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When travelling through South East Asia, you can’t miss Vietnam. From its bustling cities with scooters flying in every direction to its lush green countryside, Vietnam has an adventure for everyone.
Back in March, I’d just completed a month of yoga teacher training in the jungle of Chiang Mai, Thailand. It had been really awesome but super confined so I was well and truly ready to spread my wings and see more of South East Asia.
Vietnam felt like a good place to start…and I wasn’t wrong. After spending three amazing weeks in this beautiful country I gained a true feel of what Vietnam was really about, and the culture and values of its people.
My journey took me from north to south using a variety of different methods of transport. I saw some fascinating sites and the people that I met along the way were amazing.
Here’s my ideal itinerary for three weeks in Vietnam with some amazing ways to experience what this country has to offer.
I’m not a crammer when it comes to travelling and definitely go with the flow, taking my time. I’ve seen many itineraries that try to cram in as much as possible but I prefer a slower, more immersive travel experience, whether that’s exploring independently or joining something like a group tour.
After a night train I would typically spend my day enjoying coffee and soaking in what my new destination had to offer. I’ve also thrown in a little “wild card” option at the end in case you have some more time to adventure.
Read on for a three-week Vietnam travel itinerary and find out where to visit for your first time in the country.
I remember my hosts in Hanoi were so hospitable and gave me a full Vietnamese tea experience which was really cool.
How to get to Vietnam
You can fly from the UK to Vietnam from a number of airports including London Heathrow. The flight time from London to Vietnam is around 12 hours if you take a direct flight.
You can save money on flights by including a stopover on your flight. Of course, this will also increase the flight time but it may also give you the opportunity to visit another country on the way.
Which month is best to visit Vietnam?
The best time to visit Vietnam is between November and April when the weather is cooler and dry. May to October is rainy season which is wet, hot and humid.
The weather also varies by region, so it’s best to check specific weather before you visit.
How to get around in Vietnam
Vietnam is well known for its impressive railway network and sleeper trains. This is something worth utilising as you can get from Hanoi in the north to Ho Chi Minh in the south on one train. Hopping on and off at different stops along the way was super easy.
I’ve found that 12Go is definitely the website or app to use when getting around most of South East Asia. It gives you most of the options available for longer journeys and which would work best, whether it’s a train, plane, coach or taxi.
Taxis are inexpensive in Vietnam. Grab is the most popular app to get a taxi and it takes away the hassle of using cash as it is prepaid in the app.
Gojek is also another option, however I didn’t use this while I was there. Private taxis are also easy to get, just make sure you agree the fare with the driver beforehand unless they have a meter.
Scooters are always available to rent in Vietnam along with push bikes but be extremely careful as traffic doesn’t stop for anyone out here, so be vigilant!
Protect yourself while travelling
To feel secure while travelling or living abroad, I make sure to have health insurance. SafetyWing’s Essential plan gives me coverage for medical emergencies and travel mishaps, with options for adventure sports and electronics theft.
If I want more comprehensive protection, their Complete plan covers routine medical care, mental health support, and maternity benefits—worldwide, including my home country—on top of everything in the Essential plan.
An overview of the ideal 3 week Vietnam itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Hanoi
Day 2: Get to know Hanoi and explore the Old Quarter
Day 3: Touring roof top cafes
Day 4: Visit the famous Train Street
Day 5: Visit Hồ Tây (West Lake)
Day 6: Hanoi to Ninh Bình
Day 7: Visit Tam Cốc-Bích Động
Day 8: Visit Hang Múa – the must see attraction in Ninh Bình
Day 9: Tràng An Boat Ride
Day 9/10: Night train to Da Nang
Day 11: Ba Na Hills
Day 12: Chill on the beach in Da Nang
Day 13: Trạm dừng chân Chùa Linh Ứng
Day 14: Marble mountain
Day 15: Hoi An
Day 16/17: Get the Night Train to Nha Trang
Day 18: Day in Nha Trang
Day 19: Travel from Nha Trang to Ho Chi Minh
Day 20: Chu Chi Tunnels
Day 21: Depart from Ho Chi Minh City
Days 1-5: Hanoi
Day 1 – Arrive in Hanoi
Hanoi is the capital city of Vietnam. It’s busy, bustling and well-known for its architecture and rich culture with Chinese and French influences.
Situated in North Vietnam, it’s used as a starting point by many travellers looking to motorbike the Ha Giang Loop – an epic motorbike route that takes you through the remote and rugged landscapes of Northern Vietnam. It’s also within arm’s reach of Ha Long bay and Trang An, two UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Hanoi is about 45-50 minutes from Noi Bai International Airport and once you’ve picked up a local sim card and booked a Grab you can get out and start exploring. I recommend spending at least three days in Hanoi.
