3-Week Vietnam Tour Packages

Insider tips: Recommended 3-week Vietnam tour itineraries

Compiled by

NinaVietnam travel expert at TourRadar

• 21 Day Vietnam Itinerary, incl. Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi

  The extensive 21-day route spans 16 destinations from Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi, with 3 nights in Phu Quoc Island and an overnight cruise in Halong Bay. UNESCO sites My Son Sanctuary and Hoi An Ancient Town are featured, along with authentic village visits in Sapa and Mai Chau.

  

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  • Days 1-3

    Ho Chi Minh City & Mekong Delta:

    Start in Ho Chi Minh City and take time to adjust to the time zone. "The early morning street food tour in District 1 was incredible - try the banh mi from the corner stands before the crowds arrive." Visit the Cu Chi Tunnels on day 2 (75km, about 1.5 hours each way). Going early helps you avoid both heat and tour groups. Spend day 3 exploring the Mekong Delta starting at 7:30 AM before it gets too hot.

    
  • Days 4-6

    Hoi An & My Son:

    Take a morning flight to Hoi An to avoid HCMC traffic. Stay in the Ancient Town for easy walking access. Get your best photos of the Japanese Bridge in the early morning. "Book your tailor-made clothes on day one - they need 48 hours for alterations." Take a sunrise boat trip on Thu Bon River to watch local fishermen at work. Visit My Son Sanctuary early before temperatures rise.

    
  • Days 7-8

    Hue:

    The drive from Hoi An to Hue via Hai Van Pass takes 3 hours. "The imperial tombs are spread out - hire a driver rather than trying to tackle them by bike in the heat." Visit the Citadel after 4 PM when crowds thin out and it's cooler. End your day with a dragon boat dinner cruise on the Perfume River.

    
  • Days 9-11

    Hanoi & Halong Bay:

    Fly to Hanoi and explore the Old Quarter's winding streets. "The food tour by motorbike was terrifying at first but ended up being the highlight of our trip." Take an overnight Halong Bay cruise in spring or fall for clear skies. Pick a cruise with fewer stops but more sailing time to avoid tourist crowds.

    
  • Days 12-14

    Sapa Region:

    Take the overnight train to Sapa (8-9 hours). "Bring proper hiking shoes - the trails get very slippery after rain." Trek through rice terraces to Ta Van village and experience local culture in a homestay. Return to Hanoi by night train.

    
  • Days 15-16

    Mai Chau:

    Drive to Mai Chau valley (4 hours from Hanoi) and stay in traditional stilt houses. "The morning market is fascinating - go early around 6 AM when locals arrive." Spend your time cycling through rice paddies and visiting White Thai villages.

    
  • Days 17-21

    Phu Quoc Island:

    End your trip with beach time on Phu Quoc. Book accommodation on Long Beach for great sunsets. "The night market is less touristy than expected - try the fresh seafood grilled right in front of you." Go snorkeling around the southern islands between November and March for clearest waters.

    

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• 21 Days in Vietnam, incl. Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City

  Remote tribal villages and 5 UNESCO sites highlight this 21-day adventure across 9 Vietnamese cities, including 2 nights cruising Halong Bay. Accommodations range from Lake Lak's tented camp to traditional Mekong Delta homestays.

  

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  • Days 1-2

    Hanoi

    Begin your journey in Vietnam's capital. Give yourself time to adjust and discover the charming Old Quarter. Visit Hoan Kiem Lake in the early morning to see locals practicing tai chi. One traveler notes: "The narrow lanes of the Old Quarter are best explored before 10am when the streets are less crowded and the morning markets are bustling."

    
  • Days 3-5

    Halong Bay

    A 4-hour drive takes you to Halong Bay for a multi-day cruise. Visit during March-April or September-October when it's less busy. Try sea kayaking to reach hidden caves that bigger boats can't access. You'll sleep on traditional junk boats with simple but comfortable rooms. Pack motion sickness pills if needed.

