Taste, see, and feel the soul of Vietnam with Designer Journeys. This three-week itinerary in Vietnam is a sensory feast, from the aromas of Hanoi’s street food to the emerald hues of Ha Long Bay and the vibrant life along the Mekong Delta. Designer Journeys has crafted an unforgettable experience, ensuring you immerse yourself in the diverse beauty and rich culture of Vietnam.
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Why Vietnam Should Be Your Next Destination
Vietnam has skyrocketed in popularity among travellers in recent years, and for good reason. The country offers an intoxicating mix of ancient traditions and modern development, stunning natural scenery, and vibrant urban centres, all tied together by some of the world’s most delicious cuisine.
Ho Chi Minh City skyline at dusk.
What makes Vietnam particularly special is its accessibility. Even with just three weeks, you can experience an extraordinary range of sights and activities while still having time to soak in the atmosphere of each place. The country’s excellent transportation infrastructure makes getting around relatively straightforward, whether by plane, train, or the local bus.
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When to Visit Vietnam
Vietnam’s climate varies significantly from north to south, making it a year-round destination. However, for this particular 3-week north-to-south itinerary, the best time to visit is between September and December or March and April. During these months, most regions enjoy relatively favourable weather conditions.
- Northern Vietnam (Hanoi, Halong Bay, Sapa): Autumn (September-November) offers mild temperatures and clear skies, perfect for exploring the mountains and bay.
- Central Vietnam (Hue, Hoi An, Da Nang): Spring (February-April) or autumn (September-October) are ideal, avoiding the intense summer heat and winter rains.
- Southern Vietnam (Ho Chi Minh City, Mekong Delta): The dry season (December-April) provides comfortable conditions without the monsoon downpours.
Fansipan Mountain, Vietnam.
Getting Around Vietnam
For a 3-week journey through Vietnam, you’ll likely use a combination of transportation methods:
- Flights: For longer distances (Hanoi to Da Nang, or Da Nang to Ho Chi Minh City), domestic flights are affordable and save valuable time. Vietnam Airlines, VietJet, and Bamboo Airways offer direct flights between major cities.
- Trains: The overnight train is a classic way to travel between Hanoi and Sapa, offering sleeper cabins and a unique experience. Train travel in Vietnam is safer and more comfortable than many expect.
- Buses: Vietnam’s extensive bus network includes comfortable sleeper buses for longer journeys. Companies like Futa Bus (The Sinh Tourist) offer reliable overnight bus services with reclining seats.
- Private transport: For certain day trips and excursions, private cars or shuttle buses provide convenience and flexibility. These can be arranged through your accommodation or travel agencies.
- Local transport: Within cities, apps like Grab offer affordable motorbike and car taxis. In rural areas, motorbike taxis (xe om) are common but always negotiate the price beforehand.
The Ultimate 3-Week Vietnam Itinerary
Days 1-4: Hanoi and Surroundings
Day 1: Arrive in Hanoi
Your Vietnamese adventure begins in the capital city, Hanoi. After checking into your accommodation in the Old Quarter, take a gentle stroll around Hoan Kiem Lake to shake off the jet lag. The narrow streets of the Old Quarter are perfect for an introductory wander, with their chaotic charm and abundance of street food stalls.
Ngoc Son Temple, Hanoi, Vietnam.
Stay in Hanoi’s Old Quarter for easy access to the main attractions and to experience the energetic atmosphere of the city’s most characteristic district. The Old Quarter’s narrow streets are best navigated on foot, but for longer journeys, use the Grab app for reliable and fairly priced taxis.
Temple of Literature, Hanoi, Vietnam.
For dinner, sample your first authentic Vietnamese meal at one of the many street food vendors. Try a steaming bowl of pho (beef noodle soup) or bun cha (grilled pork with noodles) – famously enjoyed by Anthony Bourdain and Barack Obama during their visit.
Street Food Tip: Look for busy stalls with high turnover and plenty of locals – this usually indicates fresh, delicious food. Plastic stools might not look comfortable, but they’re part of the authentic experience!