You can also get an eSim before you travel which can save you time when you arrive and means you can connect straight away.
Day 2 – Get to know Hanoi and the Old Quarter
Considered the “real Hanoi,” the Old Quarter is definitely a good place to experience the true essence of this city. It is packed with narrow streets and shops, where you can find all different types of wonderful things.
It can get pretty crazy but is a great place to get a decent beverage or to try some street food.
Day 3 – Touring roof top cafes
When you think of Vietnam, you think of coffee and Hanoi has a wide range of quirky cafes and coffee shops. Many of these are on the rooftops of this busy city, each with a different theme, whether that’s outdoor greenery or even funky vehicles.
I found many little corners of peace and some very hip hang outs.
Day 4 – Visit the famous Train Street
There were a lot articles circulating while I was there regarding Train Street being closed. I decided to go and check it out anyway and the Lê Duẩn section was open.
The street is lined with cafes, bars and restaurants, with the railway line running directly through the middle. I sat down with my iced coconut coffee and ate some noodles while waiting for the 3:30 pm train to whistle by and WOW, it really did!
The cafe owners get you to put your knees in and quickly shut up all of the tables before the train comes by. There are other options inside the cafes and on the balconies above if being on the street doesn’t take your fancy as the train was literally a meter away from me!
I believe the train also goes through this section at 7:30 pm and at different times through other streets in the city. It’s definitely worth checking out, as it’s quite the experience.
Get some tailored clothing
Hanoi is renowned for its tailors and I got some beautifully tailored linen trousers to wear on evenings out. I also got some amendments to some of my current pieces of clothing too.
So if you want a really good value suit or dress then definitely get it tailored in Hanoi. Many people swear that you will not get a better value tailor anywhere else in the world!
Day 5 – Visit Hồ Tây (West Lake)
This is the biggest freshwater lake in Hanoi. You can chill, enjoy a coffee or even go for a bike ride here.
Many people choose to fish and swim in the lake and it’s beautiful to watch. There’s plenty of cafes and restaurants to sit in and watch the world go by.
It’s also home to Chùa Trấn Quốc which is the oldest Pagoda in Hanoi.
Where to stay in Hanoi
Hanoi is an incredibly busy city so this is something to bear in mind. If you want the hustle and bustle, then the Old Quarter (which is also a backpacking hotspot), is definitely the place to be.
I did find it quite overwhelming after a couple of nights so opted to the quieter, more chilled West Lake area.
Hotel recommendations: Old Quarter: Hanoi Backpackers Hostel & Rooftop bar. West Lake: Eden Westlake
Day trips from Hanoi
If you’re a fan of taking organised day trips, there are plenty to choose from in Hanoi. Day trips from Hanoi include a free walking tour of the city and a trip to the beautiful Ha Long Bay.
Days 6-9: Ninh Binh
Day 6 – Hanoi to Ninh Bình
After catching the train, I found myself in the beautiful serenity of Ninh Bình, a small city located about 56 miles (90 kilometers) away from Hanoi. It’s renowned for ecotourism with plenty of things to do and some of the best natural wonders in Vietnam.
Day 7 – Visit Tam Cốc-Bích Động
The resort of Tam Cốc-Bích Động is a haven for tourists and backpackers. There are plenty of places to stay here and some really good restaurants, coffee shops and bars.
You can also take a boat ride here to enjoy all of the beautiful lush scenery or check out the local market stalls.
From here you can walk for about five minutes to get to the Cố Viên Lầu Museum. It’s a typical northern-style ancient village that was restored in the 90s and costs around £1 to get in.
With a collection of houses to look around and see how people lived, it is definitely worth checking out.
About 15 minutes walk from Cố Viên Lầu Museum is the Thai Vi Temple (Đền Thái Vi). The walk takes you through the idyllic and peaceful Vietnamese countryside.
This 13th century temple is free to get in and is surprisingly low-key in appearance to other grand temples, which makes it a popular attraction to go and admire.
Less than five minutes up the road is Hang Thiên Hương, another fantastic free attraction to check out. Hidden in a cave at the foot of Dong Vo mountain, it was formed from erosion created by ocean waves, leaving a deep, hollow grotto.
Day 8 – Visit Hang Múa
No matter how little time you have in Ninh Bình, Hang Múa is a must-see attraction that cannot be missed. It’s absolutely spectacular and entry only costs about £3.
