Content [Switch to sidebar]

Vietnam Itinerary 2 Weeks With Con Dao Extension With Émelie

Hello everyone! My name is Émelie. Recently, I had the chance to go on a wonderful 16-day trip through Vietnam, with an extension to the Con Dao islands. This Vietnam itinerary 2 weeks with Con Dao extension let me discover amazing landscapes, interesting history, and local cultures full of traditions. Here, I tell you about my Vietnam tour with beach extension, step by step, grouping the days I spent in the same place to make it clearer.

1. Days 1-2: Hanoi

When I arrived in Hanoi, I was welcomed warmly and then taken to my hotel, which marked the start of my Vietnam itinerary 2 weeks with Con Dao extension. After a short rest, I enjoyed a tasty Vietnamese dinner at May de Cuisine - a restaurant in Hanoi that you should not miss for real Vietnamese food. This first evening pulled me right into the lively but elegant feel of the capital city.

The next day, I explored the famous sites of the city. I visited the Ho Chi Minh complex, the One Pillar Pagoda, and the house on stilts. Then, I went to West Lake to see Tran Quoc Pagoda, the oldest in the city, as well as Quan Thanh Temple. In the afternoon, I admired the Temple of Literature, the first university in Vietnam, then the Ethnology Museum which shows the 54 ethnic groups of the country. I ended the day with a walk in the Old Quarter and a ride in a cyclo-pousse, before having dinner and spending the night in Hanoi. I had the pleasure of staying at La Siesta Classic Ma May Hotel during my 2 days in Hanoi, and I highly recommend this hotel!

2. Days 3-4: Sapa

On the third day, I left early in the morning for Sapa. The trip through the mountains and terraced rice fields was beautiful. When I arrived, I discovered Cat Cat village, home to the H'Mong ethnic group. I walked in the valley and talked with the people there, which was a very real and deep experience. At night, I went back to Plum Eco House, located about 15 km from the Fansipan cable car station. This homestay also has a great restaurant where I tasted delicious and filling dishes. I had a very nice room with an amazing view of the rice fields around it.

The next day, I continued my exploration to Lao Chai and Ta Van villages. At 9 in the morning, I hiked on small paths through Muong Hoa valley to Lao Chai village, home to the Black H'Mong ethnic group. There, I learned about their daily life as well as how they make traditional clothes, crafts, and indigo dyeing. Then, I admired the largest valley in the area, famous for its beautiful golden terraced rice fields. After Lao Chai, I walked on to Ta Van village, where the Giay ethnic group lives, known for their rich culture and beautiful houses in the middle of the rice fields.

Then, I took the cable car to reach Fansipan mountain, the roof of Indochina at 3,143 meters high. The view from all around was spectacular. In the evening, I went to Lao Cai to take the night train back to Hanoi.

3. Days 5-6: Ninh Binh

After arriving early in the morning in Hanoi, I went straight to Ninh Binh after about two hours of driving in a private car. When I got there, I had lunch at Hoang Cuisine restaurant where I tried nem ran and beef pho, and it was really delicious.

In the afternoon, I took a boat ride in a sampan in Van Long nature reserve to see the beautiful karst rock formations. The entrance ticket cost 100,000 dong. The place was very wild and had an impressive beauty. Even though I went in the afternoon, there were very few visitors, which made the atmosphere even calmer and more peaceful. During the ride, the rower told me that some scenes from the movie King Kong were filmed here. I also saw groups of white herons flying over this vast and majestic landscape. Then, I climbed the steps of Mua Cave to enjoy a splendid panoramic view over Tam Coc.

The next day, I took a boat trip in Tam Coc, nicknamed the "Halong Bay on land." I went during the water lily flower season, and it was really beautiful. The water was clear, emerald green, and very clean. While sailing, I saw water lily flowers on both sides of the river, which made the landscape even more beautiful. I sat and admired the view, amazed at every moment.

Then, I rode a bike to Thai Vi Temple and around the nearby villages. The area is surrounded by limestone mountains, green rice fields, and peaceful rivers, which makes it a perfect place for bike rides.

4. Days 7-8: Halong Bay

On the seventh day, I took the road to the famous Halong Bay. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, it really deserves that. As soon as I got on the Paradise Luxury junk boat for a 2-day and 1-night cruise, I understood why this place is so special. The bay has more than 1,900 limestone islands spread over a huge area, creating a unique landscape that I had never seen before.

I sailed between famous islets like the Incense Burner and the Stone Dog, then I explored Surprise Cave with its impressive formations. In the evening, the atmosphere on board was nice, with a fruit carving class and a squid fishing session.

The next morning, I joined a tai-chi session on the deck, facing the sunrise, before climbing to the top of Titov Island to admire the panoramic view over the bay. It was an incredible and unforgettable experience. If you go on a Vietnam tour with beach extension, I really recommend visiting Halong Bay at least once in your life. After returning to the port, I took a flight from Hai Phong to Da Nang, then I went to Hoi An.

