21 days gives you a good amount of time to explore the highlights of Vietnam but be warned: this itinerary will be jam-packed. It has a bit of everything, from Halong Bay to ricefields to big cities to museums to the Ha Giang Loop.
This 21-day Vietnam itinerary begins in Ho Chi Minh City in the south and finishes in Hanoi in the north, but it can also be done reversely. Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi have international airports, so they will be easy to fly in and out of. If you’re using this itinerary for a bigger Southeast Asia trip, I recommend getting a bus straight from Phnom Penh, Cambodia, to Can Tho, Vietnam (visiting Ho Chi Minh City after Can Tho). Then, to depart, you can easily get a bus from Hanoi to multiple cities in Laos to continue your journey. Again, this overland route can be done in reverse, depending on the weather and your preferences.
Do you have more than 21 days to spend in Vietnam? Check out my complete 30-day itinerary or 45-day itinerary. Are you a bit shorter on time? I have a 14-day itinerary, which might be better suited for you!
Day 1- Ho Chi Minh City
Land in one of Vietnam’s most bustling cities and take the day to soak it all in. Depending on your flight or bus time, you may not arrive until later in the day.
If you arrive early in the day, you can relax. There is no rush today. If you feel up to exploring after you’ve dropped your bags at your hostel, wander around the city. I recommend Nguyen Hue Walking Street or chill in your hostel and make some friends.
As the sun sets, make your way to Ben Thanh Street Food Market. Dive into a world of flavours where you can taste everything from pho to banh mi. It’s the perfect introduction to Vietnam’s famed culinary scene. Then, ready for some nightlife? Bui Vien Beer Street is calling your name. It’s the perfect place to drink, dance, and experience the craziness of Vietnamese nightlife!
Day 2- Ho Chi Minh City
Start your day with a quick breakfast to-go and hit the streets for a free walking tour. Get a glimpse of the city’s rich history and vibrant culture through your expert guide. This will take you to sights such as The Saigon Post Office, Independence Palace, Notre Dame and Nguyen Hue Walking Street.
After working up an appetite, sneak into the Secret Garden for lunch—a hidden gem offering a peaceful escape and delicious Vietnamese dishes. Spend your afternoon at the War Remnant Museum for a dose of history. This is a very sombre experience, but it is a must-do to learn about the war’s history and atrocities.
Come evening, rev up for a foodie scooter tour. It’s dinner and a key experience, rolling through the streets and sampling the best eats in Ho Chi Minh City. You’ll probably finish this tour absolutely stuffed and not wanting to head out for a night out. Take the night off, as you’ve got an early morning tour tomorrow!
Day 3- Ho Chi Minh City to Dalat
After another on-the-go breakfast, it’s time for a half-day trip to the Cu Chi Tunnels. Spend your day exploring this incredible underground network and get a firsthand look at the ingenuity of guerrilla warfare.
You’ll spend the morning and early afternoon learning more about the Vietnam War with your insightful local guide. You’ll also have a lunch stop before returning to the city. Once you’re back in the city, check out the Instagram-worthy Pink Church to snap a few pictures. Afterwards, head to the city’s most famous market (Ben Thanh Market) to bargain for souvenirs and wander through the countless stalls.
For dinner, revisit the Ben Thanh Street Food Market because once is never enough. Afterwards, get ready to catch a night bus to your next destination: Dalat.
Day 4- Dalat
Once you arrive in Dalat, grab brunch at One More Cafe (a personal fave), before a big day of exploring. Then, head to the Dalat Train Station to check out the historic station. Catch the 10:55 train from Dalat Station to Trai Mat for a historic ride. Next, marvel at the Glass Pagoda and take plenty of pictures of this stunning site.
Afterwards, head to Datanla Waterfall, where a rollercoaster ride awaits to take you down to the falls. In the last part of the afternoon, jump in a Grab and head to the cable car entrance for a scenic journey up to the Zen Monastery.