You can visit the peaceful Lotus Garden which is a water-garden with beautiful raised decking that you can walk along. There is also Mua Caves, a network of tunnels, also used as a mobile hospital during the Vietnam war.
Finally a sweaty yet super-rewarding trek up Ngoa Long Mountain. Here you can see the Small Pagoda and Dragon up one side and Big Pagoda up the other – the views are simply stunning!
Day 9 – Tràng An Boat Ride
This is an ecotourism complex that includes a boat ride that lasts about three hours. The boat ride at this attraction costs about £4 and you can pick one of three routes to discover Ninh Bình’s true beauty.
Each route visits a different variety of temples and very low caves, amongst the tranquil landscape of this world cultural and natural heritage site.
Where to stay in Ninh Binh
Combining modern decor with traditional charm, Trang An Ao Dal Homestay is a great option for a budget stay in Ninh Binh.
Day 9-14 Da Nang
Day 9/10 – Night train to Da Nang
If you come to Vietnam then you have to experience a night train. Don’t get me wrong, it wasn’t the best night’s sleep I’ve ever had, but it was definitely one of the best experiences I’ve had.
The journey takes around 14 hours and many locals travel up and down the line, so it’s fantastic to experience this.
I was in a first class dorm with four bunks that cost about £30. With this you get a blanket, pillow, somewhere to charge your phone and store your bag.
There is food on the train, however, I’d recommend bringing some snacks as some of the food served can be a bit interesting. The views of the coast in the morning were absolutely stunning.
Out of my entire trip to Vietnam, Da Nang was definitely my favourite destination. It has a fantastic chilled vibe, with plenty of vegan friendly cafes and restaurants to eat in.
Also, if you’re fortunate to visit on the weekend, Da Nang’s famous Dragon Bridge lights up.
Day 11 – Ba Na Hills
Ba Na Hills is home to the Golden Bridge, one of Vietnam’s most iconic tourist destinations. It’s situated about 30 to 40 minutes outside of Da Nang and there are some tours that take you there for the day but we opted for a £25 return taxi.
Entry to the Golden Bridge is a little bit on the pricey side at approximately £30 but is definitely worth it. The cable car to the top is spectacular as you can see the surrounding mountains with the most beautiful cloud inversions.
The bridge itself can be a little bit on the busy side, but you get amazing panoramic views. There’s also the giant Buddha and some peaceful gardens to walk around with an iced coffee or a coconut.
Day 12 – Chill on the beach
We all need some down time while travelling and Da Nang has a fantastic beachfront. With white sandy beaches, it’s perfect for chilling, having a drink and watching the world go by.
It also comes to life at night with beautiful light displays amongst the cool bars and lounges.
Day 13 – Trạm dừng chân Chùa Linh Ứng
Home to the Lady Buddha and a giant pagoda, this spot is surrounded by beautiful gardens. There are a few temples to look inside including the one at the base of the Lady Buddha.
The views of the beach and Da Nang city in the distance are also fantastic. I was lucky enough to see monkeys which were super cute too.
Day 14 – Marble mountain
Surrounded by marble, Da Nang is where many many statues are made. Marble Mountain has many beautiful statues and shrines hidden within its caves.
There’s also a pagoda, temples and more views of the sea.
Day 15 – Hoi An
About 50 minutes up the road from Da Nang, Hoi An is a beautiful ancient town which is exceptionally well preserved. The southeast Asian trading port dates back to the 15th century and it’s home to all forms of custom textiles and tailoring. It’s also a great place to watch the sunset.
Where to stay in Da Nang: Tashi Ocean Hotel & Apartments Da Nang has a beachfront location and a gorgeous rooftop pool. There’s also a spa and a gym and it’s super reasonably priced with prices starting at around £17.
Read my Tashi Ocean Hotel & Apartment review
Days 16-18: Nha Trang
On day 16, take the night train from Da Nang to Nha Trang.
Day 18 – Nha Trang
To break up the journey from Da Nang to Ho Chi Minh, Nha Trang is the perfect pit stop. Vietnam’s largest beach resort stretches along Tran Phu Street with plenty of hotels and restaurants.
Aerial cable cars cross over to Hòn Tre Island. You can also visit the nature reserves of Hòn Mun and Hòn Tằm islands which are reachable by boat and have coral reefs.
Days 19-21: Ho Chi Minh
My time at Ho Chi Minh was brief but beautiful. Once again it’s a bustling city, like Hanoi, with some fantastic markets and the city really lights up at night with plenty of places to eat and drink.
