vietnam travel route 3 weeks

3 Weeks In Vietnam: 3 Itineraries with Map

DISCLAIMER: This post might have links to travel services and products that we enjoy. We might make a commission from it at no extra cost to you.

If there’s a place that I will forever recommend someone to visit – it’s Vietnam. I’ve visited this country so many times and even lived there during the pandemic border closure and had the pleasure of getting to know its culture a lot more.

I’ve travelled to Vietnam as a broke backpacker but also had the chance to travel with lavish and luxe. So, regardless of your travel style, there are various ways to explore this country according to your level of comfort and budget.

I’ve created three different 3 weeks in Vietnam travel itineraries for you to choose from. But first, let’s talk about the places to see in Vietnam. You can also use the table of contents below to jump to the itineraries.

It is no surprise that Vietnam has been gaining popularity as one of the most visited tourist destinations in Southeast Asia over recent years. Its lush mountains, historical cities, and world-class cuisine attract people from all over the world.

The fact that many of its old cities have retained their time-honoured traditions is another aspect of the country’s unique identity that entices visitors. So, if you are planning a trip of 3 weeks in Vietnam, here are the essential things you need to know to have a great holiday.

THINGS TO REMEMBER BEFORE VISITING VIETNAM

Vietnam is a largely cash-based society, so make sure you carry some with you at all times. Another thing to remember when you travel in Vietnam is always to keep your hotel’s business card when you go sightseeing.

Since many taxi drivers or motorbike drivers do not speak English, especially in rural towns, you can show them the card so they will know where to drive you back . Alternatively, you can install a ride-hailing app on your smartphone that will help make it easier to get around. This can also assist in keeping transportation costs down.

Additionally, the country is notorious for its busy streets filled with motorbikes. Stepping out into that dense traffic can be terrifying, so always be vigilant when you are crossing the roads. 

Here is more information to help decide and plan your itinerary for 3 weeks in Vietnam:

When to visit Vietnam

Vietnam is the only country in Southeast Asia that actually experiences freezing cold winters – and that’s northern Vietnam. Because of its size and shape, the weather here varies a lot, so make sure to pay extra time in figuring out where you want to go and do before booking anything.

The best time to visit Vietnam is from December to February i f you visit either the Central or South of Vietnam or both. During these times of the year, you can enjoy mild weather with little chance of rain. But the long and narrow shape of the country means that the climate can vary significantly depending on where you go. 

If you are visiting the north, it’s best to go between October to December or May to August. The north, central, and south regions each have distinctive climates, and it is essential to plan ahead, depending on which region you wish to stay in.

But, if you want to see the entire country of Vietnam for 3 weeks, I recommend going between June and August and then from November to March.

• When is the summer : March to May
• When is the typhoon season/winter season : April to September and October to late March
• Biggest national holidays : Tet or Vietnamese New Year (either the last week of January or the first week of February, the holiday lasts for 1-2 weeks)

Are three weeks enough for Vietnam

20 days is an ideal time to spend in Vietnam. Because of how it’s shaped, there are only two smart ways to travel around Vietnam; you either go up north or down south. In 3 weeks, you’d be able to visit at least 4-5 cities, depending on your mode of transportation.

Of course, the more time you have, the better. But having limited time doesn’t mean you can’t go to Vietnam. 20 days is plenty with good planning and mindset. The first time I went around Vietnam, it took me 3 weeks to finish Sapa to Ho Chi Minh City.

The second time, I only had 2 weeks in Vietnam , but I still managed to see my favourite locations and visit Phu Quoc Island. But for people who want to jam-pack their itinerary, 3 weeks in Vietnam, Thailand, and Cambodia is possible.

How to get around

Transportation in Vietnam is pretty easy. Download the app called Grab, which works like Uber. You can book a private car, taxi, or even a motorbike and pay with your card (link it on the app) or cash.

I recommend you download the apps before arriving in Vietnam so you can set up the payment with a card and order a ride from the airport to your hotel.

However, if you plan to motorbike around Vietnam , 3 weeks means you must travel quickly. You can also take the motorbike up to the central region of Vietnam (Hue, Hoi An, Da Nang), and then travel by bus for the rest.

Travelling by bus, train, especially by air will save you some time (if you can sleep comfortably on a bus) and make the most of your trip. 12go.asia is my favourite platform to book any transportation in Vietnam.

I recommend you always carry a copy of your hotel’s business card in case you get lost or can’t book a service, show the business card to the driver, and they’ll be able to bring you back to your hotel.

Not many nationalities can enjoy visa-free when travelling to Vietnam. In that situation, if you wish to visit Vietnam can now apply for a 30-day evisa or a 90-day visa on arrival. This is perfect if you want to spend 3 weeks in Vietnam.

For a 30-day evisa, you don’t need to pay anything extra when you arrive in Vietnam. Just get your stamp at the immigration after you show your evisa document. But if you’re applying for a visa on arrival that is over 30 days, you need to pay for a visa sticker , which is about $25 or more, depending on how many days you plan to stay.

Average cost per day (per person): $25-$200

Travelling to Vietnam is not expensive. The cost is comparable to that of Thailand, Malaysia, and most other Southeast Asian countries. Some items might be cheaper or more expensive in Vietnam compared to its neighbours, but in general, you should be able to survive on a budget of $25 to $200 per day.

• On the budget : $25-$35 per day
• On the mid-range : $60-$80 per day
• On luxury : $100 and above per day
• Most expensive cost : flights to and from Vietnam
• Cheapest cost : accommodation, food, transportation

What to Pack

Knowing what to pack for Vietnam can be quite tricky. As mentioned above, different regions make up this country: north, central, and south. It can also have various landscapes–from beaches to mountains.

You can determine what to pack based on what your itinerary will be like , and which activities you are planning to engage with.

Since Vietnam is full of stunning mountains to hike, golden beaches to explore, and metropolitan cities to discover, not to mention very diverse weather, this is why knowing what to pack for Vietnam ensures you are ready for any kind of adventure.

You should also look at items you can buy when you arrive in Vietnam to save space, such as toiletries. In this way, you would have plenty of room for unique souvenirs from Vietnam .

Language and currency

Vietnamese is the primary language in Vietnam, but English is quite common too . If you speak French or Mandarin, you might notice some similarities in pronunciation or words.

A lot of Vietnamese don’t speak English. However, many young people do, and the locals who work in the tourism industry do speak very good English. Vietnam has welcomed many English teachers in the past 20 years and aims to have the majority of its citizens be able to speak fluent English in the future.

I recommend you download a translation app for Vietnamese that you can use even when offline.

The currency of Vietnam is the Vietnamese Dong or VND. US$1 is around 23,000 VND . Most ATMs have a limit of 5 Million VND ($220) withdrawal limit. But if you go to VP Bank ATM and some HSBC ATM, you might be able to get up to 10 Million VND ($440).

Hotels and tour agencies accept payments in local currency and major currencies such as USD, CAD, AUD, EURO, SGD, and even KRW and JP¥. Most hotel and tour agencies will be happy to exchange your international currencies for VND as well, or you can go to a bank or gold shop for currency exchange.

Package tours

For people who prefer to book a package tour and not get stressed out in planning, creating itineraries, and booking, these tours are great. The package includes accommodation, tours, food, transportation, and even porters.

Many of these tours are not for 20 days, though. However, that could also be good if you want to have some days on your own and plan to see specific places.

Other basic travel tools

Below is a compilation of travel websites and services I use to book my travel arrangements, from accommodations, flights, and even buying travel insurance. If you plan to visit Vietnam between the end of January and the beginning of March, you definitely have to book things in advance.

This is because the TET holiday (Lunar New Year) will fall around those dates, and everything will be booked up 1-2 months before.

PLACES TO SEE IN VIETNAM (with pinned map)

Click the top-right icon to enlarge the map. Credit: Map Data: Google

3 WEEKS IN VIETNAM ITINERARIES

Here is my recommended three 3-week Vietnam itinerary; you can either do the entire Vietnam, north and central only, central and south only or north and south only.

TIP : You can do this 3 weeks Vietnam itinerary and vice versa, you can either start in the North, South or even the Central of Vietnam. You can also combine Vietnam and Cambodia for a 3-week trip .

Entirety of Vietnam

• Day 1-3 : Arrive in Hanoi city, Perfume Pagoda, Ninh Binh, and Trang An – sleep in Hanoi
• Day 3-5 : Halong Bay and Cat Ba Island (doesn’t have to be both) – sleep in Halong Bay or Cat Ba
• Day 5 : Overnight train or bus to Sa Pa ( check schedule/price )
• Day 6-8 : Sa Pa and Fansipan (doesn’t have to be both) – sleep in Sa Pa
• Day 8 : Travel down to Hanoi then to Phong Nha (Dong Hoi) – overnight bus or train
• Day 9-11 : Phong Nha – sleep in Phong Nha / Dong Hoi
• Day 11-14 : Hue, Da Nang, Hoi An – best to sleep in Da Nang which is between the two other towns (1-2 hours drive to either place), you can take the train for 6 hr and 30 min
• Day 14-17 : Nha Trang, Da Lat, Mui Ne – you should just choose one or two – f ly from Da Nang to Nha Trang or Da Lat or take the 11-hour bus
• Day 17-21 : Ho Chi Minh City and Mekong Delta – adjust your itinerary if you want to visit Phu Quoc, you can fly from either Nha Trang or Dalat to Ho Chi Minh City and take a train from Mui Ne (Phan Thiet) to Ho Chi Minh City

North to Central Vietnam for 3 weeks

• Day 1-4 : Arrive in Hanoi City, Perfume Pagoda, Ninh Binh, Trang Ang, Mai Chau, sleep in Hanoi
• Day 4-7 : Halong Bay and Cat Ba Island – sleep in Halong Bay
• Day 7 : Overnight train or bus from Hanoi to Sa Pa
• Day 7-10 : Sa Pa and Fansipan hike
• Day 10 : take a train from Sa Pa to Phong Nha – check the schedule and price
• Day 11-14 : Phong Nga, cave exploration
• Day 14 : take a bus to Hue
• Day 14-17 : Hue, Thien Mu Pagoda, and DMZ
• Day 17 : take a bus to Da Nang from Hue
• Day 17-21 : Da Nang and Hoi An

Central to South Vietnam for 3 weeks

• Day 1-5 : Da Nang, Hue, and Hoi An – fly into Da Nang
• Day 5-7 : Phong Nga, cave exploring – fly from Da Nang to Nha Trang or take a very long bus or train journey
• Day 7-9 : Nha Trang – snorkelling and diving – you can skip this if you don’t feel like doing these activities – if you do, you can take a minibus for 3 hours
• Day 9-11 : Da Lat city
• Day 11-13 : Mui Ne – you can take a 4-hour minibus from Dalat to Mui Ne
• Day 13-17 : Ho Chi Minh City and Mekong Delta, there’s a sleeper bus between Mui Ne and HCMC (it takes 4 hours)
• Day 17-19 : Cat Thien National Park
• Day 19-21 : Phu Quoc

North and South Vietnam for 3 weeks

• Day 1-5 : Hanoi city, Perfume Pagoda, Ninh Binh, Trang An – fly into Hanoi
• Day 5-8 : Sa Pa and Fansipan hiking trip
• Day 8 : Overnight train or bus from Hanoi to Sa Pa
• Day 9-11: Halong Bay and Cat Ba Island (island hopping, cruise, and water activities), best if you book a tour with a transport service
• Day 11 : Fly from Hanoi or Hai Phong to Ho Chi Minh City – check the flight prices
• Day 11-16 : Ho Chi Minh City and Mekong Delta
• Day 16-18 : Cat Thien National Park
• Day 19 : Travel to Phu Quoc Island from Cat Thien (by air through Ho Chi Minh City)
• Day 19-21 : Phu Quoc Island – there’s an international airport in Phu Quoc

THINGS TO DO IN VIETNAM (by city)

Vietnam will spoil you with options for where and what to do. Each destination has something unique to offer, so it is essential to visit as many cities or towns as you can squeeze into the three weeks. It is vital to know more about each destination to help you build the perfect itinerary. 

You can’t visit Vietnam without going to Hanoi. This city is known for its narrow yet bustling streets. Apart from being an old city, Hanoi is the capital of Vietnam. It is well-preserved, and some consider it the cultural centre of Vietnam.

If you have been to other cities in Vietnam, such as Ho Chi Minh, you will see that the vibe here is entirely different. You will have the chance to stroll through the city and discover a lake and park right at the heart of it all.

• Location : in the north of Vietnam, the closest big city that borders China
• Getting there : Hanoi being the capital receives many flights from Asia, Europe, and even North America
• How long to stay : 3-4 days
• Must-do : book an airport pick-up (there are taxi scams around the airport)

Top attractions

• One Pillar Pagoda
• Temple of the Jade Mountain
• Hoa Lo Prison Memorial – you can visit all must-sees in Hanoi by booking a city tour or a jeep tour
• Tran Quoc Pagoda
• Hanoi Opera House
• Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum
• Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre – check the tour price
• Ngoc Son Temple
• Temple Of Literature
• Day trip to Tam Coc, Hoa Lu, and Mua Caves
• Walk around the Old Quarter and sit for a Bia Hoi
• Day trip cruise to Halong Bay – you should also consider at least 1 night in Halong Bay
• Watch the sunset at Hoan Kiem Lake
• Join a food tour or Vietnamese cooking class
• You can also visit Sapa from Hanoi but must stay for at least 1 night – check the price

Halong Bay and Cat Ba Island

Halong Bay is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Vietnam’s most visited tourist attractions. It could very well be the top attraction in the entire country.

There is one major reason tourists love it–the views of Ha Long Bay are breathtaking. The region comprises 2,000 islets or limestone rock formations that can be seen during your cruise. Many tourists to Halong Bay spend more than a day in the area to make the most of this site. 

You can enjoy island hopping, cave exploring, and water activities (kayaking and fishing) in this area. The best way to explore the region is through a cruise.

• Location : It is a bay within the Quang Ninh Province in Vietnam, east of Hanoi
• Getting there : Take the bus from Hanoi to Halong city or Hai Phong (approximately three and a half hours). Once there, take the boat at the ferry pier towards Koh Gadbah Island
• Top attractions to see: Bai Tu Long Bay, Poem Mountain, Ba Trai Dao
• How long to stay : 2-3 days

Sa Pa and Fansipan

Sa Pa is known for its rice paddies and very warm Vietnamese tribes who are native to this region. Visitors come here to explore the rice paddies and learn about different ethnic groups in Vietnam by staying at a local’s house overnight and hiking for days.

Fansipan is the highest point in Indochina. Many travellers would hike to Fansipan, which takes 2-3 days. The hike requires you to be physically fit.

Not long ago, Vietnam introduced an easy way to get to the peak of Fansipan through a cable car ride. Many older people and travellers who have small children or are not physically fit to hike for days can take a cable car for a fee.

• Location : north of Hanoi, located in the town called Lao Cai
• Getting there : you can either take a bus, train, or private car or van from Hanoi to SaPa

Phong Nha or Dong Hoi

This central part of Vietnam is known as the cave capital. Many beautiful caves in Vietnam can be found here, including the biggest cave in the world called Hang Sơn Đoòng Cave , which is very pricey to visit the tickets are often sold out. So, if you want to visit this cave, plan this in advance.

• Getting there: Take an overnight bus or train from Hanoi to Dong Hoi or motorbike, bus or motorbike from Da Nang or Hue
• Top attractions to see : Hang Sơn Đoòng Cave, Paradise Cave
• How long to stay: 2-3 days

Known as the food capital of Vietnam and the gateway to the central of Vietnam . Hue is popular as the origin of many delicious and famous Vietnamese food. It is also the home of the biggest DMZ field that served during the Vietnam War in the 1970s.

To understand more about the history and culture of Vietnam, Hue is an excellent spot as it is one of the oldest cities, it’s where you will find the Imperial City is located.

• Location : it is 600 km south of Hanoi and 102 km from Da Nang City, where the nearest international airport is located
• Getting there: Take the bus or train from Dong Hoi to Hue (travel time: 3 hours). From Da Nang to Hue by bus or train , the travel time is also about 3 hours.
• How long to stay : 1-2 days
• Imperial City – join a city tour that highlights Hue’s attractions or a city tour with a dragon boat cruise
• Pottery Class
• DMZ – book a guided tour
• Tam Giang Lagoon
• Cooking Class – join a street food tour or an authentic Vietnamese cooking class
• Perfume River
• Hai Van Pass – check the tour cost
• Thien Mu Pagoda
• day trip to Da Nang – Golden Bridge and Marble Mountains

Da Nang is one destination in Vietnam that has recently risen to fame, thanks to it being known as where the north of Vietnam meets the south. Many travellers think it’s the place where you can feel the warm culture of the north and the vibrant and active atmosphere of the south.

As the fifth-largest city in the country, it is conveniently located between Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi , which also has an international airport that caters to domestic and international flights. Read this is Da Nang safe guide if you’re curious about it and want tips on how to stay safe.

This is a great place to start your trip or end one, depending on your time.

• Location: It is located along the coast of the South China Sea and at the mouth of the Han River
• Getting there: You can fly into Da Nang International Airport by bus or motorbike or taxi from Hue (2-3 hours) and by bus or taxi from Hoi An (1 hour)
• The Marble Mountains – explore together with Son Tra Peninsula
• My Son Sanctuary – check the guided tour itinerary
• Han River Bridge (ầu Sông Hàn)
• My Khe Beach
• Ba Na Hills and Golden Bridge – book a tour with a buffet lunch
• Cham Islands
• Join a combo tour of Lady Buddha, Monkey Mountain, and Am Phu Cave
• Book a street food walking tour
• TIP: You can explore both Da Nang and Hoi An in one day

3 weeks in Vietnam must include Hoi An or the Ancient City of Hoi An. It is emerging as one of the favourite destinations for tourists who come to Vietnam. It is hard to blame them since Hoi An is a charming, well-preserved town.

Going there would make you feel like you are stepping back in time. The atmosphere is indescribable, as it is one of the best cultural destinations in the country. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 

The paper-lantern hanging around everywhere, especially in the Old Town will make you feel like you are in old-time Vietnam. Not to mention it’s filled with locals cycling around the city and lots of walking paths.

This town is also known as the silk city and tailoring capital, many visitors of Vietnam would go to Hoi An simply to buy silk or have dresses, bags, shoes, suits, and swimsuits customised for a very affordable price with high quality.

• Location : It is located on the central coast of Vietnam within the province of Quang Nam
• Getting there : bus or private car or motorbike from Da Nang (1 hour)
• Japanese Covered Bridge
• An Bang Beach
• Hoi An Market – book a package tour for a traditional basket boat ride, market tour, and cooking class
• Hoi An Ancient Town
• My Son Sanctuary – check the tour price
• Phung Hung House
• Join a Hoi An lantern-making class
• Do a night food tour or cooking class
• Explore the country-side through a bike tour

This city in Vietnam is known for having a lot of Russian tourists. When you come here, you will see how many stores, restaurants, hotels, and locals speak Russian and Russians work here.

This is a great place to relax, lie on the beach, go snorkelling or diving, and explore the amusement park called Vinpearl Land. This part of Vietnam is a little more expensive than the rest. Regardless, this town is a great place to party on the beach and enjoy a lazy holiday.

• Location : It is located in the province of Khanh Hoa, on the coast of the South China Sea
• Getting there : bus or motorbike or train or flight from anywhere in Vietnam or flight from other Southeast Asian countries
• Visit Nha Trang’s popular sites on a guided tour
• Vinpearl Land
• Hon Mot and Hon Mun – for diving and snorkelling spots – check tour options
• Ponagar Tower – explore Nha Trang on a bike
• Relax at Bãi biển
• Day trip to Ba Ho Waterfalls – join an affordable tour
• Hon Tam Island – book a speedboat and mud bath trip
• Book a Vietnamese cooking class
• Day trip to Hon Ba Waterfall and BBQ
• Day trip to Dalat from Nha Trang

Dalat or also known as the Flower City, is a city located on top of a mountain in the province of Lam Dong. This is a popular destination for locals for its amazing cold weather. In the past, many Emperors and French officials would come to Dalat during summer to cool off (between 12C-24C all year round).

This region is also famous for rafting, water-repelling, and visiting many fantastic waterfalls. If you are a coffee lover, Dalat is the place for you – most coffee in Vietnam comes from this city.

• Location: Lam Dong Province, 130 km west of Nha Trang
• Getting there : you can fly here from domestic airports or take the bus or private car, or motorbike from Nha Trang (3-4 hours)

Top attractions:

• Pongor Waterfalls
• Elephant Waterfalls
• Xuan Huong Lake
• Tuyen Lam Lake
• Crazy House
• Explore Dalat on a package tour

If you want to spend more time in a quiet beach town, Mui Ne is for you. This place is teeming with hotels and luxury resorts that provide quick access to the beach.

It is the perfect choice for travellers who want a quiet escape as it is not as visited as other destinations in Vietnam. It is also a famous destination for avid kite surfers.

• Location : It is located in the south-central area of Binh Thuan province. 
• Getting there : You can take the bus from Dalat to Mui Ne , which will take about 4 hours, alternatively, you can take a bus from Ho Chi Minh City , a train ride is also an option, but the train will arrive in Phan Thiet which is 10 km from Mui Ne, about a20-minute drive
• How long to stay : 2 Days
• Fairy Stream – explore Mui Ne on a self-guided motorbike tour
• Mr Dia Rock
• Red and White Sand Dunes – j oin a guided tour for a sunrise trip
• Thap Po Sah Inu (Cham Towers)
• Learn how to sail – check the tour price
• Fishing Village
• Join a local food tour

Cat Tien National Park

A quiet national park just 2 hours from Ho Chi Minh City. You can either take a private tour from Saigon or a motorbike to reach Cat Tien. A perfect place to escape the bustling city and get away from the very busy metropolitan of Ho Chi Minh City, which is only 2 hours away.

You can reach Cat Tien National Park by booking a tour or driving a motorbike yourself. You can stay at Green Hope Lodge or Green Bamboo Lodge

Ho Chi Minh City

Having three weeks in Vietnam means you can see both Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, As the biggest city in Vietnam, you simply cannot skip a visit to Ho Chi Minh City or also known as Saigon.

Formerly known as Saigon, it has plenty to offer tourists as this is the largest city in the country. It has an electric pace with a business vibe.

The nightlife in Ho Chi Minh is particularly vibrant. The best part is that there are many notable tourist attractions to visit as well. From here, you can also join a day trip to the famous Mekong Delta.

• Location : It is located in southeastern Vietnam and near the Saigon River.
• Getting there : To get to Ho Chi Minh City, you must book a flight via Tan Son Nhat Airport. It is the busiest international airport in Vietnam, with daily international flights from Asia, North America, and Europe
• Top attractions to see : Independence Palace, Cu Chi Tunnels, Ben Thanh Market, Notre Dame Cathedral of Saigon, Saigon Central Post Office, Mekong Delta
• How long to stay : 2-4 days
• See top sites on a motorbike (with or without a driver) – check price
• War Remnants Museum
• Wal along Lê Lợi Street
• Cu Chi Tunnels – book a guided tour or combine with a Mekong Delta trip or shooting range with a Mekong Delta day tour
• Hồ Chí Minh City Museum
• Ba Thien Hau Temple
• Join a street food tour or a night food tour or cooking class
• Bitexco Tower
• Notre Dame Cathedral of Saigon,
• Independence Palace
• Sai Gon Central Post Office
• Day trip to Mekong Delta and Vinh Trang Pagoda
• South Vietnamese Women’s Museum
• Cai Rang Floating Market – book a guided tour
• Ben Thanh Market
• Saigon Waterbus Station

For a great beach experience, I highly recommend Phu Quoc, an island south of Ho Chi Minh. If you look at the map, you’ll say that it’s part of Cambodia, which it was until the 1970s when Cambodia gave it to Vietnam or Vietnam took it from Cambodia.

Regardless, Phu Quoc is a popular destination both for locals and foreign tourists. You can reach this island by ferry or a domestic flight. 

• How many days to say : 2-3 days
• How to get there : Phu Quoc Island has an international airport, and you can also take a ferry from Bai Vong Port near Duong Dong
• Starfish Beach – book with kayak and north of the island trip
• Phu Quoc Prison – discover the south of the island with cable car ride
• Sunworld Waterpark/Aquatopia
• Phu Quoc Beach – book a sunset cruise with squid fishing
• Su Muon Pagoda
• Phu Quoc Cable Car
• Ông Lang beach
• VinWonders Waterpark
• Phu Quoc National Park
• Hòn Thơm Island
• Day trip to 3 islands for snorkelling or a 4 island tour with a speedboat

ACCOMMODATIONS IN VIETNAM (by city)

• Affordable: Hanoi City Backpackers Hostel or Classic Street Hotel or Golden Sun Hotel
• Mid-range: Oriana Boutique Hotels & Restaurant or La Passion Hotel and Spa or San Palace Hotel
• Luxury: Babylon Premium Hotel & Spa or Acoustic Hotel & Spa or Peridot Grand Luxury
• Affordable: The Like Hostel or The White House
• Mid-range: Maison Royal or Fusion Suites or The Akoya Hotel
• Luxury: Amanaki Boutique Hotel or La Siesta Premium or The Myst Dong Khoi

Halong Bay/Cat Ba

• Boutique Hotel and Spa or Eco Hills Homestay or Diamond Luxury Hotel or Galaxy Cat Ba
• Affordable: Benzen Boutique or Seahorse Signature or Sapphire Boutique Hotel
• Mid-range: White Sand Hotel and Apartment or Grand Sunrise Boutique Hotel
• Luxury: The Glomad Hotel or Haian Riverfront
• Affordable: Bed Station Hostel Poolbar or Back Home Hostel or Heliport Hostel
• Mid-range: La An Central Boutique Villa or Rock Mouse Villa or Hoi An Central Hotel
• Luxury: Cozy Savvy Boutique Hotel or Nge Prana Villa & Spa or Hoi An Odyssey Hotel & Spa
• Affordable: Stop and Go Boutique Homestay or Sunny A Hotel
• Mid-range: Hue Serene Palace or Hue Sweethouse Hotel or Jade Scene Hotel
• Luxury: Vinpearl Hotel or White Lotus Hotel or Spatel d’Annam
• Affordable: The Alley Hostel or Bondi Backpackers or Mojzo Inn Hotel
• Mid-range: DTX Hotel or Regalia Nha Trang or Aaron Hotel or Azura Gold Hotel
• Luxury: Panorama Star Beach or Panorama Lyn Beachfront Apartment or Melia Vinpearl Resort
• Affordable: Vuon Xuan Hotel or The Morris Hotel or Mr Peace Backpackers or Pi Hostel
• Mid-range: Raon Villa or Dalat Wind Hotel or Bazan Hotel or Feliz Homestay
• Luxury: Golf Valley Hotel or TTR Central Aparthotel
• Affordable: iHome Backpackers Hotel or Eva Hut Hostel
• Mid-range: Serenity by Sea or Gia An Hung Guesthouse or Mi Nhon Hotel Mui Ne
• Luxury: Hoang Ngoc Beach Resort or Muine Bay Resort
• Affordable: Chillout Hostel/Vibe House or Fine9 Hostel
• Mid-range: Coral Bay Resort or Mai Phuong Resort or Old Town Resort
• Luxury: Melia Vinpearl or Camia Resort and Spa or Mango Bay Resort
• Affordable: Flaco Hostel or Mega View Homestay or Surelee Homestay
• Mid-range: SaPa Retreat Condotel or SaPa Pinehill Lodge or Sapa Relax Hotel & Spa
• Luxury: Pao’s Leisure Hotel or Laxsik Ecolodge

WHAT TO EAT IN VIETNAM

3 weeks in Vietnam is not complete without doing a tour to discover its cuisine. Vietnamese food is one of the most popular cuisines in the world. It is known to be robust in flavour while being healthy, too.

It is characterised by its combination of fresh herbs and various types of meat, such as beef and seafood. Rice, like most other Southeast Asian countries, is also a staple in Vietnam.

Many fine dining restaurants are in major cities such as Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi. On the other hand, street food is an integral part of the country’s culinary landscape. 

Vietnamese pho is probably the single most popular dish in the country’s cuisine. This signature food comprises rice noodles in a flavorful soup with meat (typically beef) and topped with bean sprouts, fresh basil or mint, and lime wedges.

Pho is often served with a side of chilli sauce or fermented fish. This dish can be eaten at any time of the year, but mostly for breakfast. 

• Where to try: Pho Gia Truyen in Hanoi, Pho Quynh in Ho Chi Minh City 
• How much does it cost: $1

Banh Mi is a famous dish in Vietnam with some influences from French cuisine. It is perfect for anyone looking for a quick meal that they can enjoy on the go. This dish is made with a toasted baguette and filled with pickled vegetables, paste, soy sauce, butter, meat, and cilantro.

When it comes to the type of meat used as a filling, there are various options. Some of these include fried eggs, roasted pork belly, poached chicken, and grilled pork loin. 

• Where to try: Phi Banh Mi, Madam Khanh
• How much does it cost: $.60

Vietnamese Spring Rolls

Goi Cuon, or Vietnamese spring rolls, is another must-try dish. It consists of a roll filled with vermicelli rice noodles, shrimp, pork slices, lettuce, and fresh basil.

These ingredients are wrapped tightly into translucent rice paper. The spring rolls have a subtle yet sublime flavour, so these are typically served with a hoisin-based dipping sauce. 

• Where to try: Tan Dinh Market, Ba Chieu Market

You cannot travel to Vietnam without trying the world-famous Vietnamese egg coffee. It might sound weird initially, but those who’ve tried it can attest that it is good.

This coffee is made with egg yolks, condensed milk, and sugar. This is a decadent beverage that is thick enough inconsistently that you can drink it with a spoon.

• Where to try: Café Giang in Hanoi
• How much does it cost: $0.65-$1.30

SUMMARY OF 3 WEEKS IN VIETNAM

Vietnam is a travel destination characterised by diversity, culture, and a sense of adventure. Whether you are looking for good food, natural beauty, or a stroll down history, you can find that at nearly every corner. 

I hope that this 3 weeks in Vietnam itinerary has helped you shape your own route. Whether you’re motorbiking around Vietnam, going on a backpacking experience, or celebrating the honeymoon with your significant other – Vietnam is definitely a great choice.

SAVE THIS ITINERARY ON YOUR PINTEREST:

• BACKPACKERS WANDERLUST - AN AWARD WINNING TRAVEL BLOG
• Work With Me | Backpackers Wanderlust

• DISCLOSURE & PRIVACY POLICY
• United States
• Cook Islands
• New Caledonia
• New Zealand
• Accommodation Goals
• Budget And Cost Of Travel
• Foodie Goals
• Packing & Planning
• Travel Inspiration
• Volunteering Abroad
• Working & Studying Abroad
• Other Travel Tips

3 Week Vietnam Itinerary: BEST North To South Route

Come find out the ideal Vietnam 3 week itinerary for the ultimate adventure. Let’s talk about the best route, things to do, transportation, accommodation, and more during your 3 weeks in Vietnam!

Now Vietnam is for sure one of the best countries you can choose to backpack. It has such varied landscapes, delicious food, and awesome locals. Though it is actually a huge country with so much to offer.

It can be a bit overwhelming to figure out where exactly to go on your travels. Though thankfully there is a well-established backpacking route that I focused on travels in completing during my time in Vietnam.

Therefore I know how long you should spend in each spot, how to travel between them, as well as the best places to eat, sleep, and stay.

Our itinerary will start in the North of Vietnam, in the city of Hanoi. This place has excellent international flight routes ensuring you will easily be able to start your travels there. However we will end in another city called Ho Chi Minh City or Saigon, another spot with excellent international transport links.

This means you will easily be able to switch this itinerary around and do it back to front if your heart, and travel plans, desire. It’s the perfect Vietnam North to South itinerary.

We actually spent 4 weeks traveling this route in Vietnam, 28 days on the dot. Though we spent too long in some cities, so I have altered this Vietnam itinerary for 3 weeks.

Keep in mind that 3 weeks is the minimum amount of time to complete this route with the days in each city I have recommended. Therefore I do not support trying to shorten it anymore.

If you are looking at getting off the beaten track and away from other travelers, then I will say it now; this is not the itinerary for you. This is assuming you are visiting Vietnam for the first time and want to see some of the best places it has to offer.

We will keep you on the well-trodden backpacking Vietnam route. Though with a few extra tips and tricks are thrown in to take your adventure to the next level.

Now, let’s get into this 3 week Vietnam itinerary with all the information you need to know to have the ultimate adventure.

The Best 3 Weeks In Vietnam Itinerary For First-Time Visitors: Travel North To South With This Vietnam 3 Week Itinerary

Hanoi (Day 1 – 3)

Welcome to Hanoi ! It can be a bit overwhelming when you first touch down for your 3 weeks in Vietnam itinerary but trust me, this is one of the craziest cities in Vietnam. Enjoy being among the action!

Enjoy Vietnam’s capital city boasting a well-preserved mix of French and Chinese architectural influences. Wander the small alleyways discovering delicious hidden way local food stalls.

Look in awe at the incredible cathedral contrasting against the noisy motorbikes fulling the road. This city is an excellent starting point for some excellent multiday trips such as Sapa, Ha Long Bay, and Mai Chau.

You will actually need to pop into Hanoi for a couple of extra nights as stop-offs between these multiday trips and other destinations in Vietnam. This is simply because you don’t want to book your other transportation on the same day in case you miss it due to weather, traffic, or simply unforeseen circumstances.

I know it is a hassle, so ignore the extra overnight extra if you want. However just be extra cautious of possible delays on the road.

I have actually written a full 3 days in Hanoi itinerary , with absolutely everything you need to know about spending time in this city, including what to do morning, afternoon, and night.

For now, let’s chat about some of the highlights this city has to offer and what you need to check out while here.

🚗 How I Book Cheap Transport In Vietnam: Baolau & 12.Go Asia

Getting From Noi Bai Airport To The Old Quarter

There are quite a few options you can take when figuring out how to travel from the Noi Bai International Airport to the Old Quarter, which is the best area to stay in Hanoi. They are also a surprisingly long distance apart as Hanoi is a crazy huge place. Depending on your transport method of choice it could take anywhere from 30 minutes to a full hour to travel the distance.

Prepaid Taxi: Taking a prepaid taxi is one of the most popular options when figuring out how to travel from the airport to the Old Quarter. This is also one I highly recommend. You can book a prepaid taxi via your accommodation before arriving in Hanoi. They will make sure the taxi driver is waiting at the airport holding up a sign with your name on it. When I was in Hanoi I paid $20.00 for my taxi from Noi Bai International Airport to The Old Quarter. We also arrived in the country in peak traffic and it took us over an hour to travel the distance in gridlock.

Taxi: You will find taking a regular taxi will be slightly cheaper than a prepaid taxi. It will be super easy to find a taxi. Simply exit the airport terminal and there will be a line of taxis waiting out the front. Your typical 4-seater car will cost somewhere between $14.00 – $18.00 depending on traffic. Organize a fixed price for the journey and do not pay for the meter.

Bus: The cheapest way to travel from Noi Bai Airport to the Old Quarter in Hanoi is by public bus.

• Number 86 Bus is the newest, and most highly recommended bus. It will take you directly to the Old Quarter and finishes at the Hanoi Central Railway Station. The journey will take around 1 hour and cost $1.30 per person.
• Number 7 Bus runs from the airport to Kim Ma bus station, on the western side of the Old Quarter. This is a long journey at an hour and a half and costs $0.40.
• Number 17 Bus: This is a similar bus to the above, though instead finishes at Long Bien bus station. It takes an hour and a half and costs $0.40 as well.

Top Things To Do In Hanoi

Time to start exploring the best of what Hanoi has to offer. You should have one-half day and a full day to explore if you are following this Vietnam itinerary, giving you time to check out what you would like.

This is a list of my personal recommendations:

Wander The Old Quarter – The Old Quarter in Hanoi is a crazy busy place. Think small alleys, stores spilling out the side of buildings, and motorbikes speeding down the street. There is nothing better to do here than simply get lost. Stop at that store selling those cute trinkets, grab a banh mi from that food cart and follow your nose to that delicious-smelling hotpot from around the corner.

St Joseph’s Cathedral – I was lucky enough to stay in a hostel next to St Joseph’s Cathedral during my time in Hanoi. If you are there on a Sunday pop inside during the service and watch. Just remember to be respectful and stay quiet down the back, so as to not interrupt.

Hoan Kiem Lake & Ngoc Son Temple – Hoan Kiem Lake is such a happening place in Hanoi and it is only a short stroll from The Old Quarter. This is the perfect spot to come and people watch as the world passes by. In the middle of Hoan Kiem Lake is Ngoc Son Temple. It is very picturesque, even looking at it from a distance from across the lake you can appreciate the beauty.

Train Street – One of the most popular attractions in Hanoi is Train Street. This is simply a narrow bit of train track that weaves between buildings in the busy city. Though the presence of quaint cafes in close proximity to the moving train has created a phenomenon and quite the Instagram hot spot.

Where To Stay In Hanoi

The area of Hoan Kiem, or The Old Quarter, is the best part of Hanoi for travelers. It is full of culture with temples, old gates, small alleys, and traditional shops, making it a picture-perfect spot.

It’s an obvious choice why many choose to stay here. Everything is within relatively close walking distance with plenty of affordable eateries, backpacker hostels, and luxury hotels.

On my most recent visit, I stayed at a hostel in the Old Quarter. You can check out my review of Chien Hostel for more information, though unfortunately, it has now shut down.

Nevertheless, there are still plenty of affordable, but lux, hostel options in the Old Quarter of Hanoi . One of these is Hanoi City Backpackers Hostel . Here you can find dorm beds starting from $5.00, and with a privacy curtain, personal lights, sockets, and more this is real value for money!

Here are my top picks for the backpacking Hanoi travel guide:

How To Get From Hanoi To Sapa

Sapa is the most Northern this 3 week Vietnam itinerary will take you. Hanoi allows for an easy and simple starting point to travel with plenty of direct options available to book.

Though getting from Hanoi to Sapa can take quite a lot of time due to being such a large distance apart, trust me it is worth it. Unfortunately, air travel is currently not an option. This means you will need to travel overland.

Bus: the trip from Hanoi to Sapa takes approximately 5.5 to 6 hours . Plus it is a direct route so there is no need to stop in Lao Cai like the train. Though as someone who has taken the bus from Hanoi to Sapa let me just say, pick your bus company wisely. Conditions in Vietnam vary greatly and even though your accommodation recommends it, that doesn’t mean it is just a good choice. This just means they are likely getting some sort of commission from it.

Train : from Hanoi to Lao Cai takes 8 hours and 5 minutes . Lao Cai is the nearest railway station, 35 kilometers from Sapa town. From Lao Cai Train Station, it takes approximately an additional 65 minutes to reach Sapa, though minivan journeys the rest of the way are super easy to book. Currently, Vietnam Railways operate this journey twice per day, with either the SP1 or SP3 train.

Car or taxi : it takes between 5 and 5.5 hours to travel from Hanoi to Sapa via the highway. If you have a bit more money to spend why not book a private taxi from Hanoi to Sapa. No doubt this will be the fastest and most comfortable journey you could take. It may even take you less than 5 hours if you don’t do any stops! The easiest way to prebook your private taxi is online with 12.Go Asia . They have a variety of companies on offer who can take you the distance. Prices start from $170.00 for a 9 person van one way.

Mini Van: Taking the minivan is another great way to travel from Hanoi to Sapa. This is slightly a more expensive option than the bus, but some of these minivans are fancy AF. Like they are known as limousine vans. Think plush, lazy-boy-style seats. One of the most popular companies to book with is called Eco Sapa Bus. You get 5 and a half hours of luxury where you can just relax in comfort for the whole time. There are two services every day with the first at 7:30 am and the second at 3 pm.

I recommend booking your journeys online with Baolau . Their website said I didn’t need to print off my ticket and instead just show my ticket on my phone to the attendant on the train. This is what I did throughout my travels in Vietnam and never once had an issue.

Being a third-party agent there is a small additional fee built into the ticket cost. Though this way is easier and cheaper than having to go to the train station!

Sapa (Day 3 – 6)

If you are wanting to experience the countryside in Vietnam then Sapa is the perfect place to do this. Think of bright green rice terraces, mountainous landscapes, and witnessing life in rural Vietnam.

This place is absolutely gorgeous and honestly quite different from other popular towns and cities along the tourist trail in Vietnam.

Whether you want to check out some incredible waterfalls, witness the amazing rice terraces, make friends with the local animals or even hike Fansipan Mountain known as the roof of Indochina.

Once you get here one of the best things to do on your Sapa itinerary is go trekking, allowing you to explore the magnificent rice fields that line the hilly countryside making for the most picture-perfect opportunities. You can also stay at a homestay with a local family. Ta Van is an excellent village to do this.

I have actually written a full 3 days in Sapa itinerary , with absolutely everything you need to know about spending time here, including what to do morning, afternoon, and night. Though for now, let’s chat about some of the highlights this city has to offer and what you need to check out while here.

Trekking In Sapa

One of the best ways to go trekking around Sapa is on a guided tour. These are surprisingly affordable costing less than $20.00 for the day. The price general includes lunch and water as well.

You will be able to visit ethnic minority villages here in Sapa, which depends on exactly what tour you book. However, your guides will be able to take you through the beautiful rice terraces and to some of the most picturesque spots. You will be given plenty of opportunities to interact with the local villagers and learn about their way of life.

If you want to trek Sapa without a guide I first highly recommend you download Maps.Me on your phone. On it, you will be able to get an offline version of a map of Sapa, perfect if you do not have a local SIM card.

Alternatively, you can pick up a map of the surrounding area from the Tourist Information Office. If you are traveling during a part of the year with good weather then you can likely do a variety of hikes. The tracks will be maintained and dry so you should have no problem getting around.

Other Things To Do In Sapa

Sapa is a nature lover paradise full of plenty of things to do.

Mount Fansipan – Mount Fansipan is often referred to as the roof of Indochina. This is because it is not just the highest peak in Vietnam at over 10,000 feet, but also in the whole Indo-Chinese Peninsula which includes Laos and Cambodia! Therefore it is a must-visit!

Waterfalls – Silver Waterfall and Love Waterfall are well worth the visit while you are in Sapa. Love waterfall is a short 15 to 20-minute hike away from the main road. Though it is a peaceful walk underneath a beautiful forest. The entry fee is $3.00 / 70,000VND and it is definitely worth it. A few kilometers drive away is also Silver Waterfall. This can be seen from the roadside. Though I definitely recommend hiking up the stairs to the top for the best view.

Sapa Night Market – This is only held on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. It runs from 4:00 pm to 10:00pm and is located on N1 street in the middle of town so is super accessible. This is the perfect place to partake in a little bit of souvenir shopping or perhaps dinner.

Home Stay In Ta Van – You will want to book your homestay in Ta Van in advance. There are so many places to choose from and the easiest way to book your Homestay is through Booking.com. This is what I used to book my homestay making it a hassle-free experience. You will just need to go through the listings and choose one of the homestay options or look at the map view and choose something, not in the main town.

Cat Cat Village – Cat Cat Village is a popular spot for tourists to visit while in Sapa, but in all honesty it is extremely touristy. It is super accessible being located in the Muong Hoa Valley, just 3 kilometers from Sapa Town. It is a super easy walk to get here and the pathway is well-maintained. The entry fee is $1.10 / 25,000 VND. This place is home to the ethnic H’Mong and Dzao people and here they come together to demonstrate their handicrafts and skills to those interested.

Where To Stay In Sapa

When choosing where to stay in Sapa you will be absolutely spoilt for choice. No matter your budget or the type of traveler you are there is something to fit all your needs. Though most people a mixture of a hotel in the main town and a homestay among the rice terraces.

Sapa town is absolutely full of affordable and more luxurious hotel options. From comfortable guesthouses to sparkling brand-new hotels, it all comes down to your budget and what you are willing to spend. The township is nice and compact making it easy to travel everywhere on foot.

I also recommend while you are in Sapa to do a homestay experience. This is where you will live alongside a local family. You can eat what they eat, see the incredible countryside, and explore to your heart’s content. When I stayed in Sapa I booked mine on booking.com and there were so many choices available. Make sure you read reviews so you know what exactly to expect.

Some will have heating, electricity, and wifi while others may not. They seem to be cheaper than the hotels in the main town, though they will be a lot more basic. Our homestay had limited electricity which meant evenings cuddled up around the fire while eating warm sugarcane.

Hanoi ( Day 6 – 7)

This one night in Hanoi is simply to allow you enough time to get back to the city before you’re Ha Long Bay adventures tomorrow.

It is a long journey, no matter if you book a train, bus, or private taxi, so no doubt you will need a good night’s sleep before venturing on.

Ha Long Bay (Day 7 – 8)

One of the most popular things to do when in Hanoi is take a tour of Ha Long Bay . This amazing UNESCO World Heritage Site is no doubt one of the top experiences to have when in Vietnam and leaves visitors breathless.

Though the problem is, that there are so many options to explore Ha Long Bay. They range in price from the horribly cheap ‘I am not sure how this boat is floating’ type to the luxury junk boat cruise with a six-course dinner included.

Halong Bay is easy to get to from Hanoi by day trip, overnight trip, or even for two or more nights, or you can jump on a day or multiple-day cruise from Halong City. I recommend booking the overnight cruise for the 3 weeks in Vietnam itinerary.

Doing the day trip won’t be long enough as it is a couple of hours one way to Ha Long Bay, and the multi-night trip will be too long. All tours you book should include a return transfer to Hanoi, and I recommend utilizing this service for ease.

Choosing A Ha Long Bay Cruise

Now there is an absolute assortment of cruise options you can book for exploring Ha Long Bay. Honestly, it can get quite overwhelming.

I recommend checking out reviews and booking based on other people’s experiences. Just because it is cheap doesn’t necessarily mean it is going to be bad, and just because one might be the most expensive doesn’t mean it is going to be the best.

Unfortunately, since COVID-19, the one I booked doesn’t seem to be operating anymore. However, I did a 2-night trip to Cat Ong Island. Our first day was spent on board the junk boat, the second day exploring Cat Ong Island, and the last day checking out the nearby Cat Ba Island.

This gave us great variety as we weren’t just stuck on one boat for three days (though I did do an 11-day cruise and loved it). This tour was one of the budget backpacker ones, but not the infamous one where everyone gets drunk and vomits everywhere, this cruise was a bit more chill.

Luckily Get Your Guide has some excellent options available for Ha Long Bay cruises perfect for your Vietnam 3 week itinerary:

Hanoi To Ninh Binh

After your time venturing Ha Long Bay has come to an end your tour operator will transfer you back to Hanoi so you can continue your travels. Luckily the journey from Hanoi to Ninh Binh is relatively short, so you will be able to do this on the same day.

Bus: You will find plenty of buses traveling from Hanoi to Ninh Binh. Most hostels and hotels will be able to book a bus for you which includes hotel pick up, and it should cost between 200,000 – 250,000 VND / $8.50 – $10.70.

Train : 6-7 trains leave from Hanoi to Ninh Binh railway station every day, of which SE5 is the most popular option as it offers very convenient travel times. Soft seats sell between 73,000 VND / $3.10 and 99,000 VND / $4.25. Though you also have the option of booking a sleeper berth from 115,000 VND / $4.90.

Taxi : If you are in a rush, or perhaps traveling with a group of people then you can always book a taxi. The journey is much quicker than the bus, only taking 2 hours to complete and you don’t have to go in circles picking up other passengers.

Mini Van: Taking the minivan is another great way to travel. This is slightly a more expensive option than the bus, but some of these minivans are fancy AF. Like they are known as limousine vans. Think plush, lazy-boy-style seats.

I recommend booking your journeys online with Baolau or 12.Go Asia . I used Baolau and their website said I didn’t need to print off my ticket and instead just show my ticket on my phone to the attendant on the train.

This is what I did throughout my travels in Vietnam and never once had an issue. Being a third-party agent there is a small additional fee built into the ticket cost. Though this way is easier and cheaper than having to go to the train station!

Ninh Binh (Day 8 – 10)

Ninh Binh is certainly a place that has grown in popularity over the past few years thanks to those beautiful Instagram posts from the tall karst mountains with views for days.

Here you can hike to the tallest viewpoints, paddle through caves, or soak up the culture. It is another beautiful spot in Vietnam and highly worth visiting during your 3 week itinerary Vietnam.

For a lot of people, this is the most beautiful destination in Vietnam and will leave you in awe. Nearby Ninh Binh you also have the picturesque town of Tam Coc which is surrounded by mountains with homestays and dreamy accommodation galore.

This spot is a lot less touristy than the forever-popular Ha Long Bay. Even though there might not be any sea, here you will find rivers and lakes in contrast with the huge karst mountains.

You are actually able to enjoy the peace and nature here without all of the crowds.

Things To Do In Ninh Binh

There is an assortment of awesome things to do in Ninh Binh that’ll get you in touch with nature and its impressive landscapes.

Trang An Boat Ride : No doubt this is the most popular thing to do in the region, and where the majority of people get those fancy Instagram pictures. This boat ride will take you through the limestone mountains on a maze of rivers and pass through caves. There are three different tour routes to choose from varying in length, but they all cost the same.

Hang Mua Viewpoint: For the ultimate view, it is definitely worth checking out Hang Mua Viewpoint. It may be quite a climb up the 500 stairs, but it is so worth it. Be aware that the staircase splits about halfway up. The right leads to a tower on the lower point. The left continues upward to the highest point where you can find the pagodas with an elaborate white dragon statue, oh and of course the incredible view.

Hire A Bicycle: One of the best things to do in Ninh Binh is simply to explore at your own pace. Many hostels and homestays offer super affordable bike rentals, and since the region is relatively flat it is super easy to ride around. It is definitely worth cycling to the nearby Tam Coc and exploring the main street and around the lake.

Bich Dong Pagoda: This picturesque spot is found hidden underneath one of the limestone mountains that dot the region. As you explore you will discover more temples protruding from the mountainside. The great thing about this Pagoda is that it is an easy bike ride from downtown Tam Coc, or you can take a taxi or a grab car.

Where To Stay In Ninh Binh On The Vietnam North To South Itinerary

Now as you will see you can either choose to stay in Ninh Binh or the small nearby town of Tam Coc. They are about 15 minutes apart from each other, though the main difference between these two places is what you can find in the towns themselves.

Ninh Binh is larger than Tam Coc. Here you will be spoilt for choices in terms of accommodation, restaurants, and cafes. It’s easy here to find a hostel or a modern hotel.

Though being a larger place means Ninh Binh doesn’t have that whole quaint nature town that a lot of people travel to this region to experience.

In contrast, Tam Coc is a much smaller quaint place. You will be sleeping in a homestay here, though you will get to experience the best this region has to offer. Once the crowds pack out during the day you will have this piece of paradise to yourself.

Ninh Binh To Hue

Next up you will need to travel from Ninh Binh to Hue. Unfortunately, this is going to be quite a long journey. However, if you time it right you could organize your transport overnight so you don’t lose out on a day of exploring.

Train : 6-7 trains are leaving from Ninh Binh to Hue railway station every day, though you will be best off taking the overnight train. There are two different overnight trains, taking between eleven and a half to twelve and a half hours. This should give you more than enough time to have a decent night’s sleep, and enough energy to explore the following day. Prices cost between 500,000 to 600,000 VND / $21.40 – $25.70, though you also have the option of booking the more pricey luxury carriage at a higher price.

Bus: You will find plenty of buses traveling from Ninh Binh to Hue. The bus ride takes 11 to 12.5 hours. Although this option is the cheapest at 325,000 VND / $13.50, it is not recommended. The overnight sleeper buses in Vietnam are notorious for being dangerous, and the train isn’t that much more expensive, for a whole lot more comfort.

Fly: As Ninh Binh does not have an airport you will need to travel back to Hanoi to catch a flight to Hue.

I recommend booking your journeys online with Baolau or 12.Go Asia . I used Baolau and their website said I didn’t need to print off my ticket and instead just show my ticket on my phone to the attendant on the train. This is what I did throughout my travels in Vietnam and never once had an issue.

Hue (Day 10 – 12)

Hue is well worth checking out while on your 3 weeks in Vietnam itinerary. Imagine a city equal amounts quaint and bustling, a beautiful river running along the middle, and an impressive citadel smack bang right in the middle. This is Hue and it is such a unique place.

Honestly, it is quite different from the other towns you’ll visit on this Vietnam itinerary and that is why it is a must-visit. It may not have too much in terms of incredible nature.

To gain a better understanding and appreciation of the history and culture of Vietnam I highly recommend a visit to Hue.

Honestly, you do not need too long to explore here which is why I have recommended spending two days in Hue . Though I have heard of people just spending the day here.

They arrived early morning on the overnight train from Hanoi and then took a late-night train out. This has given them a decent chunk of the day to explore the main thing to do here which is the Hue Citadel or the Imperial City Of Hue.

I have actually written a full 2 days in Hue itinerary , with absolutely everything you need to know about spending time in this city, including what to do morning, afternoon, and night.

Best Things To Do In Hue

Well, the Imperial City of Hue is no doubt the main reason why most people travel to Hue. Though, in saying, that there are plenty of other things to do here. as well.

The Imperial City of Hue: Let’s start with the most obvious thing to do here in Hue, visit the impressive Imperial City of Hue. It was built in 1362 and in 1993 was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Between these two periods of time, the walls of the city have witnessed a lot of history, even serving as the capital of Vietnam from 1802 to 1945 during the reign of the Nguyen dynasty. Purchase your entry ticket for 150,00 VND / $6.60 and enter inside to explore. The grounds are massive! Personally, we spent 3 hours exploring Hue Citadel. Though in all honesty that felt a bit rushed and we would have stayed longer if it wasn’t so hot.

Thien Mu Pagoda: Thien Mu Pagoda is best known for how high it is. Reaching seven stories, and climbing up the stairs you will be treated to incredible views across the river over the pagoda gardens. To get to Thien Mu Pagoda I recommend either hiring a motorbike from in town, or you can just simply take a Grab taxi (Southeast Asia’s version of Uber).

The Abandoned Waterpark: It will be best to get yourself some wheels to explore The Abandoned Waterpark. Apart from being a reasonable distance away from the city of Hue, the park itself is pretty spread out, and to see it all you will need a motorbike to get around. Also, bring along some extra cash as you will need to bribe a security guard to enter the premises.

The Royal Temple of Tu Duc: The Royal Temple of Tu Duc is a beautiful temple site with a lot of Chinese-inspired architecture. This is also where you will find the tomb of Tu Duc who was the Emperor between 1847 and 1883. The entry fee is 100,000 VND / $4.10.

Tu Hieu Pagoda: This is actually a free pagoda to visit and is home to approximately 70 monks. It’s a much more understated pagoda, though it provides a good contrast to Tu Duc Temple.

Where To Stay In Hue

When choosing where to stay in Hue you will be absolutely spoilt for choice. No matter your budget or the type of traveler you are there is something to fit all your needs.

Whether you want an affordable hostel, welcoming guesthouse, or luxury hotel.

I personally stayed in a lovely little guesthouse in Hue, which was the perfect budget option. There are some great guesthouse choices for less than $20.00 per night.

Alternatively, if you are traveling solo you can find plenty of cute, modern, and clean hostels here also.

Hue To Hoi An

It is relatively straightforward to travel from Hue to Hoi An by plane, bus, or train. However, the way I highly recommend is to do a Jeep Tour over the Hai Van Pass.

This will turn a mundane few hours into an exciting few, checking out some more of the incredible landscapes, and roads, Vietnam has to offer.

This is the perfect top-gear moment where you will ride in an army-style Jeep over the Hai Van Pass. Depending on which tour you decide to book you will also get a chance you check out some other spots of interest along the way.

This could include Marble Mountain, Lang Co Bay, Tam Giang Lagoon, visiting some local villages, and more.

If you want to travel by train you will need to travel to Hue to Da Nang by train and then transfer from Da Nang to Hoi An by bus or taxi.

Hoi An (Day 12 – 15)

Hoi An is a great spot to stop off for a few days to enjoy the beach, culture, and countryside. This is one of the top tourist destinations in Vietnam.

It is equal parts quaint and beautiful, especially in the ancient town. Imagine lanterns lighting the night sky, delicious food, and some incredible photo opportunities.

There are so many things to do here in Hoi An you will be spoilt for choice. Whether you enjoy lying by the beach, exploring the jungle, or hitting the shops, there is something here for everyone.

I backpacked Hoi An in the middle of my Vietnam adventures as I made my way overland from North to South. We found this township quite unlike anything we had come across in this country so far.

Honestly, it was extremely touristic, though nevertheless very beautiful. We stayed a short walk from the ancient town meaning we could be among the action when desired, but could also enjoy a bit of peace.

During our stay, we also traveled around by motorbike and bicycle to check out the best attractions on offer.

I have actually written a backpacking Hoi An itinerary guide , with absolutely everything you need to know about spending time here. This includes what to do morning, afternoon, and night.

Things To Do In Hoi An

Hoi An is an awesome town with literally so many things to do. It can quickly become any visitor’s favorite spot in Vietnam and it is easy to see why.

So let’s get into what you should do in Hoi A n for an epic time on your 3 weeks in Vietnam backpacking itinerary adventure.

Take a cooking class: This is a famous activity to do here in Hoi An and is an excellent way to learn some of those delicious Vietnamese dishes. You can check out Get Your Guide for an excellent cooking class that is very popular with travelers. Highlights include exploring the markets in Hoi An to pick up ingredients, cruising down the Thu Bon River, exploring the coconut palm forest by the crazy-looking bamboo basket boats, and tasting some delicious local dishes.

Shop In The Ancient Town: This ancient town is what makes Hoi An so special. It managed to survive the Vietnam War mostly unscathed and is said to have been settled for at least 2000 years. There is an entry fee to the ancient town of 120,000 VND / $5.00 per person.