For dinner, immerse yourself in the local vibe at the Dalat Night Market, and don’t miss out on dessert at The Choco. Ready for a wild night? Hit Maze Bar, then onto King Kong Hostel Bar for the afterparty.
Day 5- Dalat
Rise early and fuel up with breakfast at your hostel. Today’s the day for that thrilling canyoneering tour. If you don’t fancy trying canyoneering, either have a leisurely day around Dalat or book Mr Rot’s Secret Tour to explore the surrounding countryside of Dalat.
If you’ve chosen to do canyoneering, you’ll be back at the hostel between 2 and 3 pm. for a quick shower. Then, we’re off to Datanla Waterfall, where a rollercoaster ride awaits to take you down to the falls. In the last part of the afternoon, jump in a Grab and head to the Glass Pagoda, where you can take plenty of pictures of this stunning site. If you choose Mr Rot’s Secret Tour, you will be back around 4 pm and will have time to visit Crazy House only.
Grab a quick to-go dinner from Lien Hoi Bakery before a 5:30 pm night bus to your next destination: the famous lantern city of Hoi An.
Day 6- Hoi An
After stumbling off the night bus, ease into your day with a leisurely breakfast and coffee at Rosie’s Cafe. Then, join a free walking tour of the Old Town to soak in its charm. After the walking tour and learning about the history of Hoi An, grab lunch at the famous Madam Khanh—the Banh Mi Queen. Spend your early afternoon getting clothes tailored.
In the early afternoon, you’ll depart on a combo tour (cooking class and spinning boats). The first stop will be a guided local market tour, followed by a trip to the famous spinning boats. After, you’ll head to a homestay in the ricefields to commence the cooking class (which will leave you full for the next 12 hours!)
The cooking class tour will drop you back at your hostel around 6 pm, with time for a night out. Start with pre-drinks at the hostel, then move on to Y Not Bar and Tiger Tiger for dancing. Remember you have an early day tomorrow, so don’t go too hard!
Day 7- Hoi An
You will be woken up early for breakfast at your hostel, followed by a half-day tour of the My Son Temples. In the morning, you will spend the morning on a guided tour of Angkor Wat of Vietnam, learning about the rich history and culture of the Cham people.
When you return to the city, rent bicycles from your hostel and pedal through picturesque rice fields to the beach. Start with the busier of the two, An Bang Beach, before heading to Hidden Beach for a perfect afternoon of napping, swimming, and chilling.
Cycle back to Hoi An Old Town in time for dinner at Cau Lau Thanh to try a famous dish from Hoi An. Don’t miss the lantern boat ride afterwards and remember to pick up your tailored clothes! If you’re up for it, brave another night out—start at Mr Bean Bar and then back to Tiger Tiger for dancing.
Day 8- Hoi An to Hue
Today is a major bucket list day as you embark on the Hai Van Pass journey from Hoi An to Hue. Start early with breakfast at your hostel. Visit Marble Mountain, Dragon Bridge, Lang Co Beach, and Thác Nhị Hồ Waterfall along the Hai Van Pass.
Once in Hue, grab dinner at Madame Thu. Cap off the evening with a dragon boat ride along the river for a musical performance under the night sky. If you’re feeling it, why not explore Hue’s nightlife? head to the Vietnam Backpacker Hostel Bar for pre-drinks, followed by DMZ Bar for dancing and live music.
Day 9- Hue
Brunch at Nook Eatery is the perfect way to start the day. Then, dive into the day with a guided tour of the Hue Citadel and Imperial City, soaking up history and culture.
Grab a quick to-go lunch, then hit Dong Ba Market for local vibes. Next up, the Pagoda of the Celestial Lady (Thien Mu Pagoda) and the Temple of Literature. Next, explore the eerie abandoned waterpark, best explored on a scooter. Then, visit the Khai Dinh Mausoleum for a bit of royal history.
Grab an early dinner or something to go, then catch the late afternoon bus to Phong Nha. You should arrive between 8-11 pm. Then, head to bed early to rest up for tomorrow’s adventures.
