bigtravelbuzzTravel Vietnam! A vast land of rainforests, limestone cliffs and thrilling trails. Away from the beauty of nature lies a city full of culture and fascinating history. And perhaps best of all, eat delicious street food in one of the tastiest countries on the planet he!Discover Vietnam with this 3 or 4 week Vietnam itinerary.
Vietnam itinerary (3 or 4 weeks)
Travel in Vietnam is mostly done by bus or train, as direct flights between locations are limited. Three weeks is a good time to travel to Vietnam. If you travel to Ho Chi Minh City, stay an extra week (4 weeks total) to see the beauty of far south islands such as Phu Quoc and the extraordinary labyrinth of rivers of the Mekong Delta.
Days 1-3: Hanoi
Start your Vietnam trip in the vibrant capital city of Hanoi! This ancient city on the misty Hoan Kiem Lake fringes has some of the best street food in the world.
Spend at least 2 days here to enjoy this beautiful and chaotic city. Prepare to get lost in a network of beautiful narrow streets lined with French-style buildings and brave the crazy streets!
It has an international airport serving the rest of the world as well as domestic flights to the rest of Vietnam. For this reason, it is a perfect starting point for your trip to Vietnam.
Days 4-6: Sapa
Experience trekking in the amazing rolling lightning hills of Sapa! The lush and verdant North of Vietnam is a must-see on your Vietnam itinerary.
Hike through beautiful nature between mountains, rice fields and tribal villages and learn about life with a local family.
From May to September, the green of the rice fields is the best!
Note: After Sapa, you have to return to Hanoi before heading to Halong Bay.
Hanoi to Sapa
Bus: A regular direct bus leaves from Hanoi and the journey time is his 6 hours, it will be the cheapest and fastest option.
Train: Both day and night trains run from Hanoi to Lao Cai (8 hours). 1 hour from here to Sapa by minivan.
Days 7-9: Ha Long Bay
Enjoy sailing across the tranquil emerald waters of Halong Bay, among limestone karsts and floating villages. Book an amazing cruise from Hanoi to Halong or Lan Ha Bay.
These cruises usually include round-trip transportation from Hanoi and have a variety of options. For example, a day cruise or a 3 days/2 nights cruise. To fully enjoy the beauty of this magical part of Vietnam, here he stays for two nights, relax and explore Vietnam itinerary.
Tips: Benefit from a round-trip transfer from Halong Bay to Hanoi. He may need to stay another night in Hanoi before continuing the rest of the trip.
Days 10-12: Ninh Binh
Ninh Binh province is Vietnam’s natural paradise, with charming villages, stunning rice fields, rivers and the limestone mountains of Tam Coc. Enjoy a few relaxing days and see the beauty and tranquility of nature. Whether it’s wildlife spotting or exploring mountaintop temples, caves and shrines, every traveler will love it.
From Hanoi to Ninh Binh/Tam Coc
By car: Tam Coc is a approx 2.5 hours drive away from Hanoi. Some guesthouses offer a transfer service to and from Hanoi for an additional fee.
Bus: There is buses run regularly from here.
Train: Direct train runs from Hanoi to Ninh Binh. From Ninh Binh, you can reach Tam Coc in about 10 minutes by taxi.
Days 13-15: Phong Nha
Phong Nha also known as the ‘Adventure Capital of Asia’. Here you’ll find hundreds of mammoth caves nestled between limestone mountains and wide, winding rivers. This allows travelers to enjoy trekking, rock climbing and abseiling through tunnels and rivers. The most astonishing of all the caves is Son Doong Cave, which is so large that it can fit in a city skyscraper. Reaching this cave requires a four-day trek and a long waiting list. If you want this to fit your Vietnam trip, plan ahead. Many other places as impressive as Han Yen can be visited on day hikes.
Note: During the rainy season (especially the second half) from July to December, many caves become inaccessible.
From Ninh Binh to Phong Nha
Bus: There is a direct night bus (7 hours) from Ninh Binh to Phong Nha, it is the most efficient and direct option available.
