Vietnam 15-Day Circuit – Complete Travel Guide

Vietnam is an ideal destination for a 15-day circuit. A two-week journey allows you, based on your preferences, to discover the entire country and its must-see sites, or to explore a region in greater depth. It’s a magnificent country with warm and enthusiastic people. It promises an unforgettable adventure exploring its rich cultural heritage and idyllic landscapes recognized by UNESCO. However, for such a trip, it’s important to inform yourself and plan well. It’s best to determine which places to visit based on your desires.

Want to discover Vietnam in 15 days in the most complete and authentic way, but don’t know how to organize your trip? Don’t hesitate to add this article to your travel guide. We’ll provide you with all the necessary information for a 15-day Vietnam circuit, helping you experience the best that this S-shaped country has to offer.

How to Prepare Your Vietnam 15-Day Trip?

In this article, Horizon Vietnam Travel presents you with important practical information regarding administrative procedures, budget, luggage, and first-aid kits to prepare. Next, we outline activities, destinations, and recommendations considering three options we believe are ideal for a two-week Vietnam circuit—choose the one that appeals to you most:

• North to South Circuit
• Northern Vietnam Circuit
• Southern Vietnam Circuit

Visa

As of August 15, 2023, you no longer need a visa for stays of less than 45 days in Vietnam for the list of countries mentioned below, including France. So for most tourist stays, there’s no problem entering Vietnam with a passport valid for at least 6 months after your return date.

If your stay exceeds 45 days, you’ll need to apply for a visa online.

What Budget for a 15-Day Vietnam Circuit?

Vietnam is one of Asia’s most affordable countries! Accommodation, transportation, and food here are truly accessible on a tight budget.

You can plan a budget of between 30 and 40 euros per day per person for an economical trip that will cover accommodation, meals, and transportation.

For a slightly higher budget with reasonable comfort, between 80 and 150 euros per person per day is a fair range. This naturally depends on numerous factors.

Don’t forget to add a small amount for souvenirs to bring back home!

Luggage to Prepare

It’s recommended that you pack your belongings into 2 bags: a backpack and a suitcase. The backpack is useful for your camera, film, personal medications, guidebooks, travel documents, and so on. Your large travel bag should contain the rest of your belongings.

Attention: On domestic flights, you have only 1 checked bag (23 kg) and 1 carry-on bag (12 kg) with Vietnam Airlines. Avoid carrying too much weight. Security checks are strict at airports: don’t pack knives, scissors, etc. in your bags.

Vaccinations and Pharmacies

First, according to Vietnam’s General Department of Tourism, vaccination is not mandatory for a trip to Vietnam. The same applies to COVID-19 vaccination—it’s not required in Vietnam, and no COVID tests are necessary to enter the country.

Vietnam has a tropical climate and therefore has mosquitoes. However, malaria cases exist only in remote and isolated mountainous areas. Usually, mosquito repellent products are very effective and convenient. We recommend purchasing them from home. Apart from these mosquito repellents, it’s better to pack long jeans that completely cover your legs when walking through rice fields.

For your pharmacy, remember to pack standard medications to prevent headaches and stomach problems.

Nowadays, all hotels apply very effective treatments against mosquitoes, and mosquito nets are well-prepared during stays with locals.

Note: If you’re fragile and sensitive to contagious illnesses, we strongly recommend consulting your doctor.

The Great Possibilities for a 15-Day Vietnam Circuit:

Indeed, with 15 days, you can choose to explore Vietnam in different ways—either across the entire country, or just the north or south. Each recommended itinerary can help you have a special and impressive experience and will certainly leave you delighted.

1) North to South Circuit

This is probably the most suitable itinerary for tourists visiting Vietnam for the first time. This type of circuit helps you get the best overview of the country, discover Vietnam’s top must-see destinations, and experience the most wonderful, diverse, and memorable experiences.

Main Destinations Visited

Here’s a summary of the main highlights during a 15-day Vietnam circuit; don’t hesitate to check our detailed articles on destinations to learn everything.

In northern Vietnam, Ha Long Bay is a must-see. With its majestic landscape, it’s a magnificent destination classified by UNESCO. Next comes the millennium-old capital Hanoi with its fascinating history. This old city with preserved traditions despite the modernity settling in is ranked among Asia’s ten most attractive destinations. Then discover Ninh Binh with its majestic natural landscapes. It’s an ideal place to enjoy the countryside. Finally, in the North don’t miss Sapa with its spectacular terraced fields and ethnic minorities.

In central Vietnam, you shouldn’t miss Hoi An and Hue, which are charming and timeless cities recognized as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Note that the city of Hoi An borders beautiful beaches.

Arriving in the south, Ho Chi Minh City will captivate you with its unique blend of modern and ancient beauty. Finally, exploring the Mekong Delta will be full of surprises.

Discover the Mekong Delta in a video: The Mekong Delta

When to Travel North to South Vietnam?

Vietnam’s climate varies from region to region and season to season. Consequently, it’s difficult to choose a time when the weather is nice everywhere, but you can pick a period with the least bad weather, which helps you have the best experience in Vietnam. The most suitable period is from mid-February to April or from mid-August to October. During these times, rainfall across the country is generally minimal and temperatures aren’t too high, giving you a comfortable feeling when traveling from north to south.

Map

Our Recommendations for a North to South Vietnam Circuit

Have you decided on a north to south Vietnam circuit? Check out our even more in-depth article on the subject: North to South Vietnam Circuit Guide.