Day 10- Phong Nha
After breakfast at your hostel, set off early to explore Freedom Cave. Spend the morning walking through the impressively large cave structure. Afterwards, head to the Botanic Gardens on the way back to the city. Spend the latter part of your morning hiking and swimming at a waterfall in the gardens.
Spend the early part of the afternoon lounging at the Pub with Cold Beer, soaking in the views and enjoying lunch. Next, it’s off to the Duck Stop —yes, you get to feed ducks, and it’s just as weird as it sounds. Afterwards, head back to Phong Nha town to embark on a Phong Nha Cave boat tour.
For dinner, Central Backpackers is the spot. Then, it’s time for Central Backpackers’ legendary free beer hour. Join in the nightly activities, and if you’re up for it, keep the night going at King Kong Bar.
Day 11- Phong Nha
Rise early for breakfast at your hostel, gearing up for the thrilling Dark Cave tour. You’ll spend the day zip-lining, caving and playing in the mud with your tour mates.
After a day of adventure, unwind with dinner at Bamboo Chopsticks Cafe and Restaurant. If you’re in the mood, grab a few drinks at Central Backpackers before catching the late-night bus to Ninh Binh.
Day 12- Ninh Binh
Kickstart your day with brunch at Ngon. Afterwards, head to the Trang An Boat departure boat to enjoy a 3-hour boat ride through the stunning scenery of Ninh Binh, exploring pagodas, caves and viewpoints, then head back to your hostel to rent bicycles for the rest of the day.
After picking up your bicycle, prepare to weave through the rice paddies to Bich Dong Pagoda. On your way there, hit up a family restaurant for some local grub. Mid-afternoon, cycle to Mua Cave viewpoint. Hike to the top of the iconic viewpoint to see for yourself why Ninh Binh is known as “Halong Bay on Land”. Time your ride back to catch the sunset through the rice fields—pure magic.
For dinner, Chef Hien offers delicious meals and cheap beer. Wrap up your evening at Banana Tree with pre-drinks before hitting the karaoke buses for a night of singing and laughter.
Day 13- Halong Bay
Wake up (you might be feeling those karaoke buses), but brace yourself for a big travel day, heading to Halong Bay to start your boat tour. From here, you’ll be transported to the main boat that will be your home for the next two days.
Once on the main boat, your day is packed with swimming, boat jumping, and plenty of drinking, all while soaking in the breathtaking views. Watch the sunset over the bay and enjoy a feast onboard. It’s the perfect mix of relaxation and party vibes as you float in one of Vietnam’s most iconic landscapes.
Day 14- Halong Bay
Start your morning aboard the Halong Bay Cruise, kayaking through Halong Bay and capturing a few last serene moments. After enjoying your last lunch on the bay, it’s time to say goodbye and head on. Get ready for a long journey straight to Sapa. You should arrive in the city just before dinner time.
When you arrive in Sapa, grab a late dinner at Little Sapa Restaurant. Don’t forget to book a two-day trek of Sapa for tomorrow, so you’ll have to get an early night’s sleep tonight.
Day 15- Sapa
Fuel up with a quick breakfast at your hostel, then get ready to be picked up early for your trekking adventure.
Spend the day exploring the breathtaking landscapes of Sapa, learning about local life, and making friends with family-style provided. Your night ends at a homestay in a quaint village. Embrace the opportunity to connect with your host and their family, diving deep into the local culture and lifestyle.
Day 15- Sapa
Wake up in a traditional village and continue your trekking journey. Spend the day trekking back towards Sapa and enjoying meals amidst scenic views. Say heartfelt goodbyes to your homestay host before being dropped back in Sapa town around 2 pm.
Freshen up at your hostel, then get ready for your afternoon activity. Choose your adventure: a 2-4 hour cable car ride for breathtaking views or visiting the picturesque cultural village of Cat Cat. If the weather is overcast, misty or cloudy, I would recommend Cat Cat over Fansipan.
