3-week Vietnam itinerary map
This is our recommended 3-week itinerary that takes you through 7 of the most popular destinations in Vietnam: Ho Chi Minh City → Nha Trang → Da Nang → Hoi An → Hanoi → Ha Long → Ninh Binh.
You can download this suggested itinerary—along with other essential travel resources—by joining the Welcome to Vietnam Membership Program. We’ll also recommend more itineraries tailored to your schedule and interests in Vietnam.
Itinerary details
Ho Chi Minh City
(3 nights)
Things to do: War Remnants Museum, Ben Thanh Market, Bui Vien Street, Cu Chi Tunnels.
Ho Chi Minh City → Nha Trang
- Transportation: Train
- Fare: $11 – $28
- Travel time: 7h
Nha Trang
(3 nights)
Things to do: Nha Trang Beach, Hon Tre Island, Po Nagar Cham Towers, Dam Market.
Nha Trang → Da Nang
- Transportation: Train
- Fare: $16 – $58
- Travel time: 9h30m
Da Nang
(3 nights)
Things to do: My Khe Beach, Ba Na Hills, Marble Mountains, Museum of Cham Sculpture, Con Market.
Da Nang → Hoi An
- Transportation: Bus (LK02)
- Fare: $1.4
- Travel time: 45m
Hoi An
(3 nights)
Things to do: An Bang Beach, the ancient town, Bay Mau Coconut Forest, My Son Sanctuary, Thanh Ha Pottery Village.
Hoi An → Da Nang → Hanoi
- Transportation: Plane
- Fare: $40 – $60
- Travel time: 1h30m
Hanoi
(3 nights)
Things to do: Hoan Kiem Lake, Hanoi Old Quarter, Temple of Literature, Dong Xuan Market, Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum.
Hanoi → Ha Long
- Transportation: Bus
- Fare: $12 – $14
- Travel time: 2h30m
Ha Long
(2 nights)
Things to do: Ha Long Bay, Tuan Chau Island, Bai Chay Beach, Quang Ninh Museum.
Ha Long → Ninh Binh
- Transportation: Bus
- Fare: $12 – $14
- Travel time: 3h30m
Ninh Binh
(3 nights)
Things to do: Tam Coc-Bich Dong, Trang An Landscape Complex, Hoa Lu Ancient Capital.
Ninh Binh → Hanoi
- Transportation: Bus
- Fare: $7 – $8
- Travel time: 1h30m
Notes
- The exchange rate between USD and VND in 2025 is approximately 1 USD ≈ 25,500 VND.
- For train travel, we recommend booking tickets on the official website of the Vietnam Railway Corporation: dsvn.vn.
- The transportation prices are provided as a reference. Actual prices may vary based on seat type, ticket class, and whether you’re traveling on weekends or holidays.
- You can refer to tourist maps of each city to make your travel more convenient.
3 weeks in Vietnam costs
For a 3-week trip to Vietnam, the average expenditure for many tourists is around $900. Here are some estimated fixed costs to help you plan your budget:
- Transportation costs are approximately $100.
- Accommodation in a private hotel or homestay will cost around $15 to $20 per night. For solo travelers, hostels can be a more affordable option, with prices starting at around $5 per night.
- Food costs are typically around $15 per person per day.
- Admission to monuments, museums, and attractions costs around $1 – $5.
3-week Vietnam itinerary infographic
Note: The transportation services and brands mentioned are suggestions based on the author’s personal experience, without any sponsorships or endorsements.
3-Week Vietnam itinerary: Extended exploration
We also offer another 3-week Vietnam itinerary for your reference, designed for those who enjoy exploring more destinations.