Three weeks is the perfect amount of time to see the best of Vietnam at a relaxed pace. This 21-day itinerary takes you from the bustling streets of Hanoi to the serene Mekong Delta, with plenty of cultural experiences, scenic landscapes, and delicious food along the way.
🗓️ Days 1–4: Hanoi – The Heart of Vietnam
- Day 1: Arrive in Hanoi, settle in, evening stroll around Hoan Kiem Lake.
- Day 2: Explore the Old Quarter, Temple of Literature, Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, and enjoy a water puppet show.
- Day 3: Day trip to Ninh Binh (Trang An boat ride or Mua Cave viewpoint).
- Day 4: Relax, enjoy coffee culture, and take a street food tour.
⛴️ Days 5–7: Ha Long Bay or Lan Ha Bay Cruise
- Embark on a 2D1N or 3D2N cruise through emerald waters and limestone karsts.
- Kayak, visit floating villages, explore hidden caves.
- Return to Hanoi and fly to Da Nang on Day 7.
🏯 Days 8–11: Hoi An – Lantern Town & Beaches
- Day 8: Explore Hoi An Ancient Town, visit Japanese Covered Bridge.
- Day 9: Take a cooking class, cycle to the countryside, or visit Tra Que vegetable village.
- Day 10: Relax on An Bang Beach or take a day trip to My Son Sanctuary.
- Day 11: Free day for shopping, tailor-made clothes, and enjoying Hoi An’s lantern-lit evenings.
🏙️ Days 12–14: Hue – Imperial City
- Take a scenic drive over Hai Van Pass to Hue.
- Visit the Imperial Citadel, royal tombs, and Thien Mu Pagoda.
- Sample Hue’s royal cuisine and take a dragon boat ride on the Perfume River.
🌴 Days 15–17: Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)
- Discover Notre Dame Cathedral, Central Post Office, War Remnants Museum.
- Explore Ben Thanh Market and sample street food.
- Take a day trip to Cu Chi Tunnels to learn about Vietnam’s war history.
🚤 Days 18–20: Mekong Delta Adventure
- Overnight in Can Tho or Vinh Long.
- Visit floating markets, fruit orchards, and enjoy boat rides through lush canals.
- Return to Ho Chi Minh City on Day 20.
✈️ Day 21: Departure
Relax, shop for last-minute souvenirs, and head to the airport for your flight home.
💡 Travel Tips
- Best time to go: October – April for dry, pleasant weather.
- Pace: This itinerary is balanced — enough time to enjoy each city without rushing.
- Flexibility: Add extra nights in your favorite destinations (Hoi An and Ha Long Bay are popular for extended stays).