Train: There is also a train from Ninh Binh to Dong Hoi (8 hours). 1 hour by taxi from Dong Hoi to Phong Nha.
Plane: To fly back to Hanoi, he takes an hour domestic flight to Dong Hoi. From here, take a taxi to Phong Nha for 1 hour.
Days 16 -17: Hue
Hue is a lovely little town where you can spend a night and immerse yourself in the wonderful culture of Vietnam. It was once the capital of Vietnam and a royal capital on the banks of the wide Perfume River.
As such, it is filled with ancient tombs, beautiful pagodas, and most importantly, the walled imperial city. Take a few hours to stroll through the ancient imperial city surrounded by moats and get a glimpse into the royal history of the Vietnamese emperors.
Due to its war-torn past, Hue has many war and history museums that are fascinating to visit. A cultural gem for your Vietnam itinerary!
Tips: Try the legendary ‘Bung Bo Hue’, an icon of the city.
From Phong Nha to Hue
Bus: Take a direct bus from Phong Nha to Hue. Only $6 and done in 3 hours!
Day Trip: Hai Van Pass to Da Nang
On the way from Hue to Hoi An, stop in Da Nang in the afternoon. Rent a motorbike and ride the famous and exciting Hai Van Pass. 20km of winding road meandering between hills at an altitude of 500m and the coast! Certainly one of the most beautiful ways to see this part of the country due to its high altitude. Stop in Da Nang to see the Golden Bridge and the strange and beautiful Ba Na Hills.
Note: If you are not interested in motorcycles, you can reach Da Nang by train from Hue. Train journey along the coast is very mesmerizing known as one of the best train rides in Vietnam!
Days 18 – 20: Hoi An (end of 3 week route)
Arrive in beautiful and colorful Hoi An !Discover lantern-lit streets and French-style architecture as you stroll along the romantic river or take a relaxing bike ride.
This UNESCO World Heritage Site offers a myriad of activities, from traditional basket he boat rides to some of the best dining you can experience during your trip to Vietnam. Don’t forget to try famous banh mi sandwich here.
Hoi An is also the end of his three-week route, which can be reached by plane from the nearby Da Nang airport.
Getting from Hue to Hoi An
From Hue to Hoi An you can take a motorbike, public transport or a minivan.
Day 21 – 23: Dalat (start of 4 week itinerary)
Dalat is the perfect place to see Vietnam’s nature at its best. The lush mountain town lies in the highlands of central Vietnam. This is a region of dense rainforest, thundering waterfalls and abundant wildlife.
Spend some time here watching the wildlife, ride the famous Dalat Cable He Car or take one of the many leading bike tours in the area. Due to its high altitude, temperatures are mild year-round, making it a great place to cool off from the low-lying heat.
Tip: Dalat has a great coffee scene. Try some delicious beer here.
Hoi An to Dalat
Bus: If you want to go directly to Dalat from Hoi An, take the night bus which takes 13/14 hours.
Train: Night train from Da Nang to Nha Trang (10 hours). It takes 4 hours from here to Dalat by bus.
Plane: Da Nang to Dalat is a 1.5 hour flight (more expensive than other travel options).
Days 24-25: Mui Ne
Mui Ne is known for its laid-back beach vibe, but above all for its stunning white and red sand dunes. Visit the red dunes at sunset to see the fiery colors of the sun mix with the red sands.
Or visit the White Sand Dunes for adventurous activities like quad biking and dune sledding. This is a must on your Vietnam itinerary!
Dalat to Mui Ne
Bus: 4 hours by bus from Dalat.
Days 26-28: Ho Chi Minh City
Spend a few days in the sprawling metropolis of Ho Chi Minh City! Formerly known as Saigon, this fantastic city is very modern, with wide tree-lined streets, bright city lights and skyscrapers. Learn about the different districts, eat great food and visit the highly informative War Museum. A must-see when traveling to Vietnam!