5. Days 8-9: Hoi An

The old town of Hoi An is really magical. During my Vietnam itinerary 2 weeks with Con Dao extension, it is one of the places that marked me the most. At every corner, I felt like I was entering a story: the hanging lanterns lit the alleys softly, the old houses with yellow fronts shone under the warm light, and the river reflected everything like a painting. The atmosphere is peaceful but full of charm, especially at nightfall.

For 2 days in Hoi An, I wandered in the old town listed as a World Heritage site, along the Thu Bon River. I visited the Japanese Covered Bridge, Phuc Kien Assembly Hall, Phung Hung Ancient House, and Quan Cong Temple. I took my time to walk without rushing, to watch local life, and to enjoy the unique feel of the city.

There are also many restaurants with a wide choice of local and international dishes. The shops are numerous: you can find clothes in silk, cashmere, or bamboo fiber, as well as handmade souvenirs. The prices are reasonable, but you should not hesitate to bargain a little. In the evening, the colorful lanterns light up the whole city, which makes the place even more beautiful and unforgettable.

6. Day 10: Hue

Then, I went to Hue, the old imperial capital of Vietnam. There, I visited the Imperial City of Hue, which is very large, so I suggest wearing proper and comfortable clothes, as well as a hat or fan because it is often hot. If you want to visit the Imperial City and the tombs, it is better to buy a combined ticket: the combo including the Imperial City and two tombs costs about 420,000 dong and is valid for two days, while the entrance to the site alone costs 200,000 dong. It is really worth taking your time, and if possible having a guide, to better understand the history of the places.

In the afternoon, I visited King Tu Duc's tomb. The place is very beautiful and poetic, especially in the late afternoon light when the sun goes through the trees. The atmosphere is calm, old, and full of charm. The buildings are well preserved and surrounded by ponds and green gardens. You can feel that King Tu Duc loved poetry and fine beauty, and that still shows today in his resting place. And be careful, the tomb closes at 5:30 pm.

Then, I took a cruise on the Perfume River to Thien Mu Pagoda. I also joined a workshop to make incense and conical hats before ending the day with a royal dinner, an original and memorable experience.

7. Days 11-12: Ho Chi Minh City

After a flight to Ho Chi Minh City, I started with the War Remnants Museum. The visit was quite strong, but very interesting. Then, I walked to Notre-Dame Cathedral of Saigon and the Central Post Office of Saigon, then stopped at the Ho Chi Minh City Museum to learn a bit more about the city's changes. At noon, I had lunch at Quan Ngon 138. There were many choices, and I could taste several Vietnamese dishes in one place.

In the afternoon, I visited the Independence Palace. Walking in the old rooms and seeing the spaces almost unchanged really touched me. In the evening, I went for a walk in Bui Vien Walking Street. The atmosphere there is completely different: loud music, lots of people, bars, and lights everywhere. To end the day more calmly, I had dinner at Vietnam Harvest.

The next day, I went to visit the Cu Chi Tunnels. It was impressive to see this network of tunnels up close and to imagine the hard life of the soldiers at that time. This visit helped me understand another side of the country's history better.

Back in Ho Chi Minh City at the end of the day, I ended my stay with a nice time at The View Rooftop Bar. Sitting up high, I watched the city lights and thought back on these two full days. It was a nice way to finish my time in this lively city full of differences. To stay in Saigon, I had a great stay at the Equatorial Hotel, a 5-star hotel in Saigon. The location is very convenient, which made my moves around Ho Chi Minh City much easier. I highly recommend this hotel to anyone visiting the city, and I would really like to come back during a next stay.

8. Days 13-16: Con Dao

As part of my Vietnam itinerary 2 weeks with Con Dao extension, I flew to Con Dao to end my trip in a calmer and more relaxing setting. After arriving and settling in at Six Senses Con Dao, I enjoyed several free days to discover the island at my own pace. I spent time on the fine sand beaches lined with coconut trees, I swam in a clear sea with turquoise colors, and I simply enjoyed the peaceful atmosphere of this place that is still protected.

I also explored some coastal paths that offer nice views of the sea and visited some historical sites that show the island's past. Between times of rest, short walks, and cultural discoveries, I really felt the real charm of Con Dao.

After this Vietnam tour with beach extension, I took the plane back to Ho Chi Minh City. When I arrived, I went to my hotel in the city center and enjoyed my last evening by walking quietly in the busy streets and tasting the local food one more time before the end of my trip, then my international flight home.

After my Vietnam itinerary 2 weeks with Con Dao extension, I keep many beautiful memories. These 2 weeks in Vietnam with beach extension allowed me to see different landscapes, better understand the country’s history, and enjoy simple moments in daily life. I liked taking my time, discovering each region at my own pace, and tasting the local food. This organized trip with Autour Asia – a travel agency in Vietnam – also made transportation and planning easier. It was a rich and pleasant experience that I recommend to those who want to discover Vietnam in a complete and peaceful way.