Day 2: Explore Hanoi’s Cultural Highlights
Start your day early with a traditional Vietnamese iced coffee (ca phe sua da) or, if you’re feeling adventurous, try the local egg coffee (ca phe trung) – a delightful concoction of coffee topped with whipped egg yolk and condensed milk.
Coffee Tip: For the best egg coffee in Hanoi, visit Café Giang in the Old Quarter, where the drink was invented in the 1940s. The coconut coffee is also absolutely worth trying for a refreshing alternative.
Street scene in Vietnam.
Key sights to visit:
- Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum – Pay your respects to Vietnam’s revolutionary leader (note the strict dress code and no-photography policy)
- Temple of Literature – Vietnam’s first national university, dating back to 1070
- Hoa Lo Prison Museum – Known to American POWs as the “Hanoi Hilton”
- Vietnam Museum of Ethnology – Excellent exhibits on Vietnam’s 54 ethnic groups
The Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum complex closes at 11am and is closed completely on Mondays and Fridays, so plan your visit accordingly. Arrive early (before 9am) to avoid the longest queues.
Thang Long Water Puppet Theater.
In the evening, treat yourself to a performance at the Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre, a traditional Vietnamese art form dating back to the 11th century.
Day 3: Day Trip to Ninh Binh
Just a two-hour drive from Hanoi lies Ninh Binh, often referred to as “Halong Bay on land” for its spectacular limestone karsts rising from rice paddies rather than the sea.
Tam Coc, Ninh Binh, Vietnam.
Book a day tour that includes:
- A rowing boat ride through the caves of Trang An or Tam Coc
- A visit to the ancient capital of Hoa Lu
- A climb up to the Mua Cave viewpoint for absolutely spectacular panoramic views over the landscape
Hang Múa, Ninh Binh, Vietnam.
The view from the Mua Cave viewpoint is one of Vietnam’s most Instagram-worthy spots, but the 500-step climb can be challenging in Vietnam’s heat. Go early in the morning for cooler temperatures and better lighting for photos.
Ethical Tourism Tip: On the boat rides, your rower may ask for tips. While tipping is appropriate, be aware that some rowers may use high-pressure tactics. A tip of 50,000-100,000 VND per boat (not per person) is generous.
Return to Hanoi in the evening for your last night in the city.
Day 4: Train Street, Street Food Tour and Overnight Train to Sapa
Start your morning with a visit to Hanoi’s famous Train Street, where houses are built inches from a functioning railway line. The narrow street comes alive when trains pass through, with residents quickly moving their belongings and businesses temporarily pausing.
Train Street Tip: While parts of Train Street have been officially closed to tourists at times, there are still cafés where you can experience this unique phenomenon. Be respectful of local regulations and always prioritise safety by following staff instructions when trains approach.
Hanoi Train Street, Vietnam.
Spend your mid-day on a guided street food tour, learning about Vietnamese cuisine while sampling delicacies from hidden local haunts. This is one of the best ways to understand Vietnamese culture and culinary traditions.
Book a tour that includes stops at Bun Cha Huong Lien (the restaurant where Anthony Bourdain dined with President Obama) and Banh Mi 25 for some of the most delicious banh mi sandwiches in the city.
Bun Cha – Vietnamese Meatballs.
In the afternoon, prepare for your overnight train journey to Sapa. The trains typically depart in the evening (around 10 pm) and arrive early the next morning. While not luxurious, the sleeper cabins are comfortable enough and offer a unique travel experience.
Overnight Train Tips:
- Book a berth in a 4-person cabin rather than a 6-person cabin for more space
- Bring earplugs, an eye mask, and wet wipes for comfort
- Pack snacks and water, though there is usually a dining car
- Keep valuables secure and close to you while sleeping
- Consider splurging on private cabins offered by companies like Sapaly Train or VIP Train for more comfort
Days 5-7: Sapa and the Northern Highlands
Day 5: Arrive in Sapa
Arriving early in Lao Cai, you’ll transfer by shuttle bus to Sapa town. After checking into your accommodation and freshening up, spend the morning exploring the town centre and the local market. Shuttle buses from Lao Cai train station to Sapa are readily available and usually cost around 50,000 VND. Your hotel can arrange this in advance, or you can easily find one at the station.