Don’t forget to take a day trip to the Cu Chi Tunnels:
A vast network of underground tunnels used by Viet Cong soldiers during the war. Take a tour through the tunnels for an authentic experience.
Mui Ne to Ho Chi Minh City
Bus: 5-6 hours.
Train: A 4-5 hour train ride from Phan Thiet (30 minutes drive from Mui Ne) goes straight to Ho Chi Minh City.
After day 29: Phu Quoc (optional)
If you have time, visit beautiful Phu Quoc Island at the southwestern tip of Vietnam. This island is a veritable paradise of crystal clear emerald waters and secluded white sand coves surrounded by dangling palm trees.
Head north of the island to explore Phu Quoc National Park. Here you’ll find perfectly preserved nature, mountains, and dense forests, teeming with incredible wildlife. Phu Quoc is the perfect place to relax after an adventurous trip to Vietnam, swing in a hammock and enjoy the tranquility of nature.
Ho Chi Minh City to Phu Quoc
Bus + Boat: It takes 7-8 hours by bus to Rach Gia or Ha Tien (ferry dock). From here it takes 2.5 to 3 hours to get to Phu Quoc by ferry.
Plane: It takes 1 hour in direct flight from Ho Chi Minh City to Phu Quo. It’s a little more expensive, but it’s the most efficient way to get around.
Tips: When traveling to Phu Quoc, it’s worth taking the time to visit other parts of the Mekong Delta region. This area of stunning natural beauty includes a network of rivers, fantastic floating markets, rice fields and forests.
Alternate route options for Vietnam
If you have limited time in Vietnam, spend 3 weeks in Hoi An and save the South for another trip! If you stay longer than a month, spend more time in the Mekong Delta and Phu Quoc Please spend Remote locations that take longer to reach like Sapa and Dalat can be left out of the Vietnam route if the time is short.
How about Vietnamese food?
Vietnamese cuisine is he one of the healthiest cuisines in the world. Fresh, salty, sweet and sour Vietnamese flavors mixed with herbs and spices create a beautiful harmony on the palate. Chili flakes are always served separately to the table, although most of the dishes are not spicy.
Costs of Traveling Vietnam
You can buy delicious food from street vendors at very reasonable prices, and there are very cheap hotels and guesthouses all over the country.
Traveling by bus is very cheap, but if you want to take domestic flights, increase your budget. For a little more comfort, budget $10-$20 per person and $20-$50 per person.
Budget
- Hotel: 6 – 100 USD/night
- Hostel: 5 – 20 USD/night
- Admission: 1 – 5 USD/day
- Meals: 2 – 30 USD/day
- Transportation: 5 – 15 USD/day
Traveling in Vietnam
Vietnam’s infrastructure is diverse. Roads are generally good, but traffic can be light, so it is always advisable to expect delays when using public transport.
Buses are the main mode of transportation in Vietnam. It’s slow, but there are excellent sleeper buses so you don’t have to miss out on your itinerary. An excellent railway line operates along Vietnam’s coast, which also offers sleeper services.
Vietnam has several domestic airports, but if you want to travel further afield, be prepared to take a bus!
Best Time to Visit Vietnam
Various up to In the north, the climate is highly seasonal, with hot, humid and rainy summers and cold, dry winters. The south is hot all year round, dry from November to April, and wet from May to October.
Tip: Avoid visiting Vietnam on public holidays like TET. Prices are much higher. It’s also good to know that most shops are closed and transportation is severely restricted.
Do I need a visa to travel to Vietnam?
Yes! Apply for an e-Visa online in advance before travelling. The E-Visa costs US$25 and is valid for 30 days. It takes three days to be approved, but it can take longer if there are delays or problems with your application. Apply for his 90-day visa in advance from a reputable agency or visit the Vietnamese embassy in your home country.
Security in Vietnam
Vietnam is a very safe travel destination. However, always carry your belongings and watch out for pickpockets and scams. If you are riding a motorcycle, be aware of the chaotic traffic on the roads, always wear a helmet and make sure you have insurance.