Fujian Assembly Hall: This was originally a pagoda built by the Vietnamese in the 17th century. It was then sold to Hoi An’s Fujian-born community as a meeting place to socialize.

The Old House Of Tan Ky: One of the most popular houses in the Ancient Town is the Old House Of Tan Ky. It belongs to the descendants of a wealthy family of local merchants. It was built back in the 18th century. You will notice a mix of Japanese, Chinese, and traditional Vietnamese architecture throughout the house.

Japanese Covered Bridge: One of the most iconic landmarks in Hoi An is no doubt the Japanese Covered Bridge along the river running through the Ancient Town. This structure dating back to the 16th century has been incredibly well preserved over the years.

Get Some Tailor-Made Clothing: Once you’re in the city you will notice the wide variety of clothing stores. A popular choice is Kimmy’s Custom Tailor which is located just outside of the old town. They are well known for their professional service and quality materials.

My Son Sanctuary: This is a UNESCO World Heritage site and it is marketed as the Angkor Wat of Vietnam. Booking a tour is probably the most popular option and is surprisingly affordable. I recommend booking a sunrise tour of My Son Sanctuary . This allows you to beat the crowds, and the heat while having the grounds for your tour group.

Cycle To The Beach: Hire a bicycle and make your way to the coast to An Bang Beach. This is an easy straight cycle 4 kilometers from the ancient town. Seriously it is nearly impossible to get lost, and if you do, just follow all the other bikes.

Tra Que Vegetable Village: Located outside of the popular tourist destination of Hoi An city center and in the countryside is Tra Que Vegetable Village . Full of lush green fields, roaming water buffalos, and locals hard at work making a living. It is the perfect contrast to the bustling Vietnamese streets which lay a few hundred meters away.

Thanh Ha Pottery Village: Here you will find cups, jars, bowls, and pots crafted here are exported all over the world. There is an entry fee into Thanh Ha Pottery Village of 30,000 VND / $1.30. This amount includes a little souvenir which you will receive from one of the houses, but I will leave what you get a surprise!

An Bang South: For a bit more of a quiet beach, head to An Bang South. This is another excellent beach you can chill out on for the afternoon. Hire a sun lounger and an umbrella and sit back as you listen to the waves slowly crash onto the shore.

Marble Mountain: If you are willing to head further away from Hoi An you can visit Marble Mountain in Da Nang. Marble Mountain, also known as Thuy Son, is one of five marble and limestone mountains that rise out of the ground in central Vietnam. On top, you will find colorful Buddhist temples, marble statues, caves, and tunnels.

Hoi An Central Market : This is an excellent place to purchase some souvenirs while you are in the town. Here you will find a huge mixture of products here including silk pieces, lanterns, and other textiles, as well as local food and aromatic spices.

Cam Kim Island: Cam Kin Island is about 30 minutes away from Hoi An. It is easy enough to catch a local ferry here from D Bach Dang. Here you will see numerous artisan woodcarvers who are known for having carved some of the most famous public buildings in Hoi An. Personally, I thought it was a little bit touristy. Though if it is something you are interested in checking out, why not do it?

Where To Stay In Hoi An On Our 3 Weeks Vietnam Itinerary

Whether you want a beachside hotel, city homestay, or hostel set in the countryside there is something here for everyone.

However if you are limited on time in Hoi An, I recommend you stay in the central township area. This will keep you near plenty of delicious restaurants, and things to do, plus you don’t have to deal with hiring a motorbike to get around.

The homestay I stayed in while visiting Hoi An is called Little Leo . This was such a friendly and welcoming hostel/ homestay. It was the perfect choice for 2 travelers on a budget.

We paid $7.00 for a 4-bed dorm room which also included a delicious breakfast and free bicycle hire. The lady who ran it was super helpful and they offered super cheap tours which was a bonus.

Here are my top picks for the backpacking Hoi An travel guide:

Hoi An To Nha Trang

Now you will need to travel from Hoi An to Nha Trang for the next part of our 3 weeks in Vietnam itinerary. Once again, this is going to be another long journey as it’s a 500-kilometer distance being covered, but don’t worry this will be the last long one.

However, if you time it right you could organize your transport overnight so you don’t lose out on a day of exploring.

Train : It is a 10-and-a-half-hour train from Hoi An to Nha Trang. Well technically you will need to travel to Da Nang to catch the train, but this is super easy to do and you can read more about how to do this in my Da Nang to Hoi An post . Prices cost between 500,000 – 600,000 VND / $21.40 – $25.70, though you also have the option of booking the more pricey luxury carriage at a higher price.

Bus: The trip from Hoi An to Nha Trang takes approximately 11 hours. However, this timeframe can vary depending on how often the bus stops and for how long. Hanh Cafe and The Sinh Tourist are the recommended companies that service this route.

Fly: Thankfully it is only a 1-hour flight, though you will need to travel from Hoi An to Da Nang which is where you will find the nearest airport. Flights in Vietnam are pretty cheap with an assortment of affordable airlines operating.

Nha Trang (Day 15 – 17)

Nha Trang is an awesome coastal destination boasting some of the best beaches in Vietnam. I am not going to lie, one of my personal favorite things to do here in Nha Trang is to simply relax, and after all that traveling in Vietnam, it is likely you need some relaxation time as well.

Pull up a chair on the beach, listen to the waves lapping on the shore, and the palm trees swaying in the wind.

Honestly, if you are not a beach-goer type of person, then you may want to give Nha Trang a miss. Perhaps swap it out for Da Lat. Though if you are ready to work on that tan and catch some rays this is the place to be.

I have actually written a backpacking Nha Trang and 3-day itinerary post with absolutely everything you need to know about spending time in this city, including what to do morning, afternoon, and night.

Though for now, let’s chat about some of the highlights this city has to offer and what you need to check out while here.

Things To Do In Nha Trang

Don’t worry there is more to do in Nha Trang than just visiting the beach! Even though that may be my favorite. Here are my top picks of things to do in Nha Trang:

The Beach: It’s incredible how such a beautiful beach in Nha Trang is located right in a city. The beach itself stretches 6 kilometers along the coast side, providing plenty of areas to swim. The most popular area is Tran Phu Beach nearby a lot of the guesthouses and resorts. Be aware little beach bars are located quite some way along the shoreline and each one sets up their own chairs. Some of these locations charge just for use of the chairs and others have a minimum spend that you need to do at their little beach shack, either that is on drinks or snacks up to you.

Po Nagar Cham Towers: This place is one of the most popular sights of Nha Trang and is still an active site for worship by Cham, Vietnamese Buddhists, and Chinese people. The Cham people are an important part of the Vietnamese culture as one of the ethnic minorities in the country. It is located just 2 kilometers out of the city center so is very accessible.

Snorkeling Tour: Why not go snorkeling in Nha Trang! Luckily for ocean lovers like me, Nha Trang has over 12,00 hectares of marine reserve. This coral-filled area is known as Hon Mun Marine Protected Area and is where you will visit. It is the perfect place for both diving and snorkeling as the water is not too deep. Ultimately making it ideal for people of all expertise.

Vinpearl: Here you can find shows, rides, a zoo, an aquarium, gardens, and even a large water park area, all under VinWonders. You will definitely need a full day to explore it all! The tickets for VinWonders and the cable car return trip cost 880,000 VND / $38.00 for adults. It is more of a pricey activity to do in Nha Trang. Though it is certainly worth it for a day of fun out in the sun.

Thap Ba Hot Springs and Mud Baths : Nha Trang is also known for its mud baths. Thap Ba Hot Springs and Mud Baths are one of the most popular places for this experience. The mud is said to have healing properties thanks to its high mineral content and people usually slather their skin with the mud and then lie down in the bath and let it work its magic.

Visit the Buddha : One of the main landmarks of Nha Trang is the large Buddha which sits on one of the hills overlooking the city. You can find it on the summit of a hill behind the Long Son Pagoda. It is sitting on a pretty lotus blossom and measures an impressive 14 meters in height.

Where To Stay In Nha Trang On The 3 Weeks Vietnam Itinerary

There are heaps of options for where to stay in Nha Trang. Whether that is a hotel in the city, a cheap guesthouse, a beach resort, or a seaside hostel a little bit further out of town, there is something here for everyone.

I can highly recommend Tabalo Hostel which is where we stayed. It was a super modern spot and very aesthetic looking for an affordable hostel.

The bathrooms were great and always super clean and the beds were comfortable with a sturdy wooden design, much better than those flimsy metal bunk beds.

There are also heaps of affordable guesthouses here in Nha Trang. It won’t be anything fancy, but it will have everything you need for a decent night’s sleep.

Nha Trang also has an incredible amount of quite nice fancy beachside resorts. Unfortunately, this wasn’t in my budget, and if you’re reading this backpacking guide it’s unlikely to be in yours.

Nevertheless, you can find 3 to 4-star resorts for just $20.00 per night. For such a small step up in price you get a lot more including a pool to relax in.

Nha Trang To Mui Ne

Next up we need to travel from Nha Trang to Mui Ne for the next stage of our 3 weeks in Vietnam itinerary. Thankfully this is a relatively short travel day compared to the others.

The distance from Nha Trang to Mui Ne is approximately 220 kilometers.

If you are wanting a more detailed breakdown of this journey you can check out my Nha Trang to Mui Ne transport guide .

Train : The train ride will take around 4 and a half hours from Nha Trang to Mui Ne. However, you will also need to account to travel to Mui Ne from the Phan Thiet train station. This takes between twenty to thirty minutes. This route will also have you backtracking slightly. Prices start at around 120,000 VND / $5.10 for a soft seater journey.

Bus: The journey from Nha Trang to Mui Ne by bus takes around 5 hours. Though this timeframe can vary depending on how often the bus stops and for how long. Personally, I have done this route with The Sinh Tourist and had a stress-free experience.

Fly: Unfortunately at this time, you are not able to fly from Nha Trang to Mui Ne. There may be an airport in Nha Trang called Cam Ranh Airport (CXR), though there is not one just yet in Mui Ne. Don’t be too disappointed as it is in the works! The nearby town of Phan Thiet is getting an airport said to be completed in 2024.

I recommend booking your journeys online with Baolau or 12.Go Asia . Though in this route I think 12.Go.Asia is the best bet for booking with.

Mui Ne (Day 17 – 19)

Don’t worry we are not leaving the beach just yet, next stop is Mui Ne on this Vietnam itinerary 3 weeks. This cute little seaside town would be like any other if it wasn’t for the landscapes that surround it.

Think huge sand dunes with impressive views over the ocean, small village vibes, affordable accommodation, and food as well as nearby beaches to visit.

The main thing to do here in Mui Ne is to take a sunrise tour. This tour will take you to all the best things in Mui Ne so you can check out those impressive landscapes.

I have actually written a backpacking Mui Ne in 2 days itinerary , with absolutely everything you need to know about spending time here. This includes what to do morning, afternoon, and night.

Choosing A Sunrise Tour

Now I will let you know everything you need to know about booking a sunrise tour and why this is the best way to see the sights around Mui Ne. Walking down the street you will see all the hotels, travel agencies, and even restaurants, advertising this tour.

Sure it is an early wake-up time with your pick up somewhere between 4.30 am and 5.30 am, but trust me it is worth it.

That early start allows you to see the sunrise over the impressive white sand dunes. Plus this tour only costs 160,000 VND / $7.00 so it is a super affordable way to see the best Mui Ne has to offer. For this price, we shared a jeep with other people staying at our accommodation.

However, if you want a bit more freedom you can book a private jeep tour , which is still pretty affordable starting from $20.00 for the entire jeep!

White Sand Dunes: The first stop on your tour will be the White Sand Dunes to watch the sunrise. This will no doubt be one of your highlights here as it was mine. You can either pay a jeep to take you out or hire an ATV. Instead, if you are on a budget like I happened to be you can simply walk out to the dunes from the car park. It is a nice stroll and since it is the morning the heat of the day hasn’t started yet.

Fishing Village: Here you can see all the brightly colored fishing boats bobbing around in the water and fishermen pulling in their catches.

Red Sand Dunes : The third stop of the day is the famous red sand dunes. These are a lot more touristy than the white sand dunes simply because they back right onto the road, literally. This means you can often find large tour buses here, whereas in the white sand dunes you need a 4WD vehicle to access without getting stuck.

Fairy Stream : It is a really nice walk upstream to a waterfall. Though my favorite part was the colors. It was so incredible seeing these bright orange sand cliffs contrast against the green lush jungle.

Where To Stay In Mui Ne On The Vietnam Itinerary 3 Weeks

There is a wide assortment of places to stay in Mui Ne. Whether you are looking for an affordable hostel, beachside resort, or friendly guesthouse. There is a huge selection to be found.

Just be aware it can actually be super difficult to access the beach unless you are staying at beachfront accommodation. This was the mistake we made staying on the other side of the road, luckily there was a pool, but the beach would’ve been nice as well.

A good affordable option I would recommend is called EVA HUT Mui Ne Beach Hostel . With prices starting from $6.00 for a dorm room this beachfront backpackers hotspot is the perfect place to stay in Mui Ne.

This place is smack bang right on the beach, which was definitely something we were lacking during our stay.

Depending on your exact location on the main strip through town it can be quite difficult to access the beach due to all the buildings and no alleyways.

Mui Ne to Ho Chi Minh City

The last stage of the 3 weeks in Vietnam itinerary is traveling from Mui Ne to Ho Chi Minh City. Luckily, this is another relatively short journey, so it shouldn’t be too painful. The distance from Mui Ne to Ho Chi Minh City is approximately 225 kilometers.

You will find if you travel by road the start of this route is along the coast before heading inland to the bustling city. If you are wanting a more detailed breakdown of this journey you can check out Mui Ne to Ho Chi Minh City transport guide .

Train : If you want to take the train you will also need to account to travel to Mui Ne from the Phan Thiet train station. This takes between twenty to thirty minutes.

This route will also have you backtracking slightly. There is only one train that operates on this route daily, leaving Phan Thiet railway station at 13:20 and arriving in Ho Chi Minh at 17:35.

Bus: The journey from Mui Ne to Ho Chi Minh City by bus takes around 5 hours. Though this timeframe can vary depending on how often the bus stops and for how long. Personally, I have done this route with The Sinh Tourist and had a stress-free experience.

Fly: Unfortunately at this time, you are not able to fly. There may be an airport in Ho Chi Minh City, though there is not one just yet in Mui Ne. Don’t be too disappointed as it is in the works! The nearby town of Phan Thiet is getting an airport said to be completed in 2024.

Ho Chi Minh City (Day 19 – 21)

Welcome to our last stop on our 3 weeks backpacking Vietnam route, Ho Chi Minh City. This is the perfect ending point for your adventures where you can easily venture into neighboring Cambodia , or take an international flight further afield.

Ho Chi Minh City is a huge bustling place with loads of history. It is an excellent spot to educate yourself about the country, the culture, and the war.

If I am being honest Ho Chi Minh City wasn’t my favorite stop in Vietnam, I was still glad that I visited. There is a lot of history to explore in this city as well as numerous other things to do.

Also, you need to dedicate some of your time to checking out the delicious foodie spots. It is well worth spending a couple of nights here, and since it is such a huge place with so much on offer there is something for everyone.

I have written a full Ho Chi Minh City Backpacking Travel Guide, with absolutely everything you need to know about spending time here, including what to do morning, afternoon, and night.

Things To Do In Ho Chi Minh City

Time to explore our last destination on our 3 weeks in Vietnam itinerary, Ho Chi Minh City. This place is perfect for discovering some more of the history of the country. Whether you enjoy a spot of shopping, experiencing a different religion, or want to discover the history of the country, Saigon has something for everyone.

Cu Chi Tunnels: The series of underground tunnels played an important part in the War and was an impressive feat of both architecture and engineering. At its peak, there were over 250km worth of tunnels stretching along the countryside, some even leading from Saigon right to the Cambodian border. It is super easy to book a Cu Chi Tunnel tour once in Ho Chi Minh City or in advance online . I booked mine through a local travel agency and paid just $6.00!

Reunification Palace: This is one of the most significant places to visit while you are in the city. It is the former presidential palace for Southern Vietnam, where Saigon fell to the north in what marked the end of the war. You can see the palace from the outside for free. However if you would like to go inside there is an admission fee of 40,000 VND / $1.70.

The City Hall: The City Hall is a super impressive and beautiful building that is a popular landmark in Saigon. If you head here in the evening there always seems to be something going on and people chilling together. You can often find delicious snack-like street food here as well!

War Remnants Museum: The museum is dedicated to the terrible Vietnam War, here you can come and learn all about it and what people had to suffer through. The admission cost is 40,000 VND / $1.70 and you do need to set aside about 2 to 3 hours to see everything.

Notre Dame Cathedral: Surprisingly enough all around Vietnam, you can find colonial buildings from when the French were in charge. One of these is the Notre Dame Cathedral and it has become a popular attraction here in Ho Chi Minh City.

Central Post Office: The Central Post Office is located right next to Notre Dame Cathedral, so you may as well visit while you are nearby. It is free of charge to enter and you can even send a postcard back home from here.

Ben Thanh Market: It may be a bit touristy but no visit to Ho Chi Minh City is complete without checking out Ben Thanh Market. This is the perfect place to pick up some souvenirs, try out some local food, and simply watch the locals go about their day.

Bitexco Tower and Skydeck: If you are looking for an amazing view overlooking Ho Chi Minh City then you need to check out the Bitexco Tower . This is one of the tallest buildings in Vietnam! Make sure to visit the 49th floor where you can find the sky deck with a 360-degree view. The entry fee is a little more pricey compared to other things to do on this list at 200,000 VND / $8.90, but still incredibly affordable.

Do A Free Student Lead Tour: I actually tried out a free student lead tour during my time in Ho Chi Minh City and it was no doubt one of the best things we did in the city. We heard about it from other travelers who constantly raved about their experience, so we knew we had to give it a go.

Where To Stay In Ho Chi Minh City On The 3 Week Itinerary Vietnam

Ho Chi Minh is a huge city split into districts. The majority of backpackers and travelers decide to stay in district 1. This is well set up for tourists with plenty of restaurants, activities, accommodations, and transport links. Nearby is the famous Ben Thanh Market , and the popular nightlife spot of Bui Vien Street.

During our stay in Ho Chi Minh City, we decided to stay on quite a budget and book a small little hostel about a 15-minute walk out of the center. The hostel was run by a lovely gentleman, but it was more rooms in his house he had converted to dorm rooms.

It also featured those horrible old-school metal bunk beds you had as a child. Lastly, it was 35 degrees Celsius plus every day and we only had fans. For those reasons, I am not going to recommend it.

Nevertheless, there are still plenty of affordable hostel and hotel options available in the city. Here are my top picks for this backpacking Ho Chi Minh City travel guide:

Extend Your 3 Weeks In Vietnam Itinerary

Maybe you want to make the most out of your tourist Visa in Vietnam and spend the entire 30 days exploring this incredible country!

It is a great country and there is so much more you can do to turn this 3 week Vietnam Itinerary into a much longer journey. However, be aware you only really have an extra week available as you don’t want to overstay!

A lot of travelers will buy their own motorbike in Ho Chi Minh City or Hanoi and travel the country themselves. This allows you to get off the beaten track and explore at your own pace.

As cool as this sounds just be aware that riding a motorbike long distance isn’t the most comfortable thing in the world and you’ll be traveling much slower than if you were to take the bus or train.

Da Lat is a beautiful mountainous town in South Central Vietnam. It is a popular adventure and honeymoon destination with plenty of activities to keep you busy.

Some travelers venture here instead of going to Mui Ne. It is not connected to the main railway network in Vietnam so you will need to take a bus or flight to get to.

Da Lat is mostly comprised of a scenic mountain town that used to be a hill station during the French colonial period. As a result, you can find some beautiful architecture here.

Da Nang is the gateway to Hoi An which is why many people stop over here. I only stayed one night to catch a train the next day.

Though there are still plenty of things to do here, the most popular being Marble Mountain. It is also a popular spot for digital nomads being a modern city right next to the beach.

Located on the Southern Coast of Vietnam you will find the island of Phu Quoc. Imagine soft, white sand lining its shores with palm trees swaying. This is Vietnam’s version of the Maldives.

On land, you’ll find protected tropical rainforests, plenty of accommodation options, and great diving opportunities.

The Phu Quoc district itself encompasses 28 islands. However, you will find the majority of travelers visit and stay on Phu Quoc island, the largest in Vietnam.

FAQs About Backpacking Vietnam Route

How long do you need to travel thailand cambodia and vietnam.

If you are keen on traveling Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam I would recommend a minimum of 2 months, but you could make the most of 30 days entry visa and spend a month in each country.

Can US citizens travel to Vietnam?

Yes, of course US citizens can travel to Vietnam. However, like many other countries, US citizens do require a visa to enter Vietnam. You can organize this ahead of time at an embassy or get a visa on arrival.

Is it safe to travel by train in Vietnam?

No doubt one of the safest ways to travel Vietnam is by train. There is an extensive train network in the country and 90% of the time you will be able to utilize this to travel to your next destination in comfort.

How safe is it to travel to Vietnam now?

Vietnam is a pretty safe country overall. However, as a traveler, you need to be aware of petty theft and scams in Vietnam which often target tourists. Be aware of your surroundings and don’t use your camera or phone near the road; a lot of theft is drive-by snatchings.

What is the best way to travel around Vietnam?

The best way to travel around Vietnam is by taking the train. There is an extensive train network linking a lot of destinations in the Vietnam backpacking route so you can travel in comfort. Also, sleeper buses in Vietnam are known for not being safe due to road conditions and overworked drivers.

What is the best route to travel through Vietnam?

The most common, and best route to travel through Vietnam is either from North to South (Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh), or South to North (Ho Chi Minh to Hanoi). This way you will get to explore a lot of the country and experience many of the highlights. I minimum of 3 weeks is recommended if you plan on doing this Vietnam itinerary.

Your 3 Week Vietnam Itinerary

Now you have read all my recommendations on this incredible country you should have no issues whatsoever coming up with your perfect Vietnam backpacking route!

Whether you choose to explore the mountainous North, hit the beaches, or discover the lesser explored parts of this country you will no doubt be in for an awesome adventure.

Any Questions? Let me know in the comments!

LIKE IT? PIN IT!

Want more Vietnam Inspiration? Check out….

• 3 WEEKS IN VIETNAM ITINERARY
• COMMON SCAMS IN VIETNAM
• BEST THINGS TO DO IN VIETNAM
• COST TO TRAVEL IN VIETNAM & MY BACKPACKING BUDGET
• BACKPACKING VIETNAM TRAVEL TIPS
• TAKING A VIETNAM SLEEPER BUS: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
• SURVIVING A VIETNAM SLEEPER TRAIN
• BACKPACKING HANOI TRAVEL TIPS
• 3 DAYS IN HANOI ITINERARY FOR TRAVELERS
• BEST HOSTELS IN HANOI
• VISITING HA LONG BAY ON A BUDGET
• DISCOVERING LAN HA BAY & CAT BA ISLAND
• HANOI TO SAPA
• 3 DAY IN SAPA ITINERARY
• WHAT IS SAPA LIKE IN FEBRUARY
• HANOI TO HUE TRANSPORT GUIDE
• VISITING THE IMPERIAL CITY OF HUE
• 2 DAYS IN HUE BACKPACKING ITINERARY
• HUE TO DA NANG: ALL WAYS TO TRAVEL
• DA NANG TO HOI AN: EASIEST WAYS TO TRAVEL
• TRA QUE VEGETABLE VILLAGE IN HOI AN, VIETNAM
• A MORNING AT THE MY SON TEMPLES IN HOI AN, VIETNAM
• THANH HA POTTERY VILLAGE IN HOI AN
• BACKPACKING HOI AN ITINERARY
• BEST THINGS TO DO IN HOI AN
• HOI AN TO NHA TRANG TRANSPORT GUIDE
• SNORKELING IN NHA TRANG
• BACKPACKING NHA TRANG TRAVEL ITINERARY
• BEST BEACHES IN NHA TRANG WORTH VISITING
• NHA TRANG TO MUI NE TRANSPORT GUIDE
• BACKPACKING MUI NE TRAVEL GUIDE
• BEST THINGS TO DO IN MUI NE
• MUI NE TO HO CHI MINH CITY: ALL WAYS TO TRAVEL EXPLAINED
• CHEAPEST TOUR OF THE CU CHI TUNNELS: IS IT WORTH IT
• BACKPACKING HO CHI MINH TRAVEL GUIDE
• HOW TO TRAVEL VIETNAM TO CAMBODIA: HO CHI MINH CITY TO PHNOM PENH

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. So, if you click on it and purchase something, I get a small percentage at no extra cost to you. As always all opinions are my own and your support is much appreciated.

Related Posts

Backpacking Hoi An Itinerary: 3 Days In Hoi An Travel Tips

Come find out all you need to know about backpacking Hoi An to have the [...]

Staying At Chien Hostel in Hanoi, Vietnam

The Ultimate Hostel in Hanoi’s Old Quarter, Chien Hostel Tucked among the chaotic streets of [...]

38 Comments

Snorkeling in Nha Trang with Vietnam Snorkeling Tours

Exploring An Under Water World With Vietnam Snorkeling… Nha Trang no doubt is a tourist [...]

Tasha Amy is a true backpacker at heart and has been discovering the world on a budget since 2015. Based in Gisborne, New Zealand she will spend many months each year traveling overseas as a solo female traveler before coming home and sharing her adventures online with you.

9 thoughts on “ 3 Week Vietnam Itinerary: BEST North To South Route ”

Thank you for the extremely helpful guide!! We are planning a similar trip for June – do you think the weather will be an issue for us at this time or nice enough to explore and enjoy some beach days? Thank you!

Hi Tasha, what’s the general budget you think is needed for this route including travel, accommodation and daily expenses? I couldn’t see anything about this.

Hey Jacob, I actually have an entire post on what I spent during 1 month in Vietnam, which worked out to $25.00 per day. I did stay in hostels and forgo a lot of activities so looking back I would increase this to $35.00 per day so you aren’t missing out on anything. This is the post if you are keen to check it out https://www.backpackerswanderlust.com/cost-travel-vietnam/

Thanks for this helpful itinerary. How did you get from Sapa to Hoi An though? Couldnt find it mentioned

Sorry, I just finally realized that you returned to Hanoi after Sapa. The names are so confusing

Haha no worries, I always get caught between Hanoi and Hoi An :)

Thanks so much, this is incredibly helpful.

Hello, this guide has been awesome and super helpful for us as we are planning our honeymoon in Vietnam.

Hey Clay! Glad you found it helpful! Hope you have an incredible honeymoon in Vietnam!

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

• Be Inspired
• Destinations
• Things to do
• Eat & Drink

10 best places to visit in Vietnam in 2024

10 best beaches in vietnam, 20 best things to do in vietnam, 15 must-try vietnamese dishes, ao dai – vietnamese traditional dress.

• Ho Chi Minh City

The 10 best attractions in Da Nang

The 6 best attractions in ha long city, must-visit attractions in hoi an, the 15 best attractions in dalat, 5 must-try foods in ha long, 3 weeks in vietnam, 3-week vietnam itinerary map.

This is our recommended 3-week itinerary that takes you through 14 of the most popular destinations in Vietnam: Ho Chi Minh City → the Mekong Delta → Mui Ne → Dalat → Nha Trang → Quy Nhon → Da Nang → Hoi An → Hue → Quang Binh → Ninh Binh → Ha Long Bay → Hanoi → Sapa → Hanoi.

Destinations:  14

Travel time (hr):  65+

Transportation costs (USD):  150+

Total cost (USD):  800+

Itinerary details

Things to do : War Remnants Museum, Ben Thanh Market, Saigon Skydeck, Bui Vien Street, Cu Chi Tunnels.

Ho Chi Minh City  → the Mekong Delta :

• Transportation: Tour (2 days 1 night, Vietfuntravel, The Sinh Tourist)
• Price: 2,150,000 VND ($95)

Mekong Delta

Things to do : Lan Island, Phung Island, Vinh Trang Pagoda (My Tho), Cai Rang floating market (Can Tho).

The tour will take you back to Ho Chi Minh City. Ho Chi Minh City → Mui Ne :

• Transportation: Bus (Hanh Cafe, Tam Hanh Bus)
• Travel time: 4 hr 30 min
• Fare: 190,000 VND

Things to do : Mui Ne Beach, Sand Dunes, Po Shanu Cham Towers.

Mui Ne   →   Dalat :

• Transportation: Bus (An Phu Bus)
• Travel time: 3 hr 45 min
• Fare: 200,000 VND

Things to do : Xuan Huong Lake area, Dalat Railway Station, Chicken Church, Linh Phuoc Pagoda.

Dalat  →  Nha Trang :

• Transportation: Bus (Phuong Trang, The Sinh Bus)
• Travel time: 3 hr
• Fare: 250,000 VND

Things to do : Nha Trang Beach, Vinpearl Land, Po Nagar Cham Towers, Dam Market.

Nha Trang   →   Quy Nhon :

• Transportation: Bus (Thanh Thuy)
• Travel time: 5 hr

Things to do : Ky Co, Eo Gio, Twin Towers, Queen’s Beach.

Quy Nhon  →  Da Nang :

• Transportation: Bus (Phuong Trang, Lien Hung)
• Travel time: 6 hr 30 min

Things to do : My Khe Beach, Ba Na Hills, Marble Mountains, Museum of Cham Sculpture.

Da Nang  →  Hoi An :

• Transportation: Bus (01)
• Travel time: 45 min
• Fare: 30,000 VND

Things to do : An Bang Beach, the ancient town, Bay Mau Coconut Forest.

Hoi An  →  Hue :

• Transportation: Bus (Hanh Cafe, The Sinh Bus)
• Fare: 180,000 VND

Things to do : The Imperial Citadel of Hue, Thien Mu Pagoda, Khai Dinh Tomb, Tu Duc Tomb, Dong Ba Market.

Hue  →  Quang Binh :

• Transportation: Bus (Camel Travel)
• Travel time: 4 hr
• Fare: 400,000 VND

Things to do : Phong Nha – Ke Bang National Park, Paradise Cave, Nhat Le Beach.

Quang Binh  →  Ninh Binh :

• Transportation: Train (Dong Hoi – Ninh Binh)
• Travel time: 8 hr
• Fare: 300,000 VND

Things to do : Tam Coc – Bich Dong, Mua Cave, Trang An Landscape Complex, Bai Dinh Pagoda.

Ninh Binh → Ha Long Bay :

• Transportation: Bus (The Long Bus)
• Fare: 350,000 VND

Ha Long Bay

Things to do : Ha Long Bay, Tuan Chau Island.

Ha Long Bay → Hanoi :

• Transportation: Bus (Trung Thanh Limousine)
• Travel time: 1 hr 30 min
• Fare: 260,000 VND

Things to do : Hoan Kiem Lake, Hanoi Old Quarter, Temple of Literature, Dong Xuan Market, Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum.

Hanoi → Sapa :

• Transportation: Bus (Fansipan Express Bus)
• Travel time: 6 hr 10 min

Things to do : Sapa Stone Church, Ham Rong Mountain, Cat Cat Village, Ta Van Village.

Sapa → Hanoi : Bus (Fansipan Express Bus)

You take bus number 86 (35,000 VND) to Noi Bai International Airport from Hanoi city center, ending your 3-week itinerary in Vietnam.

A few notes

• The exchange rate between USD and VND in 2023 is approximately 1 USD ≈ 23,500 VND.
• Please note that the travel time mentioned for each part of the itinerary does not include check-in time at the airport and train station.
• For train travel, we recommend booking tickets on the official website of the Vietnam Railway Corporation: dsvn.vn .
• The above recommendations for tours, hotels, bus operators, and airlines were selected based on suitability, without any advertising or affiliate marketing, so you can rest assured with these suggestions.

3 weeks in Vietnam costs

For a 3-week trip to Vietnam, the average expenditure for many tourists is around $800. Here are some estimated fixed costs to help you plan your budget:

• Transportation costs are approximately $150.
• Accommodation in a private hotel or homestay will cost around $15 to $20 per night. For solo travelers, hostels can be a more affordable option, with prices starting at around $5 per night.
• Food costs are typically around $15 per person per day.
• Admission to monuments, museums, and attractions costs around $1 – $5.

Other itineraries

Related Articles

Top Destinations

Travel guide.

• Best places
• Best dishes
• Vietnam visa

Helpful Resources

• Map of Vietnam
• Tourist maps
• Accommodation
• Privacy policy
• Our community
• Partner with us

© 2024 Welcome to Vietnam. All rights reserved.

This website utilizes cookies to improve user experience, analyze website performance and traffic, and deliver personalized content for marketing and advertising purposes. Privacy policy .

The Ultimate 3-Week Vietnam Itinerary

From island escapes in Phu Quoc and the street food and culture of Hoi An, to the natural beauty of Halong Bay and Sapa, this 3-week Vietnam itinerary shows you the very best of the country.

After months of planning, we finally set off on our epic adventure around Vietnam in November. I was nearing the end of maternity leave and we thought it would be an amazing way to round off our first year as parents. Yes, that means it wasn’t just the two of us on this trip, we also had an 8-month-old baby along for the ride!

Vietnam is a country I’d been desperate to visit for years. I can’t deny that the vibrant cuisine played a big part! I was ready to feast on warming bowls of pho, zingy vermicelli salads and aromatic curries! I was curious about the culture too, with places like Hoi An high on my list of places to visit. I’d also heard that Vietnamese people were very family oriented, so I hoped it would be a welcoming destination to visit with our bubba Cooper.  

My partner had visited Vietnam ten years before on a backpacking trip. He was keen to show me some of his favourite places, but also tick off a few new destinations too. Our three weeks in Vietnam started in the south, and gradually followed a route north. As the country is long and thin, most people you meet will follow an itinerary from north to south or south to north.

We chose to start in the south and travel north as we were keen to kick off our trip with some beach time on Phu Quoc island. One of the best things about this adventure? We’d be escaping the miserable grey days of autumn / winter in the UK! Time to swap 6 degree overcast days for 30 degrees and sunshine.

In this 3-week Vietnam itinerary I’ll share a few of my highlights from our trip as well as some travel tips to make the most of your time in the country.

In a nutshell, here’s a quick look at how I’d recommend spending 3-Weeks In Vietnam

Days 1 – 5: Phu Quoc

Days 5 – 10: hoi an, days 10 – 13: da nang, days 13 – 16: halong bay, days 16 – 19: hanoi, days 19 – 21: sapa.

Before you travel, I’d recommend reading my guide to what to wear in Vietnam . I’ve included tips for clothes, accessories and other items you might not have thought about.

How to spend 3 weeks in Vietnam

We started our trip in Phu Quoc, a paradise island to the southwest of the country. Here you’ll find pristine white sandy beaches, palm trees swaying in the breeze, fresh seafood and a range of hotels to suit all budgets.

To reach the island, we flew from London to Ho Chi Minh City, then caught a connecting flight with VietJet Air to Phu Quoc. The flight takes under one hour and short flights like these are pretty cheap.

We checked into Lahana Resort and Spa , one of the top-rated hotels on the island. I selected this resort as we were looking for a hotel with a swimming pool, breakfast and spacious rooms. We also wanted to be able to walk to the beach and the main restaurant district. It was absolutely perfect!

We loved our stay. The grounds were so lush and green, with a beautiful fish pond and waterfall to explore. The infinity pool was right next to the restaurant and was a lovely to place to relax or grab a bite to eat. It was also great for families. There’s a kids club to play in and all the staff were very welcoming. I’d recommend this hotel in a heartbeat!

In terms of things to do in Phu Quoc, there are lots of interesting places to visit on the island. As we were travelling with our baby, it was harder to do the more adventurous options as you’d need to hire a scooter or book a tour. Here are a few places you might want to get out and explore:

Sao Beach (Star Beach)

A beautiful beach around 45-minutes’ drive from Duong Dong town. It’s famous as a place you can see starfish in the water.

Suoi Tranh Waterfall

A 4-metre-tall waterfall with a gorgeous hike to reach it. There are lots of caves and rock pools to see too. It’s around 10-minutes’ drive from Duong Dong.

Hon Thom Cable Car

Take in the views over the southern coast of Phu Quoc and visit Hon Thom island. This cable car even holds the world record for being the world’s longest 3-wire cable car.

Boat trip and snorkelling

One of the most popular day trips from Phu Quoc is this boat tour . You’ll get to visit four different islands and snorkel in the beautiful turquoise waters. It’s a great way to see some of the lesser-visited paradise spots nearby, as well as more of Phu Quoc National Park.

In all honesty, we didn’t do loads in Phu Quoc! We wanted to start our trip with time to kick the jetlag, enjoy the weather, relax by the pool and eat some great food. We loved our daily trips to the beach, usually choosing to hang out around Aloha Beach Bar. Sipping cocktails as the sun started to set was a magical experience!

We had some excellent food in Phu Quoc. Here are details of our favourite meals on the island:

Phở Lý Quốc Sư – Amazing pho in a very casual and understated eatery, close to Duong Dong night market. Pho is more of a morning / lunchtime dish, so bear that in mind.

Banana Garden – We loved the lemongrass chicken here, along with the zingy green mango salad.

Sunlight Restaurant Phu Quoc – We had a great lunch here of prawn coconut curry, fresh spring rolls and a papaya salad. Service was excellent and food of a very high standard.

Mì Tê Street – We stumbled upon this street-food style noodle bar. The dishes were delicious, with flavoursome broths and tasty toppings. It felt like a fusion of ramen and pho. Cheap and tasty!

Tween’s Kitchen – Our final evening meal was here. I had a very tasty coconut curry and Macca had a griddled fish. We loved the ambience too – a really lively spot at night.

Banh Mi Saigon – This banh mi shop was very highly rated. The Vietnamese sandwiches were tasty, but we didn’t think they lived up to the hype. However, they may well be the best on the island, who knows!

Hi Coffee – The Vietnamese coconut coffee was delicious here. We also tried the salted coffee – unusual but definitely worth trying as it’s a speciality in Vietnam.

One other thing I’d add to your Phu Quoc itinerary is a trip to the Night Market in Duong Dong. This area is pedestrianised in the evenings and you’ll find stalls selling everything from unique Vietnamese delicacies to clothes and souvenirs. It’s a really vibrant place to visit!

Some of the stalls might turn your tummy a bit – there are lots of weird and wonderful sea creatures on display (giant sea snails anyone?!) However, it’s definitely worth trying a few things. We enjoyed the BBQ skewers and the Korean pound cakes. There were also quite a few places to try rolled ice cream, for a bit of novelty!

From Phu Quoc, we caught a flight to Da Nang, a city which is under an hour’s drive from Hoi An. Originally this was a direct flight, but with Bamboo Airways seemingly going under during our visit (doh!) we had to book a new route via Ho Chi Minh. It was a long travel day, so definitely see what options are available when you book. Alternatively, you could insert a few days in Ho Chi Minh city at this point in your 3-week Vietnam trip.

Our time in Hoi An was one of the highlights of our time in Vietnam. It’s a city where you really feel immersed in the Vietnamese culture from the second you arrive. Scooters toot and beep past you constantly. As you wander the streets you’ll catch glimpses of local life, with people washing clothes and dishes outside, or selling their wares in large baskets. I loved it straight away!

The historic old town is very charming, with its yellow buildings and scattering of ancient temples. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its well-preserved architecture, and you’ll see a real blend of different architectural styles, including Chinese, Japanese, French, and Vietnamese influences.

It’s also a town synonymous with two things: lanterns and tailoring. As night falls, the city is illuminated by thousands of colourful lanterns in every colour of the rainbow. You’ll see them in shops and restaurants, as well as bobbing along the Thu Bon River. You can even take a boat trip along the river to release your very own floating lantern, all while making a wish.

In terms of things to do in Hoi An, these were our highlights:

Visit a tailors and have some custom-made clothing made

We had several items of clothing made at Ba Ri Tailors in the old town and can’t recommend this shop enough. They were very professional, quick and helped us through each step of the process. Macca had a beautiful linen suit made, as well as several shirts in a variety of fabrics.

I had a beautiful dress made in a ginkgo leaf fabric. If you’re looking to have some garments made, start the process on your first day in the town so you have a few days for fittings and adjustments.

Go on a food tour of Hoi An

I’ve written a detailed blog all about our food tour in Hoi An . This was such a great way to immerse ourselves in the culture of the destination and try lots of delicacies that we might not have discovered on our own.

I loved discovering local dishes including cao lau and mi quang (noodle-based dishes), bun thit nuong (a flavoursome vermicelli salad with pork) and banh xeo (Vietnamese pancakes).

Book a Vietnamese cooking class

If you’re foodies like us, I’d definitely suggest booking a cooking class in Hoi An . Our tour took place in the Coconut Village, a short drive from Hoi An centre.

During the class we learned to make so many dishes, and they were all really tasty. We cooked spring rolls, Vietnamese pancakes and even an aromatic beef pho. It was one of the best cooking classes we’ve done on our travels as it was so interactive. It’s also been lovely to return home with some dishes to recreate! You can read more about our experience here .

Go on a basket boat in the Coconut Village

This is a really fun tourist activity! You can either book a tour from your hotel in Hoi An, or catch a taxi to the Coconut Village and organise it yourself. The traditional Vietnamese basket boats are circular boats that take you through Bay Mau Coconut Forest.

There’s a chance to hop in a spinning boat if you want a wilder ride or you can just enjoy the scenic views! There are some fun stands along the way, including karaoke, live music and someone casting fishing nets. Yes, it’s very touristy, but it’s one of those tourist activities that’s actually fun!

Other things we enjoyed in Hoi An included visits to the temples, lots of shopping (great market here and plenty of souvenir shops too), night strolls along the river looking at all the lanterns, top food and drink including a few cocktails by the river. Hoi An is such a wonderful place, I’d recommend several days in the old town so you can enjoy multiple experiences.

Da Nang is a built-up city on the central coast of Vietnam. It’s home to skyscrapers and modern businesses, as well as a long sandy beach, historical sites and unique natural wonders. There are some interesting attractions within a drive of Da Nang too. If you’re remotely short on time, I’d skip Da Nang. In my opinion, it’s the least exciting place on this itinerary. However, if you’ve got a bit of room in the itinerary, I think there are a few places worth visiting.

Visit My Khe Beach

We love beach cities! It’s great to have the option of vibrant city life and chilled out beach time side by side. My Khe Beach is a pristine stretch of white sand along the coastline of Da Nang. It’s known for being one of the most beautiful beaches in Vietnam. There’s a promenade along much of it, and a scattering of beach bars selling cocktails, smoothies and food.

Take a trip to the Marble Mountains

This was my favourite thing to do in Da Nang and something I’d add to your 3-week Vietnam itinerary. The Marble Mountains are a cluster of five limestone and marble hills. When you visit you can catch a lift to the start point and explore several caves and pagodas, all while admiring the natural beauty all around.

Some of the caves are pretty cramped and require a few clambering skills (something I wished we hadn’t attempted with a baby strapped to us!). There’s a main viewpoint which offers amazing panoramas of the landscapes. It’s a unique place to visit in Vietnam. You could also visit from Hoi An if you had a bit of extra time there.

See the Dragon Bridge show

If you’re visiting Da Nang on a Friday or Saturday, then don’t miss the Dragon Bridge show! This unusual bridge across the Han River is in the shape of a dragon and is illuminated in the evenings.

Then at 9pm on Friday and Saturday nights it hosts a unique fire and water show. Large flames erupt from the dragon’s mouth, followed by huge sprays of water! It’s pretty bizarre, but it feels like a large event! So many people turned out when we went, and there was a vibrant night market nearby so you could really make an evening of it.

Visit Linh Ung Pagoda

We had a bit of unsettled weather in Da Nang, so one day we took a taxi ride up to Linh Ung Pagoda. This pagoda is up on a hill and is something you’ll spot from miles away.

Here you can see Lady Buddha, the tallest Buddha statue in Vietnam at a height of 67m. It was a very impressive and peaceful place. We also went inside the pagoda, explored the gardens and enjoyed panoramic views over the coast of Da Nang.

Visit Asia Park theme park

We ran out of time for this, but we were tempted to book a day ticket to Asia Park. This theme park is located in Da Nang city centre. It’s home to several rollercoasters and big rides, some fun kids’ attractions, as well as the huge Sun Wheel – a 115m tall Ferris wheel.

Explore the Ba Na Hills and see the Golden Bridge

Have you seen the photos of the amazing Golden Bridge in Vietnam which is supported by giant hands? It’s an incredible sight, isn’tit? It’s located in Ba Na Hills, a little way from Da Nang. It’s actually part of a mountain resort complex owned by the Sun World Group. That means you’ll need to buy a ticket to enter, and spend a day at the resort.

I’ve heard mixed reports about visiting the bridge. It can be really crowded and many say it’s not worth the hype. It was a little too far to travel on this trip with our son, but it was somewhere we’d seen the photos of and hoped to visit! I wouldn’t say it’s a must if you’re spending 3-weeks in Vietnam, but if you have some days to play with, it’d make for some cool photos!

No doubt a trip to Halong Bay will already be on your 3-week Vietnam itinerary! It was definitely the highlight of our trip and my favourite destination we visited in Vietnam.

Located in north-eastern Vietnam, Halong Bay is a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its natural beauty. In this region, there are 1,600 limestone karsts and islets, all topped with lush vegetation. The most common way to explore this area is on a cruise.

I’ve written a blog all about our cruise experience on board the Emeraude Classic . It was absolutely amazing – I’d definitely recommend booking with the same company.

Most Halong Bay cruises run for 2 days / 1 night. It’s quite a quick itinerary, but it includes stops at Ti Top Island, Sung Sot Cave, the pearl farm and includes all meals and on-board activities. My detailed guide to Halong Bay cruises has lots of info about what to expect from your trip.

If you have longer, I’d recommend looking into 3 day cruises. We actually extended our trip in Halong Bay and spent one day on a private cruise. If you book the longer trip, you’ll get to see more of Ha Long Bay’s most beautiful spots, without big crowds. On our extra day we went on a rowing boat through a cave and emerged in an emerald green lake, ventured inside an abandoned cave, and even kayaked to a secret beach! All of these moments were extra special because we didn’t have hordes of tourists nearby!

Halong Bay really is an incredible destination and an absolute must for your 3-week Vietnam itinerary. Sailing past the islands, spotting pristine beaches, seeing the sunset and sunrise in this magical place – they’re all experiences I’ll never forget.

In terms of getting to Halong Bay, we caught a short flight from Da Nang to Haiphong. From Haiphong it’s under an hour to Tuan Chau Marina, from where the Halong Bay cruises depart. We wrote one day off as a travel day, and stayed at Paradise Suites Hotel (a very smart, yet cheap hotel right in the marina) the night before our cruise. This felt a lot more manageable than trying to get from Da Nang to Halong Bay by lunchtime.

Once we returned from our Halong Bay cruise, we caught a bus to Hanoi, which took around 3-hours. Hanoi is the capital city of Vietnam and after visiting the other places I’ve recommended, wow did it feel big!

Crossing the road in Hanoi is an adventure. On the busiest streets you’ll see rows and rows of scooters, slaloming in and out of traffic, while pedestrians attempt to slot in between them. At times it felt like there was a whisker between me and a speedy bike! Terrifying.

I didn’t warm to Hanoi instantly as it felt so hectic. I think having a small baby to protect made it feel even more stressful. However, after half a day of exploring, I started to really enjoy the city. I’d definitely include it in your itinerary, but you don’t need to spend days and days there.

We stayed at the Flower Garden Hotel , which was ideally located a short walk from the Old Quarter, but not in such a crazy / hectic part of the city. One of our favourite spots locally was Trúc Bạch Lake. They had swan pedalos on the lake, and lots of lovely bars and cafes dotted around the perimeter. It felt relatively peaceful.

If you’re looking for some activities to fill a few days in Hanoi, here’s what I’d recommend:

Explore Hanoi’s Old Quarter

My favourite area was Hanoi’s Old Quarter. This bustling area has narrow streets and traditional houses. It’s known for its lively markets, street food, and a mix of ancient and colonial architecture.

You’ll spot street vendors with mountains of colourful fruits and flowers for sale, and spot eateries with locals slurping warming bowls of pho. One of the prettiest spots is Hoan Kiem Lake, where you’ll the iconic Huc Bridge and Ngoc Son Temple.

Visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum

We took a walk to the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum to see where the embalmed body of Vietnam’s legendary leader is kept. This building is in a very grand square, with several guards marking it. After a quick security check, the square was free to enter, but it’s important to follow the dress code carefully.

As we visited in November, it wasn’t possible to see Ho Chi Minh’s embalmed body. Apparently it’s sent to Russia for cleaning and maintenance every October and November! However, I read that his well-preserved body is dressed in a khaki suit and he lies in state under a glass sarcophagus. Maybe I’ll catch him next time!

Go on a street food tour of Hanoi

If you didn’t go on a food tour in Hoi An, Hanoi is another excellent place to explore Vietnam’s cuisine. Some of the most popular dishes in the city include chicken and beef pho (noodle soup), pho cuon (fresh spring rolls with a thick outer layer), cha ca (turmeric fish), bun cha (grilled pork with noodles), banh mi (Vietnamese sandwich). You’ve simply got to try them!

See Hanoi’s famous Train Street

I wasn’t sure whether to recommend this or not. To be honest, it’s very overhyped and a little dangerous… but you might be curious about visiting (as were we!) This is a skinny street with train tracks running through the middle. It’s grown in popularity and is lined with cafes where tourists sit watching the trains hurtling through. It’s quite the sensory rush with the deafening thunder of the train on the tracks and the gusts as it passes!

There seemed to be a lot of politics over the policing of the street and there were various guards and bollards in place when we visited. There have been incidents of tourists wandering the tracks trying to snap selfies, and almost getting run over.

We couldn’t even work out how to get into any of the cafes, until a guy offered to show us to his. It all felt a bit dodgy, but soon enough we were perched on stools on the 1st floor, with a perfect view over the tracks (and at a safe distance too!) If you decide to see what the Train Street hype is about, be careful!

Other popular things to do in Hanoi include going to see a traditional water puppetry show, trying the many unique coffees in the city (egg coffee, coconut coffee, salted coffee to name a few), seeing a performance at the spectacular Hanoi Opera House and shopping in the city’s markets.

There are a few ways to travel from Hanoi to Sapa, but the most popular tourist route is the 8-hour overnight train. These usually leave Hanoi around 9 or 10pm and arrive in Sapa between 5-6am. These have cabins with beds and while it won’t be as comfy as a hotel, it’s all part of the fun of travelling around Vietnam!

Sapa has very different scenery to what you’ll have seen on your 3-week Vietnam trip so far! Located in the northern mountains of Vietnam, it’s a captivating destination known for its stunning landscapes, unique culture and epic outdoor adventures.

If you’re deciding what to do on your last few days in Vietnam, here are a few things you can’t miss.

Go hiking in Sapa

Sapa is renowned for its breath-taking natural beauty and the best way to see it is on foot. As you explore you’ll see terraced rice fields, lush green valleys, and towering mountain peaks. There are lots of places you could visit, but some of the most popular include Cat Cat Village, Lao Chai, and Ta Van. You might find it helpful to book a trekking guide or guided tour , so that you’re not worrying about navigating.

Visit one of Sapa’s waterfalls

Sapa is dotted with beautiful waterfalls and natural springs. Silver Waterfall (Thac Bac Waterfall) is 200m high waterfall and is absolutely spectacular. It’s located around 30 mins drive from the centre of Sapa. Meanwhile, to the west of the main town is Love Waterfall (Thac Think Yeu). This 10m high waterfall is also gorgeous, and you can swim in the natural pool by it.

There’s also Cat Cat Waterfall (Thac Tien Sa) located in the village of the same name. This one is just a few km from Sapa, so you can visit on foot if you fancy a walk!

I hope this 3-week Vietnam itinerary helps you with your trip planning. It’s such an amazing country, you could easily spend far longer there. Other places we didn’t visit, but I’d love to return to include Nha Trang (beach destination), Dalat (wine region), Phong Nha, (amazing caves) Hue (via the Hải Vân Pass), Ninh Binh and Tam Coc. We also barely saw Ho Chi Minh City on this trip as we were always using it as a hub to pass through. Could another trip be on the cards already?! Who knows!

Looking for other information about visiting Vietnam, check out these posts:

• Visiting Halong Bay With Kids: The Best Family Cruise Experience
• 10 Tips For Visiting Vietnam With A Baby
• What To Wear In Vietnam For Women And Men: Vietnam Packing Guide
• Review: Hoi An Food Tour: Vietnamese Street Food and Traditional Dishes

If you’ve enjoyed this post, how about pinning it for later…

Chloe Gunning

With a passion for food, fun and adventure, Chloe is the content creator behind one of the UK's top travel blogs Wanderlust Chloe. From volcano boarding in Nicaragua, to sailing around Sicily and eating her way around Japan, her travels have taken her to some of the coolest spots on the planet. Named Travel Influencer of the Year in 2022, Chloe regularly works with a number of tourism boards, producing inspirational travel content across multiple platforms. Find out more about Chloe here.

Leave a comment Cancel reply

Finding Alexx

| Bucket list adventures around the globe

Asia , Bucket list travel , Vietnam · March 22, 2020

Ultimate 3 week Vietnam itinerary

Planning a trip to Vietnam? This is the ideal three week Vietnam itinerary to take you through the big cities, iconic countryside and beautiful beaches.

One of the questions I get asked the most is if I have a favourite country. The answer is no, I have many, but Vietnam is absolutely up there (along with Italy , Turkey and Iceland if you were wondering!).

For week #32 of my 52 in 52 trip I headed to Vietnam at the end of February 2020, and thanks to Covid cancelling three of my flights I extended a 10 days in Vietnam to a 3 week Vietnam itinerary instead. There are worse places to be stuck!

YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE: FAQs about my 52 countries in 52 weeks trip

I managed to see, do and eat a lot during my three weeks in Vietnam.

I began in Hanoi and ended in Ho Chi Minh City, and in between I squeezed in a Ha Long Bay cruise, rode a bike through rice fields, savoured local eats on three food tours, took a boat ride down the Mekong, fell in love with Hoi An, traversed the Hai Van Pass by Soviet army jeep, and had some downtime on Vietnam’s paradise island, Phu Quoc.

Hectic? Sure. Unforgettable? Definitely.

Here’s my detailed travel guide on the ultimate 3 week Vietnam itinerary, including the must-sees, must-dos and must-eats, plus how to get from A to B, where to stay, and everything you need to know before you visit Vietnam.

An overview of the ideal 3 week Vietnam itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Hanoi Day 2: Full day in Hanoi Day 3: Hanoi > Ha Long Bay Day 4: Full day Ha Long Bay Day 5: Ha Long Bay > Hanoi Day 6: Hanoi > Tam Coc Day 7: Full day in Tam Coc, night train to Hue Day 8: Full day in Hue Day 9: Hai Van Pass jeep tour to Hoi An Day 10: Full day in Hoi An Day 11: Full day in Hoi An Day 12: Full day in Hoi An Day 13: Hoi An > Ba Na Hills > Da Nang Day 14: Full day in Da Nang Day 15: Da Nang > Phu Quoc Day 16: Full day in Phu Quoc Day 17: Full day in Phu Quoc Day 18: Phu Quoc > Ho Chi Minh City Day 19: Full day in Ho Chi Minh City Day 20: Mekong Delta day trip Day 21: Depart Ho Chi Minh City

If you want to book a customised tour in Vietnam, Travel Sense Asia can tailor the perfect trip for you!

How to get around Vietnam

My trip included a mix of literally every transport mode I can think of! Trains, buses, boats, private transfers, motorbike, pushbike, a domestic flight out to the islands, and even a Soviet jeep and a canoe down the Mekong.

Grab operates in most cities and is a budget-friendly way of getting around, you can choose Grab Taxi or Grab Bike if you’re a confident passenger.

To get between cities/towns you will probably be able to find a bus that runs the route you need for a decent price, and there are some trains between major cities too (although typically more expensive than buses). If you’re going from one end of the country to the other and are low on time, internal flights aren’t the cheapest option but can definitely save you time.

There are also a bunch of tour options to explore Vietnam if you’d prefer to leave the logistics to someone else. Check out Contiki if you’re aged 18-35 and want to experience social group travel, or G Adventures and Intrepid Travel both offer small group adventures with a bit more of a culture focus than Contiki. For a Vietnam travel experience totally tailored to your travel style, chat to the local experts at Travel Sense Asia who can pull together your perfect trip.

My detailed 3 week Vietnam itinerary

Days 1-2: hanoi.

About Hanoi

Vietnam’s capital city is a busy but well-preserved mix of French and Chinese influences, where Parisian-style cathedrals sit amongst ancient pagodas and authentic noodle stalls. While Hanoi is an easy gateway to Halong Bay, Sapa in the north and the lush countryside of Ninh Binh, it’s also well worth a couple of days of exploring itself if you’ve got three weeks in Vietnam.

How to get from Hanoi airport to the Old Quarter

Once you land in Hanoi for your Vietnam trip, you’ve got a couple of options to get to your hotel.

There’s a super cheap public bus express to the city, bus #86, it costs 35,000 VND (£1.17) and drops you off at Long Bien bus station, which is about 1.5km from the Old Quarter. The trip takes about 45-50 minutes depending on traffic.

Airlines also have shuttle buses which drop passengers at various stops around the Old Quarter, and tickets are 40,000 VND (£1.35). Check with your airline to see if this is something they offer and to check their stops.

If you prefer a private transfer, you can book one through Klook or through GetYourGuide. The price depends on where you’re staying and the size of the car you require, but I paid 300,000 VND (£10) to get dropped off at my hostel near Beer Street in the middle of the Old Quarter.

There’s also Grab in Hanoi, you’ll need to have the app already or sign up with a Vietnamese phone number and you can book a GrabCar to pick you up from the airport for a slightly cheaper fare than a taxi.

