3 weeks Vietnam Itinerary: The Ultimate Guide to north and central Vietnam
In April 2023, we travelled 3 weeks in Vietnam. Our original plan was to visit all of Vietnam but as we were planning it, we decided to focus on the north and center of Vietnam. Therefore allowing more time in both those regions.
Our 3 weeks in Vietnam started and ended in Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam. Our complete trip included in this order: Hanoi, Sapa, Hanoi, Halong Bay/LanHa Bay, Tam Coc (Ninh Binh), Hue, HoiAn, Hanoi.
One particular thing is that we travelled Vietnam while Tina was 9 to 12-week Pregnant. So, it wasn’t always easy, yet we enjoyed it!
This Vietnam itinerary is the one we followed in April 2023, when we made our 3 weeks Vietnam Itinerary a reality.
We will start in the north in Hanoi, we will then go higher to the mountain to visit Sapa, before heading for a cruise in Halong Bay as well as discover the Halong on Land, Tam Coc. From there, we will head to center of Vietnam, and visit the historical city of Hue before ending our trip in our favourite city in Vietnam Hoi An.
So, if you too are looking to visit Vietnam, than this Vietnam itinerary might help you
Table of Contents
Here is our complete video from this trip :
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Vietnam Itinerary Overview
Let’s start our Vietnam itinerary with some background information, in April 2023, we spent 3-week in Vietnam. We opted for this time as we had planned on going from the north to the south of Vietnam. Weather wise that seems to be a good choice as Vietnam as 3 different types of weather. If you want to know more about that we made a Vietnam Travel tips video.
Anyway, when we started planning our trip and made our original Vietnam itinerary, we realized that going from North to South would be just too much and that we would be skipping a lot. Plus, we really wanted to visit SAPA, the northernmost port of Vietnam. There was also the fact that Tina was pregnant and that we didn’t know how it would go while travelling.
Those were the mains reasons we gave up the south and decided to stop our Vietnam itinerary in the center of Vietnam. The main advantages of that choice was that we also had more times everywhere.
- Day 1: Arrive in Hanoi
- Day 2 – 3 : Hanoi
- Day 4 – 7 : SaPa
- Day 8 – 10 : Cruise in La Han and Ha Long Bay
- Day 11 – 13 : Tam Coc
- Day 14 – 16 : Hue
- Day 17 – 20 : Hoi An
- Day 21 : Return
One thing we also skipped in our Vietnam itinerary was the Phong Nha region where you have stunning cave, the main reason being that you have to take 8h bus to get there from Tam Coc. We played it safe and relax from Tam Coc went back to Hanoi to fly to Hue directly, skipping Phong Nha.
After doing it, we must say that we really enjoyed our trip in Vietnam and wouldn’t change our itinerary.
Vietnam Itinerary day by day
Vietnam Itinerary Day 1: Arrive in Hanoi
Let’s kick of our Vietnam itinerary by flying to Hanoi, pass the customer, get a sim card, transfer to your accommodation and check-in. After taking a well-deserved shower, head-out for a first stroll around the city center of the Capital of Vietnam. Go grab a bite, we opted for the Hanoi Social Club, which was a really nice place to be.
Where to stay, (€): Emerald Waters Hotel & Spa, (€€): San Grand Hotel, (€€€): Peridot Grand Luxury Boutique Hotel
Read More: 15 Best things to do in Hanoi
Vietnam Itinerary Day 2: Hanoi
Now the Vietnam itinerary really starts. Begin the day with a good and healthy breakfast as today the real and sweaty adventure starts. Begin by visiting St Joseph Cathedral of Hanoi, the oldest church in Vietnam.
Next head to one of the most unique coffee shops in town, the note coffee (this is a must to include in your Vietnam itinerary). One thing that you shouldn’t miss out, is a manicure or a pedicure. Prices for those are great and the service top notch. From there, simply walk around, stop in a few shops, visit a few temples, pass by the beer streets, and have lunch at Hoang’s.
It is now time to visit the Ngoc son temple located on the Hoàn Kiếm lake before trying an egg coffee at Café Giang (another thing that you must consider in your Vietnam itinerary), which claim to be the original place where egg coffee was invented.
It is now time for the water puppet show that last for 50 min.
You must be hungry now, so let’s try out some local food at Tungs’ kitchen. Finally, walk back the street of the city center of Hanoi and if you fancy it, try to get to the train street. Or book the Guided Food Tour with Train Street to be sure to enter the train street.
