{"id":41213,"date":"2023-03-03T09:42:26","date_gmt":"2023-03-03T08:42:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/staging.sommertage.com\/?p=41213"},"modified":"2023-10-17T18:22:37","modified_gmt":"2023-10-17T17:22:37","slug":"vietnam-itinerary","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/staging.sommertage.com\/en\/vietnam-itinerary\/","title":{"rendered":"Vietnam 3 Week Itinerary: The Best Destinations from North to South"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Vietnam is 1,650 kilometres long from north to south. Therefore, not only an incredibly long stretching country awaits you, but also a multi-faceted one like no other. A rugged karst landscape to the north and a fascinating river delta in the south. And in between: hundreds of kilometres full of culture, adventure and more.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

We must admit: <\/strong>Vietnam is not one of the countries in Southeast Asia that had our heart right away. A second trip to Vietnam also didn\u2019t change anything. Somehow there weren\u2019t the same sparks as there were with other countries. However, that still doesn\u2019t change the fact that Vietnam is utterly worth seeing and culturally a very interesting country to travel to.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you planning a trip to Vietnam and are looking for the perfet itinerary?<\/strong> In this travel guide we reveal to you our itinerary and all the stops. It takes you to the highlights of Vietnam \u2013 from the iconic Halong Bay in the north to the impressive Mekong Delta at the southernmost tip of Vietnam.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

1. Vietnam Three-Week Travel Itinerary: All the Stops and Highlights<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Hanoi<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Here we begin in the city of all cities in Vietnam:<\/strong> Hanoi. Hanoi\u2019s old town is the epitome of Vietnam for us and definitely an must on your itinerary. The streets are bustling with swarms of honking scooters. Exotic smells of all kinds waft out from the roadside food stalls. And in between you have to be careful not to overlook the people sitting down on tiny plastic stools.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Vietnam just like in the picture books \u2013 that\u2019s how Hanoi feels sometimes. Hanoi is full of energy, chaotic, loud, and quite overwhelming. Hanoi\u2019s old town is a labyrinth of thousands of alleyways lined with colonial houses,<\/strong> some pretty and some crumbling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You can find one of Vietnam\u2019s most popular photo motifs in Hanoi. Along the so-called Train Street<\/strong> the train tracks are so close to the houses that you think the train will run into them. Nowadays (since May 2020) the entrance to Train Street is guarded by police, but if you have a drink in one of the caf\u00e9s, you can still get to the train tracks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Our hotel tip for Hanoi:<\/strong> Hanoi La Siesta Hotel Trendy<\/a>
Recommended stay:<\/strong> 3 nights<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Vietnam<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"Vietnam<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Sa Pa<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The next place on your itinerary is the mountain region<\/strong> around the small town Sa Pa which is comparatively little visited by many travellers. The reason: Sa Pa is not usually on other itineraries and getting there from Hanoi on the night train (or night bus) might be a little daunting for some. We can offer reassurance though: travelling on the night train is rather relaxing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sa Pa itself is certainly not the highlight of the region. The cities have become fairly touristy. However, the lush green vegetation<\/strong> here in the northwest of Vietnam on the boarder to China is truly amazing. For example, the highest mountain in Vietnam, the Fansipan, <\/strong>can be found here. Interestingly, nowadays you can reach the summit in a cable car.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In addition, we would warmly recommend taking a trekking tour.<\/strong> The tours run by Sa Pa Sisters are recommended. Talking of tours: sometimes in Hanoi you might come across pre-booked excursions to Sa Pa. This is really not necessary. It is better to organise the trip yourself and take a little more time to spend in Sa Pa.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Our hotel tip for Sa Pa: <\/strong>Sapa Eco Bungalows & Spa<\/a>
Recommended stay:<\/strong> 2 to 3 nights<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Sapa<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Halong Bay<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The next stop on the itinerary is one of the main highlights of Vietnam, which you probably would have already heard of: Halong Bay. Some 150 kilometres east of Hanoi hundreds of limestone islands<\/strong> rise out of the sea into the sky in Halong Bay. Halong Bay is really the most wonderful postcard picture. <\/strong>Although: the idyllic atmosphere is sometimes very clouded by the brisk boat traffic. No, Halong Bay is no secret and yes, many parts of Halong Bay are extremely touristy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We decided against taking a quick day trip from Hanoi and instead spent our time on the largest island in Halong Bay, on Cat Ba.<\/strong> We would do that again any time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Unfortunately, the weather wasn\u2019t on our side during our stay. Our planned boat excursion fell through. The best way to experience Halong Bay is on an overnight tour.<\/strong> Be aware: Not all operators are recommended.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Our hotel tip for Halong Bay:<\/strong> Cocoon Inn Cat Ba<\/a>
Recommended stay:<\/strong> 3 nights (e.g. 2 on Cat Ba and 1 on the boat)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Halong<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Hue<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you want to immerse yourself in the history of Vietnam, the once imperial city, <\/strong>Hue, is the right place for you. The Imperial Citadel<\/strong> is the highlight in Hue, which was based on the Forbidden City in Beijing. Even though many parts of the citadel were unfortunately destroyed in the Vietnam war, it is still very impressive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In addition, many more temples and pagodas also rise up out of Hue. The most well-known pagoda and one of the most significant buildings in the city is the Thien Mu Pagoda. <\/strong>If you are interested in Palaces and Temples, then you should definitely include Hue on your itinerary.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Our hotel tip for Hue:<\/strong> Hue Riverside Villa<\/a>
Recommended stay:<\/strong> 2 to 3 nights<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hoi An<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Hoi An is considered one of the most beautiful cities<\/strong> in Vietnam \u2013 if not the most beautiful \u2013 and definitely a must on your itinerary! Pretty colonial houses line the streets of Hoi An\u2019s old town and colourful chains of lanterns characterise the street landscape. Although: Hoi An is without a doubt a tourist town.<\/strong> The bus groups in particular flood the streets during the day and spoil the experience quite a bit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Still, we really enjoyed Hoi An and we would definitely recommend integrating a stop in Hoi An along your itinerary. The region around Hoi An is also very pretty. For example, you can take a day trip by bicycle to the beach.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Our hotel tip for Hoi An:<\/strong> The Quin Riverside Villa<\/a>
Our more detailed blog article:<\/strong> Tips for Hoi An (coming soon)
Recommended stay:<\/strong> 3 nights<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Hoi<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