PRO-TIP: If I’m travelling somewhere cheap like Southeast Asia or Eastern Europe, I’ll usually book a private airport transfer to make my arrival super simple. You might pay ten times the price of a public bus, but it’ll probably still cost you less than £10! For immediate pick up, direct drop off, no need to lug your suitcases down busy tourist streets, I reckon it’s worth it. You can book airport transfers for hundreds of different cities right here on Klook .

Some of my favourite things to do in Hanoi

With a half day when you arrive and a full day on day two of your Vietnam adventure, there’s plenty of time to pick a number of Hanoi’s top attractions and experiences.

• Do a food tour around Hanoi’s Old Quarter
• Visit Hanoi’s night market
• Wander around Hoan Kiem Lake
• Visit Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum
• Indulge in cheap food and drinks on beer street
• Do a motorbike tour around Hanoi’s best photo spots
• Or jump on a rural Hanoi motorbike tour to explore beyond the city
• Try some authentic egg coffee from Café Dinh
• Explore the city’s streets by cyclo
• Try a local cooking class
• See the Tran Quoc Pagoda and One Pillar Pagoda
• Get a massage, there are plenty of beauty spas in town with 60 minute massages from just £6

Want to know how to get around the whole of Vietnam? Book your transportation with Bookaway .

Where to stay in Hanoi

Accommodation is one of the biggest costs for any trip, so when I find an amazing country that’s cheap to stay in it’s a real game-changer! Vietnam is so cheap, with dorm rooms available for as low as £3 a night and four star hotels from only £20. The accommodation in my 3 week Vietnam itinerary was cheaper than one week in most places I’ve visited!

Budget | I stayed at Senco Female Hostel which was cheap (£3.50 a night) and basic but super central. Other hostels with great ratings are Old Quarter View Hostel , Little Charm Hostel , and Vietnam Backpackers Hostel Original which is a chain you’ll find in most major cities.

Mid-range | For hotels, check out Babylon Premium Hotel or Grande Collection Hotel for gorgeous rooms for under £30

Luxury | You could ‘splurge’ on a room at the luxurious Peridot Grand Hotel , complete with rooftop pool, from only £60 a night

YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE: A huge list of all the best places I’ve stayed around the world

Days 3-5: Halong Bay two night cruise (or similar)

How to get to Halong Bay from Hanoi

Most Halong Bay cruise companies offer a transfer service to and from Hanoi, but if you’re extending your Hanoi visit or prefer an alternative transport option you could choose a private driver, shared transfer, train or tourist bus.

A private driver is helpful if you have specific times you need to travel, or if there’s a few of you and you can share costs. The drive is about 170km and it’ll take three hours in a private car without a stop, you can book one here from £56 for three people.

There’s loads of shared transfers available, from £4 for big bus transfers or £8 per person for an air-conditioned minibus .

If you’re trying to see how far your money can stretch, there’s a train from only £2.50 but it’s a long journey at almost seven hours. Not worth a saving of £1.50 in my opinion haha but if you’re up for some serious budget travelling, you can book Halong Bay train tickets online here .

YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE: 15 carry on essentials for long haul flights

About Halong Bay

Halong Bay is one of Vietnam’s icons, and for good reason. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of the most stunning places in the world on a good day! With jagged limestone karsts dotted around turquoise waters, I wouldn’t be surprised if photos from this paradise are what put Vietnam on your bucket list in the first place.

READ MORE: Is Halong Bay worth it? An honest review of my Halong Bay cruise

How to choose a Halong Bay cruise

Halong Bay is easy to get to from Hanoi by day trip, overnight trip or two or more nights, or you can jump on a day or multiple day cruise from Halong City.

I would highly advise against a day trip from Hanoi as it’s a long drive (2.5-3.5 hours each way depending on traffic) and you won’t have time to venture too far into the bay. If you’re super tight on time and really want to see it then a day trip is still worth it, but you’ll be incredibly rushed.

I decided to go for this two night cruise from Hanoi , it was with Phoenix Cruises and I booked it on the Klook app.

The boat was decent and comfortable enough but there were some small issues, like broken WiFi (tough as I was meant to be working!) and my shower door wouldn’t close so I had to flood the bathroom twice a day. I’ve heard pretty similar things about a lot of Halong Bay boats though so I don’t think the standard is particularly high unless you’re going for an ultra fancy luxury cruise like this one .

We left early on the first morning to arrive on the boat just after midday, then had a full day in the bay in the middle, and left midday on the third day to arrive back in Hanoi around 5pm.

Having a full boat day on day two meant we could go deeper into Halong Bay and escape the main island stops for the day trips, which was brilliant. We had caves, bays and islands completely to ourselves, compared to the first and third days where we were one of probably 10-20 boats at every single island stop.

If you’re heading to Halong Bay, I’d absolutely recommend a two night cruise (rather than a day trip or overnight) to help avoid the crowds, but before you lock anything in, here’s some real talk…

Real talk about Halong Bay

I’m sure this might shock you considering what you’ve seen and heard, and if you’ve been there before yourself you might disagree with me completely but… in my opinion, visiting Halong Bay was overrated . There, I said it.

I still think the landscapes are mind-blowing and I don’t regret going, but my Halong Bay experience was dampened (literally) by wet and cold weather, tourists behaving badly and an upsetting amount of floating rubbish.

In terms of weather, Halong Bay isn’t particularly rain-friendly and I have no doubt I would’ve loved it if we had some sun and warmth!

Unfortunately the rain meant we were soaked in our kayaks and then spent a whole day in wet clothes aboard a day boat before we returned to our actual boat and cabins in the late afternoon. It also meant we couldn’t make use of the ‘sun’ terrace on the upper deck, and instead stayed in our own cabins.

Aside from Mother Nature being a bit tough on us, the impact of tourism on the bay really, really got to me. Overtourism is a major aspect of responsible travel and if I’m honest, once I got there I was actually angry at myself for being part of the problem.

The stops for the day/overnight tours are absolutely teeming with people, tour guides with microphones are yelling at the top of their lungs in all different languages as people push past trying to rejoin their tour after stopping for photo, rubbish bins are overflowing, wild monkeys are being fed chocolate bars and chips in plastic packets, and there’s trails of litter left in the bay when a big boat leaves.

I don’t want to be a Debbie Downer over here but I just want to share my honest experience, as always, so you can get a full idea of what to expect.

Alternatives to Halong Bay

The good news is that there are other options!

In this instance I was told that Cat Ba Island and Bai Tu Long Bay are fantastic alternatives to Halong Bay, with the same jaw-dropping landscapes and far less people, but I’m embarrassed to say FOMO got to me and I couldn’t bring myself to visit Vietnam without seeing Halong Bay in the flesh.

Now that I’ve seen it, I can honestly say I should’ve visited Cat Ba or Bai Tu Long Bay instead, so I’d really recommend you consider this too. There are also cruises that visit both Halong Bay and Cat Ba Island so perhaps look into that if you want the best of both worlds.

What to bring to Halong Bay

• Togs/swimsuit
• Clothes to hike in
• Shoes that are suitable for caves/rocks
• Warm clothes in case it’s cold (it was when I went in February), preferably clothes that are quick to dry
• A rainjacket or poncho
• A GoPro if you have one
• Snacks if you tend to get hungry between meals (meals are huge though!)
• A Lifestraw , water purifying tablets or filtered bottle if you want to be able to drink tap water (do NOT drink it otherwise)

Days 6-7: Tam Coc

About tam coc.

Tam Coc was an absolute treat after Halong Bay didn’t quite live up to my (admittedly very high) standards, and it’s only a couple of hours’ drive from Hanoi.

I hadn’t even heard of Tam Coc before planning my own trip, and it ended up being one of the highlights of my three weeks in Vietnam! The town of Tam Coc is a part of the Ninh Binh province, Ninh Binh town is a 15-20 minute drive from Tam Coc.

Ninh Binh province is known as the Halong Bay on land, and for good reason. With dramatic cliffs towering over endless green rice paddies and little row boats floating down winding rivers, it looks a lot like Halong Bay with less water and more grass. And less people!

How to get from Hanoi to Ninh Binh or Tam Coc

The trip from Hanoi to Ninh Binh will take you two to three hours, and you can go by bus, train or transfer.

Most hostels and hotels will be able to book a bus for you which includes hotel pick up, and it should cost between 200,000-250,000 VND (£6.70-£8.40). You can catch the bus to Ninh Binh or Tam Coc.

There’s also direct trains from Hanoi to Ninh Binh Station which will cost around 120,000 VND (£4) but you’ll need to pay for a local taxi to Tam Coc if you’re staying there (probably another 80,000-100,000 VND making it the same price as a bus). If you do choose a local taxi, always use Mai Linh Taxis and ask for the meter.

You can get a cheap shared transfer from Hanoi to Ninh Binh or Hanoi to Tam Coc from only £4.75, or a private transfer starts at £51 for up to three people.

YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE: The ultimate travel guide for 3 days in Dubai

How to get around Tam Coc

Grab is available in the Ninh Binh province so you’ll be able to book motorbikes and cars on that, or you can flag a taxi on the street, rent a bicycle, hire a scooter or book a motorbike to drive you around.

Most hostels and hotels have bike rental available (or some even have them for free) and they can easily help you find a motorbike for rent or a motorbike driver for the day. The father at my homestay took me around on his bike for six hours and charged me 300,000VND as a ballpark price, I probably could’ve got it lower but I didn’t want to barter with him as it was a brilliant trip!

Things to do in Tam Coc

• A boat trip around Trang An. Tam Coc has its own boat trips but Trang An is better organised, and the Tam Coc boats are known for being quite scammy. The views are STUNNING, one of my Vietnam highlights.
• Hike up Mua Caves to the dragon on the rocks
• Visit Bich Dong Pagoda
• Get a guided tour around Hoa Lu Ancient Capital
• Wander around the Bai Dinh temple complex
• Jump on a bike and explore the rice fields

Where to stay in Tam Coc

I split my three days in Tam Coc between a lush resort and a homestay, which is one of my favourite ways to travel! Your money goes further, and you get to experience a bit of luxury in one place and a cheap but comfortable stay in the other.

Luxury | My first night in Tam Coc I spent at the absolutely incredible Tam Coc Garden Resort . This is the type of place that would cost hundreds of pounds a night in other countries, but prices start at only £115 ($230 NZD) a night. It’s an authentic Vietnamese experience taken to the next level with an incredible location in the middle of the rice paddies, excellent staff, a brilliant food menu and gorgeous rooms and facilities. One of my all-time faves!

Budget | I spent my second night at Phi Hung’s Unique Homestay , run by a beautiful local family right in the middle of Tam Coc town. I paid £10 ($20 NZD) for a double room and it was ideal for a cheap night.

Hue is a hot spot for Imperial Vietnamese architecture and history, and was one of the country’s royal capitals in the 19th and 20th centuries.

Unfortunately my full day in Hue was totally rained out so I didn’t have the chance to see much, but I’ve heard rave reviews from history buffs.

How to get from Ninh Binh to Hue

The best way to get from Ninh Binh to Hue is the night train. There are two night train options and they take between 11.5 and 12.5 hours.

The Reunification Express Trains are the cheapest option, with hard seats starting from £22, soft seats from £26 or you can get a lie-down bed from £33. These trains are quite basic and have lower ratings so don’t expect anything fancy, you can book online here .

I chose to go with Lotus Train , the deluxe option for the Ninh Binh to Hue night train. We left at 10.20pm and arrived in Hue at 9.30am, and my comfy bed in a 4-berth cabin costs £47 and includes a breakfast pack.

You can book Lotus Train tickets online here , or you can get 20% off your ticket if you book direct with them on WhatsApp at +84868060269 and tell them the promocode FINDINGALEXX .

Things to do in Hue

• Take a cruise down the Perfume River in one of the brightly-painted boats
• Visit the abandoned water park
• Do a street food tour (broken record I know, I just LOVE food)
• Visit the Thanh Toan rural village
• Watch a stunning sunset at Tam Giang Lagoon
• Explore the vast Imperial Citadel
• See Thien Mu Pagoda
• Take a paper flower-making class
• Find some unique souvenirs at the Hope Centre, a project selling handicrafts made by disadvantaged locals

Where to stay in Hue

Homestay | Sahi Homestay Retreat is one of the nicest homestays I’ve ever visited. It’s only a few months old (as of writing in March 2020), the design is minimalistic and almost Scandinavian, there’s a pool and the food at the homestay is all vegetarian and healthy. It felt like a mix between Denmark and Bali!

Budget | There are hostel dorms available from £6 per night or private rooms from around £25 a night, for a super social hostel check out Freedom Hostel .

Luxury | For a slightly fancier option, Hotel La Perle has excellent reviews.

Day 9: Hai Van Pass from Hue to Hoi An

The Hai Van Pass is a 20km highway that winds through the mountains between Hue and Da Nang, offering unparalleled views down the valleys and across the ocean.

To make the journey over Hai Van Pass you can get a private transfer, a jeep tour or a motorcycle tour, or you could rent a motorbike yourself to make the trip.

I opted for a jeep tour in a Soviet-era army jeep with the legends at Roadtrippers . The $65USD price included hotel pick-up and drop-off and a full 6 hour road trip with photo stops, a local lunch, an English-speaking guide and drinking water.

Important note: Due to the pandemic and travel restrictions, as of August 2022 lots of Vietnam suppliers are still not running their usual tours, including Roadtrippers. You can still do motorbike tours of Hai Van Pass but the only ones available at the moment are return trips, not one way, so you’d need to book a motorbike tour from Hoi An or Da Nang for sightseeing but then book a separate private transfer to take your luggage one way. I’ll keep checking on this and update it when things change!

Unfortunately the February weather wasn’t ideal for us and we had a lot of rain, fog and mist, but we were #blessed with sun rays peeking through the clouds right as we reached the descent down Hai Van Pass.

The day was a lot of fun, our tour guide was hilarious, and I’ll absolutely do it again in better weather conditions to see it in all its glory.

YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE: The Ultimate Guide to Solo Female Travel

Traversing the Hai Van Pass by motorbike is another traveller favourite, but please be careful if this is what you choose. The pass is very windy and it’s full of (other) tourists who might not be experienced riders, as well as local trucks. Rent a bike or book a motorbike tour with a reputable company, and make sure your travel insurance covers you for whatever size bike you choose.

There’s also a train available but the train only gets about 10 minutes’ worth of views of the pass and there are obviously no photo stops. But it’s still better than a bus if you’re on a budget!

Days 10-12: Hoi An

About hoi an.

Ahhh one of my favourite places in the world! I’m already planning my return to this charming little town, for much longer next time. Hoi An is my number one must do for any 3 week Vietnam itinerary, you just can’t miss it.

Hoi An’s Ancient Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and it’s home to colourful buildings from various different eras. There are Chinese temples, Japaneses houses, French restaurants and plenty of local Vietnamese influence too. Outside of the Old Town it’s just a short trip to lush rice paddies or golden beaches.

And if you need to spruce up your suitcase, there’s no better place to do it because Hoi An is the tailoring capital of the world!

Things to do in Hoi An

• Get an outfit (or five) fully tailored to you! I went in wanting one pair of black shorts and left Hoi An with seven items. I had a brilliant experience with Elisa at Yaly Couture’s Nguyen Thai Hoc branch (they have three shops) where I bought five items for $130USD, and I also tried a cheaper option in the Cloth Market, Mrs An at Shop 90, who created two beautiful (but lower quality) pieces for $20USD each.
• Rent a bike and explore on two wheels
• See the incredible Hoi An Lantern Festival in the flesh, which happens every full moon
• Take a quick cruise down the river at night to see the city lit up by lanterns
• Make your own lantern to take home
• Learn to cook local dishes with a cooking class that includes a bamboo boat ride too!
• Visit Tra Que vegetable village
• Do a photography tour around the most interesting parts of the city
• Chill out on An Bang beach
• Head to the Cham Islands for a day or overnight trip
• Eat everything. I recommend Morning Glory, Cargo Club for brunch, Bahn Mi Phuong, Ba Dam Vegetarian,
• Visit the Central Market at sunrise to get a glimpse of local Hoi An residents going about their morning routine
• Try a street food tour at the Night Market

Where to stay in Hoi An

Budget | Check out Hai Long Homestay , Happy Town Hoi An and Lazy Bear Hostel for cheap and cheerful accommodation.

Mid-range | I spent my time in Hoi An staying at the Triple Riverside Villa , a new hotel right on Thu Bon River boasting comfy rooms, an outdoor pool and tropical vibes. There’s free bikes for guests so you can explore the city while getting some exercise, and the pool is a god-send after cycling around in Hoi An’s infamous humidity.

Luxury | There are some incredible five-star hotels in town offering amazing value, like La Siesta , Almanity , An Nhien Boutique Villa and Allegro .

READ MORE: A full review of TRIPLE Riverside Villa in Hoi An

Day 13: Ba Na Hills

About ba na hills.

I’m going to be honest here, Sun World Ba Na Hills was one of the strangest places I’ve ever been. It’s an amusement park/hotel complex/tourist attraction… 1500m above sea level… themed like a French village… SUPER weird.

You may have seen photos of Ba Na Hills’ famous Golden Hands Bridge doing the rounds on Instagram recently, which is what catapulted Sun World onto bucket lists of travellers all over the globe.

The theme park was already a hit with local and other Asian tourists, particularly South Koreans judging by the Korean signs and restaurant menus, but the bridge going viral has meant a sharp increase of other internationals coming to Sun World for the ‘Gram.

What is there to do at Ba Na Hills?

Aside from the bridge (which is actually really impressive and worth a visit), there’s an indoor fun park with arcade games and a few carnival-esque rides included in your ticket, two alpine coasters with next level views, a few colourful pagodas, insane views of the rugged mountain range, and architecture that could literally make you think you were strolling down cobble-stoned alleys in 19th century France.

Is Ba Na Hills worth a visit?

It’s definitely a tourist attraction so if you hate crowds and gimmicks then this isn’t the place for you, but if you’re a fan of rides or love soaking up amazing views, then you’ll probably love it. I unexpectedly had a great time!

Just note that at 1500m above sea level, the weather is significantly colder than on ground. I went at the end of February and was wearing jeans, a jumper and a puffer jacket, and wouldn’t have minded having a scarf too.

How to get to Ba Na Hills

Ba Na Hills is an easy day trip from Da Nang (45 minute drive, book transfers here ) or also doable from Hoi An (two hour drive).

There’s free luggage storage available at the entrance to the park so you could do it on your way between Hoi An and Da Nang too.

Day 14: Da Nang

About da nang.

Smack bang half-way down Vietnam’s coast is Da Nang, an emerging city booming with recent foreign investment. While the charm and authenticity of other stops on this itinerary definitely overshadow the resort strips and neon-lit streets in Da Nang, there’s still enough to do, see and eat to fill a day of exploring or relaxing.

Note : If you’d prefer to make the most of your time and skip Da Nang, you could take a day trip, book a flight for the evening after Ba Na Hills and head straight to Phu Quoc instead, or push the itinerary back a day and have an extra full day in Hoi An or somewhere up north.

Things to do in Da Nang

• Ride through the city at night with this evening food tour on a motorbike
• Visit the pastel pink Da Nang Cathedral
• Learn from the pros with a cooking class at the Grand Mercure
• Go trekking in Bach Ma National Park
• Get amongst the buzzing nightlife scene
• Hit the waves and rent a surfboard
• Or sign up for a surfing lesson
• Take a day trip to Marble Mountain
• See the famous Dragon Bridge
• Watch a traditional performance of Vietnamese dance, music and folk tales
• Soak your worries away at Nui Than Tai hot springs
• Jump on a cruise down Han River
• See the intricate detail of Cao Dai Buddhist Temple
• Sip a yoghurt coffee at Cong Caphe

Where to stay in Da Nang

Budget | POSIKI , Delistay and Secret Garden are highly-rated hostels, or Bao Tran Homestay , Hang Grand and Homestay Halley are great for cheap private rooms.

Mid-range | I spent my night in Da Nang at TRIPLE Apartments. They have two locations, I stayed at the Ngo Thi Sy apartment which was basic but spacious and everything you need for a comfy stay, and their Khue My Dong location looks super funky.

Luxury | Melia Vinpearl Danang Waterfront has stunning views, TMS Hotel has an epic infinity pool, and Sel de Mer is another top-rated luxury hotel.

READ MORE: A full review of TRIPLE Apartments Da Nang

Days 15-17: Phu Quoc

About Phu Quoc

Another place I’d never heard about before planning my own 3 week Vietnam itinerary, Phu Quoc island is actual paradise just off the bottom coast of the country. With beach bungalows, tropical jungle, white sand beaches and crystal clear water, you’d think that the prices would be massively inflated just like other island getaways, right? WRONG!

Phu Quoc is one of Asia’s best-kept secrets, and it’s a brilliant (and budget-friendly) alternative to Langkawi, Koh Samui or even the Maldives. This is a big call but I’m putting it out there: I reckon this idyllic island is the best value island on the planet.

Things to do in Phu Quoc

• Relaaaaaxxxx. You’ve had almost three crazy weeks of exploring this beautiful country, now this is the perfect time to slow down!
• Go scuba diving
• Take a day trip around the nearby An Thoi islands
• Jump on the world’s longest cable car
• Spend a night in an overwater bungalow for a fraction of what you’d expect to pay
• Visit the postcard-perfect Sao Beach
• See (don’t touch) hundreds of starfish at Starfish Beach
• Hike through Phu Quoc National Park
• Get a glimpse into the Vietnamese War with a trip to Phu Quoc Prison, where they held Northern Vietnamese soldiers
• Taste test local cuisine at Dinh Cau Night Market
• Take a tour through a pepper farm or fish sauce factory
• Sip cocktails at Rory’s Beach Bar
• Visit Ham Ninh fishing village
• Try cocktails tailored to your preferences at Bittersweet Cocktail Bar

Where to stay in Phu Quoc

One of the reasons why I love Phu Quoc so much is because you get insane value for money.

Budget | If you’re on a budget, I can’t recommend anywhere more than Lana Land Homestay . I spent four days staying at Lana’s and basically had to be dragged away when I left!

The homestay has dorm rooms plus private rooms with en suites, there are laundry and kitchen facilities, and it’s a ten minute walk from the beach. Lana is super friendly and also holds family dinners and other social gatherings so it’s perfect for solo travellers and budget backpackers.

Mid-range | For couples, families or solo travellers with a bit more to spend, take a look at Phu Quoc Valley Sen Bungalows . With cute wooden huts, a huge swimming pool and a buggy to and from the beach and main restaurant area, this is the ideal spot for a Vietnamese island holiday.

Luxury | And if you want to live like a queen for a night or two, without breaking the bank, you have to spend some time at Naomi Resort’s surprisingly reasonable overwater bungalows, from only £50/$100NZD per night. That’s the cheapest overwater bungalow I’ve ever found online!

YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE: How I can afford to stay at world-class hotels without blowing my budget

Days 18-20: Ho Chi Minh City

About ho chi minh city.

One of the most chaotic cities I’ve ever visited, Ho Chi Minh City is not for the faint-hearted. It’s home to a never-ending pulse of bustling markets, neon-lit shopping streets and a thriving food scene, with plenty of historical and cultural must-sees and dos to fill up any tourist’s itinerary.

Things to do in Ho Chi Minh City

• Learn all about the Vietnam War with a visit to the Cu Chi Tunnels
• Hit one of the many markets the city has to offer, or do a market tour around a few of them
• Take a cruise down the river
• Explore Chinatown
• Go on a craft beer tasting tour
• See a different side of the city with this Haunted Saigon motorbike tour
• Dine in the dark at Noir , where you’re served food by blind waiters in the pitch black
• Visit Noir’s sister restaurant, Blanc , and order your dinner using sign language
• Get a massage
• Even better, get a massage at Noir Spa , where the masseuses are all blind (the best massage I’ve ever had in my life, hands down)
• Visit the sobering War Remnants Museum
• Shop for a bargain at Ben Thanh Market
• Take a cooking class
• See the view of the city from Saigon Skydeck
• Watch a circus or theatre show at the Saigon Opera House
• See the city by cyclo
• Do a day trip or overnight trip down the Mekong Delta
• Visit Can Gio Mangrove Forest

Where to stay in Ho Chi Minh City

Where I stayed | I spent my time in Ho Chi Minh City staying at a quaint little guest house called Rest House Pink Church , in District 1. This place was an absolute haven from the craziness of the city, yet only a short walk from Tan Dinh Market, my WeWork office and lots of shopping, eating and sightseeing spots. It’s cheap, the bed is the best I’ve ever slept in (no joke), and they had two kittens! Win, win, win.

Budget | If you’re looking for a super cheap option then check out Saigon Fantastic Hotel with beds from only £3/$6NZD, or for a brilliant value fancy stay, you can’t go past Grand Hotel Saigon .

Long-term | If you’re staying in HCMC long-term, it’s also worth considering renting an apartment.  RentPro HCMC  have a variety of monthly rental apartments in District 2 and Binh Thanh District aimed at long-term travellers and digital nomads.

Luxury | Sherwood Suites , Hotel Des Arts and Mai House are all luxurious hotels that are still affordable, or if you want to finish your three week Vietnam trip off with a bang then Mia Saigon and the Reverie are fantastic options for a truly opulent stay.

Day 21: Depart Ho Chi Minh City

You’re Vietnam adventure is over for now! Grab is the cheapest way to get to the airport but if you prefer to lock in a transfer then you can book one here on Klook .

Other places to add or swap in to your 3 week Vietnam itinerary

There are enough incredible places to see and things to do in Vietnam to fill a three month itinerary, so if you’re only going over for three weeks like I did then you’ll have to prioritise your destinations. I was really happy with how my Vietnamese adventure turned out but there are a few places I didn’t make it to which are on the list for my next trip to Vietnam.

This mountainous nirvana in Northern Vietnam is an absolute hit with hikers, and it best known as the gateway to many treks to and through the hilltribe villages hidden amongst the valleys and peaks.

Ideal for active adventurers or culture buffs to tack on from Hanoi, perhaps instead of Halong Bay if you prefer people and history over being on the water.

Pristine white sand, bright blue water and silver skyscrapers adorn camera rolls of Nha Trang’s millions of tourists each year. It’s a resort town with plenty of oceanfront accommodation and activities for sun lovers of all ages.

Nha Trang is almost half way between Ho Chi Minh City and Da Nang, so it was too awkward for me to add into my three week Vietnam itinerary, but could easily be subbed in if you’re spending more time in the south than the north.

Romantic enough to give Hoi An a run for its money, Da Lat’s European charm and bright flower gardens set it apart from other tourist hot spots. Stay in a French colonial homestay, sip delicious local brews from funky cafés or get your heart rate up with some white water rafting, rock climbing or paragliding.

This Unesco World Heritage Site is one place I really wished I had time for on my trip to Vietnam! Home to the oldest karst mountains in all of Asia, at a youthful 400 million years old, the Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park boasts endless cave systems and underground rivers for keen adventurers to explore.

With a train ride of less than four hours, Mui Ne’s proximity to Ho Chi Minh City has its pros and cons. Both domestic and international tourists bring in tourism dollars to the small coastal community, giving locals an opportunity to make money from something other than fishing, but the entire main stretch of the beach is dedicated to resorts.

If you can’t make it to Phu Quoc or Nha Trang, a Mui Ne beach break is a good option for seaside fun.

The final verdict on my three weeks in Vietnam

This is a big call for me, with 57 countries under my belt, but Vietnam is way up there.

The people are friendly and helpful, the food is one of my favourite Asian cuisines, and the value for money is near-unbeatable (right up there with India I’d say!).

At the very least, Vietnam is an essential addition to any South East Asia itinerary, and if you have the time, it’s worth spending at least two or three weeks in Vietnam, if not more.

I hope this blog has helped you plan your 3 week Vietnam itinerary! Let me know in the comments if you have any other questions or if you have any must-dos, must-sees or must-stays to add.

Looking for somewhere to stay during your three weeks in Vietnam? Check out all the hotels and apartments right here , and don’t forget to sort by ‘review score and price’ to see the best value options first.

Like this blog? Pin it!

Read more about my 52 in 52 adventure here , see all of my blog posts from the trip here , or check out my Instagram @findingalexx to see all of my travel photos.

All the basic details from my big 52 in 52 trip:

How do you find your flights? Skyscanner ! I use the Everywhere tool to find the cheapest place to fly to each Tuesday Do you fly every week? Not every week no, once I have the destination I check trains and buses to see if there’s any other transport options aside from flying. If so, I usually book these using the Trainline app. How do you book your accommodation? I book all my hotels, hostels and apartments on either booking.com or Hostelworld . Do you have travel insurance? YES, I always travel with travel insurance and you should too. I’m insured for an annual policy with Worldcare NZ . Do you offset your carbon credits? I sure do! I always offset when I book if the airline gives me the option (Ryanair does), and I also offset all my flights using Co2nsensus.com . What luggage do you travel with? I travel with a 75cm Samsonite Cosmolite suitcase , a matching Samsonite Cosmolite 55cm cabin luggage hardcase , and a cheap laptop backpack . What camera do you use? You can see the full list of what’s in my camera bag right here . What laptop do you use? I have a super portable HP Spectre x360 13.3″ laptop, which is an absolute dream to travel with. For more FAQs about my 52 in 52 trip, see this post .

Big thanks to the following companies for hosting me during my three weeks in Vietnam: Klook, Tam Coc Garden, Lotus Train, Sahi Homestay, Roadtrippers, Triple Riverside Villa, Rest House Pink Church and Lanaland Homestay. As always, all opinions are my own and are based on my personal experience.

You’ll Also Love

March 26, 2020 at 3:16 pm

I’m from Vietnam and glad that you’ve had such a nice trip to my home country 🙂 All the accommodations you stayed at look really comfortable, especially the one in Tam Coc. This is such a useful guide to anyone planning to visit Vietnam!

March 26, 2020 at 4:37 pm

What a beautiful country you’re from! Absolutely one of my faves, already excited to go back next time.

March 26, 2020 at 3:43 pm

I also loved Hoi An. I had a wonderful host in Da Nang who help me so much while I was there too. Da Nang’s a lovely little city.

March 26, 2020 at 4:36 pm

Vietnam is amazing isn’t it! I need to spend more time in Da Nang next time 🙂

March 26, 2020 at 7:44 pm

Oh wow, I never realized there was so much to do in Vietnam! Thanks for breaking down the itinerary into days! I’ve always wanted to visit Saigon since my older coworker would tell me stories about growing up there! After reading your post, I feel like I might like it the best!

March 27, 2020 at 2:15 pm

You’ve gotta add it to your wanderlist, well worth a visit! Hope you’re staying safe xx

March 27, 2020 at 5:41 am

What a fantastic post! I always fancied taking the train up Vietnam, but this itinerary looks fantastic too. I LOVE the look of the Hang Mua Caves and Tam Coc. It is a massive shame about Halong Bay, but to be honest, I don’t get too much FOMO when I know an area will be crammed full of tourists behaving badly!

p.s. I just found your blog, your 52 week adventure sounds amaaaazing! I am guessing it must have been partly scuppered by COVID-19. I hope you are doing okay wherever you are now!

March 27, 2020 at 3:34 pm

Thanks so much for your kind words 🙂 a Vietnam train adventure would be amazing too! At home with my parents, not where I expected to be until December haha but glad I’m somewhere safe. Hope you’re well!

March 28, 2020 at 8:54 pm

Ba Na Hills looks amazing! Really great post and lovely pictures!

March 29, 2020 at 1:58 am

Thanks so much, it’s a crazy place but definitely worth a visit!

March 29, 2020 at 11:04 am

I have never been to Vietnam but I have heard wonderful things! This just makes me want to go even more 🙂 Thank you!

March 30, 2020 at 11:36 am

Such an incredible country, you’ve got to visit after everything starts to get back to normal!

March 29, 2020 at 11:53 am

Love this guide! It makes me miss my time in Vietnam. I love egg coffee and the food tour is a great tip!

March 30, 2020 at 11:37 am

Egg coffee omggggg I miss it!

March 29, 2020 at 12:13 pm

Super informative post and looks like you saw a lot in 3 weeks. That hand bridge is just so cool! Saved this post for when I’m in Vietnam next year!

March 30, 2020 at 11:35 am

One of my favourite countries, I’m so excited for you to visit!

March 29, 2020 at 3:06 pm

Very similar to my itinerary, I’m glad you also went to Hue. We did but a lot of people skipped it. I also went to Ba Na Hills and other than the bridge had no idea what was up there so fake France was a bit of a surreal “what is happening?” moment for me

March 30, 2020 at 11:34 am

Haha Fake France was SO weird right, such an unusual place! Isn’t it such a beautiful country though!

March 29, 2020 at 3:09 pm

I’ve only been to a few cities in northern Vietnam but I’d love to go back and try out this itinerary! Looks like a lot of great places to visit ???? love your photos!

March 30, 2020 at 11:33 am

Thank you so much, I want to go back to see more of the north for sure!

March 29, 2020 at 3:24 pm

I was just in Vietnam a month ago and loved the country! Unfortunately I was unable to do a cruise at Ha Long because everything was shut down so I skipped the area but your photos make me want to go back and try again in the future! This is the perfect itinerary!

March 30, 2020 at 11:32 am

I must’ve just missed you, I was there last month too! Absolutely love it, I want to go back for longer next time and visit Sapa and more of the North 🙂

March 30, 2020 at 12:44 am

Anywhere that involves a food market, cooking classes and massages, COUNT ME IN! You must have really enjoyed your trips. -bookmarks-

All my favourite things too! Such a beautiful country for it!

April 22, 2020 at 6:32 am

Amazing places, beautiful pictures !!! Let’s hope the epidemic stops and we can travel again.

April 26, 2020 at 3:03 pm

Yes I hope so too!

September 21, 2021 at 12:52 am

Wonderful ! How much did the whole trip cost you?

January 13, 2022 at 9:37 pm

This is some great information. I have not been to vietnam but it is on the list to go to for sure. If you ever make it to Indonesia, Please look us up. We offer tours and boat trips and would love to show you around! We are at https://www.komodoislandtour.com/

March 10, 2022 at 7:26 pm

I have been wanting to visit Vietnam my entire life and Ho Chi Minh City is on my bucket list for sure. I saved your page for when I do. I am hoping covid restriction will be ok soon, so I can book a trip. You blog is highly valued information for people like me. ..so Thank you very much. I will follow up after I do the trip! Cheers!

April 8, 2022 at 6:56 pm

hi alexx. Wow this trip is amazing, really helpful for me especially cause i will visit vietnam real soon 🙂 thanks for sharing!

November 17, 2022 at 12:41 am

Nice thread, thx !

January 15, 2023 at 6:31 pm

Amazing write up! So much great information. Ay I ask how you travelled to and from Phu Quoc?

Thanks again!

January 16, 2023 at 4:11 am

I flew to and from Phu Quoc from Ho Chi Minh City, but I think there’s a bus/ferry combo you can take if you want to avoid flying 🙂

February 2, 2023 at 5:39 am

This was really helpful in planning our trip. We go in 8 weeks!

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

• SEE ALL BLOGS
• GET INSPIRED
• DESTINATIONS
• SOLO TRAVEL
• TRAVEL PLANNING
• BLOGGING RESOURCES

Join my email list

Subscribe to be the first to know about new blog posts, travel hacks, giveaways and more.

Finding Alexx is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.

• About Finding Alexx
• Work with me
• Privacy policy

Copyright © 2024 Finding Alexx

Vietnam Highlights: 3 Week Itinerary from South to North

Vietnam has it all: motorbike adventures, long beaches, historical towns, amazing food, and a diverse culture. It is a country where you can experience so much in so little time, but planning a trip to Vietnam can be daunting. Lucky for you, we’ve spent the last three years living and traveling in Vietnam, and we’ve created the best and most up-to-date itineraries! 

This is a three week itinerary in Vietnam complete with all the latest information to help you plan your trip. We’ve included the best places to visit, how long to stay at each destination, how to get there, and many of our best travel tips.

We are an informative and unfiltered blog focused on providing helpful tips, inspiring stories and travel itineraries. Join us in this Colourful Journey of discovering the world.

Travel Route For 

• Ho Chi Minh
• Mekong Delta
• Ha Long Bay

Don’t have time to read now? No worries! Save this post to your Pinterest board for later. And follow Colorful Journeys board for the latest post!

3 Week Vietnam Itinerary 

This 21-day Vietnam itinerary is designed to take you from South to North while experiencing the country's nature, culture, and cuisine. This guide is for you if you're visiting Vietnam for the first time and want to see as many highlights as possible.

You can also learn more about our top 17 travel tips and advice to help you plan your trip better. It includes visa requirements and other important information to be aware of before visiting Vietnam. 

‍ Read: 17 Useful Tips Before Visiting Vietnam

Day 1 & 2: Ho Chi Minh City

Recommended Duration of Stay: 2 Nights

Best Time to Visit: December to March

How to Get Around: Foot, Motorbike, Taxi

Ho Chi Minh City, also known as Saigon, is a city with millions of things going on at the same time. Here, you'll find the most exciting and best street food in the country. As well as, countless day trips and attractions to explore.  

How to Get to Saigon Center From the Airport

Car : The most convenient way to reach Saigon center from Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN) is to take a taxi or Grab. As most accommodations in Saigon are located in District 1, 3 or 4, you can expect to pay around 7 USD. Download the Grab mobile app before you arrive and buy a local sim card at the airport. 

Tip: If you want to enjoy a hassle-free arrival for an affordable price, book this Ho Chi Minh airport private transfer . 

Starting out in Ho Chi Minh City can be a bit chaotic. So, as you adjust to the heat, we recommend taking it easy when you arrive and settling into your accommodations first. 

Ho Chi Minh City is massive, and deciding where to stay depends on what you want to do and see. We recommend staying as close to District 1 (the center) as possible. Districts 3 and 4 are two more neighborhoods where we recommend staying. Find all Saigon accommodations here .

You can also use this day to visit the city's main attractions, such as the Notre Dame Cathedral, the Saigon Central Post Office, and the War Remnants Museum. It is easy to visit on your own, but if you want something more convenient, book a guided tour of Saigon's main attractions . You can take a morning or afternoon tour of the City in the comfort of a jeep with a local guide.

Spend your second day visiting Saigon beyond the usual tourist attractions. Head to Chinatown in the morning to explore the vibrant market filled with traditional shops and local food stalls. 

If you’re into history, you can choose to visit the Cu Chi tunnels on this day instead. It is one of the popular things to do while in Ho Chi Minh, so expect a crowd. We recommend booking the morning guided tour which starts at 8:00am.

Book your Cu Chi tour now!

Ho Chi Minh City also has some of Vietnam's best street food. One option is to visit Saigon's largest flower market . At night, the street is packed with vendors selling local treats.

A walking food tour is also available, but for those seeking adventure, we recommend booking a street food motorbike tour . The guides will take you through a maze of tiny streets and let you experience the bustling traffic of Saigon as they show you Saigon's hidden gems.

Day 3: Ho Chi Minh to Mekong 

Recommended Duration of Stay: 1 to 2 Nights

Best Time to Visit: October to February

How to Get Around: Motorbike, Bicycle, Boat

When it comes to visiting the Mekong Delta in Vietnam, we have one rule: avoid the day tours! We recommend staying at least one night to properly explore the Mekong beyond the usual day trips from Ho Chi Minh. That's because the majority of tours in Ho Chi Minh City are the same: they're not authentic, and you'll be surrounded by a lot of tourists. 

We recommend staying at least one night to get a better experience of the Mekong Delta. Here are three places you can visit based on what you want to do and what you prefer. We also suggest taking the early morning bus from Ho Chi Minh City to give yourself more time to explore the Mekong.

3 Hours from Saigon

Ben Tre, also known as the Coconut Kingdom in Vietnam, is the place to go if you want to unwind and enjoy the scenery in a relaxed setting. You can ride a bike and discover the coconut lined roads or take a small boat to the mangroves. 

Book your ticket to Ben Tre

4 Hours from Saigon

Can Tho is one of the most popular places to visit in the Mekong because of the Cai Rang floating market . We recommend staying the night in Can Tho and organizing your tour from there if you want to visit this famous floating market. The reason for this is that Can Tho has grown in popularity and can become extremely crowded at times.

Book your ticket to Can Tho

5 Hours from Saigon

Long Xuyen is less well-known than Ben Tre and Can Tho, but it is equally beautiful. There are numerous places and activities nearby, including a local floating market . Long Xuyen is a smaller city with a more laid-back vibe.

Book your ticket to Long Xuyen

Day 4: Mekong to Mui Ne

Spend the whole day exploring the Mekong and then take the night bus heading to the beach town of Mui Ne . 

Mui Ne is a coastal town in southern Vietnam famous for its red and white sand dunes, long beaches, and brightly colored fishing boats. There are many activities to do or you can just relax and try out some fresh seafood. Mui Ne's coastline is also lined with resorts and restaurants, which provide you with a variety of options.

How to Get to Mui Ne From Mekong

Bus : The best way to reach Mui Ne from the Mekong Delta is to take a bus. Depending on where you are, it should take you around 8 hours and a ticket costs around 18 USD . We recommend taking the night bus to avoid traffic and to give you more time to explore Mui Ne.

Book your ticket to Mui Ne

Day 5: Mui Ne

Best Time to Visit: December to April

How to Get Around: Motorbike, Bicycle, Foot

A trip to Mui Ne would be incomplete without seeing the famous sand dunes. Take advantage of this day to explore Mui Ne's main attractions, which you can easily do on your own. If you prefer to have everything organized for you, you can book a jeep tour that will take you to all of the major tourist attractions. This includes seeing the sunrise on the white dunes, as well as visiting the red dunes, fairy stream, and fishing village.

In the afternoon, go to Ong Dia Rock Beach to watch the sunset. Many locals come here to spend the afternoon swimming or surfing. There are also many street food stalls along the boulevard where you can sit on small plastic chairs and watch the sunset. 

Read: Thing To Do in Mui Ne

The majority of Mui Ne's accommodations are in Ham Tien, along Nguyen Dinh Chieu Road. This is a great area to stay in because the majority of the restaurants and shops are located along the road. We personally liked staying in the area closer to the local fishing village. Find all Mui Ne accommodations here . 

Day 6: Mui Ne to Dalat

Dalat is a charming hill town known for its cuisine, coffee, and architecture. After hitting the beaches in Mui Ne, head to Dalat to enjoy a cooler climate. Whether you’re looking for adventure or just want to relax, Dalat has something to offer for everyone. 

How to Get to Dalat from Mui Ne

Bus: From Mui Ne, you can take a bus directly to Dalat. We suggest taking the morning bus as it only takes about 4 hours depending on the traffic. You can expect to pay around 9 USD for a ticket. 

Book your ticket to Dalat

Once you arrive in Dalat, rent a motorbike and explore the scenic mountain town. You can drive along Tuyen Lam Lake and enjoy the fresh mountain breeze, or you can stop by at many of the coffee shops in town. Dalat is well known for its coffee culture and you’ll find plenty of cafes that serve good coffee and amazing views of the mountains. Here are our Favorite Coffee Shops in Dalat .

In the evening, head to the night market and get a taste of the food delicacies in Dalat. You can also check out our list of Best Foods to Try and where to get them. 

Read: Best Coffee Shops in Dalat

Book your hotel close to the night market, where many restaurants and most of the main attractions are. Otherwise, stay anywhere close to Le Van Tam Street . This area offers great mountain views and lots of cafes nearby. Find all Dalat accommodations here .

Day 7: Dalat

How to Get Around: Motorbike

Wake up early and catch the sunrise on Da Phu hill . It is an excellent location to watch the sunrise over the mountains of Dalat. The mountains peeking out of the low hanging clouds make for a breathtaking view. Remember to bundle up as it can get quite chilly in the mornings. 

Read: The Ultimate Guide to Dalat

After breakfast, drive to Cau Dat and explore the tea plantation. The drive to Cau Dat takes about 35 minutes by motorbike from Dalat center. On your way back, you can also stop by the Linh Phuoc Pagoda and marvel at its impressive architecture.

On the other hand, if you want to do something more adventurous, you can join a canyoning tour and explore Dalat's fantastic canyons and gorges.

Day 8: Dalat to Hoi An

Today you’ll travel from Dalat to Hoi An. Hoi An is one of the most popular places to visit in Vietnam and a must-see on any trip to the country. It is located in the central region and is easily accessible.

How to Get to Hoi An from Dalat

Plane : The quickest way to get to Hoi An is to fly. We recommend taking an afternoon flight from Dalat Airport (DLI) to Da Nang Airport (DAD). The drive from the center of Dalat to the airport takes about 35 minutes, so you can take your time in the morning. 

Book your ticket to Da Nang

Once you arrive in Da Nang, take a taxi or a Grab car to the old quarter of Hoi An, which takes about 40 minutes. You can spend the rest of your day walking around the well preserved colonial streets of Hoi An. 

Spend the night near the old quarter to be close to most of the restaurants, or stay around the Cam An area to be closer to the beach. Find all the Hoi An accommodations here .

Day 9 & 10: Hoi An

Recommended Duration of Stay : 3 Nights

Best Time to Visit : April to August; December to March

How to Get Around : Foot, Motorbike, Bicycle

A trip to Vietnam isn't complete without a visit to the famous old town of Hoi An . For your first full day in Hoi An, spend the morning walking around and discovering the old quarter. The colorful lanterns that hang all over town make Hoi An romantic with every corner full of photo opportunities. 

You can easily discover the town's small alleys on foot or by bicycle and there are numerous restaurants and shops to visit. Try the infamous Mót herbal tea , which can be very refreshing after a long day of walking through the ancient town.

There are also plenty of street vendors nearby where you can sample some of Hoi An's specialties, such as the Cao Lau rice noodle, which is only available in Hoi An. If you want to learn more about Hoi An's culinary scene, you can take a food tour led by a local guide that will take you to the most authentic street food in Hoi An. 

Looking for a unique Vietnamese food experience? Book a street food tour!

Explore the romantic scene of the old quarter at night as you pass by many lanterns. Head to the night market if you're looking to buy lanterns as a souvenir, there you’ll find many vendors lined up. Otherwise, you can take a Vietnamese lantern making class . You can also take a boat cruise down the river while admiring the night view of the town. 

Read: 10 Things To Do in Hoi An

Dedicate your second day in Hoi An for day trips. One of the most popular day trips you can take is a visit to the My Son Sanctuary. This is an Unesco Cultural Heritage site which is about an hour away from Hoi An old town. My Son Sanctuary can be visited on your own or a guided tour from Hoi An. The benefit of a guided tour is a local guide who will be able to tell you more about Vietnam's history and culture.

In the afternoon, you can either spend some time exploring Hoi An's rural areas or unwind in the historic district. We suggest you check out the Precious Heritage Art Gallery . It is a masterpiece that honors and celebrates Vietnam's rich cultural heritage. The museum is free to visit and is open every day from 8am to 8pm. The gift shop near the entrance also sells photo books and postcards.

Day 11: Hoi An to Ninh Binh

Use this day to travel from Hoi An to Ninh Binh , the land version of Halong Bay . Ninh Binh is quite far from Hoi An, so you'll need the whole day to travel. You can choose between flying or taking the train. We suggest departing on the evening of day 10 if you plan to travel by train.

Book your accommodation near the Tam Coc area to be closer to the main attractions in Ninh Binh. From here, you can enjoy breathtaking views of rice fields and karst mountains. Find all Ninh Binh accommodations here .

How to Get to Ninh Binh From Hoi An

Plane: The quickest way to get to Ninh Binh is to fly to Hanoi first. From Hoi An, take a car to Da Nang Airport and fly to Hanoi Airport. You can take a bus from the airport to Ninh Binh, which takes about an hour and 30 minutes.

Train : The most straightforward, but longest option is to take the train. The train from Hoi An to Ninh Binh will take at least 14 hours. For a more comfortable ride, take a train from Da Nang. A ticket costs 25 USD.

Book your tickets to Ninh Binh 

Day 12: Ninh Binh 

Recommended Duration of Stay : 2 Nights

Best Time to Visit : Late May to beginning of June

How to Get Around : Motorbike, Bicycle

Any visit to Vietnam should include a stop in Ninh Binh to see the limestone mountains, pagodas, and vast rice fields. Head to Trang An or Tam Coc on your first full day in Ninh Binh to see some of the best views in Ninh Binh that can only be reached by boat.

‍ Read: Ultimate Guide to Tam Coc Boat Tour & Plan your Trip to Ninh Binh: 2 Day Itinerary

Take a Trang An boat tour to see more of the area's caves and temples. If you visit between May and June, however, you should take the Tam Coc tour . The rice fields along the karst mountains are at their most beautiful during these months.

‍ Read: Trang An Boat Tour: A Guide to Ninh Binh's Best Attraction

If you're taking the tours, our best advice is to arrive as early as possible to avoid the crowds. By 10am, day tours from Hanoi will arrive, bringing a swarm of tourists to these areas.

In the afternoon, we suggest climbing up the steps of Hang Mua Cave to catch a glimpse of the sunset as you get a 360-degree view of the lush fields below. Remember to bring plenty of water and mind your steps as you walk along the cliff.

‍ Read: Hang Mua Viewpoint: A Must Visit Destination in Vietnam

Day 13: Ninh Binh to Hanoi

Hanoi is the capital city of Vietnam and has plenty to offer. From numerous museums for history buffs to an abundance of mouth-watering street food and coffee shops for foodies. Hanoi is also a good base to travel to other destinations in the north of Vietnam. 

How to Get to Hanoi from the Ninh Binh

Bus : There are plenty of buses running from Ninh Binh to Hanoi. The drive takes about 2 hours depending on the traffic and a bus ticket costs about 9 USD. We suggest taking the morning bus from Ninh Binh to give you more time to explore Hanoi in the afternoon. 

Book your ticket to Hanoi

Once you arrive in the Hanoi, spend the rest of your day discovering the old quarter. You can walk around the peaceful Hoan Kiem Lake towards sunset and then head to the night market to try out some of the local street food dishes in Hanoi. Also, don’t miss out on some of the most popular Hanoi specialties, including Bun Cha and Hanoi egg coffee. 

Spend the night in the old quarter so you can walk to the majority of the restaurants and popular tourist attractions. Find all Hanoi accommodations here .

Day 14: Hanoi

Best Time to Visit : October to February

How to Get Around : Foot, Motorbike

There are numerous museums and temples to visit in Hanoi . You can spend this day exploring the main attractions, such as the Military Museum, Thanh Long Imperial Citadel, Temple of Literature, and Tran Quoc Pagoda on the west lake. It's easy to visit these locations on your own, or you can book a guided tour that will take you to all of Hanoi's must-see attractions.

Book your Hanoi sightseeing tour now!

If you want to discover beyond Hanoi’s old quarter, we suggest renting a motorbike and driving around the countryside. You can head to the incense village located in Quang Phu Cau, which is about an hour drive from the Hanoi center. Here you’ll find locals making and drying fields of incense. 

Visit the Thanh Long water puppet show in the evening to find out more about a distinctive aspect of Vietnamese culture. We recommend purchasing your tickets in advance, because they sell out quickly during high season.

Day 15: Hanoi to Sapa or Ha Giang

This is likely to be one of the most difficult decisions you will make during your Vietnam trip. We are unable to choose between Sapa and Ha Giang . That is why, if you have the time, we recommend going to both! Whatever you choose, just make sure to avoid the weekends as it gets busy during these times.

However, if you must choose between Sapa and Ha Giang, you have to consider what type of activity you prefer more. If you want to trek through rice terraces and learn more about Vietnamese culture, Sapa is the place to go. The Ha Giang loop , on the other hand, is ideal for sightseeing and going on a motorcycle adventure through winding roads that offers breathtaking scenery.

How to Get to Sapa from Hanoi

Train : For a more comfortable ride, take an overnight train from Hanoi heading to Lao Cai. The ride takes around 8 hours and departs from 9 to 10pm. A ticket costs around 30 USD. From Lao Cai train station, take a bus heading to Sapa town. There are multiple buses leaving from the station and tickets are also sold on the train.

Bus : Taking a bus is the easiest and fastest way to get to Sapa town. We suggest taking a night sleeper bus which usually takes about 6 hours for about 15 USD per ticket.  

Book your ticket to Sapa 

How to Get to Ha Giang from Hanoi

You can do the Ha Giang loop on your own or as part of a tour. If you book a tour, contact your tour company as they may arrange your transportation from Hanoi.

‍ Read: 6 Ways to Get from Hanoi to Ha Giang

Bus : Otherwise, your best option is to take a bus from Hanoi heading to Ha Giang City. From there, you can arrange a motorbike to rent for your trip. We recommend taking the sleeper bus at night to avoid traffic and to save money on lodging. The trip takes about 6 hours and prices start at 7 USD. 

Book your ticket to Ha Giang

Day 16 & 17: Sapa or Ha Giang

Best Time to Visi t: March to May; September to November

Travel from Hanoi to Sapa and enjoy the picturesque rice terraces and ethnic villages. Sapa can be very touristy if you stay primarily in the main town. You'll also notice that most of the tours available are the same, so expect crowds, especially during peak season.

We recommend skipping Sapa's main town and instead staying in one of the smaller villages nearby. Then, hire a local guide to take you on a hike through the rolling rice terraces and don’t forget to sample some of Sapa's delicacies, such as black mountain pig with rice wine!

Sapa Sisters is one of the trekking tours we discovered that supports local Hmong women through ethical tourism. You can learn more about their tours and whether they are a good fit for you by visiting their website.

Recommended Duration of Stay : 4 Nights

Best Time to Visit : March to May; September to November

How to Get Around : Motorbike 

If you want to have an amazing motorbike experience , this is the place to go! The Ha Giang region is a legendary destination with extraordinary scenery that is a must-see on your Vietnam trip. It has dramatic limestone peaks, winding roads, and isolated minority villages.

Read: Vietnam on Motorbike: Discover the Ha Giang Region

A motorbike loop is the best way to see some of Ha Giang's most breathtaking views. Note that in recent years, Ha Giang has gained popularity and can be quite busy especially during the weekend. So we suggest avoiding the weekends and holidays to get the most out of the Ha Giang trip. 

We did a three-day motorbike loop with Ha Giang Hideaways and highly recommend them. They've taken care of everything, from transportation to food and lodging. The loop was one of the best experiences we'd had in Vietnam.

Book your guided motorbike tour with Ha Giang Hideaways!

Day 19: Sapa or Ha Giang to Halong Bay

Use this day to travel to Halong Bay . You can spend the full day exploring Sapa or the Ha Giang loop. Then take the night bus to Halong Bay so you can arrive at the port early in the morning, giving you enough time before you board your cruise.

How to Get to Halong Bay

Bus : You can take a bus from Ha Giang or Sapa to Ha Long City for around 3 USD and organize your boat tour there. If you book ahead of time, inquire with your tour company about free or discounted transportation. The drive takes about 8 hours to get to Halong City. 

Book your ticket to Halong Bay

Tip: We recommend to plan ahead and book your Halong Bay cruise in advance to ensure that you can find a cruise that fits your budget and schedule.

Day 20: Halong Bay 

Recommended Duration of Stay : 1 Night

Best Time to Visit : October to December

How to Get Around : Boat Tour

One of the best ways to end your Vietnam trip is to take a relaxing river cruise through Halong Bay , also known as the Bay of Descending Dragons. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Vietnam. 

With 3000 towering limestone islands to explore, you could easily spend the entire day relaxing and admiring the scenery as you board one of the many boats that offer tours. You can also participate in activities such as kayaking and exploring caves and hidden beaches, depending on the tour you booked. To make the most of what Halong Bay has to offer, we suggest booking a one night boat tour instead of a day tour. 

Read: What to Expect When Visiting Ha Long Bay

Day 21: Halong Bay to Hanoi

From Halong Bay, head back to Hanoi to catch your flight home. You can spend another night relaxing in Hanoi or you can go directly to the airport from Ha Long City. The drive takes about 3 hours and you can easily book a transfer online or through your Halong Bay tour company. 

‍ Book your ticket to Hanoi 

You could also consider spending the night in Hanoi before flying home. Especially if you have an early flight or simply do not want to rush and eliminate the possibility of missing your flight.

Book a private car here for hassle-free airport transfer.

And there you have it!

The perfect 3 week Vietnam travel itinerary. We hope this travel guide provides all the information needed to help you plan your trip to Vietnam . You can always change it to fit your needs. We’re sure that there’ll be places you’ll enjoy more than we did, so take your time and adjust accordingly. You can also start your trip from the North and work your way down to the south of Vietnam.

Now, read our list of the top 17 things you should know before visiting Vietnam to better prepare you for your upcoming trip. 

Tell us which place you are most looking forward to visiting in the comments down below!

Some links in this Vietnam Itinerary may be affiliate links.

This means that if you make a purchase after clicking on one of our links, we will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Please know that by doing so, you are supporting Colorful Journeys in continuing to provide free high quality content to help you in your travels!

Share this article

Endless Road Trip

Home » Travel Guides » 3 Weeks in Vietnam: Complete Travel Itinerary (With Ha Giang Loop)

3 Weeks in Vietnam: Complete Travel Itinerary (With Ha Giang Loop)

Updated on November 20, 2023

If you’re looking for the most adventure-packed and thrilling 3-week Vietnam itinerary, you’ve come to the right place!

This article is going to include a day-by-day account of a trip I finished in September and October 2018, filled with tips and tricks. I’m going to discuss the good and the bad while remaining completely unbiased.

This article is not monetized by affiliate links and sponsored mentions. I am only writing this to serve you my experiences on what I think is the most thrilling 3-week itinerary in Vietnam!

Let me apologize for a couple of things first. One, this is going to be a monster article, with a lot of detail about things you should know about Vietnam. I’ve added a lot of maps and pictures, which makes this post long (but super helpful!). I’ve included a table of contents in order to help you out a little here.

Second, this post will make you want to go to Vietnam. So for those of you who aren’t yet planning to visit Vietnam, I’m sorry because reading this will make you want to go!

With all that said, let’s get started!

