Vietnam is one of the most captivating and diverse countries Iโve ever explored. From bustling cities and ancient temples to breathtaking landscapes and world-famous cuisine, thereโs so much to experience here.
Iโve spent months exploring Vietnam over multiple visits, and have picked up countless tips, recommendations and favourite spots along the way. If youโre planning a trip and wondering how to spend three weeks in Vietnam, this itinerary will take you through the countryโs highlights while sharing plenty of personal insights and travel tips.
This three-week itinerary starts in Hanoi and finishes in Ho Chi Minh City. Along the way, youโll cruise around Bai Tu Long Bay, explore the limestone scenery of Ninh Binh, discover the imperial history of Hue, wander the lantern-lit streets of Hoi An and experience the waterways of the Mekong Delta.
Iโve included practical transport advice, alternative destinations and personal recommendations to help you plan a memorable trip, whether youโre visiting Vietnam for the first time or returning to explore somewhere new.
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How This Itinerary is Organised
This itinerary follows a north-to-south route, with public transport used for most of the journey. As I have never rented a car or motorbike in Vietnam, Iโll suggest different modes of transport, including buses and trains. However, if youโre strapped for time, you may prefer to fly internally. Domestic flights are generally affordable within Vietnam, especially if you book with Vietnam Airlines or Vietjet Air.
For each destination, Iโll make suggestions about what to see and do without giving you a rigid checklist to follow. Keep in mind that Vietnamโs tropical climate varies dramatically from region to region and can change rapidly. Itโs good to stay flexible in case the weather affects your plans.
This itinerary gives you an overview of what you can achieve in three weeks, but it 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. Iโve given each destination at least two days to explore, with some opportunities to slow down and relax along the way. After all, Vietnam is the kind of place where doing nothing โ whether itโs people-watching, sitting in a cafรฉ or admiring the scenery โ is one of the best things to do!
Getting Around Vietnam
Travelling around Vietnam is very affordable, with plenty of options for getting between destinations. You can often arrange transfers through your hotel, hostel or homestay, or book transport independently online. My husband and I often use 12Go in Vietnam, which makes it easy to compare routes, prices and departure times. You can find information about bus and train routes, prices and timetables, search in whichever language you need, pay by credit or debit card and download e-tickets straight to your smartphone.
For longer distances, Vietnamโs railway network is a good option, particularly if you book a soft sleeper berth. Domestic flights are useful when youโre short on time, although itโs worth checking which routes operate directly and how frequently.
Days 1-3: Hanoi
This Vietnamese adventure starts in the countryโs capital, Hanoi. I absolutely love this city and have spent a lot of time here during my travels. It is truly an assault on the senses in the best way! Itโs busy, bustling, hectic, gritty, fun and full of character.
In Hanoiโs Old Quarter, youโll find a fascinating mix of old buildings, bustling markets, independent shops and cafรฉs. Narrow alleyways open onto streets buzzing with scooters, while beautiful colonial-era architecture sits alongside parks, lakes, museums, temples and pagodas. There are also plenty of historic landmarks to discover, including the Temple of Literature, Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and St Josephโs Cathedral. The Old Quarter is a wonderful area to explore on foot, with something interesting around almost every corner. Just watch out for the bikes!
Iโve covered my favourite things to see and do in Hanoi in my separate 3-Day Hanoi Travel Guide for First-Time Visitors. If youโre interested in the cityโs cultural side, check out my guide to the Best Museums in Hanoi, which is ideal for a rainy day or when you want to escape the heat and enjoy some sightseeing in air-conditioned comfort.
Days 4-5: Bai Tu Long Bay
Located around three hours from Hanoi, Bai Tu Long Bay is a stunning area of natural beauty, with hundreds of islands, towering limestone hills and clear turquoise water. Itโs less well-known than neighbouring Ha Long Bay and generally attracts fewer visitors, making it a lovely option if youโd prefer a quieter cruise experience.
The best way to enjoy Bai Tu Long Bay is to take a 2 day/1 night 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.
We booked our cruise in person at a travel agency in Hanoi and paid around $150 USD per person. This included all accommodation, meals, transport and activities. Prices will vary depending on the cruise operator, boat and time of year, so itโs worth comparing a few options before booking. 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 and ferry, itโs much easier to book a tour from Hanoi. Youโll be collected from your accommodation in Hanoi and arrive at Bai Tu Long Bay in the afternoon.
