Easy 3 Weeks Vietnam Itinerary: From North to South

Week 1: Hanoi - Ninh Binh - Halong Bay

Day 1: Arrival in Hanoi

Activities:

• Check into your accommodation in Hanoi

• Walk around Hoan Kiem Lake

• Visit Ngoc Son Temple

• Explore the bustling Old Quarter

• Enjoy traditional Vietnamese dinner

• Watch a water puppet show

Day 2: Exploring Hanoi

Activities:

• Visit Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum Complex

• Explore One Pillar Pagoda

• Tour the Temple of Literature

• Visit Hoa Lo Prison (Hanoi Hilton)

• Discover the Museum of Ethnology

• Stroll through the French Quarter

• Try egg coffee at a local cafe: Cafe Giang, Oriberry Coffee, Dinh Coffee,...

Hanoi egg coffee is a must-try

Days 3-4: Ninh Binh Excursion

Often called "Halong Bay on land," Ninh Binh features stunning limestone karsts rising from rice paddies and winding rivers.

Activities:

• Take a boat tour through Tam Coc

• Visit the ancient capital of Hoa Lu

• Explore Van Long Nature Reserve

• Climb to the panoramic viewpoint at Mua Cave

• Experience a rural homestay

• Cycle through rice fields and villages

• Return to Hanoi on day 4 evening

Boat ride through golden rice of Tam Coc

Days 5: Halong Bay

Halong Bay, with its thousands of limestone islands emerging from emerald waters, is Vietnam's most iconic natural wonder and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Activities:

• Travel from Hanoi to Halong Bay: 

• Board an overnight cruise

• Visit magnificent limestone caves

• Kayak around karst formations

• Swim in the bay (weather permitting)

• Enjoy fresh seafood dinner onboard

• Participate in evening activities (squid fishing or movie night)

Kayak in Halong Bay

Days 6-7: Cat Ba Island

The largest island in Halong Bay offers beautiful beaches, dense jungle, and a more authentic experience.

Activities:

• Disembark cruise at Cat Ba Island

• Explore Cat Ba National Park

• Hike to panoramic viewpoints

• Relax on secluded beaches

• Take a boat trip to Lan Ha Bay

• Visit floating fishing villages

• Return to Hanoi on day 7 evening

Cat Ba Island's highest point

Week 2: Sapa - Hue - Da Nang

Day 8: Travel to Sapa

Sapa is famous for its terraced rice fields and diverse ethnic minority groups, providing a glimpse into traditional mountain life.

Activities:

• Take overnight train or bus from Hanoi to Sapa

• Check into accommodation upon morning arrival

• Acclimatize with short walk around Sapa town

• Visit Cat Cat village of the Black H'mong people

• Shop for handmade textiles and crafts

• Enjoy dinner with mountain views

Cat Cat village

Days 9-10: Sapa Trekking

Activities:

• Trek through terraced rice fields

• Visit ethnic minority villages (Ta Van, Lao Chai, Y Linh Ho)

• Meet Red Dao and Giay communities

• Experience a homestay with a local family

• Learn about traditional crafts and customs

• Visit Bac Ha Market (Sunday only)

• Return to Hanoi on evening of day 10

Sapa trekking

Day 11: Fly to Hue

Central Vietnam offers a perfect blend of history, culture, and beautiful coastline. Starting in Hue city.

Activities:

• Take morning flight from Hanoi to Hue

• Visit the Imperial Citadel

• Explore the Forbidden Purple City

• Tour the royal grounds and gardens

• Taste Hue's unique imperial cuisine

• Enjoy an evening walk along the Perfume River

Hue Imperial Citadel

Day 12: Hue Surroundings

Activities:

• Take a dragon boat ride on the Perfume River

• Visit the seven-story Thien Mu Pagoda

• Explore Emperor Tu Duc's Tomb

• Tour the elaborate Khai Dinh Tomb

• Shop for traditional crafts

• Taste Hue's famous street food

Hue’s beef noodle soup

Day 13: Travel to Da Nang

Activities:

• Journey over the scenic Hai Van Pass

• Stop at Lang Co Beach

• Visit the Marble Mountains with temples and caves

• Arrive in Da Nang

• Relax at My Khe Beach

• Enjoy seafood dinner by the Han River

• View the Dragon Bridge light show (weekends)

Dragon bridge in Da Nang breathes fire in weekend’s night

Day 14: Hoi An Ancient Town

This UNESCO-protected ancient port town is famous for its well-preserved architecture, tailor shops, and magical atmosphere.

Activities:

• Walk through the pedestrianized old town

• Visit the Japanese Covered Bridge

• Explore Chinese assembly halls

• Tour ancient merchant houses

• Visit the local market

• Get measured for custom clothing

• Enjoy the town illuminated by lanterns at night

Hoi An ancient town at night

Week 3: Hoi An - Ho Chi Minh City - Mekong Delta

Day 15: Countryside and Cooking

Activities:

• Bicycle through rural villages

• Visit Tra Que Vegetable Village

• Participate in a cooking class

• Learn to make Vietnamese dishes

• Cruise on the Thu Bon River

• Shop for souvenirs and crafts

• Pick up tailored clothing

Explore the countryside of Hoi An by bicycle

Day 16: Day Trip Options

Activities (choose one):

• Visit My Son Sanctuary, ancient Hindu temples

• Relax at An Bang Beach

• Take a day trip to the Cham Islands

• Join a fishing tour with local fishermen

• Explore the Thanh Ha Pottery Village

• Return to Hoi An for final evening

Day 17: Fly to Ho Chi Minh City

Activities:

• Take morning flight from Da Nang to Ho Chi Minh City

• Visit the Reunification Palace

• Tour the War Remnants Museum

• Explore Ben Thanh Market

• Walk down Nguyen Hue Walking Street

• Experience the nightlife on Bui Vien Street

Reunification Palace in Ho Chi Minh City

Day 18: Ho Chi Minh City Highlights

Activities:

• Visit Notre Dame Cathedral

• Tour the Central Post Office

• Explore the Jade Emperor Pagoda

• Discover Cho Lon (Chinatown)

• Visit Thien Hau Temple

• Shop at modern malls or local markets

• Enjoy drinks at a rooftop bar

Thien Hau Temple

Day 19: Cu Chi Tunnels

Activities:

• Take half-day trip to Cu Chi Tunnels

• Learn about Vietnam War history

• Crawl through preserved tunnel sections

• See military demonstrations

• Return to the city for afternoon relaxation

• Visit Bitexco Financial Tower for panoramic views

• Enjoy a traditional spa treatment

Cu Chi Tunnels

Days 20-21: Mekong Delta

Activities:

• Travel to Can Tho or Ben Tre

• Visit colorful floating markets

• Cruise narrow canals by sampan boat

• Tour fruit orchards and coconut groves

• Visit local cottage industries

• Cycle through peaceful villages

• Experience homestay accommodation

• Return to Ho Chi Minh City for departure

Cai Rang floating market

3 weeks in Vietnam gives you enough time to slow down, explore deeply, and uncover the heart of the country - one region at a time. Ready to plan your own unforgettable adventure? Contact us today!