Vietnam is long and packed with incredible destinations, and two weeks is just the right amount of time to experience the highlights. A typical 2-week Vietnam itinerary includes Hanoi, Halong Bay, Ninh Binh, Hue, Hoi An, and Ho Chi Minh City, with a visit to the Mekong Delta.

But if you’re looking for something more adventurous and unique, adding the Ha Giang Loop to your itinerary is an unforgettable choice. This scenic motorbike route through northern Vietnam offers some of the most breathtaking mountain views, remote ethnic villages, and winding passes in the country. It’s a must-do for those who love nature, cultural immersion, and off-the-beaten-path experiences.

In this article, you’ll find a detailed 2-week in Vietnam with Ha Giang Loop itinerary, including the best places to visit, what to do in each location, and how to make the most of your trip.

What is the Ha Giang Loop?

The Ha Giang Loop is one of the most thrilling motorbike routes in Vietnam; it’s a journey through rugged mountains, winding roads, and remote ethnic villages. Located in the far north, close to the Chinese border, Ha Giang is famous for its jaw-dropping limestone peaks, deep valleys, and rice terraces.

The loop itself is a circular route spanning around 350 kilometers, passing through breathtaking landscapes and towns like Dong Van, Meo Vac, and Yen Minh. While some travelers do the loop on their own motorbike, others choose to ride with an experienced local guide or hire an "easy rider" who drives while they sit on the back.

Riding through Ha Giang, you’ll encounter small villages where ethnic minority groups like the H’Mong, Tay, and Dao people live. You’ll see their traditional stilt houses, colorful clothing, and terraced farms clinging to the mountainsides. The journey is challenging, with steep passes and sharp turns, but the views are nothing short of spectacular.

How Does the Ha Giang Loop Fit into a Vietnam Itinerary?

The Ha Giang Loop takes around 3 to 4 days, so it requires careful planning in a 2-week Vietnam itinerary. Instead of skipping upper northern Vietnam’s highlights, you can combine Ha Giang with Hanoi, Ninh Binh, and Halong Bay before heading south to Hue, Hoi An, and the Mekong Delta.

This itinerary ensures you experience both Vietnam’s cultural and natural diversity, from big cities to the remote and rugged landscapes of Ha Giang. Now, let’s explore your perfect 2-week journey through Vietnam.

2 weeks in Vietnam with Ha Giang Loop

Day 1: Hanoi

Day 2: Hanoi

Day 3: Hanoi - Ninh Binh

Day 4: Ninh Binh - Ha Long

Day 5: Ha Long - Hanoi - Ha Giang

Day 6: Ha Giang - Du Gia - Meo Vac - Dong Van

Day 7: Dong Van - Lung Cu - Pho Bang - Yen Minh - Quan Ba - Ha Giang

Day 8: Ha Giang - Hanoi - Hue

Day 9: Hue

Day 10: Hue - Danang - Hoi An

Day 11: Hoi An

Day 12: Hoi An - Danang - Saigon

Day 13: Saigon - My Tho - Ben Tre - Can Tho

Day 14: Can Tho - Cai Rang - Saigon - Departure

2 weeks in Vietnam with Ha Giang Loop itinerary

Day 1: Hanoi

Your journey starts in Hanoi, the bustling capital of Vietnam. The moment you step into the city, you’ll feel the energy of the motorbikes, the scent of street food, and the charm of its people.

Spend your first day exploring the Old Quarter, a neighborhood filled with local shops, street vendors, and centuries-old houses. Try a steaming bowl of pho, sip a cup of Vietnamese egg coffee, and take a walk around Hoan Kiem Lake. If you want to dive into history, visit the Temple of Literature, an ancient university, or the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, where Vietnam’s most respected leader rests.

As the sun sets, experience Hanoi’s famous beer culture at Ta Hien Street or enjoy a traditional water puppet show to see a unique side of Vietnamese art.

Day 2: Hanoi

There’s still so much to see in Hanoi, so take your second day to dive deeper into the city’s culture. Visit the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology, which gives great insight into the country’s diverse ethnic groups, especially useful before heading to Ha Giang. If you love photography or enjoy peaceful spots, Train Street is a fascinating place to watch a train pass through a narrow alley filled with cafes.

For a different experience, take a food tour to discover Hanoi’s best dishes, like bun cha, grilled pork with noodles, or banh mi, the famous Vietnamese sandwich. In the afternoon, escape the city chaos and explore West Lake, home to Tran Quoc Pagoda, the oldest Buddhist temple in Hanoi.

Day 3: Hanoi - Ninh Binh

After a couple of days in the capital, it’s time to head south to Ninh Binh, often called the "Ha Long Bay on land" because of its stunning limestone mountains and rivers. The drive takes about two hours, but once you arrive, you’ll understand why this place is special.

