Vietnam
As it stands, Vietnam is one of my favorite countries in the world. The country is host to stunning landscapes, rich cultures, moving history, and amazing people. It may appear small on a world map, but Vietnam requires no less than 3 weeks to experience it in its entirety. Here is your ultimate south to north 3 week Vietnam itinerary.
Itinerary
Day 1-2: Ho Chi Minh
We start our Vietnam journey in the famous city of Ho Chi Minh. Ho Chi Minh was my least favorite city in Vietnam, but it does warrant a stop for its historical significance. I would spend one day seeing the historical sights and the other for a one-day trip to the Cu Chi Tunnels. Your trip to this city is a success if you enjoy its incredible dining options, take in its bustling streets, and learn about the Vietnam War
Points of Interest:
- War Remnants Museum (must see!)
- Independence Hall
- French Post Office
- Downtown Ho Chi Minh
- Fine Dining (Hum Vegetarian was an awesome place)
Day 3: Da Nang
There are many flights from Ho Chi Min to Da Nang, and I would opt to take an early morning one to get a full day in Da Nang City. Once you arrive, check in to your hotel/hostel and head over to shore. The beach in Da Nang is one of Vietnam’s nicest so take some time to relax in the afternoon. An hour or so before sunset, head over to Dragon Bridge and see Vietnam’s most famous bridge light up. Then spend the remainder of the evening at leisure at the local outdoor market (next to the bridge).
Day 4-7: Hoi An
After an initial hectic start to the trip, it is time to slow things down. Hoi An is the absolute perfect city to do this in and is just a 45-minute ride from Da Nang. Transportation can be arranged from any hotel or hostel to take you between the cities. 3-4 days may seem like a lot for a small city like Hoi An, but trust me, you will not regret this decision.
Points of Interest:
- Enjoy Hoi An by night
- Cultural bamboo stunt show at Lune Theater
- Make your own lantern in a lantern-making workshop
- Eat your heart out at some of Vietnam’s best restaurants
- Rent a Bicycle and cycle through rural rice fields
- Have the best and cheapest tailors in the world, make your perfect dress, suit, shirt, or pants.
Day 8: Hai Van Pass
Day 8 is where you will begin to explore Vietnam in the way that it should be explored, motorbiking! Don’t worry if you arent comfortable riding yourself (I wasn’t), Hoi An Motor Bike Adventure, is the perfect company for you. They offer an incredible one-day personal Hai Van Pass tour. A driver will pick you up from you from Hoi An and take you to Hue Via the Hai Van pass. Along the way, you will make many stops while taking in one of Vietnam’s most scenic rides.
Day 9: Hue
Hoi An Motor Bike Adventure will drop you off in the Historical City of Hue. Home to the past Kings of Vietnam, this city is famous for its history and beautiful architecture (particularly its tombs)
Points of Interest:
- Tu Duc Tombs
- Min Mang Tombs
- Citadel (This was ok but good to learn the history
- Abandoned Water Park
Day 10-11: Ho Chi Minh Trail Motorbike Tour
Remember our good friends from Hoi An Motor Bike Adventure? It’s time for round two with them! This time you will be doing a 2-night, 3-day tour from Hue to Phong Nha caves via the Ho Chi Min Trail. This tour is an ABSOLUTE can’t miss experience in Vietnam. You will learn a tremendous amount about the Vietnam War as you ride through the jungle roads of the famous Ho Chi Minh Trail.
Day 12: Phong Nha Caves
Your Ho Chi Mintrail tour will also include a full-day tour at Phong Nha. Phong-Nha is stunning and hosts some of the most beautiful caves in the world. You will get the chance to enter two of them and will be amazed at the sheer amount of beauty the country of Vietnam holds. Don’t worry about getting a hotel for tonight as you will be taking a night sleeper bus to Tam Coc (Nin Binh).
Day 13: Nin Binh (Tam Coc)
By now, you have probably realized Vietnam is a beautiful country. Tam Coc (Nin Binh) is another city that will highlight Vietnam’s stunning geographical scenery. Known as the Ha Long Bay on land, you will spend a day wandering this hidden gem. Rent a bike and bike to Tran An River, then take a riverboat tour around the scenic waters.
Day 14-15: Hanoi
You have finally made your way up north to the Famous City of Hanoi! Take in all this city has to offer by exploring around and discovering the historical and culinary gems of the city.
Points of Interest:
- Apron Up Cooking Class
- Hao Lao Prison (A bit touristic and overrated)
- Temple of Literature
- Train Street
- Hoan Kiem Lake
- Food Hop Tour
Day 16-18: Ha Giang Loop
Motorbiked out yet? Hopefully not because this next motorbike tour is probably the granddaddy of them all. Three of the most epic and fun days of my life, the Ha Giang Loop tour with Cheers Hostel is a must-do in Vietnam!
Day 19: Ha Long Bay/Lan Ha Bay
Of course, no trip to Vietnam is complete without an overnight boat ride through Ha Long Bay. Alternatively, you can look into Lan Ha Bay which is less popular, but still offers a very similar experience at a lesser cost.
Day 20: Hanoi
Halong Bay tour will drop you off back in Hanoi where you can spend the day doing anything you please (it is your last day)!
Day 21: Depart
Nothing good lasts forever and it is officially time to leave Vietnam!
Can’t wait to visit this amazing country.