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Located next to the South China Sea, Vietnam is one of the most diverse countries on the planet and an incredibly popular travel destination for backpacking in Southeast Asia. However, this region is certainly not exclusive to backpackers as Vietnam offers unique experiences for every type of tourist. Whether you seek iconic scenery or authentic culture, sublime cuisine or mystical cave encounters; from top to bottom, this is the ultimate destination in Southeast Asia to travel overland.
Where to Begin Your Vietnam Adventure
While most visitors will arrive in either Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City, there is really no difference where you plan to start your trip. In most instances, travelers will opt for the most affordable flights, which can involve flying into Hanoi and returning from Ho Chi Minh City. This is referred to as an “open jaw” flight, and travel agents are always a great resource for finding and booking the best option for you.
Flag of Vietnam © Sezer Ozger | Dreamstime.com
Keep in mind also that Air Asia offers extremely cheap flights between these two major cities. This means that if you purchase a round trip ticket to and from the same location, you can easily return to the starting point to catch your international flight back home.
Now that we have sorted this out, I would like to share what I consider to be the perfect itinerary for three amazing weeks in Vietnam. This epic adventure starts in Hanoi and takes you down south as far as Ho Chi Minh City.
The Best Things to Do in Vietnam in 3 Weeks
Day 1 & 2 – Hanoi, The Capital of Vietnam
Hanoi is one of the most dynamic and fastest moving cities in the world. Located in the very north of Vietnam, it’s a great base for exploring nearby Halong Bay and even Sapa. You will quickly discover that Hanoi is a great introduction to Vietnam and a place where street food vendors are almost as common as the scooters zooming by.
Vietnamese sales women on the streets of Hanoi © Richard Van Der Woude | Dreamstime.com
Flower vendor in the Old Quarter of Hanoi © dragoncello | Dreamstime.com
Busy street in the Old Quarter of Hanoi © Rsphotos | Dreamstime.com
Another busy street in the Old Quarter © Grace5648 | Dreamstime.com
Locals hanging out on a railway line passing between buildings in the Old Quarter of Hanoi © Nils Versemann | Dreamstime.com
Cyclo driver on a street in Hanoi…the fun Vietnamese taxi © Richard Van Der Woude | Dreamstime.com
Evening traffic in the Old Quarter of Hanoi © Outcast85 | Dreamstime.com
When you finish spending time in the busy Old Quarter, take time to wander the streets where you can also take in the One Pillar Pagoda, the Military Museum and Ba Dinh Square which was the location for the famous speech in which Ho Chi Minh read the Declaration of the Republic of Vietnam. Take one night to get over the jet lag and another to start your best-of-Vietnam adventure by exploring the vibrant streets of Hanoi.
Tran Quoc pagoda in the morning, the oldest temple in Hanoi © Anton Petrus | Dreamstime.com
Day 3 & 4 – Sapa (Sa Pa)
Sapa is home to arguably the most authentic tribe encounter in all of Vietnam. Located in the mountains to the north of Hanoi, this region is accessible by train and perfect for enjoying a homestay. The tribes are just one reason to explore this exotic area; the rolling hills and valleys offer some of the most spectacular mountain scenery in Southeast Asia. Visiting the markets, you can quite easily interact with the locals, but then this is also the benefit of a homestay in which local meals and a very primitive experience are the main highlights.
Walking around Sapa, Vietnam © Noamfein | Dreamstime.com
Rice terraces at sunset near Sapa in Northern Vietnam © Kriangkraiwut Boonlom | Dreamstime.com
Day 5, 6 & 7 – Halong Bay, Vietnam’s Most Famous Attraction
Having traveled back to Hanoi, Halong Bay (Ha Long Bay) should be next on your travel itinerary for Vietnam. It’s often said that you simply can’t visit Vietnam without laying eyes on Halong Bay. Situated in the Gulf of Tonkin, the limestone peaks in Halong Bay are famous all over the world and form part of a truly unique seascape.
While this is also the most visited attraction on in Vietnam, the majesty of this region never fails to impress those who can withstand the tourist crowds. The beautiful jade colored waters surrounding these peaks are mesmerizing along with the tropical forest which grows at the very top of each landmass.
Beautiful day in Halong Bay, Vietnam © Michal Stipek | Dreamstime.com
Sunset over Halong Bay © Luciano Mortula | Dreamstime.com
Featuring mangroves, colorful marine life, and mystical caves, Halong is a must for anyone looking to experience the best of Vietnam. My personal recommendation is to plan for a two-night tour. Of course, you can experience this area on a one day tour from Hanoi, but the truth is, with so much travel in between, any less than two days is extremely rushed.
Day 8 – Ninh Binh and Trang An
In spite of Vietnam being an incredibly popular travel destination, Ninh Binh remains one of the few hidden treasures. Located between Hanoi and Halong Bay, this region is best known for the towering limestone cliffs and caves which dominate some truly luscious valleys. You can take a relaxing boat trip down the Sao Khe River here, but the opportunity to visit nearby temples and caves is usually the highlight. Trang An is just a short drive from Ninh Binh, so these two destinations can be incorporated into the same trip.
