Vietnam 3-week Itinerary - The best from North to South

Best time to have a 3-week Vietnam Itinerary?

Vietnam is a very beautiful country to visit with a rich culture and an enchanting array of landscapes and fascinating history. There is actually no wrong time to visit the country, however, there are definitely the most suitable times to visit various regions of the country.

Best time to have a 3-week Vietnam Itinerary

As a tourist planning to visit Vietnam, you are obliged to be abreast with every information regarding the appropriate time or period to have an ideal Vietnam Itinerary. During winter, the weather in the far North gets very cold which is not an appropriate time to visit.

Ultimately, if we want to construe the weather in its entirety, the Spring time would be the most appropriate time to Visit across all parts of the country. It doesn’t really matter which part of the country you are visiting, Spring is the most appropriate time to visit.

Is 3 weeks enough to explore Vietnam?

Is 3 weeks enough to explore Vietnam

Spending 3 weeks in Vietnam as a tourist if you ask me is quite ideal. This is simply because Vietnam as a whole has a significant number of places to visit and explore, and 21 days is just about a proportionate period to navigate the country.

It is important to note that having a Vietnam 3-week Itinerary means that you can explore almost every part of the country, using about a week for each of the 3 regions (North, Central and South Vietnam).

A detailed 3-week Vietnam itinerary for first-time visitors

Week 1 of the 3 weeks in Vietnam itinerary: Northern Vietnam

Day 1 and 2: Hanoi

Hanoi

Explore the capital city of Vietnam as you get acquainted with some of its beautiful landscapes. You can first visit Ngoc Son Temple for a bit of history, and then head to Hoan Kiem Lake to experience its calm and breathtaking nature and atmosphere.

Then move along to St. Joseph’s Cathedral before taking a stroll to the historic Hoa Lo Prison. After being schooled on some of Vietnam's rich history and culture at Hoa Lo Prison, you can then go and visit the Old Quarter. While you explore the city, you can try some of its best foods like Pho, Banh mi, Com tam, Bun cha, La Vong grilled fish along with some street foods.

On your 2nd day in Hanoi, you can visit the first University of Vietnam which is the Temple of Literature before you go to see the intricate and unique architecture of the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long.

Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, One Pillar Pagoda and Ho Chi Minh Stilt House are all enchanting places you can also visit while still in Hanoi before heading to Tran Quoc Pagoda and then down to the West Lake.

Day 3 and 4: Sapa

Sapa

There is a captivating landscape in Sapa known as the Sapa Stone Church. This church will give you a touch of French architecture, reflecting a colonial scope. After seeing the church, you’re bound by the charming nature of Cat Cat village, the native place of the H’mong ethnic group.

Learn a bit about the local people, their beliefs and culture, as you then proceed to see the most breathtaking waterfall in the region which is Thac Bac Waterfall. Day 4 will be quite special as you’re routed by a cable car up unto the Fansipan Mountain while you experience the beautiful views of mountainous landscapes and valleys.

Right after this, you can admire the beautiful and sweet scented flowers of Muong Hoa Valley as you take a stroll down there. Sapa is not memorable without a taste of its sumptuous Night market and street and local foods, clothing as well as souvenirs. Sapa is normally a favorite place to have in your travel plans like a Vietnam 3-week Itinerary.

Day 5 and 6: Ha Long Bay

Halong Bay

Cruising to Sung Sot Cave is one of the major highlights of your day 5. This cave is known to be the largest and most captivating in the whole of HaLong Bay.
Meander through to Ti Top Island where you are sure to have the most thrilling view of the whole of HaLong Bay from the pinnacle of the island.

You can opt to navigate the beaches as you swim its blue waters, or rather enjoy a calm and relaxing moment under the sun. Day 6 begins with you taking a ferry cruise to Cat Ba Island, and then get to have one of the best breakfasts while you enjoy the breeze from the sea with an amazing view.

Viet Hai is the next destination, a nice village within the Cat Ba National park where you can navigate and learn about the local people as you navigate the park. After this, you can go for a boat tour to see Lan Ha Bay to have a nice view of the limestone cliffs, floating villages, as well as hidden lagoons.