Where to stay, (€): Emerald Waters Hotel & Spa, (€€): San Grand Hotel, (€€€): Peridot Grand Luxury Boutique Hotel
Read More: 15 Best things to do in Hanoi
Vietnam Itinerary Day 3 Hanoi
To continue your 3 weeks in Vietnam, Let’s explore the historical part. Take a grab to the temple of Literature. Then take a small break at Cong café to try out of the famous coconut coffee of Vietnam. Your next stop is just around the corner, the imperial citadel of Thang Long. For lunch, try out a delicious vegan buffet at veggies castle.
To start the afternoon, walk around the West Lake and admire some more of the local telecom. And visit the Tran Quoc Pagoda, the oldest Buddhist temple in Hanoi.
From there, start walking south, pass the Quán Thành Temple to arrive at the last monument of the day, the Ho Chi Minh mausoleum.
Hanoi has lots of cute coffee shop, so let’s try another one. Take grab to Loading T coffee and enjoy a fresh herb tea. Next, you can stroll more around the old quarter and for dinner why not try a pizza at 4P’s Pizza Bao Khanh.
Don’t worry, if you have things, you still want to do in Hanoi, you will be back the last day of this itinerary.
Where to stay, (€): Emerald Waters Hotel & Spa, (€€): San Grand Hotel, (€€€): Peridot Grand Luxury Boutique Hotel
Read More: 15 Best things to do in Hanoi
Vietnam Itinerary Day 4: Transportation + Sapa
Day 4 of your 3 weeks in Vietnam: Early morning continue your Vietnam itinerary by taking a luxurious van to get to Sapa. You will arrive around 1pm if you leave with the 6:40am van. Once in town, you can start with lunch at Good Morning Vietnam,
It will then be time to get to your accommodation and check-in, organise a scooter, or a hiking day with a local. In the afternoon, visit the small but cute town of Sapa. And later on, head to CatCat village where you can experience local culture, performances and even see lots of local dressed in traditional clothes. Or take this tour to avoid the scooter.
At night, enjoy a nice diner from the rooftop of your accommodation.
Where to stay: (€): Capsule Hotel Sapa, (€€): Sapa Rosie house, (€€€): Laxsik Ecolodge
Read More: Best things to do in Sapa
Vietnam Itinerary Day 5: Sapa
This day is one of our favourite from our 3 weeks itinerary in Vietnam. It will be a full day hiking tour around the H’mong valley. After breakfast, start by meeting with your guide. And then hike through the villages in the valley, passed a bamboo forest and a waterfall. It isn’t too hard and take up to 6h30 with 1h lunch break.
This is one of the best things you can do in SaPa as you get to learn so much about the local culture. Ask your guide tons of questions, stop to take picture of video and just to make a break.
Once back in your accommodation you can take a warm shower and then enjoy some fresh juices. For dinner, opt to stay in your accommodation and have an early sleep.
Don’t forget to book this tour in advance. It is one of the best things to do in SaPa
Where to stay: (€): Capsule Hotel Sapa, (€€): Sapa Rosie house, (€€€): Laxsik Ecolodge
Read More:Best things to do in Sapa
Vietnam Itinerary Day 6: Sapa
After a traditional breakfast, go on your rented scooter and drive to the lover waterfall.
Don’t feel like riding a scooter, we got you covered: Waterfall, Heaven Gate, Glass Bridge Private Tour By Car
Then drive another 10min to Tram Ton pass also called heaven’s gate. On this road you have a super scenic view of the valley and mountains around.
From there, drive back toward Sapa and stop at Sunworld to take the cable car up to Fansipan, the highest peak of Indochina (Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos). We would recommend doing this only if you have a nice weather, because on a cloudy day you won’t see a thing up there.
Once out of Fansipan, drive to Sapa city center and have lunch at the Ladybird hotel, coffee and restaurant. They have great food option and are located next to the city center. Then you can stroll in Sapa, walk by the lake and discover more of the small town.
Where to stay: (€): Capsule Hotel Sapa, (€€): Sapa Rosie house, (€€€): Laxsik Ecolodge
Vietnam Itinerary Day 7: Return to Hanoi
To continue this Vietnam itinerary, time to head back to Hanoi. In the morning chill and rest in your accommodation. This is actually a great moment to enjoy the views of the region while sipping a fresh fruit juice.
For your last lunch in town, try out the vegan options at Thong Dong Vegan. It is located next to the city center and is therefor, the perfect place to be.
Early afternoon, take the van back to Hanoi. You will arrive around 8:15pm and need to be ready for the big day coming next.
