Vietnam: 2 weeks, north to south or south to north?

[carla]

First time planning a Vietnam trip and I have exactly 14 days in January. I can fly into either Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City so the direction is totally flexible.

Does it matter which way I go? I’ve heard that going north to south follows the typical backpacker route and it’s easier to find transport. But also that starting in HCMC and going up means you end in Hanoi which is a better city to “finish” in because it’s calmer.

Also trying to figure out if I should do Sapa, Ha Long Bay, Hoi An, and HCMC all in 14 days or if that’s too ambitious. Traveling solo, 28M, moderate budget.

[TravelNotes]

We did North to South.

For me starting slower and working your way up (down geographically) to the hectic and humidity of the south.

Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh has a nice ring to it, but no one size fits all, so go with what feels right for you.

Michel.