14 Day Vietnam Travel Itinerary (Off The Beaten Path)

Vietnam is one of Southeast Asia’s most beautiful countries—and this 14 day Vietnam itinerary takes you far from the crowds.

While many visitors stick to the same well-worn path, this guide shows you a completely different side of Vietnam—filled with hidden valleys, gorgeous mountain towns, secret waterfalls, and coastal villages. If you're looking to slow down, discover authentic local experiences, and see some of the most beautiful places in Vietnam that few travelers reach, you’re in the right place.

Vietnam Days 1–3: Ha Giang Province

Tucked in the far north near the border with China, Ha Giang is often called Vietnam’s final frontier. This region offers rugged mountain roads, towering limestone peaks, and remote ethnic minority villages. Travelers often say this is where they truly feel Vietnam—wild, raw, and jaw-droppingly beautiful.

You’ll be riding or driving through the legendary Ha Giang Loop, which winds through misty passes and overlooks rice terraces that feel like something out of a movie.

Day 1 – Arrival in Ha Giang + Start Loop

• Morning: Take an early bus or private transfer from Hanoi to Ha Giang (approx. 6-7 hours).
• Afternoon: Arrive in Ha Giang town, get fitted for a motorbike or hop on an easy rider tour.
• Evening: Briefing, rest, and dinner in Ha Giang town. Try the local thang co stew at a family-run eatery.

Day 2 – Ha Giang to Dong Van

• Morning: Begin the loop; drive past Quan Ba Heaven’s Gate and stop at the Twin Mountains.
• Afternoon: Visit small ethnic villages along the way like Lung Tam (famous for handmade hemp weaving).
• Evening: Overnight in Dong Van Old Quarter, a quiet village surrounded by karst peaks.

Day 3 – Dong Van to Meo Vac

• Morning: Hike the Ma Pi Leng Pass, one of the most beautiful roads in all of Asia.
• Afternoon: Take a boat ride on the emerald Nho Que River.
• Evening: Overnight in Meo Vac, perhaps in a traditional homestay.

Vietnam Days 4–5: Ba Be National Park

Ba Be National Park is a serene area of limestone cliffs, caves, waterfalls, and one of Vietnam’s largest natural lakes. It’s a haven for nature lovers and birdwatchers and much less visited than other national parks.

Day 4 – Transfer to Ba Be Lake

• Morning: Early transfer or private van from Meo Vac to Ba Be (approx. 6 hours).
• Afternoon: Settle in at a lakeside homestay in Pac Ngoi village.
• Evening: Have dinner with your host family and enjoy the peace and quiet.

Day 5 – Explore Ba Be National Park

• Morning: Take a boat ride across Ba Be Lake, visiting Puong Cave.
• Afternoon: Hike through the forest to Dau Dang Waterfall.
• Evening: Relax and enjoy traditional Tay music with the locals.

Vietnam Days 6–7: Cao Bang & Ban Gioc Waterfall

This remote northern province is home to the breathtaking Ban Gioc Waterfall, one of Asia’s most beautiful cascades. You’ll also explore ancient caves and quiet countryside.

Day 6 – Ba Be to Cao Bang

• Morning: Depart Ba Be for Cao Bang (approx. 4 hours).
• Afternoon: Stop at local villages and markets along the way.
• Evening: Overnight in Cao Bang town or in a nearby village homestay.

Day 7 – Ban Gioc Waterfall + Nguom Ngao Cave

• Morning: Visit Ban Gioc Waterfall, right on the China border.
• Afternoon: Explore the dramatic Nguom Ngao Cave.
• Evening: Return to Cao Bang and relax.

Vietnam Days 8–9: Pu Luong Nature Reserve

A few hours southwest of Hanoi, Pu Luong Nature Reserve offers terraced rice paddies, bamboo forests, and peaceful ethnic Thai villages. It’s quiet, authentic, and filled with hiking opportunities.

Day 8 – Travel to Pu Luong

• Morning: Private transfer from Hanoi or Ninh Binh to Pu Luong (approx. 4–5 hours).
• Afternoon: Settle into an eco-lodge overlooking the rice fields.
• Evening: Sunset walk through the nearby villages.

Day 9 – Hike in Pu Luong

• Morning: Half-day guided hike to explore ethnic Thai villages, water wheels, and jungle trails.
• Afternoon: Swim at Hieu Waterfall.
• Evening: Relax at your lodge and enjoy a family-style dinner.

Vietnam Days 10–11: Quy Nhon

Often overlooked by beachgoers heading to Da Nang or Nha Trang, Quy Nhon is a gorgeous coastal city known for golden beaches, Cham ruins, and fresh seafood.

Day 10 – Fly to Quy Nhon

• Morning: Fly from Hanoi to Quy Nhon (via Phu Cat airport).
• Afternoon: Relax on Ky Co Beach.
• Evening: Eat seafood by the beach, like grilled scallops or squid.

Day 11 – Explore Cham Ruins + Local Villages

• Morning: Visit the Thap Doi Cham Towers.
• Afternoon: Take a bike ride through local fishing villages.
• Evening: Sunset at Eo Gio cliffs.

Vietnam Days 12–14: Con Dao Islands

The Con Dao Islands are remote, tropical, and breathtakingly beautiful. This former prison colony is now a protected marine park with empty beaches, coral reefs, and sea turtles.

Day 12 – Travel to Con Dao

• Morning: Fly from Quy Nhon or Saigon to Con Dao.
• Afternoon: Explore your resort or homestay and hit the beach.
• Evening: Dinner near Dat Doc Beach.

Day 13 – Beach + Island Adventure

• Morning: Snorkel or dive in Con Dao Marine Park.
• Afternoon: Visit the Con Dao Prison Complex.
• Evening: Watch the sunset from the beach.

Day 14 – Departure

• Morning: Take a final swim or walk on the beach.
• Afternoon: Fly back to Saigon for onward travel.

Transportation Tips:
To reach remote areas like Ha Giang and Ba Be, private cars or minivan tours are easiest. Motorbiking is common in Ha Giang, but only for experienced riders. For longer transfers, Vietnam Airlines and Bamboo Airways offer domestic flights.