Day 7: Ninh Binh

Ninh Binh

Learn some captivating history and culture as you visit the Hoa Lu Ancient Capital, and then head to Tam Coc to have a feel of the natural and intriguing landscapes of the region.

You can now visit Mua Caves and experience breathtaking and charming views of the overall Tam Coc region. Do not forget to try some of their best foods including fermented pork roll, rice crusts with caramelized fish sauce, as well as sticky rice with eggs.

Week 2 of the 3-week Vietnam itinerary: Central Vietnam

Day 1 and 2: Hue

Hue

Explore the old capital of Vietnam, as you visit the Hue Imperial City which happens to be the most valued landmark of the Nguyen dynasty. The towering mountains surrounding Lap An Lagoon, coupled with the lush greenery are a sight to behold.

Take a night stroll and enjoy some of the best dishes and also get yourself some souvenirs. Some of the city’s best foods are Com hen, Banh Beo, Spring rolls with grilled pork etc.

Begin the second day with a visit to King Dinh Tomb and then move ahead to see the Mausoleum of Emperor Minh Mang. Head next to see the Thuy Tien Lake, which has been abandoned for quite some time now but has its soul nestled in nature.

The true beauty of the city is laid bare as you are shown the Thien Mu Pagoda, which exhibits quite an amazing and intricately apt architecture. The Perfume river is also an enchanting site to see, you can’t afford to miss it.

Day 3 and 4: Da Nang

Da Nang

The Marble mountains are a cluster of five marble and limestones with Buddhist temples and caves, and you will get the chance to see that on your 3rd day. Soak yourself up in sunlight as you get a beachside experience at the most popular beach in Da Nang. Trust me, this is the absolute best way to begin the day 3 of your Vietnam 3-week Itinerary.

Overwhelm yourself with seafood and other foods as you explore the potentials of Han Market. You can also buy some local stuff as well as souvenirs from this market. The iconic Dragon Bridge comes alive at night with its conspicuous dragon-shaped design, known for being one of the best pedestrian bridges in the region which hangs over the Han river.

While in Da Nang, you can try some native foods such as Mi Quang, sliced pork with rice papers, banh nam, etc. Day 4 starts with a visit to Linh Ung Pagoda just to see the amazing architectural design as well as experience and learn about the religious beliefs and culture of the Da Nang natives.

The next stop is the Museum of Cham Sculpture which exhibits ancient Cham relics and art forms. Proceed next to explore the night setting of Da Nang, as you relax and view the city from a rooftop perspective, giving you a refreshing and solemn effect.

Day 5: Hoi An

Hoi An

Starting your journey from the Thanh Ha Pottery village wouldn’t be a bad idea, as you check out some local artisans making beautiful pots and other wares. You can then take a walk through to see the beautiful and fantastic Hoi An Ancient Town and then take some pictures.

Experience a blend of Hoi An's culture and architecture with a visit to Tan Ky Old House. Stroll along the Fujian Assembly Hall, a temple that is believed to be that of the Sea goddess.

Day 6 and 7: Nha Trang

Nha Trang

Hon Tre Island becomes the opener of your many great adventures to come. This place has quite a number of amazing beaches to see with a blend of natural and scenic experience.

Experience some outdoor moments at the Nha Trang Night Market, as you shop for souvenirs, local clothes and also scout some fantastic joints to eat street foods, etc. Some of the foods include Banh Canh Nha Trang, Jellyfish rice noodles, Seafood hot pot etc.

A typical day 7 starts with you visiting Hon Chong Promontory to experience its breathtaking sea views and towering rocks. You should then proceed to the Po Nagar Cham Towers built by the ancient Cham people over tens of centuries ago. You should also see the Nha Trang Cathedral which reflects ancient French Gothic style and design.

Week 3 of the 3-week Vietnam travel itinerary: Southern Vietnam

Day 1: Tay Ninh

Tay Ninh

In this small town in South Vietnam lies the Cao Dai Great Temple which is a must see. This temple is well noted for its ceremonial and religious activities and has a good architectural design.