You now have a better understanding of the destinations to discover in Vietnam. Enough to build a beautiful 15-day Vietnam circuit from North to South! To give you an idea, here are two customizable itinerary examples:

Images of Vietnam

This circuit takes you from North to South Vietnam to discover the country’s most beautiful sites while emphasizing warm interactions with smiling and hospitable Vietnamese people.

Vietnam in Freedom

This beautiful circuit invites you to discover Vietnam from North to South, including all the must-sees.

2) Northern Vietnam Circuit

With a 2-week circuit, you can explore Vietnam’s beauty across the entire length of the country. However, choosing just one region of Vietnam will help reduce travel time and give you more time to explore the region more thoroughly.

Northern Vietnam is an indispensable region for tourists who love to explore. Not only does it captivate visitors’ hearts with its majestic natural beauty, but unique cultural characteristics, ethnic diversity, and the friendliness and openness of the inhabitants also enhance the beauty of this land.

Destinations Visited

Beyond the must-see places for a Vietnam trip like Hanoi, Ninh Binh, and Ha Long, you can venture into the mountainous north of Vietnam toward lesser-known destinations for unique and unforgettable experiences.

One of the most prominent destinations for exploring northern Vietnam is probably Sapa. With terraced fields considered masterpieces created by nature and man, and encounters with friendly and warm inhabitants, you’ll surely fall in love with this land. Next to Sapa is Bac Ha, a colorful and wild place; its weekly market will give you a unique experience. Ha Giang and its ethnic minority villages is less known to the general public but offers some of the country’s most breathtaking landscapes. Get the most beautiful photos at Ban Gioc Waterfall in Cao Bang. Finally, visit Ba Be Lake, the world’s largest freshwater lake—spending time walking around the lake will bring you a great sense of peace.

When to Visit the North?

Northern Vietnam has a subtropical climate marked by four seasons. It’s the region of Vietnam that experiences the greatest temperature contrasts.

The mildest period to visit northern Vietnam is from October to April. It’s also the ideal period for travelers wishing to engage in trekking. Winter (January) can be truly cold in some northern mountainous provinces. So plan warm clothing if you’re traveling during this period!

Check the weather by region before you go!

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Our Itinerary Recommendations for a Northern Vietnam Stay

For a stay in northern Vietnam, you can consult our detailed article: Northern Vietnam stay guide

Wild North Land

This beautiful Northern Vietnam circuit will lead you through splendid mountain trails of Northeast Vietnam. You’ll traverse mountain ranges, magnificent terraced rice fields, charming ethnic villages. This authentic circuit will be a true return to origins, bringing you closer to human warmth and conviviality.

With Locals Vietnam

During this trip, you’ll stay mostly with local families, traveling through beautiful mountainous regions of Northwestern Vietnam

3) Southern Vietnam Circuit

At the extremity of the dragon-shaped country, southern Vietnam consists of highlands and fertile plains irrigated by the Mekong River in its southern part. This area is bordered by the East Sea, the Gulf of Thailand, and Cambodia. A 15-day Vietnam circuit focused on southern Vietnam allows you a relaxed pace with no major transfers and the guarantee of sunny weather!

You can go on boat excursions, exploring a world half-terrestrial and half-underwater. You also have the opportunity to relax by the sea on southern Vietnam’s beautiful beaches. A visit to southern Vietnam will let you discover different atmospheres—lively in Ho Chi Minh City, peaceful in the Mekong Delta, and relaxing on the beaches.

Destinations Visited

After experiencing the bustling atmosphere of Vietnam’s economic capital, Ho Chi Minh City, you can move on to the Mekong Delta, the “rice granary” of Vietnam. The delta is carpeted with a dizzying variety of green vegetation. It’s an aquatic world that evolves to the rhythm of the mighty Mekong, where boats navigate. The colorful and lively floating market of Cai Rang in Can Tho is a must-see; tasting unique local dishes here will give you unforgettable sensations. Next, visit the tropical forest of Tra Su in An Giang or the coconut forest in Ben Tre to feel the slow and peaceful rhythm of life by the Vietnamese river. Southern Vietnam is also renowned for its beautiful beaches. Don’t miss beach stays on Phu Quoc, Mui Ne, or Con Dao.

When to Travel to the South?

Unlike the North, with its subtropical climate characteristics, the South has only two seasons: the rainy season from May to November and the dry season from December to April. The most favorable period for a trip to southern Vietnam is December to April. The weather during this time will be fresh and pleasant, the ideal moment for an outdoor exploration trip.

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Our Itinerary Recommendations for a Southern Vietnam Stay

Mekong Delta and Con Dao Island

This circuit takes you to discover the culture and local populations of southern Vietnam, promising you relaxation and tranquility on Vietnam’s most beautiful beaches.

Trip Pace and Type

Horizon Vietnam Travel offers you a wide range of original trips full of emotion in Vietnam. Travel pace with us is always relaxed. Discover all of Vietnam’s beauty without feeling stressed. Our entire range of Vietnam circuits guides you toward authenticity, without intermediaries, and therefore affordable.

A little reminder: With Horizon Vietnam Travel, you always have the possibility to travel your own way. We adapt to make you travel as you wish.

Conclusion – 15-Day Vietnam Circuit

Are you ready for a 15-day Vietnam circuit? Now you can entirely build your own itinerary. However, what could be better than having a companion, Horizon Vietnam Travel, always ready to accompany you.

If you want to experience some of the most authentic experiences tailored to your desires, don’t wait any longer to contact our experts to organize your customized stay in Vietnam!