• Table of contents

Some information regarding the goals of this 3-week itinerary for Vietnam

Day 1: arriving at ho chi minh city, day 2: getting to mui ne, day 3: mui ne, day 4: motorbiking in and around dalat, day 5: relaxing in dalat and catching our flight to da nang (hoi an), day 6: relaxing and exploring hoi an, day 7: diving at the cham islands, day 8: driving a motorbike across the hai van pass into hue, day 9: exploring the cital of hue and catching a train to dong hoi, day 10: phong nha ke bang national park, day 11: ninh binh (tam coc), day 12: hanoi, day 13: hopping on a cruise to ha long bay, day 14: continuing our cruise to cat ba island, day 15: getting to ha giang, sapa vs. ha giang, day 16: riding the motorbike from ha giang to yen minh, day 17: riding the motorbike from yen minh to dong van, day 18: riding the motorbike from dong van to du gia, day 19: riding the motorbike from du gia back to ha giang and getting back to hanoi, day 20: catching our flight back to the netherlands, was our trip too busy.

As you can see from the table of contents, this post is divided into the main highlights of the trip. If you’re only looking to find information on one specific highlight, then I’d suggest you jump straight to that section.

But I’m obviously going to recommend that you stick around for the rest as well since you’ll learn exactly how we – Rachel and I – traveled through this country in such an efficient way. We got to see all these highlights in just 3 weeks (20 days to be exact!).

It was an epic itinerary, and we didn’t meet anyone during our trip that had the same ambitious planning! But we managed to pull it off.

Rachel and I wanted to go to Vietnam for quite some time. We are pretty “productive” when it comes to traveling: we try to make the most of our time in any country.

That includes our 3 weeks in Vietnam.

We wanted to see everything that was on our list. Which we did.

Does that mean we’ve seen everything that Vietnam has to offer?

Not by a long shot.

You see, Rachel and I are nature lovers. That means we wanted to see the beautiful landscapes more than anything. Mountains, oceans, valleys, forests: those are the things we get excited about!

That means that we had to skip some other aspects of Vietnam. This had the following implications for our travel plan:

• We wanted to spend the least amount of time in the cities. Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) and Hanoi were relatively short stops on our itinerary. Some people stay longer (these cities have a boatload of cultural heritage), but Rachel and I are simply not that interested in those things. Or at least not at this moment in our lives. We completely skipped cities like Da Nang, Nha Trang, Hai Phong, and others. Those will have to come during a later visit!
• We had to take a couple of domestic flights in order to fit our schedule. We booked flights from Dalat to Da Nang (connecting to Hoi An) and from Dong Hoi to Hanoi.
• We had to plan everything as we traveled through the country. We wanted to remain flexible on our trip since the weather and availability can change overnight in Vietnam. We had to be flexible!
• This means we booked train and bus tickets 2 days prior to departure, and we booked most hotels and day trips 1 day prior to arrival. Only 1 activity was fully booked when we tried to book (the 3-day cruise to Ha Long Bay and Cat Ba Island). This meant we had a day of relaxing in Hanoi.
• Our plan contained only 2 days of relaxing and “float”. It was a very tight planning. 😉

Anyway, with all that out of the way, let’s get to the actual details of this trip. It starts on day 1 when Rachel and I arrived in Ho Chi Minh City after a long flight!

Day 1-2: Arrival at Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)

We arrived in Ho Chi Minh City early in the morning and were quite exhausted from our long flights.

We bought a local SIM card (they’re dirt cheap) from the many vendors in the departure hall, so we had access to the 4G network straight away! Super convenient.

After buying a ticket for the airport shuttle bus to the city center, we were introduced to the madness and chaos that is the Vietnamese traffic.

Oh my God, these motorbikes are both fascinating, thrilling, scary, crazy, and awesome all at once. Watching the traffic from the safety of an air-conditioned bus was a lot of fun.

We found a nice little coffee shop in the city center and decided to just drop our bags and relax. We waited there until we were allowed to check in at our first hotel. When we finally checked in, we just stayed in our room and relaxed, in order to recover from our jetlags!

We had one goal on day 2, and that was to catch the train to Mui Ne.

Booking a train in Vietnam was strangely enough quite challenging for us. You see, there is the Vietnam Railways website that shows all departure and arrival times, which is great. But we tried booking a ticket through this website multiple times, and they never allowed us to book our tickets.

We thought it had something to do with the platform closing sales a couple of days prior to departure, but it was pretty fuzzy.

Then we found this train ticket platform (https://dsvn.vn/) and read on Tripadvisor that this is what we needed. The problem we had with this is that the website is terrible to use, and doesn’t even have proper English translations… It was pretty frustrating, actually.

Then we found all these ticket brokerages, like 12go , and they were exactly what we needed. They had a clear and functioning website and sold the train tickets we wanted. Hurray! The only downside is these guys charge a nice little commission for all their hard work. We eventually ended up paying double the base rate for our tickets, but at last, we were set to go.

We caught our train from the Ho Chi Minh train station to the Ga Suối Vận train station, from which we took a cab to Mui Ne.

After a lovely night in the Mui Ne Ocean House , we were looking forward to our first highlight of the trip: the Mui Ne Sand Dunes. We woke up at 04:00 AM in order to hop on the early “sunrise tour”.

This trip was very underwhelming.

We arrived at the sand dunes way after the sun had already come up, which was disappointing. Then, we were dropped at a parking lot, where dozens of other tourists were grouped into lines in order to rent an ATV at an extra charge. Rachel and I skipped this experience, as we felt it was super tourist trappy and quite honestly not worth it. We took some pretty pictures of the area and continued on our trip.

The next stop was the Fairy Stream.

I’m not going to waste a lot of words on this “highlight”. Just skip it. It’s not worth it (however cheap it may be).

In the end, Mui Ne left a sour taste in our mouths. It wasn’t the start of the trip we expected.

Luckily, the next highlight (Dalat) was much better.

Tip: If you’re short on time, I’d honestly recommend you to skip both Ho Chi Minh and Mui Ne and fly straight to Dalat after arriving in Ho Chi Minh City. These places were (by far) the least exciting places of our trip, and we’d much rather have spent a day extra in the North of Vietnam!

Our “Sunrise” tour was over before the end of the morning, after which we booked a bus via our hotel and continued our way to Dalat that same day.

Day 4-5: Dalat

For our full day in Dalat, we rented a motorbike at our hotel and headed out to the beautiful hills and valleys in the area. This was a magical experience, and infinitely better than what we did in Mui Ne. We finally felt like our trip to Vietnam had properly started!

About renting a motorbike in Vietnam as a tourist: I did a lot of reading about the legal situation of driving a motorbike as a tourist. The plain and simple truth is that it’s illegal to drive a motorbike in Vietnam as a tourist unless you have a domestic driver’s license (which is impossible to get as a tourist). So basically, every tourist you see on a scooter is seriously f*cked in case of an accident.

Then why does every tourist in Vietnam seem to hire a motorbike anyway?

Because nobody in Vietnam cares. Every company and hotel will hire you a motorbike, without even asking for your license.

Before you decide to rent a motorbike in Vietnam, please consider the following things:

• You have to be AS SAFE AS POSSIBLE . Reckless driving will get you killed.
• Driving a motorbike in Vietnam is extremely intensive. You have to be 100% focused at all times, as Vietnamese people simply don’t give a damn about your safety.
• Any damage you inflict on others and yourself will not be insured .
• Be prepared for challenging road conditions
• You have to be confident in your own driving skills

With that out of the way, let me tell you that driving a motorbike in Vietnam is a lot of fun. I’ve rented a motorbike on 2 additional occasions and it was always great. Rachel and I shared a motorbike and made sure to put safety first at all times. We did no reckless driving or speeding whatsoever. Our experiences have been great.

You have to decide for yourself if you’re willing to take the risk. If you decide not to rent yourself, you can always find Easy Riders who can transport you to the highlights in your area. I have no experience with these guys, but heard nothing but great stories.

In the end, we paid 150.000 VND for a full day of rental at our hotels (this translated to $7 or something…) and we were on our way!

We visited the Elephant Waterfalls, the Pongour Waterfalls, and a beautiful coffee plantation. These were all magnificent stops and I highly recommend them! At the end of the day, we wanted to also visit the Lang Biang mountain, but at that time it was pouring rain. So we returned to our hotel (soaking wet) and called it a day. A very successful and fun day!

This Vietnam trip was finally shaping up to our high expectations!

Our 5th day was relatively uneventful as our only goal was to catch our flight to Da Nang. This was our first domestic flight and it was crucial that we were on time. The airport at Dalat is small so it doesn’t host that many flights. We needed to catch our flight if we wanted to keep up with our ambitious planning!

So we explored the city of Dalat in the morning, visited the lake and the Crazy House (both were nice, but honestly not that special in my opinion), and stayed at an amazing coffee shop.

We luckily made our flight and checked in to a lovely hotel room in Hoi An at the Phuc Thao Villa!

Day 6-7: Hoi An

If you go to Vietnam for the typical cozy streets filled with lanterns, then you’ll love Hoi An!

We rode around with our bikes (the hotel let us use theirs) and enjoyed the beautiful weather and the many shops and stalls. Hoi An is a beautiful town, and it was amazing to stroll through the alleys.

Hoi An is also very small, so after a nice lunch, we decided to go back to the hotel and relax at the pool. We were pretty exhausted from the previous busy days!

In the evening, we had the best Vietnamese dinner ever at the Ms. Nam restaurant and were more than ready for the next day!

This day was one of the highlights of our trip!

Rachel and I booked a diving excursion to the Cham Islands and were really excited about it.

We had booked this trip via our hotel the day before and spent 1.900.000 VND (about 85 USD) each for 2 dives. We were picked up at our hotels and hopped on the boat towards the islands. Let the diving begin!

I was pretty anxious about diving, especially since it was my first time and I worried that my ears wouldn’t adjust to the pressure. The diving guides were super friendly and reassured me that things would be just fine. And they were.

The diving was fantastic. After reaching the target depth – it took me about 10 minutes to descend and adjust to the pressures – it was magical.

I saw so many beautiful fish, plants, and coral patches. It was absolutely beautiful.

I filmed the first dive with a cheap knock-off GoPro that I had received as a company gift once. Unfortunately, the supposedly waterproof casing wasn’t so waterproof after all. After about 4 minutes of filming, my camera died and never turned on again. Ah well, that only gave me more time to focus on the beautiful things that were right in front of me!

The second dive was great as well, just like the rest of the excursion. After a nice lunch on the main Cham Island, we were taken back to the mainland and dropped off at our hotel. The crew of the Hoi An Diving Center was brilliant, and both Rachel and I really enjoyed our day.

Day 8-9: Hue and the Hai Van Pass

This was another special day.

We had heard a lot about traveling the Hai Van Pass. It is one of the most hyped-up highlights of Vietnam, mostly because of this Top Gear famous episode .

We rented a single motorbike at Motorvina in Hoi An . The great thing about this company is that they allow you to drive the motorbike one way, and they will transport your backpacks and any luggage to a central pick-u point for your convenience!

This way, we experienced this glorious motorbike road trip without having to worry about our backpacks!

It took us a full day – including a lot of photo stops – to reach our next hotel in Hue. We first covered a lot of busy highways in Da Nang. After some time, we finally reached the pass itself, and it was really spectacular. Driving on a pass like this is amazing and the weather was pretty good as well!

We initially wanted to stop at the Elephant Springs, but later decided against it because of the weather. It started to get cloudy…

We decided to continue our way to Hue, but unfortunately traveled a big part of it on the boring and busy highway. In all honesty, this was not really fun or what I expected.

So shortly before reaching Hue, we decided on a small detour along the coast, which was much better .

My advice to you? Try to avoid the highways and stick to the roads that run along the coast. They are much prettier. It will take a little longer, but it’s much more enjoyable this way!

30 minutes before our arrival, it started pouring rain again, so we eventually arrived at our hotel in Hue soaking wet! We didn’t care, as we were lucky enough to experience the Hai Van Pass in good weather!

We returned our motorbike, collected our backpacks, and spent the rest of the evening relaxing in our hotel room. We needed some rest after this long and exciting day!

We had 2 goals for our 9th day on the road.

• To catch (and book) our train to Dong Hoi
• To visit the Imperial Citadel of Hue

We spent a good part of the morning trying to book a train ticket again. After struggling to figure out the many websites that either offer or broker a train ticket, we asked the staff of our hotel to help us.

The friendly Vietnamese woman behind the reception booked us 2 train tickets within 3 minutes!

That meant we had the rest of our day to explore the historical city center of Hue. Our train left at 15:30, so we didn’t have much time.

We walked to and paid the entry fee for the Citadel, which was 2x 150.000 VND, so about 13 USD total. Even though Rachel and I don’t necessarily get excited about these historical buildings, it was still a very cool experience! What surprised us most was the absence of any other tourists in the area!

We were quite obviously traveling Vietnam in the off-season, but we didn’t expect these tourist attractions to be this deserted! It was awesome since I personally don’t really like to wait in line and wrestle my way through dozens of tourists.

After having seen the Citadel, we called a cab and caught our train to Dong Hoi! The train ride was pretty nice, as it gave us another brief moment to relax and refuel our batteries.

It was another successful day!

We had booked an excursion from Tripadvisor to visit a number of caves in the Phong Nha Ke Bang National Park . I was really looking forward to this day, as this area hosts some of the world’s biggest caves!

On this day, we were visiting the Dark Cave and the Phong Nha cave.

We started with a quick ride on a zip line into the mouth of the Dark Cave.

The Dark Cave is a spectacular cave with a river of water in it. We had to swim through the entrance and crawl our way to a natural pool of mud: a very cool experience!

The Phong Nha Cave was just as special. This cave is enormous . Our excursion guide took us on a boat through the huge cave system, until we were allowed to explore the cave ourselves on foot. These caves are truly spectacular and not to be missed when you’re in Vietnam!

Our tour ended at 16:00, after which we headed back to civilization.

The tour guide dropped us off at the Dong Hoi Airport since we had booked our second and last domestic flight to Hanoi!

This was one of the busiest days on our 3-week itinerary.

We had arrived the prior night in Hanoi by plane, and we were picked up at 08:30 in the morning for our next excursion. This excursion would take us to Ninh Binh , where we were going to visit Tam Coc in the Trang An Complex!

They say that the Trang An Grottoes are the equivalent of Ha Long Bay, only then above water. We were excited!

But before we arrived at the beautiful Trang An Grottoes, our excursion first stopped at the Bai Dinh Temple. This temple is apparently the largest of its kind in Vietnam and therefore a tourist highlight. To be honest with you, Rachel and I weren’t impressed by it.

Yes, it’s pretty and big, but not why we were traveling in Vietnam.

Anyway, after a fantastic lunch, we headed to the actual Trang An Grottoes Scenic Landscape Complex. We first cycled around for a while, which was relaxing. On our bike ride, we saw some of the famous goats that were scraping the side of the steep mountains. It was a very strange but cool sight.

We then entered a small dragon boat on which we toured across the peaceful waters between the many limestone mountains.

This was truly magnificent.

The calm waters in combination with the fierce limestone peaks were just fascinating to witness. This boat trip lasted over an hour, and each minute was breathtaking.

We were back in Hanoi at 19:00, and after a quick bite, we were ready for bed!

After a number of VERY busy and exhausting days, we were really looking forward to a day of peace and rest.

We initially had tried to enter our next trip – to Ha Long Bay – on this day, but it was already fully booked. So we had to wait a day. We really didn’t mind, as this gave us the perfect opportunity to relax and refuel our batteries, so to speak.

And relaxing, we did!

We booked a long massage at the lovely Cinnamon Spa in Hanoi  and explored the old quarter of the city. In our opinion, Hanoi doesn’t really have a lot to offer besides the typical Vietnamese chaos, markets, and shops, so we decided to take things extra easy. We walked around the lake a bit, enjoyed a nice coffee, and just relaxed in our hotel.

It was exactly what we needed.

Day 13-14: Ha Long Bay and Cat Ba Island

On our 13th, Rachel and I finally got to see Ha Long Bay.

It was one of the things I looked forward to the most.

Luckily, the weather forecast for the trip was perfect: clear blue skies without a single drop of rain. We were very lucky!

We had booked a 3-day trip to Ha Long Bay and Cat Ba Island with Vega Travel . It cost us $185 per person, which included most meals during our trip. And before I cover the details of this multi-day tour, I’d like to say that this tour was absolutely fantastic.

We were picked up at our hotel in the morning, and after a pleasant bus ride to Ha Long, we checked into our room on the cruise boat at 12:00.

The cruise headed off to the beautiful Ha Long Bay right away!

We were served a great lunch on board and were able to relax for a moment until we reached the actual bay. It was really exciting as we slowly neared the beautiful limestone rocks. It was an amazing sight to see: these rock giants shooting out from the water with a vertical cliff. It reminded me of Milford Sound in New Zealand in a way.

After we arrived at the famous Ha Long Bay, we were able to kayak in a remote area of the bay and even entered a number of small islands. The weather was absolutely beautiful, which made us smile from ear to ear non-stop.

The evening was super relaxing on the boat: we made fresh spring rolls (Vietnamese specialty!) and had an awesome dinner followed by relaxing drinks on the top deck of the boat. It was the perfect day.

After a lovely night on board our cozy, old and charismatic boat, we woke up to a lovely breakfast and sunrise! It was still very early at 6:00, but for a reason: the day was going to be packed with activities!

It started with a visit to the Surprise Cave, another epic and huge cave inside one of the limestone mountains. It was really spectacular: as if the Ha Long Bay wasn’t beautiful enough already…

We then climbed to the top of Titop Island, a small rocky limestone mountain with a beautiful viewpoint at the top. It was – again – a beautiful day with sun and a clear blue sky. After an intense climb, Rachel and I cooled off in the nice waters on the beach. It was really nice!

It was only 10:00 by then, so we still had a lot of cool activities on our planning.

We set sail to Viet Hai, a small and remote village on Cat Ba Island. On arrival, we rode a bicycle on the island after which we hiked to a local viewpoint for a spectacular view. We saw a lot of eagles circling the sky here, which was really cool.

After we returned to the boat, we finally enjoyed an amazing lunch at 13:00.

We then were given the opportunity again to kayak through the Cat Ba Bay and jump in the refreshing waters. At 16:00, we arrived at Lan Ha Bay, where we were staying in a hotel for our 14th night in Vietnam.

This day was absolutely fantastic, and the tour guide did an amazing job to stuff it full of cool activities! Needless to say, Rachel and I were – again – quite exhausted when we got to our hotel!

Day 15 was special: we woke up on Cat Ba Island and eventually went to sleep in Ha Giang. I can tell from experience that that is a LONG distance in Vietnam!

Let me explain how we did it.

We woke up in our hotel on Cat Ba Island as part of our 3-day cruise expedition that we started on day 13. We had carefully checked the planning of this tour: we’d be back in Hanoi by 17:00.

We didn’t want to spend an extra day in Hanoi, so we booked a sleeper bus to Ha Giang for 19:00! According to our nice tour guide, this would not be an issue at all. We booked the sleeper bus via one of the many ticket brokerages. We probably paid a couple of dollars of premium (commissions), but eh… We didn’t really care.

We woke up quite early again to get back to our cruise, which set sail back to Ha Long. It took us about 2,5 hours to reach the city of Ha Long, where we arrived at 11:00. We immediately hopped on the bus back to Hanoi, where we arrived at 15:45, well before the anticipated arrival time!

This meant there was even enough time for Rachel to go back to the Cinnamon Spa to get another massage!

We had a simple fast food dinner and we were well on time to catch our sleeper bus to Ha Giang!

Now, this sleeper bus was quite the experience.

We first had to get transported to the actual sleeper bus, via a minivan. And that 30-minute minivan ride was quite stressful. The driver drove like a madman, there were no seatbelts in the van (not rare in Vietnam), and the driver even got pulled over for speeding!

When we eventually reached the actual sleeper bus, we were in for a nice surprise. We had seats all the way in the back, where there are two levels of 5 seats. The bus was entirely full, so that meant I was sandwiched between a local Vietnamese dude and Rachel. Also, I’m quite tall – for those of you who don’t know, I’m from the Netherlands – so the seating arrangement wasn’t really comfortable, to begin with!

Needless to say, I didn’t do much sleeping on this sleeper bus.

Luckily, the 4G network in Vietnam is surprisingly stable and fast, so I was able to watch The Office all the way! 🙂

We eventually arrived in Ha Giang at 03:30 in the morning. The planned arrival time was 01:00, so something obviously went wrong here. But we made it! That was all that mattered to us! We checked into our 24-hour hotel and crashed on the beds as soon as we closed the door behind us.

It was a long and stressful day, but we made it all the way from Ha Long Bay to Ha Giang!

Day 16-19: The Ha Giang Motorbike Loop

This was the start of the final part of our trip to Vietnam, and it was going to be epic .

But wait… Why didn’t we go to Sapa? Isn’t Sapa supposed to be really beautiful as well?

Here’s my take on that.

Rachel and I had read a lot about both Sapa and Ha Giang before reaching this area of Vietnam.

Sapa has a lot of nice rice paddies, green valleys, and mountain trekking opportunities. A lot of people regard it as one of the most beautiful areas in Vietnam.

But we also read stuff we didn’t like that much. For example:

• Sapa is becoming busier and busier by the year. A lot of tourists find their way up there, and we’ve unfortunately heard some stories that it’s losing a bit of its authenticity.
• The rice paddies were mostly harvested and clear at the time of our travels (early October). This was supposedly not the case in Ha Giang
• The top things to do in Sapa are related to trekking. While this is great, we had 4 days left to spend and didn’t want to spend them all trekking in a relatively small area.

So it was actually a pretty easy decision for us. We chose to travel to Ha Giang instead because of the following reasons:

• Ha Giang has an awesome motorbike loop that perfectly fits inside a 4-day window.
• Ha Giang is one of the most authentic Vietnamese provinces, mostly untouched by tourism (although it is growing).
• We’ve heard good things about the Sapa nature, but it apparently does not compare to the ruggedness and varying nature of Ha Giang. The mountains, valleys, remote villages, and mountain passes of Ha Giang seemed (by far) the most fun and memorable to us.

Ha Giang, it is!

After a short night of sleep (about 4 hours) we started our 16th day with a nice omelet and a baguette.

We rented a motorbike for 4 days at QT Motorbikes and Tours . They supplied us with a great semi-automatic, 3-gear motorbike. We also purchased the insurance, since we wanted to be covered for any accidents and breakdowns of our scooter! This cost us about $55, which we thought was very fair!

Especially since our motorbike was in top condition. It performed really well during our trip.

We were also able to leave one of our backpacks at the motorbike shop, which allowed us to share a single motorbike again! It’s always nice to be able to chat while driving across this beautiful country. This also allowed us to change drivers when necessary, and to shoot some pictures and movies from the back of the motorbike!

So we left Ha Giang and departed for Yen Minh in the early morning.

It was clear from the beginning that this was going to be one of the highlights of our trip to Vietnam. I think the pictures below speak for themselves. The limestone mountains and green hills were amazing to drive through. The weather was decent – it was cloudy but dry – so we were able to shoot some amazing pictures.

After driving about 100 kilometers – which took us until 15:30 – we arrived in Yen Minh where we immediately checked into our next hotel. Yen Minh is a pretty basic village, with a lot of clearly visible Chinese and old Soviet influences. There are a lot of symbols and former propaganda with the typical hammer and sickle emblems.

Some restaurants also served dog food, to the horror of Rachel. We were more than okay with just eating our basic fried rice! 🙂

Anyway, the first day of our Ha Giang motorbike loop was great, and we were looking forward to the remainder of the trip!

Our 17th day in Vietnam and 2nd day on the Ha Giang motorbike loop took us all the way to the North pole of Vietnam!

We headed off early in the morning again, and the weather was, unfortunately, looking worse. It was a lot more cloudy than the day before and drizzling with a bit of rain. Luckily, we had expected this type of weather and had bought thick ponchos. These kept us warm and dry throughout the morning.

It eventually stopped raining in the afternoon and the weather turned out to be pretty nice for the rest of the day!

Anyway, we headed up all the way to the northernmost point in Vietnam: the Lunc Cu Flag Tower.

We climbed this beautiful flag tower and were served a spectacular view of the Vietnamese and Chinese mountains. It was absolutely breathtaking. The weather had already cleared up at this point! 🙂

On the way towards the next village Dong Van, we passed the Chinese border within a couple of dozen meters. We saw a clear path leading to a hole in the barbed wire, and knew we had to stop for a brief visit to China!

We had read about this opportunity on other blogs, so we knew we were not the only ones to enter China this way. We quickly crossed the border to snap a couple of pictures. After 2 minutes or so, a group of soldiers in military suits (and guns!) approached us from about 100 meters.

We didn’t wait for them to have a friendly talk with us and just quickly skipped back to the safety of Vietnam!

We then continued our way to Dong Van, all the while traveling through magnificent mountain passes and deep valleys. This was truly an epic motorbike road trip.

Our 3rd day on the Ha Giang motorbike loop was the most epic of all: we traversed the Ma Pi Leng Pass!

As usual, we left early in the morning and headed out on our motorbike. I had read so much about the Ma Pi Leng Pass and its sheer beauty. That’s why I was extra happy to see the weather was actually pretty nice this day! We were really lucky in that it didn’t rain and it was pretty clear of clouds and fog!

Driving the motorbike was as amazing as ever, but when we reached the Ma Pi Leng Pass, Rachel and I were smiling from ear to ear.

This was the stuff that I dreamt about when planning our trip to Vietnam. I’ll let the pictures speak again here. This Ha Giang motorbike loop was easily one of the highlights of our trip, and we felt on top of the world on our small motorbike.

After another 100 kilometers, we arrived in the very small and remote village of Du Gia. We found a nice hotel here and enjoyed the great local cuisine (and the obligatory happy water a.k.a. rice wine!)

We didn’t drink too much of it though since we had one more day to survive on our motorbike!

Our final day on the Ha Giang motorbike loop featured one of the most remote areas of the Ha Giang province. It was really relaxing to drive through these quiet areas.

It surprised us just how varied the road conditions were. Some roads are absolutely perfect: wide and perfectly covered by a smooth layer of asphalt. And then there’re patches where you have none of that. In fact, there were patches where we had to get off our motorbike because it was nothing more than a bed of rocks and dirt.

It was still a really cool experience!

We got back to Ha Giang at 15:00 in the afternoon, after which we had to wait 5.5 hours before our (VIP) sleeper bus picked us up. So we decided to just book a room in a hotel, in order to shower, re-organize our backpacks, and enjoy the comfort of a bed prior to a LONG journey ahead of us.

You see, this was our last full day in Vietnam. Our trip was practically finished the moment we returned our motorbike to the shop.

All that was left for us was to get back to Hanoi Airport with the (VIP) sleeper bus, arrive at the Airport at 03:30, and then catch our flights to Bangkok and Amsterdam. Our flight to Bangkok was scheduled for 9:20, so we had a pretty big amount of wiggle room, in the event that something would go wrong.

It was an intense journey, but we eventually got back to the airport! Now we just had to catch our flight and this trip would be over!

When we arrived at the departure hall of Hanoi Airport, we were already super tired. Or at least, I knew I was. Despite the VIP sleeper bus, I still wasn’t able to sleep for a minute.

We eventually boarded our flight to Bangkok, and after a stopover of just an hour, we were on our way back to the Netherlands. We were back home 14 hours later.

It was a long journey.

We traveled all the way from Ha Giang to Hanoi, To Bangkok, and back to Amsterdam in about 40 hours. I didn’t sleep a single minute during that entire time.

Can you imagine how long it took for me to fall asleep when I finally lay down in a comfortable bed? I don’t think it took me more than 30 seconds!

And that was officially the end of our 3-week trip to Vietnam.

Considerations after having finished this 3-week Vietnam itinerary

After returning to the Netherlands, it was nice to enjoy the relative silence and calmness of my home country.

Vietnam is an insanely beautiful country, but especially the cities can get pretty hectic. I must admit, staying in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City had a negative influence on my mental health.

The constant chaos, stress, humidity, noise, and smog in those cities eventually started to bother me. Even when our stays in both cities were relatively short.

I mentioned before that we didn’t meet a single traveler who had a similarly ambitious itinerary. Most people who spent 3 weeks in Vietnam visit just these places:

• Ho Chi Minh City.
• Ha Long Bay.

Most 3-week itineraries stop there.

We wanted to utilize our 3-week stay with the most efficient and optimized planning. That way, we were able to visit the following places:

• Dong Hoi / Phong Nha Ke Bang National Park.
• Ninh Binh / Tam Coc / Trang An Grottoes.
• Cat Ba Island.
• Ha Giang motorbike loop.

Can you spot the difference?

If I have to be honest with you, I would personally advise you to skip Ho Chi Minh City and Mui Ne.

These places were by far the most underwhelming places we visited in Vietnam. I’d much rather have spent extra time in Ha Giang, Hoi An, or Ninh Binh instead.

Or I would take these 2 extra days and use them to just relax at a lovely pool or something.

In the end, Rachel and I were pretty exhausted when we got back to the Netherlands.

We had pretty much experienced the perfect Vietnam holiday. Everything had gone as we planned. We didn’t get sick. We managed to see everything that we planned. And the weather was great as well!

But this itinerary might have been a little too exhausting for us. I want to be honest with you here. I’m not saying that this itinerary is not suitable for you. I’m just warning you that what we did in 3 weeks is incredibly ambitious and taxing.

Rewarding? Amazing? Incredible? YES!

But exhausting as well.

It’s probably not a coincidence that both Rachel and I got sick after returning from this trip. I think our bodies had had enough. 😉

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

• Backpacking Tips
• Southeast Asia
• Travel Tips

The Ultimate 3 Weeks in Vietnam Itinerary [UPDATED FOR 2024]

Nic Hilditch-Short - Last updated on June 25th, 2024 at 9:22 am

Share This Post!

3 weeks in Vietnam. Is It Enough Time?

When Should You Visit Vietnam?

Transportation options in vietnam for your 3 weeks in vietnam itinerary, vietnam itinerary: 3 weeks: bike hire/ motorbike travel, 3 weeks in vietnam: minibus/ vans and private transfers:, 3-week itinerary vietnam: suggested route: , vietnam in 3 weeks: a breakdown, week 1: south and south central vietnam, where to stay in saigon/ hcmc, where to stay in da lat, where to stay in quy nhon, vietnam 3-week itinerary: week 2: northern central vietnam, where to stay in hoi an, where to stay in hue:, 3-week vietnam itinerary: week 3: northern vietnam, where to stay in ninh binh:, where to stay in hanoi:, 3-week vietnam itinerary: final thoughts, 3 weeks in vietnam itinerary: related content.

Well, in a word… No! A 3 week Vietnam itinerary leaves much to see!

But don’t let that dishearten you, how long is enough time in Vietnam? Honestly, how long is a piece of string? After 10 weeks and counting, we have still much more to see and for those who are willing to go totally off the beaten track and out into the wild lands along the border regions, it can be one of the most fulfilling, enlightening and adventurous places to explore in the world.

But of course, that’s not for everyone and there are certainly elements of the wilder side of Vietnam that can be seen in a shorter trip alongside some of the big hitters such as Hoi An, Ha Long Bay, Ha Noi, Da Lat and the coastal regions. 3 weeks in Vietnam allows you to really get a sense of the different sides to the country and explore the North, Central and Southern regions.

Having seen quite a bit of the country having travelled from Saigon to Ha Noi back in 2017 and now completing the trip again whilst adding in new destinations we feel this itinerary is perfect for those wanting to see the “main sight” but also includes some additional adventures along the way so you don’t miss out on what we consider to be the “real Vietnam!”

Unlike much of the rest of Southeast Asia Vietnam has different climate zones with the south generally staying with the rest of the region experiencing a wet and dry season whilst being hot year round and the north of the country having a more traditional 4 seasons. When planning out your Vietnam Backpacking Itinerary you should bear these in mind.

This means it can be in the high 30s (c) and humid down in Saigon and snowing up in Sapa! So planning a 3 week Vietnam itinerary can be tricky.

So when is the best time to come? Well, that depends on what your priority is and where you want to spend the most amount of time. With Vietnam, it’s best to expect any and all weather at any time!

The north can be bitter and cold in the Northern Hemisphere winter months but it is usually dryer, though we’ve experienced our fair share of rain in that time too. Summer is generally hotter and wetter. Also bear in mind that Hanoi also has a different climate to places like Sapa which is generally cooler due to its altitude and is wetter in the summer too.

The south of the country experiences a wet season over the Northern Hemisphere summer months and a dry season over the winter. It’s hot all year round but the summer is much more sticky and humid. Places like Da Lat are much more temperate all year round though they will be rainier in the summer!

So, there’s no real perfect time to come if you’re seeing the whole country but we suggest the Spring or Autumn months to get the best of both worlds. Between March and May  or from September to November   you should hopefully miss the downpours and humidity of the south and the bitter cold of the north.

Safety Wing Travel Insurance

The Best Insurance for Nomads

No one likes buying insurance, but equally everyone hates skyhigh medical bills! Get yourself covered so you can enjoy your trip worry free!

Here at The Roaming Renegades we love Safetywing Insurance because it’s designed for nomads, you can buy it when you’re already abroad and it’s kickass!

Click the button below to get a quote on your insurance provided by Safetywing.

Getting around Vietnam at times can be a real hassle. Each journey might only be a few hundred km but the truth is the roads are wild and dangerous and the buses are some of the worst culprits for outrageous driving. The sleeper buses are some of the most common options but can be some of the most hair-raising. Depending on where you are headed there may be other options such as the train, air travel, a short bike hire or a minibus… or you might just have to brave the sleepers too, unfortunately!

We recommend booking online with 12Go as a reliable and secure way to reserve your seats especially if you are on a tight and well-planned schedule like a 3-week Vietnam itinerary.

The BEST Way To Book Your Transport!

12go Transport Online Booking

12Go is the best place to book your flights, trains, buses, ferries, coaches and more online.

At The Roaming Renegades we love 12Go and trust them for all our bookings.

Buses are the main form of transport all across Vietnam and are the cheapest and most widely available. Routes fan out across pretty much the entire network of roads, cities and towns across the nation. You can get almost anywhere on the buses and they are affordable too. For your 3 weeks Vietnam itinerary you will likely need to use them!

The main issue is safety, especially with the sleeper buses and particularly at night time. If you can get on a regular seated coach then do and also avoid travelling at night on any of the roads if you can but especially highway 1 which is insane!

That being said, bus travel all across Asia is questionable at best and part of travelling in this region is accepting some of that danger in the pursuit of adventure. We would just say to take the bus during the day, get a seated bus if you can or go for the smallest bus. These buses do run every single day and although there are accidents it’s not like they happen all the time. Just prepare for a wild ride with plenty of beeping and swerving!

We recommend booking through 12Go as the most reliable and trustworthy online agency with transparent pricing and a review system too so you can see what others made of each available option.

Search For Your Bus Here:

__________________________________________________________________________________

Train Travel. A Great option on your 3-week Vietnam Itinerary

Train travel is by far the best way to get around on your 3 week Vietnam itinerary! However, the route is limited to following the coastal path up the country though you can get all the way from Saigon to Lao Cai which is close to Sa Pa.

This means that if you plan on going to places in land such as Da Lat, Phong Nha and the further central highlands or Ho Chi Minh Road area then you will need to take a bus. There is talk of fixing the line up to Da Lat as it does have a train station but who knows when that might be.

Train travel in Vietnam is much more relaxing and laid back than the bus and much safer too. You will pay more but if you opt for the lower classes the price still isn’t expensive and is perfect for any 3-week Vietnam itinerary.

Train travel is the best choice for your Vietnam 3-week itinerary but be sure to book as far in advance as you can, you can do that online with 12Go.

You can also take your motorbike on board the trains but it will cost quite a lot and there are limited spaces available for this service.

Search For Your Train Here:

Domestic travel across Vietnam via air is another good option, especially for those with tighter time constraints. Vietnam Airlines connects all of the main cities and even some of the more regional places too. There are also flights available with Jetstar and Viet Jet. If you’re on a planned trip like a 3-week Vietnam itinerary then flying is a great way to optimise your time.

Flights will be one of the most expensive methods of transport and airlines in Vietnam are notorious for being quite strict with baggage allowance and charging quite a lot extra. It does however cut down on a LOT of travel time and is much safer than the buses! Flying is ideal for a 3-week Vietnam itinerary as it cuts down a lot of travel time!

Search For Your Flight Here

We opted for motorbike travel throughout the whole of our time in Vietnam and whilst this is by far the most fun and adventurous way to see and travel the country and a favourite for those backpacking Vietnam.

However, on a three-week Vietnam itinerary, it’s just not really practical without intense planning. (We will write a post with some suggested short and longer routes for motorbiking in the future)

We don’t recommend doing a 3-week Vietnam itinerary if you want to tour on a bike as you should give yourself more time as it’s a much more gruelling and slow method than you might initially think!

READ MORE: See Our Guide To Motorbiking Through Vietnam Here

That doesn’t mean though that you can’t experience motorbike travel here on your 3-week Vietnam itinerary.

We highly recommend you rent them out on your day-to-day adventures in most destinations as you can see so much more. But do be very careful in the chaotic Vietnamese traffic, avoid Highway 1 and Saigon and drive within your ability!

But there are also areas of the country where you can make the journey on a bike. One just route is the famous Hai Van Pass between Hoi An and Hue. There are many companies who offer rentals between these two cities as well as easy rider tours (you’re on the back of the bike whilst a professional rides it!). It really is a must-do on any Vietnam 3 weeks itinerary.

This is a great way to get a taste of motorbike touring in Vietnam on one of the best roads in the country and also a road in which most large vehicles are banned. We recommend using Style Motorbikes where you can rent anything from a simple scooter to semi-manuals to several different sizes of full manual. They also do a luggage transfer service so you can ride without bags or you can just strap them to the back too.

READ MORE: See Our Adventure on The Hai Van Pass Here

Another option to consider if your budget stretches this far and you are worried about travel in Vietnam is to opt for the smaller minibuses/ Vans or even a private driver. It is a good method of transport on your 3-week Vietnam itinerary for journeys where trains and planes don’t go.

For the minibus, option be sure to select “van” on 12Go but be aware that on some routes it might not be possible.

For private transfers and drivers speak directly to your accommodation for recommended services.

You can also book transfers through tour companies such as Klook and Viator It is worth searching for each city to see what is available.

Sort Your Tours & Tickets Out

Best Place to Organise Your Tour & Much More

A great site to check out if you’re looking to book tickets or organise a tour is Viator .

Viator often offers different tours to other companies, ones that aren’t otherwise available or have tickets still on sale when they have sold out. It’s the company we trust the most when it comes to booking top quality, unique and exciting tours when travelling.

Saigon/ HCMC – 2 Day

Da Lat – 2 days

Quy Nhon – 2 days

Hoi an – 3 days.

Hai Van Pass – 1 day

Hue – 1 day

Ninh binh – 1 day.

Hanoi – 2 days

Halong Bay – 1 day

Sapa – 2 days

Hanoi – 1 day

This itinerary leaves some room for transport/ transit and an extra day here or there especially if you fly. It covers 18 days of travel in 21 days which is 3 weeks.

Our Favourite Backpacks

Osprey Farpoint/ Fairview

We’ve used the Osprey Farpoint / Fairview for all our backpacking adventures over the past 5 years and highly recommend them!

The main area of the pack opens like a suitcase, which is great for using packing cubes to keep everything organised and they even come with a detachable day pack!

Saigon/ HCMC – 2 days 

Start off your journey by arriving in Saigon, otherwise known as Ho Chi Minh City.

Saigon is a city of contrasting options, some people love the hustle and bustle of the busy streets where as other people find it overwhelming. It certainly isn’t a slow introduction to Vietnam and you’ll be thrown right in at the deep end! The 7 million motorbikes that clog the roads with their fumes and beeps take some getting used to but it does have their charms!

With a short amount of time to cover the whole country, we suggest having two days to explore Saigon before moving on to some of the more beautiful parts of the country.

Spend a day taking in the culture and history of the city through a combination of touring the old colonial buildings as well as immersing yourself in the markets of the city. Be sure to sample plenty of street food and end your day in the busy backpacker streets of District 1 (Phạm Ngũ Lão Street) for a taste of the chaotic and crazy nightlife of Saigon even if it’s just as an observer!

On your second day make a trip out to the Cu Chi Tunnels in the morning via a tour . Head back in the city and explore war-era-related sights. Visit the Reunification/ Independence Palace as well as the moving War Remnants Museum before heading to the statue of Ho Chi Minh himself across from the beautiful People’s Committee of HCM Building. Then explore the surrounding area with its juxtaposition of hammer & sickle banners, propaganda posters and upmarket Western designer boutiques and malls! Stop by the cool Cafe Apartments too in this area.

Places to see in Saigon:

• Notre Dame Cathedral
• Saigon Post Office
• District 1 backpacker street/ Phạm Ngũ Lão street
• Ben Thanh Markets
• Statue of Ho Chi Minh/ People’s Committee of HCM Building
• The Independence/ Reunification Palace
• War Remnants M useum
• Cu Chi Tunnels – Just outside the city so take a tour
• A tour of the Mekong Delta

Backpacker Budget: Dola Hostel 2

Right in the heart of the city and ideal for backpackers this hostel is dirt cheap but offers great extras like multiple plug sockets for each bed, curtains for privacy, great lockers and comfortable beds alongside clean bathrooms.

• Good free brekkie
• Foof terrace, lounge and balcony areas
• Close to a circle K

Mid-Range Hotel/ Accommodation: Maison De Camille Boutique Hotel

An elegant hotel perfect for couples, groups of friends or families it is located in a quieter and more upmarket area of the city.

• Terrace area and garden area
• Room service

Reasonably Priced Higher-End Accommodation: Icon Saigon

With an infinity pool and located in an ideal area in the heart of the city we spent our Christmas Day there one year! For budget travellers looking for a reasonably priced bit of luxury for a few days, this is an ideal place.

• Great buffet breakfast
• Afternoon tea, coffee and snacks

Transport To Saigon

Getting to Saigon is easy from the rest of the region and further afield. Being Vietnam’s main airport it is well connected to destinations around the world including Australia, France, China, Turkey, Japan, Korea, India, Russia and The Middle East, you can also get flights more locally to almost anywhere in Vietnam as well as many destinations in Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, Brunei, Singapore and The Philippines.

Bus travel overland is also easy from neighbouring countries. We arrived in Saigon from Cambodia both times and the border crossing and journey were pretty straightforward. We recommend travelling from Phnom Penh if you do the journey as it’s better connected with a more direct service.

Da Lat – 2 days 

Head out to the highlands and the cooler temperatures of Da Lat. The city might surprise you with how big it is for this region but it’s still a welcome break from the chaos and heat of Saigon. Up here you can escape into nature by exploring the villages, waterfalls, mountain passes and coffee plantations of the central highlands of Vietnam.

Hire a motorbike and explore. Head to Elephant Waterfall but take your time and stop at the multiple viewpoints and villages along the way.

After here head on up to the intriguing Linh Phuoc Pagoda with its colourful mosaics, huge Buddha statue and the underground lair of Buddhist hell.

Carry on further down this road to the abandoned Tiger Waterfalls passing some amazing views of the coffee terraces and some lovely local villages. The road is rough at times down towards the falls but you will be greeted with a real hidden gem unlike the more touristy offerings closer to the city that we found underwhelming. You will likely have the waterfall to yourself!

If you’re struggling with transport, then book yourselves onto a waterfall tour instead.

Take a canyoning tour to really see what Da Lat is all about! Leap off waterfalls, abseil down cliff faces and take on the adventure capital of Vietnam in a beautiful location. Any Vietnam 3 weeks trip has to include this incredible adventure!

After all that excitement it’s time to head inside and warm up with some Da Lat weirdness! Explore the 1000 roofs/ Maze cafe with a hot cup of coffee and/ or head to the Crazy House for even more wacky architecture!

READ MORE: See Our Canyoning Adventure in Da Lat Here

Places to see in Da Lat:

• Elephant Waterfalls
• Tiger Waterfalls
• Local villages and coffee plantations
• Get on the epic Canyoning adventure
• Linh Phuoc Pagoda
• Crazy House and Maze Cafe (1000 roofs)

Backpacker Budget: Mooka ‘s Home

A fun and friendly hostel run a local family, this hostel hits all the right marks. It’s got dorm rooms with well thought out beds with curtains as well as plenty of private rooms too.

• Massive lockers
• Communal kitchen
• Roof terrace to chill on

Mid-Range Hotel: Hera Boutique Hotel

Ideal for travelling couples the Hera Boutique Hotel offers great spacious rooms for a similar price to what you might pay for two beds in a dorm. It offers great value for budget travellers not wanting a hostel.

• Kettle in the room
• Set in a quiet area of town
• En-suite rooms

Reasonably Priced Higher-End Accommodation: New Life Hotel

New Life Hotel is a great option, especially for couples wanting to treat themselves without breaking the bank. This 3-star hotel has a fantastic restaurant and bar.

• Panoramic views over the city
• Terrace and garden
• Buffet breakfast

Transport To Da Lat

The train won’t go up to Da Lat so your options are limited. You can take the bus which can be sometimes a little scary on the winding roads, you can find a smaller van or you can take a short flight up here from Saigon.

Forget Mui Ne or Nha Trang, they are overrun, over-developed and overly expensive. Instead head further on to the more authentic, quieter and less touristy coastal town of Quy Nhon. We absolutely fell in love with this city and the surroundings and stayed longer than anticipated. You will enjoy the beaches, wild coast, fishing villages and laid-back local vibe much more than Mui Ne or Nha Trang (unless you’re a vacationing Russian of course!)

Rent a bike and head south of the city to Ganh Da Dia. It’s a long day but you will be rewarded with some of the best and most unique coastline Vietnam has to offer in the shape of Giant’s Causeway-style basalt columns. Getting there means taking the highway traversing the coast, crossing a bamboo bridge, and riding through rice paddies and small villages before exploring the incredible features of this section of volcanic coastline!

Alternatively, you can take an organised tour taking in the highlights of the area .

READ MORE: See Our Ganh Da Dia Adventure Here

Stay more around Quy Nhon itself and explore the unspoilt beaches and fishing villages of the region. Hit the main beach before heading to Bai Xep village and the secluded beaches here for a hit of local culture and relaxation at the same time! Your Vietnam three-week itinerary has to include some time by the coast and this is the perfect off-the-beaten-track place!

Places to see in Quy Nhon:

• Gahn Da Dia/ Bamboo Bridge/ Fishing Village
• Quy Nhon beach
• Ky Co Beach
• Queen’s Beach

Backpacker Budget: Life’s a Beach Hostel

A hostel on a beach, hell yeah! It doesn’t get much better than this! This awesome hostel is a little bit outside of town but it offers a great place to relax with dorms, private rooms, a bar, and a restaurant.

• Direct access to the beach
• Owners are super cool
• Onsite restaurant

Mid-Range Hotel: La Maison Boutique Hotel

A fun, modern and basic hotel that offers great rooms for those still on a budget but wanting something more than a hostel. It’s the perfect place for backpacking couples.

• Short stroll to the beach
• Has a swimming pool
• Onsite Restaurant

Reasonably Priced Higher-End Accommodation: Seaside Boutique Resort Quy Nhon 

The Seaside Boutique Resort offers a slice of luxury for a great price given the facilities. It’s got its own private beach and is up the road from the city centre.

• Beachside location
• Fitness centre

Transport To Quy Nhon

Getting to Quy Nhon is relatively straightforward but can require some connections.

Once you are back down on the coast you can take a train to Dieu Tri and then connect on the local service down to Quy Nhon. The closest airport is Phu Cat which is around 30 km from the city, it only flies domestically and flights aren’t available from Da Lat but they are from Saigon.

Buses will also require you to connect probably also along the coast in Nha Trang as it is a bit more of a niche place but trust us it’s well worth the effort.

Our Favourite Travel Camera & Lens

Sony A7IV & Sony FE 24-105 f4

The Sony a7IV is the perfect travel camera. Offering incredible image quality, great portability and a varied lens selection.

Our favourite travel lens is the Sony FE 24-105 f4 . it’s a great all-rounder, super sharp and a perfect focal range for travel.

Hoi An ancient town is somewhere that splits opinions just as much as Saigon but for different reasons. It’s undoubtedly beautiful and has that crumbling colonial allure that alongside the glowing lanterns is hard to resist. But the other side of things is the overtourism, sanitisation and scams of the town. But any Vietnam in three weeks guide just has to include this iconic location!

It almost feels like a Disneyland for tourists where you can’t turn a corner without being hounded for money. But make your own mind up, there are some genuinely amazing experiences to have here, especially in the surrounding countryside and the town is still well worth visiting. Just go there with a realistic idea of what to expect and a keen sense of scams!

Explore the city on foot: wander the yellow wash alleyways, take in the old houses and the ornate pagodas and get lost beneath the mesmerising lanterns. Be sure to stay for the evening when the city lights up and the rainbow of colour sway gently in the wind. You can either check out a map off all the sights, wander and get lost or you could always take a guided walking tour if you want more of a local insight into the history of the town.

Be wary of scams especially involving the fruit sellers forcing you to take photos and buy fruit for extortionate amounts! Unfortunately, this isn’t the place for authentic and intimate street photography!

Be sure to also stop at Banh Mi Phuong for what Anthony Bourdain described as the “Best Banh Mi in the world!” It’s a fun place to add to any Vietnam Itinerary: 3 weeks.

Take an Eco Tour out to the local villages nearby. You can explore the fishing culture, learn how rice is farmed, ride around the coconut forests in a coracle and have a local cooking lesson. The options are endless and can often be combined into an unforgettable day of learning about all aspects of the culture of this region from wartime heartache to centuries-old traditional ways of tending the land.

READ MORE: See Our Incredible Hoi An Eco Tour Here

Hit the beaches, Hoi An is not only famous for its old town and Eco Tours but being close to the coast here are some great beaches here too. An Bang, Cua Dai and Binh Minh are great options close to the city. If your budget allows then a tour or boat trip out to the idyllic  Cham islands is a perfect way to end your time in Hoi An. 

Places to see in Hoi An:

• Japanese covered bridge
• Fujian Assembly hall
• Chuc Thanh pagoda
• Quan Kong Hoi An Temple
• Explore the Old Town
• Take in The Lanterns At Night
• Local villages, fishing communities, rice farmers
• Coconut Mangroves
• Trip to My Son ruins
• An Bang Beach
• Cua Dai Beach
• Binh Minh beach
• Cham Islands

READ MORE: See Our Thoughts on Hoi An Here

Backpacker Budget:  Backhome Hostel & Bar

A really clean and modern top-rated hostel in Hoi An which includes breakfast too. Here you can even get a reasonably priced private room too as well as dorm rooms.

• Located close to the old town
• Great social environment

Mid Range Hotel: Hoian Central Hotel

Located near the beach area of Hoi An the Hoian Central Hotel is an ideally priced hotel with a luxury feel. With an impressive breakfast, it ticks all the boxes at a great price.

• Swimming pool
• Free bike rental
• Garden and lounge

Reasonably Priced Higher-End Accommodation: Bel Marina Hoi An Resort

For the price, this place is absolutely incredible and for those wanting a bit of a treat whilst backpacking or those on a holiday then this is a perfect option without breaking the bank.

• Extensive buffet breakfast
• Located only 100m from the old town

Transport To Hoi An:

A great option to get to Hoi An from Quy Nhon is to take the train from Dieu Tri to Da Nang. Each one is easy to get to from both destinations and the train is a much more scenic and enjoyable journey than racing down highway 1.

For those coming here direct from Da Lat, the main option is the bus though there is a short flight available from Da Lat to Da Nang.

Da Nang is a major city on the coast between 30-40 km away depending on your mode of transport. You can easily arrange a cheap private transfer or use the Grab App which is similar to Uber but operates in Southeast Asia.

Hai Van Pass – 1 day (Pass Through From Hoi An to Hue)

The Hai Van pass was made legendary during an episode of Top Gear, the winding road clings to the side of a mountain whilst overlooking the ocean below. It really is an experience worth putting yourself out for and is often touted as one of the best roads in the world with Jeremy Clarkson describing it as a “deserted ribbon of perfection”. It lives up to its reputation too and is a complete joy to ride for both motorbike enthusiasts and beginners.

The distance from Hoi An to Hue is only 121 km but this is a route to take your time over and spend the whole day enjoying it. The pass itself takes up only 21 km of the journey, but with almost 11 degrees of incline and a road that snakes through the mountainous landscape, it’s not one to rush.

The Hai Van Pass is not only a beautiful and exhilarating experience but it’s a significant place for Vietnam. The pass is roughly halfway up the country and for centuries split the Cham people of the south and the Dai Viet Kingdoms to the North. It also divides the different climates of the country too with the south being warm all year round and the North being colder and wet in the winter. 

READ MORE: See Our Hai Van Pass Adventure Here

How to do the Hai Van Pass:

You have three main options: Rent a motorbike or scooter, take an easy rider bike tour or take a minibus/ car tour. Each option allows you to experience the road and the pass in different ways.

Renting a motorbike or a scooter is the ultimate way to tackle the Hai Van pass, you feel and traverse every bend and can stop whenever and wherever you like. Rental companies offer different motorbikes and allow you to ride one way and drop off. You can also arrange luggage transit or strap them to your motorbike. If you’re a beginner we recommend hiring a motorbike a few days before and getting some practice.

We recommend “ Style Motorbikes ” for your rental.

An easy rider tour is a great compromise if you want to feel the wind in your hair but you’re not quite confident about riding yourself. Share a motorbike with a professional rider and stop at all the incredible vantage points along the way with a personal guide and fun photo ops on the motorbike. Luggage can be set in a separate vehicle so you can just enjoy the trip.

A minibus/ Car transfer tour is the most sensible option. Essentially a transfer over to Hue you will have pre-arranged stops along the way and the fortifications at the top where you will likely have lunch. Luggage comes with you on board and it’s a great option for families and groups. You can even do it in an old US Army jeep!

Book Your Tours for The Hai Van Pass

Being the home to the one-time imperial capital of Vietnam the ancient seat of the one-time Vietnamese Royal Family is a great place to visit for a day. It was in fact still the capital of the country for 143 years until 1945 when the Nguyen Dynasty collapsed.

For a city with such a rich history today it is a pretty unassuming place which is laid back and easy to explore.

The main attraction here is the remains of the old Citadel and the imperial tombs. Construction dates back to 1804 but many of the artefacts and buildings were badly damaged in the Vietnam/ American war which reflects the city’s turbulent past. You will see many in various stages of restoration as you explore. There are also several tombs to see around the city too with Khai Dinh’s and Emperor Minh Mang’s Tomb being the most worthwhile. 

Being a centre of Buddhism in Vietnam there are also lots of amazing places of worship all over the city with Thien Mu Pagoda being the most important and occupying a great vantage point over the Perfume River. 

Another cool place to see outside of Hue is the abandoned theme/water park. It’s technically off limits but a flexible security guard will let you in for a small “fee”, it’s got that creepy vibe going on and has recently become quite an instagram it! 

Places to see in Hue:

• The Imperial City
• Emperor Minh Mang’s Tomb
• Khai Dinh’s tomb
• Thien Mu Pagoda
• The Abandoned Theme Park

Backpacker Budget: Friendly House Hostel

A great guest house where we stayed during our time in Hue so it comes highly recommended. A well-maintained and lovely place to stay.

• Awesome breakfast
• Really lovely staff
• Super comfortable beds

Mid Range Hotel: Jade Scene Hotel

A really lovely place to base yourself in Hue, especially for couples wanting somewhere a little bit more upmarket but still on a budget. It’s the perfect place to base yourself whilst exploring Hue.

• Central location

Reasonably Priced Higher-End Accommodation: Senna Hue Hotel

Located right in the centre of Hue and situated by the banks of the famous perfume river Cherish Hotel is ideal for those wanting luxury at an affordable price.

• Spa and wellness centre as well as a gym

Transport To Hue:

Getting to Hue is easy as it has quite a few transport options. Most will arrive from Hoi An or Da Nang on a Hai Van Pass tour but there are other options too.

Hue is connected to the reunification railway that runs from Saigon to Hanoi which is also a quite scenic journey if you miss out on the Hai Van Pass.

Hue Airport (Phú Bài Airport) operates flights to and from Saigon, Hanoi, Da Nang and Da Lat

Time for the long trip north from Hue, between the imperial city and the Ninh Binh sights, dry out a little unless you’ve got time to cut inland through the Ho Chi Minh road and into Phong Nha National Park. No worries though as you’re about to head straight towards another limestone wonderland in Ninh Binh!

Think of it as a Halong Bay without the water, where sharp towering peaks of Karst rock punctuate the rice paddies below and women gently drift down the river miraculously rowing with their feet!

Spend a day exploring the stunning landscape here, either rent out a motorbike, push bike or do an organised tour to make the most of your time here.

Take a boat trip down Tam Coc to get a sense of the scale and beauty of the place from ground level and watch in awe as the local women somehow manage to row with only their feet, talk about hands-free! Then head off to the peaks and scale the top of Mua Cave for panoramic views down to the snaking river below, emerald green paddies and ice-grey limestone cliffs. 

READ MORE: See Our Time In Ninh Binh Here

Places to see in Ninh Binh:

• Boat Ride Through Tam Coc
• Mua Cave Climb
• Bich Dong pagoda
• Explore The Villages, Peaks and Temples on a Bike

Backpacker Budget: The Banana Tree Hostel

A really fun, unique and chilled-out hostel in Ninh Binh! Located in Tam Coc close to the main attractions and mountainous rural landscape of Ninh Binh it is the ideal place to explore the area from.

• Bar and restaurant
• Table tennis, pool table and bike hire

Mid Range Hotel: Tam Coc Holiday Hotel & Villa

This hotel is an absolutely stunning option even for those on a budget who just want something a little bit special. Offering a swimming pool, a garden and a sun terrace it’s a great place to relax.