Spectacular view of Ninh Binh, Vietnam © Saaaaa | Dreamstime.com
Lush hills near Trang An, Vietnam © Krajinar | Dreamstime.com
Ninh Binh and the Sao Khe River at sunset © Hcongthanh | Dreamstime.com
Whether you find yourself marveling at the majestic Phat Diem Cathedral or getting lost in Mua Cave, this is truly a magical place to experience, far from the tourist crowds of Halong Bay.
Amazing view from Mua Cave in Ninh Binh, Vietnam © Juergen Huber | Dreamstime.com
Day 9 & 10 – Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park
Within Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, you will find extraordinary caves, including Son Doong, the largest cave on the planet. Interestingly, it was only discovered in recent years by accident. Unfortunately, the cost of exploring this particular cave is very high, but you can enjoy the surrounding region at just a fraction of the price.
Take Paradise Cave for example; the entry fee is minimal, and the interior of the cave is immense. Located deep in the National Park just a short distance from the infamous Son Doong, this is the perfect opportunity to take an affordable adventure deep into the local landscapes.
Inside the beautiful Paradise Cave in Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, Vietnam © Robin Runck | Dreamstime.com
Boats in Phong Nga-Ke Bang National Park, Vietnam © Hoxuanhuong | Dreamstime.com
Inside another stunning cave in Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park in Vietnam © Hoxuanhuong | Dreamstime.com
At the same time, taking a motorbike tour with Phong Nha Riders is one of the great experiences in this part of the world. Through rugged winding roads, you can expect a magical encounter with unique landscapes and interactions with the local communities. The drivers will often stop to introduce you to local families and their way of life.
Day 11 & 12 – Hue
Hue is another authentic experience and worthy of a spot on any travel itinerary for Vietnam. Renowned for being the home of Nguyen Emperors, this ancient capital is now a symbol for Imperial Vietnam and local traditions. In many ways, recent war and advancing civilization have started to erase some of its authenticity. However, “Hway” is still a truly fascinating place to visit.
Thien Mu Pagoda in Hue, Vietnam © Luciano Mortula | Dreamstime.com
Located next to the Perfume River, the city is perfect to explore on foot. Overall, it offers a laid back experience to tourists arriving here from the manic streets of Hanoi. Featuring excellent hotels, restaurants, bars and general tourist infrastructure, the town offers a comfortable stay. It’s also an ideal base for discovering the pagodas, temples, tombs and many ancient remnants in the area.
Day 13 & 14 – Hoi An
Hoi An is arguably the most famous and expensive travel destination in Vietnam. This charming hub, however, is worthy of such reputation. It’s best known for professional tailors and colorful buildings dotted throughout the colonial town.
Boats in Hoi An, Vietnam © RafaÅ‚ Cichawa | Dreamstime.com
Street in Hoi An, Vietnam © Richard Van Der Woude | Dreamstime.com
Taylor shop in Hoi An, Vietnam © Luca Roggero | Dreamstime.com
Once a famous international trading port, the significance of Hoi An diminished when the nearby Thu Bon River began to dry up. After all, it was this river that provided easy access to Vietnam’s interior. However, the famous tailors are still present in Hoi An, and this is now the most popular place to find custom made suits, bags, and dresses. There is also an endless line of world-class restaurants and quaint coffee shops throughout the town. It’s here that you will find the multi-color facades often featured on the front cover of travel magazines. Simply put, Hoi An is one destination that represents the best of Vietnam, therefore plan to spend a couple of days there.
Quan Cong Temple in Hoi An, Vietnam © RafaÅ‚ Cichawa | Dreamstime.com
Day 15 & 16 – Nha Trang and Mui Ne
After you leave Hoi An, you will continue south towards Mui Ne. If this is too long of a distance to cover in one day and if time allows, plan to stop overnight in Nha Trang. Be sure to check out Nha Trang Bay, which is arguably one of the most beautiful bays in the world. When ready, continue your journey along the coast towards Mui Ne.
Beautiful Nha Trang Bay in Vietnam © Huy Thoai | Dreamstime.com
The castle of Vinpearl Amusement Park at sunset in Nha Trang, Vietnam © Xing Zhu | Dreamstime.com
Beautiful sunrise at Nha Trang Bay in Vietnam © Trumanha82 | Dreamstime.com
At one time, Mui Ne was known to very few travelers, who opted to camp on these beautiful sands next to the ocean. However, as with most hidden gems, the word about this idyllic landscape would spread among tourists. For this reason, Mui Ne is a very different place today, but this is not such a bad thing. There are now a variety of fun activities to enjoy and great places to stay in the area.
Fairy Stream is a small stream hiding behind the sand dunes in Mui Ne, Vietnam © Saiko3p | Dreamstime.com
Lining the beautiful coastline of Mui Ne, you will find a wide variety of resorts for every budget and a number of traditional restaurants in between. No longer the sleeping fishing village it once was, this vibrant town is a perfect mix of relaxation and adventure. Today, Mui Ne is one of the most popular places for kite surfing in Vietnam. In addition, the red dunes provide a great opportunity to go sand sledding with spectacular views of the ocean.
