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The best itinerary for Vietnam…

Vietnam Itinerary 3 weeks

Planning a trip to Vietnam in Southeast Asia?

Everything you need to have the best Vietnam vacation ever with the best places to go, things to do, food to eat, and places to stay in this Vietnam guide and Vietnam travel itinerary! 

The Ultimate Vietnam Guide + Vietnam Itinerary 3 Weeks

This is the best Vietnam Itinerary 3 weeks and includes the must-see in Vietnam- fascinating historical sites, stunning scenery, and delicious food.  This self-guided Vietnam tour is perfect for family travel, a couple, friends traveling together, or even solo travel.

Use this Vietnam trip plan for a 3 week Vietnam itinerary, 2 week Vietnam itinerary, or a 10 day Vietnam Itinerary.  There is so much to see in this incredible country. It is great to have 3 weeks in Vietnam, but well worth the trip if you have as little as 10 days in Vietnam.

Where to go in Vietnam?

You will experience the capital city of Hanoi, a luxury cruise on a “junk” in the mystical Ha Long Bay, trekking in the green rice fields around Sapa, a favorite village of Hoi An (and some beach time), then down to the south to see the cosmopolitan city of Ho Chi Minh City (“Saigon”) with an optional visit to one of the famous floating markets.

All of my recommendations for where to stay in Vietnam include some of the best luxury hotels in Vietnam, as well as some smaller boutique hotels (and even a homestay).  Some of the luxury hotels in Vietnam are extremely affordable compared to other countries, like the United States.

All of the top Vietnam destinations included in this itinerary have a list of the best things to do in that area.  Some of these interesting attractions are the top things to do in Vietnam, as you will see in the Hanoi itinerary, Hoi An itinerary, and Ho Chi Minh City itinerary.

Since I love good food, you will learn about some of the top places to eat in Vietnam, including amazing restaurants and street food. I recommend asking your doctor about vaccines that may be recommended for you before eating the delicious street food in Vietnam.

This Vietnam Itinerary 3 Weeks is planned as a north to south Vietnam itinerary from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City. It can easily be reversed, for a south to north Vietnam itinerary, if you start in Ho Chi Minh City and end in Hanoi. 

If you are planning a Vietnam Cambodia itinerary, try to book your ticket from home into one airport and out of another so you will save a lot of travel time.  If you are looking for a Vietnam Cambodia itinerary, click on the link for the ultimate Cambodia itinerary at the bottom of this Vietnam blog post.

Keep reading to find out the best places to visit in Vietnam.

Click here to search for the lowest flight prices to Vietnam  

Vietnam Travel Tip

*Make sure to look into the Visa requirement for Vietnam (and Cambodia) and start the process as soon as you have your dates confirmed (the dates on your Visa are not changeable!)

Find the best prices on flights to Vietnam here

Vietnam Itinerary 3 Weeks…

Ha Long Bay Vietnam

Vietnam Guide + 3 Weeks Vietnam Itinerary (or 10 day to 2 week Vietnam itinerary)

Vietnam Itinerary, Hanoi

Northern Vietnam Itinerary

3 Days Hanoi itinerary

GET THERE

How to get to Hanoi, Vietnam

  • Fly into Hanoi International Airport
  • Arrange a transfer in advance 

Click here to book a good airport transfer now

STAY

Where to stay in Hanoi

  • Stay in one of the best hotels in Vietnam in or near the Old Quarter of Hanoi, or in the quieter nearby French Quarter.

Looking for the best place to stay in Hanoi? Find the best prices at top-rated hotels here

  • Hanoi La Siesta Hotel & Spa– Voted one of the Top 25 Hotels in the World on the Trip Advisor Travelers’ Choice Awards, this boutique hotel in the Old Quarter is exceptional!  The customer service is incredible and the rooms are super comfortable (and they have a great spa and restaurant.) We stayed in the top floor family suite with the balcony, which is highly recommended.   Click here for the latest prices
  • Sofitel Legend Metropole– famous and the top luxury hotel in Hanoi, located in the quieter French Quarter.  Click here for the latest prices
  • Hilton Hanoi Opera– located next to Hanoi Opera House and near Hoan Kiem Lake.  This historic hotel is beautiful on the outside and slightly worn on the inside.  We had a nice stay and appreciated the lower prices and the huge rooms with views.   Click here for the latest prices

Click here to read reviews and see prices on  Booking.com or Agoda.com




Booking.com

3 week Vietnam itinerary

Vietnam Itinerary

DO

These are some of the best things to do in Vietnam!