Days 6-7: Ninh Binh
After returning to Hanoi from your Bai Tu Long Bay cruise, itโs time to head south to the striking Ninh Binh province.
Like much of northern Vietnam, youโll be treated to spectacular scenery and bombarded by vibrant shades of green. Ninh Binh is perhaps best known for its limestone mountains, earning it the nickname โHa Long Bay on landโ. In fact, the scenery here is so spectacular that it was chosen as a filming location for Kong: Skull Island.
Some of the highlights of Ninh Binh include taking a picturesque boat ride through Tam Coc and the Trang An Landscape Complex, part of a stunning UNESCO World Heritage Site, and exploring the Van Long Nature Reserve. You can also visit the Bai Dinh Pagoda (a vast Buddhist complex) or climb the 500 steps up Hang Mรบa mountain for incredible panoramic views.ย Iโve covered Ninh Binh in more detail in my dedicated travel guide, with more sightseeing ideas and tips on where to stay.
How to Get from Hanoi to Ninh Binh
After your trip to Bai Tu Long Bay, youโll be transferred back to Hanoi. From there, itโs a fairly straightforward journey south to Ninh Binh, around 90-100 km away. You have a few transport options, but the easiest is usually a limousine minivan. The journey takes approximately 2-3 hours, depending on traffic and your pickup and drop-off points. Many services offer hotel pick-up in Hanoiโs Old Quarter, with drop-offs in Tam Coc or near Trang An.
Alternatively, you can take a train from Hanoi Railway Station to Ninh Binh. Iโve done this journey before and itโs a very smooth journey, taking approximately 2-2.5 hours. From Ninh Binh train station, youโll need to arrange a Grab (Southeast Asiaโs version of Uber) or a regular taxi to your accommodation.
Mai Chau: A Lesser-Known Alternative to Ninh Binh
Ninh Binh is really stunning, but itโs a very well-known day trip or overnight stay from Hanoi. If youโd like somewhere further off the tourist trail, I suggest Mai Chau instead.
Located around 150 km southwest of Hanoi in Hoa Binh Province, 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.
Iโve rounded up my favourite things to do in Mai Chau in a separate travel guide, such as hiking, cycling, visiting local villages and taking long, leisurely walks through the gorgeous countryside. There are also several wellness retreats here for those looking for a peaceful getaway.
How to Get to Mai Chau
After your Bai Tu Long Bay cruise, youโll be transferred back to Hanoi. From there, you can take a limousine minivan or shuttle bus to Mai Chau. The journey takes approximately three hours, although youโll need to check departure times carefully. Depending on when your cruise returns, you may prefer to spend another night in Hanoi and travel to Mai Chau the following morning.
Days 8-9: Hue
From northern Vietnamโs mountains and rice fields, itโs time to head south into central Vietnam. First stop is Hue, Vietnamโs former imperial capital. Located on the banks of the Perfume River in central Vietnam, Hue is a fascinating destination for anyone interested in Vietnamese history, architecture and culture.
The cityโs biggest attraction is the Imperial City, a vast walled complex that was once home to the Nguyen emperors. You could easily spend several hours wandering around its palaces, temples, courtyards and historic buildings.
Hue is also famous for its royal tombs, built for the emperors of the Nguyen dynasty. The tombs of Khai Dinh and Minh Mang are particularly impressive, each with a very different architectural style. Other highlights include the beautiful Thien Mu Pagoda, which overlooks the Perfume River.
Iโd also recommend sampling Hueโs distinctive regional cuisine. The city is famous for dishes such as Bรบn Bรฒ Huแบฟ (spicy beef noodle soup), Bรกnh Khoรกi (crispy savoury pancakes) and Bรกnh Bรจo (small steamed rice cakes). To really dive into the local food scene, I recommend joining a food tour. I booked one with Vietnam Legacy Tours (you can use my code SPARROW for 5% off all tours on their website).
Two days gives you enough time to explore the main sights, enjoy the food scene and experience a different side of Vietnam. Check out my guide How to Spend 2 Days in Hue for my personal recommendations and a more detailed itinerary.
How to Get from Ninh Binh to Hue
The easiest way to travel from Ninh Binh to Hue is by train. Several trains run daily, with the journey taking approximately 10-12 hours. If youโd prefer to save on accommodation, you could book an overnight sleeper train. Alternatively, take a daytime train and enjoy the scenery along the way.