Sand dunes near sunset in Mui Ne, Vietnam © Saiko3p | Dreamstime.com
Fishing boats on the beach in Mui Ne, Vietnam © Saiko3p | Dreamstime.com
Day 17 & 18 – Dalat
Although it’s quite large and a popular place to visit for backpackers, Dalat can feel like a sleepy town in the mountains. After visiting some of the busier attractions and cities such as Halong Bay and Hoi An, arriving in Dalat should be a very welcoming experience.
Mountain resort view in Dalat, Vietnam © Delobol09 | Dreamstime.com
Located high in the mountains, the town itself is not the most spectacular. However, this is the perfect base from which to start exploring the surrounding countryside. With such a large number of guesthouses offering motorbike rental, the opportunity to take off into the mountains for a day is irresistible to most travelers. Stopping off at small villages and iconic viewpoints, the roads leading away from Dalat are a true adventure. There are also some major attractions such as the two waterfalls – Thac Datanla and Elephant Falls.
Thac Datanla waterfall near Dalat, Vietnam © Alexey Kuznetsov | Dreamstime.com
Elephant Waterfall near Dalat, Vietnam © Elena Odareeva | Dreamstime.com
Day 19, 20 & 21 – Ho Chi Minh City, The Largest City in Vietnam
While Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh are both typical Vietnamese cities, they are also incredibly different. You will find that Ho Chi Minh City, also known as Saigon, feels a lot more “high rise” and busy. In fact, there are more scooters in Ho Chi Minh than people, and at no point is this more obvious than when crossing the road.
Aerial view of Ho Chi Minh City and the Saigon River at sunset © Nicholas Courtney | Dreamstime.com
Vibrant and busy in every way, the fast-moving nature of the streets is also found in the nightlife; there are a huge number of bars and clubs on every corner for those looking to party. As for food, this is possibly the best place in Vietnam to explore the local cuisine. The choices are endless, as street vendors take up almost every inch of the pavement in the city.
View of Ben Thanh Market in Ho Chi Minh City © Nguyen An | Dreamstime.com
Shopping at Ben Thanh Market in Ho Chi Minh City © David Bokuchava | Dreamstime.com
There are also many interesting attractions such as the War Remnants Museum, Independent Palace, and Ben Thanh Market. Not to mention, Ho Chi Minh is central to the most prominent attractions in the south of Vietnam including the Chu Chi Tunnels and the famous Mekong Delta.
Chu Chi Tunnels (1 Day)
Unfortunately, many tourists fail to realize that travel to the Chu Chi Tunnels requires one full day. This is the reason why visitors often miss out on seeing the city itself; they choose to spend their time exploring the tunnels instead. Set in the middle of the jungle, the Chu Chi Tunnels were used as a surprising mechanism for the approaching American forces. On a day tour, you can climb down into the tunnels and learn about the dark history behind them.
Here is the opening to one Chu Chi Tunnel © Maurizio Biso | Dreamstime.com
Mekong Delta Tour (2 Days)
One of the greatest and most authentic experiences in Vietnam is found by taking an overnight trip into the Mekong Delta. You can stay in one of the luxurious huts along the way, situated high up on stilts. This is sure to make you feel truly immersed in this fascinating region. While exploring the local markets and villages by boat during the day, you can expect a busy time on the Mekong Delta Tour. However, with two days to enjoy it, you are also guaranteed plenty of relaxing time in between.
Mekong Delta landscape with a Vietnamese woman on a boat © Vinh Dao | Dreamstime.com
Locals rowing traditional boats on the Mekong Delta in South Vietnam © Mariusz Prusaczyk | Dreamstime.com
Sadly, all amazing journeys have to come to an end, and the Mekong Delta is it for this 3-week itinerary. At this point, you will either fly home from Ho Chi Minh City or take a domestic flight back to Hanoi before catching your return flight.
The Mekong Delta near Chau Doc in Vietnam at sunrise © Vinh Dao | Dreamstime.com
The Vietnam Itinerary that Has It All
Considering the huge distance between Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, you will realize that there is inevitably a lot of time to be spent traveling overland. However, this “best of Vietnam” itinerary is designed in such a way that you don’t need to travel every day. Instead, you can spend more time enjoying these truly unique destinations.
From the rolling hills of Sapa and limestone seascape in Halong Bay to the colorful facades of Hoi An and the engrossing lifestyle in the Mekong Delta; this dynamic country at the heart of South-east Asia is overflowing with enough unique experiences to guarantee every visitor the trip of a lifetime.
IMPORTANT
When traveling abroad, be sure that your passport is valid for at least 6 months AFTER your planned stay. There are many countries that follow this rule very strictly. If you show up to the airport with a passport that expires in less than 6 months, you will NOT be allowed to board your plane! Click HERE to learn more and to see the list of countries that require 6 months of remaining passport validity.
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