Top things to do in Hanoi

  • Walk around Hoan Kiem Lake (join in a Tai Chi class!).  Take a taxi to the Presidential Palace, Ho Chu Mihn Mausoleum (see the changing of the guards), the One Pillar Pagoda, Ho Chi Mihn Museum, Stroll the Temple of Literature, see the Vietnam Military History Museum, tour Hao Lo Prison (check all opening time as most close for lunch.)
  • Spend lots of time walking in the Old Quarter (the Lonely Planet walking tour is great)- Bach Ma Temple, Memorial House, Dong Xuan Market, Long Bien Bridge.  Check out the Lotte Tower observation deck, take an evening stroll around the lake and see some street performers
  • Optional evening shows– depending on your interests: Thang Long Water Puppet show or the Lang Toi (My Village) show at the Opera House
  • Don’t miss out on getting a massage (or foot massage!).  Some of the top-rated spas are:  La Siesta Spa (at La Siesta Hotel & Spa), Hanoi La Belle Spa (20 Hang Thung Str.), Hanoi Ciel Spa, Hanoi Marguerite Spa, and foot massage at Marvel Foot Massage at Marvellous Hotel (check current reviews before booking.)

Click here to book a good tour, activity or get tickets now

***Vietnam Travel Tip: Make sure to ask your hotel how to know if a taxi is official, and NEVER get into one that doesn’t fit that exact description!

Hanoi Travel Tip:  You can hire a private guide for a walking tour, go on a group tour, take one of the Free Hanoi Kids Walking Tours, or do a self-guided tour (map everything out in advance, see my post on the Best Travel Apps.)

Vietnam Itinerary 3 weeks

EAT

Where to eat in Hanoi and what to eat for some of the best food in Vietnam

  • If you stay in the French Quarter start your day early by having coffee with the locals at Kalina Cafe across from the lake.  Also, have coffee at Nang (Since 1956,) and try a traditional egg coffee at Giang (make sure you go to the official one, there are copycats.)
  • Have a typical bowl of bun cha soup for breakfast at Bún chả Hương Liên.
  • For Pho try Pho Gia Truyen, for bahn mi try Bahn Mi 25.
  • Enjoy dinner at a barbeque restaurant where you cook your own meat and vegetables right at your table!
  • Take a street food tour to try some of Vietnam’s best food.
  • Eat at Quan An Ngon, a top-notch group of street-food vendors who cook their signature dishes in the courtyard of an old villa.
  • Some of the highly rated restaurants for dinner (some are open for lunch) include Red Bean Trendy La Siesta, Home, Grandmas Restaurant, Quan An Ngon, and Ngon Villa Restaurant.

Click here to join a dining experience, take a cooking class or go on a food tour with locals

Vietnam itinerary, Sapa

3 Weeks in Vietnam Itinerary

*Skip this if you are doing the shorter Vietnam travel itinerary 10 days

4 Days Sapa

GET THERE

How to get to Sapa

  • The best way to get to Sapa is to take a private van or train.  Overnight or day trains are available both ways.

Click here to book your transportation to Sapa now

STAY

Where to stay in Sapa

  • There are many small boutique hotels, some luxury resorts, and homestays in Sapa- lots of great options depending on what type of experience you are looking for.

Looking for the best place to stay in Sapa? Find the best prices at top-rated hotels here

Click here to read reviews and see prices on  Booking.com or Agoda.com


DO

Top things to do in Sapa

  • It’s all about the outdoors and the culture in this beautiful region of Vietnam.  There is great hiking with incredible scenery- rice fields, waterfalls… Consider hiring a private guide or going on group tours.
  • You can read about all of the things to do in Sapa, including tours, here.

Click here to book a good tour now

Day 8 Private van or train back to Hanoi (or an overnight train)

Click here to book a good transfer from Sapa to Hanoi now

Stay 1 night in Hanoi at the same hotel or stay in another area of Hanoi (if you already stayed in the Old Quarter, stay in the French Quarter.)

Pack carry on only for your trip to Vietnam!  Get the Ultimate Carry On Packing List

Get a FREE Carry On Packing Checklist download by signing up on my email list to the right→↑

Click here to check out my favorite carry on suitcase for international travel 

Vietnam Itinerary 3 weeks- HaLong Bay Cruise

Dragon Legend Cruise in January

Vietnam 3 Week Itinerary

3 days, 2 nights Ha Long Bay Cruise 

*For the 10 days in Vietnam itinerary, go on the 1 night/2 day cruise

GET THERE

How to get to Ha Long Bay

  • The shuttle will pick you up in the morning from your hotel.

