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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• Best of Vietnam

  Vietnam's diversity unfolds across 20 days and 10 destinations. The route features 3 nights in homestays, overnight Ha Long Bay cruise, and UNESCO sites like Phong Nha caves. Guests enjoy 17 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 3 dinners, staying in hotels and traditional accommodations.

  

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  • Ho Chi Minh City Vietnam

    34 mi

  • Mekong Delta Vietnam

    34 mi

  • Ho Chi Minh City Vietnam

    16 mi

  • Cu Chi Vietnam

    16 mi

  • Ho Chi Minh City Vietnam

    147 mi

  • Dalat Vietnam

    53 mi

  • Nha Trang Vietnam

    258 mi
  • Show 4 more

  • Hoi An Vietnam

    31 mi

  • Lang Co Vietnam

    35 mi

  • Hue Vietnam

    52 mi

  • Vinh Moc Vietnam

    63 mi

  • Phong Nha Vietnam

    20 mi

  • Dong Hoi Vietnam

    250 mi

  • Hanoi Vietnam

    78 mi

  • Halong Bay Vietnam

    78 mi

  • Hanoi Vietnam

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