Vietnam is a country of remarkable diversity, stretching from the misty mountains of the north to the sun-kissed beaches of the south. Its varied topography includes towering limestone karsts, lush rice terraces, winding rivers, and pristine coastlines, offering travelers an endless array of experiences. While some visitors spend just a few days exploring its highlights, three weeks is the ideal timeframe to truly immerse yourself in Vietnam’s landscapes, culture, and history.

But what to do for 3 weeks in Vietnam? This itinerary takes you on an unforgettable journey from the bustling streets of Hanoi to the emerald waters of Halong Bay, the serene countryside of Mai Chau and Pu Luong, the historical cities of Hue and Hoi An, the vibrant energy of Saigon, and the tropical paradise of Phu Quoc. For those looking for adventure, relaxation, and cultural discovery, this guide provides a day-by-day plan to help you make the most of your time in Vietnam.

3 weeks in Vietnam in a nutshell

Day 1: Hanoi arrival

Day 2: Hanoi - Craft villages - Hanoi

Day 3: Hanoi - Mai Chau

Day 4: Mai Chau - Pu Luong

Day 5: Pu Luong - Ninh Binh

Day 6: Ninh Binh - Ha Long or Lan Ha

Day 7: Lan Ha or Ha Long - Danang - Hoi An

Day 8: Hoi An - Cam Thanh Village + Hoi An Ancient town

Day 9: Tra Que Cooking Class - Hoi An Lantern Making

Day 10: Hoi An - Ba Na Hills - Golden Bridge - Hue

Day 11: Hue - City Tour

Day 12: Hue - Thuy Bieu - Tam Giang - Hue

Day 13: Hue - Saigon - City

Day 14: Saigon - Cu Chi - Saigon

Day 15: Saigon - My Tho - Ben Tre - Tra Vinh

Day 16: Tra Vinh - Can Tho

Day 17: Can Tho - Rach Gia - Phu Quoc

Day 18: Phu Quoc

Day 19: Phu Quoc

Day 20: Phu Quoc

Day 21: Phu Quoc - Saigon - Departure

What to do for 3 weeks in Vietnam?

Day 1: Hanoi arrival

Hanoi welcomes you with a mix of old-world charm and modern energy. Many people rush into sightseeing the moment they land, but you don’t have to. Instead, take it slow. After checking into your hotel in the Old Quarter or around Hoan Kiem Lake, rest up and whenever you’re ready, go for a relaxing stroll. Walk to Hoan Kiem Lake, where locals gather for exercise and socializing. Stop by a café for a strong Vietnamese coffee or egg coffee, something unique to Hanoi.

If time allows, you can visit famous landmarks such as the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and the Vietnamese Women’s Museum (they close at 5 PM). If not, you can dive into the Old Quarter instead. Explore traditional 19th century Vietnamese architecture at Ma May Old House, or pay a visit to one of Hanoi's oldest temples, Bach Ma Temple. In the evening, try a street food tour, tasting bun cha, banh mi, and more while learning about Hanoi’s rich culinary culture. This way, you get a feel for the city before diving deeper.
 

Day 2: Hanoi - Craft villages - Hanoi

You’ve seen the lively city streets, but today is about discovering Hanoi’s artistic soul. Start your morning with a trip to Bat Trang, a pottery village just outside the city. Watch artisans shape beautiful ceramics and try making your own. It’s a hands-on experience and a chance to bring home a handmade souvenir.

Next, head to Van Phuc, a silk village famous for its high-quality textiles. Strolling through the village, you can see weavers at work and browse colorful fabrics. If you’re interested in traditional crafts, take time to learn about the production process and even buy a silk scarf or ao dai (Vietnamese traditional dress) as a keepsake.

Return to Hanoi in the afternoon and spend your evening exploring the French Quarter. With its grand boulevards and colonial buildings, this part of Hanoi has a completely different atmosphere. Enjoy a quiet dinner at a restaurant overlooking the Opera House or try another local specialty, such as cha ca la vong (turmeric fish with dill).
 

Day 3: Hanoi - Mai Chau

It’s time to leave the city behind and head into the mountains. A four-hour drive takes you to Mai Chau, a peaceful valley filled with rice fields and traditional stilt houses. This is a perfect place to slow down and appreciate Vietnam’s rural beauty.