Vietnam Travel Tip:  If you go during winter in the North, it may be cold so bring some warm clothes and a jacket.

Click here to see my favorite jacket that I pack for most of our trips

Vietnam Itinerary 3 weeks- HaLong Bay Cruise

STAY

  • Book the luxurious Dragon Legend “junk” (boat) and enjoy cruising on Ha Long Bay and out to the less-traveled Bai Tu Long Bay.  This was a fantastic experience!

Click here to book the incredible HaLong Bay Cruise now

Vietnam Itinerary 3 weeks- HaLong Bay Cruise

DO

  • Make sure to do all of the activities that are offered onboard.  The kayaking excursion was a family favorite.
Vietnam Itinerary 3 weeks- HaLong Bay Cruise

Early Morning Tai Chi

Book the best Halong Bay Cruise here

Travel Tip:  You can opt-out of the touristic village visit (and puppet show) on the way back to Hanoi and do what we did.  Arrange (in advance) for a private van to take you straight to the airport.

Travel to Vietnam with the Best Travel Apps downloaded on your phone

Vietnam Itinerary, Hue

Central Vietnam Itinerary for 3 weeks in Vietnam Itinerary

2 Days Hue itinerary

For the Vietnam itinerary 10 days or Vietnam itinerary 2 weeks, fly into Da Nang and go straight to Hoi An (see below)

GET THERE

How to get to Hue

  • Take a late flight from Hanoi to Hue.

Find the best prices on flights to Hue here

STAY

Where to stay in Hue

  • Stay at a boutique hotel in or near Hue.

Looking for the best place to stay in Hue? Find the best prices at top-rated hotels here

Click here to read reviews and see prices on  Booking.com or Agoda.com


DO

Top things to do in Hue

  • Visit the ruins of the ancient Imperial city and the Hue Citadel.  You can walk, ride bikes or ride in a cyclo.  Arrange a car through your hotel to take you to the Tomb of Tu Doc (6 km out in the countryside), or take a boat trip to the Thien Mu Pagoda and see some of Hue’s best imperial tombs (Khai Dinh and Minh Mang.)
  • After dinner stroll along the Perfume River.

Click here to book a good tour of hue (or day trip from Hue) now

Vietnam Itinerary, Hoian

3 week Vietnam Itinerary

5 days Hoi An itinerary

GET THERE

How to get to Hoi An

  • Arrange transportation in a van through your hotel, or if you dare, go on escorted scooters (not recommended if it is hot or if you are traveling with young kids!)

Click here to book your transportation now

Vietnam Travel Tip:  Go through the scenic Havan Pass (21 kilometers) on your way south, then go through Danang to see China Beach.

Vietnam Itinerary 3 weeks- Hoi An

STAY

Where to stay in Hoi An

  • Stay at a nice resort with a pool in town.

Looking for the best place to stay in Hoi An? Find the best prices at top-rated hotels here

Click here to read reviews and see prices on  Booking.com or Agoda.com

Travel Tip:  Try to get breakfast included in your room rate.  It’s a great way to start the day in HoiAn.


Best Activities Vietnam

DO

Top things to do in Hoi An

  • Ride bikes (rain or shine) through the local villages (including the pottery-making village) amongst the rice fields and buffalo. Tours of the countryside are also available.
  • Take a walking tour through the town of Hoi An to see the charm and the sights. Stroll the lantern lite pedestrian streets at night.
  • Have some clothes custom-made at Ba Ri Taylors.  Do this on your first day to allow time for fittings and alterations. Feel free to bring pictures of clothes you would like made.
  • Take a local cooking class (check out Morning Glory.)
Vietnam Itinerary

The famous silk lanterns of Hoi An

  • Shop at the local stores and in the daily night markets (buy some silk lanterns to take home.)
  • Have a massage at Palmarosa, White Rose (check current reviews,) or La Siesta.
  • Optional half day trip:  My Son, “Beautiful Mountain,” known for its cluster of Hindu temples–some of which date back to the 7th Century.

Click here to book a good tour or activity now

Vietnam coffee

EAT

Where to eat in Hoi An and what to eat

  • Go to Phin Coffee, get a demo, and learn about traditional Vietnamese coffee making.  Have a coffee at What Else.
  • For dinner, Morning Glory Restaurant has some of the best food in town (make a reservation.)  Mr. Son has great local eats in a very casual environment.  Try Kumquat BBQ if you would like to eat dinner on a farm (need transportation.)  Miss Ly Cafeteria is also popular.
  • For Bahn Mi (sandwiches,) try Bahn Mi Phuong and Phi Bahn Mi.  If you are out at the beach, Gia Cottage is reputable.