• Extensive breakfast buffet
• Perfect location in Tam Coc

Reasonably Priced Higher-End Accommodation: Bai Dinh Garden Resort & Spa

An absolutely incredible and unique place to base yourself in Ninh Binh this resort offers bungalow-style accommodation in a garden setting for a really reasonable rate.

• Fitness centre and spa
• Bar and incredible breakfast

Transport To Ninh Binh:

Nihn Bihn is less than 100km from Hanoi so transport is pretty each. However, it’s quite a long journey from Hue but it’s a popular stop-off point so it should be easy to organise transport on any Vietnam Itinerary: 3 weeks.

Trains and buses are available on this route but it will take between 10-13 hours. Trains are the most comfortable and safety of the two but they are quite a bit more expensive.

Ninh Binh doesn’t have an airport but with Hanoi only being 94 km away and with good transport links on seated buses and the train you could always fly to Hanoi and head down for a day.

The great thing here is that the trip from Hanoi to Ninh Binh is a short one so it’s also ideal as a day trip too or a short leg of the journey through the country.

Ha Noi – 2 days

Time to head back to the big city and one of our favourite places to hang out in Vietnam. Most people find Hanoi much more charming and alluring than Saigon and that is in part down to its charming French quarter and more laid-back vibe.

Enjoy a day on foot getting lost in the old quarter of the city. Eat street food, dash down alleyways, and gaze in awe at the wonderful crumbling colonial architecture. Then head to Hoan Kiem Lake as the sunsets for a peaceful evening.

Hit up some of the varied architecture and history of Hanoi by heading to the Temple of Literature that dates back to 1070, whilst in this area of the city also visit the UNESCO site of The Imperial Citadel of Thăng Long which harks back to the same period. Moving on in time head to the Hanoi Opera House, a fine example of colonial architecture dating back to 1901. Then to finish off the eras queue up to enter the mausoleum of Ho Chi Minh. A strange but quintessentially communist experience the building was constructed between 1973-1975 in a style combining influence from Lenin’s mausoleum in Moscow with a modern take on Vietnamese architecture.

READ MORE: See Our Guide To Hanoi Here

Places To See In Hanoi:

• Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum
• Explore The French Quarter
• Hoan Kiem Lake
• Dong Xuan Market
• Hanoi Opera House
• The Temple of Literature
• Imperial Citadel of Thăng Long

Backpacker Budget: Hanoi Lucky Hostel

A great centrally located hostel which offers a buffet breakfast, beds with curtains and individual fans as well as a bar and lounge. This light, modern and clean hostel is in an unbeatable location.

• Reasonably priced private rooms
• Balcony for each room
• Great social vibe

Mid-Range Hotel: Golden Legend Palace Hotel

An elegant and stylish hotel right in the heart of the old town this boutique hotel is perfect for those wanting a high standard on a modest budget. Backpacking couples will love the luxury this place affords them. 

• Continental breakfast
• Right by Hoan Kiem Lake
• Terraces and balconies

Reasonably Priced Higher-End Accommodation: Sunline Paon Hotel & Spa

This modern and elegant hotel offers a rooftop pool and a spa and gym. For those looking for some luxury for a reasonable price, this is the perfect spot in Hanoi. Enjoy 4* service for budget-friendly prices.

• Panoramic views
• Bar overlooking Hanoi

Transport To Hanoi:

Hanoi being the capital city of Vietnam is well connected as expected. So the next bit of your Vietnam Itinerary: 3 weeks is easy to organise from here.

Buses run from almost every other city and corner of the country but expect them to take a while depending on where you are coming from though they should be bookable at short notice.

Trains connect Hanoi to Saigon via the reunification line that runs down the coast of the country. There is also a northern extension line that runs up to the Chinese border too.

Hanoi Airport serves almost every domestic destination but internationally it is somewhat limited by only offering flights mostly within Asia. However, it is connected to hubs such as Singapore, KL, Hong Kong and Dubai. You can also connect domestically at Saigon for flights to Europe and Australia.

Halong Bay – 1 Day Tour From Hanoi

Halong Bay is a highlight of Vietnam for many of those who visit this wonderful country. Sailing through the mesmerising limestone formations has a real Jurassic Park vibe. Despite the fact it might not be quite as serene as it once was it still has an unmatched allure that has to be seen to be believed.

Visiting and scaling features such as monkey islands, kayaking through the many tiny caves within the peaks and witnessing the floating fishing villages in the bays was an unforgettable experience. Many of the more expensive tours also offer a much more intensive day including stopping off at more bays and islands as well as swimming opportunities in the warmer months. Halong Bay should still be pretty temperate all year round but can be slightly colder and wetter in the winter months.

With time being short, we recommend doing a tour from Hanoi which should include transfers and food.

READ MORE: See Our Halong Bay Adventure Here

Sa Pa – 2-day Tour From Hanoi

Heading up to the far north of Vietnam was probably the overall highlight of our time in the country when we first visited and something we’re looking forward to expanding on during this trip.

It’s possible to head up to Sapa from Hanoi on your own and organise a trekking tour with some local tribes women but being on a tight schedule (on a Vietnam Itinerary: 3 weeks) we recommend doing a 2-day overnight tour from Hanoi.

Sapa is unlike anywhere else we’ve been, the combination of the unique tribal culture that still survives amongst the Red Dao and H’Mong peoples with the awe-inspiring landscape makes it a perfect destination. Rice terraces cling to the misty mountains as tiny villages appear and disappear amongst the clouds with wandering tribes women keeping their traditions alive with their clothing and way of life. Staying with local families in the middle of this enchanting landscape, immersing yourself in a totally unique environment and culture is something that will stay with us forever.

READ MORE: See Our Trekking Tour in Sapa Here

Transport To SaPa:

If you want to make your own way up to Sapa you can take a bus all the way or a train to Lao Cai with a short bus up the mountains to Sapa itself. You should factor this into your Vietnam Itinerary: 3 weeks.

Book Your Tours for SaPa:

Ha noi – 1 day.

Head back to the big city and spend one last day in the chaos of Vietnam. Wander aimlessly, indulge in street food, dodge motorbikes and just soak it all in. Before you go head to the Dong Xuan Market for some last-minute souvenirs and bartering! Your 3 week Vietnam itinerary is unfortunately at an end but hopefully, you’ve made some amazing memories.

Search For All Transport Options Here:

Ok, so there you have it! There’s a lot to see and do in Vietnam and 3 weeks might seem like a long trip for most people but it really is only long enough to scratch the surface. Your Vietnam itinerary: 3 weeks will provide you with a real taste of this fascinating country and all its highlights!

However, you can still pack in a lot of the highlights and get a good mix of urban chaos, varied history, phenomenal landscapes, extraordinary culture and once-in-a-lifetime experiences. With Vietnam, you get to combine beaches with urban sprawls, mountains with citadels and tribal treks with war relics. It really has something for everyone and makes the perfect destination for those wanting a trip filled to the brim with varied adventures!

READ MORE : See Our 7-week Motorbike Adventure Around Vietnam Here

READ MORE : See Our Experience Staying With A Local Family Here

For transparency’s sake: Many of the links we have on our site are affiliate links. This means that when you click one of these links and make a booking or purchase, for example: accommodation, gear, insurance or transport, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). Also, know that as an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Most importantly, know that we still only recommend services, gear and products we believe in and our earned commission helps us keep travelling and bringing you high-quality posts and content.

Organise Your Trip Here

Find accommodation.

Via Booking.com

Find Transport

Find travel insurance.

Via Safetywing

Find Flights

Via skyscanner

Find a Rental Car

Via Discover Cars

Organise your Visa

Get the right bag, related posts.

How to Get From Hanoi to Sapa: The...

Our guide details all the different ways how...

The ONLY Packing List for Backpacking Thailand You...

Our complete guide to a Thailand backpacking packing...

Jet2 Package Holidays to Turkey – An Honest...

Our honest Jet2 Holidays review from Turkey.

The ULTIMATE Guide To The El Nido To...

All the info you need for this awesome...

Chief Editor

Nic Hilditch-Short

Hey! I’m Nic, one-half of The Roaming Renegades.

I have a passion for travel, photography, heavy metal music (particularly Rammstein), Arsenal FC, gaming, mountaineering and pugs (Dooku RIP & Billy)

I have a BA in Fine Art and an MA in Design & Art Direction before I started galavanting around the globe! So far, I’ve been to 68 countries in 5 continents.

I’ve spent 2 years travelling around Southeast Asia including travelling the length of Vietnam twice on a motorbike, visiting off the beaten track locations such as Myanmar and Brunei and seeking out adventure opportunities along the way like canyoning, climbing and mountain hiking.

I’ve also spent 6 months exploring Eastern Europe, again visiting more unusual places such as Moldova, Kosovo, Ukraine and the breakaway state of Transnistria. I’ve visited all but 3 countries in Europe whilst both backpacking and using the UK as a base to explore Western Europe.

I have also lived in Australia and New Zealand for a total of over 3 years whilst doing Working Holiday Visas. I called Melbourne and Christchurch home during this period and explored both countries extensively whilst using these as bases.

Get In touch: [email protected]

Travel Resources

Follow Our Adventures!

Email address:

I have read and agree to the privacy policy.

How to Get From Hanoi to Sapa: The Cheapest and Best Ways to Travel in 2024!

Our guide details all the different ways how to Get From Hanoi to Sapa.

The ONLY Packing List for Backpacking Thailand You Need: Travel Essentials Checklist For 2024

Our complete guide to a Thailand backpacking packing list.

Jet2 Package Holidays to Turkey – An Honest Review [UPDATED FOR 2024]

The ultimate guide to the el nido to coron ferry, philippines [2024].

All the info you need for this awesome ferry trip.

The Floating Village of Kampong Khleang, Cambodia [UPDATED FOR 2024]

Have You Ever Considered Visiting A Floating Village

The Common Scams in China and How To Avoid Them [UPDATED FOR 2024]

China Scam List Visa Scams First on our

A Guide To Oludeniz Paragliding, Fethiye, Turkey [UPDATED FOR 2024]

Dreams Of Taking The Leap: Paragliding in Oludeniz

The Ultimate 3-Day Penang Itinerary, Malaysia [UPDATED FOR 2024]

Malaysia, as we’ve waxed lyrical before about, became

The Ultimate Southeast Asia Transportation Guide [UPDATED FOR 2024]

How Easy is Travelling Around Southeast Asia? Well

Backpacking in Hong Kong: A Guide To A Hong Kong Budget Trip [2024]

Backpacking in Hong Kong can be tricky compared

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

21 comments

I am not being funny but I think you have just planned my vacation to Vietnam! Still havent got out there yet but when I do I am going to do it full on in one hit with the kids soon. Might not be able to do everything on this list because of them but I know for sure I will get to know the culture, food, check out the scenery like crazy. Dont think I would do a motorcycle and have one of my kids on the back in the cities, that would be frigging crazy. Anyway..wandering off there…you covered all the places I want to go, still not sure if I would go back to hosteling now…I miss those days but got into luxury and comfort hotels. Sigh…getting old. 😛

Ha ha. Good to hear! Yeah very different travelling with kids. You don’t want to get on those buses either and the motorbikes are a definite no-no even for most people. I’ve seen whole families on motorbikes though… Vietnamese ones of course!! Lots of good quality and cheap luxury options too as well as hostels!

Vietnam is still on the list of places we have not visited. Thanks for some more ideas of places we should visit. Although it does look like we will need a long stay to see them all. Even if we probably won’t stay for 10 weeks. We would want to use the train when possible. But understand that routes are limited. We are not sure that a motorbike would work for us. Even if our son spent all of his time exploring that way. I have saved this post for when we actually put Vietnam on our travel plans. Your post has shown why we need to move it up on the list.

It’s somewhere with a lot of places to see and they’re quite spread out so it does take time if travelling overland. 3 weeks is a good enough time to see the highlights though. No, the motorbike is something for people wanting to spend a much longer and much more gruelling time in Vietnam, it’s great but its hard work!

I always enjoy reading your guides as you always include such useful information. Vietnam looks like an amazing country and I’d love to spend three weeks exploring. As someone who gets motion sick easily, I’d have to opt for the train or a plane, and that certainly sounds doable, even though I might miss some of the off-the-beaten path locales. Ever since I saw Halong Bay in a movie – can’t remember which one now – I’ve wanted to go there.

Thanks. After spending quite a bit of time here we’ve seen quite a bit to write about! Yeah, so much to do here as the trains are for sure the best way if you can get a ticket for them.

Vietnam has been on my travel list for a while. Your photos have only made me want to visit even more! I’d especially love to see Halong Bay. 🙂 Thank you for sharing & fueling my wanderlust!

Thanks. Yeah Ha Long is a real highlight even if it is a little over popular these days.

I’d definitely take the train over a bus. I think you would see more and as you mentioned it’s safer! My partner has done a 2 week motorbike ride through Vietnam and is lucky to be alive after a truck ran him off the road!

Yeah those buses are crazy but unfortunately they are convenient and easier to book. Yeah, getting ran off the road by a truck is also a common thing pretty much everyday on the bikes.

Looks like the perfect amount of time to get a taste of Vietnam! Looks like you did so much in this time and your route is exactly the one I’d like to take when I make it to Vietnam!

Yeah, there is so much to do and a lot to fit in! Three weeks is a great amount of time to see almost all of it!!

I am dying to go to Vietnam and your itinerary looks like a great one to follow. So much great information and travel tips here. I love how you have left some flex time in for travelling days. Love those buses in SE Asia!! Saved for future use!

Thanks. Yeah you will love it in Vietnam. It’s intense so you need some down time too for sure and a bit of room to add a day or change here and there.

That looks like quite the itinerary, providing a good mix of experiences to keep your interest. Have you thought about what places you would remove from that trip of you needed to reduce to a 2-week period? I do like how you followed the coast from one end to the other.

Yeah there’s a great range of diverse things to do across Vietnam which is what makes it a great destination. I’ve been thinking about writing a follow up two week post in the future too as that also seems to be something people are searching for an I understand most people take two week holidays. I think you would have to miss out on some places like Quy Nhon, Hue and Dalat maybe and spend less time in HCMC as well as flying more but it’s definitely possible and each traveller might want to take out a different place.

This is an amazing itinerary with tons of options! I like that you provided the different types of transportation. I would love to travel by train; however, my time is usually limited so flying may be my best option to see as much as Vietnam has to offer. I really love your photo of Elephant Waterfall. It makes me want to jump on a motorbike and visit the villages along the way to it.

Thanks! Yeah so much to do and many options too. I think if you are short on time then just flying is the best way to see as much as you can, you can still combine some shorter train trips or days of biking like the Hai Van Pass. Thanks, I was really pleased with that photo, I’ve only just started using filters and am finding it to be good fun! Biking is for sure the best way to see rural life here and is highly recommended even if you can only do it on day trips like to the waterfalls etc.

Ooh, we’re headed to Vietnam in a couple of months. This itinerary will be really helpful. I think I may cut out some of the cities (but keep the train ride), as we tend to travel pretty slow.

Awesome. Yeah there is a lot to do so you can always taylor it to what sort of places you like most but it’s nice that is has something for everyone like that. HCMC is one that though interesting in many ways could easily been taken out and just used as a transport hub, similarly Hanoi could be seen in a day if it’s not your sort of thing but Hanoi is nicer than Saigon.

I think my trip to Vietnam will be shorter than 3 weeks but I will definitely be checking out some of the places listed here. Thank you for the informative guide!

What are you looking for?

Our 3 week vietnam travel itinerary: the best places in 2024.

We spent 3 weeks in Vietnam in September 2017, and I can honestly say that it was my favourite country we visited when in Southeast Asia .

That's right, it's even better than Bali ... maybe ... possibly ... OK I really can't decide!

Either way, it's the perfect mix of beautiful scenery, welcoming people, great-tasting food, breathtaking attractions and cheap accommodation.

Definitely one of the world's best backpacking destinations .

However, with so much to see and do, this begs the question:

“Where should I stop in Vietnam?”

Interactive map of our 3 week Vietnam itinerary

Travellerspoint

Firstly, a little bit on Vietnamese visas

Before diving into our 3 week Vietnam travel itinerary, I wanted to quickly address one of the biggest queries on everyone's mind … “what about visas?”

Well, for UK passport holders, and others from across Europe, you can normally visit Vietnam for up to 15 days.

If you wish to stay longer, you will need to purchase a visa before arrival.

We paid $46 for a visa that allowed us to stay for a month (be aware, the price of visas can fluctuate rapidly from one day to the next).

I would say this is definitely worth it, as the extra week or two allows you to see so much more of this beautiful country.

To find out more about your visa requirements, then you will need to check online or with your embassy.

To save a lot of stress you can do this all online with a website like Natvisa . You’ll just need to upload the relevant documents, pay their service fee and they walk you through the whole process.

One final tip: if you’re coming from Cambodia, then we picked up our Vietnam visas from a shop called “Lucky Lucky Motorcycle Rental” in Phnom Penh. They are very trustworthy amongst backpackers and easy to find.

Or, if you choose to fly across from Cambodia to Vietnam (which is certainly much less hassle!) then you can sort out a visa on arrival beforehand. There are plenty of sites that can help you with this, such as My Vietnam Visa .

Our 3 week Vietnam travel itinerary from South to North

OK great! Now, that that’s done, let's dig in to our route ...

Hopefully it will help you plan your own amazing trip here.

The best way to travel Vietnam in 3 weeks is to either start in Hanoi in the North or Ho Chi Minh in the South.

We started in the South of Vietnam by getting a bus up from  Kampot in Cambodia  to Ho Chi Minh City (aka Saigon).

Here’s a map of our route.

P.S. Be sure to check out my epic guide on the 50 best things to do in Vietnam .

We got a bus to and from each of these stops, and I will talk more about this hop-on, hop-off bus below the 3 week Vietnam itinerary.

Stop 1: Ho Chi Minh City - 3 nights

Most routes through Vietnam take you from Ho Chi Minh in the south to Hanoi in the North, or vice-versa. Ho Chi Minh is a great city to start in, and you can use it to buy any essentials you will need for the ride north, such as your bus ticket.

• ‍ Read Also: 12 Best Things To Do In Ho Chi Minh City (Vietnam)
• TOUR : Check out this Ho Chi Minh Instagram Tour WIth ForeverVacation

Stop 2:  Mũi Né  - 2 nights

We then took a bus roughly 6 hours Eastwards to the coastal town of Mũi Né. 2 nights was enough here for us, but you could easily spend weeks relaxing on their gorgeous beaches.

• Where we stayed in Mui Ne: Mui Ne Hills Budget Hotel
• Read Also: 6 Best Things To Do In Mui Ne (Vietnam)

Stop 3: Da Lat - 2 nights

Getting from Mũi Né to Dalat means taking a 5 to 6 hour bus journey North-West. It's a beautiful place to visit as it is high in the mountains and much cooler than anywhere else you will visit in Vietnam.

• Where we stayed in Da Lat: Nguyen Minh Hostel
• Read Also: 10 Best Things To Do In Da Lat, Vietnam {Complete Guide!}

Stop 4:  Nha Trang  - 2 nights

Nha Trang is only about 5 hours from Dalat, and is a very popular coastal city. The place is flooded with Russian holidaymakers and more closely resembles a westernised holiday destination.  However, when you dig below the surface, there are some truly memorable places to go here.

• Where we stayed in Nha Trang: Queen 7 Hotel
• Read Also: 5 Amazing Things To Do In Nha Trang, Vietnam

Stop 5: Hội An - 3 nights

We then got an overnight bus which takes you all the way up the coast to Hội An. We ended up spending an extra night here as a typhoon hit Vietnam whilst we were here. It was the worse one they've had in years! Seriously,  check it out . 

• Where we stayed in Hoi An: Riverside Pottery Village Homestay
• Read Also: Best Things To Do In Hoi An {Ancient Town + More!}

Stop 6: Da Nang - No nights

We had planned to stay in Da Nang for a night but got stuck in Hội An because of the storm. We still managed to drive here for the day, and it really is a beautiful place to visit even just for a night. It's only an hour or so from Hội An.

Stop 7: Huế - 2 nights

Just a few hours up the coast from Da Nang you will find the historic city of Huế. The city has a rich and interesting history and is a place definitely worth visiting for anyone travelling through Vietnam.

• Where we stayed in Hue: Hue Garden Villa Hotel
• Read Also: 19 Best Things To Do In Hue, Vietnam {Travel Guide!}

Stop 8: Phong NHA - 1 night

Phong NHA is the perfect example of the beautiful and rural Vietnam you see on TV, and is a crucial part of any Vietnam backpacking itinerary. It’s just 5 hours from Huế by bus and you have to stay there. I wish we had more time to explore, rather than just 1 night.

• Where we stayed in Phong NHA: Mountain View Hotel

Stop 9: Hanoi - 3 nights

The Journey from Phong NHA to Hanoi was our second overnight bus through Vietnam. Many people choose to fly this remaining stretch or catch a train, but there is nothing wrong with the bus, which is far cheaper.

• Where we stayed in Hanoi: HC Old Quarter View House
• Read Also: 15 Best Places To Visit In Hanoi (Vietnam)
• TOUR : Check out this Hanoi Instagram Tour for all the best photo spots in Hanoi!

Stop 10: Hạ Long Bay - 1 night  

Perhaps the most famous place in Vietnam is Hạ Long Bay. It really is as beautiful as you see in the pictures. We did a typical 1 night, 2 day tour through the bay; but if you've saved more money for your trip and can spend a little more, I would recommend staying for longer.

• Where we stayed in Ha Long Bay: Rosa Cruise ‍
• Read Also: Best Halong Bay Cruise For Backpackers [+6 Discount Tips]

Total = 19 nights + 2 nights spent on overnight buses = 3 weeks

So there you are! That is the 3 week itinerary that we used in Vietnam. There are other places to stop, however, having spoken to other people who have travelled the country, we got to see the best places for sure.

Although we were, of course, limited in where we could visit due to our bus ticket.

Getting around Vietnam

Another reason why I love Vietnam so much is that it is by far the cheapest country I have ever travelled through. This is, of course, if you chose to get the hop-on, hop-off bus pass.

You can pick this up in most of the major cities, and you pay a fixed amount there and then to stop off in the places of your choosing.

Our pass cost us $37 and included most of the stops.

All of the buses (except for the journeys to and from Dalat) are by sleeper coach. They are perfectly comfortable, and you get your own private section to sleep in.

Although, if you are taller than 5 foot 8, then you might not agree with me regarding the comfort levels!

Alternatively, you could fly from some of the major cities or catch a train. These are of course more expensive, but not ridiculously overpriced.

Your other option, and the option I would have chosen if Cazzy was willing to ride her own scooter , is to buy a bike and drive through the country.

Rounding off

From North to South, Vietnam offers some of the most breathtaking views I have ever seen.

By having your own transport you could stop in even more places that aren't listed here, as you are limited by what public transport offers you.

I plan to one day go back to Vietnam and do exactly this, especially with regards to visiting the places North of Hanoi.

However, this does depend on your own personal love for mopeds and the confidence in your own abilities to survive the famous Vietnamese drivers around you.

Want an idea of what this is like? Just check out the Top Gear Vietnamese Special.

Whichever way you to decide to travel through Vietnam, if you are limited to 3 weeks or less, then the itinerary above will certainly not let you down.

3 weeks is plenty of time to travel from Ho Chi Minh to Hanoi and see all the beautiful stops along the way.

Read Also:   50 Best Things To Do In Vietnam

If you have any other places you think we should have visited in Vietnam then just let me know in the comments below, I would love to hear from you!

Similarly, if you have any questions about our route or how the bus pass works, just let me know.

Leave a comment

Let us know what you think.

5 million people can't be wrong

The Curious Sparrow

Ultimate 3 weeks vietnam itinerary: from north to south.

Vietnam is one of the most captivating, vibrant and varied countries I’ve had the pleasure of visiting. From dynamic cities to awe-inspiring temples, stunning scenery to mouth-wateringly delicious food – Vietnam truly has it all! In this blog post, I am excited to share my personal recommendations with you in this 3-week itinerary. 

How this itinerary is organised

This itinerary has been planned using public transport, taking you from northern Vietnam to the south. I will suggest different modes of transport – including buses and trains – but if you’re strapped for time, you may prefer to fly internally. Internal flights are extremely affordable within Vietnam. In each destination, I will make suggestions about what to see and do in each location but won’t give you a rigid checklist to follow. Keep in mind that Vietnam’s tropical climate varies dramatically from region to region, and can change rapidly. It’s good to stay flexible in case the weather affects your plans.

This itinerary gives you an overview of what can be achieved in three weeks but can easily be adapted, depending on your budget, timeframe, preferences and which airport you arrive into or leave from. If you have less time, simply remove a location or two. I have given each destination at least two nights, so you can enjoy some relaxation at each stop. Vietnam is the kind of place where doing nothing – whether it’s people-watching, sitting in a cafe, or admiring the scenery – is one of the best things to do!

Getting around

Travelling in Vietnam is very affordable, even more so if you book your transfers and connections via your hotels, hostels and homestays. We also used 12go Asia , Busbud  and Getbybus really often. These websites are really easy-to-use; you can find all the information you need about routes, prices and timetables, search in whichever language you need, pay through the website (by credit or debit card) and download e-tickets straight to your smartphone.

Please note: This post contains affiliate links which means if you buy something following a link on this page, I’ll receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Table of Contents

Days 1-3: hanoi.

• Days 4-5: Bai Tu Long Bay
• Days 6-7: Mai Chau
• Days 8-9: Ninh Binh
• Days 10: Da Nang
• Days 11-13: Hoi An
• Days 14-15: Can Tho
• Days 16-17: Ben Tre
• Day 18-20 : Ho Chi Minh City
• Day 21 : Depart from Vietnam

This Vietnamese adventure starts in the country’s capital, Hanoi . I absolutely love this city, and was lucky enough to spend a few weeks here during my travels. It is truly an assault to the senses in the best way! It’s busy, bustling, hectic, gritty, fun, and full of character. Spend your time here exploring the city’s wonderfully quaint Old Quarter, a maze of narrow streets lined with shops and food stalls. Here you will find beautiful, colonial-era buildings, parks, lakes, museums, temples and pagodas galore, and historic landmarks like the Temple of Literature, Ba Dinh Square and St. Joseph Cathedral. Check out my dedicated post on what to do in Hanoi for more ideas.

Days 4-5 Bai Tu Long Bay

After 3 days in a bustling capital, it’s time for some rest and relaxation. Located around 3 hours outside of Hanoi is Bai Tu Long Bay , a stunning area of natural beauty made up of hundreds of islands, towering limestone hills, and clear turquoise water. Although lesser known than nearby Ha Long Bay, Bai Tu Long is equally beautiful, less crowded and much quieter. The best way to enjoy Bai Tu Long Bay is to take a cruise on a traditional wooden junk ship. In addition to surprisingly comfy accommodation, your cruise will include kayaking, delicious freshly-cooked meals, and visits to beaches, caves, and fishing villages. You can read all about my experience at Bai Tu Long Bay.

How to get from Hanoi to Bai Tu Long Bay:

Although you can reach Bai Tu Long Bay independently by car then ferry, it’s much easier to book a tour from Hanoi. To get the cheapest price, book in-person at any travel agency in the city. My boyfriend and I booked in Hanoi and paid around $150 USD per person for our 2 day/1 night tour (including all food, transport and activities). You will be collected from your accommodation in Hanoi and arrive at Bai Tu Long Bay in the afternoon. 

Days 6-7 Mai Châu

On Day 6, you will travel to the picture-perfect Mai Châu district. Located around 150 km southwest of Hanoi, this rural area has exactly the kind of scenery I envisioned before arriving in Vietnam. Rolling green hills, rice fields, small tribal villages, water buffalo casually strolling around, and locals cycling around wearing traditional conical hats. There are plenty of things to do in Mai Châu , such as hiking, cycling, or whizzing around on a scooter, visiting the local villages, and taking long, leisurely walks through the gorgeous countryside.

How to get to Mai Châu:

Your Bai Tu Long tour will take you back into Hanoi after breakfast. From there, take a minibus or shuttle bus to Mai Châu. This journey takes around 3 hours, meaning, all going well, you will arrive mid-afternoon. There are lots of companies which operate the route between Hanoi and Mai Chau. Check times and availability on 12go Asia or Getbybus (prices range between 106,000-426,000 Vietnamese dong (VND) depending on time of day and provider). 

Days 8-9 Ninh Bình

On the morning of day 8, travel to the striking Ninh Bình province. Like in Mai Châu, you will be treated to spectacular scenery and bombarded by vibrant, varying shades of green. This province is perhaps best known for its limestone mountains, giving it the nickname Halong Bay in land . In fact, the scenery here is so striking, it was chosen as a shooting location for King Kong: Skull Island. 

Some of the highlights of Ninh Bình include taking a picturesque boat ride through the Trang An complex (a stunning UNESCO World Heritage Site) and exploring the Van Long Nature Reserve . You can also visit the Bai Dinh Pagoda (the largest Buddhist complex in Southeast Asia) or climb the 500 steps up Hang Múa mountain for incredible panoramic views. 

How to get from Mai Châu to Ninh Bình

From Mai Châu, take a minivan to the city of Ninh Bình. This journey takes around 3 hours and costs roughly VND 292,000-400,000. You could also book from one of the tour agencies in Mai Châu town, through your accommodation or through 12Go Asia or Getbybus. You can also get here directly from Hanoi, should you wish to remove Mai Châu from your itinerary. 

Day 10 and 11: Da Nang

All going well, you should arrive in the coastal city of Da Nang on the morning of Day 10. Da Nang is often overlooked as a destination, but we really enjoyed our time there. Enjoy good coffee in the many cute cafés, sample the city’s delicious cuisine, chill out on My Khe beach , and stroll along the promenade by Bach Dang Street . Check out the fantastical Dragon Bridge , which comes alive on the weekends, shooting out fire and water during a spectacular light show. While you can of course head straight to nearby Hoi An from Da Nang, I suggest giving this young and vibrant city at least a day of your time. 

How to get from Ninh Bình to Da Nang  

I recommend taking the overnight train from Ninh Binh to Da Nang. Travel time varies from 13 – 14.5 hours (depending on which train you take). Prices range dramatically from VND 612,000-1,890,000, depending on which style of bed you take. I recommend the 4-berth sleeper; you can also get a cheaper bunk in a 6-berth sleeper, but they are not as spacious, and avoid the “2nd class seats only” tickets unless you want a very uncomfortable night without sleep! For up-to-date prices and timetables check here . You can book at the Ninh Binh train station or via 12go A sia or Getbybus . 

If you don’t want to get the train, another option is an overnight bus. This is notably cheaper (VND 479,000-585,000 per person) and takes between 13-16 hours. The third option is flying, but as there are no direct flights from Ninh Bình you will need to travel 3+ hours back into Hanoi to catch your flight, making this the most inconvenient option.

Days 11-13 Hoi An

Hoi An is the most touristy place on this Vietnam itinerary by far, with its wonderfully preserved Ancient Town , which attracts huge numbers of visitors every year. Don’t let that put you off though, as this charming and quaint city is well worth your time. You’ll find colourful French colonial buildings, ornate bridges, boutiques, temples, pagodas, food markets, beaches, and more than enough cafés to get your daily fix of Cà Phê Sữa Đá (Vietnamese iced coffee). However, it is at night, with the streets illuminated with lanterns, when the Ancient Town truly comes alive. A popular evening activity is taking a boat ride down the Thu Bon River to release a lantern into the water, creating a truly beautiful display.

If you’re craving more nature, you could visit the Marble Mountains , a cluster of five marble and limestone hills. They are really easy to reach from Hoi An by local bus. I also recommend visiting a tailor while in Hoi An, for a truly original keepsake. The city is famous for its tailors, and I had two dresses tailor-made, which was a really fun experience. I got to choose the style, material and design, both dresses were measured to fit me like a glove, and each dress only cost the equivalent of €25! 

How to get from Danang to Hoi An:   

Hoi An is an easy and short journey from Da Nang. While you can take public transport for a small fee, I recommend taking a taxi. This will cost only around VND 346,000 and take just 45 mins from Da Nang centre to Hoi An centre. 

Days 14-15 Can Tho

You can’t visit Vietnam without experiencing the Mekong Delta so it’s time to head to Can Tho.  Located on the southern bank of the Hau River, Can Tho is famous for its nearby floating markets, the largest of which is Cai Rang Floating Market . You can visit this on a guided tour, or by hiring a private boat from one of the jetties in town. If you book a guided tour, try to find one that visits the Cai Rang as early as possible. By the time our tour group got there, things were really winding down. However we enjoyed the smaller Phong Điền floating market , bought fresh fruit from the vendors selling directly from their boats, and had a hearty bowl of hot Phở for lunch. Even if you’re not interested in visiting the floating markets, Can Tho is still worth visiting. It feels very authentic and untouristy; a great opportunity to observe the locals going about their daily business. Spend an evening strolling along the illuminated Ninh Kieu Wharf promenade, try some local delicacies at the bustling night markets, or just sit by the river’s edge and watch the hive of activity on the waterways. If you are feeling a bit fancy, treat yourself to a stay at the Azerai Can Tho . Friends of ours stayed at this luxury hotel, which is on its own private island and has a speed boat on call to take you back and forth to the mainland! 

Getting to Can Tho from Hoi An:

The quickest and easiest way to get to Can Tho from Hoi An is to take a direct flight from Da Nang International Airport to Can Tho International Airport. Flights take around 1hr 30mins, and cost less than VND 1,333,000 one-way. There are other options (including buses and trains) that require a change in Ho Chi Minh City. However, these journeys take around 24 hours, so I wouldn’t recommend these unless you plan to stop off at some other destinations along the way.

Day 16-17 Ben Tre

On day 16 travel from Can Tho to the nearby Ben Tre province, aka Vietnam’s Capital of Coconut! This scenic area, full of coconut plantations, winding canals, rice fields, and dusty dirt paths, is perfect for exploring, whether on foot or bicycle. I recommend staying outside of Ben Tre city centre so you can immerse yourself in nature. We stayed in a charming homestay, south of the river. Our host was really sweet, giving us freshly plucked coconuts from the garden, and making us a delicious home-cooked meal, which showcased local fish from the river. 

Another way to explore the area is by boat. A relative of our homestay host took us out on his little sampan (rowing boat) through the narrow, coconut tree-lined canals, taking us passed coconut-processing plantations and luscious plants and flowers. It was exactly what I wanted from a trip  to the Mekong Delta. Speaking of coconut, be sure to try the local coconut candy Kẹo dừa. There are even cooking classes where you can learn to make your own! 

How to get to Ben Tre

Take a local bus from Can Tho to Ben Tre. There are lots of bus companies running this route from Can Tho station. It takes between 2-3 hours and costs around VND 75,000 per person. Alternatively you could rent a car, or hire a private driver. 

Days 18-20: Ho Chi Minh City

The final destination on this Vietnam itinerary is the country’s largest and most populous city, Ho Chi Minh City. Commonly known as Saigon, HCMC is Vietnam’s commercial centre. While Hanoi has a more traditional feel to it, HCMC is visually more modern and bustling, with more of a “Western” feel. There are numerous sights and museums to explore, such as the harrowing War Remnants Museum, Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon and the nearby Chu Chi Tunnels . The city is also the perfect place to enjoy a bánh mì sandwich, as there are stalls selling them on every corner. For more ideas of what to do in this sprawling metropolis, check out my post on how to spend 3 memorable days in HCMC .

How to get from to Ho Chi Minh City:

You could hire a private driver to take you from Ben Tre to HCMC (it’s around 1-2 hours’ drive). Alternatively buses run several times per day, with a journey time of 2hrs 15mins and average cost of VND 106,000. Check out prices and availability on 12go Asia or Getbybus . 

Day 21: Depart from Vietnam

All too soon it’ll be your last day in Vietnam. Depending on when your flight is, you might have more time to explore Ho Chi Minh City, or at least grab one last Cà Phê Sữa Đá. If you’re anything like me, it won’t be long at all before you’re planning a return visit to wonderful Vietnam! If you have any questions or other recommendations, please leave them in the comments below.

Ciao for now

Izzie, the Curious Sparrow

Share this:

Leave a comment cancel reply, discover more from the curious sparrow.

Subscribe now to keep reading and get access to the full archive.

Type your email…

Continue reading

• Already have a WordPress.com account? Log in now.
• Subscribe Subscribed
• Copy shortlink
• Report this content
• View post in Reader
• Manage subscriptions
• Collapse this bar

3 Week Vietnam Itinerary: Perfect Route For Northern & Central Vietnam

by Mark and Kristen Morgan

Published: April 14, 2020

UPDATED: October 20, 2023

Vietnam has been on the SE Asia tourist trail for decades and has grown into one of the most sought after bucket list destinations for many travelers.

This efficient and adventurous 3 week Northern and Central Vietnam itinerary gives you the perfect amount of time in each of the major hotspots without feeling rushed.

Time is a constant thorn in the side of backpackers and long term travelers. How much time do you need to see the highlights of a country before moving on?

Follow this 3 week itinerary through Vietnam to experience outstanding beauty and minimize waste of that key aspect: Time.

Let’s plan your Vietnam Itinerary!

Is 3 Weeks Enough Time For Northern & Central Vietnam?

How do you determine when you have spent enough time in a country? When you begin to get bored? When you can’t cope with a different culture anymore and crave familiarity? The answer depends entirely on each individual and how they prefer to travel.

However, we believe that for those looking to experience Northern and Central Vietnam’s finest landscapes and tourist activities – in a concise manner but without rushing it – 3 weeks is the perfect time frame to build into your schedule.

Personally, we used up our entire 30 day visa allowance traveling slowly through each of the places listed on this itinerary. Our experiences have allowed us to construct the perfect 3 week itinerary for effective time management in Vietnam.

This itinerary is aimed at those who want to see the best bits and then move on to the next country. There are no ‘chill days’ with nothing on the agenda. Nor are there any ‘hangover days’!

You might be thinking ‘but if I’m going to pay for a 30 day visa and only use 21 days, I’m losing out’. Although that is a fair point, what we are trying to get across is that any extra day you spend is simply a chill day.

If you don’t have time to waste on your overall travel plans, can you afford to lose days?

Not sure if you can spare 21 days for exploring Vietnam? Read through our  10 Day Example Itineraries For Northern and Central Vietnam for the most efficient shorter visits.

Should You Book Transport And Tours In Advance?

Choosing whether or not to book in advance is always a tough call when traveling to new places.

On one hand, you have complete flexibility, independence and the ability to negotiate prices on site. And on the other, you have convenience, security and nothing to worry about when you arrive.

This 3 week Vietnam itinerary focuses on the Northern and Central areas of Vietnam. High season in these regions typically runs from November through April.

If you are traveling during the high season, we would recommend you book a tour to guarantee a spot. But if you are traveling in the low season, you may be alright to book as you go.

Popular Tours in Vietnam

• From Hanoi: Tam Coc, Hoa Lu & Mua Caves Full-Day Trip
• Hanoi: Guided Street Food Tour
• From Hoi An: Market Tour, Basket Boat Ride and Cooking Class

Although this itinerary does not include Southern Vietnam, here are some popular tours for Ho Chi Minh City.

• Ho Chi Minh City: Cu Chi Tunnels & Mekong Delta VIP Day Tour
• Ho Chi Minh City: Private Street Food Evening Walking Tour

Don’t Miss : Check out our guide about the 30 Things You Need To Know before you plan your trip to Vietnam!

Itinerary Variations

Just before we get stuck into this meaty 3 week Vietnam itinerary, it’s important for us to mention that every traveler will have a different idea of the perfect route.

• How much money do you have in your projected Vietnam budget?
• Is a Halong Bay cruise or golden rice terraces in Sapa on your bucket list?
• Would you prefer to get to Hoi An quickly and spend a whole week?
• Does the idea of traveling on an overnight sleeper buses make you squirm?

This is just an example itinerary but it is the exact route we would take if we had to retrace our steps and do it in a much more timely fashion.

Feel free to add days in or take days out of any place to build it around your goals and personal taste.

A 3 week route might seem like a long time but it will go by in a flash, especially if you follow this itinerary through Vietnam to the letter.

The Perfect 3 Week Northern & Central Vietnam Itinerary

The map of Vietnam below shows you an overview of how to plan your days plus transport options.

After the map we get into a detailed breakdown of how you can spend each day for the most efficiency.

Days 1 & 2 – Hanoi

Begin your Vietnam adventure in chaotic and vibrant Hanoi. The capital city is frantic and fast paced, making it the perfect place to get over culture shock. Follow our 2 Day Hanoi Itinerary to ensure you see everything.

Spend your first day exploring Hanoi’s Old and French quarters, check out Hoa Lo prison and infamous train street.

Your second day in Hanoi is exploration day. Walk the city to discover its further tourist attractions such as Ho Chi Minh’s mausoleum and Tran Quoc Pagoda.

We believe you don’t need to spend any more time than  2 days in Hanoi .

Day 3 – Hanoi to Sapa

Day 3 starts early as you board your Sapa bound semi-sleeper bus. Book online using either 12Go Asia or Baolau . Prices are around US$ 12 one way per person. We booked the Sapa Express on 12Go Asia which leaves at 7.30am from North West of Hoan Kiem lake.

The bus takes roughly 6h30m and the last hour is pretty rough as it meanders up into the mountains close to the Chinese border.

Arrival time into Sapa should be around 1.30pm. Check into your hotel and head out to Le Gecko Cafe for lunch. If weather is favorable, use it to your advantage. Take an afternoon stroll down to Cat Cat village for a few hours and relax in the evening.

Note : It’s not worth taking the train for this journey. You would have to change in Lao Cai to a bus anyway.

Days 4, 5 & 6 – Sapa

You will need 3 full days in Sapa because the weather up in the mountains is extremely changeable. Your trekking tour has more chance of being clear if you allow an extra day.

In addition,  you can summit Fansipan mountain peak by cable car on the day you don’t trek with an Ethnic minority.

Here’s how to spend your 3 days with ideal weather conditions:

• Day 1 – Have a relaxing morning but organize your trekking tour if you haven’t already boo k ed one online . Arrive at Sun World Plaza around 12pm to take the funicular and  cable car up to Fansipan peak . The cable car ride is awesome as you gaze upon rice terraces for miles! The summit is even more spectacular with clouds consistently blowing underneath you.
• Day 2 – First day trekking. You will be picked up from your hotel by your guide around 9am. Here’s how to book and what to expect from your trekking tour . The first day will take around 6-7 hours of walking to reach your home stay for the night. Scenery around Sapa is beautiful and if you time it perfectly, you will be able to see lush green or golden rice terraces.
• Day 3 – Another day trekking the valleys. This will be another 6-7 hours of hiking through rice paddies and along winding country roads. You will be picked up by a mini bus around 10km from town to be transported back to your hotel.

Check out our 3 day Sapa itinerary  for more details.

Note : There are buses leaving for Hanoi between 4pm and 6pm. It would mean arriving late into Hanoi and being up early for a bus to Halong Bay but would save a day. We’ve opted to make this itinerary efficient but not exhausting.

Day 7 – Sapa to Hanoi

This is a transition/admin day with a 6h 30m bus journey so it’s up to you to decide what time of day to take that bus. There are other things to see around Sapa or if you missed anything in Hanoi – this is your chance to get around to see what you have left!

If you haven’t already booked your Halong Bay tour online , you will need to spend some time negotiating with travel agencies in Hanoi throughout the afternoon of this day. Our guide explains how you can book a cheap Halong Bay cruise , plus why we think it’s a little overpriced.

If you plan to visit Halong Bay independently and not as part of a tour, you can book directly with cruise operators such as Rosa cruises. Here’s a transport guide to show your options for traveling from Hanoi to Halong Bay .

We know what you’re thinking. Why bother going back through Hanoi? Can’t I just take a bus from Sapa to Halong Bay? Well, the answer is yes. But we DO NOT recommend taking it. Trust us, from experience it’s not a good idea! Find out more in our Vietnam Sleeper Bus: Adventure or Peril? article.

Day 8 – Hanoi to Halong Bay

Most tours to Halong Bay will depart Hanoi around 9am. The bus will take 2-3 hours to arrive depending on whether it takes the new highway with tolls or the old road. Your cruise will depart around 1pm and first on the agenda is lunch!

Do your research about which activities are included in each tour. Most are the same but there are a few subtle differences. After sailing out into the bay and cutting through limestone karsts, you will kayak, check out an oyster farm and swim among others.

Dinner is great but partying into the early hours with karaoke is even better!

Day 9 – Halong Bay to Tam Coc (Ninh Binh)

Either sleep off the hangover or get up at 6am for Tai Chi with the captain as the sun rises over Halong Bay. The second day involves exploring a cave and learning how to make spring rolls.

This time there is no need to go back through Hanoi. When you book your cruise, make sure you include onward transfer directly to Tam Coc (in Ninh Binh Province). If you weren’t able to do that, just ask the crew of the cruise you are on to arrange bus tickets for you to travel to Tam Coc immediately after the cruise arrives back into the port.

The bus takes around 4 hours to reach Tam Coc, but be prepared for an ‘interesting’ day. Our bus was 2 hours late to depart and there were a few hairy moments on the way.

Your alternative is to go back to Hanoi on the transfer booked with cruise and either change bus or take a train from Hanoi to Ninh Binh and taxi to Tam Coc.

Once you reach Tam Coc there’s not much time to explore but check out Chookies for a chilled atmosphere and fantastic pizza.

Days 10 & 11 – Tam Coc

Tam Coc is a wonderful rural town a few miles West of industrial Ninh Binh. The town serves as a perfect base for exploring the region and thanks to its tranquility, Tam Coc is the first place on the itinerary we would suggest learning how to ride a motorbike.

We think 2 days is the ideal amount of time to spend in what was once dubbed Vietnam’s ‘hidden gem’ and here’s our 2 day Ninh Binh (Tam Coc) Itinerary for details on how best to spend your time in Tam Coc.

Although you could spend your 2 days simply relaxing in Tam Coc’s gorgeous surroundings, there are 3 major sites that you have to fit into your short stay:

• Mua Cave Viewpoint – Short hike up a stone staircase to reveal one of best viewpoints in Vietnam
• Trang An – Boat tour through towering limestone rocks & set of movie Kong: Skull Island
• Bich Dong Pagoda – Temple built into a cave with lovely grounds & secret area not many know of…

Optional Travel Day

The journey from Tam Coc to Phong Nha is the worst part of this whole 3 week Vietnam Itinerary. You have 2 choices at this point:

• One – Take an overnight sleeper bus on the 11th night leaving Tam Coc at 8pm that arrives into Phong Nha around 3am. This is cheap, direct and gets it over with in one hit. You can use a free hostel on arrival (but expect the worst!) or book a hostel/hotel in advance that will allow you to check in at 3am. This method gives you an extra day in Phong Nha, if you plan to trek into the adventure caves, go this route.
• Two – Save the journey for the 12th day. You will need to taxi to Ninh Binh, train to Dong Hoi and then minibus or taxi to Phong Nha. There are a few connections to make but it will be a little more comfortable. However, it will cost you more and it will take longer.

We will assume you take the overnight sleeper bus and arrive into Phong Nha early on the 12th day.

Days 12, 13 & 14 – Phong Nha

Phong Nha is the one stop on this 3 week Vietnam itinerary that will be different for each visitor depending on intentions. Although the town is awesome and the surrounding countryside is gorgeous, most people are in Phong Nha to experience one thing: Caves.

There are 2 options for visitors to Phong Nha depending on how deep your pockets are:

• Healthy Budget – We highly recommend saving your one big splurge in Vietnam for a 2 day adventure trek into a cave such as the Tu Lan System. The tours look amazing and are run by Oxalis .
• Tight Budget – There are 3 mainstream touristy caves you can explore if you can’t afford the adventure caves. Paradise Cave gives you a taster of a beautiful cave with fascinating stalagmites and stalactites. Dark Cave offers you an introduction to adventurously exploring a cave with biplane, kayak and a mud fight in a dark chamber. Phong Nha cave is discovered by wooden boat.

You’re probably going to need a relaxing day assuming you took the overnight bus and arrived into Phong Nha around 3am-4am.

The perfect way to spend your first day is by hiring a mountain bike and cycling to Phong Nha Botanic Gardens . Trust us, it is much better than it sounds!

Days 2 and 3 are covered if you take the adventure cave tours. If not, day 2 take a much more affordable day tour to Paradise cave and Dark cave with Phong Nha Discovery. Then day 3, grab a mountain bike and explore nearby Bong Lai valley countryside.

Read our 10 Awesome Things To Do In Phong Nha Guide for more details.

Day 15 – Phong Nha to Hue

Getting from Phong Nha to Hue is the second worst travel section! Yes we know that makes Phong Nha a royal pain in the ass to visit but it’s a gorgeous area and worth it for those big caves.

You have three options and each poses its own set of problems:

• One – Board a bus at the ungodly hour of 4am from Phong Nha to Hue. It only takes 4 hours – arriving at 8am.
• Two – Take a slightly less awful 6am bus but it takes 7 hours – arriving at 1pm.
• Three – Jump on a local bus Phong Nha to Dong Hoi train station. Transfer to a Dong Hoi to Hue train. Journey time roughly 5 hours.

You’re probably thinking option three all the way?! We agree but just bear in mind you will arrive into Hue later in the day. Check Baolau and 12Go Asia for transport options.

Book your hotel in Hue close to the night walking street for best accessibility to restaurants and bars. After you’re checked in, make your way over the Cau Truong Tien bridge and continue to the Imperial City.

Spend the late afternoon and early evening exploring the grounds before heading back to the pedestrian walking street for a  chilled evening with a beer.

It would be entirely understandable if you were feeling a little cautious about visiting Phong Nha, given the limited transport options. We loved Phong Nha but the travel to and from was a little difficult.

If you intend to explore the mighty cave systems then you will certainly make the effort. Check out our Phong Nha articles to see if you think it’s worth taking the crappy travel options. If you miss Phong Nha, add in a few chill days at various points of this 3 week Vietnam itinerary.

Day 16 – Hue

Use your full day in Hue to explore one of Vietnam’s strangest but most interesting tourist attractions. Today you are going to gain ‘frowned upon’ entry into a creepy abandoned water park.

We’ve written a complete guide on exactly how to gain access to the abandoned water park . Even the guards appear to be immune to bribes now! You’ll need to improvise and be persistent.

Either hire a motorbike or better yet a mountain bike to make the 9km journey South. The park is definitely worth the effort with its eerie dragon centerpiece and colorful waterslides wrapped in overgrown vegetation.

The rest of the day is for exploring the city and enjoying the atmosphere of the walking street again.

Day 17 – Hue to Hoi An (Hai Van Pass)

You have a few options available for getting from Hue to Hoi An:

• You could take a train to Da Nang and arrange onward travel from Da Nang to Hoi An ( read our in depth transport guide Da Nang to Hoi An ).
• Alternatively, you could book a private transfer by car . The car would be safe, comfortable and relaxing but is more expensive.
• Your final option (and the one we hope you will choose!) is to drive yourself from Hue to Hoi An by motorbike. For a small fee, you can hire a guide to lead your trip and it’s worth the money 10 times over.

You can pay to travel on the back of a tour guide’s motorbike if you don’t feel confident enough to drive 100 miles in Vietnam (we understand!). However, if you can pluck up the courage to drive it yourself, you should go for it!

The traffic is frantic but your guide will perform the role of creating room for you behind him. The only parts of the journey on busy roads are in Hue, on the highway before Lang Co beach and in Da Nang. The rest is through stunning countryside on narrow paths cutting between rice fields and the 21km stretch of scenic roads making up the Hai Van Pass.

This was one of our favorite days in Vietnam, the motorbike ride is nerve racking but exhilarating and you feel a real sense of achievement when you arrive into Hoi An 8 hours after leaving Hue!

Read our complete guide to driving the Hai Van Pass From Hue To Hoi An .

Days 18, 19, 20 & 21 – Hoi An

You might be wondering why Hoi An has such a high proportion of the entire 3 week Vietnam Itinerary? When you arrive you will understand!

Hoi An is the perfect place to chill and enjoy the last few days of what has been a hectic journey through Northern and Central Vietnam. The unique and charming ancient town radiates a calming atmosphere you can’t find anywhere else in the country.

In a nutshell, here’s how to spend days 18, 19, 20 and 21: ( But You Can Read Our Complete Guide To Hoi An Here! )

• Day 18 – Grab a mountain bike and cycle to An Bang beach (or any other beach along the shore). Spend the morning relaxing with a cocktail before taking the long way back to town. Zig zag through countryside roads surrounded by green vegetation. At night you will be sucked in by the ancient town’s charm.
• Day 19 – Spend the day in the ancient town being fitted up for clothes, drinking awesome coffee, eating delicious Banh Mi, shopping, taking a cooking class or any of the other things to do in our Hoi An guide!
• Day 20 – Take a day trip to My Son ruins, the golden hands bridge (near Da Nang) or go snorkeling in the Cham islands. Check prices for day trips here .
• Day 21 – Assuming a night flight from Da Nang – spend your last day in Hoi An on a private tour with a Vietnam war veteran as we did. Read about the day we spent at a local man’s village on a private tour and contact us for further information!

Read More About Vietnam …

• 10 Day Itinerary: Vietnam Itinerary 10 Days: 3 Awesome Northern And Central Vietnam Routes
• Sapa Itinerary : Sapa Itinerary: Trekking & Homestay, Fansipan and Cat Cat Village
• Hanoi Itinerary : Hanoi Itinerary: 2 Action Packed Days In Vietnam’s Chaotic Capital City
• Hai Van Pass : Hai Van Pass Motorbike Tour: Hue to Hoi An, Vietnam
• Hanoi To Halong Bay : How To Get From Hanoi to Halong Bay: The Ultimate Transport Guide
• Budget : 1 Month In Vietnam Cost Report: How Much Did We Spend?

We hope our 3 week Northern and Central Vietnam Itinerary helps you plan your adventure.

Have you been to Vietnam? Which beautiful cities did you Visit?

Please let us know if you have any questions about this Itinerary or Vietnam in the comment below.

Happy Travels ,

Mark and Kristen

Was This Post Helpful? Pin It For Later!

Note : This article contains affiliate links. When you make a purchase using one of these affiliate links, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

All Rights Reserved © Where Are Those Morgans, LLC. Republishing this article and/or any of its contents (text, photography, maps, graphics, etc.) in whole or in part is strictly prohibited.

Mark and Kristen Morgan are travel, hiking and photography experts. Over the last 6 years traveling full time, they have explored more than 40 countries and 30 US states.

Where Are Those Morgans has been featured in USA Today, Gestalten, Get Your Guide, CityPASS and Condé Nast Traveler along with various other publications. Read more about us .

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Subscribe to our newsletter

Get the latest in travel straight to your inbox

Click here to subscribe

Our perfect 3 week Vietnam itinerary | How to spend 3 weeks in Vietnam

Good morning Vietnam ! It’s a cliched phrase from a great movie, but it’s also something we said for over a month as we travelled between Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) recently. Having spent 30 days travelling the length and breadth of the country, we believe we can provide you with a real tried and tested itinerary for your holiday or to add into your travels; the ideal 3 week Vietnam itinerary!

Now your first question is probably how could you possibly fit all the amazing places that Vietnam has to offer into just 3 weeks? And you’re right, it’s really tough – unless you want to spend most of your time on coaches, trains and planes. So, to combat that, we have omitted a few places that we weren’t as enamoured with. But fear not, we also have some additional options if you are a super fast paced traveller or able to extend your time in Vietnam to make it a 4 week itinerary.

Fear not if you actually decide that you can’t spend 3 weeks in Vietnam, as we have also put together the absolute must-visit places as a 10 days Vietnam itinerary in case you can’t spend that long in the country.

Why go to Vietnam?

So, if you’re already entirely set on spending 3 weeks in Vietnam (or maybe longer) you’ve made a great decision. But just in case you still needed a little bit of persuasion as to why dedicate 3 weeks to Vietnam, we’ve highlighted a few of the key reasons why you have to choose Vietnam as a travel destination.

• Alongside Thailand, it is probably the easiest place to travel in South East Asia. It has great infrastructure – many travellers journey up and down the country so you are bound to meet many fellow travellers on your journey. And being geared towards tourism, most of the industry speaks great English, so if you’re as bad at languages as us, it’s a bit of a relief. We’ve also left some handy phrases at the end, so make sure you jot them down…
• There is a wide variety of things to keep you entertained. From the hills in the north, to the UNESCO world heritage site of Ha Long Bay, the beaches in the middle to the vibrant cities, there is something to suit everyone.
• And let’s not forget about the food – Vietnamese is one of our favourite cuisines and there are so many  Vietnamese dishes you have to eat . So you are in for a treat, particularly with the  Vietnamese desserts !
• Travelling while needing access to the web? No problem! Many of the larger cities are meccas for digital nomads. And it’s not too shabby in between those places either.
• And finally but by no means least: the  cost of travel  is still super cheap. You’ll get more bang for buck here than in Thailand. But the quality is at least the same…

Our 3 week Vietnam itinerary

If you’re wondering, what is the best itinerary for a 3 week trip to Vietnam, here is our suggested guide:

• Days 1 to 3 – Hanoi | Old Quarter, Train Street, Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and more…
• Days 4 to 6 – Sapa | Hiking, lakes and waterfalls
• Days 7 to 9 – Ha Long Bay & Bai Tu Long Bay | Cruise the Natural Wonder
• Days 10 to 12 – Ninh Binh & Tam Coc | Temples and River Tours
• Days 13 & 14 – Hue | Imperial City and Ancient Tombs
• Day 15 – The Hai Van Pass
• Days 16 & 17 – Hoi An | Shopping, Old Town and Lantern Festival
• Day 18 – Da Nang | Ba Na Hills
• Days 19 to 21 – Ho Chi Minh | War museum, Cu Chi Tunnels & colonial tour

Hanoi – 3 days

The capital of the country, and arguably the most vibrant city, Hanoi is THE place to start your trip. With a rich mix of Southeast Asian, French and Chinese influences, the city is as exciting as they come. Our favourite part, the Old Quarter, is a place you can get lost in for days. Small winding streets teeming with Vietnamese life in a chaotic but somehow also orderly fashion.