Once you arrive, check into a homestay in one of the ethnic Thai villages. Take a bicycle ride through the rice paddies, greeting friendly farmers along the way. Visit Pom Coong or Lac Village to learn about Thai culture and watch skilled women weave beautiful brocade fabrics.

As the sun sets, enjoy a traditional meal with your host family. The food here is fresh and flavorful, featuring sticky rice, grilled meats, and locally grown vegetables. End the night by watching a traditional Thai dance performance, or simply enjoy the peaceful sounds of nature.
 

Day 4: Mai Chau - Pu Luong

After a quiet morning in Mai Chau, continue your journey to Pu Luong Nature Reserve. Less touristy than other mountainous areas, Pu Luong offers stunning terraced rice fields, lush forests, and traditional villages. It’s a great place for those who love nature and off-the-beaten-path experiences.

Go on a trek through the valley, passing by scenic waterfalls and bamboo forests. If you enjoy adventure, visit the giant waterwheels and take a bamboo raft ride along the Cham River. The locals here are warm and welcoming, making your time in Pu Luong feel like a retreat from the modern world.

Stay in an eco-lodge or a homestay with panoramic views of the mountains. The evening here is peaceful, with nothing but the sound of crickets and a cool breeze rolling in from the hills.
 

Day 5: Pu Luong - Ninh Binh

Wake up early and enjoy the sunrise over the misty rice terraces before heading to Ninh Binh, a province often called “Halong Bay on Land.” After a three-hour drive, your first stop is Hoa Lu, the ancient capital of Vietnam. Here, you can visit the Dinh and Le Temples, dedicated to two great kings from the 10th century. The temples are small but beautifully preserved, giving you a glimpse into Vietnam’s early history.

From Hoa Lu, continue to Tam Coc, where you’ll take a traditional sampan boat ride through limestone caves and along the Ngo Dong River. The scenery here is breathtaking, with towering karst mountains and lush rice fields. If you have time and energy, climb 500 steps to the top of Hang Mua for an incredible panoramic view of the area, a challenging but rewarding experience.

End the day in a countryside homestay or a boutique hotel surrounded by nature. Ninh Binh is a great place to relax after days of trekking and exploring, preparing you for the next part of your adventure in Vietnam.
 

Day 6: Ninh Binh - Halong or Lan Ha Bay

Start your morning by visiting Thien Ha Cave, a hidden gem in Ninh Binh. The cave is not as crowded as other attractions, and the boat ride inside reveals stunning stalactites and mysterious rock formations. Afterward, make your way to Bich Dong Pagoda, a beautiful temple built into the mountainside. Climbing up its three levels gives you incredible views of the surrounding countryside.

After lunch, head toward either Ha Long Bay or Lan Ha Bay. Both are stunning, but Lan Ha Bay is quieter and less touristy. Take an afternoon cruise and enjoy the breathtaking scenery of limestone karsts rising from emerald waters. Spend the night on a cruise ship, where you can enjoy fresh seafood and a peaceful night under the stars.
 

Day 7: Lan Ha or Halong - Danang - Hoi An

Wake up early to catch the sunrise over the bay. Join a kayaking or bamboo boat tour to explore hidden caves and floating villages. After brunch on board, return to the harbor and head to Hanoi for a short flight to Da Nang.

From Da Nang, a quick drive takes you to Hoi An, one of the most charming towns in Vietnam. Spend your evening strolling along the lantern-lit streets of the Old Town, visiting tailor shops, or trying some of Hoi An’s delicious street food like cao lau noodles and banh mi.
 

Day 8: Hoi An - Cam Thanh Village - Hoi An Ancient town

Start your day with a visit to Cam Thanh Coconut Village, where you can take a basket boat ride through the lush palm forest. The local fishermen will show you how they catch fish using traditional methods, and you can even try your hand at paddling the unique round boats.

In the afternoon, explore Hoi An’s Ancient Town. Visit the iconic Japanese Covered Bridge, the Fujian Assembly Hall, and the Tan Ky Old House. As the sun sets, the town transforms into a magical scene with thousands of lanterns glowing along the river. End your night by releasing a paper lantern into the Thu Bon River for good luck.
 

Day 9: Tra Que Cooking Class - Hoi An Lantern Making

Spend your morning at Tra Que Vegetable Village, where you’ll learn about organic farming and Vietnamese herbs. Join a cooking class and prepare traditional dishes like spring rolls, pho, and banh xeo (Vietnamese pancakes). Enjoy your homemade lunch before heading back to town.

