Vietnam in 21 Days: 3 Recommended 21-Day Itineraries to Vietnam

- Alicia Barr
- From
- Alicia Barr
- From
- Guisepp Kort
- From Netherlands
- Hannah S.
- From
Vietnam 21-Day Itinerary Options
Discover the ultimate Vietnam experience with these curated 21-day itineraries. Each journey is designed to immerse you in the heart of the country's diverse offerings, from lush landscapes to vibrant cultures and historical treasures.
Itinerary #1: Vietnamese Adventure North to South

Overview | Actvitiy | Overnight | |
Day 1 | Arrive in Hanoi | Arrival | Hanoi |
Day 2 | Explore the Old Quarter and visit Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple | Sightseeing | Hanoi |
Day 3-4 | Travel to Ha Long Bay and embark on a cruise through the bay | Cruise | Ha Long Bay |
Day 5 | Return to Hanoi and travel to Sapa | Local culture | Sapa |
Day 6-7 | Explore Sapa’s rice terraces | Trek | Sapa |
Day 8 | Travel to Hue | History | Hue |
Day 9-10 | Explore Hoi An | Local culture | Hoi An |
Day 11-12 | Relax on the beaches in Nha Trang | Beach day | Nha Trang |
Day 13 | Travel to Da Lat and witness French architecture and visit natural landscapes | Nature & sightseeing | Da Lat |
Day 14-15 | Head to Ho Chi Minh City and explore the Cu Chi Tunnels | History | Ho Chi Minh City |
Day 16-17 | Discover the Mekong Delta and shop at the floating markets | Boating | Mekong Delta |
Day 18-19 | Visit Can Tho | Market visit | Can Tho |
Day 20 | Return to Ho Chi Minh City | Shopping & relaxation | Ho Chi Minh City |
Day 21 | End your trip at Ho Chi Minh City | Departure |
Your adventure starts in Hanoi, where you’ll explore the lively Old Quarter, visit Hoan Kiem Lake, and step into the historic Ngoc Son Temple. Then, cruise through the stunning limestone karsts of Ha Long Bay before heading to Sapa to trek through its breathtaking rice terraces. Next, immerse yourself in Hue’s imperial history before experiencing Hoi An’s charming streets and lantern-lit evenings. Unwind on Nha Trang’s pristine beaches, then admire Da Lat’s French colonial architecture and lush landscapes. In Ho Chi Minh City, dive into history at the Cu Chi Tunnels before venturing into the Mekong Delta’s floating markets. Wrap up your journey with a visit to Can Tho before returning to Ho Chi Minh City for a final day of shopping and relaxation.
Itinerary #2: Cultural Riches and Natural Wonders


Overview | Actvitiy | Overnight | |
Day 1 | Begin your trip in Hanoi and explore evening street market | Arrival | Hanoi |
Day 2 | Visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum | History | Hanoi |
Day 3 | Explore Ninh Binh and get on a Tam Coc boat ride through rice paddies | Boating | Ninh Binh |
Day 4-5 | Discover Phong Nha-Ke Bang and explore the caves | Cave exploration | Phong Nha |
Day 6 | Travel to Hue | History | Hue |
Day 7 | Drive to Da Nang and relax on My Khe Beach | Beach day | Da Nang |
Day 8-9 | Explore Hoi An and take a Vietnamese cooking class | Culinary tour | Hoi An |
Day 10 | Journey to Quy Nhon and visit Cham Towers | Sightseeing | Quy Nhon |
Day 11-12 | Experience watersports at Nha Trang by diving or snorkeling at Mun Island | Watersports | Nha Trang |
Day 13 | Head to Da Lat and waterfalls and visit Crazy House | Nature & sightseeing | Da Lat |
Day 14-15 | Arrive in Ho Chi Minh City and visit War Remnants Museum | History | Ho Chi Minh City |
Day 16-17 | Day trip to Cu Chi Tunnels | History | Ho Chi Minh City |
Day 18 | Travel to Can Tho and visit Cai Rang floating market | Market visit | Can Tho |
Day 19 | Continue exploring local villages in the Mekong Delta | Local culture | Mekong Delta |
Day 20 | Return to Ho Chi Minh City | Relaxation | Ho Chi Minh City |
Day 21 | Conclude your Vietnamese journey | Departure |
Your journey through Vietnam begins in Hanoi, where you’ll explore vibrant night markets and visit the historic Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum. Glide through Ninh Binh’s breathtaking limestone karsts on a Tam Coc boat ride before venturing into Phong Nha’s stunning caves. Step back in time in Hue’s imperial city, then unwind on Da Nang’s My Khe Beach. Experience Hoi An’s charm and master Vietnamese cuisine in a cooking class. Discover Quy Nhon’s ancient Cham Towers and dive into Nha Trang’s crystal-clear waters at Mun Island. In Da Lat, admire the surreal architecture at the Crazy House before exploring Ho Chi Minh City’s history. Visit the Cu Chi Tunnels, cruise through the Mekong Delta, and experience the floating markets of Can Tho before wrapping up in Ho Chi Minh City.
Itinerary #3: Off-the-Beaten-Path Exploration

