stay overnight in Cat Ba, near the ferry in preparation for adventures the following day.

Head out early in the morning for a day trip by boat to Ha Long Bay. This includes a visit to the Floating Fishing Village, swimming, snorkeling, and cave exploration. Enjoy lunch and a visit to Monkey Island with Cat Ba Eco Tourist. Finish the day with a sunset as you head back to your hotel in Cat Ba.

Early morning pick up and check out of your hotel for an unforgettable journey to Ninh Binh. Ninh Binh, often referred to as “Halong Bay on land,” is a breathtaking destination renowned for its dramatic limestone karsts, lush rice paddies, and winding rivers.

This serene region offers a unique blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage, featuring ancient temples, traditional villages, and tranquil boat rides through caves and waterways. The crowds will be less overwhelming as you bike and boat to explore this beautiful landscape. Take the night train to Hue tonight.

Wake up in Hue ready to explore the city. You can hire a driver to take you to the beautiful temples. I highly recommend exploring the Imperial City of Hue, Thein Mu Pagoda, and Mausoleum of Emperor Gia Long.

Finish your day at Quan Hanh and order the set menu. It is superb and the owner is so kind.

Take the bus from Hue to Hoi An. If you get in early enough, go to a local tailor with an idea of the clothing you’d like prepared. Hoi An is known for its amazing tailoring, where talented local artisans craft custom clothes just for you. You’ll get to pick from beautiful silks, soft linens, and designs that mix traditional Vietnamese styles with a modern twist. The expert tailors will help you choose the perfect fabric and style, and the best part? They usually have a quick turnaround, so you can pick up your finished piece the very next day. It’s a fun, hands-on way to connect with the local culture and bring home something truly unique and stylish.

Today, I suggest doing a tour of the coconut forest and a cooking class. Vietnam has such an amazing food scene, if you leave without doing a cooking class, you’ll regret it.

Spend the evening at the Hoi An night market. The Hoi An Night Market comes alive with vibrant colors and lively energy. Stalls lined with glowing lanterns showcase a dazzling array of local handicrafts, souvenirs, and street food delicacies, creating an inviting atmosphere perfect for leisurely exploration. Wander through narrow alleys flanked by vibrant silk shops, traditional tailors, and quaint cafés, all framed by the gentle flow of the Thu Bon River. It’s traditional to light a lantern and make a wish as you release it into the river.

Enjoy a relaxing last day in Hoi An. You can take a bike ride through the rice fields or go to one of the town’s wonderful spas. If you ordered clothing, don’t forget to pick it up!

Today fly out of Da Nang Airport, but on your way there stop at Table Mountain for a beautiful view of the city, or if you have time, go to the Golden Bridge, but know wait times here can be long. I personally flew back to Hanoi and home from here, but continue your journey in Vietnam if you can. There’s more to see!