Start by visiting Trang An or Tam Coc, both offering breathtaking boat rides through caves, rivers, and towering limestone cliffs. You can also climb the Mua Cave viewpoint, where a short but steep hike rewards you with a panoramic view of rice fields and karst mountains.

Another highlight is Bai Dinh Pagoda, the largest Buddhist temple complex in Vietnam. It’s a peaceful place to explore, with giant statues and beautiful architecture. End your day by cycling through the peaceful villages of Ninh Binh, where you can see farmers working in the rice paddies and experience the slow pace of rural life.

Day 4: Ninh Binh - Ha Long Bay

From Ninh Binh, continue your journey to Ha Long Bay, one of the most famous destinations in Vietnam. The drive takes about four hours, but as soon as you see the emerald waters and towering islands, you’ll know it was worth it.

The best way to experience Ha Long Bay is by taking an overnight cruise. You’ll board a traditional boat and sail through the thousands of limestone islands, passing floating fishing villages and hidden caves. During the cruise, you can kayak through quiet lagoons, swim in secluded bays, or simply relax on the deck and admire the view. In the evening, enjoy a seafood dinner on board and watch the sunset over the water.

Day 5: Ha Long - Hanoi - Ha Giang

Wake up early to watch the sunrise over Ha Long Bay. Many cruises offer a Tai Chi session on the deck, which is a peaceful way to start the day. After breakfast, visit one of the limestone caves, like Sung Sot Cave, with its wonderful stalactites and stalagmites.

By midday, the cruise returns to the harbor, and you’ll take a drive back to Hanoi. You’ll have a few hours to relax in the city before catching a collective limousine to Ha Giang, a comfortable way to reach the far north overnight. This marks the start of the Ha Giang Loop, one of the most breathtaking motorbike routes in the world.

Day 6: Ha Giang - Du Gia - Meo Vac - Dong Van

Your adventure in Ha Giang begins early in the morning as you set off on the legendary Ha Giang Loop. Your first stop is Du Gia, a small and peaceful village surrounded by green mountains and rice terraces. It’s a great place to experience the local life of the Tay ethnic people and even take a quick swim in a nearby waterfall.

Continuing the journey, you’ll pass through Meo Vac, a district famous for its rugged mountains and deep valleys. If you’re traveling on a Sunday, don’t miss the Meo Vac Market, where different ethnic groups come together to trade goods, livestock, and handmade crafts. It’s a colorful and lively scene that offers a true glimpse into the region’s culture.

In the late afternoon, you’ll reach Dong Van, one of the most famous towns in Ha Giang. The town is surrounded by dramatic karst mountains and is home to the Dong Van Old Quarter, a small but charming area with ancient traditional houses. You can end your day with a warm bowl of thang co, a traditional dish of the Hmong people, before resting for the night.

Day 7: Dong Van - Lung Cu - Pho Bang - Yen Minh - Quan Ba - Ha Giang

The journey continues as you drive to Lung Cu Flag Tower, Vietnam’s northernmost point. Climbing to the top of the tower gives you a panoramic view of the surrounding mountains and even a glimpse into China. From Lung Cu, you’ll head to Pho Bang, an old town with centuries-old Chinese-style houses. It’s a quiet and often-overlooked stop, but it gives you a sense of how life in this remote region has remained unchanged for generations.

Next, you’ll pass through Yen Minh, where the landscape shifts from towering mountains to lush forests and rice terraces. The road here is peaceful, making it a perfect place to stop and take in the scenery. As you continue toward Quan Ba, you’ll arrive at the famous Heaven’s Gate, a viewpoint that offers one of the best views in Ha Giang. From here, you can see the Twin Mountains, two round hills that stand out against the surrounding rice fields. By evening, you’ll return to Ha Giang City and take an overnight limousine back to Hanoi.

Day 8: Ha Giang - Hanoi - Hue

After a long journey through the mountains, you’ll arrive in Hanoi early in the morning. You’ll have a few hours to rest before catching a flight to Hue, the former imperial capital of Vietnam.

Hue is a complete contrast to the rugged landscapes of Ha Giang. The city is known for its rich history, elegant architecture, and slow-paced lifestyle. After checking into your hotel, you can take a relaxing walk along the river, enjoy a bowl of bun bo Hue (Hue-style beef noodle soup), and prepare for the next day of exploration.

