3 Weeks in Vietnam Itinerary

Are you planning to spend 3 weeks in Vietnam? If so, you're in for a treat! Vietnam is a beautiful country with a rich culture, diverse landscapes, and delicious cuisine. In this blog post, I'll share with you my 3 weeks in Vietnam itinerary, covering the best places to visit, things to do, and tips to make the most of your trip. Whether you're looking for adventure, relaxation, or culture, this itinerary has something for everyone. Let's get started!

Day 1: Arrive in Hanoi

Hanoi is the capital of Vietnam and a great place to start your 3 weeks in Vietnam itinerary. Hanoi is a vibrant city with a mix of old and new, where you can explore the historic Old Quarter, visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, and enjoy the street food scene. You can also take a cyclo tour around the city or watch a water puppet show at the Thang Long Theatre.

Day 2: Hanoi - Halong Bay

Halong Bay is one of the most famous attractions in Vietnam and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It's a stunning bay with thousands of limestone islands and caves, where you can cruise on a traditional junk boat, kayak, swim, and admire the scenery. You can either take a day trip from Hanoi or stay overnight on a boat for a more immersive experience.

Day 3: Hanoi - Sapa

You'll leave Hanoi and head to Sapa, a mountain town in the north of Vietnam. Sapa is famous for its stunning scenery of rice terraces, valleys, and peaks. You'll also meet some of the ethnic minority groups that live in the area, such as the Hmong, Dao, and Tay. You'll stay overnight in a homestay with a local family.

Day 4: Sapa

3 weeks in Vietnam itinerary
You have a full day to trek around Sapa and admire the natural beauty of the region. You'll visit some of the villages and learn about their culture and traditions. You'll also see some of the waterfalls and streams that dot the landscape.

Day 5: Sapa - Hanoi

You'll leave Sapa and head back to Hanoi. You'll have some free time in Hanoi to do some more shopping or sightseeing.

Day 6: Hanoi - Ninh Binh

You'll leave Hanoi and head to Ninh Binh, a province in the south of Hanoi that is often called "Halong Bay on land". Ninh Binh is known for its karst formations, caves, and rivers. You'll take a boat ride along the Tam Coc river, passing by rice fields and limestone cliffs. You'll also visit the Hoa Lu ancient capital, where you can see some of the temples and pagodas from the 10th century.

Day 7: Hanoi - Hue

You'll leave Ninh Binh and head back to Hanoi. You'll have some free time in Hanoi to do some more shopping or sightseeing.

After enjoying the sunrise and breakfast on your boat, you'll head back to Hanoi and catch a flight to Hue. Hue is the former imperial capital of Vietnam and a cultural hub, where you can visit the Citadel, the royal tombs, and the Thien Mu Pagoda. You can also take a boat ride on the Perfume River or explore the local markets.

Day 8: Hue - Hoi An

Hoi An is another UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most charming towns in Vietnam. It's known for its well-preserved ancient town, where you can see the Japanese Bridge, the Chinese temples, and the colorful lanterns. You can also shop for tailor-made clothes, take a cooking class, or relax on the beach.

Day 9: Hoi An

You have a full day to enjoy Hoi An at your own pace. You can rent a bike and cycle around the countryside, visit the nearby My Son Sanctuary, or join a day trip to Cham Island for some snorkeling or diving.

Day 10: Hoi An - Da Nang - Nha Trang

You'll leave Hoi An and head to Da Nang, where you'll catch a flight to Nha Trang. Nha Trang is a popular beach destination in Vietnam, where you can enjoy the sun, sand, and sea. You can also visit the Po Nagar Cham Towers, the Long Son Pagoda, or the Vinpearl Land amusement park.

Day 11: Nha Trang

You have another day to relax in Nha Trang or join some optional activities. You can take a boat tour to some of the nearby islands, go scuba diving or snorkeling, or try some water sports like parasailing or jet skiing.

Day 12: Nha Trang - Da Lat

You'll leave Nha Trang and head to Da Lat, a hill station in the Central Highlands of Vietnam. Da Lat is known for its cool climate, pine forests, waterfalls, and flowers. You can visit the Crazy House, a quirky architectural wonder, the Bao Dai Summer Palace, the former residence of the last emperor of Vietnam, or the Xuan Huong Lake.

Day 13: Da Lat

You have a full day to explore Da Lat and its surroundings. You can take a cable car to Truc Lam Monastery, a Zen Buddhist temple with beautiful gardens, hike to Lang Biang Mountain for panoramic views of the city, or visit some of the waterfalls like Datanla or Elephant Falls.

Day 14: Da Lat - Ho Chi Minh City

You'll leave Da Lat and head to Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Saigon), the largest and most modern city in Vietnam. Ho Chi Minh City is a dynamic metropolis with a lot of history, culture, and nightlife. You can visit the War Remnants Museum, the Reunification Palace, and the Notre Dame Cathedral. You can also explore the Cu Chi Tunnels, a network of underground tunnels used by the Viet Cong during the Vietnam War.

Day 15: Ho Chi Minh City - Mekong Delta

You'll leave Ho Chi Minh City and head to the Mekong Delta, the fertile region where the Mekong River splits into nine branches and flows into the sea. You'll take a boat tour along the river, passing by rice paddies, coconut groves, and floating markets. You'll also visit some local villages and learn about their culture and lifestyle.

Day 16: Mekong Delta - Ho Chi Minh City - Phu Quoc

You'll return to Ho Chi Minh City and catch a flight to Phu Quoc, an island paradise in the Gulf of Thailand. Phu Quoc is known for its pristine beaches, crystal clear water, and lush tropical forest. You can relax on the sand, swim in the sea, or join some optional activities like fishing, snorkeling, or kayaking.

Day 17: Phu Quoc

You have a full day to enjoy Phu Quoc at your own pace. You can visit the Phu Quoc National Park, home to diverse wildlife and plants, the Phu Quoc Prison Museum, where you can learn about the history of the island during the Vietnam War, or the Dinh Cau Temple, a sacred site for the locals.

Day 18: Phu Quoc

You have another day to relax in Phu Quoc or join some optional activities. You can take a boat tour to some of the nearby islands, go scuba diving or snorkeling, or try some water sports like parasailing or jet skiing.

Day 19: Phu Quoc - Ho Chi Minh City

You'll leave Phu Quoc and head back to Ho Chi Minh City.

Day 20: Ho Chi Minh City

Enjoy your final day in Vietnam.

Day 21: Depart from Ho Chi Minh City

Your 3 weeks in Vietnam itinerary comes to an end today. You'll be transferred to the airport for your flight home or to your next destination. I hope you enjoyed your trip and have many wonderful memories of Vietnam!

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