Itinerary #3: Very Vietnam
Vietnam never ceases to amaze, effortlessly blending the charm of antiquity with the vibrancy of the present.
On this 3 week Vietnam itinerary, you’ll explore lush rice paddies, immerse yourself in the essence of traditional villages, wander through bustling markets, and visit the serene temples and pagodas.
Itinerary overview
This itinerary covers a comprehensive 19-day journey through Vietnam, beginning with exploration in Hanoi, including visits to cultural sites, museums, and a water puppet show.
The itinerary then proceeds to picturesque locations like Mai Chau Valley, Ninh Binh, and Halong Bay, followed by a cultural and historical immersion in Hue, Hoi An, Nha Trang, and Dalat. The trip ends with a visit to Ho Chi Minh City, including stops at Tay Ninh, Cu Chi Tunnels, and finally, departure from Tan Son Nhat Airport. Read more.
What these 3 weeks in Vietnam look like.
Day 1
- Arrive at Hanoi Noi Bai International Airport.
- Transfer to your hotel and check-in.
- City tour in the afternoon, including Hoan Kiem Lake, Ngoc Son Temple, and the Old Quarter of Hanoi.
Day 2
- Full-day city tour, visiting Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum, One-Pillar Pagoda, and the Army Museum.
- Explore the Temple of Literature, Fine Arts Museum, and Quan Thanh Temple.
- Enjoy a Water Puppet Show in the evening.
Day 3
- Explore more of Hanoi, including the Ho Chi Minh Museum, Hoa Lo Prison (Hanoi Hilton), and the Vietnamese Women's Museum.
Day 4
- Drive to Mai Chau Valley.
- Explore surrounding villages and rice paddies by bicycle or on foot.
- Overnight in a traditional stilt house.
Day 5
- Drive to Ninh Binh, known as "the Dry Halong Bay."
- Explore Trang An Grottoes by boat, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Visit Hoa Lu Ancient Capital.
- Overnight in Ninh Binh.
Day 6
- Drive to Halong via Hai Phong.
- Short sightseeing tour in Hai Phong.
- Overnight in Halong.
Day 7
- Explore Halong Bay, a World Heritage Site with limestone islets and caves.
- Visit islands, caves, and swim at Titov Beach.
- Dinner and overnight on the boat.
Day 8
- Continue your Halong Bay cruise in the morning.
- Return to Hanoi in the afternoon.
- Free time to explore Hanoi or relax.
Day 9
- Fly to Hue.
- Take a boat trip on the Perfume River to visit Thien Mu Pagoda, Imperial City, and King Tu Duc’s Tomb.
- Stroll around Dong Ba Market if time allows.
Day 10
- Explore Kim Long Village by bike.
- Experience Hue’s cultural relics and art of living.
Day 11
- Drive to Hoi An via Danang, with a visit to the Cham Museum before proceeding to Hoi An.
- Free time to explore Hoi An in the evening.
Day 12
- Explore Hoi An's Ancient Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Visit Japanese Covered Bridge, Hoi An Museum, and the local markets.
- Relax on An Bang Beach.
Day 13
- Join a tour to explore the local fishermen community, including fishing techniques and a seafood lunch.
Day 14
- Fly to Nha Trang.
- Visit the Po Nagar Cham Towers and Long Son Pagoda.
Day 15
- Drive to Da Lat.
- Explore Da Lat, visiting the Summer Palace of Emperor Bao Dai, Xuan Huong Lake, and the "Crazy House."
Day 16
- Visit the Da Lat Flower Garden and stop by tea, coffee, and rubber plantations.
- Drive to Ho Chi Minh City.
Day 17
- City tour, including the History Museum, former Presidential Palace, Central Post Office, and Notre Dame Cathedral.
- Afternoon visit to Thien Hau Temple, Chinatown, and Binh Tay Market.
Day 18
- Visit Tay Ninh to explore Cao Dai.
- Continue to Cu Chi Tunnels, used during the Vietnam War.
- Return to Ho Chi Minh City for the night.
Day 19
- Enjoy leisure time until your transfer to Tan Son Nhat International Airport for departure.
Feeling curious? Take a step forward and book this trip now.
Don't have a lot of time at your disposal? Our 5-day Vietnam itineraries will come to your rescue.