If you don’t want to organise the transportation and everything, this rates amongst the best tour: 2-Day Sa Pa Ethnic Homestay Tour with Trekking
Where to stay, (€): Emerald Waters Hotel & Spa, (€€): San Grand Hotel, (€€€): Peridot Grand Luxury Boutique Hotel
Read More: Luxury Van transfer from Hanoi to Sapa
Vietnam Itinerary Day 8: Halong Bay
This will be one of the highlights of your Vietnam itinerary, embark on a 3-day 2-night cruise one of the famous Vietnamese Cruise in the famous Halong Bay and Lan Ha bay. The first part of the day will be the transportation until the ship.
At the end of morning, you will be on-board the cruise ship, after some more guideline you will get your room keys. Time for lunch which is a buffet. After that you will have some time to enjoy your room and visit the boat.
Later, it will be time for your first excursion which will be a tour of the bright and dark cave on a wooden rowing boat. Then, you will be brought back to the main cruise, where a 5:30pm you can try the spring rolls cooking class and then enjoy a drink and some snacks on the upper deck.
At 7pm, dinner will be served. Be ready for some amazing and tasteful food. At night, you can try squid fishing in the rear of the boat! Good luck!
If you do not want to have to deal with a travel agency, you should consider:
- From Hanoi in 1-day: Halong Bay Cruise with Swimming & Kayak Tour
- From Hanoi in 2-day: 2-Day Halong & Lan Ha Bay
- Combined the cruise with Ninh Binh Tam Coc to save time: 3-Day Ninh Binh, Ha Long, & Lan Ha Bay 5-Star Cruise
Read More: 3-Day Luxury Cruise in Halong Bay
Vietnam Itinerary Day 9: Halong Bay
Your Vietnam itinerary continues by going on a full day out but before that, start with a 6:30am Tai Chi class on the upper desk. After a light breakfast, embark on the day tour boat.
After getting more people on board, you will be heading to Cat Ba island. Then, after visiting the island, it is time to get back to the boat for lunch. Once lunch finish, it will be time to kayak in the bay and discover a fish farm. And finally, later on, you will be able to swim to a small beach if you feel like it.
Read More: 3-Day Luxury Cruise in Halong Bay
Vietnam Itinerary Day 10: Halong Bay to Tam Coc
Sad moment of your 3 weeks in Vietnam: Last time that you will wake up on the cruise. So, let’s make the best of it. Some TaiChi in the morning, followed by a light breakfast. And then 2 choices, either to enjoy the upper deck under the sun of the bay or to go kayaking in this part of the bay.
By 10am, brunch will be served, which another multiple courses meal. It will then be time to say goodbye to the cruise, take back a smaller boat and head back to the port.
From there, you will take a VIP bus to TAM COC directly. The road takes up to 4h with one break. Once in Tam Coc, check in your accommodation, borrow 2 bikes and head for dinner at Chookie’s Beer Garden for an amazing dinner in a beautiful place.
Tip: You can take the Ninh Binh, Trang An, Bai Dinh, and Mua Cave Trip. In one day you get to see more than us in 3 days in Tam Coc.
Where to Stay: (€): Tam Coc Wonderland Bungalow, (€€): HaLi Home, (€€€): Tam Coc Garden Resort
Read More: 9 Best things to do in Tam Coc
Vietnam Itinerary Day 11: Tam Coc
To kick off your first full day in Tam Coc, rent a scooter as you will be out the whole day. The first stop will be the Bai Dinh Temple, a complex of Buddhist temples including the original temple and more recent ones. Once out, hop back on your scooter and head toward the Vân long Reserve. Before it, make a lunch stop at a local restaurant call NHA HANG TUAN TU VÂN LONG NINH Bình.
Then, get 2 tickets for the Van Long boat tour and once on your small boat enjoy some stunning views of the area. To continue with the day, drive and visit the Hoa Lu Ancient Capital which was the capital of Vietnam from 968 to 1009 however it is actually quite small and consist only of 2 small temples to visit.
The final stop of the day will be right opposite of Hoa Lu, the Am Tien Cave, a stunning site, really quiet with a little lake in the middle where you can see a beautiful gate and enjoy a walk around the lake.
Where to Stay: (€): Tam Coc Wonderland Bungalow, (€€): HaLi Home, (€€€): Tam Coc Garden Resort
Read More: 9 Best things to do in Tam Coc
Vietnam Itinerary Day 12: Tam Coc
Second day in Tam Coc, and you will also need a scooter. The first stop being the Bich Dong Pagoda, a nice religious city where you can see local ceremonies.
The second stop will the famous Tam Coc boat tour that take you through stunning rice fields and between mountains along the Ngo Dong rive. The particularity of this boat tour is that rower rows with its legs.
