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

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

  21-day comprehensive tour covering 5 major destinations including Hanoi, Halong Bay, Hoi An, Ho Chi Minh City, and Phu Quoc Island. Features UNESCO sites, cooking classes, and cultural immersion throughout Vietnam.

  

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  • Days 1-4

    Hanoi & Halong Bay

    Winter in Hanoi (November-March) brings cool temperatures and lower humidity. Start your morning in the Old Quarter when locals fill the markets. Take a 2.5-hour drive to Halong Bay for a two-night cruise. Book a port-side cabin to catch the best sunrise views of the limestone karsts. Visit the Dark and Bright Cave early before other tour boats arrive.

    
  • Days 5-8

    Hoi An & Surroundings

    Take a 2-hour flight south to Danang, followed by a 40-minute transfer to Hoi An. Winter brings nice breezes that make exploring the Ancient Town much more comfortable. Get to My Son Sanctuary early to beat the crowds and heat. The 40-minute countryside drive offers great morning photo opportunities. Try the Tra Que vegetable village cycling tour but bring long sleeves since winter mornings can be cool.

    
  • Days 9-13

    Ho Chi Minh City & Mekong Delta

    The southern city stays warmer than Hanoi throughout the year. To see real trading at the Cai Rang floating market, plan for a 5:30 AM start. Visit Cu Chi tunnels in the morning to avoid afternoon heat and tourist groups. A note about the tunnels: skip the crawling sections if you're claustrophobic.

    
  • Days 14-20

    Phu Quoc Island

    A quick flight from Ho Chi Minh City brings you to Vietnam's biggest island. The best weather comes between November and March, with temperatures of 25-28°C and little rain. Long Beach offers great sunsets, while Sao Beach provides more quiet spots. The island's north remains mostly untouched. Rent a motorbike to check out the national park and pepper farms.

    
  • Day 21

    Return to Ho Chi Minh City

    Plan for a 2-hour airport transfer because traffic can be unpredictable. Morning flights usually run more on time than afternoon ones.

    

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