Major tip:  The traffic is madness. Make sure you look both ways before you cross. Don’t assume that a green man means go. Apparently, red, amber and green lights don’t mean much and mopeds just zip through. Crossing the street isn’t the easiest, you just shuffle across and mopeds will avoid you. It’s very counter-intuitive but it does work! If in doubt, get close to a local and do exactly what they do…

And no worries if you are actually starting in Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Sai Gon or Saigon) you can just do this in reverse and leave on a bang with Hanoi!

Where to stay in Hanoi

Budget : Most travellers seem to agree that  Little Charm Hanoi Hostel  is the perfect choice if you want a central location, but yet backpacking comforts like personal lockers, clean beds and a front desk that can organize great tours. We unfortunately stayed at another hostel that we would NOT recommend, so please do choose wisely.

Mid-range : In a great location in the Old Quarter, we like  Hanoi Trendy Hotel and Spa . You get good bang for your buck here: well-sized, air-conditioned, nicely decorated rooms but at an affordable price.

Luxury:  You probably already know the brand, but staying at the  Intercontinental Hanoi Westlake  is by no means a standard stay. This hotel provides a welcome respite from the crazy streets of Hanoi and they even have ‘over-water rooms’ on the lake. Their sunset bar is set on its own island on the lake, really an incredible experience.

Getting from Hanoi International Airport (Noi Bai International)

So, we’re assuming that you’ll be arriving into Hanoi International Airport, but in case you haven’t booked your flights yet,  check out the best options on Skyscanner .

By shuttle:  Definitely our preferred option, and also the cheapest way to get from the airport, is to use the shuttle bus that goes to the Old Quarter. As you exit the airport you’ll find a kiosk advertising tickets which costs 40,000 VND per person (1.75 USD/1.40 GBP). It drops you near to Hoan Kiem Lake, taking about 45 mins (maybe longer if there is heavy traffic). In terms of a timetable for the shuttle, it wasn’t 100% obvious – but we believe they depart every 30 to 45 minutes.

By taxi:  The simplest way to get from Noi Bai International Airport to the city centre is by taxi. Or even easier still – use the Grab App (SE Asia’s equivalent to Uber). In comparison to the shuttle it’s pretty expensive, costing about 400,000 VND (approx. 17.50 USD/13.80 GBP). If you are taking a taxi, make sure they use the meter or at worst agree the fee upfront!

Travel Insurance for Vietnam

Got your travel insurance booked? We promise to never push a brand or product we don’t personally use, and the travel cover from Safety Wing is a policy we don’t just use, but we highly recommend. They offer some of the most flexible policies, amazing customer service and are affordable too.

Check out the latest travel insurance prices with Safety Wing here.

Day 1 in Hanoi

Explore the Old Quarter

There is nothing like pounding the streets of a new city after a long-haul flight to blow out those cobwebs, so that is our first recommendation for the day. As soon as you’ve dropped your luggage at your accommodation, get straight back out to explore the Old Quarter. You will be able to get yourself lost in and amongst the stores and cafes.

If you’re needing refreshment, we’d recommend heading into  Cong Caphe . It is a chain, but also your first chance to experience Coconut Coffee, in our opinion an almost life-changing experience. And, if you don’t like coffee, they do a coconut milk with green rice smoothie which is absolutely delicious. Handily, there is a branch directly opposite our next stop: St Joseph’s Cathedral.

St Joseph’s Cathedral

Yes, it’s in the Old Quarter but one of those iconic Vietnam landmarks that we had to call out.

This late 19th-century Gothic Revival Cathedral is definitely worth a visit. Built in the late 1800’s to resemble Notre Dame, this imposing building feels quite out of place in Hanoi. You’re able to enter the cathedral for free, just head to the right-hand side of the building where you will see the entrance.

Location:  Nha Tho Street, Hoàn Kiếm District, Hanoi

Secret tip:  If you take the street to the right of the cathedral, about 200m down you will find two wall murals that are perfect for an Instagram shot. You’ll have to be quite lucky as there are often cars parked right in front of them.

Eat a Banh Mi (Vietnamese sandwich)

You probably already know that Vietnamese food is delicious. But what you may not know is that they also combine French baguettes with Vietnamese flavours to create our favourite local dish: the Banh Mi . We’d highly recommend that you try them at  An Cafe  along with one of their signature milkshakes. Trust us: we ate here about 5 times in a week!

Location:  15 Phủ Doãn, Hàng Trống, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội

Open:  Daily 7.00am to 11.00pm

Shopping – Made in Vietnam

After your lunch it’s time to continue walking the old town and looking for some bargains. Many stores are called ‘Made in Vietnam’ where you can get some pretty great deals on items, particularly for brands like North Face.

If you’re looking for more boutique options, head to Hang Gai street, which is the ‘Silk Street’. You’ll definitely find a gorgeous dress (or two).

Day 2 in Hanoi

Train Street

**Updated as of March 2020 – we understand that the Train Street is open if you go to one of the cafés or bars along this famous street**

One of the most bizarre streets in the world and made famous by Instagram. The Hanoi Train Street is a working railway line, which you are able to saunter along, with residents selling everything from fruit, to souvenirs and a number of cafes to sit and relax. Just head over, take your photos and sit down with a mango smoothie and watch the world (and hopefully the train) go by.

Note:  If you’re keen to see the train go through the street it only runs a few times a day.

• Weekdays at 7.00 pm, 7.45 pm, 8.30 pm and 10.00 pm
• Weekends at 6.00 am, 9.00 am, 11.20 am, 3.20 pm, 5.30 pm, 6.00 pm, 7.00 pm, 7.45 pm, 8.30 pm, 9.00 pm and 11.00 pm

Location:  Trần Phú, Hàng Bông, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội

Phung Hung – Mural Street

Located not too far from the train street is Phung Hung Street, also known as the Hanoi Mural Street. Once a street that was famous for selling motorbikes (there’s an old motorbike as part of the art), it is now is a great location to get some street art photos. If, like us, you are keen on street art, this is a great place to explore.

Location:  Phùng HưngHoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội

Dong Xuan Market

And if you didn’t get enough shopping on day one, we suggest that you next head over to the Dong Xuan Market, about a 10 minute walk from the mural street. This is Hanoi’s largest indoor market and here you can get everything from fresh fruit to  souvenirs , clothing to electronics. Generally at very low prices, but just make sure you haggle a little…!

Location:  Đồng Xuân, Hoàn Kiếm, Hanoi

Open:  Friday, Saturday and Sunday – 7.00am to midnight, Monday to Thursday – 7.00am to 6.00pm

Street Food Tour

For the final activity on day 2 in Hanoi, what better to do than a  walking food tour , to try out some of the amazing Vietnamese street food – some of the best in the world.

The food tours in Hanoi takes you round the fresh markets and a host of the best street food stalls and vendors in the city. Main attractions include  bun cha , a favourite of former US President, Barack Obama! These tasty pork patties are served in a slightly spicy soup alongside rice noodles and fresh lettuce, and you put them together yourself.

You’ll probably also sample delicacies like  banh cuon , steaming rice rolls full of minced pork, wood ear mushrooms and shallots or slurp  pho , another Vietnamese soupy dish. Have a sweet tooth? Of course the tour includes desserts like jackfruit and yoghurt, or fresh fruit with crushed ice and condensed milk.

Insider Tip: One of the best ways to traverse Hanoi and check out all of the best food and markets at night is on the back of a local guide’s bike. Check out this tour as an option…

Day 3 in Hanoi

Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum

This morning head on down to the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, the resting place of former Vietnam leader Ho Chi Minh. It’s worth getting here early as it gets very busy, not too surprising as it is a hugely important place for the Vietnamese people. Inside you’ll see Ho’s body in a glass sarcophagus. The embalmed body is very well preserved. You will have to hand over bags and cameras before entering the mausoleum, so best to leave as much behind as you can.

Note:  The Mausoleum is closed for a couple of months for maintenance each year, so make sure you check beforehand. And there is a strict dress code, so make sure you’re well covered up if you want to enter!

Location:  2 Hùng Vương, Điện Bàn, Ba Đình, Hà Nội

Open:  Tuesday to Sunday – 8.00am to 5.00pm, Monday – 8.00am to 11.15am

Note Coffee

The next stop for the day is to refuel with some coffee and croissants at what is without doubt our favourite café. Ever.

The Note Café is a coffee shop located near to Hoan Lake, and quite unlike any café we have ever visited. As soon as you enter you’ll realise why. Every bit of wall space, ceiling, door and furniture is covered in post it notes, all written by other guests. And you are encouraged to write your own messages and stick them wherever you find a space. You can spend ages here reading all the words of wisdom and funny anecdotes dotted around – we particularly enjoyed talking to other patrons and swapping note stories with them.

Location:  64 Lương Văn Can, Hàng Trống, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội

Open:  Daily 6.30am to 11.00pm

Hoàn Kiếm Lake

And for the final evening in Hanoi, we’d suggest you take a stroll around Hoan Kiem lake. At around 6.00pm it really comes alive with locals doing everything from running and Tai Chi to dance class. We were encouraged to join in some of the dancing which is really great fun. By the time the sun has set, you are rewarded with the best views in the city, the bright lights bounce off the darkened lake to create a mystical place. Take your camera for some fantastic night shots.

Bonus activity:  You could also visit the Thang Long water puppet theatre which is near the lake, and take in a quick water puppet show. We didn’t do this activity, but you can  buy your tickets here .

Want some bonus activities to add to your time in Hanoi – we’ve got a 4 day Hanoi itinerary with a few more ideas!

Sapa – 3 days

Overlooking the terraced rice fields of the Muong Hoa Valley, Sapa is a must-see during your 3 weeks in Vietnam. The town in the north west of the country is best-known as a popular base for hikers and trekkers, as well as having several hill tribes to visit in the area. If you love the great outdoors, Sapa (or Sa Pa) must make your Vietnam travel itinerary.

Where to stay in Sapa

Luxury : Named by National Geographic as one of the most unique lodges in the world,  Topas Ecolodge  is THE luxury stay while in Sapa. It’s 25 bungalows jut out across the valley, offering sweeping views.

Mid – range :  The Grand Blue  comes recommended by many travellers, who advise you splash out for a room with a view of the surrounding mountains. Wifi is strong, the rooms have large baths and it’s a quick walk into town

Budget : The best options to be found are homestays, of which they are plenty. Our pick?  Sapa Orange Homestay , which gets rave reviews from their guests.

How to get from Hanoi to Sapa

By train (and bus):   The train  takes about 9 hours in total and doesn’t go directly to Sapa. You have to take this to Lao Cai and then change onto a bus to Sapa (about 45 mins away). However, although a slightly more expensive option at around 600,000 VND all in (15 GBP), the trains depart in the evening and arrives in the early morning, so it can save you money by also acting as your accommodation for the evening.

By bus/minivan:  The bus from Hanoi to Sapa takes about 6 hrs, so the faster option. And there are a  couple of good providers  to choose from and costs around 400,000 VND (10 GBP). Although generally the options leave early in the morning getting you into Sapa in the afternoon. Or in the evening, arriving into Sapa in the middle of the night (not sure why anyone would take that option).

Check out the best options in this handy tool

Day 4 in Sapa

Go on a hike

Like it’s southern counterpart, Da Lat, the town of Sapa is a picturesque hill station that during colonial times was used by expats and the wealthy to escape the oppressive heat. The scenery is breath-taking: rolling mountains, powerful waterfalls, green valleys; making Sapa a fantastic place to go hiking for its countryside but also, its much cooler temperatures.

Hiking is THE thing to do in Sapa so you’ll find heaps of  guided tours and hikes or, if you are looking for a bit of adventure, go sans a guide but please don’t ever hike alone here.

Boat trip on Lake Sapa

Take a look at Sapa from a different perspective by getting out onto the lake. It’s just 5 minutes away from the main church and a pretty popular thing to do, especially full of local families come Saturday or Sunday. Rent a small pedal boat and spend an hour or so sailing across the lake’s surface. The boats, like the ones in Da Lat, are a bit kitsch since shaped like swans but still worth a few Dong for a great experience – it costs 40, 000 VND (1.75 USD/1.40 GBP) for 30 minutes.

Location:  22 Ngũ Chỉ Sơn, TT. Sa Pa, Sa Pa, Lào Cai, Vietnam

Day 5 in Sapa

Tram Ton Pass

At 2,000 metres above sea level, the Tram Ton Pass is the ‘highest’ road in the country of Vietnam, which of course means it offers up spectacular views. Head for the Lai Chau road which turns into the Tram Ton pass and find one of a number of lookout points. You’ll be rewarded with panoramic views across Sapa, plus it’s near to the Silver Waterfall; our next stop on this itinerary.

Tip : If you’re taking a motorbike up the pass (rather than hiring a taxi or shuttle), please just drive carefully. Vans and busses take the pass roads at lightning speed and come quickly (and unexpectedly) around the corners. The roads also aren’t in the best condition, so take it easy.

Silver Waterfall

The Thac Bac (or Silver) Waterfall is about 30 minutes north of Sapa, and best combined with the trip (above) to the Tram Ton Pass. Unfortunately, you can’t swim at this waterfall, but you can marvel at the 200 metres of gushing water, falling down the side of the sheer rock cliff of the Ham Rong mountain.

Entrance is 20,000 VND (0.85 USD/0.70 GBP).

Day 6 in Sapa

Muong Hoa Valley

Dissected by the riotous Hoa river, this stunning valley is the gem of Sapa and what attracts many hikers and travellers to the area. Nestled between Sapa itself and the Tonkinese Alps, there are countless trails, rice terraces and villages to visit in your hike in this valley, as well as stone paintings dating back over 3,000 years.

Walk down the valley towards the river and take in the local life including schoolkids riding bicycles, water buffalo pulling across the rice paddies and women weaving. The hike takes about five hours and you need to ensure you dress modestly (ideally long trousers and covered shoulders) since you’ll be interacting with villagers there.

Ha Long Bay and Bai Tu Long Bay – 3 days

What to say about Ha Long Bay that hasn’t already been said? Limestone karsts rising from the ocean depths, brilliant blue water and the opportunity to sail or kayak in some of the most spectacular scenery known to man. Yes, Ha Long Bay is a must on your 3 week Vietnam itinerary.

Of course, with fame comes tourism and Ha Long is suffering from a bit of an over-tourism backlash. For that reason, our itinerary takes you to Ha Long itself for a day, but we then suggest a Bai Tu Long Bay (it’s quieter cousin) cruise instead. If you want to debate the finer points of which bay to go to, we’ve got a full article on why choose Bai Tu Long Bay over Ha Long Bay.

Where to stay in Ha Long Bay

Luxury : Best of the bunch is  Halong Boutique Hotel . It’s a 4 star property but beautifully decorated with a lovely atmosphere.

Mid-range:  The best option in town for mid-range is definitely  Starlight Hotel . It’s probably on the cheaper side of the range but has nice rooms and an affordable price.

Budget : Honestly there aren’t many backpacker hostels in Ha Long but  Nhat Anh Hotel  is a good choice if you want cheap as chips.

Getting from Sapa to Ha Long Bay

Sleeper Bus:  Taking between 8-9 hours is a relatively comfortable sleeper bus operated by  Phuc Xuyen bus company . It departs three times a day (8.00am, 11.00am and 16.00pm) and costs about 350,000 VND (15.00 USD/12.00 GBP)

Train (and bus):  The train actually departs from Lao Cai, which is 33km from Sapa; reachable either by local bus or shuttle. The train costs between 150,000 and 900,000 VND (so between 6.50 to 38.75 USD/5.20 to 31.00 GBP) depending on the train and carriage you choose and can be done on a budget or in relative luxury. The journey takes 8.5 hours and departs at various times – there are both daytime and night trains available.

Alternatively, travel back to Hanoi since most Ha Long/Bai Tu Long Bay companies offer you included transport for your tour between Hanoi and Ha Long.

Day 7 in Ha Long Bay

The town of Ha Long itself has become more popular as a stopover before the tours the bay has become known for. You’ll notice a ferris wheel, and a cable car: both signs of tourism and investment, plus a number of high-end hotels sprouting along the coastline. For today, just take it easy with a short hike and a stroll across the bridge.

Bai Tho Mountain

It’s the view of Ha Long Bay made famous by Instagrammers, and notoriously difficult to find. Many will say that the Bai Tho (Peace Mountain) viewpoint is closed, or that you have to bribe someone to access it. Regardless of rumours, the viewpoint is open although you might need to be a little enterprising! Don’t trust us, but follow this  comprehensive guide from Diana Miaus  that dispels all the myths!

Bai Chay Bridge

To get a glittering view of Ha Long at night, take a walk across this suspension bridge that connects the city and the bay area. On your stroll you’ll see the lights of the city before you.

Day 8 & 9 in Bai Tu Long Bay

After a day in Halong Bay, we’d suggest that you actually head now to the northeast towards Bai Tu Long bay. Bai Tu Long bay is part of the Ha Long archipelago, but nowhere near as crowded as Ha Long Bay. So instead of sharing the beauty of this incredible place with 200 other cruise boats, you’ll only be around a handful.

For the next two days you should take a cruise – check out our full review of the two day tour here.  We provide you with a full overview of the best operators and what to expect. This is definitely not an experience to be missed!

Affordable option:  Paloma Cruise

We can really recommend Paloma and found them to be the perfect mix between a budget cruise and luxury travel. Their reviews also speak for themselves!

Luxury option:   Indochina Junk

It’s a toss-up between this operator and  Emperor Cruises , but Indochina Junk is one of the most well-known luxury bay cruises in Bai Tu Long Bay.

Ninh Binh and Tam Coc – 3 days

When we were planning our Vietnam trip, Ninh Binh (or more specifically, Tam Coc) wasn’t at the top of the list. However, after recommendations from a few travellers, we added it to our 3 week Vietnam itinerary and it ended up being our favourite stop of the entire trip.

If you haven’t heard of  Ninh Binh , it’s a town located about 100km southeast of Hanoi and is jampacked with rivers, ancient pagodas, rice paddies and some of the friendliest people we encountered. Our experiences in Ninh Binh – particularly the Trang An boat tour – were so entirely unexpected and magical that if we only had a few days in Vietnam, we would include Tam Coc.

When travelling here, you’ll arrive into Ninh Binh and, on the face of it, this town is a little ugly: full of mobile phone repair shops and potholed roads and flashing neon lights for karaoke. That’s why you’ll immediately want to get a Grab or a taxi over to Tam Coc, the smaller village about 15 minutes drive away.

Tam Coc, which means ‘three grottoes’ is also sometimes called ‘Ha Long Bay on Land’, and this small little village full of homestays packs a punch.

Where to stay in Tam Coc

When visiting the area we strongly recommend you stay in Tam Coc over Ninh Binh. The town is particularly known for homestays which are incredibly cheap yet clean and welcoming, but you can find a luxury option or two if you so wish.

Budget : We stayed at  Anh Huong Homestay  but of course any homestay in the town seems to be a good choice. We loved this homestay because of the wonderful family who were so accommodating, organized all our travel for us and cooked Asia’s most delicious sweet and sour pork!

Mid-range :  Mua Caves Ecolodge  – This sustainable lodge is literally on the doorstep of the Mua Caves, which means you get easy access for your sunrise hike up to the viewpoint and the caves. That does mean it’s a little out of the centre of Tam Coc but you’ll be wanting to rent a motorbike or bicycle for your time in Tam Coc anyway.

Luxury : Definitely the plushest place to stay in Tam Coc, the  Ninh Binh Hidden Charm  resort is close enough to town to walk but feels secluded and peaceful. The rooms are beautifully appointed and if you find the budget, definitely opt for the suite.

Getting from Ha Long Bay to Ninh Binh

There are quite a few options, so for the best prices check out the latest on Bookaway , but we’d recommend the following:

Private car/Mini bus + Train:  If you are taking a two day cruise, you’ll almost definitely be with a provider who will organise transfers back to Hanoi for you. These are often VIP style minibuses and take around 4 hours. There were also several others on our cruise who opted for private car, it’s best to shop around to find the cheapest option. The cruise operators will often throw in the transfers if you negotiate on price.

After you are dropped back into Hanoi (usually by 5.30pm from a cruise), you’ll have ample time to get either of the following train options to Ninh Binh. From our experience, the 2 nd  class AC seats are absolutely fine for the 2 hr 15 min journey. The cost of the train is 240,000 VND (about 6 GBP):

• SE3: departs at 7.30pm
• SE19: departs at 8.10pm

Day 10 in Tam Coc

Tam Coc Boat Tour

For your first morning in Tam Coc, we’d definitely recommend that you get a bicycle to explore areas near to Tam Coc village, and so the following options are all very much reachable while pottering around on a bike.

First stop for the day, pretty much bang in the middle of town is the Tam Coc Boat Tour. This boat tour lasts a couple of hours, and takes you along the Ngo Dong river. During the boat tour, you’ll cruise through 3 caves that have been carved out by the river, and separated by rice fields and surrounded by stunning limestone cliff scenery.

The river tour costs 390,000 VND based on two people (approx. 16.75 USD/13.50 GBP).

Location:  Đội 2 văn lâm, Ninh Hải, Hoa Lư, Ninh Bình, Vietnam

Open:  Daily from 8.00 am to 6.00 pm

Thai Vi Temple

After getting back onto dry land, jump back into the saddle and head to the Thai Vi temple – a pretty ancient pagoda that was built in 1258. The start of the road towards the temple is located right next to the Tam Coc Boat Tour start/finish area, so you can’t miss it. You’ll cycle about 10 minutes and reach the temple, which has its own pretty cool setting in the middle of rice fields and limestone karsts. Entrance to the temple is free.

Location:  Ninh Hải, Hoa Lư District, Ninh Bình Province

Open:  7.00 am to 6.00 pm

Bich Dong Pagoda

About 3km outside of Tam Coc you’ll arrive at Bich Dong temple, and you’ll quickly realise why it’s on the list. Surrounded at the front by a lake frothing with waterlilies, and with towering cliffs to the back, this place is magical. It is a set of three cave temples set into the mountainside, you walk up some steps and through the temples and the caves, only to find yourself at an incredible viewpoint, looking out at the valley and rice fields below.

Entrance to the temple is free.

Location:  Ninh Hải, Hoa Lư District, Ninh Bình Province 430000

Day 11 in Tam Coc

This morning it’s worth getting up early, renting a moped and heading out to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Trang An for another boat tour. Located about 15 km outside of Tam Coc, near the southern margin of the Red River Delta, Trang An is another fantastic example of the limestone karst cliffs. If you’ve only got time to do one boat tour while in Ninh Binh/Tam Coc, this must be the one.

There are three tour options that you can take (Routes 1,2 and 3) – with Route 1 being the longest (taking 3 to 4 hours) and Route 2 the most popular as it is only 2 hours. The longest takes you through 9 caves that have been carved out by the river and even though it was long, it was really worthwhile. Cost for the boat trip is 200,000 VND (8.50 USDD/7.00 GBP) per person and they make sure each boat has 4 people on it. So, if you’d like the boat to yourself, expect to pay 800k VND (35.00 USD/27.50 GBP).

It’s important to note that it can get very busy, so good to get here early to avoid the crowds.

Location:  Tràng An, Ninh Xuân, Hoa Lư, Ninh Bình 431995

Open:  7.00am to 4.00pm daily

On the way back to town, and if you haven’t found it already, make sure you stop in at Chook i es . It’s a bit of a Tam Coc institution and the pizzas are great. it’s a very chilled place where you can relax in a hammock and rest out the heat of the afternoon. If you like dessert pizza, you must try the banana and Nutella pizza!

Open:  Daily from 9.00 am to 10.00 pm

Day 12 in Tam Coc

Hang Mua viewpoint and caves

For your final day in Tam Coc, we’d suggest heading to the Hang Mua viewpoint, for the best views of the area. Located between Trang An and Tam Coc, you could also add this into the day before to free up some time. However, we did both in the same day and were pretty shattered by the end. We like to think because it was steaming hot the late morning that we walked up to the two viewpoints, rather than a lack of fitness!

But, depending on the time of year, it would be worthwhile trying to do the hike early to avoid the heat. Although friends of ours have also done the same in fleeces! Just make sure you are prepared depending on what time of year you come.

The walk up to viewpoint is not too strenuous, and there is a café handily placed halfway up if you need to refuel and rest. But at the summit you are rewarded with iconic photo opportunities. There is an entrance fee of 100, 000 VND (4.25 USD/3.50 GBP).

Location:  Thôn Khê Đầu Hạ, Hoa Lư District, Ninh Bình Province

Open:  6.00 am to 7.00 pm

After the viewpoint, head back to your accommodation for a change and pack, as tonight you’ll be travelling from Ninh Binh to Hue.

Hue – 2 days

The former capital of Vietnam, Hue is a must visit city as part of any 3 week Vietnam itinerary. Teeming with history, it has a host of attractions to visit and a great place to start in Central Vietnam, and located close to the other popular locations of Da Nang and Hoi An.

Where to stay in Hue

Luxury:  We think  Vedana Lagoon Resort  gets our vote. It is a little further out of town, but situated on a beautiful lagoon.

Mid-range:   Scarlett Boutique Hotel  – this one is in a wonderful location and you can walk to everything you need.

Budget:   Shark Homestay  – It’s a little more basic but a great location in the heart of the tourist area, with great bars and restaurants a stone’s throw away.

Getting from Ninh Binh to Hue

By train:  This is our preferred method of travel since the train was very comfortable between these two points. The journey takes about 11 hours and there are 8 trains daily, including day and night options. The cheaper trains are operated by Vietnam Railways but still a great option – clean and on-time, and more expensive options include Livitrans, Laman Express and Lotus Train. For us, it was definitely worth paying that little bit extra for the Livitrans option. Probably the best overnight train experience that we had in Asia!

Note that if you are staying in Tam Coc, you need to take a taxi to Ninh Binh station where the trains depart.  Check out the latest train options with Bookaway .

By bus:  You can also catch a bus, and there are a few sleeper and overnight options; all of them quite modern and comfortable. The trip takes about 15 hours. For the latest bus options and prices, click here.

Day 13 in Hue

Imperial City

This hugely impressive and expansive citadel is a great way to start your time in Hue. As the former capital of Vietnam, the Imperial City was the home of the Emperors from the early 1800s to the end of World War II. You can spend ages walking around the temples, buildings and museums. Thanks to it being such a large space, we were pleasantly surprised by the amount of time we found ourselves completely alone.

Given its size, prepare for some good walking and we’d recommend giving yourself around 3 hours to see it. There is very little information on the Imperial City when you are there, so we’d also recommend considering a guide –  find yours here . Entrance fee is 150,000 VND (about 6.50 USD/5.00 GBP).

Location:  Thành phố Huế, Thua Thien Hue, Vietnam

Open:  Daily from 6.30 am to 5.00 pm

Not far from the citadel, and after a good deal of walking, we found this great little restaurant. It’s a perfect place to refuel and escape the heat of the afternoon for a bit – we highly rate the burgers here!

Location:  34 Đinh Tiên Hoàng, Phú Hoà, Thành phố Huế, Thừa Thiên Huế 530000, Vietnam

Open:  Daily 10.00 am to 6.00 pm

Day 14 in Hue

Ancient Tombs

We’d suggest that if you’re comfortable on a moped, to hire one for the day as it’s the best way to get around to see the other major attraction – the Tombs of the Emperors. No worries if not, you can also hire a car to take you between the tombs or look at one of the boat tours, as the tombs are located along the Perfume River.

The tombs were our favourite activity around Hue, so if you can spend as much time exploring them as possible, with the following three being our must-see stops:

Tomb of Khai Dinh :  Probably the most elaborate of all the tombs and also the most popular, the Tomb of Khai Dinh was constructed in 1925. On arrival you’ll walk up an impressive staircase, with forecourts adorned with life-size statues of warriors. And a great view of the valley below.

Location:  Khải Định, Thủy Bằng, Hương Thủy, Thừa Thiên Huế 530000, Vietnam

Open:  7.00 am to 5.30 pm daily

Tomb of Tu Duc :  Finished in 1867, this almost feels as impressive as the citadel on size alone, and is better preserved having not been partially destroyed in the war. It’s definitely worth getting to this one before the tour buses start arriving at 10.00 am. Entrance fee 100,000 VND (approx. 4.25 USD/3.50 GBP).

Location:  17/69 Lê Ngô Cát, Thủy Xuân, Thành phố Huế, Thừa Thiên Huế, Vietnam

Tomb of Minh Mang: This is a real mixture of these other two tombs, being similar in layout to Tu Duc but similar in grandeur to Khai Dinh. We loved wandering the various buildings of the Minh Mang Tomb. And given that this seemed to be the least visited out of the three, became our favourite.

Location:  QL49, Hương Thọ, Hương Trà, Thừa Thiên Huế, Vietnam

After resting up in the afternoon, this evening head to the best (and surprisingly affordable) restaurant in Hue: Madam Thu, for some fantastic Vietnamese cuisine. We tried the set tasting menu, which consisted of 7 different courses and was so worth it. Note that the restaurant can get quite busy so try to book beforehand or be prepared for a bit of a wait.

Location:  45 Võ Thị Sáu, Phú Hội, Thành phố Huế, Thừa Thiên Huế 530000, Vietnam

Open:  8.00 am to 10.00 pm

The Hai Van Pass | Travel from Hue to Hoi An – 1 day

Day 15 – travelling the hai van pass.

So today will hopefully be your most beloved day in Vietnam, as it was for us. If there is something that you take away from this, it is the best way to get from Hue to Hoi An – via the Hai Van Pass. The road described by Top Gear as the most scenic ocean road in the world is without doubt spectacular.

But doing this route on the back of a motorbike (easy rider) was just an incredible experience.

There are several companies that offer day trips doing the route, but we’d endorse  Hue Adventures , who offer private cars, Jeeps or Easy Rider on the back of a motorbike.

The day’s tour takes in the following stops – so lots of important sightseeing spots that you get to check off along the way.

• Fishing village on the Tam Giang Lagoon
• The Elephant Springs in the Bach Ma national park
• Lang Co beach
• The Hai Van Pass
• My Khe beach (known as China beach)
• The Marble Mountains

Read our full review of the experience here   so you know exactly what to expect.

Hoi An – 2 days

Voted in 2019 by Travel and Leisure magazine as the  best town to visit in the world , Hoi An is a staple on any Vietnam itinerary. It wasn’t our top city in the country because we did find it particularly busy and touristy, but this town full of cosy little boats and lanterns strung from every corner will definitely charm you.

Where to stay in Hoi An

Luxury:   Friends of ours stayed at the Four Seasons Nam Hai when we were in Hoi An, and they raved about the sheer luxury of this resort. It’s a bit further out of town, but easily accessible via taxi.

Mid-range:   East West Villa  is one of the best value for money places and Hoi An hotels around. Great rooms, delicious breakfast and a refreshing swimming pool. They did have WiFi issues when we stayed so if this is important to you, perhaps give them a skip.

Budget:   Palmy Villa  would be our lower budget suggest. To be fair it’s not entirely backpacking-cheap-as-chips budget, but it is amazing value in Hoi An. We stayed here for a few nights and it provides a clean private room and a great pool, but at a very affordable price.

Day 16 in Hoi An

Wander the old town

After a bit of relaxation on the morning of day 16 of your itinerary, head straight over to the Old Quarter to wander the streets. Here you’ll find the streets far emptier than in the evenings, so a nice respite from the manic crowds of the night time.

Pro Tip: If you are able to get up first thing (before sunrise), you will also get the streets all to yourself – it’s definitely worth doing if you’re keen to get some great pics.

Dress/Suit shopping

As part of walking the streets, you’ll notice all the dresses and suits on offer, as salesmen try to entice you in…

Hoi An has become a bit of a dressmaking hub, as you are able to commission a tailor to create an outfit overnight, at a bargain basement price. We would suggest you take advantage of this – it’s an absolute steal! You can get custom made dresses for less than 50 USD (40 GBP) and a custom suit for under $200 (160 GBP) which, compared to the price of a tailormade suit or dress in Europe or Americas, is not worth sniffing at.

The garment usually needs at least one fitting so you want to do that today, so you can pick it up tomorrow.

Lee got a dress made at  Kim Hien  – they were fast, friendly and affordable.

Lantern lighting

Hoi An has become the land of the lanterns, as you’ll see them lit up every night along every street and the pier comes alive with them after dusk. You can light a lantern and take a short boat trip any night of the week but, once a month, Hoi An celebrates the full moon with their Lantern Festival.

The lighting of the lantern comes from the Buddhist tradition of lighting candles as an offering to the ancestors and has morphed into this monthly festival, attracting thousands every 30 days.

This festival always happens on the 14 th  day of the lunar month and you go down to the pier, pay for your lantern and place it on the Thu Bon river with a wish for happiness, love and luck. Technically this happens every night but during the festival they turn all the lights off at 8.00 pm and the town is beautifully lit up with pops of colour.

Note: The lantern festival night is the busiest night of the month in Hoi An so be prepared for crowds and keep your belongings safe – it is not unheard of for pickpockets to target tourists, particularly on the bridge.

Enjoy the night market

Just over the river from the lantern lighting is the Hoi An night market. It hawks the usual night market wares: souvenirs, cheap clothing, trinkets, but is still worth a wander while you are in the city.

Day 17 in Hoi An

After all the walking in Hoi An old town, you’ll probably want to have a bit of rest and relaxation. So today we’d suggest you head to the beach! There are a few options for  beaches in Hoi An  but the most popular is An Bang. It’s conveniently located near the town, has a massive array of restaurants and bars, and has modern comforts like lounger and umbrella hire (prices range from around 10,000 to 50,000 VND or 0.50 to 2.15 USD/0.35 to 1.75 GBP). You can also tickle your adventure bone with parasailing, jet skiing and surfing at this beach.

If you’re not keen on An Bang you could also try Hidden Beach ( spoiler: it’s not very hidden!) or Cua Bai beach.

Location: Hai Bà Trưng, Tp. Hội An, Quảng Nam, Vietnam

Don’t forget to collect your Dress/Suit! If you’re taken our (very sound) advice and gotten a dress or suit stitched up, then head over today to pick it up.

Da Nang – 1 day

Vietnam’s third largest city, Da Nang very much has the feel of a seaside town that has exploded into a coastal city, with numerous high-rises lining the beach fronts. There are some great beaches with bars, good surfing and the water is not bad for a dip either. Since it’s so close to Hoi An, many people seem to miss this city on their 3 week itinerary.

We preferred not to stay in Da Nang and would recommend flying straight out to Ho Chi Minh this evening to make sure you get the most of your time there. However, if you do plan a day in this city, we have a few recommendations to share…

Getting from Hoi An to Da Nang

By bus:  it’s relatively easy to take the bus, (Bus no.1) will take you around 60 minutes but only costs 30,000 VND (1.25 USD/1.00 GBP). The buses depart about every 20 minutes from 5.30 am to 6.00 pm. There are also a few minibus options –  check them out here .

By taxi:  Definitely best to use the Grab app to get you a taxi. It will take you around 30 – 45 minutes and will cost around 400,000 VND (approx. 17.25USD/13.80 GBP)

Day 18 in Da Nang

The Golden Bridge – Ba Na hills

It’s the most famous sight in Da Nang; arguably all of Central Vietnam. Think two huge concrete hands reaching up to the sky and balancing a large suspension bridge between them. The Cua Vang ‘Golden Bridge’ has become a staple on Instagram feeds across the world, which means tourists flock to this location every day.

What you might not know about the Golden Bridge is that it’s actually paired with an amusement or theme park, Ba Na Na Hills by Sunworld. Think a smaller, less Mickey Mouse-fied version of Disneyland.

The Ba Na Hills complex is actually 35 kilometres away from Da Nang itself, so becomes a day trip. It’s best reached by taxi, with the price ranging between 350,000 VND to 500,000 VND (15.00 to 21.50 USD/12.00 to 17.25 GBP) at time of writing – best time to go is around 07.30 am since the cable car only opens at 8.00am.

It also costs 700,000 VND (30 USD/24 GBP) for your ticket which includes the cable car and the bridge itself – you can’t just buy a ticket for the bridge. Tickets are available online in advance or you can buy one at the carpark when you arrive.

First up you’ll head to the Golden Bridge itself by using an almost 6km long cable car, arguably the world’s longest. The bridge itself is 150 metres long and, according to the architect, is meant to allude to the mountain gods and the bright yellow silk that helped local villagers find the gardens. Then, take a walk through the Le Jardin D’Amout flower gardens and the French Village before heading to the Linh Ung Pagoda, a 27 metre tall statue of Buddha surveying the landscape before him.

Lastly, make like your inner child and visit the theme park and ride the rollercoaster. 1.5 million visitors a year can’t be wrong, right?!

Location: Sun World Bà Nà Hill, Hoà Phú, Hòa Vang, Đà Nẵng, Vietnam

Open: 07.30am – 09.30pm

Ho Chi Minh City – 3 days

The largest city in Vietnam, also known as Saigon, is one of those places that you either love or hate. For us, we loved it. So much so that if we wanted to become full-time digital nomads, we would choose to live in this buzzing city.

The former capital of South Vietnam, it is known for its colonial landmarks but also as a place which pays homage to the more difficult past of the country, the conflicts and the Vietnam War. It has undergone a revival over the last few years as tall buildings sprout out of the cracked pavements and street food stalls are swapped for suave coffee shops, but it definitely still retains its old world flair.

Where to stay in HCMC

There are heaps of good options for accommodation in Saigon but it’s also an Airbnb hotspot. You can generally find an apartment in one of the newer high-rises in District 4 quite cheaply, including washing machine, gym, coffee shop and super-fast wifi access.

Luxury : Arty, indulgent and with a French colonial flair, you must stay at the world-class  Hotel des arts Saigon . An award-winning spa, beautiful suites and a rooftop bar with killer views.

Mid – range : It might trend closer to luxury than mid-range but it’s worth a few extra notes for  Lief Mojo Saigon . It’s perfectly situated in District 1 and has all the conveniences you need.

Budget : Backpackers will tell you that HCMC has a plethora of options but most will settle on  The Dorm Saigon  for its A+ location, social vibe but squeaky clean rooms.

Getting from Da Nang to Ho Chi Minh City

Here our suggestion is clearly to take a flight. We’ve included some options for towns or cities along the way at the bottom of this article, in case your itinerary allows you to spend a few more days in Southern Vietnam. However, after travelling for a month in the country, we wouldn’t rate either Da Lat or Mui Ne as ‘must-do’ towns so to cut out travelling time on shuttles or busses between Da Nang and Ho Chi Minh City. Don’t get us wrong, they are wonderful, but with only 3 weeks to see so much of a country, some things just miss the cut.

Check out the cheapest flight options from Da Nang to Ho Chi Minh City here with Skyscanner .

If you’re a little more adventurous you can  take the train or bus ,  although it does take a long time!

Day 19 in Ho Chi Minh City

War Remnants Museum

To start the last leg of your 3 week Vietnam itinerary, head out this morning to the  War Remnants Museum  to learn more about the Vietnam War.

We won’t sugar coat it, it’s a stark reminder of how horrendous war was, and it is quite hard, but very important to properly understand what the country has gone through. The photographic exhibition on the third floor is impressive and the best way to start since it also offers a more balanced take on the conflict, without erring too far on the side of the US or Vietnam. It is chilling to see some of the imagery so be prepared for a more sombre morning.

Location: 28 Võ Văn Tần, Phường 6, Quận 3, Hồ Chí Minh 700000, Vietnam

Open: 07.30am – 06.00pm

Lunch at  Bun Cha 145

Again, time to refuel and good to head to the ‘backpacking area’ of Saigon’s District One, for some of the best Bun Cha in town. If you haven’t had bun cha at this point you’re in for a treat: think beef broth, grilled pork and white noodles, with dipping sauce to bring out the flavour. We also highly recommend the bananas in green rice tempura for dessert at this cosy little restaurant.

Location: 145 Bùi Viện, Phường Phạm Ngũ Lão, Quận 1, Hồ Chí Minh, Vietnam

Open: 12.30pm – 08.00pm

Visit the Cu Chi Tunnels

This afternoon, we’d recommend that you continue on the Vietnam War theme, and explore another of the world-famous sites left from this period, the Cu Chi Tunnels.

This immense network of tunnels, created by the Viet Cong for the Tet Offensive in 1968 are a little way north of the city, so we’d suggest that you look at joining a tour to head out to them.

Here’s you’ll find out more about the Vietnam War, how these tunnels helped the Viet Cong defeat the American forces, and even get to try and fit into them.

Want to book an afternoon tour to the Cu Chi Tunnels?

Day 20 in Ho Chi Minh City

Chinatown and the Thien Hau Pagoda

Vietnam, like many countries in Asia, has had a huge Chinese influence over the years and their Chinese district (Cho Lon – District 5) is one of the most vibrant, fascinating Chinatowns to be found in the world.

We think it’s worth starting your day with a walk around the district and stopping off at the Thien Hau Pagoda for a few photographs. This 19 th  century temple is quite atmospheric – hundreds of smoking joss sticks burn atop you, their ash falling quietly down onto your shoulders as you take in the temple. It is dedicated to the Chinese sea goddess, Thien Hau, and is quite fascinating as the architecture is significantly different to the Vietnamese temples you would have seen thus far.

Location: 710 Nguyễn Trãi, Phường 11, Quận 5, Hồ Chí Minh, Vietnam

Ben Thanh Market

The best way to see any city is through walking it’s streets, so this afternoon take more time to wander the lanes of Ho Chi Minh City, by visiting two uniquely Saigon spots: the market and the walking street. The Ben Thanh Market is the largest market in the city and full to the brim with local food, handicrafts, textiles and, of course, souvenirs. Try egg coffee there for the first time, or just meander through the stalls. It was unfortunately closed for renovation when we were in Ho Chi Minh City, but this is apparently a great way to spend one or two hours.

Location: Chợ, Lê Lợi, Phường Bến Thành, Quận 1, Hồ Chí Minh 700000, Vietnam

Open: 07.00am – 07.00pm

Ngu yen Hue Walking Street

In a city overrun with mopeds, it’s quite a relief to find a walking street. Head to this pedestrianized street to visit a few local stores or stop in for a drink at number 42. This block is an apartment building turned into a creative hotbed: think café apartments, boutiques, a little bookshop: it’s a fascinating little place to spend a few hours drinking coconut coffee and browsing the shelves.

Location: 42 Nguyễn Huệ, Bến Nghé, Quận 1, Hồ Chí Minh 700000, Vietnam

Pizza and a cocktail

It’s been a long day on your feet, so it’s time to rest up and see the city from a different angle. We suggest heading to one of the many sky bars in the city, the best of which is the  Eon bar  in the Bitexco Financial Building (it literally overlooks their helicopter pad) – just keep in mind they have a strict dress code. After this, we highly recommend you make a booking for a taste of Italy: pizza at one of the  PizzaP4’s  branches. Eating pizza in Vietnam might seem like blasphemy, but this is the best pizza in Asia. Anything on the menu is delish but the parma ham with burrata cheese is our favourite.

Location: Tầng 52, Bitexco Tower, 2, Hải Triều, Quận 1, Thành Phố Hồ Chí Minh, Vietnam

Day 21 in Ho Chi Minh City

It’s your last day in Saigon or Ho Chi Minh City and either you’re flying out today, or you have a few more hours to see the last sights this city has to offer. For your last day we’d look at doing a tour of the colonial architecture in the city, to see the French influence on this Asian powerhouse. A few stops include:

Saigon Post Office:   2 Công xã Paris, Bến Nghé, Quận 1, Hồ Chí Minh 710009, Vietnam

Colonial City Hall:  Số 86 Lê Thánh Tôn, Bến Nghé, Quận 1, Hồ Chí Minh 710212, Vietnam

Statue of Ho Chi Minh: 110  Nguyễn Huệ, Bến Nghé, Quận 1, Hồ Chí Minh, Vietnam

Sunset boat trip

And if you have that last evening, then head down to the river for a sunset boat trip. There are two ways of doing this – either on one of the tour boats, or over on the public boat for a more authentic experience.

For the latter, head down to the Bach Dang pier – the boat starts near the statue of Tran Hung Dao. It travels about 10 km from District 1 to 9, taking about 45 minutes and showcasing key sights from the city, including Landmark 81, the tallest building in Vietnam. It costs about 15,000 VND (0.65 USD/0.50 GBP) and you will need to return via taxi, at a cost of approx. 400,000 VND (17.25 USD/ 13.80 GBP)

For a more upmarket cruise there are loads of options available, usually including all food and drinks and often a local dance showcase or cabaret entertainment. These range from 30 – 100 USD (25 – 85 GBP) depending on the style of the cruise, and we’re told that  Bonsai Cruise  is a great operator.

Location: Bach Dang Pier, Tôn Đức Thắng Street, District 1, Hồ Chí Minh City, Vietnam

Open: 06.00am – 07.30pm

Bonus – day trip to the Mekong Delta from Ho Chi Minh City

And just in case you didn’t fancy some of those options in Ho Chin Minh City, or even have a little more time for your itinerary, then why not look at a day trip to the Mekong Delta as an extra?

Why not check out this day trip that gets great reviews.

So, there you have it, our perfect 3 week Vietnam itinerary! We hope you’ve found this useful, but if you have any tips or questions do let us know in the comments below.

3 weeks in Vietnam interactive map

Bonus locations to add to your Vietnam itinerary

If you have a bit more time and are able to extend your trip beyond this 3 weeks Vietnam itinerary, here are a few further options that you can explore, especially in the South of the country. We had one month in Vietnam and so the majority of these could be added to a 4 week Vietnam itinerary, although we didn’t enjoy these places as much as our other recommended stops.

The hill town of Da Lat was historically where French expats and Vietnamese wealthy families used to escape for holidays, as it’s a hill station with much cooler temperatures. However, nowadays its less a hill station and more a city – we were actually surprised at how large it was. It still offers refreshing cool temperatures though, so it’s great to avoid the heat, and we even got to see a sunset, rainstorm and rainbow combination which was very special.

Since it’s a lot busier than expected, we didn’t really enjoy this town as much but it could serve as a good stop if you have a longer itinerary and has lots of things to do! These include:

An Austrian company has installed a high-class cable car in Da Lat, offering panoramic views over the city from Robin Hill. This is worth a visit for the views, but we’d suggest going early since busloads of tourists arrive from about 10.00am onwards. At the top of the cable car, you can also visit the Trúc Lâm Temple, a lovely Buddhist temple. Keep in mind you need appropriate dress i.e. covered shoulders, long trousers or skirt.

Location: 1, Đống Đa, Lâm Đồng, Vietnam

Open: 7.30am – 5.00pm

Da Lat has its fair share of  waterfalls , some of them very accessible from the city itself. We went to the  Elephant Falls  which we found quite overcrowded but it seems that the Pongour waterfalls are very quiet, since they are a bit less accessible. You could also take a short walk to the Datanla waterfalls, which are closer to the town.

Location: Gia Lâm, Lâm Hà District, Lâm Đồng, Vietnam

Open: 8.00am – 5.00pm

Crazy House

As the name suggests, this is a weird, strange and quirky house or complex really. The vision of Vietnamese architect, Đặng Việt Nga, the  Crazy House  started as a coffee shop and is now a public museum but also a fully-functioning guesthouse. Think fantastical turrets and curving staircases, with upside down artwork – this place defies description. But… go! It costs 50,000 VND (approx. 2.15 USD/1.75 GBP) per person.

Location: Số 3 Đường Huỳnh Thúc Kháng, Phường 4, Thành phố Đà Lạt, Lâm Đồng, Vietnam

Open: 8:30am to 7.00pm everyday

For us, this very nearly made the list, but it’s a bit out the way, so you’ll need a couple of extra days to make it to Mui Ne. It’s the perfect place to relax and unwind and potentially soak up some sun, sea and sand. This little beach town is big on both the backpacking Vietnam trail and as a Vietnam holiday destination, and there are some really  exciting things you can do in one day .

Red and white sand dunes

The number one thing to do in Mui Ne is to visit the impressive red and white sand dunes, usually as part of a pre-packaged Jeep tour which also sometimes includes the  Fairy Stream.  We were pleasantly surprised by the cost of a private 2 person jeep tour to visit these – at $25 (20 GBP) for a 5hr trip, which you can either do for either sunrise or sunset. We chose to do the sunrise tour, thinking that it wouldn’t be too busy. We were wrong – it was absolutely heaving with tourists. Luckily the tour groups seem to stick together so if you’re able to walk a few minutes away, you’ll find yourself all alone.

Generally, the tour will take you to the white sand dunes for sunrise. They are about a 45 minute drive away from Mui Ne, so it’s a very early start between 04.00 – 05.00 depending on the season. When you arrive you can either take an ATV up the dune or walk up yourself – we opted for the ATV which we felt really wasn’t worth the money: 200,000 VND (8.50 USD/7.00 GBP) for what is a slightly hairy 5 minute trail up the dune to the viewing point.

Using the ATVs for what was really a 20 minute walk, really meant that you just had the noise of these (or others squealing) rather than enjoying this small bit of paradise. Our advice would be to avoid these at all costs.

After sunrise, head back onto the jeeps to visit the red sand dunes. Once again, hundreds of tourists are at the main spot, and we were pretty disappointed by the amount of litter around. However, if you walk for 10 minutes away from the main area, you’ll have the red dunes all to yourself. Away from the crowds, all alone on the pristine dunes is pretty special. A great place to take a towel, and enjoy some quiet time.

Another one of those cities that people seem to love or hate, we travelled to Nha Trang as a stop-over point from Da Nang to Da Lat (via air). There are pretty good restaurants and accommodation options in the city, but we weren’t enamoured with this city and hadn’t heard much positive about it from the Vietnam backpacking crew. Our advice? Skip it or use it as a transit point.

Many people spend time out of their Vietnam itinerary 3 weeks in this protected area bordering Laos, when travelling down from Ninh Binh to Hue.

Some must-see attractions in the Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park include limestone karsts, a vast cave network and teeming wildlife including tigers, elephants and black bears. A quirky thing to do is to visit the Duck Stop, literally a farm full of ducks that swarm you! The entry point for most travellers is Dong Hoi, a small seaside town.

Note: The caves are not accessible during the rainy season (Oct – Dec), so time your visit accordingly.

Phu Quoc Island

Looking for island life? You know, stunning beaches, jungle, waterfalls etc… then Phu Quoc is a definite add into your 3 week itinerary (although what do you leave out??).

The island of Phu Quoc is actually located very close to the Koh Rong islands in Cambodia, although it is easier to get to, with flights available from Ho Chi Minh City!

When to go to Vietnam?

This is a bit of a tricky one as there are several different ‘seasons’ in Vietnam, so it totally depends on which part you are travelling to. If you are looking to travel the whole country there are definitely ‘better’ times to travel. In an ideal world you’d probably look to travel in March or April, where it can still be cool in the far North, but it is still dry in the North, hot and dry in the middle of the county and also South Vietnam.

However, it is good to note the rainy seasons in both the North and South are between May and October, and you’ll definitely want to avoid typhoon season from September to November.

In saying that, most time of the year you can get lucky and great weather in much of the country. We travelled this route throughout the month of July and only had a little rain when we got to Ho Chi Minh City, whereas we’ve heard from others who mentioned that they were there in March and places were really cold!

What camera equipment and other gear do we use?

We’re living proof that you don’t need the most expensive gear to travel the world and take good photos. Here are some of our must have items that make it into the packing list for all our travels.

• Main Camera: Panasonic Lumix FZ1000
• Drone: DJI Mavic Air – Fly More Combo
• GoPro: Hero 7 Black
• GoPro Dive Case: Go Pro Housing
• GoPro Case: Smatree GoPro Carry Case – Small
• Packing Cubes: Eagle Creek Packing case
• Backpack: Osprey Farpoint 70
• Powerbank: Anker Powercore
• Phone: Xiaomi Mi 9
• Hard drive: Transcend Slim Storejet 2TB
• Laptop: Lenovo IdeaPad 720s
• Headphones: Bose Quiet Comfort 35
• Wifi Hotspot: GlocalMe G4

Useful Vietnamese phrases

• Hello – Xin Chao (Sin chow)
• How are you? – Ban Khoe Khong (Ban Kwe Khom)
• Thank you – Xin cam on (sin gahm un)
• Sorry – Xin Loi (Sin Loy)
• Goodbye – Tam Biet

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best 3 week Vietnam itinerary south to north of the country?

Obviously you can just do this itinerary in reverse! Start in Ho Chi Minh City/ Saigon and snake your way up the country to Hanoi.

What is a good Vietnam 3 weeks budget? 

The question we’re often asked is: How much money for 3 weeks in Vietnam? Well, your budget always depends on your travel style. If you’re on a backpacking budget, you could easily do a daily budget of 50 GBP / 65 USD or less. For us, we fall between backpacking and mid-range, and spent 69 GBP / 88 USD per day for our 1 month in the country.

What to pack for 3 weeks in Vietnam?

Of course this depends a little on what time of year you visit – if in the rainy season, make sure you have a poncho, umbrella and easy-dry sneakers or shoes. Otherwise Vietnam can be quite hot and humid, so be sure to pick light clothing, beachwear and sandals. You’ll need the obvious things like sunscreen and sunglasses. If you’re heading to the north or the hills in Da Lat, it can get pretty chilly in the evenings, so pack a fleece and long trousers. Finally, don’t forget your travel adapter!

Which other countries should I visit alongside Vietnam?

Vietnam is part of the South East Asia backpacker trail for good reason, and sits nearby other major countries to visit like Thailand, Cambodia and  Laos . If you’re looking for a guide to doing Thailand, we’ve got a  comprehensive article here , else our preferred  itinerary for Cambodia  will show you the best that country has to offer.

Should I go to Thailand or Vietnam?

Do you like chocolate or vanilla? ? Honestly, it’s difficult to answer this question, since both offers great hospitality, fantastic food, beaches, incredible sights and wonderful trekking. Both are very similar, perhaps the best way to decide is to look at which country has the best weather when you want to travel. Our advice? Don’t split up your time between both; they each deserve a meaty itinerary.

What do you think of our 3 weeks in Vietnam itinerary? Let us know in the comments below or get in touch with us if you think anything is missing from this Vietnam 3 week itinerary!

Want to save this post for later? Why not pin it…

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Website URL

I am extremely impressed together with your writing abilities as smartly as with the layout for your blog. Is that this a paid subject or did you modify it yourself? Anyway keep up the nice high quality writing, it is rare to look a nice weblog like this one these days..

Thank you so much! We built the site ourselves (James learned to use WordPress from scratch) but we used a Pipdig theme. And can’t recommend them more highly… they are really helpful and answer our stupid questions even when off theme.

Thank you for every other wonderful post. The place else could anybody get that type of information in such an ideal manner of writing? I have a presentation subsequent week, and I am on the look for such information.

Wow! I love your post. The way it’s detailed can make any traveler chose to travel to Vietnam. It’s a perfect itinerary for a perfect holiday.

Thank you for the itinerary! Enjoyed reading it and it gave me many ideas! I have a question that maybe you can answer. I’m interested in going in December/ January. Will it be a good weather please?

Hi Chris, no problem at all! Great that you’ve found the itinerary useful. December and January are great months to visit Vietnam. The better out of these two months is definitely January, where you are likely to get good weather across the country, December, you may find that Central Vietnam has a bit more rain (especially earlier in the month). Although if you’re planning on visiting the highlands, it can be a little chilly so worth bringing some warmer clothing.

Thank you for such a great post! My partner and I are going to Vietnam for three weeks next March and this has been a great help to us. Loved the recommendations for coffee shops/restaurants also.

Follow on Pinterest

Where are we now?

London, England

Our Favourite Post

A Beijing Itinerary | 4 days in China’s bustling capital

Beijing is massive. Third largest city in the world kind of massive. So how do you fit all that you need to see in the ancient city, formerly known as Peking? Well, we hope that…

Vietnam Itinerary 3 Weeks: An Immersive Travel Experience

With beautiful scenery from top to tail, to see the best of Vietnam, you should take your time. Embrace all that the country has to offer and enjoy what each destination has on a Vietnam itinerary of 3 weeks . 

In addition to the well-trodden destinations such as Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi and Hoi An, there are a bountiful number of places that could show you the diversity of Vietnam. From the dunes of Mui Ne to the limestone karsts of Ninh Binh and Phong Nha; it’s the diversity of the landscapes of Vietnam that will show you what this country is all about – nature!

Post Contents

When to Go on Your Three Week Trip to Vietnam

Alternatives for your 3 weeks in vietnam, travel tips for 3 weeks in vietnam.

To begin your trip, you need to decide whether or not you start in the north or south of Vietnam, this can depend on when you choose to visit and what you are looking to get out of your three weeks in Vietnam . 

If you are looking for warmer temperatures, you could stay in Central and Southern Vietnam, as it is hot for the majority of the year. If you are looking for cooler adventures on your three-week trip to Vietnam, the north has mountains and all the cold temperatures that come with them. 

No matter what you are looking for in your three-week Vietnam itinerary, you should look to visit Vietnam at a time when there is not a lot of rain. In the Spring (March to May) and Autumn (September to October) months, you’ll have perfect temperatures across the country from dusk till dawn. Vietnam has some of the highest rainfall in Southeast Asia – if you do not get some rain during your trip, you will be lucky!

The hottest time of the year, particularly in Central Vietnam, is between May and August when temperatures can reach as high as 45C (117) and above. However, you can expect the odd electrical storm – welcome to the tropics!

Don’t Miss Our Exclusive Offers! Subscribe Today!

For the ultimate travel inspiration, local insight straight from our expert Local Designers and exclusive offers you won’t find anywhere else from Designer Journeys, sign up today! Don’t miss out.

Your Perfect Vietnam Itinerary 3 Weeks

This Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City itinerary in 3 weeks covers all of the essentials while visiting the country, showcasing a taste of the magnificent landscapes of Vietnam.

