If you’ve got three weeks for a Vietnam adventure, you’re guaranteed to have a whale of a time. Here are our top tips of what to include in a three week itinerary to Vietnam.
Days 1 to 3: Hanoi city adventures
Most visitors arrive in Hanoi, which just so happens to be the perfect place to kick off a three week Vietnam adventure. Vietnam’s capital has a vibrant Old Quarter perfect for exploring by foot, amazing temples and markets ripe for gift shopping. Don’t leave without taking in a traditional water puppet performance, which tell stories of rural life in Vietnam.
Days 4 to 5: mountains and communities of northern Vietnam
Further north in Vietnam is where dramatic mountains and traditional cultures collide. Grab hold of the spirit of adventure and do as the Vietnamese do by jumping on a night train from Hanoi to Sapa. This mountain community is the ideal point from which to embark on rural treks. Pass through rice paddies, soak up gorgeous mountain vistas and stay with a local family in a remote mountain community.
Days 6 to 8: emerald waters and karst towers
It’s impossible to visit Vietnam without immersing yourself in the coastal emerald watered landscapes. Ninh Binh and Halong Bay are the places to do this. Both are home to stunning waters with limestone karsts emerging dramatically upward. Both are places to embark on exciting boat journeys. In Ninh Binh, visit the 10th century palace of a former king too, and in Halong Bay, stay overnight on a traditional junk boat.
Days 9 to 11: history of Hue
Travelling further south, the city of Hue is worth adding onto your itinerary to Vietnam. Hue has an abundance of historical wonders and fascinating stories to match, with tombs of former kings, a citadel and pagodas. Be sure to embark on a dragon boat cruise along the Perfume River. Life doesn’t get much better than this.
Days 12 to 15: laid-back in Hoi An
As you reach halfway through your itinerary to Vietnam, it’s time to slow the pace and enjoy the rhythm of life in one locality for a few days. Hoi An couldn’t be a better place for this. The gorgeous coastal city has French, Japanese and Chinese influences in its buildings, giving it a magical and romantic feeling. This is a place to take yourself on a culinary tour – which can include a traditional cooking class – enjoying drinks by the waterways and hitting the beach.
Days 16 to 21: Ho Chi Minh City and foodie deltas
The final portion of your three week itinerary to Vietnam is all about the south of the country. Spend some time in Ho Chi Minh City – a surprisingly modern and cosmopolitan city that still has plenty of hidden corners of Vietnamese tradition. This is the place to enjoy the nightlife, take advantage of the city’s international foodie credentials and explore the historical sites and markets. The Cu Chi tunnels are a must-visit too. This underground network was used during the war and provides a fascinating insight into a not-too-distant history. It’s also possible to do a day trip or overnight trip to the Mekong Delta from Ho Chi Minh City. Soak up the water markets, traditional water-side communities and wares of local craft makers.
This three week itinerary to Vietnam allows you to experience Vietnam from many angles. Similar to
National Geographic’s idea of a perfect itinerary, experiences mountains to coastlines, cities to remote villages, adventurous exploration to off-the-beaten-track escapades.
An itinerary to Vietnam couldn’t be more perfect – check out how Mr Linh’s Adventures can show you the way.