    
  • Days 6-7

    Hue

    Take the 13-hour overnight train from Hanoi. Try to get lower berths for a smoother ride. Visit the Imperial Citadel early before it gets too hot. Take a Perfume River boat ride at sunset for the best views. A recent visitor suggests: "Bring comfortable walking shoes for the Citadel - the grounds are extensive and there's limited shade."

    
  • Days 8-10

    Hoi An

    Travel south along the scenic Hai Van Pass (3-4 hours). Choose between staying in the historic town center or near An Bang Beach. Walking is easy here, but bikes give you more freedom to explore. Remember the streets can flood during rainy season from October to January. If you want custom clothes, plan for 2-3 fittings across 48 hours.

    
  • Days 11-14

    Central Highlands

    Journey inland to explore coffee country and local villages. It's an 8-hour drive to Kon Tum on mountain roads. Bring warm layers as temperatures drop here. Mix your stays between hotels and an eco-lodge at Lake Lak. The village trek takes 5 hours and needs good fitness levels.

    
  • Day 15

    Nha Trang

    Head to the coast for beach time. Island boat trips offer good snorkeling but get busy in peak season. The mud baths make a good morning activity instead of a full day at sea.

    
  • Days 16-21

    Southern Vietnam

    Take a 1-hour flight to Ho Chi Minh City. See the city and take day trips. Visit the Cu Chi Tunnels if you're okay with tight spaces. Spend a few days in the Mekong Delta staying with local families. Get to Cai Rang floating market before 7am. As one traveler shares: "The early start for the floating market was worth it - watching vendors toss fruit between boats while balancing coffee and breakfast was amazing."

    

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• 21 Days in Vietnam, incl. Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City

  A 21-day route through 8 Vietnamese destinations takes in Ho Chi Minh City's Cu Chi Tunnels, Hoi An's Ancient Town, and Halong Bay's limestone karsts. Premium accommodations span 20 nights, with 15 lunches, 7 dinners, and domestic flights between major cities.

  

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  • Days 1-2

    Ho Chi Minh City

    Start your journey in vibrant HCMC. Visit the Cu Chi Tunnels early at 8:00 AM to avoid crowds and heat. Plan the War Remnants Museum for the afternoon when you're mentally ready for its intense content. Keep in mind that Notre Dame Cathedral renovations continue until 2023.

    
  • Days 3-5

    Mekong Delta

    Immerse yourself in authentic river life. Visit Cai Be floating market at 5:30 AM before tourist boats arrive. The humidity often reaches 90%, so pack light, breathable clothing. Take time to make coconut candy with local families for a genuine cultural experience.

    
  • Days 6-8

    Hoi An

    Discover this UNESCO town and My Son Sanctuary. Take morning cooking classes when market produce is at its freshest. The Tra Que herb village bike tour is perfect in late afternoon as temperatures drop. Watch out for street flooding during rainy season from October to January.

    
  • Days 9-10

    Hue

    Travel the scenic Hai Van Pass to reach the Imperial City. Take a Perfume River cruise at sunset for the best views. Visit royal tombs early before tour groups arrive. Be prepared for extensive walking on uneven ground at the Forbidden Purple City.

    
  • Days 11-13

    Hanoi

    Explore the Old Quarter's lively streets. Book the Water Puppet show in advance as it sells out quickly. Remember the dress code at Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum - no shorts or sleeveless tops. The Museum of Ethnology needs about 3 hours to explore properly.

    
  • Days 14-17

    Sapa

    Take the overnight train to reach this mountain region. Bring proper hiking boots as trails get slippery after rain. Experience authentic homestays with ethnic minority villages. Pack warm clothes as temperatures can drop to 10°C even in summer.

    
  • Days 18-20

    Halong Bay

    Complete your trip with a multi-day cruise. Winter brings atmospheric mist but cooler weather. For fewer crowds in peak season, choose Lan Ha Bay instead of the main bay area.

    

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