Fansipan is located in the Sapa region of Northern Vietnam.
In the afternoon, take a gentle hike to Cat Cat Village, just 3km from Sapa town. This gives you a first glimpse of the stunning terraced rice fields and an introduction to the H’mong ethnic minority culture.
Responsible Tourism Tip: While purchasing handicrafts directly supports local communities, some visitors find the persistent selling from local vendors overwhelming. A polite but firm “No, thank you” (or “Không, cảm ơn” in Vietnamese) is usually respected.
Sapa town, Vietnam.
Sapa’s weather can change quickly, with misty mornings giving way to sunny afternoons or sudden rain showers. Dress in layers and always carry a light raincoat or umbrella, even on seemingly clear days.
Day 6: Trekking in the Rice Terraces
Embark on a full-day trek through the surrounding mountains and rice terraces. Many reputable companies offer guided treks that take you through several ethnic minority villages, including those of the Black H’mong and Red Dao people.
The rice terraces of Mu Cang Chai.
Trekking Tips:
- Wear proper hiking shoes with good grip, as paths can be muddy and slippery
- Bring at least 1-2 litres of water per person
- Apply sunscreen even on cloudy days – the UV index can be high at this altitude
- Use a local guide for the best experience – they provide cultural insights and help navigate the complex network of paths
For a truly memorable experience, arrange a homestay with a local family for this night. This provides an intimate glimpse into local life and traditional customs, not to mention spectacular views away from the tourist centre.
Day 7: Cable Car to Fansipan and Return to Hanoi
In the morning, take the cable car to Fansipan, the highest peak in Indochina at 3,143 metres. The journey offers breathtaking views over the mountains and valleys. At the summit, explore the complex of Buddhist temples and enjoy the panoramic vistas.
Fansipan Cable Car, Vietnam.
Fansipan Tips:
- Start early to avoid crowds and clouds that often roll in by midday
- The cable car fee is quite steep (around £30) but worth it for the views
- Bring warm clothing even in summer – it can be 10-15°C cooler at the summit
- There are additional steps to climb from the cable car station to the actual peak if you want the full experience
In the afternoon, take the bus back to Hanoi, where you’ll spend the night before heading to Halong Bay the next day.
Express buses from Sapa to Hanoi take approximately 5-6 hours and are more comfortable than the return train for a daytime journey. Companies like Sapa Express offer convenient pickup directly from your hotel.
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Days 8-9: Halong Bay Cruise
Day 8: Cruise Halong Bay
No visit to Vietnam would be complete without experiencing the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Halong Bay. Join a quality overnight cruise to fully appreciate this natural wonder with its thousands of limestone karsts rising dramatically from the emerald waters.
Ha Long Bay, Vietnam.
Cruise Selection Tips:
- Don’t choose the cheapest option – the quality difference between budget and mid-range cruises is substantial
- Book a 2-day/1-night cruise at minimum; 3-day/2-night cruises allow you to explore the less crowded Bai Tu Long Bay
- Check recent reviews carefully, as quality can change rapidly
- Consider the size of the boat – smaller boats (10-20 cabins) often provide a more intimate experience
Tour boats in Ha Long Bay, Vietnam.
Most cruises follow a similar schedule:
- Morning: Transfer from Hanoi to Halong Bay (approximately 4 hours)
- Afternoon: Board the cruise, enjoy lunch, and visit caves or beaches
- Evening: Sunset views, dinner on board, and activities like squid fishing
Day 9: Morning on the Bay and Return to Hanoi
Wake up to stunning views of the bay shrouded in morning mist. Many cruises offer early morning tai chi sessions on the deck. After breakfast, there’s usually time for more activities, such as:
- Kayaking around the limestone karsts
- Visiting Ti Top Island for swimming and panoramic views
- Exploring more caves or floating villages
Ti Top Island offers absolutely stunning panoramic views of Halong Bay, but requires climbing about 400 steps. The effort is well worth it for the incredible photos.