In the afternoon, join a lantern-making workshop. Hoi An is famous for its colorful lanterns, and making your own is a fun and creative way to take home a special souvenir. Afterward, enjoy a relaxing evening at a riverside café or take a boat ride to admire the glowing lanterns on the water.
 

Day 10: Hoi An - Ba Na Hills - Golden Bridge - Hue

Leave Hoi An early and head to Ba Na Hills, one of Vietnam’s most famous attractions. Take the cable car up to the mountaintop and walk across the Golden Bridge, held up by giant stone hands. Explore the European-style village, ride the funicular, and enjoy the cool mountain air.

In the afternoon, drive to Hue, the former imperial capital of Vietnam. Check into your hotel and take a leisurely walk along the Perfume River before having dinner at a local restaurant. Hue’s cuisine is famous for its rich flavors, so be sure to try dishes like bun bo Hue (spicy beef noodle soup) and banh beo (steamed rice cakes).
 

Day 11: Hue - City Tour

Start your day with a visit to the Imperial City, a UNESCO-listed complex of palaces, temples, and gates that once housed Vietnam’s emperors. Walk through the grand courtyards and admire the intricate details of the architecture.

Next, visit the Thien Mu Pagoda, Hue’s most famous Buddhist temple, overlooking the Perfume River. Continue to the tombs of Emperor Minh Mang or Khai Dinh, each showcasing unique architectural styles and impressive designs.

Spend the afternoon and evening exploring more of Hue's wonderful cuisine at the bustling Dong Ba Market. Otherwise, you can take a dragon boat ride along the river, and as the day winds down, enjoy a royal-style dinner and see how they were prepared for the Nguyen Dynasty rulers.
 

Day 12: Hue - Thuy Bieu - Tam Giang - Hue

Hue also has peaceful countryside and stunning natural landscapes. Today, you will explore the local life beyond the city.

Start your morning with a visit to Thuy Bieu Village, a charming riverside community known for its fragrant grapefruit orchards and traditional houses. Cycle through the quiet streets, stopping at old wooden homes and learning about the unique "garden house" architecture that blends nature with living spaces. You can also take part in a cooking class or a herbal foot bath experience, both of which reflect Hue’s deep-rooted traditions.

In the afternoon, take a drive to Tam Giang Lagoon, the largest coastal lagoon system in Southeast Asia. This is a hidden gem where you can see floating fishing villages and experience the daily life of local fishermen. A boat trip on the lagoon at sunset is an unforgettable experience, with golden light reflecting on the calm water.

After a long day, return to Hue for a relaxing evening. Enjoy a quiet dinner by the Perfume River, perhaps trying local specialties like banh beo or nem lui.
 

Day 13: Hue - Saigon - City Tour

After the serenity of Hue, it’s time to dive into the energy of Ho Chi Minh City, also known as Saigon. Take a morning flight and arrive in Vietnam’s largest metropolis, where history and modernity collide.

Begin your exploration in District 1, where you can visit the Notre-Dame Cathedral, the Central Post Office, and the Independence Palace. These landmarks tell the story of Saigon’s colonial past and the Vietnam War. If you’re interested in war history, stop by the War Remnants Museum, which provides an in-depth look at the country’s history.

In the evening, explore Ben Thanh Market for street food or take a stroll down Nguyen Hue Walking Street, where locals gather to enjoy live music, coffee, and the city’s vibrant nightlife.
 

Day 14: Saigon - Cu Chi - Saigon

No trip to Saigon is complete without visiting the Cu Chi Tunnels. This vast underground network played a crucial role during the Vietnam War. You’ll get to crawl through some sections of the tunnels, learn about the guerrilla warfare tactics used by the Viet Cong, and see hidden trapdoors and underground living quarters.

Return to Saigon in the afternoon and take a break at a local café. Saigon has a famous café culture, with hidden spots offering everything from traditional Vietnamese drip coffee to trendy cold brews.

If you’re up for more exploration, visit Chinatown (Cho Lon), where you’ll find historic temples, bustling markets, and an entirely different side of the city. Try some Chinese-Vietnamese dishes like hu tieu (pork and shrimp noodle soup) before ending your day.
 

Day 15: Saigon - My Tho - Ben Tre - Tra Vinh

It’s time to leave the city and enter the heart of the Mekong Delta. Drive to My Tho, the gateway to the delta, and take a boat trip along the Tien River. Visit islands where you can see coconut candy making, honeybee farms, and traditional music performances.