Click here to join a dining experience, take a cooking class or go on a food tour with locals

Southern Vietnam Itinerary for 3 Weeks Vietnam Itinerary:

Vietnam Itinerary, Ho Chi Minh City

2 Days Ho Chi Minh City itinerary (Saigon)

*With 2 nights in Saigon, this itinerary is 19 days/nights, which is 3 weeks of travel coming from several countries (losing one day in travel and another day with the time change.)

GET THERE

How to get to Ho Chi Minh City

  • Take an afternoon flight from Danang Airport to Ho Chi Minh City.
  • Book transportation from the airport to your hotel

Click here to search for the lowest flight prices to Ho Chi Minh City

Click here to book your airport pick up now

STAY

Where to stay in Ho Chi Minh City

  • Stay at a central hotel, with a pool if it is summer in the South of Vietnam.

Looking for the best place to stay in Ho Chi Minh City? Find the best prices at top-rated hotels here

Click here to read reviews and see prices on  Booking.com or Agoda.com

*Get breakfast included room package.  It makes it easy and convenient to eat in the morning, and the buffets are plentiful with excellent food.


Ho Chi Minh City Travel Tip: One day in the city is plenty of time to see the sites.  I recommend planning a day trip outside the city, or plan relaxation time by the pool (or getting spa treatments), or shopping into your days.

DO

Top things to do in Ho Chi Minh City

  • Set out (walk or take a cyclo tour) to explore the Reunification Palace (former Presidential Palace), Notre Dame Cathedral, the General Post Office, and the Opera House.
  • Visit the War Remnants Museum.
  • Take a half day trip to visit the interesting Cu Chi Tunnels (arrange through your hotel.)
  • Take a day trip to see the Cai Be floating market and bike tour (arrange through your hotel.)
  • Shop (and haggle over the price) at Ben Thanh Market.
  • Get a massage at Temple Leaf Spa or at your hotel.
  • See A O Show at the Opera House.

Ho Chi Minh City Travel Tip:  Saigon Free Walking Tours has a good reputation.

Click here to book a good tour, activity or get tickets now

EAT

Where to eat in Ho Chi Minh City

  • Take a street food tour.  Don’t miss the famous Lunch Lady (don’t go to the copycat around the corner!) Order her “Bun bo Hue,” (soup) and eat it there or get it to go.  We brought it back to our hotel and ate it by the pool while looking out over the city!
  • Go to happy hour at a rooftop bar.

Click here to join a dining experience, take a cooking class or go on a food tour with locals

GETTING HOME

  • Fly out of the Ho Chi Mihn City International Airport

Vietnam Itinerary 4 weeks

Options:  1) Stay longer in any or all of the places above.

2) For some nice time at the beach, fly from Danang to Nha Trang.  Then go to the mountains and stay in Dalat, before going to Saigon.

3) Fly from Danang to Can Tho to stay in a local village and take a boat to the largest floating market in Vietnam, then go to Saigon.

4) After the Halong Bay Cruise, go stay in or near Cat Ba National Park. Return to Hanoi and spend more time there before flying to Hue.

More details for the 2 Week Vietnam Itinerary option

For a 2 weeks in Vietnam Itinerary…

Go on a 1 night/2 day Ha Long Bay cruise, return directly to the Hanoi Airport to fly south (rather than spend the night in Hanoi.)  Skip either Sapa, or Hue (fly into Danang) and Ho Chi Mihn City (flying home from Danang).

Vietnam Map

Vietnam itinerary Map

For more tips and travel advice on Southeast Asia

Vietnam Cambodia Itinerary:

Best of Cambodia Itinerary: Must-See Temples, Beaches & Countryside

Vietnam Thailand itinerary:

Ultimate Thailand Itinerary: 10 Days of Fun and Relaxation (Don’t miss the highlight of Thailand!)

and  Ultimate 4 Day Bangkok Itinerary: Exploring the Best of Thailand’s Capital

For a Vietnam Cambodia Thailand Itinerary, just combine all the above!

Vietnam Bali Itinerary

Bucket List Vacation : Bali Itinerary 10 Days of Bliss (with itineraries for 4, 5 and 7 days in Bali)

More Travel Resources

Trip Advisor, Lonely Planet, Travel and Leisure, Forbes Travel, Travel Channel