Titop Island – The pearl of Halong Bay.
The cruise typically returns to port around midday, followed by a transfer back to Hanoi. Upon arrival, head straight to the airport for an evening flight to Da Nang in Central Vietnam.
Flight Tip: Book the evening flight from Hanoi to Da Nang well in advance, aiming for departure around 7-8 pm to allow sufficient time for your return transfer from Halong Bay. Vietnam Airlines and VietJet offer multiple daily direct flights on this route.
Days 10-13: Central Vietnam (Da Nang, Hoi An, Marble Mountains)
Day 10: Arrive in Da Nang and Transfer to Hoi An
After your flight from Hanoi to Da Nang, take a short taxi ride (approximately 30 minutes) to the ancient town of Hoi An. Check into your accommodation and spend the evening getting acquainted with this charming UNESCO-protected town.
Hoi An Ancient Town street scene.
Pre-arrange airport pickup through your Hoi An accommodation to avoid taxi scams. If taking a regular taxi, insist on using the meter or agree on a price beforehand (expect to pay around 350,000-400,000 VND). Stay in the area between the Old Town and An Bang Beach for the best of both worlds – walking distance to the historic centre but quieter than staying in the heart of the tourist area.
Cafe in Hoi An Ancient Town, Vietnam.
For dinner, try some local specialties like cao lau (noodles with pork and greens) or white rose dumplings (banh bao banh vac).
Food Tip: Morning Glory and Ms. Ly’s Cafe are excellent restaurants for authentic local cuisine, but make reservations during peak season.
Day 11: Explore Hoi An Ancient Town
Spend a full day exploring the narrow streets of Hoi An’s Old Town. Key attractions include:
- Japanese Covered Bridge
- Old merchant houses such as Tan Ky House
- Assembly Halls of the Chinese Congregations
- Central Market
Hoi An operates a ticket system for the Old Town attractions. A single ticket (120,000 VND) allows entry to five attractions of your choice from the 22 available sites. Keep your ticket with you as it’s checked at each site.
Tailoring in Hoi An.
Hoi An is famous for its custom-made clothing. If you’re interested, visit one of the many tailors in the morning to get measured, with final adjustments made the following day.
Tailor Tips:
- Research reputable tailors beforehand – Bebe, A Dong Silk, and Yaly Couture are among the most respected
- Bring reference photos of what you want to be made
- Allow at least 48 hours and 2-3 fittings for quality results
- For simple items (shirts, skirts), budget $30-50 USD; for suits or more complex items, expect to pay $100-200 USD
In the evening, witness the magical transformation of the town as thousands of colourful lanterns illuminate the streets and are set afloat on the Thu Bon River.
Hoi An at night with lanterns and boats.
Lantern Tip: Full moon nights (the 14th day of each lunar month) feature special lantern festivals when all electric lights are turned off, and the town is illuminated solely by lanterns. Check the lunar calendar to see if your visit coincides with this magical event.
Day 12: Countryside Bicycle Tour and Cooking Class
Escape the tourist crowds with a morning bicycle tour through the surrounding countryside. Pedal through rice paddies, visit rural villages and observe traditional farming methods.
Hoi An Countryside Bike Tour.
Cycling Tips:
- Rent bikes from your hotel or from numerous rental shops (around 30,000 VND for a basic bicycle)
- Head toward Tra Que Vegetable Village to see traditional farming techniques
- Cycle to coconut palm forests along the river for stunning scenery
- Morning rides (6-9 am) offer cooler temperatures and beautiful light for photography
In the afternoon, join a cooking class to learn the secrets of Vietnamese cuisine. These typically include a market visit to select fresh ingredients, followed by hands-on instruction in preparing several dishes, which you’ll then enjoy for dinner.
Hoi An Cooking Class.