For dinner, head to Casa Italia for a hearty meal that hits the spot. Then, catch the last night bus to Ha Giang Township, gearing up for the next leg of your journey.
Day 16- Ha Giang Loop
Rise early for breakfast at your hostel, then dive into Day 1 of the Ha Giang Loop (a major bucket-list experience!). Start with an orientation to get the lay of the land.
Spend your day making new friends, marvelling at viewpoints, indulging in local eats, and soaking in the sights. Your night is spent at a homestay, complete with “happy water,” a family dinner, and karaoke. It’s the perfect blend of adventure, culture, and fun, setting the tone for an unforgettable experience.
Day 17- Ha Giang Loop
Dive into day 2 of the Ha Giang Loop, filled with even more stunning sightseeing, exhilarating time on the motorbike, and making bonds with new friends.
Your evening is spent at another homestay, where the “happy water” flows freely. A family dinner, dancing, games, and karaoke complement the experience. It’s another night of cultural immersion and unforgettable memories.
Day 18- Ha Giang Loop
Your last day on the loop (bittersweet, indeed). Squeeze in a bit more sightseeing, enjoy the last rides on your bike, and savour the final meals with your crew.
You’ll be back in Ha Giang town by late afternoon to bid farewell to your driver and the group. After taking some time to shower, eat, and repack, you’ll say your goodbyes before catching the latest night bus back to Hanoi for a few more days to explore the big city.
Day 19- Hanoi
Kick off your day with a to-go breakfast from Banh Mi 25, then join a free walking tour of the Old Quarter. This tour should take you to key sights such as Dong Ba Market, Beer Street and other historic streets around Old Quarter to properly introduce you to Hanoi.
Post-tour, wander around the lake and grab lunch at Rolls and Noodles. Visit St. Joseph’s Cathedral, then pause for a coffee at Note Coffee. This is both a coffee shop and an experience in itself, so you’ll probably want to spend longer here reading the millions of sticky notes and taking photos.
Spend the rest of your day soaking in history with audio tours at the Hoa Lo Prison Museum and the Vietnamese Women’s Museum. Depending on how you’re going for time, you may only have time to visit one museum; if so, it should undoubtedly be Hoa Lo Prison Museum.
For dinner, head to MET Restaurant before experiencing the chaos of Train Street. Cap off your evening with drinks at your hostel and dancing at Beer Street hotspots like Aoki or Toms. If you’re up for a late night, clubs like Savage or Mirage are your go-to on weekends.
Day 20- Hanoi
Start your day right with a steaming bowl of pho for breakfast at Pho Thin Bo Ho (an institution in Hanoi). Then, follow it with a must-try egg coffee at Vi Anh Cafe. While it’s still morning, head to the HCM Mausoleum to see the preserved body of Ho Chi Minh City, witness the changing of the guards, and visit Ho Chi Minh’s stilt house and the One Pillar Pagoda.
Afterwards, when the Mausoleum closes, take a guided tour of the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long. Then, head to the Temple of Literature to really get your culture and history fix. Head to Tran Quoc Pagoda and Westlake an hour before sunset for a tranquil evening walk, exploring the pagoda and watching the sunset.
Then dive into the local cuisine with dinner at Bun Cha Ta Hanoi for some authentic bun cha (a must-try). If it’s the weekend, stroll through the Weekend Night Market and pick up some bargains or just enjoy the experience. Then, catch the last water puppet show session at the opera house. If you’re up for it, round off your evening with another lively night on Beer Street—go as wild as you’d like!
Day 21- Hanoi
Your departure day is here. Take it at your leisure: maybe stroll around the lake or the streets of the Old Quarter, catching any sights you missed or revisiting favourite spots.
For food, I recommend trying the famous Bun Cha Obama (called Bún chả Hương Liên), Banh Mi Hoi An, Little Hanoi Restaurant or MET Restaurant. For coffee, head to either Vi Anh Cafe or Coffee Lam 34. If the previous night’s festivities have left you a bit worse for wear, a chill day at your hostel might be just what you need.
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