Day 9: Hue

Hue is one of the most historically significant cities in Vietnam. It was the capital of the Nguyen Dynasty for more than a century, and its Imperial City is a must-visit. Walking through the Imperial City, you’ll see ancient palaces, temples, and gates that once belonged to Vietnam’s royal family. After exploring the citadel, you can visit the Thien Mu Pagoda. Standing on a hill overlooking the Perfume River, it is one of the most beautiful and symbolic pagodas in Vietnam.

In the afternoon, visit some of Hue’s royal tombs, such as the Tomb of King Minh Mang or the Tomb of King Khai Dinh, surrounded by scenic landscapes. As the sun sets, enjoy a traditional royal banquet dinner, where you can try dishes inspired by ancient Hue cuisine. This is a great way to end your day before continuing your journey through Vietnam.

Day 10: Hue - Danang - Hoi An

After breakfast in Hue, you’ll travel south toward Danang, passing through one of the most scenic coastal roads in Vietnam, the Hai Van Pass. If the weather is clear, you’ll be able to see Lang Co Bay, a stunning stretch of white sand and turquoise water.

In Danang, you can make a quick stop at the Marble Mountains, a cluster of five limestone hills filled with caves, temples, and stunning viewpoints. The main attraction is Huyen Khong Cave, where natural light creates an almost mystical atmosphere inside.

By afternoon, you’ll arrive in Hoi An, a UNESCO-listed ancient town with well-preserved old streets and colorful lanterns. After checking in at your hotel, you can take a relaxing stroll along the Thu Bon River or get clothing custom-made in just 24 hours at one of the tailor shops. As the sun sets, the town comes alive with glowing lanterns. You can take a boat ride on the river, release a floating lantern, or enjoy a delicious dinner at a local restaurant serving Hoi An’s signature dishes such as Cao Lau Noodles.

Day 11: Hoi An

Hoi An is a small town, but it’s packed with things to do. You can start the day by exploring its historical landmarks, including the Japanese Covered Bridge, Phuc Kien Assembly Hall, and Tan Ky Old House.

For a more immersive experience, you can visit Cam Thanh Coconut Village, where you’ll ride a traditional bamboo basket boat through a water coconut forest. Local fishermen will show you how to catch crabs and even put on a fun boat-spinning performance.

A relaxing way to end the day is by visiting a spa for a Vietnamese massage before heading back to your hotel.

Day 12: Hoi An - Danang - Saigon

After breakfast, you’ll return to Danang for a short flight to Saigon, the bustling economic hub of Vietnam. Saigon is a city of contrasts, with modern skyscrapers standing alongside French colonial buildings. 

You can start your exploration at Ben Thanh Market, where you’ll find everything from local snacks to handmade crafts. Those who love history can visit the War Remnants Museum and gain a deep insight into the Vietnam War. You can also visit the Reunification Palace, the former presidential residence.

In the evening, you can experience Saigon’s vibrant nightlife. You can have a drink at a rooftop bar, explore the buzzing Bui Vien walking street, or have dinner on a cruise along the Saigon River.

Day 13: Saigon - My Tho - Ben Tre - Can Tho

Today, you’ll head to the Mekong Delta, home to waterways, floating markets, and lush orchards. The first stop is My Tho, where you’ll take a boat ride on the Tien River and visit Ben Tre, known as the land of coconuts. Here, you’ll see how locals make coconut candy and handicrafts from coconut shells.

One of the highlights is taking a small sampan boat through the narrow canals, shaded by water palms. You’ll also visit a local family home, where you can enjoy tropical fruits and listen to traditional Southern folk music.

After lunch, the journey continues to Can Tho, the largest city in the Mekong Delta. Can Tho is famous for its floating markets, and you’ll spend the night here to experience the market at its liveliest in the morning.

Day 14: Can Tho - Cai Rang - Saigon - Departure

Your last morning in Vietnam starts with a visit to Cai Rang Floating Market, the largest and most dynamic market in the Mekong Delta. Unlike regular markets, vendors here sell their goods directly from boats. You’ll see boats stacked with colorful fruits, vegetables, and even coffee stands.

After breakfast by the river, you’ll head back to Saigon. Depending on your flight schedule, you might have time for some last-minute exploration or shopping before heading to the airport for departure.

Conclusion

This 2 weeks in Vietnam with the Ha Giang Loop itinerary gives you the perfect balance between culture, history, and adventure. You’ll explore vibrant cities, relax in ancient towns, cruise through stunning bays, and experience the wild beauty of Ha Giang’s mountains and ethnic villages.

If you’re ready to explore Vietnam’s best destinations and embark on an incredible adventure in Ha Giang, let us help you plan the perfect trip. Book a tour with Vietnam Original Travel today and experience Vietnam the best way possible!

>>> 3 week Vietnam itinerary with Ha Giang Loop

>>> Vietnam 14 day itinerary