Overview | Actvitiy | Overnight | |
Day 1 | Arrive in Hanoi and explore hidden corners | Arrival | Hanoi |
Day 2 | Visit Bat Trang Village and participate in a pottery-making workshop | Local art | Hanoi |
Day 3-4 | Explore Ba Be National Park and try boat rides and cave visits | Boating | Ba Be |
Day 5-6 | Discover Ha Giang and go on scenic drives through mountains | Scenic drive | Ha Giang |
Day 7 | Visit Dong Van and explore the ancient town | History | Dong Van |
Day 8 | Return to Hanoi and head to a nighttime cultural show | Local culture | Hanoi |
Day 9 | Travel to Mai Chau and experience local culture with a homestay | Local culture | Mai Chau |
Day 10-11 | Explore Pu Luong Nature Reserve | Hike | Pu Luong |
Day 12 | Travel to Phong Nha and explore the Paradise Cave | Cave visit | Phong Nha |
Day 13 | Visit Quang Tri and explore war heritage sites | History | Quang Tri |
Day 14 | Head to Hue and explore royal tombs | History | Hue |
Day 15 | Drive to Da Nang and enjoy local cuisine and beaches | Beach day | Da Nang |
Day 16-17 | Explore Kon Tum and visit local villages | Local culture | Kon Tum |
Day 18 | Travel to Buon Ma Thuot and visit local coffee farms | Local culture | Buon Ma Thuot |
Day 19-20 | Explore Cat Tien National Park | Wildlife & trek | Cat Tien |
Day 21 | Return to Ho Chi Minh City | Departure |
This adventure through Vietnam takes you off the beaten path, starting in Hanoi’s hidden corners before crafting pottery in Bat Trang Village. Cruise through Ba Be National Park’s tranquil lakes, then embark on breathtaking mountain drives in Ha Giang and explore the historic streets of Dong Van. Experience a traditional homestay in Mai Chau, trek through Pu Luong’s terraced landscapes, and marvel at the vast caverns of Paradise Cave in Phong Nha. Discover Quang Tri’s wartime history before exploring Hue’s royal tombs. Unwind on Da Nang’s beaches, then immerse yourself in the highland cultures of Kon Tum and Buon Ma Thuot’s coffee farms. Finally, trek through Cat Tien National Park’s rich wildlife before concluding your journey in Ho Chi Minh City.
Planning a Vietnam 21-day Itinerary?
If you're considering a journey through Vietnam in 21 days, there are plenty of itinerary options to choose from. Whether you want a cultural immersion with our expert-curated tours or a more tailored experience, our travel specialists are here to help craft the perfect adventure for you. Explore our comprehensive Vietnam tours for more ideas and insights. Discover the best time to visit Vietnam to make the most of your stay. For further duration-based suggestions, check out tours for 10 days in Vietnam or larger itineraries like 11 days in Vietnam and 12 days in Vietnam to fit every preference and schedule need.
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