Do well to explore the aesthetics of the captivating Buddhist temple of Ma Thien Lanh, which is located right on top of the hill with spectacular views. It is quite an honor to get the privilege of seeing the highest mountain in the Southern part of the country. Ba Den mountain also has a calm and scenic atmosphere that gives you the best viewing experience.

Day 2 and 3: Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh, which has strategically earned the title “The city that never sleeps”, has a lot to offer you beginning with your visit to the Cu Chi Tunnels in your Vietnam 3-week Itinerary.

These tunnels were used by Vietnamese soldiers during the IndoChina war as a secure base against attacks. Stroll down to the Hoang Phap Buddhist Temple and explore some teachings of Buddhism and enjoy the calmness and serenity within the temple.

Go on to see the Independence Palace, the president of South Vietnam’s former office, after which you can move to see Nha Rong Wharf before taking a stroll to Nguyen Hue street for a local shopping experience.

When you find yourself in Ho Chi Minh, it is absolutely unimaginable to say you couldn’t visit Ben Thanh Market. Proceed afterwards to see the Ho Chi Minh Museum of Fine Arts, and then to the Saigon Notre Dame Cathedral, then to the Saigon Central Post Office.

Try to remember the War remnants Museum and then later proceed to the BuI Vien Museum.

Day 4: Can Tho

Begin your day with Cai Rang Floating and enjoy yourself, as the foods there are quite fantastic. Binh Thuy ancient House has a blend of Vietnamese and French architectural design.

Enjoy the amazing and scenic atmosphere at Con Son Pagoda.

Day 5, 6 and 7: Phu Quoc

Phu Quoc

Experience a time with animals at the Phu Quoc National Park, and then head to the next fishing village which is called Rach Vem. Get some foods like fried fish cake, rice noodles, seafood dishes like sea urchin and lobster etc.

Day six begins with a day trip to May Rut Island, Gam Ghi Island and then Fingernail Island. These are all natural and beautiful places and beaches you ought to explore in Phu Quoc.

On day seven, you can still continue exploring the beaches with activities like swimming, relaxing under the sun by the beachside, building sandcastles, etc. You then afterwards need to go back and start packing to return home.

3 weeks Vietnam travel tips you need to know

3 weeks in Vietnam budget for backpackers

Generally, Vietnam is a destination that is known for its affordability and so quite a lot of the tourists that visit are backpackers. This is therefore an approximation of a backpacker’s budget for a Vietnam 3-week Itinerary .

A backpacker can budget around $30-40 USD per day to take care of basic things like accommodations, street food, and transportation. Accommodations come in the form of guest houses, hotels, dormitory rooms etc.

If you are a backpacker, always make sure to go for street foods in order to fit your budget and avoid excess spending. The cheapest of transportation include trains, buses, motorbikes etc. As a backpacker, you need to consider these forms of transportation to get around.

3 weeks in Vietnam budget for backpackers

Where to stay in Vietnam?

When it comes to where to stay in Vietnam as a tourist, it is quite easy and simple. This is due to the variety of accommodation options available for all levels of budgets. There are 5-star hotels and 4-star hotels for those who can afford to live a luxurious lifestyle while on their trip.

There are also middle class accommodations such as guest houses and other Home stay facilities for travelers who have a preference for such. There are also hostels and dormitory rooms mainly for backpackers and those who are on a very strict budget.

We must however note that the prices for these accommodations may vary based on factors like location. For example, An accommodation in Hanoi city may be more expensive than if that same accommodation was located in another place like Ninh Binh.

Conclusion

This Vietnam 3-week Itinerary has a lot to offer tourists, touching on experiences from the North through to the South. Explore the magical touch of Hanoi city, Ho Chi Minh city, Ninh Binh, Phu Quoc, etc.

Whether you are a backpacker or someone who has a lot of cash to spend, this 3-week Vietnam Itinerary has a way of fitting you right in.

At Asiatouradvisor, we have lots of amazing tips for you, so always be on the lookout, so you don’t miss them.

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