A Vietnam itinerary in three weeks can either take you from north to south or vice versa. This one starts in Hanoi in Northern Vietnam and goes to Halong Bay before moving to Central Vietnam, where you’ll visit Hoi An Ancient Town and the ancient capital, Hue. 

Where to Stay

The first week on your Vietnam three-week itinerary will see you staying on cruises, in city hotels and in quaint countryside guest houses that demonstrate the diversity of the country as much as the landscapes do. 

Vietnam is one of the cheapest countries in the world. You’ll be surprised by what you can get for your money. However, it is worth noting that star ratings are not quite the same. When booking accommodation, chat with one of our Local Designers in Vietnam and do a little research before making the big leap. 

What You’ll Do

You’ll be welcomed to Vietnam by arriving in the capital, Hanoi. Your three weeks in Vietnam starts with a little chaos, which will initially overwhelm you. You’ll quickly get to grips with  Hanoi as you are shown around some of the most famous buildings in the country. 

You cannot leave Hanoi without making the journey out to the New Wonder of the World, Halong Bay just four hours from the city. Boarding a cruise, you’ll spend 24 hours between limestone karsts, exploring caves and hopping between scenic viewpoints, a highlight of your Vietnam itinerary for three weeks. 

Back in the city, you’ll take a short flight down to Hoi An, via the city of Da Nang. A few days in Hoi An is a stark contrast to the hustle of Hanoi, where motorbikes are swapped for bicycles, and narrow tube houses are substituted for the iconic yellow and blue colonial houses. 

Hoi An is one of the most iconic spots and a must on a 3-week tour of Vietnam. While here, you will be introduced to the famous Central Vietnamese cuisine with a cooking class on the river. 

This part of your Vietnam route in 3 weeks finishes in Hue, the ancient capital of Northern Vietnam. Exploring the ancient citadel, you’ll see the architecture left behind by former dynasties. The ruins of the citadel have a lingering reminder of the American War when the majority of it was destroyed in the Tet Offensive, 1968. 

Your trip for three weeks in Vietnam will take you down to the metropolis of Ho Chi Minh City, where you’ll learn a little more about the war in the south and see the sights. You’ll then explore the mighty Mekong before heading out to Mui Ne to kick back and relax. 

In Ho Chi Minh City, you’ll start at the centre of the action to kick start the second part of your Vietnam travel itinerary for three weeks . Staying in District 1 of the city, you’ll be just moments from all the attractions. 

While in the Mekong, you’ll immerse yourself in river life in a rustic bungalow surrounded by trees and rice paddies. 

What You’ll Do 

The second leg of your Vietnam itinerary in 3 weeks is action-packed. You’ll visit the fascinating Cu Chi tunnels that are part of a much more extensive network of tunnels where the Viet Cong were hiding during the war. 

You’ll then jump between the most famous sites of the city before leaving the city for the winding Mekong River. You’ll stop by coconut candy workshops, gaze across rice paddies and learn about life in the Mekong as you cross questionable bridges and spend most of your time on a boat, just as locals do. 

The Mekong is famous for its food and is known to locals as “the rice bowl of Vietnam”. To finish your time on the river, you’ll visit Cai Rang Floating Market, the most famous of the markets in this region. You can have breakfast while watching the locals come and go on boats. The colours of this market are what makes it so interesting, as are the pop-up floating restaurants!

From the Mekong, you’ll go back to your base, Ho Chi Minh City, for one more night before making your way to the sandy paradise of Mui Ne. On your final night, you may want to dip into Ho Chi Minh City’s nightlife which ranges from quiet street-side beers to booming multi-storey bars. 

At this point in your trip, you can change it up to make a Vietnam and Cambodia 3-week itinerary . However, if you are looking to chill out by a pool or at the beach, this next week is for you as you head out to Mui Ne.

There are a plethora of resorts, hotels, homestays and hostels in Mui Ne, so much so that you cannot see the beach from the road! However, you should not let this deter you. 

As accommodation is cheap, you can find yourself a villa in Mui Ne for as little as 15 dollars a night. Equally, there are many five-star resorts for those looking to live a life of luxury. 

Your time in Mui Ne has been created for you to relax and make the most of the sunshine on the final week of your Vietnam three-week itinerary . Mui Ne has a long stretch of orange sand that faces onto beautiful clear waters. Due to its coastal positioning on the corner of Vietnam, the beach can be very windy, which attracts kitesurfers to its shore. With this in mind, your beach days may be substituted for pool days. 

When you are not sunning yourself by the pool, there are many activities to fill your days. 

The most famous attraction, and the reason that Mui Ne is a popular spot for travellers backpacking Vietnam in 3 weeks, is the sand dunes. Just outside of the town, there are both red and white sand dunes. 

A tour from the town will take you on the back of a jeep to visit both of them; you can choose to go at sunrise or sunset, either time will be truly spectacular. You’ll visit both sand dunes, where you can hire an ATV or a slightly cheaper sheet of plastic to skid down the sand from the local ladies and kids who will be eagerly waiting for you.

Another option for an easy-going activity to add to your Vietnam itinerary for 3 weeks is the Fairy Springs. This long shallow river takes you past fascinating rock formations and small riverside vendors to reach a waterfall. It’s best to visit the Fairy Springs at midday, when not many people are around. 

Another option for the adrenaline seekers is to learn how to kitesurf; there are many schools set up on the beach, run by locals and expats who have moved to Mui Ne for the waves. You can shop around for the best price according to your requirements. 

Your 3 weeks in Vietnam could be broken up to add on one of the neighbouring countries with borders crossing to Laos, China and Cambodia. Your trip can easily hop across the border to delve into the cultural differences of Vietnam’s neighbours. 

A Vietnam and Cambodia itinerary in three weeks could start or finish in Cambodia, where you’ll have the chance to visit Angkor Wat and the capital, Phnom Penh before flying to Ho Chi Minh City. From the city, you’ll journey from south to north.

Alternatively, your three weeks in Cambodia and Vietnam could add in Laos. Starting in Hanoi, you’ll visit the impressive giant caves of Phong Nha before hopping across the border to Laos. Then, it’s down to the famous Angkor Wat to finish your Vietnam and Laos itinerary for three weeks with Cambodia. 

What to Pack

Clothing : It is best to pack for every eventuality for your three weeks in Vietnam. In the north, it can be cold and rainy – much colder than you would expect in Vietnam! Yes, you will be surprised. 

Bring a light rain jacket, as you might need it in another destination on a Vietnam itinerary from Hanoi, as well as a jumper and comfortable, covered shoes. Further south, shorts and t-shirts will suffice. A light jacket may be required if you are going into the mountains. 

Mosquito Spray : Another essential, no matter where you go in your 3 weeks in Vietnam, is mosquito spray. Whether you are in the mountains, in cities or by the beach, they are everywhere. Peak times for mosquitos are early morning and from sunset into the evening. 

While light clothing may deter them, it will not stop them; apply mosquito spray regularly. The most effective sprays are made from citronella oil and lemongrass. It’s important to note that Malaria is low-risk in the coastal region of Vietnam. However, Dengue is prevalent across all cities. 

Sun Cream : While Vietnam has a lot of rain, it also has incredibly high UV rays because of its positioning to the equator. To avoid skin damage, apply sun cream regularly and be conscious of just how much time you are spending in the sun. 

Important Tips

Safety : Crossing the road may be the scariest thing that you encounter throughout your Vietnam three-week itinerary. However, there is a special method to this madness: stay calm and confident, walk slowly and steadily, and whatever you do, do not run back! The drivers will go around you. This rule applies everywhere in Vietnam. 

In popular tourist areas, pick-pocketing is common, particularly in big cities such as Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City with their crowded tourist areas. 

To stay safe:

• Split your money into big notes and small notes and keep the big ones in your bag and small ones in your pocket. 
• Do not carry your purse out on the street, if you do need to, make sure you are as far into the side of the road as possible. 
• Try to avoid having your mobile phone out on busy streets and store it in your pocket or the main part of your bag. 

To begin planning your 3 weeks in Vietnam, contact one of our Local Designers to begin putting together your dream trip. Whether you are looking to incorporate Cambodia or Laos, by working with our Local Designers, you will be able to customise your trip to make your 3 weeks in Vietnam one to remember!

Eilidh Wilson

Hello! I’m Eilidh, a Scottish-born writer, artist and part-time explorer who has been based in Vietnam since 2016. Very much the outdoor type, in between words, you’ll catch me seeking out adventures to be had and stories to be told. I’m a sucker for a sunset, adore the reward of finding waterfalls and a self-proclaimed beach bum. Back at the desk, I love sharing my experience and love of travel and inspiring others to reach further out into the world - especially if it’s related to food!

Trusty Vietnam Cycling Tours – The 3 Best Bicycle Tours of Vietnam

Trekking vietnam like a pro – top 9 trekking trails, you may also like, a must-read for morocco desert tours.

Post ContentsWhy Do a Morocco Desert Tour?Moroccan Deserts to VisitMerzouga and Erg Chebbi The Zagora Desert How to Get to the Moroccan DesertsTo MerzougaTo ZagoraWhat Do You Do on a Morocco Desert Tour?Ride a…

Where to Discover a Different Thailand

Written by Designer Journeys’s Eilidh Wilson. When you think of a trip to Thailand, your thoughts will likely drift to the white sand beaches of Koh Phi Phi and Lanta, both of…

2 Weeks in Italy Spent Like a...

The country that has it all; travelling around Italy remains one of the most exceptional experiences in life. Home to the birthplace of the ancient Roman empire, Renaissance art and landscapes that…

Ultimate Philippines Diving Guide

So, what does Philippines diving look like? Imagine an archipelago of magical islands where blooming reefs fringe the shore, scuttled WWII wrecks beckon and sheer slopes collide with deep drop-offs. A place…

The Ultimate Italy Itinerary – 7 Days...

Trips you may like 5-Day Rome, Florence & Venice Getaway Embark on a getaway to three of Italy’s most-loved cities! Your Italy itinerary is 5 days from Rome to Venice, beginning in…

Complete Guide to Chiang Mai Trekking

Trips you may like 16-Day Divine Thai Culture With Bangkok as your base, this culturally immersive Thai experience takes you on and off the tourist trail in search of temples, markets and…

Walking Holiday in Japan: 3 Itineraries Designed...

Trips you may like 9-Day Authentic Samurai and Sake Experience This 9-day trip is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that will immerse you in rich history and culture, as you uncover two of the…

Top New Zealand Ski Holiday Destinations You...

Trips you may like 16-Day Scenic Train and Glaciers Tour New Zealand is a country known for its superb scenery taking the form of glaciers, lakes, mountains and stunning coastal journeys. One…

Your Morocco Private Tour Broken Down into...

Post ContentsWhy Choose Morocco for a Private Tour?Places to Start Your Morocco Private TourMarrakesh Private ToursPrivate Casablanca ToursFes ToursTangier with a Private GuideWhat Private Tour of Morocco Is for You?Hiking in the…

A Guide to Stargazing in Japan

Have you ever found yourself lost in the beauty of a clear, star-filled night sky? If your answer is yes, then you’ve probably experienced the magic of stargazing. Now, imagine combining that…

Unlock your next trip

• How it Works
• Become a Local Designer

• Thailand Lantern Festival
• Indonesia(Bali)
• South Korea
• China (HK, Taiwan)
• Itinerary Ideas
• Asia Highlights Travel Reviews
• Thailand Travel Reviews
• Vietnam Travel Reviews
• Cambodia Travel Reviews
• Japan Travel Reviews
• Myanmar Travel Reviews
• China Travel Reviews

How to Plan a 3-Week Vietnam Itinerary (Top 2 Options)

Vietnam is a country that offers something for everyone. Whether you're traveling as a family or as a couple, you can explore the ins and outs of what this country has to offer in three weeks.

From exploring the historical sites of Hanoi to relaxing on the beaches of Phu Quoc Island, Vietnam is a country that would leave you with memories that last a lifetime.

It can be overwhelming to plan a 3-week itinerary in Vietnam. In this article, we will provide tips on how to choose where to visit, a well-planned itinerary, and more.

How to Spend Your 3 Weeks in Vietnam

Vietnam is a long, stretched-out country and can be divided into 3 regions: north, central, and south.

It is possible to explore the three regions in 3 weeks. But if you would like to have a more leisurely tour, spending your time in two regions is a good idea.

Here's a general suggestion on how to spend your time in each region:

Northern Region (7–10 days) : cultural heritage, rice paddies, karst-island seascape

• Hanoi: 2–3 days
• Sapa: 3–4 days
• Ha Long Bay: 2–3 days

Central Region (8–12 days): historical sites, ancient towns, beautiful beaches 

• Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park: 2–3 days
• Hue: 2–3 days
• Hoi An: 3–4 days
• Danang: 1–2 days

Southern Region (6–9 days): historical sites of the Vietnam War, floating markets, beautiful beaches

• Ho Chi Minh City: 2–3 days
• Mekong Delta: 2–4 days (multi-day trip)
• Phu Quoc Island: 2–3 days

As the weather varies greatly depending on the region and time of year, you'd better take the weather into consideration when arranging your 3 weeks .

For example, if you go to Vietnam between September and December, you may want to consider a shorter stay in the center, as it is the rainy season there with a risk of floods then, although the rainy season in the north and south is between May and October.

Our team of travel specialists is knowledgeable about Vietnam's different regions and respective climates and can help you plan your trip to ensure the best possible experience. Contact us to start a worry-free travel experience .

Suggested read: How to Plan Your First Trip to Vietnam — 7 Easy Steps

Discover real reviews of Highlights Travel Family 's best-rated service across trusted platforms.

Itinerary #1. The Ultimate 3-Week Vietnam Tour: From North to South 

This 3-week itinerary, traveling from north to south Vietnam, starts out in Hanoi before moving down the coast to Hoi An, and ending in the "southern capital" Ho Chi Minh City. It spends roughly one week in each region.

In this itinerary, you can experience the diversity of Vietnam's culture, history, and stunning natural landscapes. You would have opportunities to explore Vietnam's ancient kingdoms, stunning beaches, bustling cities, colorful local markets, the famous limestone cliffs of Ha Long Bay, and more.

Here is a well-planned itinerary for your inspiration:

• Days 1–2: Hanoi
• Days 3–4: Sapa
• Day 5: Ninh Binh
• Days 6–7: Ha Long Bay
• Days 8–9: Hue
• Days 10–11: Da Nang
• Days 12–13: Hoi An
• Days 14–15: Nha Trang
• Days 16–17: Da Lat
• Days 18–19: Ho Chi Minh City
• Day 20-21: Mekong Delta, and departure

Week 1: Hanoi – Sapa – Ninh Binh – Ha Long Bay

During the first stage of your trip, you would spend your time in north Vietnam, traveling from the bustling streets of Hanoi to the remote hill tribes in Sapa and the stunning natural beauty of Ninh Binh and Ha Long Bay.

Besides popular attractions, our trip includes a variety of special, interactive, and entertaining activities that are very suitable for couples and families , such as:

• Take a leisurely bicycle ride together through the famed Old Quarter in Hanoi.
• Embark on an underground private boat ride in Ninh Binh to discover a labyrinth of mystical caves.
• Embark on our hand-picked more-private junk cruise to discover an unspoiled area of Ha Long Bay and witness a breathtaking sunset from the deck.
• Interact with locals, and learn about a hill tribe's way of life as you trek through picturesque terraced rice fields in Sapa.

Insider tips: Sapa is accessible by train and car from Hanoi. If you want a richer experience, you could go there by train and return by private car. If you want to save time and be more comfortable, you're recommended to take a private car both ways.

For a more leisurely tour, you're recommended to spend one more night on a Ha Long Bay cruise, with more activities and relaxation time.

Week 2: Hue – Da Nang – Hoi An

These three cities in central Vietnam have their own characteristics and you can spend 1–2 days in each city to see the historical heritage in Hue, the beautiful beaches in Da Nang, and the laid-back ancient town of Hoi An.

In Hoi An, we offer many activities suitable for couples and families , such as:

• Take a romantic sunset cruise along the Thu Bon River.
• Visit local villages and participate in daily activities like fishing, farming, and traditional crafts, offering a unique insight into local life.
• Join a workshop to craft your own colorful lantern, or join a traditional Vietnamese cooking class.
• Enjoy an evening foodie tour to sample local food.

Insider tips: Da Nang and Hoi An are close (about 45 minutes by car), so it is possible to visit one while staying in the other. There are more international hotel options in Da Nang and a great variety of boutique hotels in Hoi An. Hoi An is a better choice for couples and families who are looking for a leisurely vibe and night activities.

Let us know your interests, and we'll tailor-make a tour uniquely suited to you .

Week 3: Nha Trang – Da Lat – Ho Chi Minh City – Mekong Delta

• Days 20–21: Mekong Delta, and departure

The last leg of your 3-week Vietnam trip would take you to visit southern Vietnam. From the sun-kissed beaches of Nha Trang, through the picturesque hills of Da Lat, to the bustling streets of Ho Chi Minh City and the enchanting waterways of the Mekong Delta, this trip offers you a range of adventures.

At the end of the tour, you may feel you deserve a romantic and luxurious Mekong River cruise with only one or two cabins. We have specially selected it for couples or families who are looking for private and quality time . Book at least 6 months in advance to secure this limited-availability experience.

This itinerary can be easily customized to meet your preferences , whether you're traveling with your partner or your family.

Itinerary #2. 3-Week Vietnam Adventure Tour: Northern and Central Vietnam

This 21-day Vietnam adventure itinerary will take you through the very best of northern and central Vietnam, from bustling cities and majestic mountains to shimmering coastlines and spellbinding caves.

Designed for travel enthusiasts and adventure-seekers alike, this itinerary offers unique experiences that showcase this remarkable country's unparalleled beauty and rich cultural heritage.

Here is a carefully-crafted itinerary, which balances adventure with leisurely experiences, for your inspiration:

• Days 2–6: Sapa
• Day 7: Hanoi free day
• Days 8–9: Ha Long Bay
• Day 10: Fly to Dong Hoi
• Days 11–16: Hang Son Doong cave exploration in Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park
• Days 17–18: Hue
• Days 19–20: Hoi An
• Day 21: Departure

One of the most extraordinary highlights of this 21-Day Vietnam adventure itinerary is the 5-night/6-day exploration of Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park . This is truly an adventure of a lifetime, providing you with the rare opportunity to venture deep into the heart of the world's largest cave, Hang Son Doong . You can also experience the thrill of river crossings and jungle treks.

Another remarkable highlight is the 5-day immersive experience in the captivating landscapes of Sapa . You'll get the chance to explore Sapa's vibrant cultural tapestry and majestic mountainous scenery. Hike through the region's iconic multi-tiered rice terraces, interact with local ethnic minority communities, and visit the lively Sapa market.

In addition to the thrilling adventures, this itinerary offers some delightful leisurely experiences in the idyllic settings of Ha Long Bay and Hoi An. These destinations provide a relaxed atmosphere for you to unwind, explore, and enjoy the allure of Vietnam's natural and cultural beauty.

Insider tip: It's important to take into account the seasonal weather differences between the north and center of the country. For this itinerary, the optimal travel period is from February to May, as it allows you to evade the coldest temperatures in Sapa while also avoiding the rainy seasons in northern and central Vietnam.

Don't hesitate to ask for a tailored Vietnam itinerary with us , ensuring a personalized and unforgettable journey that caters to your unique needs and interests.

How Much Is a 3-Week Trip to Vietnam?

Vietnam is a budget-friendly destination for travelers. For the same amount of money that you would spend on a small meal at a mediocre restaurant in Western countries, you can enjoy a delicious, top-of-the-range Vietnamese meal that will leave you satisfied.

Here are the costs for a private tour based on 2 travelers:

• With 4-star hotels, the daily cost per person is around US$200–250 , including domestic airfares, accommodation, lunch, entrance fees, tour guides, and transfers.
• For 5-star hotels or higher, the daily cost per person is roughly US$250–350 , inclusive of all the above.

Early booking for transport, accommodation, and tours can result in savings. For peak holiday times such as Christmas and New Year, secure reservations at least 3 months ahead to avoid disappointment.

Contact us to book a worry-free tour . We guarantee a 100% refund (excluding international flight costs to and from your home country) for cancellations made up to 3 weeks before departure (see more details ).

How to Travel Around Vietnam

Domestic flights offer a convenient and time-saving mode of transportation for exploring different regions of Vietnam. Key cities such as Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, Hue, and Nha Trang are well connected by air travel.

Opting for a private car and driver is ideal for journeys between neighboring cities, offering flexibility, privacy, and comfort to maximize your experience.

Choosing a private tour with us ensures a seamless, enjoyable journey throughout Vietnam. Our team of professionals will handle all your transportation needs, from airport transfers and long-haul trips to uncovering hidden gems. Simply relax and savor your adventure!

You're in Good Hands with Asia Highlights

We have created over 10,000+ big trips for insightful travelers, mostly for families and couples. We truly understand that every single big trip planned for our clients is not just for good holiday memories but also for joyful celebrations of life's milestones.

Get a wonderful Vietnam vacation by sending us a message . Or check out our sample itineraries as below, for inspiration.

Why Asia Highlights (10,000+ reviews & 98.8% 5-star rating)

• Save Your Time:
• Less research, more enjoyment!
• Real-time 1V1 expert planning
• Maximize Your Flexibility:
• Personal local guide and ride
• Explore at your own pace
• Celebrate Your Journeys:
• Specially-crafted family adventures
• Celebrate milestones with style!
• 10-Day Best of Vietnam Tour
• 15-Day Best of Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam Tour
• 19-Day Highlights of Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam Tour
• 14-Day Classic Vietnam and Thailand Tour
• 7 Days in Vietnam: 6 Best Itinerary Ideas for First Timers
• 10 Days in Vietnam: 5 Best Itineraries in 2024/2025
• How to Plan a Thailand and Vietnam Trip (2024/2025): 10 Days, 2, 3 Weeks Itineraries
• How to Visit Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam 2024: 10, 14 and 21-Day Itinerary Ideas
• Vietnam Weather in January 2024: Cool & Dry, Best Places to Go
• Vietnam Weather in February 2024: Insider Tips for Peak Season
• Vietnam Weather in March 2024
• Vietnam Weather in April 2024: Insider Tips
• Vietnam Weather in May 2024: Best Places to Go
• Vietnam Weather in June 2024: Hot & Rainy? Best Places to Go
• Vietnam Weather in July 2024: Best Places to Go and Travel Tips
• Vietnam Weather in August 2024: Best Places to Go
• Vietnam Weather in September 2024: Best Places to Go
• Vietnam Weather in October 2024: Travel Tips for First-timers
• Vietnam Weather in November 2024, Travel Tips for First-Timers
• Vietnam Weather in December 2024, Travel Tips for First-Timers

Get Inspired with Some Popular Itineraries

At Asia Highlights, we create your kind of journey — your dates, your destinations, at your pace. You can have any trip tailor made for your travel.

More Travel Ideas and Inspiration

Sign up to our newsletter.

Be the first to receive exciting updates, exclusive promotions, and valuable travel tips from our team of experts.

Why Asia Highlights

Where can we take you today.

• Middle East
• African Safari
• Travel Agents
• Loyalty Program
• Privacy Policy

Address: Building 6, Chuangyi Business Park, 70 Qilidian Road, Guilin, Guangxi, 541004, China

HOW TO SPEND 3 WEEKS IN VIETNAM

By Author Katie

Posted on Last updated: September 17, 2023

Heading to Vietnam? We share the perfect way to spend 3 weeks in Vietnam including a Vietnam itinerary, things to know and what to pack!

Vietnam is a fascinating country with bustling cities and hole-in-the-wall restaurants standing alongside breathtaking rice terraces and landscapes. But where to start when planning a trip to Vietnam? Today we share how to spend 3 weeks in Vietnam so that you can plan the perfect Vietnam vacation. 

Things to know before you visit Vietnam

Vietnam is a cheap, diverse country in South East Asia and the perfect destination for newbie travellers. However, there are a few things you need to know before you go to Vietnam. 

• Apply for your visa – When entering Vietnam, you may need to get a visa. Check the visa regulations for your passport in advance and use the Vietnamese Embassy website to apply for your visa in advance. In major airports, you can obtain a visa on arrival but expect long queues and have passport sized photos and USD available. 
• Check Vaccination – Book an appointed with your GP or health centre at least 6 weeks before you travel to see which vaccinations are recommended for your trip. Remember that the more remote destinations you visit in Vietnam, the more jobs you may need. 
• Book your first night – After a long flight, you do not want to spend your first evening searching for accommodation. Plus, Hanoi tends to be pretty quiet after 11pm so booking at least your first night in advance is essential.
• Currency – Vietnam use US dollars and Vietnamese Dong so it is best to have a bit of each. US dollars are used more in tourism (so hotels, tours, transport) but Vietnamese Dong is the best option for restaurants, shops, bars and market stalls. If you have a choice to pay with either currency, Dong usually works out cheaper. 
• Use the travel agencies – In every major city of Vietnam, you will see hundreds of travel agencies lining the streets. Don’t be afraid to book tours or transport with these companies but make sure you shop around for the best price and package for you. 
• Prepare to haggle – As with many destinations in South East Asia, you will need to haggle to get the best price in markets and independent shops. The rule to follow is, if there is a price advertised then that is probably a set price and you won’t need to haggle too much but if there is no price listed, offer 30% and work up to 50% of the original price. 

What to pack for Vietnam

Vietnam is warm and laid back, so you do not need to worry too much about dressing up. Packing shorts, skirts and light weight t-shirts and vest tops are a must. However, there are a few extra items you need to remember to pack:

• A light pashmina and light weight long trousers – You will need to cover your shoulders and legs when visiting temples and these items will come in handy on long bus journeys or planes, when the air conditioning gets too cold. 
• Layers – Certain areas of Vietnam are colder than others. Halong Bay for example can get chilly, as can Sapa. Pack layers especially if you re visiting from October to March. 
• Waterproof Jacket – If you are visiting in rainy season, bring a waterproof jacket to keep you dry when the heavens open. We love these foldable, easy to carry jackets.
• Mosquito Repellent  – Mosquitos are everywhere in Asia and although they are mostly not dangerous, they are annoying. Bring a mosquito spray or wristbands to avoid being bitten whilst you are out exploring. 
• US dollars – As we mentioned before, these are needed for that visa on arrival. 
• Dry Bag – There are lots of water activities around Vietnam, including kayaking and canoeing. Bring a dry bag to keep your items safe and dry during these days out. 
• Stay safe – After a challenging year, we have all been reminded about how important it is to keep practising good hygiene. Whenever we travel, we use hand sanitiser throughout the day and these instant hand soaps are perfect before eating. No one wants to get sick whilst they are travelling but in countries where the tap water isn’t the best, these instant sprays include soap and water to wash up before eating.

When to visit Vietnam

The best time to visit Vietnam really depends on which region you are visiting and what experiences you are looking for. February to April and August to October are the best times to visit because of the warm but not unbearable weather, however this is high season so expect crowds and high prices. Visiting the north of Vietnam from October to April is a popular choice but December and January can be quite cold. To avoid typhoons, visit Central and south Vietnam from November to May.

Vietnam Itinerary 3 weeks

After exploring Vietnam multiple times and discussing itineraries with fellow travellers, we have put together a perfect itinerary for those who wish to spend 3 weeks in Vietnam – drop out a few nights in the major cities if you have less time. 

We have tried our best to include the highlights of the country but of course, not very destination is included in this Vietnam 3 week itinerary. Our itinerary in Vietnam starts in Hanoi and works its way south but you can easily take the opposite route. 

Hanoi – 3 nights

To begin with, start north. Hanoi is the capital of Vietnam and is the perfect place to start. You will notice a mixture of Southeast Asian, French and Chinese influences across the city but base yourself in the Old Quarter to soak in the real essence of Hanoi. 

If you have one month in Vietnam , you can also take an overnight train from Hanoi to Sapa to explore the gorgeous rice terraces. If you have 2 weeks in Vietnam starting in Hanoi, this itinerary still works for you but you may want to miss out a few stops and use flights to get around. 

We have a full Hanoi Travel Guide to help you plan your trip but here is a quick overview:

Getting to Hanoi

Most people arrive at Hanoi International Airport (Noi Bai International) with international flights from across the world serving the capital airport. From the airport, there are a few ways to get to the city centre and Old Quarter with the easiest option being a taxi or Grab (similar to Uber). Expect to pay about $15 for the 40 minute journey and remember to make sure your taxi driver uses the meter (hence why we stick to the Grab app). 

Things to do in Hanoi

There are lots of different activities to choose from in the capital so we have grouped them together depending on their location but of course, change the days around if you wish. We have even more things to do in Hanoi too, if you are staying for longer.

Once you have arrived and checked in, you will want to get exploring straight away. We highly recommend staying in one of the hotels in the Old Quarter so you can see these sights on your first day. 

The Old Quarter – The Old Quarter is known for its cute cafes, unique architecture and delicious restaurants and hole-in-the-wall food vendors. Try coconut coffee at Cong Caphe as you explore the old houses in the area then take a stroll around Hoan Kiem Lake. If you have time, walk over to the Ngoc Son Temple; an impressive temple in the heart of the lake. 

Enjoy a Vietnamese lunch in the side streets; we have a full post on the best restaurants in Hanoi for you to choose from. Then, visit St Joseph’s Cathedral; one of Vietnams iconic landmark then walk the the side roads nearby to visit the bars and boutique stores nearby. Check out the delicious Trang Tien Ice Cream then take a short stroll down the road to the Hanoi Opera House. 

As a great introduction to Vietnamese food, head to Hanoi Night Market and taste some of the best local dishes. Try some Pho Noodle Soup, Cha Ca and a Banh Mi Baguette Sandwich. For steamed rice rolls, look for Banh Cuon signs and adventurous eaters should try Ôc Len Xào Dùa; sea snails in Coconut Milk. 

Serious Sightseeing – Today, you have had time to get over any jet lag and you will be filling your day with some serious sightseeing in Hanoi. 

Get up early to visit the Tran Quoc Pagoda, the oldest Buddhist temple in Hanoi. Arrive here just after 8am to see the temple at its quietest. After you have finished exploring, head to the Paris Baguette West Lake cafe for an easy bakery breakfast or walk a little further to Cafe Cổ Ngư Lâu for gorgeous views across the lake whilst you eat. 

After you have eaten, take the 15 minute walk (or order a Grab for the 5 minute drive) to the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum. This Mausoleum is the resting place of Vietnamese Revolutionary leader and President Ho Chi Minh. The Mausoleum is open from 7.30am but remember to dress appropriately; short shorts, sleeveless shirts, tank tops and mini-skirts are not allowed. 

Not far from the Mausoleum (around a 2 minute walk away), is the One Pillar Pagoda; a unique a Buddhist temple originally erected in 1049. 

If it isn’t 12pm yet, head over to the Ho Chi Minh Museum, open from 8am to 12 and 2 to 4.30pm. If it is past 12, stop for lunch nearby then head back here for 2. Either way, this museum is dedicated to the former president and offers an interesting look into the Vietnamese past. 

In the afternoon, head over to the Hanoi Train Street BUT check the recent updates before visiting. The Hanoi Train Street was once open for all tourists until it saw way to many visitors disrupting the train route. This is a tight street, lined with cafes and restaurants sitting on either side of a train track. Throughout the day, trains travel along and visitors can feel the train skim past them, narrowly avoiding them. The street closed to tourism for a few months but as of March 2020, it is now open to those visiting the cafes and restaurants. 

After a busy day of sightseeing, relax in one of the many restaurants and bars in the area. For sport lovers, we recommend the New York Sports Bar for decent priced drinks and tasty food, including western options for fussy eaters. 

Begin the day by heading straight to the Temple Of Literature, a Confucius temple with gorgeous courtyards and shrines to admire. 

After exploring, you have probably built up an appetite so it is time to eat. We have two options here depending on your preference:

Option 1 – A Cooking Class: Hanoi is a great location to take a cooking class; there a plenty of options and the food in the North of Vietnam differs to the dishes in the South, so if you love to cook, try a course in both places. 

Option 2 – A Hanoi Street Food Tour: If you are more about the eating rather than the cooking, jump onto a Street Food Tour or take your own self-guided food tour around the Old Quarter. 

Families can spend the evening at the Thang Long Water Supper Theatre whilst those looking for a cold drink and great view should head to the Legend Beer Bar.

Read this 2 days in Hanoi guide if you are short on time in Vietnam. 

Halong Bay – 2 nights

For the next 2 nights, you will be cruising around Halong Bay . We have taken a 1 night and 2 night trip before and both options are fine, depending on your budget and how much time you have. 

Halong Bay is iconic and for good reason. Labeled as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this bay is stunning, full of jagged limestone karsts protruding from the water.

Browse the cruises available and we highly recommend booking your trip in advance, using reviews to help you make the best choice. We love the cruises listed on Indochina Junk Cruises –  Marguerite Cruiser offers great 3 day, 2 night cruises, whilst our most recent trip was on the Alisa Cruise which offered fantastic food and we would highly recommend for a 2 day, 2 night cruise (see video series below). 

Expect to pay around $75 – $100 for a budget 2 day, 1 night trip or $150 – 200 for a more luxurious options. There are some excellent cruises around the bay that charge up to $400 for a 3 day, 2 night trip but either way, we recommend you book in advance to get the best prices. 

Most cruises will stop at a few places around the bay, including Sung Sot Cave, a local fishing village and an island beach. Cruises often include a brief cooking class, optional kayaking and occasionally, morning yoga.

Companies generally tend to include a transfer service to and from your hotel in Hanoi and the port but these are often small, overcrowded mini-vans. We recently opted for a private driver to take us to the boat, costing us around $60 for a large car for 4 people.

Halong Bay packing list:

• Sunscreen/sunblock
• Comfortable shoes for rocks
• Hiking clothings
• A warm jacker for the colder evenings
• A rainjacket or poncho
• A camera (waterproof if you want to take photos of kayaking)
• Snacks (meals are included but you may want some snacks)

Short on time? Skip Ninh Binh and fly to Hue.

Ninh Binh – 2 nights

After finishing your cruise, head over to Ninh Binh; a city just over 4 hours away the bay. There are a few different ways to travel between the destinations and we have a full post to help you get from Halong Bay to Ninh Binh.

Ninh Binh is a beautiful province and is a must for your visit with plenty of things to do in Ninh Binh. 

After arriving here around lunch time, you are probably feeling a little hungry. Head to one of the many restaurants for some local food or visit the restaurants near D Lounge Van Tuy for some snail restaurants. Cho Bop Market is another option for a quick lunch if you are looking to try a few local meals and snacks. 

You can visit the Phat Diem Cathedral in the afternoon the head over to Cầu ngói Phát Diệml a unique bridge made of wood. 

Get an early morning taxi to visit this famous landscape. Tam Coc is similar to Halong Bay but its karsts are surrounded by green rice paddies and there are a lot less people. 

Once you have explored the landscapes and take a boat around the river ways, you could head further on to Bich Dong Pagoda which dates back to the 15th Century. 

You may choose to take a day tour of the area if you want to see everything Tam Coc has to offer; Klook has lots of options to choose from. 

Hue – 3 nights

From Ninh Binh, you can catch a long journey train (around 11.5 hours), get a bus (just under 11 hours) or take a flight (6 hours). 

The former capital of Vietnam, Hue is an interesting and impressive place to visit in Central Vietnam.

After taking the journey down to Hue, you will want to spend the afternoon relaxing and trying some local food. Some popular places to eat include Bun Bo Hanh, Bun Bo Hue My Tam, Com Hen Ba Cam and Com Hen 17. 

Imperial City

Start the day exploring the Imperial City. This was the home of the Emperors from the 1900s to the end of World War II, offering temples and museums for visitors. There is about 3 hours worth of sightseeing to be done here and tickets cost 150,000 VND. 

Ancient Tombs

Either hire a car, scooter or even take a boat tour and head out to visit the Ancient Tombs. Located along the Perfume River, the tombs is a must-see stop on your Vietnam trip. 

Tomb of Khai Dinh is one of the most elaborate tombs to visit, constructed in 1925 whilst the Tomb of Tu Due is equally impressive, massive and more preserved. Aim to arrive at these two tombs before 10am when the tour buses tend to arrive. 

Travel the Hai Van Pass

Famous from the Top Gear episode, you can drive across the Hai Van Pass when leaving Hue. This scenic, zig zagging road is a favourite for many travellers because of the gorgeous ocean views. You can take a motorbike, private car or even a jeep along the route. 

There are several stops along the way if you have the time to explore the max:

• Fishing Village on the Tom Giant Lagoon
• Bach Ma National Park
• Long Co Beach
• My The Beach
• The Marble Mountains

Hoi An and Da Nang – 4 nights

Hoi An; voted one of the best towns to visit in the world, isn’t actually our favourite place in Vietnam but it is worth a visit. The town of Hoi An is covered in colour lanterns alongside the canals and little boats, offering a wonderful charm. However, Hoi An is incredibly popular with tourists and it’s far too small to hold the amount of visitors it receives each year. 

Day 12: 

Explore the old town of Hoi An once you arrive in Hoi An but expect the crowds to increase as the day progresses. You can see lanterns lit up every night, eat at the local cafes or get yourself a suit or dress made at one of the many dressmakers. As the evening rolls around, head to the night market to pick up some trinkets, souvenirs and cheap clothes. 

On your first full day of Hoi An, we recommend heading to the beach. An Bang is a popular option with a selection of restaurants and bars nearby whilst Cua bai Beach is a quieter option. 

You can choose to stay in Hoi An itself during this trip or spend a night or two in Da Nang. This is Vietnam’s answer to a seaside town. The coastal city is growing quickly and on our last trip in early 2020, the coastal line was still developing, with a lot of construction work across the town. However, there are plenty of beach bars and restaurants to choose from and some fantastic day trips to be had from here. 

We recommend heading to the Marble Mountains for some amazing hiking and viewpoints. These are 5 separate hills made of limestone that you can get up close to. Plus, you will find Buddhist pagodas and shrines dotted among the mountains. 

History buffs can visit the Cham Museum, the Phap Lam Pagoda and the Da Nang Cathedral. My Son Sanctuary is another beautiful UNESCO World Heritage Site to visit, with a collection of ruins and ornate carved pillars. 

Looking to relax a little more? Spend the say on My Khe Beach, a 20 mile beach in Da Nang. Here you can sunbath, snorkel, surf, jet ski or pig out at the amazing seafood restaurants lining the beach. 

In the evening, head over to the Dragon Bridge which lights up each evening and spits out fire and water at 9pm on the weekends. 

Ba Na Hills

For something a little different, head to Ba Na Hills. This is an attraction with gorgeous gardens, amazing views meet theme park. Head up the hill via cable car to visit the fantasy park entertainment zones including a wax museum and rides, before heading over to the Golden Bridge. You will recognising this bridge from social media, but this is a pedestrian bridge supported by a giant hand above gorgeous sea views. 

Nha Trang – 3 nights

If you have the full 3 weeks to explore Vietnam, make sure you continue along the coastline to Nha Trang. This area is known for its white beaches and scuba diving; perfect for spring and summer travel. You can expect budget backpacker options here as well as luxurious hotels. 

Getting from Da Nang to Nha Trang:

• The Bus – A popular option for budget travellers is by catching the bus. This is an 11 hour bus ride with overnight options available; tickets cost around $11 and canoe booked online at 12Go.  
• The Train – The railway link runs along the coastline and is a picturesque option for those that love train travel. The fastest journey takes 8.5 ours whilst the longest takes up to 11 hours but there are overnight trains available for you to take.
• Fly – Our favourite option is to fly. The journey takes just over an hour and you can get flights for as little as $20 using VietJet Air. 

Day 16: 

When you arrive in Nha Trang, check in, drop your bags and get exploring. Stay in the Loc Tho area to be near the best restaurants and bars. This seaside area is full of random architecture and and fun markets so there is plenty of things to see on your first day in Nha Trang.

Places to visit in Nha Trang beyond the beach:

• Thap ba Ponagar Godness Tower – Founded before 781 C.E, this ancient temple is a must see in Nha Trang.
• Long Son Pagoda – This white Buddha sits at the top of a set of stairs, overlooking the city. This is also one of the best things to see in Nha Trang.
• Nha Trang Market – an expansive local market, spanning 3 floors and filled with boutiques and stalls selling food and souvenirs. 
• Agarwood Tower – a lotus shaped beachfront building. 
• Vinpearl Nha Trang – An amusement and entertainment centre complete with games and even a water dancing performance. Perfect for the evenings.

Nha Trang is known for its waterfalls with famous falls such as the Ba Ho and Fairy Spring Waterfalls. Spend your first day visiting the different falls; there are lots of tours available or you can hire a private driver. 

Then spend your afternoon at the beach; Nha Trang is known for its BEAUTIFUL beaches.

Ho Chi Minh City – 3 nights

Ho Chi Minh City is the largest city in Vietnam and makes for a great final destination on your itinerary. It is a busy, buzzing city and a great option for those looking to experience a fast-paced city in Asia. 

We have a full Ho Chi Minh City Travel Guide for those planning a visit to this diverse city. 

When you first arrive, you will want to spend some time getting to know the city. Head to Ben Thanh Market. This is a unique Saigon spot surrounded by streets and streets of hostels, bars and cafes. Inside the market, you can browse the handicrafts, textiles, souvenirs and local food before trying an egg coffee in a nearby cafe. 

As the sunsets, head over to Ngu Yen Hue Walking Street. This is a street with no mopeds speeding down it and a great place for a bit of shopping before an evening of eating and drinking. 

Cu Chi Tunnels

Plan a tour (whether a group or private driver) to the Cu Chi Tunnels. We recommend heading here early to beat the afternoon sun and the crowds. This is a world-famous site created in the Vietnam War by the Viet Cong for the Tet Offensive in 1968. 

After a long day exploring the tunnels, you can head to Chinatown. Like many countries in Asia, there is a huge Chinese influence in the country and HCMC is home to a vibrant, fascinating Chinatown in Cho Lon District 5. 

In the district, you will also fine the Thien Hau Pagoda; a 19th century temple deduced to the Chinese sea goddess and surrounding by burning scented sticks. 

Day 20 

On your last full day in Vietnam, start your day early and head to the War Remnants Museum. This is a reminder of the horrendous Vietnamese war and be warned, there is some thought provoking and gut wrenching photographic exhibitions here. You will also find pieces of authentic military artefacts used in the war such as a helicopter, fight jet and tank.

The museum opens at 7.30am and we recommend getting here early. Catch a taxi or use the grab app; this should cost just 50,000 VND (around $2) from District 1. 

After exploring the museum, you may want to see some more colonial architecture in the city. The Saigon Post office is worth a visit along with the Statue of Ho Chi Minh. 

Spend the afternoon relaxing (or packing) before heading on a sunset boat trip. There are two ways to take a trip along the river; using the public boat or a tour boat. Public boats can be take from the Bach Dang Pier near the statue of Tran Hung Dao. It takes around 45 minutes and shows the key sights of the city; costing around 15,000 VND (around $0.65).  For those looking for a boat with food and drink you can pay anything between $30 – $100 for a luxurious cruise down the river; check out Bonsai Cruise for the best option for your trip. 

So it is your last day and you are probably getting ready for your flight home BUT if you do have some time for a quick breakfast, why not try one of these options in the city: 

• The Old Compass Cafe – This is a healthy breakfast option in Saigon, offering traditional western breakfasts as well as Banh Mi and eggs. You can also get some really good Vietnamese drip coffee here too. 
• Vintage Emporium – For a beautiful setting in District 2, head to this cafe for a friendly, low key breakfast. They also have indoor and outdoor seating. 
• Cafe Marcel – A popular location for expats in Ho Chi Minh City, this French Cafe offers DELICIOUS brunch options including build-your-own breakfast sandwiches and oh-so-sweet desserts and pastries. 
• Au Parc – This is a fancy cafe in a colonial styled shophouse. They offer mediterranean food and all types of breakfasts from around the world. 
• L’Usine Cafe – Offering English breakfasts, avocado on toast and everything in between, this vintage industrial styled cafe had three locations around district 1. 
• Mekong Merchant – This cafe can be found in District 2 and is charming. Eat in a rustic courtyard with western breakfasts available. 

Visiting Vietnam FAQ

How much money do you need for 3 weeks in Vietnam?

For budget backpackers, it is best to plan for around $50-$60 a day. If you plan on staying in private rooms and eating at sit-down restaurants, aim for at least $80-$100 a day. However, if you are traveling as a couple who are staying in the same room, expect to pay around $120 for both of you. 

Is 2 weeks enough for Vietnam?

Vietnam has a lot to offer and two weeks is enough to visit the two major cities (Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City) then visit the beautiful Halong Bay and perhaps an additional destination; Hoi An is a gorgeous water town or for those looking for the beach, head down to Da Nang or Nha Trang. 

Is Vietnam cheaper than Thailand?

It really depends on what you are looking for. Budget travel is cheap in both countries but cheaper dorms can be found in Thailand. However, sit down meals and private rooms are more affordable in Vietnam. Plus, Vietnam offer night buses and trains for cheaper prices than Thailand. Overall, we found 3 weeks in Vietnam to be cheaper than Thailand.

Is Vietnam better than Thailand?

As expats living in Thailand (and a whole website dedicated to our love of Bangkok), then we are going to say no. Thailand is easier for travellers, it offers more variety and getting around is more convenient. HOWEVER, the history and natural beauty of Vietnam is incredible so it should be a place you visit! 

How much does an average meal cost in Vietnam?

An average meal in Vietnam will cost $3-$8. You can pick up street food for as little as $1.50 but tis may not be enough to fill you. Sit down restaurants or hole-in-the-wall vendors sell full meals for around $5. Travelling as a couple, we would spend have a Banh Minh or coffee and pastry for breakfast, a sit down Vietnamese meal for lunch in a local restaurant and then a more western meal for dinner; perhaps in a nicer restaurant or bar. We spend around $70 for both of us, including alcohol. 

Are clothes cheap in Vietnam?

Vietnam is a great place to buy clothes but it can be hard to find a decently priced place. Because the country is known for cheap clothing, many tailors have taken advantage of this and now tailored suits and outfits are not as cheap as they once were. 

What month is the cheapest to fly to Vietnam?

August offers the cheapest flights to Vietnam. It is rainy season during this time but you can get great last minute deals from many countries in the west. The most expensive month to fly to Vietnam is January, November and December as these are considered the high season. 

What is the best month to go to Vietnam?

Vietnam is warm all year but March to April offers good weather (but not too hot), light rainfalls and light crowds. 

What is better Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City?

Both destinations are popular but the capital of Hanoi shows a more traditional lifestyle. Plus, it is just a few hours drive to Halong Bay; one of Vietnam’s most beautiful sites. Ho Chi Minh City is more catered for those looking for a little more luxury when they travel. 

How many days in Ho Chi Minh City is enough?

You will want at least 3 days to visit the Cu Chi tunnels, the museums, try the local food and visit the markets. 

How many days in Hoi An is enough?

You will want at least 3 days to explore the Old Town, visit the nearby beaches in Da Nang but also have an extra day to visit My Son (the remains of an ancient temple).

Is Vietnam easy to travel around?

Yes, Vietnam offers a tourist route from Hanoi down the coast to Ho Chi Minh City. Plus, long distance cars are affordable compared to western prices. Domestic flights are also affordable but make sure to book luggage before arriving at the airport.

Where should I go in my 3 weeks Vietnam Itinerary?

Start in Hanoi then head to Halong Bay for the natural beauty. Then head south, following the coastline to Hue, Hoi An, Da Nang, Nha Trang and Ho Chi Minh City. 

Is Vietnam Solo travel safe?

Overall, Vietnam is a safe place to solo travel and a good place for new travellers too. You can expect plenty of dorm rooms, budget transport options and many, many fellow travellers to get to know. 

We hope you have a great time in Vietnam – let us know what you are  most looking forward to and where you are heading to in the comments below!

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

5 THINGS TO DO IN HANOI, VIETNAM - Creative Travel Guide

Wednesday 9th of November 2022

[…] is a great place to fly into and start your Vietnam Itinerary; many use this as a place to visit before heading to the breathtaking Halong Bay but it also makes […]

5 BEST DESTINATIONS TO VISIT IN SOUTH EAST ASIA – Creative Travel Guide

Wednesday 7th of September 2022

[…] Vietnam has a lot to offer visitors; from exciting and bustling cities, rich history, amazing food and super cheap travel experiences. As the country slowly reopens to international tourism, you can explore the beauty of Vietnam in destinations such as Da Lat, Halong Bay, Da Nang, Sa Pa, Hoi An and Phi Quoc Island.  […]

FAVOURITE FOODS FROM AROUND THE WORLD • Creative Travel Guide

Thursday 28th of July 2022

[…] you have visited Vietnam or seen photos of the bustling cities in Vietnam, chances are you have seen a hot steaming bowl of Pho. This Vietnamese noodle soup is a comfort […]

21 BEST BEACHES IN VIETNAM • Creative Travel Guide

Wednesday 14th of April 2021

[…] An Bang Beach, just like many other beaches in Vietnam, has luscious white sand beaches with so many different activities on offer. It has everything, from sunbed rentals to various ocean activities. So, there is something on offer for everybody. If you are looking for a place to go swimming, paddle-boarding, and surfing, then this is the beach where you should do it. There are surfing lessons available, as well as board rentals and stand-up paddling classes, a perfect way to top off your Vietnam itinerary. […]

HOW TO GO FROM HALONG BAY TO NINH BINH • Creative Travel Guide

Thursday 25th of February 2021

[…] the world who come to Vietnam make it a point to visit both Halong Bay and Ninh Binh in their Vietnam Itinerary. The distance between the two sites is 300km, and it takes about 4.5 hours to get […]

• Privacy Policy

• Disclosure Policy
• Travel Tips
• 109 Genius Travel Hacks
• Teach Abroad
• Work With Us

Asia Guides

Vietnam itinerary 3 weeks | the most amazing things to do.

Here is the ultimate jam-packed Vietnam itinerary (3 weeks), filled with everything from the chaotic streets of Ho Chi Minh, and Hanoi, Vietnam’s deep history, and delicious food, to sailing on a junk boat through one of the world’s most pristine natural wonders; Ha Long Bay. This 3-week itinerary allows you to experience a bit of everything the country has to offer. P.s. for more information on travel in Vietnam, don’t miss this awesome Vietnam guide.

Disclosure: Untold Wanderlust contains affiliate links. If you click on these links and make a purchase, we will earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. You can find our full disclosure policy and privacy policy here.

How to spend 3 weeks in Vietnam

Before we begin this itinerary, if you’re strapped for time or want to take the stress out of navigating Vietnam by yourself, then consider taking a 30-day adventure tour ! You will see all the places on this itinerary and more.

3 days in Ho Chi Minh City – Vietnam itinerary 3 weeks

The first stop on this backpacking Vietnam itinerary (3 weeks), is Ho Chi Minh City, which is easy to reach by bus from Cambodia if you’re on a wider Southeast Asia itinerary. Note: Whilst this route starts in the south of the country, it’s also very easy to do the same route in reverse. So, without further ado, let’s kick-start this awesome itinerary.

Bui Vien is backpacker central! The main strip in Ho Chi Minh City is filled with bars, eateries and cheap dorm rooms. The strip is buzzing until the early hours of the morning with travellers from all over the world, who sit up chugging down cheap beers and tucking into local street food.

Mekong Delta

Book a trip to the Mekong Delta at one of the many tour shops along Bui Vien. Shops offer similar packages but shop around for the cheapest. The price of the tour depends on the size of the group and your length of stay. We recommend booking the cheapest 1-day option because you’re likely to receive the same experience. The average cost of a shared half-day tour ranges between 200,000 – 250,000 VND ($8.64 – $10.79) per person and includes lunch. However, if you really want to immerse yourself in Mekong Delta life, we recommend you book a private 3-day tour .

Cu Chi Tunnels

The Cu Chi Tunnels are a fascinating part of the Vietnam/ American War. A trip to the Cu Chi Tunnels will leave you with a better understanding of how guerrilla warfare enabled Vietnamese troops to defeat the American army. As with the Mekong Delta trip, we recommend booking a tour at one of the many tour shops along Bui Vien. Trips are as cheap as 120,000 VND ($5.18) per person for half-day tours. The cost of the trip includes transport, a guide, and your entrance fee into the Cu Chi Tunnels.

Ben Thanh market

Check out the massive market that is packed with all sorts of stuff, from clothes, coffee and typical Vietnamese gifts . You can spend hours here mooching around all of the stalls. Although, it can sometimes get frustrating when you are constantly being nagged by the vendors to ‘look’ or ‘buy something’. Don’t feel pressured, and just politely decline! It’s a good idea to scope out the prices of items first, so you know what items are worth and to help you avoid overpaying.

Saigon Notre-Dame & Post office

Visit the famous Notre Dame Church and old post office. Both attractions are located next to each other, so it makes sense to visit both at the same time. Both are FREE to enter. There are also some nice eateries nearby to grab lunch.

War Remnants Museum

The War Remnants Museum is not an easy place to visit for some people. However, it is most defiantly worth a visit to learn about the atrocities of the war. The cost to enter the museum is 10,000 VND ($.043) per person. To fully explore the 3-floor museum, it typically takes around 2 hours.

Dam Sen Water Park

The water park is located slightly out of the main tourist area but can easily be reached by taxi or local bus. The cost to enter the water park is just 110,000 VND ($4.75) for the day. The park has plenty of slides, a lazy river, a wave pool, and ordinary pools to relax.

Bitexco tower

Bitexco Tower is an iconic building of HCMC, where you can admire the views of the city from up high. The cost to go to the sky deck is 200,000 VND ($8.64) per person. However, there is a café just a few floors below the sky deck, which is free to enter. The cost of a drink is more than what you would pay on the street (we paid 90,000 VND ($3.89) for a bottle of Tiger), but it’s half the price of entrance to the sky-deck, and you get a drink to admire the views with.

Where to stay in Ho Chi Minh City

Galaxy Capsule Hotel – Excellently located less than a minute’s walk from Bui Vien but tucked down a quiet alleyway for a good night’s sleep. The staff are extremely friendly and helpful. The rooms are new, modern and clean. You can book tours and bus tickets here as well.

3 days in Dalat – Vietnam itinerary 3 weeks

Trek through the jungle, abseil down a 25-foot waterfall before letting go to drop 5 meters in the water, jump from a cliff edge, and get your heart racing with tons more adrenaline-pumping activities. Tours can be booked from one of the many tour shops, or your accommodation. We booked a canyoning trip throughout the hostel, with a company called Viet Action Tours for 700,000 VND ($30.21) per person for the day. The cost included 2 professional guides, equipment, sandwiches and fruit for dinner. Warning : Always book with reputable companies and never attempt to do this by yourself!

Crazy house

An artistic building filled with many corners and wacky stairs to explore. The Crazy House is worth a visit whilst in Dalat. The cost to enter is 40,000 VND ($1.73). Guests also have the option to stay overnight in one of the many themed rooms.

Romantic lake and more

Dalat is a beautiful place that is surrounded by a forest. Take some time to explore its surroundings and check out the lake, where many honeymooners go to relax.

For a more detailed guide on things to see and do in Dalat, check out our Dalat guide . Here you can find more details on prices, places to eat, accommodation, and more attractions. But here is just a quick list of what to expect in Dalat:

• Mountain drives
• Clay Tunnel

Where to stay in Dalat

Original Kens Backpacker Hostel – We stayed here the first time we visited Vietnam in 2015. The room was very clean, and the staff were extremely friendly and helpful. The hostel offered welcome food and breakfast each morning. A member of staff even took us on a free tour of her beautiful city, and we made a life-long friend.

Dalat Backpackers Hostel – On our most recent trip to Dalat, we stayed at Dalat Backpackers Hostel in a private double room, with a private bathroom. Whilst the room was basic, the bed was comfy, and the room was clean. The hostel staff were extremely friendly and very helpful in providing information. The hosts cooked us a very delicious meal on our first night, and we received breakfast and coffee each morning. The hostel also offers free pick up from the bus station; provided it’s after 6 am. The hostel is conveniently located just a 10-minute walk to the night market.

3 days in Nha Trang – Vietnam itinerary 3 weeks

Egg-mud baths.

After a whirlwind of time exploring Dalat and canyoning down waterfalls, you may be ready for some relaxing time. The egg-mud baths are a great way to do this. The baths are egg-shaped pods that are placed on top of a mountain. After relaxing in the mud for a while, there are hot tubs for you to continue to relax.

Prices vary depending on the package that you choose. We opted for the 300,000 VND ($12.95) per person package. This price package included a private egg pod and access to the two swimming pools and hot tubs. The egg mud baths are a little out of the main area, so you would either need to rent a motorbike or order a taxi. Taxis are cheap in Vietnam; just make sure the driver starts the meter.

Snorkelling trip

Book a boat trip and spend the day admiring the sea and small surrounding islands. Now and then the boat will stop and allow you time to do some snorkelling. The cost of a large group trip is 260,000 VND ($11.22) per person. The cost includes the snorkelling gear and lunch on the boat. However, if you want to feel comfortable on your snorkelling trip, make sure to invest in some good quality water shoes , which will come in handy for any water activities or just simply lazing around at the beach.

Po Nagar Cham Towers

Po Nagar Cham Towers is a very old complex of temples that date back to the 12th century. They are located just outside of the main strip in Nha Trang and are amongst the best temples in Vietnam. The cost to enter is just 22,000 VND ($0.95).

Where to stay in Nha Trang

Mojzo Inn – This accommodation boasts large, modern and clean rooms that are well-equipped with everything you need! The hotel offers both dorm rooms and private rooms, depending on your needs. They also offer bicycle rental and ticketing services.

4 days in Hoi An – Vietnam itinerary 3 weeks

Explore the ancient town by bicycle.