Cu Chi tunnels
Coming to Vietnam, you cannot ignore the history of the Vietnam war and the Cu Chi tunnels are a fantastic way to learn about this civil war. An hour away from Ho Chi Minh City, this network of tunnels gives you an idea of how people lived during this 20 year long war.
Other places to visit in Vietnam
If you’re staying in Vietnam for longer than three weeks then here are some other places to add to your itinerary.
Sa Pa
Home to the Hoàng Liên Son Mountains of northwestern Vietnam and close to the Chinese border you can trek up Phang Xi Pang peak, known as the roof of Indochina.
Hạ Long Bay
Known for its limestone islands and emerald waters, Hạ Long Bay is a hot spot for tourists. It was just off my path and I had to decide between this and Ninh Bình but it will definitely be on my list for when I return.
Đà Lạt
Known as the “City of Eternal Spring”, Đà Lạt is surrounded by hills, pine forests, lakes and waterfalls. It was developed as a resort by the French in the early 1900s and still keeps much of its European feel today.
I actually wanted to visit the legendary Maze Bar here which looks super cool.
Or head to Cambodia
South East Asia is such an amazing place to visit as you have so many options. I decided to get a three hour coach to Cambodia.
Giant Ibis Transport operates from Ho Chi Minh to Phnom Penh for pretty low prices, plus for $40, they will sort out your visa for you.
A few hot spots that I’d recommend beyond Phnom Penh are the islands of Koh Rong and Koh Rong Sanloen with white sandy beaches and turquoise, crystal clear waters. Also Siem Reap is home to the iconic Angkor Wat temple which takes pride of place on the Cambodian flag.
I’ve also got some tips about Cambodian currency here.
Tips for travelling in Vietnam
Money
I’m going to be honest, I found money tricky in Vietnam. Money didn’t always feel free flowing outside of Hanoi, also many cafes, restaurants and bars don’t take card.
If they do, it tends to come with a fee in most cases. Make sure that you take out cash when you can.
Many of the cashpoints have limits as low as 1.5 million Vietnamese đồng which at the time was less than £50. Also many places, even big chains in Ho Chi Minh city didn’t have change in the mornings.
I found myself on a few occasions trailing around shops trying to break a 500,000 đồng note. So break money in bigger shops when you have the opportunity to.
Extra fees
I was caught out with this a few times as VAT is not always included in the price you see and is added on afterwards. Hotels sometimes add on service fees which are in the small print too, so read all of the small print when booking.
Persistent vendors
One thing that I’ve noticed in Vietnam is that the vast majority of the time when visiting attractions you are being sold to by locals. On most occasions, saying “no” is enough but there are times people can be quite persistent and follow you.
If this happens, simply ignore them and walk away or go into a shop.
Being respectful in places of worship
Many of the attractions to see in Vietnam are temples and places of worship. When visiting these, you should cover your knees, shoulders and remove footwear and hats to be respectful.
Keep your belongings safe
As always when travelling anywhere abroad, keep your important stuff and valuables in a bumbag or securely tucked away and be vigilant at all times.
FAQs
What electrical adapter do I need for Vietnam?
Depending on where you travel to in Vietnam, you may be able to use a UK plug or a European plug adapter, or type C, E, F, and A. The standard voltage is 110/220.
What’s the price of a beer in Vietnam?
Vietnam is typically a cheap place to travel to. A 500ml bottle of local beer will cost between 50p and £1, depending on where you drink.
What is the time difference between the UK and Vietnam?
Vietnam is six hours ahead of the UK during British Summer Time or seven hours ahead during Greenwich Mean Time.
How long should I spend in Vietnam?
How long is a piece of string?! Depending on how much time you have to travel, you can spend as much time in Vietnam as you like as there is a lot to see.
This three-week itinerary covers a lot of the highlights.
Is Vietnam cheaper than Thailand?
Yes, Vietnam tends to be cheaper than Thailand. Thailand is very popular with backpacking tourists and Vietnam hasn’t quite caught up yet, so travelling here is very cheap.
Do British citizens need a visa to visit Vietnam?
If you’re a British citizen and your stay in Vietnam is less than 45 days then you will not need a visa to visit Vietnam.
Does Vietnam have mosquitos?
Yes, Vietnam does have mosquitos so be sure to pack some repellent or pick some up once you arrive in the country.
Is Vietnam a safe country to visit?
Yes, Vietnam is generally considered to be a safe country for tourists to visit. As with every country, you should be vigilant during your travels and there may be issues with petty theft, pickpocketing, and other crime in the cities.
This is a guest post from Tim Jones from Wildness and Wellbeing, a podcast and blog with a focus on how the outdoors can help your mental health. Tim is currently travelling around Southeast Asia.