I recommend booking a soft sleeper in a four-berth cabin for a more comfortable journey. Check current timetables and ticket prices on the Vietnam Railways website or through 12Go.
If youโre short on time, another option is to travel back to Hanoi and catch a domestic flight to Hue. However, once you factor in the journey to the airport and check-in times, the train is often the more convenient and enjoyable choice.
How to Get from Mai Chau to Hue
If youโve chosen Mai Chau instead of Ninh Binh, youโll need to travel back to Hanoi before continuing south. The journey from Mai Chau to Hanoi takes approximately three hours by minivan or shuttle bus. From there, you can catch a domestic flight to Hue, which takes around 1 hour 20 minutes. From Phu Bai Airport, itโs around 30-40 minutes by taxi or private transfer to Hue city centre.
Alternatively, you could travel by train from Hanoi to Hue, although this is a much longer journey.
Days 10-11: Da Nang
Next, weโre going to visit the coastal city of Da Nang. Although popular with digital nomads and long-term visitors, Da Nang is often overlooked by travellers following Vietnamโs classic tourist route. Many people simply pass through on their way to Hoi An, but I think the city deserves at least a night or two of its own.
With its beautiful beaches, excellent food scene, relaxed atmosphere and fantastic cafรฉs, itโs a wonderful place to slow down for a while. Sip excellent-quality coffee in the cityโs many cafรฉs, relax on My Khe Beach and stroll along the promenade by Bach Dang Street. My husband and I have actually been to Da Nang twice โ once for a few days, and once for a fortnight. We are planning a two-month stay next time so you can see that the city has really impressed us.
Make sure to check out the Dragon Bridge, which comes alive with a fire and water show on weekend evenings. Itโs quite a spectacle and well worth timing your visit around if youโre in Da Nang on a Friday, Saturday or Sunday.
You should also make time to visit the Marble Mountains, a cluster of limestone and marble hills located between Da Nang and Hoi An. The site is home to caves, pagodas, temples and several viewpoints overlooking the coastline. We decided not to queue for the main viewpoint, as it was extremely busy, but we still enjoyed exploring the caves. Walking through the cavernous chambers, discovering hidden shrines and watching beams of sunlight filter through openings in the rock was really atmospheric.
How to Get from Hue to Da Nang ย
My recommendation is to take the train, as this is one of the most scenic railway journeys in Vietnam. The route passes through the spectacular Hai Van Pass, with beautiful coastal views along the way.
Regular trains take approximately 2.5-3 hours. If youโd like to make more of the journey, you can also book the dedicated heritage train, which includes a stop at Lang Co, giving you time to admire the scenery. Check current schedules and ticket prices through Vietnam Railways or 12Go.
Alternatively, you can book a private car or shared minivan if youโd prefer a more direct journey.
Days 12-14: Hoi An
Hoi An is the most touristy place on this itinerary by far, with its wonderfully preserved Ancient Town attracting huge numbers of visitors every year. Donโt let that put you off, though, as this charming city is well worth your time.
Youโll find colourful French colonial buildings, ornate bridges, boutiques, temples, pagodas, food markets, beaches and more than enough cafรฉs to get your daily fix of Cร Phรช Sแปฏa ฤรก (Vietnamese iced coffee).
Make sure to experience Hoi An after dark. As hundreds of lanterns illuminate the streets, the Ancient Town takes on a magical atmosphere. One of the most popular evening activities is taking a boat ride along the Thu Bon River and releasing a lantern into the water, creating a beautiful spectacle.
While youโre here, I also recommend visiting one of Hoi Anโs famous tailors for a truly unique souvenir. I had two dresses tailor-made during my first visit and loved being able to choose every detail, from the fabric and style to the final design. Both dresses were made to fit perfectly and cost only around โฌ25 each.
How to Get from Da Nang to Hoi An
Hoi An is around 30 km south of Da Nang, so itโs an easy journey between the two destinations. You can take a local bus, book a shared shuttle or arrange a taxi or Grab. A private car takes approximately 45 minutes, depending on traffic, and costs around VND 300,000-350,000.