The third stop will be Chookie’s Beer Garden for lunch as well as enjoying the little swimming pool during the hottest part of the day.
The fourth stop will be the BEST THING to do in TAM COC, Trang An boat tour. Which is the only boat tour recognized as a UNESCO world heritage site.
The final stop of the day will be the Mua Caves. Despite its name, it is actually a viewpoint where you get the post card picture of Tam Coc after climbing some 500 steps.
For dinner, we would recommend trying Bahmi Hanoi, another really nice restaurant with super friendly staffs and yummy food.
Where to Stay: (€): Tam Coc Wonderland Bungalow, (€€): HaLi Home, (€€€): Tam Coc Garden Resort
Read More: 9 Best things to do in Tam Coc
Vietnam Itinerary Day 13: Tam Coc to Hue
This day will be about travelling to the next destination which is Hue. In the morning take it easy, go for a small bike ride within the rice field, grab some take away lunch at Banhmi Hanoi and pack your things. Transfer to Hanoi Airport in a Van departing around 11:45am and arriving in the airport at 2pm.
Then fly to Hue. Once in Hue transfer to your accommodation, check in, take a shower and, it will already be dinner time. For that we would recommend Nook Eatery, our favorite restaurant in Hue.
Where to stay: (€): The Purple Hue BnB Central Hub, (€€): White Lotus Hue Hotel, (€€€): Pilgrimage Village Boutique
Read More: 15 Best things to do in Hue
Vietnam Itinerary Day 14: Hue
Hue is the historical capital of Vietnam so there will lots of cultural and historical sites to visit. Let’s start with the Imperial citadel. To get there use the Nguyen Dinh Chieu Walking Street which provided a beautiful walk along the Perfume River.
Then visit The Imperial Citadel which houses the ancient imperial city and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Next, visit the Dong Ba market, a local market where you can get everything you want. Those markets are always fun to visit. For lunch, we would recommend once again Nook Eatery.
Tip: To really understand the citadel, take the Imperial and Forbidden City Guided Tour
In the afternoon rent a scooter and visit the Thien Mu Pagoda. Next stop will be the Tu Dam temple which also featured a magnificent pagoda. And after that the Hue Archdiocese Cathedral also called the Phủ Cam Cathedral.
To finish the afternoon, you can visit the “An Dinh Palace”, an early 20th century palace & home of Vietnam’s last kings. And to finish the day, enjoy some refreshment at Hue T Roaster and then visit the bar district.
Tip: The Hue City Highlights Trip by Car & English Speaking Driver includes this pagoda and the citadel
Where to stay: (€): The Purple Hue BnB_Central Hub, (€€): White Lotus Hue Hotel, (€€€): Pilgrimage Village Boutique
Read More: 15 Best things to do in Hue
Vietnam Itinerary Day 15: Hue
Today, you will need energy as there are 3 tombs and more on the program. The first stop is the furthest away, the Mausoleum of Emperor Minh Mang. Located 12km outside of Hue. Next and not to far was the Mausoleum of Emperor Khai Dinh.
To make a break from the tombs, time for the Thuy Tien lake Abandoned Water Park, that gained notoriety for its short operational period and has become a major destination in Hue due to its dragon construction in the center.
For lunch, drive back to Hue center, and try the Khoai’s pancake at Nina’s Café Restaurant and then rest in your accommodation.
Once full of energy, hop back on the scooter and leave for the last tomb of the day, the Mausoleum of Emperor Tu Duc. To continue your exploration of Hue, drive a few minutes away to discover the viewpoint on Vong Canh Hill. Time to call it a day and drive back to the city center. Make a final stop at Từ Hiếu Pagoda, a peaceful place with a beautiful pond and garden. And end the day, once again in Nook eatery.
Tip: You can visit all the tombs with this private tour
Where to stay: (€): The Purple Hue BnB_Central Hub, (€€): White Lotus Hue Hotel, (€€€): Pilgrimage Village Boutique
Read More: 15 Best things to do in Hue
Vietnam Itinerary Day 16: Train to Hoi An
In the morning, after breakfast, take a grab to the train station where you will take the SE1 train to Da Nang and then transfer to Hoi An by car.
Once checked-in your accommodation, borrow 2 bikes and head to the old town of Hoi An. Then stroll around the old town which is incredible and visit some stores. They are all so cute and all look amazing. For dinner, you can try some local food at Nu Eatery located after the Japanese bridge.
Tip: Reserve your boat tour online to avoid all the hassle from negotiating the price.