Hoi An is probably going to be your favourite destination on this 3-week Vietnam itinerary. Motorbikes and cars are banned from entering Hoi An Old Town. Instead, rent a bicycle and roll around the romantic town, filled with old narrow streets and lanterns. You can rent a bicycle for the day from one of the rental shops or your accommodation. Bicycle rental typically costs 20,000 VND ($0.86) per bike for 24 hours.

Cooking tour

The cooking tour starts with a trip to the local market to pick up fresh food. You will then board a bus towards the rowboats that will take you to a private island. You will be allowed to cook some of Vietnam’s most popular dishes throughout the day. Expect to try your hand at fresh spring rolls for starters, and a steaming hot bowl of Pho for the mains.

Admire the lanterns at night

Hoi An is well-known for its pretty lanterns and festivals that are held every Lunar month. The river and streets look so magical when the lanterns are lit during the evening. If you fall in love with the lanterns, you can always pick up a few of your own from one of the market stalls.

Take a trip to Danang and Ba Na Hills

Hoi An is just a short drive away from Danang City, and Vietnam’s newest development, Ba Na Hills . Ba Na Hills is a new French-inspired resort that is home to the famous Golden Hand Bridge, You can easily spend an entire day here admiring the architecture and playing games in the arcade. To get there from Hoi An, you can drive yourself by motorbike or join one of the day tours.

Find a more in-depth Hoi An itinerary here !

Where to stay in Hoi An

Aroma Homestay & Spa  –  The best area to stay in Hoi An for those on a budget is on Tran Cao Van Street. We recommend Aroma Homestay & Spa. The homestay is in a great location, surrounded by shops and eateries, and only 1 km from Hoi An Old Town. It offers modern and clean private rooms. The beds are comfortable and the staff at the homestay are welcoming and helpful. Great value for money!

2 days in Hue – Vietnam itinerary 3 weeks

Old citadel.

Hue is the former capital of Vietnam and is home to the Old Citadel; the most famous attraction in Hue. The gardens are beautiful and there are plenty of archways and designs that you should take note of as you walk around the grounds. The entrance fee is 150,000 VND ($6.47).

Abandoned water park

The water park closed in 2004 and has since become an attraction for visitors. The main recognisable feature is the huge dragon in the middle of the lake that is starting to decay and become discoloured. Whilst you cannot ‘officially’ enter the water park, there are ways to enter !

Where to stay in Hue

Bon Ami Hostel – Excellent location! Down a quiet alley for a good night’s sleep, but within 1-minute walking distance to plenty of bars and eateries. The beds are comfy, and the rooms are very clean, making it great value for money. The staff members are also very attentive.

2 days in Ha Long Bay – Vietnam itinerary 3 weeks

Ha Long Bay is a UNESCO world heritage site that is famous for its thousands of limestone islands surrounded by emerald waters. A 2-day trip to Ha Long Bay is an absolute must and should not be missed on this backpacking Vietnam itinerary (3 weeks).

Overnight tours can be booked from one of the many tour companies or your accommodation in Hanoi. Alternatively, you can easily pre-book a tour beforehand for peace of mind. The price of the package varies depending on the luxuriousness of the boat. Being the budget backpackers we are, we opted for the cheapest option. Unfortunately, the food with this option wasn’t great and we barely ate for 2 days. So, don’t get caught out like us. Make sure to do your research beforehand.

3 days in Hanoi – Vietnam itinerary 3 weeks

Hoan kiem lake.

Hoan Kiem Lake is a large lake in the centre of Hanoi, that is home to Turtle Tower. The area is a major scenic spot and a nice place to relax. In the daytime, you can stroll around and admire the scenery. By night it’s one of the best things to do in Hanoi during the evening , and the road is completely shut off to vehicles. You will find young locals showing off their talents in the form of dances, singing, skipping and more. After a walk around Hoan Kiem Lake, finish your evening with a few cheap beers over on Beer Street . Beers are just 5,000 vnd ($0.21) per cup so it makes for a great cheap night out.

Hoa Lo Prison

Hoa Lo Prison is an interesting and educational experience. At the ex-prison, you can learn about the prisoners of war and what life was like for them. The cost to enter is 20,000 VND ($0.86) per person.

St. Joseph’s Cathedral

St Joseph’s Cathedral was built in 1886 and is still in use today. You will find this French-influenced-style building on Nha Tho Street. The area is great to hang out and to do a spot of shopping too.

Bargain hunt at Hanoi Night Market

Fancy a spot for cheap shopping? Don’t miss the Hanoi Night Market , located on Hang Dao Street. Vendors turn out in their thousands to sell all kinds of products, from cheap elephant pants, funky fruit outfits, cheap sports gear, electronics, Vietnamese trinkets, paintings, embroidery, and more. Even if you don’t plan to splash the cash, the market is well worth a walkthrough for the chaotic atmosphere alone.

Drink egg coffee at The Note Coffee

If you’re feeling thirsty whilst exploring Hanoi, make sure to call at The Note Coffee . This coffee shop is no ordinary coffee shop! It has a unique twist, with hundreds of thousands of notes handcrafted by visitors from all over the world. Not to mention, the drinks are utterly delicious.

Are you ready for some beach time? Take a flight back South to Phu Quoc Island for some fun-filled island time. Or, are you more of a nature lover? the journey from Hanoi to Ninh Binh is only 2 hours and you’re sure to get your nature fix.

Where to stay in Hanoi

Nexy Hostel – A relatively new funky hostel that is in an excellent location; just 500 meters from Hoan Kiem Lake. The rooms are modern, clean and cosy. The hostel has both dorm rooms and private rooms, making it perfect for couples on a budget and for solo travellers who want to meet other people in the bar area.

Costs of this Vietnam itinerary (3 weeks)

Currency: The currency is the Vietnamese Dong. The exchange rate is 23,000 VND to $ 1.

Daily budget: To complete this Vietnam 3-week itinerary, we recommend a backpacker’s daily budget of around 600,000 VND ($26). This should cover the cost of a cheap dorm bed, street food and all of the activities mentioned.

Accommodation: Private double rooms with a bathroom average 300,000 VND ($12.95) per night. Dorm rooms range from 150,000 – 250,000 VND ($6.48 – $10.79).

Food and drink: Food and drink are extremely cheap. Local street food costs between 30,000 – 60,0000 VND ($1.30 – $2.60). Local beer can be found for as cheap as 5,000 VND ($0.22) at the Bia Hoi places on the street. In bars, the typical cost of a beer is 35,000 VND ($1.51).

Transport: Transport around Vietnam is relatively cheap. There is a hop-on-hop-off bus service that can take you from Ho Chi Minh to Hanoi or vice versa. The open bus ticket costs 950,000 VND ($41), and you can stop at any of the hot spots along the way. Alternatively, you can book all of your transport online through Bookaway . There’s no need to go to a tour shop, just find your route and receive the ticket directly to your phone.

Motorbike rental: The cost of motorbike rental averages 100,000 VND ($4.32) per day.

For a more detailed post on the cost of travelling to Vietnam check out this post !

Backpacking Vietnam travel tips

Always agree on a price – Like when backpacking anywhere in Southeast Asia , always agree and be clear on the price before you receive the service. Make sure you communicate the exact amount you will pay and agree on what you will get in return. We got caught out by a driver who offered to take us on a tour around Ho Chi Minh City. The driver told us to “pay what we think is fair”. At the end of the trip, he demanded 4 million Dong.  Luckily for us, our hotel staff kindly resolved the issue and in the end, we paid a fair price.

Use Grab – To get around the towns or cities, use a Grab bike or car. Grab is a taxi system like Uber. You enter your location and your drop-off point, you will then see the fare before your trip begins. You can pay in cash when your journey is complete. Since living in Vietnam, we use Grab daily and have never had any issues. The cost is extremely cheap and is often cheaper than using a Vinasun taxi.

Market barter – When shopping around the markets, don’t be afraid to barter at a lower price. Outside of the tourist areas, the same item will cost 1/3 of the price.

Be careful with your Dong notes – Some of the small notes and big notes are similar in colour. For example, a 20,000 VND ($0.86) note is the same colour as a 500,000 VND ($21.59). Pay careful attention to the number on them, or you could end up massively overpaying.

Be an adventurous foodie – Vietnam, arguably, has the best cuisine in Southeast Asia (if not Asia). The food is truly delicious, so don’t be afraid to try new things. If you hold back, you will miss out on some mouth-watering flavours. Here is a quick guide to some of the best Vietnamese dishes in Saigon .

Make sure to pack essential items – Depending on the time of year, the weather in the south of Vietnam can be very different from that in the north. The south of Vietnam is scorching all year round, whilst the north can get very cold in winter. So, don’t forget to bring along some warm clothing! For more tips on what to pack click here.

What to wear – Speaking of packing, you may be worried about the dress code in Vietnam. Don’t let that stress you out though, just check out this dress code in Vietnam post to help you out.

These are just some of the top Vietnam travel tips. For a more detailed Vietnam travel tips post make sure to  click here to find 31 of them !

Essential resources for travelling in Vietnam

Travel Insurance – No matter where you’re travelling to, it’s a good idea to make sure you’re covered for any accidents or losses. We spent days and weeks searching for insurance, but most insurers would not allow us to take out a policy as we were already abroad. Our personal choice is Safteywing . You can opt for automatic monthly payments, just like a subscription. More importantly, it is available in 180 countries and can be purchased whilst already travelling. There is no cap on the duration of travel.

Visa – Before you travel to any country, make sure to check if you need a visa. iVisa is a fantastic website that is super easy and quick to use. Just type in where you are from. and where you are going. to check if you need a visa. If you do, you can quickly make an application online.

Accommodation – Booking.com is our go-to when looking to pre-book accommodation online. Booking.com tend to almost always have the best rates and a FREE cancellation policy for most properties.

Overland transport – Our go-to website for overland transport is Bookaway . Bookaway offers multiple forms of transport, from buses, mini-vans, trains, and ferries. The routes on offer are extensive and certainly cover most of the backpacker trails. Bookaway works a little like Skyscanner but for overland transport. You will find plenty of transport options from a range of companies. All you simply need to do is book online and receive your ticket by email. The email will contain essential information, such as where the bus leaves from and departure and arrival times.

Tours & Activities – If you want to book tours and activities online, make sure to check out Get Your Guide . Get Your Guide takes the stress out of booking activities abroad. You will also find a range of benefits, such as skip-the-line passes, lunch included in your tours, and so much more.

Travel tips ebook -Before you head off on your adventure, make sure to download our free ebook. It has a whopping 109 budget travel tips to help you make your hard-earned cash go further. Click here to download your FREE ebook.

We hope you enjoyed this backpacking Vietnam itinerary (3 weeks). Of course, it does not cover everything, but it is a great start for first-timers, and we believe it will allow you to experience a mix of city life, nature and culture. Let us know if you have any questions in the comment section below.

Where to next? Maybe you’re on the banana backpacking trail and your next stop is Cambodia! Check out our full backpacking Cambodia itinerary to get you started.

Like this post? Pin it!

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

You must be logged in to post a comment.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

happy when abroad

your compass to happy adventures

3 Weeks in Vietnam Itinerary: Backpacking Vietnam Route from North to South

“A land of staggering natural beauty and cultural complexities, of dynamic megacities and hill-tribe villages, Vietnam is both exotic and compelling.” (Lonely Planet, 2018). I couldn’t agree more with this quote. Vietnam has amazed me in many ways and was a trip into a completely different world. In this blog post about my 3 weeks in Vietnam, I’m summing up all my impressions of the country, the best things to do in each city, how to get from one place to another, and many other tips. My Vietnam Itinerary for 3 weeks reveals everything you’ll need to know for a Backpacking Vietnam Route from North to South.

Disclaimer: This article may contain affiliate links. Without costing you anything extra, the small commission will help me produce more free content for you. For more information, please refer to my  privacy policy .

Table of Contents

Quick Facts about Vietnam

Backpacking vietnam route: north to south.

• 2. Cat Ba Island
• 3. Ha Long Bay
• 4. & 5. Ninh Binh & Tam Coc
• 8. Cham Islands
• 9. Ho Chi Minh City

3 Weeks in Vietnam Itinerary

Day 1-2: hanoi.

The best place to start your 3 weeks in Vietnam is in the lively capital city of Hanoi . Here you will be welcomed by the friendly locals and their colorful markets, small temples, little coffee shops, and thousands of scooters. Hanoi is shaped by Chinese, French, and Southeast Asian influences that can be recognized not only by different types of food but also in the architecture of the city’s buildings. The most iconic and authentic area of Hanoi is the Old Quarter where you will stumble upon little coffee shops and food stalls on narrow streets.

There are numerous interesting and fun things to do in Hanoi that you will not get bored of so easily. Read my 2-Day Hanoi Itinerary to know which things you should add to your Vietnam Bucket List.

How to get from Hanoi Airport to the City Center:

Take the Hanoi Airport Bus 86 that departs from Noi Bai International Airport (HAN) to the city center. The bus leaves every 25 minutes from 6:20 AM to 11 PM and takes about 45 minutes to the last stop, Hanoi Railway Station. The ticket price is 40,000 VND (less than 2 USD) and you can pay directly on the bus. If you don’t have any cash yet, make sure to withdraw money from an ATM inside the airport first.

Where to stay in Hanoi: Soleil Boutique Hotel

Best things to do in Hanoi:

• Walk along Train Street
• Visit the Temple of Literature & National University
• Explore Hoan Kiem District
• Dive into Vietnamese Coffee Culture
• Attend the Thang-Long Water Puppet Show
• Try Banh Mi Sandwich at “Banh Mi 25” restaurant
• Visit Hoa Lo Prison
• Stop by the Presidential Palace
• Take photos of Tran-Quoc Pagoda

Day 3-5: Cat Ba Island and Ha Long Bay

The UNESCO world heritage site Ha Long Bay definitely belongs on your Vietnam Bucket List . Here you can spot more than 300 limestone karsts, authentic floating fisherman villages, and numerous hidden caves. It’s no surprise that Ha Long Bay might be Vietnam’s number one tourist draw and that you have to visit it during your 3 weeks in Vietnam.

To explore the beauty of both Lan Ha Bay and Ha Long Bay , I chose to embark on a 2-day/1-night cruise with a local tour operator. The boat trip included sightseeing in the less touristy areas, two kayaking tours to the caves, several swimming stops as well as all meals and a comfortable private cabin (with a private bathroom). If you want to learn more about the life of the fishermen in Ha Long Bay, the limestone islands, and the most beautiful areas, I can recommend taking a tour with a local guide .

How to get to Cat Ba Island:

There are two options to get from Hanoi to Cat Ba Island . The first one is to take the train from Hanoi to Haiphong, take a taxi or bus to get to the port of Haiphong, and then get to the island by speedboat or ferry. The second option is to take a private bus (which can be booked in the hotel) that brings you directly from your hotel in Hanoi to the port in Tuan Chau from where you will take the ferry to Cat Ba Island.

Where to stay on Cat Ba Islands: Cannon Fort Cat Ba Hotel

Day 6-8 Ninh Binh and Tam Coc

Displaying Vietnam’s beautiful landscapes and the life of Vietnamese people in the rural areas of the country, Ninh Binh was one of my favorite places to visit during my 3 weeks in Vietnam. Green mountains, huge rice fields, and tiny boats along the river – nature in this area of Vietnam looked exactly how I imagined it.

One of the best ways to explore the landscapes of Tam Coc is to take a boat tour that takes you along the river in between the rice fields. During the ride, you will pass 3 caves, admire the scenery, and observe locals working in the rice fields. The 1.5-hour boat tour costs 390,000 VND for two people.

Another must-do activity during your 3 weeks in Vietnam is to climb the stairs to Mua Cave Viewpoint. While climbing upstairs in the hot and humid climate of Vietnam doesn’t sound like the best idea in the first place, I promise you the views will convince you of the opposite. Don’t forget to bring a bottle of water and take some pauses along the way. In about 15- 20 minutes you will reach the top and Hang Mua Mountain and can enjoy the (literally) breathtaking view over Tam Coc’s stunning rice fields and Ngo Dong River. If you still have some time left in Ninh Binh, you can take a walk along the lotus pond, explore the city center, or book a relaxing massage in the Spa of Mua Caves Ecolodge.

How to get to Ninh Binh:

Take the bus from Cat Ba Island (ferry included) which takes about 4 hours to get to Ninh Binh.

Where to stay in Ninh Binh: Mua Caves Ecolodge

Day 9-10: Hue

Hue is Vietnam’s ancient capital of the 19 th and early 20 th centuries and was once the center of the imperial Nguyen dynasty. Located on the Perfume River , Hue is one of the most historic cities in Vietnam. Here you will find the country’s most impressive pagodas and royal tombs . On your Backpacking Vietnam route, do not miss visiting the famous Citadel and the Forbidden City which were announced as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1993. Check out my 2-Day Itinerary for Hue to discover more unique things to do in Hue. To see the most important sights Hue has to offer, I can also recommend taking a guided tour through the city . Thereby, you will be accompanied by an English-speaking guide who will teach you everything you need to know about the historic and modern side of the fascinating city.

How to get to Hue:

The best way to get to Hue is to take the night train from Ninh Binh. The ride takes you about 11 hours and tickets can be booked via the platform Baolau .

Where to stay in Hue: Rosaleen Boutique Hotel

Best things to do in Hue:

• Visit the Imperial City with a half-day tour
• Take a dragon boat along the Perfume River
• Explore Thien Mu Pagoda
• Go shopping at Dong Ba Market
• Visit the royal tombs of Minh Mang and Khai Dinh
• Take photos in Ho Thuy Tien Abandoned Waterpark
• Take part in a Hue Specialty Food Cooking Class
• Stroll around the Night Walking Street

Day 11-14: Hoi An

The ancient port city of Hoi An was one of my favorite places to visit during my 3 weeks in Vietnam. It was the perfect place to unwind and enjoy Vietnam at its best. You can find numerous cute bars, coffee shops, and restaurants on every corner of the town. If you’re planning to go shopping during your Vietnam trip, here’s the best place to do so! Several little boutiques and tailors line up in the streets waiting to dress you.

Hoi An is picturesque at every time of the day, however, the true beauty of the little town shows up as soon as the sun has set. Hundreds of beautiful lanterns of all colors and sizes light up the night and embellish the riverside. If you’re lucky to visit Hoi An during the full moon, you can witness the Lantern Festival where the Old Town is pedestrianized, and traditional performances are held all over the town.

With so many things to do in Hoi An and the surroundings, it’s easy to stay for several days without getting bored. If you’re planning to visit this charming little town (which I hope), make sure to read my 3-Day Hoi An Itinerary to prepare for your stay.

How to get to Hoi An:

There are many options to get from Hue to Hoi An. One option is to either take the bus or the train . Consider that the train only stops in Da Nang and you will need to get a taxi to get from Da Nang to Hoi An. Another option, which I have chosen, is to rent a scooter and drive over the famous Hai Van Pass by yourself. The views are unbeatable! Just make sure to leave Hue early to have enough time for a few stops along the way and to make it to Hoi An before the sun sets.

Where to stay in Hoi An: Little Town Villa

Best things to do in Hoi An:

• Wander around the Old Town
• Stroll along the riverside
• Visit the Japanese Covered Bridge
• Relax on Cua Dai Beach or An Bang Beach
• Take part in a Cooking Class
• Visit the temples and pagodas
• See the Hoi An Memories Show
• Discover the area with a private bike tour

Day 15-17: Cham Islands

Just 15 kilometers offshore from Hoi An, you will find the Cham Islands archipelago. It consists of eight granite islands of which Hon Lao is the largest and the only inhabited one. Being officially protected as a UNESCO marine park , the area is home to various species of fishes, corals, and mollusks.

While many tourists choose to visit Cham Islands as part of a day trip from Hoi An , I believe you can experience the beauty of the islands much better when staying there for at least one night. Even though day trips offer the opportunity for snorkeling or diving, you are usually only given little time to set foot on Hon Lao and enjoy the beaches. With one or two overnight stays, on the other hand, you will have plenty of time to discover the heavenly beaches, swim in turquoise water, watch the sunset, and enjoy a fresh seafood dinner. As soon as the day-trip tourists disappear from the island in the late afternoon, you can enjoy the peaceful atmosphere at empty beaches and enjoy a beautiful sunset. The best beaches that are easily accessible from the center are Bai Ong and Bai Xep.

There wasn’t any other place during my 3 weeks in Vietnam where I felt more connected to the locals. Even though most of them don’t know any English words, they have always tried to communicate with you and have always been happy to help. Being one of the less touristy places in Vietnam, there are no big hotels or resorts on Hon Lao Island. Instead, you can find many Homestays . A great way to learn more about the daily life of the people who call this small island their home.

How to get to Cham Islands:

Take the speedboat from Hoi An to Hon Lao Island. The boat departs in Hoi An daily at 8 AM and 2 PM and leaves the island daily at 7 AM and 1 PM.

Where to stay on Cham Islands: Gia Than Homestay

Day 18-20: Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh City, formerly known as Saigon , was the capital of Southern Vietnam until the end of the Vietnam War in 1975. Nowadays, it’s the economic center of Vietnam and, with over 9 million inhabitants, the largest city in Vietnam . From skyscrapers, shopping centers, and modern office buildings to ancient French colonial buildings – the city combines old and modern Vietnam.

If you’re traveling from North to South on your Backpacking Vietnam route, you will easily notice that Ho Chi Minh City is completely different from other cities in Vietnam. Buildings are taller, architecture is more modern, and streets are wider. Even the Vietnamese people in Ho Chi Minh City seem to have a different mentality and way of living than the locals in Northern Vietnam. Here, in the vibrant metropolis, everyone seems to be more open-minded, business-oriented, and extroverted.

For me, Ho Chi Minh was a little too much. Too much traffic, too many people, too much noise. I simply enjoyed the authenticity of other parts of Vietnam more and felt more connected to the friendly locals in Northern Vietnam. However, I wouldn’t have wanted to miss visiting Ho Chi Minh City and was happy to experience what life is like in a Southeast-Asian metropolis. Try to immerse yourself in the hustle and bustle of the city and form your own opinion about Ho Chi Minh City.

How to get to Ho Chi Minh City:

Take the boat from the Cham Islands back to Hoi An. To travel further south, you first need to get a taxi to Da Nang, the fifth biggest city in Vietnam. From here, you can choose to either take a flight to Ho Chi Minh City (1.5 hours) or travel by night train (16 hours).

Where to stay in Ho Chi Minh City: Alagon d’antique Hotel & Spa

Best things to do in Ho Chi Minh City:

• Visit the Independence Palace
• Buy souvenirs at Ben Thanh Market
• Take photos of the City Hall
• Stop by the Cathedral Notre-Dame Saigon
• Discover the Cu Chi Tunnels
• Have Lunch in Little Japan District
• Visit the Central Post Office
• Learn about the Vietnam War in the War Remnant Museum
• Enjoy the view from the Skydeck of Bitexo Financial Tower
• Embark on a Mekong Delta Tour

I hope you enjoyed reading my 3 weeks in Vietnam itinerary and that it helped you plan your Backpacking Vietnam route. If you need more inspiration about traveling to Asia , feel free to check out my Thailand Bucket List and my ultimate Backpacking Packing List .

Save this post for your 3 weeks in Vietnam!

Sharing is caring:.

• Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on Telegram (Opens in new window)

Leave A Comment Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Notify me of new posts by email.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

Backpacking Essentials – The Ultimate Packing List for Backpackers

4-day dubrovnik itinerary: exploring croatia’s medieval city, how to spend two days in copenhagen – 15 things to do & see, how to spend one day in quebec city – a comprehensive guide, discover more from happy when abroad.

Subscribe now to keep reading and get access to the full archive.

Type your email…

Continue reading

• The Netherlands
• Switzerland
• The Philippines
• South Africa
• The United States of America
• New Zealand
• French Polynesia
• Our destination wedding
• Budget tips
• Travel photography
• Packing lists
• Hotel guides
• Travel guides
• Itineraries
• Work with us
• Search for: Search Button

Vietnam itinerary: the perfect itinerary for 2 and 3 weeks backpacking!

You can find the perfect Vietnam itinerary with the ultimate highlights of the country in this blog: a 2-week itinerary and an itinerary of over 3 weeks of travelling through Vietnam! We also share a lot of tips for Vietnam.

Itinerary Vietnam: the highlights of this beautiful country

Finally, it was time to get to know Vietnam ourselves, a country that has been on our bucket list for a long time! We travelled by public transport from the south of Vietnam to the north in a bit more than two weeks. It was a cool journey in which we got to see a lot of Vietnam, but definitely not everything. That is why we also have included a three-week itinerary for Vietnam in this blog.

Under both itineraries, you will find a short description of the different highlights of Vietnam which makes planning easier.

Itinerary Vietnam: 2 weeks backpacking through Vietnam

In less than two weeks you can already see a beautiful part of Vietnam. The map below shows a representation of the itinerary you will travel these two weeks in Vietnam.

Map Vietnam with itinerary 2 weeks:

Ho Chi Minh City – Dalat – Hoi An – Phong Nha – Hanoi – Sapa – Hanoi

What does this itinerary through Vietnam look like in two weeks?

In two weeks you will travel from the south of Vietnam (Ho Chi Minh) to the north (Hanoi). It’s also possible to reverse the route, just keep in mind, in North Vietnam it is a lot colder than South Vietnam. Ho Chi Minh (2 days) is your first destination. It is a busy city, with a small concise centre for tourists. Two days in Ho Chi Minh is enough, but more time is nice too. Visit the Cu Chi Tunnels and the War Remenants museum. This gives you an idea of the history and war this country was in. The next destination? Dalat (2 days), a beautiful mountain town where it is a lot cooler than in Ho Chi Minh City. Transport to Dalat can be done by bus, but we decided to fly. In Dalat, enjoy adventure activities like Canoeing.

The itinerary from Hoi An to Hanoi:

You fly from Dalat to Hoi An (3 days) . The airport at Hoi An is called Da Nang, a big city that is much less fun than Hoi An. From Da Nang it is still half an hour by taxi to Hoi An. Hoi An is a beautiful and ancient city. Especially the architecture is beautiful! But Hoi An is also a place to relax and Hoi An is on the beach!

Vietnam budget tip : taxis from Da Nang to Hoi An can inflate their prices. Therefore, book a taxi online in advance for only 5.50 euros per person. Click here for more information.

After three relaxing days, you continue by bus to Phong Nha (2 days) where you will see the largest caves in the world. Definitely don’t stay for more than two days, the village is tiny and there is not much to do outside the caves. From Phong Nha, it’s an easy one-hour flight to Hanoi (3 days) , where we advise you to stay at least three days. Here you can enjoy the small streets full of merchandise, the beautiful parks and the delicious food.

Still, some time and energy left? Then the northern region of  Sapa (2.5 days) should be added to your Vietnam itinerary! From Hanoi, you travel by bus in 5 hours to Sapa where you should definitely do one of the beautiful hikes. Sapa is a mountainous area, bordering China and hiking is very cool here! Finally, travel back to Hanoi where your journey ends.

Vietnam itinerary: 3 weeks backpacking through Vietnam!

Do you have more time? Lucky you, then you can see a lot more of this beautiful country! The Vietnam itinerary below is for three weeks but can be done at a slower pace in 4 weeks or a month.

Map Vietnam: itinerary 3 or 4 weeks

Hanoi – Sapa – Cat Ba/ Ha Long Bay – Ninh Binh – Phong Nha – Hue – Hoi An – Mui Ne – Dalat – Ho Chi Minh City

Backpacking Vietnam: what does the 3-week itinerary in Vietnam look like?

This time you start in Hanoi (3 days) , and you are now travelling from north to south. The other way around is also possible. Here too you will visit Sap a (2 days) but after Sapa, you will immediately travel to Cat Ba / Ha Long Bay (3 days) . Plan some time for this: first, you go by night bus from Sapa to Hanoi in 5 hours, then you change to the night bus and take the boat to Cat Ba, total travel time: 15 hours. Don’t worry, on the cruise you will be doing from Ha Long Bay from Cat Ba, you’ll have plenty of time to rest from this long journey.

Travelling from North Vietnam to South Vietnam!

After a few days of relaxation, continue by bus to Ninh Binh (2 days) . Here you can enjoy the beautiful nature and the huge karst mountains that you can sail by boat. Your next destination is Phong Nha (2 days) , a 7-hour drive from Ninh Binh by bus. Here you visit the caves but don’t stay too long, it is a small place. If you still have time, consider continuing to Hoi An earlier, but make a short stop in Hue . In Hoi An (3 days) you stay a little longer to rest after the many travel days.

The next destination is also very relaxed: you fly to Mui Ne (3 days) , a nice coastal town for surfing or sandboarding of the dunes. Mui Ne is a quiet beach town, but if you want white beaches and a clear blue sea, you can always consider swapping this with a trip to Phu Quoc , in the south of Vietnam. From Mui Ne it is about 4 hours by bus and then you are in Dalat (2 days) . The trip ends in Ho Chi Minh City (2 days) after which you leave Vietnam.

This is a full schedule, but achievable. Travelling in Vietnam is easy by (night) bus, but for a few euros more you also have a plane ticket. Want to take it easier? Then skip Phong Nha and Hue and fly directly from Ninh Binh to Hoi An or choose to skip Ha Long Bay and enjoy the equivalent mountains in Ninh Binh.

The most important highlights of Vietnam at a glance!

Below is an overview of the highlights of Vietnam. Do you miss a place? Let us know!

Highlights Vietnam 1:  Hanoi city, Nort Vietnam

Hanoi is the capital of Vietnam, a city with a lot of history. The French influence on Vietnam is clearly visible in the beautiful old buildings in the Old Quarter and the French Quarter. Join a food tour and taste a thousand flavours of the Vietnamese cuisine! And enjoy the peace in the park in the middle of the city. While going back into the tiny street, beware that you are not driven over by the thousands of motorbikes that blow through traffic.

Highlights Vietnam 2:  Sapa, the mountain region of Vietnam

Sapa is a small town in the North of Vietnam, a very quiet and peaceful area. Here you will find hills and extensive rice terraces. Make a multi-day trek and stay overnight with locals, a great experience!

Highlights Vietnam 3:  Ha Long Bay/Cat Ba a beautiful bay full of limestones!

Ha Long Bay is a region in the north-west of Vietnam. It is a huge bay with thousands of limestone islands that rise up above the sea. The largest island is Cat Ba, from where you can do all kinds of multi-day cruises.

Click here for a multi-day cruise through the bay of Ha Long

Highlights Vietnam 4:  Ninh Binh green valleys and high peaks!

Ninh Binh is a small city in the Ninh Binh province. The beautiful surroundings are the reason to visit Ninh Binh. Here you will find huge karst mountains between the green valleys, just like in Ha Long Bay. The places Tam Coc and Trang An are highly recommended!

Highlights Vietnam 5:  Phong Nha, exploring the best caves of Vietnam!

Curious about the largest caves in the whole world? Be sure to visit the town of Phong Nha. You will find here the Paradise Cave and the Phong Nha Cave , both impressive Limestone Caves. The largest cave in the world, So’n Doong Cave, is not (yet) open to the general public. There are only a few visitors per year who may visit this cave through a multi-day trek (very expensive).

Do you also want to enter the caves and marvel at this beautiful natural phenomenon? Click here for more information for a full-day tour of Phong Nha.

Highlights Vietnam 6:  Hué, the old imperial capital of Vietnam!

Hue is the old imperial capital of Vietnam, clearly visible in all the beautiful old buildings in the old city centre. Hue is relatively small and half a day is enough to see everything. Use this as a strategic resting place between Phong Nha and Hoi An.

Highlights Vietnam 7:  Hoi An, a lovely colonial village in the middle of Vietnam!

Hoi An is a beautiful small city in central Vietnam. It is one of the few cities that has remained almost completely in the old state despite the Vietnam War. You will find centuries-old colourful buildings that are still in full use. This makes a visit to Hoi An like travelling through time. Hoi An is close to the sea which also makes it a great place to rest a little longer. Be prepared, Hoi An is a very touristic place, totally understandable considering the beauty of the city. Read about our time in Hoi An (only in Dutch).

Two beautiful sights from Hoi An: My Son and Ba Na Hills

There is also plenty to see outside Hoi An. A must-see on your Hoi An route is a day trip to the My Son Sanctuary. This beautiful area is full of temples and other excavations and is truly magical! Click here for more information about a possible tour to My Son.

Highlights Vietnam 8:  Nha Trang / Mui Ne, beach life in Vietnam!

Mui Ne is a quiet beach town. It is not (yet) discovered by mass tourism and you will find authentic fishing villages in the area. You will go to Mui Ne to relax, or to surf, kite or sandboard. In doubt between Mui Ne and Nha Trang? Do not hesitate any longer: Nha Trang is flooded by (drunken) Russians and therefore not a pleasant place anymore.

Highlights Vietnam 9:  Dalat, a small mountain village great for outdoor activities!

Dalat was a very positive surprise for us. It is a small mountain town, built at the time of French rule as a summer residence for wealthy French. The city itself is beautiful to see with a large lake in the middle. In addition, you can undertake great outdoor activities, such as Canoeing. Dalat is also a good place to start or end with one  Easy Riders motortour !

Highlights Vietnam 10:  Ho Chi Minh City, the old Saigon!

Ho Chi Minh City, also known as Saigon, is the largest city in Vietnam. It is a bustling, warm city full of skyscrapers and bars. Looking for a good night out? That is not a problem here, the nightlife is over the top. But Ho Chi Minh City is also a must-visit when you are interested in culture and history. Be sure to pay a visit to the war museum and take a tour of the Cu Chi tunnels.

Here you will find a nice tour to the Cu Chi tunnels that you can book online.

Highlights Vietnam 11:  Mekong Delta, exploring markets

The Mekong Delta is a large branch of the Mekong River that runs through Cambodia, China and Laos. People in this region live on the river. Not only their homes are here but also shopping and trading takes place on the water. Visiting the Mekong Delta is easiest from the town of My Tho, where various boat tours depart.

Vietnam tip: You can also visit the Mekong Delta as a day trip from Ho Chi Minh. Click here for more information about such a trip that you can book online.

Highlights Vietnam 12:  Phu Quoc, tropical life in Vietnam!

White beaches, swaying palm trees and a clear blue sea. Something you will not encounter much in Vietnam, except on this beautiful tropical island. Phu Quoc is slightly more expensive than the rest of Vietnam, but from what I have heard, the money is more than worth it!

Click here for all my Vietnam blogs !

More blogs about Vietnam

Leave a reply cancel reply.

Your email address will not be published.

How I planned our trip to Vietnam

Book your individual trip , stress-free with local travel experts

Select Month

• roughguides.com
• how-to-plan-a-trip-to-vietnam

Plan your tailor-made trip with a local expert

Book securely with money-back guarantee

Travel stress-free with local assistance and 24/7 support

written by Dre Roelandt

updated 12.06.2024

Last spring my wife and I finally made it to Vietnam , and we were honestly so blown away. Being a travel editor here at Rough Guides, it’s always been a place I’ve wanted to visit. At the same time, I hadn’t been before and didn’t really know what to expect! Here I’ve collected some tips and advice on how I planned my trip to Vietnam. 

When to go to Vietnam

Choosing how many days, deciding what region of vietnam to visit, how do you get around vietnam, how we connected to the internet, how we budgeted, don’t miss the street food, pack for the weather, tours are worth every penny, mistakes were made, travel ideas for vietnam, created by local experts.

Vietnam Culinary Discovery

Vietnamese cuisine can be divided into three categories, each pertaining to a specific region, namely the North, Centre and South. You will visit all of these on this culinary tour of Vietnam. Awaken all of your senses to the wonderful sights, sounds and aromas of this fascinating country.

Very Vietnam

Vietnam is full of surprises, seamlessly mixing both ancient and modern. See rice paddies, traditional villages, markets, temples and pagodas. Discover romantic cities, cruise around mystical Halong Bay, laze on pristine beaches and get out and about in exuberant Ho Chi Minh City.

Cultural Saigon

Southern Vietnam is home to modern Ho Chi Minh City, a vibrant southern capital full of historic attraction and old Saigonese charm. Soak up some café culture, enjoy authentic street food, and get a taste of the city’s thriving markets.

Southern Vietnam Explored

Discover the charms of Southern Vietnam. From the excitement of Ho Chi Minh City to the sleepy scenic canals of the Mekong Delta with its traditional villages and floating markets, Vietnam’s deep south is one of the most appealing parts of the country.

Vietnam Culinary Experience

Embark on a Vietnamese culinary adventure, taking cooking classes in Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi. Get cultural in the imperial city of Hue with a visit to some royal tombs, cruise around stunning Halong Bay a final stay in nostalgic Hanoi before your return home.

Ancient Meets Modern

A trip to Vietnam offers a unique adventure. From ancient Hanoi to imperial, romantic Hue, coastal Hoi An with its atmospheric ruins to burgeoning Saigon or Ho Chi Minh City as it is known today, Vietnam is both an exciting and a rewarding destination.

We decided that we wanted to visit Vietnam in the spring because the weather is usually the most mild then.

The temperatures during our trip seem to range from 20°C to 30°C (68°F to 86°F), and I heard that the humidity was a lot lower compared to the summer months.

A close second choice would have been to visit during the autumn, and next time I’ll probably come back then to see the harvest season in full swing.

We wanted to avoid the rainy season, from May to October. If you go during this time, you do get the benefit of it being less crowded. However, you have to be ready for heavy and frequent rain. To us, it was worth dealing with more people and slightly higher prices to be in comfortable weather. 

My tip: see the Rough Guide to when to go to Vietnam for a more detailed breakdown.

Hanoi Train street, Vietnam © Shutterstock

Our trip ended up being around two weeks, and for us that was a perfect amount of time. We were able to explore multiple regions, including Hanoi , Ha Long Bay , Hue , Hoi An , and Ho Chi Minh City , without feeling rushed. 

I think if we had cut it any bit shorter, it would have been a bit stressful, as there is so much to see and do in Vietnam. 

Of course, more time would have always been nice! If you are planning a trip to more than one country in Southeast Asia, I would say a bare minimum would be 10 days in Vietnam . This allows you to experience the highlights and adjust from jet lag comfortably. 

Linh Phuoc Pagoda in Da Lat, Vietnam © Shutterstock

This is by far the hardest part of planning a trip! Our trip was 14 days , and we spent 8 days in the North and 6 days in the South. Most start in the South and travel North, but we did the opposite to avoid crowds. It was also cheaper for us to fly home from Ho Chi Minh City.

Picking the best things to do during your trip can be hard to narrow down. Here’s some of our favourite things we did:

In the north , we started in Hanoi and visited the Old Quarter . From there we took a cruise in Ha Long Bay which was absolutely stunning.  We also visited Ninh Binh, often referred to as "Ha Long Bay on land," with gorgeous landscapes and ancient temples.

In the central region , we explored Hue, because of its rich history and beautiful pagodas, and the charming town of Hoi An, known for its well-preserved ancient town and lantern-lit streets.

In the south , we of course made our way to Ho Chi Minh City (also known as Saigon), visited the Cu Chi Tunnels to learn about Vietnam's wartime history, and took a boat trip through the Mekong Delta to see the lush, tropical landscapes and floating markets.

My tip: if you’re looking for ideas of how to spend you time, take a look at our Rough Guides Trip Gallery . There are plenty of amazing trips here that are created by local travel experts. 

Railway Hai Van Pass, Vietnam © Shutterstock

There is public transportation in larger cities in Vietnam (most of which is cash-only, by the way).  Most people fly into Ho Chi Minh City or Hanoi and transport from there. We opted to have a taxi pick us up from Hanoi Airport to our accommodation.

Once in the country, Grab was super handy. If you’re familiar with Uber, it’s the same idea. You can use Grab for cars and motorbikes . It was a super convenient option for getting around cities. 

We also took trains at points, which was a comfortable and scenic way to travel between cities. The buses were certainly an experience but quite a bit less comfortable . Renting motorbikes for a few days allowed us to explore more remote areas at our own pace and was a lot of fun. 

Most hotels, restaurants, cafes, and tourist attractions in Vietnam offer free Wi-Fi access. Still, it’s important to have some kind of service in case of emergency or in case of getting lost.

We ended up going for a prepaid SIM card when we got to Hanoi. These are widely available across the city, and they usually come with a generous data allowance and options for calls and texts. We picked up one at the airport. The process was straightforward, and the connection was reliable.

That said, double check that you have a phone that allows you to insert a SIM card, as some smartphones don’t have this feature. 

Thung Hang Ca in Trang An in Ninh Binh, Vietnam © Shutterstock

Luckily, Vietnam is known for being pretty affordable. The conversion rate was a little confusing from Vietnamese Dong to US Dollar (1$ = 25,500 VND). 

On average, we ended up spending about $60-100 each per day. This budget allowed us to stay in comfortable accommodations, enjoy a variety of meals, and use mostly public transit. We could have easily spent more if we had stayed in a resort or booked more private tours. Seasoned backpackers and budget travelers could definitely get by on less. 

In general, we tried to plan our itinerary to be prepared for extra costs. It’s not often that we are able to come to Vietnam or south east Asia in general, so we wanted to make the most of the trip.

Since we both love to research before a trip, we ended up spending a lot of time finding the “best” places to eat . In reality, our favortie meals came from when we simply walked around and found a street food stall. Instead of finding reviews online, we simply went to places that seemed crowded. 

Each region in Vietnam has its own specialties . Don't miss the chance to try unique dishes like banh xeo (sizzling pancakes) in the south or bun cha (grilled pork with noodles) in the north.

Vietnamese vendor in Hanoi, Vietnam © Shutterstock

You’ll want to bring a versatile set of clothes, especially if you plan on hitting both North and South Vietnam in one trip. 

In the North , it can get a tad chilly, especially during the cooler months. Layers are key, so pack lightweight sweaters or jackets that you can easily add or remove as needed. 

In the South , you’ll find that the weather is a lot more tropical. You’ll want to bring lightweight and breathable shorts, t-shirts, and lightweight dresses or skirts.

If you’re planning on visiting historical sites or temples , it’s important to dress modestly out of respect. Consider bringing long, lightweight pants or skirts and tops that cover your shoulders. This will help you stay comfortable in the heat while also adhering to local customs. 

No matter where you go, don’t forget the essentials: comfy walking shoes, a hat or cap for sun protection, sunscreen, and bug spray. Personally I’d rather pack light rather than having to carry large suitcases in the heat. 

Fansipan mountain at Sapa north of Vietnam © Shutterstock

We debated whether to opt for guided tours or take our own DIY approach. Every tour we ended up paying for turned out to be worth it. 

Especially the day we spent on the Mekong Delta , the tour wasn’t particularly expensive, and we were able to see so much more than we would have on our own.  Not only did we visit remote villages and floating markets, but our guide also shared fascinating anecdotes and historical context.

Our tour also included the cost of transportation and came with meals — definitely worth it!

Halong Bay, Vietnam © Shutterstock

Making mistakes while traveling is all part of the process, but to save you some grief, here’s a few things I wish I had considered before we left. 

Overnight trains

We both agreed that next time we go to Vietnam, we will plan our train rides at night to save money. This tip is especially useful for heavy sleepers.

We did this twice, and both times we were excited to have more time to spend at our destination. Traveling from one place to another takes longer than you might think, so overnight trains can be convenient and cost-effective, if you don’t mind sleeping on a train .

Itinerary overload

Being our first time in Vietnam and being avid travel enthusiasts, we ended up with a long list of things we wanted to do . In retrospect, we didn’t get to everything we had planned. 

The heat and jet lag definitely slowed us down (the journey from California took us 33 hours!). We could have easily added an extra week to our itinerary to allow for a more relaxed pace.

Make sure to add Ninh Binh to your Vietnam itinerary  © Shutterstock

Low crime: but look out for scams

While violent crime is extremely rare in Vietnam, petty theft does happen from time to time. You’ll want to keep an eye on your valuables, and keep any bag your carrying with you on your front.

One taxi we took let us know once we had arrived to our destination that the meter was broken, and we ended up paying a lot more than usual. After that, we stuck to using mostly Grab for taxis. That said, we both felt pretty safe the entire time we were in the country. 

Get to the airport early

If you’re choosing to fly domestically in Vietnam, you’ll want to arrive ideally three hours before your flight. Check in and security took us a while to get through, and we really could have benefited from showing up a tad earlier.

Dre Roelandt is originally from the United States but lives and works in Berlin, Germany. Dre is a freelance writer and artist with a passion for travelling. They are an in-house Content Editor at Rough Guides.

• Authentic Experiences
• Classic Highlights
• Inspiration
• Travel Advice
• Travel Tips

Planning your own trip? Prepare for your trip

Use Rough Guides' trusted partners for great rates

Travel advice for Vietnam

From travel safety to visa requirements, discover the best tips for traveling to Vietnam

• Crime and personal safety tips Vietnam
• Eating and drinking in Vietnam
• Getting around Vietnam: Transportation Tips
• How to get to Vietnam
• Travel Health Vietnam
• Shopping tips for Vietnam
• Sports and Outdoor activities in Vietnam
• Tips and travel advice for Vietnam
• Best time to visit Vietnam
• Vietnam Weather in September
• Vietnam Weather in November
• Vietnam Weather in June
• Vietnam Weather in July
• Vietnam Weather in December
• Vietnam Weather in August
• Vietnam Weather in January
• Vietnam Weather in February
• Vietnam weather in March
• How to get from Hanoi to Halong Bay
• How To Get From Hanoi To Da Nang
• How to get from Hanoi to Sapa
• Vietnam Weather in April
• How to get a Vietnam visa

Find even more inspiration for 5 here

Ready to travel and discover Vietnam?

Get support from our local experts for stress-free planning & worry-free travels.

• Where to stay
• Itineraries
• Travel advice

Expect a record-breaking number of travelers on Fourth of July week: How to avoid traffic

• An estimated 70.9 million people will travel for the Fourth of July holiday, a record-breaking number.
• The most popular domestic destinations are Seattle, Orlando, Anchorage, Honolulu and Miami.
• The worst times to drive for 4th of July week are July 3 and 4 between 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.

If you’re one of the projected record-breaking 70.9 million travelers going on a Fourth of July trip, get ready to pack some patience. 

“With summer vacations in full swing and the flexibility of remote work, more Americans are taking extended trips around Independence Day,” said Paula Twidale, senior vice president of AAA Travel, in a statement. “We anticipate this July 4 week will be the busiest ever with an additional 5.7 million people traveling compared to 2019.”

Whether you’re going by airplane or car, traveler numbers are hitting historic highs. An estimated 5.74 million people will fly to their Independence Day destination, a 7% increase from 2023. (We can thank domestic airfare being slightly cheaper this year for that.)

This year, 2.8 million more people will travel by car than last year, for a total of 60.6 million travelers. According to AAA partner and rental car company Hertz, cities like Dallas, Los Angeles, Denver and San Francisco are showing the highest rental car demand. 

Here’s everything you need to know about Fourth of July travel. 

Learn more: Best travel insurance

Planning your summer trip? Where to go and how to save on summer vacations

What are the most popular destinations for Fourth of July week?

Many travelers are headed to the coast for their Independence Day trip, with states like Hawaii and Florida topping the list. With the best time for Alaskan cruises in full swing, cities like Seattle, Vancouver and Anchorage are popular among travelers. As expected, beloved European destinations like London and Rome earned spots on the list as well. 

Most popular domestic destinations:

• Orlando, Florida
• Anchorage, Alaska

Most popular international destinations:

• Vancouver, British Columbia

What are the best times to drive for Fourth of July week?

As is typical with holiday travel, the early bird will catch the worm, which means encountering the least traffic. Drivers should depart on their Independence Day road trips before noon on July 3 and 4. To return home, drivers should leave before 11 a.m. on July 7 and after 7 p.m. on July 8. 

What are the worst times to drive for Fourth of July week?

“Drivers in large metro areas can expect the worst traffic delays on Wednesday, July 3, as they leave town, and Sunday, July 7, as they return,” Bob Pishue, transportation analyst at INRIX, said in a statement. “Road trips over the holiday week could take up to 67% longer than normal.”

On July 3 and 4, drivers should avoid being on the road between 2 p.m. and 7 p.m., when traffic will be most congested. On Friday, July 5, the worst traffic will be between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. 

On Saturday, July 5, the worst traffic for travelers returning home will be between 10:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. The worst traffic is expected July 7, so drivers should avoid the road between 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. 

“Travelers should monitor 511 services, local news stations, and traffic apps for up-to-the-minute road conditions,” Pishue said.

Peak congestion times in major US cities

• Worst route: Birmingham to Atlanta via I-20 E
• Worst day: July 7
• Worst time: 6:30 p.m. 
• Estimated travel time: 3 hours, 36 minutes
• 42% increased travel time
• Worst route: Boston to Hyannis via Pilgrim Hwy S
• Worst day: July 4
• Worst time: 1:45 p.m.
• Estimated travel time: 1 hour, 51 minutes
• 31% increased travel time
• Worst route: Fort Collins to Denver via I-25 S
• Worst day: July 8
• Worst time: 2:45 p.m. 
• Estimated travel time: 1 hour, 37 minutes
• 56% increased travel time
• Worst route: San Antonio to Houston via I-10 E
• Worst day: July 6
• Worst time: 1:30 p.m. 
• Estimated travel time: 3 hours, 48 minutes
• 41% increased travel time

Los Angeles

• Worst route: Bakersfield to Los Angeles via I-5 S
• Worst time: 2:15 p.m. 
• Estimated travel time: 1 hour, 47 minutes
• 29% increased travel time
• Worst route: Jersey Shore to New York via Garden State Pkwy N
• Estimated travel time: 1 hour, 25 minutes
• 40% increased travel time

San Francisco

• Worst route: San Francisco to Monterey via Santa Cruz Hwy S
• Worst day: July 2
• Worst time: 5:45 p.m. 
• Estimated travel time: 2 hours, 31 minutes
• 19% increased travel time
• Worst route: Ellensburg to Seattle via I-90 E
• Worst time: 4:30 p.m. 
• Estimated travel time: 2 hours, 19 minutes
• 35% increased travel time

Washington, D.C.

• Worst route: Baltimore to Washington via Balt/Wash Pkwy S
• Worst time: 3:15 p.m. 
• Estimated travel time: 1 hours, 1 minute
• 67% increased travel time

Kathleen Wong is a travel reporter for USA TODAY based in Hawaii. You can reach her at [email protected] .

The Key Points at the top of this article were created with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and reviewed by a journalist before publication. No other parts of the article were generated using AI. Learn more .

Russia's Putin to visit Vietnam, sparking US rebuke of Hanoi

• Medium Text

• Putin to meet Vietnam leaders on June 19-20, officials say
• Talks to focus on arms, energy, payments, official says
• Public deals expected on trade, education, investment

ENERGY, ARMS, TECH

Sign up here.

Reporting by Francesco Guarascio, Khanh Vu and Phuong Nguyen; Editing by Stephen Coates, William Mallard and Michael Perry

Our Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles. New Tab , opens new tab

Thomson Reuters

Francesco leads a team of reporters in Vietnam that covers top financial and political news in the fast-growing southeast Asian country with a focus on supply chains and manufacturing investments in several sectors, including electronics, semiconductors, automotive and renewables. Before Hanoi, Francesco worked in Brussels on EU affairs. He was also part of Reuters core global team that covered the COVID-19 pandemic and participated in investigations into money laundering and corruption in Europe. He is an eager traveler, always keen to put on a backpack to explore new places.

World Chevron

Number of days over 35 C surges in world's scorching capitals

The number of days reaching a sizzling 35 degrees Celsius (95 Fahrenheit) in 20 of the world's largest capitals - from Delhi to Jakarta to Buenos Aires - has risen 52% over the past three decades, a think tank analysis found on Friday.

Advertisement

Supported by

Why Is Putin in Vietnam?

President Vladimir V. Putin is keen to maintain the longstanding military ties between Russia and Vietnam, as Hanoi has developed deeper bonds with Washington.

• Share full article

By Sui-Lee Wee

Reporting from Bangkok

President Vladimir V. Putin of Russia wrapped up a state visit to one ally, North Korea, and moved on to another, Vietnam, arriving early Thursday hoping to shore up crucial partnerships in the region as he wages a protracted war in Ukraine.

Mr. Putin’s war in Ukraine has left him isolated from the West, and his need for munitions to fight that war has pushed him closer to North Korea and its leader, Kim Jong-un. The two leaders have bonded over their common historical opponent, the United States, and on Wednesday revived a Cold War-era mutual defense pledge between their nations.

In Vietnam, by contrast, Mr. Putin met with officials who have recently forged deeper bonds with Washington. But Moscow has long been Hanoi’s main source of weapons, and Mr. Putin is keen to hold on to that position.

It is Mr. Putin’s fifth visit to Vietnam and follows trips last year by President Biden and President Xi Jinping of China, two leaders who sought assurances from Hanoi that it was not taking the other’s side.

For Vietnam, Mr. Putin’s trip will be an opportunity to solidify ties with Russia, its most important defense partner. Even though it has upgraded relations with the United States, Vietnam was still looking for secret ways last year to purchase Russian military equipment in contravention of American sanctions.

On Thursday morning, in typical scripted fashion, Vietnamese schoolchildren — waving both the Russian and Vietnamese flags — lined the Hanoi streets as Mr. Putin’s motorcade drove by. He was greeted by Vietnam’s newly installed president , To Lam, who gave him a hug.

Later, Mr. Putin was given a 21-gun salute at the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long, an important historical site in the center of the capital. A military band played the national anthems of both countries. The two leaders will hold a news conference after the talks are over, according to Vietnamese state media.

Washington has rebuked Hanoi for inviting the Russian leader, saying, “No country should give Putin a platform to promote his war of aggression and otherwise allow him to normalize his atrocities.”

This week, Mr. Lam told the local Russian envoy that Hanoi “always considers Russia one of the top priority partners in its foreign policy.”

Here’s what to know about relations between Moscow and Hanoi.

Russia and Vietnam have deep military ties.

In 1950, the Soviet Union was among the first countries to give diplomatic recognition to what was then the Democratic Republic of Vietnam, or North Vietnam. Over decades, Moscow became Vietnam’s biggest donor, providing military aid when Hanoi was fighting its wars against France and the United States.

The defense relationship has underpinned many ties between the two countries, which over the years also shared communist ideology. Mr. Putin arrived in Vietnam with his new defense minister, Andrei R. Belousov, underscoring how security matters are central to the visit.

Russian equipment represents about 60 percent to 70 percent of Vietnam’s defense arsenal, according to Nguyen The Phuong, who studies Vietnam’s military affairs at the University of New South Wales in Australia. Russia has supplied Vietnam with coastal defense missile systems, six Kilo-class submarines, fighter jets and many more lethal weapons.

Nearly all of Vietnam’s naval vessels come from Russia, according to Mr. Phuong. Russia’s T-90 tanks, which were the last-known major purchase of Russian arms by Vietnam in 2016, form the backbone of Vietnam’s armored forces, he added. This means that Vietnam is still going to be reliant on Russia in the years to come.

Vietnam has looked beyond Russia for weapons.

But the imposition of Western sanctions on Moscow has increased concerns in Hanoi about Russia’s reliability as a supplier, and made it increasingly awkward for Vietnam to continue dealing with Russia as it engages with the West.

Many of Vietnam’s leaders are also aware of the Russian military’s struggles against Ukraine — footage has shown the T-90 tanks being blown apart by drones used by Ukraine. They are also cognizant of Russia’s deepening relationship with China, which they regard as a threat because of a longstanding territorial dispute in the South China Sea.

In recent months, it has turned to countries like South Korea, Japan and the Czech Republic as alternative sources of weapons. It has also tried to build up its own defense industry. It has looked to India, another former Soviet ally, to retrofit some of its weapons.

The United States has been actively offering more weapons to Vietnam, with senior officials traveling to the country in recent months. But analysts say the top echelons of Vietnam’s defense leadership remain suspicious of Washington. They are reluctant to tie their fate to a country where arms sales have to be passed through a Congress that could make the deal contingent on human rights.

The two nations have joint ventures in the oil business.

Russia has a significant stake in Vietnam’s lucrative oil and gas sector. Vietsovpetro, a joint venture run by Russia’s Zarubezhneft and Vietnam’s state-owned PetroVietnam, operates Vietnam’s largest oil field, Bach Ho.

The profits from Vietsovpetro have generated millions of dollars for both Russia and Vietnam. Zarubezhneft and Gazprom, another Russian state-owned energy firm, are also involved in oil exploration projects in Vietnam.

For Moscow, these projects come at a time when Russian oil and gas exports to Europe have plummeted following the imposition of sanctions from the European Union. But they have irked Beijing because they are in waters that it contends are part of its territory.

Before the coronavirus pandemic, Vietnam was also a particularly attractive destination for Russian tourists. In 2019, Russia sent the sixth-highest number of tourists of any nation to Vietnam, just after the United States. But the numbers dropped during the pandemic and fell further after Vietnam stopped direct flights in 2022 after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Direct flights resumed this year.

Mr. Putin is seen as popular with the Vietnamese brass.

Beginning in the 1950s, thousands of Vietnamese Communist Party officials , top business officials, doctors, teachers and soldiers were trained in the Soviet Union and Russia. That list includes the current party chief, Nguyen Phu Trong.

But some felt those deep ties were ignored by the last Soviet leader, Mikhail S. Gorbachev, and Russia’s first president, Boris N. Yeltsin.

“The Vietnamese feel that Gorbachev in the 1980s abandoned Vietnam in an effort to improve relations with China; Yeltsin, all through the 90s, barely paid any attention to Vietnam,” said Ian Storey, a senior fellow at the ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute in Singapore. “Once Putin was in power in 2000, he gave a lot of face to it. So the Vietnamese are grateful for that.”

He added that the Vietnamese leadership liked Mr. Putin because “he put Vietnam-Russia relations back on track.”

Paul Sonne and Damien Cave contributed reporting.

Sui-Lee Wee is the Southeast Asia bureau chief for The Times, overseeing coverage of 11 countries in the region. More about Sui-Lee Wee