Days 15-16: Can Tho
You canโt visit Vietnam without experiencing the Mekong Delta, so itโs 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 the floating market on a guided tour, or hire a private boat from one of the jetties in town (some haggling required!). If you book a guided group tour, look for one that visits Cai Rang as early as possible. Unfortunately, by the time we got there, things were really winding down. However, we enjoyed the smaller Phong Dien Floating Market, bought fresh fruit from vendors selling directly from their boats and had a hearty bowl of hot phแป for lunch on our little boat.
Even if youโre not interested in visiting the floating markets, Can Tho is still worth visiting. It feels very authentic and untouristy, offering a great opportunity to observe locals going about their daily business.
Spend an evening strolling along the illuminated Ninh Kieu Wharf promenade, try some local delicacies at the night markets, or just sit by the riverโs edge and watch the hive of activity on the waterways.
Getting to Can Tho from Hoi An
The quickest way to get to Can Tho from Hoi An is to travel to Da Nang International Airport and catch a domestic flight to Can Tho International Airport.
The flight takes approximately 1 hour 30 minutes. Check availability before finalising your itinerary, as flights donโt operate every day.If thereโs no suitable direct flight on your travel date, you can fly to Ho Chi Minh City and continue to Can Tho by bus or private transfer.
There are also overland options involving buses and trains, usually with a change in Ho Chi Minh City. However, these journeys take considerably longer, so Iโd recommend flying if your budget allows.
Days 17-18: Ben Tre
On Day 17, travel from Can Tho to the nearby Ben Tre province, also known as Vietnamโs Coconut Capital! This scenic area, full of coconut plantations, winding canals, rice fields and dusty dirt paths, is perfect for exploring, whether on foot or by bicycle.
I recommend staying outside 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, showcasing fresh 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, passing coconut-processing workshops and lush tropical vegetation. It was exactly what I wanted from a trip to the Mekong Delta.
Speaking of coconuts, be sure to try the local coconut candy, Kแบนo Dแปซa. There are even cooking classes where you can learn to make your own!
How to Get to Ben Tre
You can take a local bus from Can Tho to Ben Tre. Several bus companies operate this route, and the journey generally takes around 2-3 hours, depending on the service and traffic. Check the departure times and drop-off location before booking, as these can vary between operators.
Alternatively, you could arrange a private driver, which is a convenient option if youโre travelling with luggage or staying at a homestay outside Ben Tre town. You can check routes and prices on 12Go.
Days 19-21: Ho Chi Minh City
The final destination on this itinerary is the countryโs largest and most populated city, Ho Chi Minh City. Commonly known as Saigon, HCMC is the countryโs commercial centre. While Hanoi has a more traditional feel to it, HCMC is visually more modern and bustling, with a more international atmosphere.
Although I must admit I prefer Hanoi, I like Ho Chi Minh City more and more each time I visit. Something I particularly like is the sightseeing opportunities. There are numerous sights and museums to explore here, such as the harrowing War Remnants Museum (one of the most powerful museums Iโve ever visited), Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon and the nearby Cu Chi Tunnels.
I particularly loved spending time in the cityโs cafรฉs, watching daily life unfold while enjoying yet another Vietnamese coffee. For more ideas on what to see and do in this sprawling metropolis, check out my guide to How to Spend 3 Days in Ho Chi Minh City.
How to Get from Ben Tre to Ho Chi Minh City
You can hire a private driver to take you from Ben Tre to Ho Chi Minh City, which is a convenient option if youโre travelling with luggage. The journey generally takes around 2-3 hours, depending on your starting point and traffic.
Alternatively, regular buses operate throughout the day. These are usually cheaper, although journey times vary depending on the operator and traffic conditions. You can check current prices, departure times and availability on 12Go.
Tip: If you prefer fewer hotel changes, you could base yourself in Ho Chi Minh City and visit parts of the Mekong Delta on organised day trips instead.
All too soon, itโll be your last day in Vietnam! Depending on your flight time, you might have a little more time to explore Ho Chi Minh City, pick up some last-minute souvenirs or at least enjoy one final coffee or bรกnh mรฌ (Vietnamese sandwich). If youโre anything like me, it wonโt be long before youโre planning a return visit!
I hope this three-week Vietnam itinerary has been helpful. If you have any questions or other recommendations, please leave them in the comments below. Iโd love to hear from you!
Ciao for now,
Izzie, the Curious Sparrow