Where to stay: (€): Hoi An Merrily De Art Hotel (€€): Cozy Savvy Boutique Hotel Hoi An (€€€): Allegro Hoi An . A Little Luxury Hotel & Spa
Read More: 1st Class Sleeper Train From Hue to Hoi An
Vietnam Itinerary Day 17: Hoi An
A famous thing to do in Hoi An is to get custom clothes, so start by heading to a tailor and get some done. After that, let’s go for a coffee and tea degustation at the Reaching Out Tea House. The place is amazing, and the service is done by deaf people. They also have an amazing store in the back.
Then stroll around the old town during the day, it will be less crowded and enjoyable.
Next order of business will be a lantern making class at The Lantern Lady, where you can choose the size, shape, and up to 4 fabrics for the lantern and as it is foldable it is easy to carry with you while travelling. For lunch, we recommend Nourish Eatery. The place is super cozy, and we loved the food. They have amazing smoothies and delicious food.
After a quick stop at your accommodation to get ready, spend the afternoon at An Nang Beach. In the evening go back to the old town, stroll around and get some dinner in one of the many restaurants there.
Tip: Register for the Free Walking Tour with a Local Guide to learn more bout Hoi An
Where to stay: (€): Hoi An Merrily De Art Hotel (€€): Cozy Savvy Boutique Hotel Hoi An (€€€): Allegro Hoi An . A Little Luxury Hotel & Spa
Read More: 9 Best Things to Do in Hoi An
Vietnam Itinerary Day 18: Hoi An
Once again, you will need a scooter as today we will start by visiting My Son Sanctuary, a cluster of abandoned and partially ruined Shaiva Hindu temples. And is recognized as a UNESCO World heritage site. Between the 4th and 13th centuries a unique culture which owed its spiritual origins to Indian Hinduism developed in the region of Vietnam.
My son is the remain of a dramatic site that was the religious and political capital of the Champa Kingdom for most of its existence. To continu, drive back toward Hoi An, make a small stop at the Thanh Ha Pottery Village and have lunch at Nourish Eatery.
In the afternoon, try another beach like the coconut beach.
And in the evening, let’s get back to the old town. It is that magnificent that you cannot get bored of it
Where to stay: (€): Hoi An Merrily De Art Hotel (€€): Cozy Savvy Boutique Hotel Hoi An (€€€): Allegro Hoi An . A Little Luxury Hotel & Spa
Read More: 9 Best Things to Do in Hoi An
Vietnam Itinerary Day 19: Hoi An
Last full day in town, so let’s make most of it. Hop on a scooter and drive to the marble mountain, a cluster of five marble and limestone mountains that are named after the five elements. All the mountains have cave entrances and numerous tunnels, and it is possible to climb to the summit of Mount Thủy as well as visit Several Buddhist sanctuaries.
Tip: Enjoy an unique experience with the My Son Sanctuary Early Morning Visit with Breakfast
Then drive back to Hoi An lunch. I am sure you guess it; lunch is at Nourish eatery.
And in the afternoon, let’s try one more beach, this time the Tree Coconuts beach. But before why not take a swim at your accommodation.In the evening, head one final time to the old town, try some street food and stroll for the last time our favorite city in Vietnam
Where to stay: (€): Hoi An Merrily De Art Hotel (€€): Cozy Savvy Boutique Hotel Hoi An (€€€): Allegro Hoi An . A Little Luxury Hotel & Spa
Read More: 9 Best Things to Do in Hoi An
Vietnam Itinerary Day 20: Return to Hanoi
After breakfast, transfer from Hoi An to Da Nang Airport which takes 40min. Then flight to Hanoi to be there beginning of the afternoon. Once back in Hanoi, check in your accommodation, drop your bag and start by having lunch. We opted once again for Tung’s Kitchen. But this time on the terrasse.
From there you could do a more luxury manicure and pedicure at Aurora Nails & Spa Hanoi.
And then go to the train street if you couldn’t get there first. Be sure to called the owner of Railway coffee to pick you up. There you can met some really nice people and have an amazing time. To finish the day, why not another pizza at Pizza 4P’s Bao Khanh. And then a final stroll in the bustling streets of Hanoi.
Where to stay, (€): Emerald Waters Hotel & Spa, (€€): San Grand Hotel, (€€€): Peridot Grand Luxury Boutique Hotel
Vietnam Itinerary Day 21: Return home
And that’s it! It is the end of Vietnam and this itinerary. Time to go to the airport and to fly back home. We hope that you have enjoyed this itinerary.
Ở hiền gặp lành. One good turn deserves another
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