Cooking Class Tips:
- Popular options include Thuan Tinh Island Cooking Class, Red Bridge Cooking School, and My Grandma’s Home Cooking
- Classes range from 4-6 hours and cost $25-45 USD
- Vegetarian options are usually available upon request
- Most classes can accommodate food allergies if notified in advance
After your cooking class, enjoy a leisurely boat ride along the Thu Bon River as the sun sets. Small wooden boats can be hired from the dock in the Old Town for around 100,000 VND per hour.
Day 13: Day Trip to Da Nang and Marble Mountains
Take a day trip to nearby Da Nang to see:
- Marble Mountains – a cluster of five limestone and marble hills with caves, tunnels, and Buddhist sanctuaries
- My Khe Beach (China Beach) – a beautiful stretch of coastline that gained fame during the Vietnam War
- Lady Buddha – the tallest Buddha statue in Vietnam, offering spectacular views
The Han River flows through the city.
For the more adventurous, consider driving (or taking a tour) along the Hai Van Pass, made famous by Top Gear and offering stunning coastal views. If you’re comfortable on a motorbike, consider renting one for the journey (around 120,000 VND per day). Otherwise, Easy Rider Tours provides a motorbike experience with you as a passenger while a guide drives. The views along this coastal mountain pass are absolutely spectacular.
Return to Hoi An for your final evening in this beautiful town.
Da Nang Transport Tip: The local bus #1 runs between Hoi An and Da Nang for just 20,000 VND, but for more flexibility, consider renting a motorbike or hiring a driver for the day (around 800,000-1,200,000 VND).
Days 14-16: Hue and Surroundings
Day 14: Travel to Hue via Hai Van Pass
Hue, the former imperial capital of Vietnam. Rather than taking a direct bus, opt for a private car or tour that goes via the spectacular Hai Van Pass. The journey includes stops at:
- Lang Co Beach – a picturesque lagoon and beach
- Hai Van Pass – the scenic mountain pass separating North and Central Vietnam
- Elephant Springs – natural rock pools (if time permits)
The Complex of Hue Monuments, including the Imperial City, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Transport Tips:
- Private car transfers with stops at scenic points cost around $50-60 USD for the whole car
- Several companies offer “Top Gear” style tours, where you ride on the back of a motorcycle (with a driver) over the pass
- The journey takes approximately 4-5 hours, including stops
Arrive in Hue by late afternoon and check into your accommodation. For dinner, try Hue’s distinctive cuisine, known for its complex flavours and imperial influences.
Com hen (rice with baby clams).
Don’t miss Hue specialities like bun bo Hue (spicy beef noodle soup), banh khoai (Hue pancakes), or com hen (rice with baby clams). Les Jardins de la Carambole offers excellent traditional Hue royal cuisine in a beautiful setting.
Day 15: Explore Hue’s Imperial City
Spend the day exploring Hue’s historical sites:
- Imperial City – the vast complex that served as the emperor’s home and seat of government
- Thien Mu Pagoda – the iconic seven-storey pagoda overlooking the Perfume River
- Royal Tombs – elaborate burial sites of the Nguyen emperors, particularly the tombs of Tu Duc and Khai Dinh
Hue Imperial City, Vietnam.
For a more atmospheric experience, consider taking a dragon boat cruise along the Perfume River to reach some of these sites.
Imperial City Tips:
- Allow at least 2-3 hours to properly explore the Imperial City
- Hire a guide for deeper insights into the history (around 150,000 VND for a group)
- Visit early in the morning to avoid crowds and midday heat
- The entrance fee is around 200,000 VND
Royal Tombs: The tombs are spread out and difficult to visit independently. Consider joining a tour or hiring a private driver for the day (around 600,000-800,000 VND). If you’re short on time, the tombs of Tu Duc and Khai Dinh are the most impressive.
Dragon Boat: Boat trips on the Perfume River cost approximately 100,000-150,000 VND per person for a group tour or 500,000-700,000 VND to charter a private boat. The latter gives you more flexibility with timing.
Day 16: Day Trip to the DMZ
For those interested in Vietnam War history, take a day tour to the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) that once separated North and South Vietnam. Sites include:
- Vinh Moc Tunnels – where an entire village moved underground to escape the bombing
- Khe Sanh Combat Base – site of a significant battle during the war
- Ben Hai River and Hien Luong Bridge – the former border between North and South
The Demilitarized Zone outside Hue.