A small note beforehand: theoretically, two beach towns are located between Hoi An and Saigon: Nha Trang and Mui Ne. We ourselves were in Mui Ne \u2013 but we can\u2019t really recommend it. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Saigon (or Ho Chi Minh City, as the city is now called) is the second largest city in Vietnam, after Hanoi. In contrast to Hanoi, Saigon is more westernised and urban. You can find many more skyscrapers here, but you can also immerse yourself in the busy, authentic hustle and bustle. You will also witness the moving history of Vietnam<\/strong> in Saigon. For example, the Reunification Palace is worth visiting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Our hotel tip for Ho Chi Minh City:<\/strong> Fusion Suites Saigon<\/a>
Our more detailed blog article:<\/strong> Saigon Tips (coming soon)
Recommended stay:<\/strong> 3 nights<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\"Ho<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"Saigon<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Mekong Delta: Can Tho & Ben Tre<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Last but not least: your itinerary should definitely also take you to the Mekong Delta. The river delta is at the southernmost tip of Vietnam and was our favourite stop in Vietnam.<\/strong> Here you gain an authentic insight into the everyday life of the people that takes place on and close to the water<\/strong> here at the Mekong Delta.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

One of the highlights of the Mekong Delta is a visit to the floating markets. <\/strong>Two of the most well-known floating markets are located close to Can Tho, the largest city in the Mekong Delta. We also really enjoyed it in the so-called coconut province, Ben Tre.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Additionally: Unfortunately, many travellers only visit the Mekong Delta on a day trip. Even though that is theoretically possible, we would not recommend it. We didn\u2019t regret spending a full four nights in the Mekong Delta for one second.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Our hotel tip for Can Tho:<\/strong> Binh Minh Eco Lodge<\/a>
Our hotel tip for Ben Tre:<\/strong> Mekong Home<\/a>
Recommended stay:<\/strong> 2 to 4 nights (e.g. 2 in Can Tho and 2 in Ben Tre)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Schwimmende<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"Tipps<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

2. Map: Overview of the Vietnam Itinerary<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

We have marked all our stops on this map for you so you can get an idea of the itinerary. Something you definitely need to keep in mind: Vietnam is very long and therefore distances are quite far. You need to allow around 10 hours for the stretch between Hanoi and Sa Pa. We reveal more info and tips on transport in the next chapter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n