Continue to Ben Tre, famous for its coconut groves. Here, take a sampan ride through narrow canals shaded by water palms. The peaceful scenery and slow pace of life make this a refreshing break from the city.

By late afternoon, drive to Tra Vinh, one of the most culturally rich provinces in the Mekong Delta. This area is home to a large Khmer community, with beautiful pagodas and a distinct culture. In the evening, join a cooking class where you'll learn how to make tasty Vietnamese dishes. Spend the night in Tra Vinh.
 

Day 16: Tra Vinh - Can Tho

Wake up early and explore Tra Vinh’s Khmer temples, such as Ang Pagoda and Hang Pagoda, which are different from the Buddhist temples you’ve seen elsewhere in Vietnam.

After lunch, drive to Can Tho, the capital of the Mekong Delta. This city is known for its lively floating markets, especially Cai Rang Market. In the evening, take a leisurely walk along Ninh Kieu Wharf, where you can enjoy river views and local street food.
 

Day 17: Can Tho - Rach Gia - Phu Quoc

Start your morning with a visit to Cai Rang Floating Market, the biggest wholesale floating market in Vietnam. Boats loaded with fruits, vegetables, and local goods create a colorful and bustling scene. Enjoy a fresh pineapple or a bowl of noodle soup straight from a boat vendor.

After breakfast, drive to Rach Gia, the coastal city where you’ll catch a speedboat to Phu Quoc, Vietnam’s paradise island. Upon arrival, check into your beachside resort and relax after days of traveling. You’ve now reached a tropical escape, where white sandy beaches and clear blue waters await.
 

Day 19: Phu Quoc

After the fast-paced travel of the past two weeks, it’s time to slow down and soak in the island paradise of Phu Quoc. Start your day at Sao Beach, famous for its powdery white sand and calm, turquoise waters. It’s one of the most beautiful beaches in Vietnam and perfect for sunbathing or swimming.

In the afternoon, head to Ho Quoc Pagoda, a stunning temple with panoramic views of the sea. Then, explore Phu Quoc Prison, a historical site from the Vietnam War. In the evening, visit Dinh Cau Night Market to sample fresh seafood, tropical fruits, and local specialties like grilled sea urchin and bánh khọt (mini savory pancakes).
 

Day 19: Phu Quoc

Phu Quoc is surrounded by smaller islands and vibrant coral reefs, making it a prime snorkeling and island-hopping destination.

Take a boat tour to the An Thoi Archipelago, stopping at islands like Hon Mong Tay (Fingernail Island), Hon May Rut, and Hon Gam Ghi. These spots are ideal for snorkeling, swimming, and enjoying pristine beaches. Try sea walking, where you can walk on the ocean floor among tropical fish. Relax with a sunset cocktail at Sunset Sanato Beach Club, one of the best sunset-watching spots in Phu Quoc.
 

Day 20: Phu Quoc

Today is all about fun and entertainment! Visit VinWonders Phu Quoc, Vietnam’s largest theme park. It has water slides, roller coasters, and an aquarium, making it a great choice for families. Explore Vinpearl Safari, a wildlife park home to giraffes, tigers, elephants, and other exotic animals. You can take a safari-style tour and get up close with the animals. Head to Grand World Phu Quoc, a lively entertainment complex known as “The Sleepless City.” Enjoy street performances, canal boat rides inspired by Venice, and vibrant nightlife.
 

Day 21: Phu Quoc - Saigon - Departure

Enjoy your last moments on Phu Quoc with a relaxing breakfast by the beach. If time allows, visit a pearl farm to learn about Phu Quoc’s famous pearl industry.

Fly back to Saigon for your international departure. If you have extra time in Saigon, do some last-minute shopping at Ben Thanh Market or grab a cup of Vietnamese egg coffee before heading to the airport.

Conclusion

With its stunning natural beauty, deep-rooted history, and warm hospitality, Vietnam is a destination that captivates every traveler. From exploring ancient temples and bustling markets to cruising through breathtaking bays and relaxing on white-sand beaches, a three-week adventure allows you to experience the very best of the country.

So, what to do for 3 weeks in Vietnam? Follow this itinerary, and you’ll create lifelong memories filled with cultural discoveries, delicious food, and unforgettable landscapes. Ready to embark on this journey? Book a tour today and let Vietnam’s magic unfold before your eyes!

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