DMZ Tour Tips:
- Full-day tours cost around $55-75 USD per person
- Bring water, sun protection, and insect repellent
- Some sites are quite remote, so be prepared for a long day with considerable driving time
- If you’re particularly interested in war history, consider adding an extra day to visit more sites at a less rushed pace
Return to Hue in the evening for a final night before heading south.
Perfume River- The Heart Of Hue City.
Evening Suggestion: End your time in Hue with a visit to the walking street along the Perfume River, where you can enjoy street performances, food stalls, and a relaxed atmosphere. It’s particularly lively on weekend evenings.
Days 17-19: Ho Chi Minh City and Around
Day 17: Fly to Ho Chi Minh City
Take a morning flight from Hue to Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Saigon). After checking into your accommodation, begin exploring Vietnam’s largest and most dynamic city. Several airlines operate direct flights between Hue and Ho Chi Minh City, with the journey taking about 1 hour 20 minutes. Book at least a week in advance for the best fares.
Start with a walking tour of the city centre to see colonial-era landmarks:
- Notre Dame Cathedral
- Central Post Office (designed by Gustave Eiffel)
- Reunification Palace
- Ben Thanh Market
Independence Palace, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.
Ben Thanh Market Tip: Prices start high, so bargaining is expected. As a rule of thumb, start at 50% of the initial asking price and work toward a middle ground. For better prices and a less intense experience, consider the nearby Saigon Square shopping centre.
In the evening, enjoy dinner at one of the city’s many excellent restaurants, followed perhaps by drinks at a rooftop bar with views over the bustling city.
Rooftop Bar: Saigon Saigon Bar at the Caravelle Hotel offers historic charm (it was where foreign correspondents gathered during the war), while EON Heli Bar in Bitexco Tower provides the highest views in the city.
Day 18: Vietnam War History and Street Food
Delve into the country’s recent history with visits to:
- War Remnants Museum – a powerful (if one-sided) account of the Vietnam War
- Cu Chi Tunnels – the vast network of tunnels used by Viet Cong soldiers (half-day tour)
War Remnants Museum: The exhibits are graphic and can be emotionally challenging, particularly the Agent Orange and war crimes sections. Allow 1-2 hours for a visit.
War Remnants Museum in District 3.
Cu Chi Tunnels Tips:
- The site has become quite commercialized but remains historically significant
- Morning visits are preferable to avoid afternoon crowds
- Consider the Ben Duoc section rather than the more popular Ben Dinh for a less crowded experience
- Some tunnels have been enlarged for tourists, but they’re still very tight – those with claustrophobia may wish to skip the crawling portions
Return to the city in the afternoon and take a guided street food tour in the evening to sample southern Vietnamese cuisine, which differs significantly from what you tried in Hanoi.
Look for tours that visit District 4 or District 10, areas less frequented by tourists but known for some of the city’s best street food. Expect to pay around $40-50 USD for a quality guided tour.
Bún đậu mắm tôm, Vietnamese dish.
Food Tips:
- Try southern specialities like banh xeo (crispy pancakes), com tam (broken rice), and hu tieu (pork and seafood noodle soup)
- Visit Pho Hoa on Pasteur Street for the city’s most famous pho
- For the best banh mi, head to Huynh Hoa (also known as the “Banh Mi Queen”).
Day 19: Day Trip to the Mekong Delta
Join a day tour to the Mekong Delta, Vietnam’s fertile ‘rice bowl’ where the mighty Mekong River approaches the sea. Most tours include:
- A boat ride along the waterways
- Visits to floating markets like Cai Rang or Cai Be
- Rowing boat journeys through narrow canals
- Fruit orchard visits and honey tea tasting
- Home-cooked lunch with a local family
A flock of pelicans in a wetland habitat within the Mekong Delta, Vietnam.
Mekong Delta Tips:
- For authentic floating markets, choose tours to Can Tho that include an overnight stay, as markets operate early in the morning
- If limited to a day trip, Cai Be or Ben Tre are more accessible options
- Expect to pay $25-35 USD for a standard day tour or $55-70 USD for more comprehensive experiences
- Bring insect repellent, sunscreen, and a hat, as you’ll be outside for most of the day
Alternative Option: If you’re particularly interested in the Mekong Delta, consider spending an extra night in Can Tho. This allows you to visit the Cai Rang floating market at its bustling best (5-7 am) the following morning before returning to Ho Chi Minh City.
Return to Ho Chi Minh City in the evening.
Days 20-21: Phu Quoc Island
Day 20: Fly to Phu Quoc Island
Take a short morning flight from Ho Chi Minh City to Phu Quoc Island, Vietnam’s largest island and a tropical paradise of pristine beaches, jungle interior, and burgeoning resorts.
Flight Tip: Flights take approximately 1 hour and are operated by Vietnam Airlines, VietJet, and Bamboo Airways. Book at least a few days in advance, especially during peak season.
After checking into your beachfront accommodation, spend the afternoon relaxing on the beach or by the pool. You’ve been on the move for nearly three weeks, so it’s time to unwind!
A sunny harbor view in Phu Quoc, Vietnam.
Accommodation Tips:
- Long Beach (Bai Truong) offers the greatest selection of accommodation and restaurants
- Ong Lang Beach provides a good balance between convenience and tranquillity
- For true seclusion, look at Bai Sao or the northern beaches
- Book well in advance during peak season (November-March)
The west-facing beaches like Long Beach offer spectacular sunset views over the Gulf of Thailand – perfect for your final evenings in Vietnam
Day 21: Explore Phu Quoc
Spend your final full day in Vietnam either relaxing on the beach or exploring the island:
- Bai Sao (Star Beach) – one of Vietnam’s most beautiful beaches with powdery white sand
- Phu Quoc National Park – covering more than half the island
- Fish sauce factories – the island is famous for producing Vietnam’s best fish sauce
- Pepper farms – another local speciality
- Coconut Prison – a sobering reminder of the island’s role during the Vietnam War
Sunset in Phu Quoc, Vietnam.
Transportation Tip: Rent a motorbike (approximately 150,000 VND per day) to explore the island at your own pace. The roads are generally good, though some to the north and east remain unpaved. If you’re not comfortable on a motorbike, taxis are readily available but relatively expensive.
Activity Tip: For a memorable final experience, take a sunset boat trip or join a snorkelling tour to the An Thoi archipelago south of the main island. The waters here are crystal clear and perfect for underwater exploration.
End your epic Vietnamese adventure with a seafood dinner on the beach as the sun sets over the Gulf of Thailand.
Practical Information for Your Vietnam Trip
Visa Requirements
Most visitors to Vietnam require a visa. You can either:
- Apply for an e-visa online before your trip (recommended)
- Arrange a visa on arrival letter (requires passport photos and payment on arrival)
- Apply at a Vietnamese embassy or consulate in your home country
Requirements change frequently, so check the latest information before your trip.
Money Matters
- The Vietnamese currency is the dong (VND), currently around 25,000 VND to 1 GBP
- ATMs are widely available in tourist areas
- Many places accept credit cards but keep cash for smaller businesses and rural areas
- Tipping is not traditionally expected but is becoming more common in tourist areas
Health and Safety
- Tap water is not safe to drink; stick to bottled water
- Street food is generally safe, but choose busy stalls with high turnover
- Traffic is chaotic; take extra care when crossing roads
- Travel insurance with good medical coverage is essential
Cultural Tips
- Remove shoes when entering homes and some temples
- Dress modestly when visiting religious sites
- Ask permission before taking photos of people, especially in rural areas
- Learn a few basic Vietnamese phrases – locals appreciate the effort
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This three-week itinerary ensures you experience the best of Vietnam, from its bustling cities and historical sites to its breathtaking landscapes and culinary wonders. Whether travelling by local bus, overnight train, or direct flight, the journey through this absolutely stunning country will leave you with unforgettable memories.
