3 Weeks In Vietnam Itinerary: The Perfect First-Time Route

Come find out the best 3 weeks in Vietnam itinerary for the ultimate trip. We’ll get into the best route, things to do, transport, places to stay, and more!

It’s not surprising that planning your Vietnam itinerary can feel a bit overwhelming. It’s a long country and with a bunch to see! Though it can also be easy to overdo it and not be able to fully enjoy your trip.

This 3 week itinerary is perfect for first-timers or backpackers keen to see the main highlights, but without rushing from A to B or spending every second on a bus.

I spent 4 weeks here in Vietnam traveling this exact route. Though I’ve trimmed it down to 21 days, as I spent way too long in some places.

This itinerary runs from north to south, starting in the bustling city of Hanoi and finishing in Ho Chi Minh. You’ll find it super easy to get in and out with international airports at both ends. You can also easily flip it around and travel south to north if flights work better for you.

Now, I don’t recommend shortening this itinerary. It’ll quickly become a bit too intense with a lot of travel days and not much downtime.

2026 Update: I spent 3 weeks recently traveling through Vietnam, following a similar north-to-south route using trains, buses, and minivans. I’ll be doing a full refresh of this itinerary soon, but this route still matches what I’d recommend for a first-time trip.

Why This 3 Week Vietnam Backpacking Route Works

The way I’ve created this itinerary is to help you see different sides of Vietnam without constantly packing up and moving on.

The route travels in one simple direction. Over the three weeks, you’ll move from busy northern cities to mountains and bays, through central Vietnam’s historic towns, and down to the heat of the south.

Because it’s something I’ve done and tested myself, I’ve made sure the time in each stop is the perfect sweet spot.

Here’s a little glimpse of this North to South route on the map:

Is This Vietnam Itinerary Right for You?

Okay, so this itinerary won’t be for absolutely everyone. Though it’s perfect if it’s your first time in Vietnam and you want to see the highlights. This is one of the cheapest countries to backpack so you can have an amazing time without breaking the bank.

It’s best for travellers who are happy using trains, buses, and the odd flight. Basically, I’m asking whether you are comfortable staying on an overnight train?

This won’t be your basic beachside holiday. Instead, you’ll get a good mix of cities, scenery, food, and a bit of downtime. If you’re only into luxury travel and aren’t keen on moving every few days, this probably isn’t the itinerary for you.

Hanoi (Days 1–3)

Xin chào and welcome to our first stop, Hanoi! This is the chaotic food-obsessed capital of Vietnam and the perfect place to start off this adventure.

I’m not going to lie, it can feel full on at first, but give it a day, and the madness starts to make sense. Between the Old Quarter, street food, and constant buzz, Hanoi will throw you straight into the deep end of city life.

You’ll also pass back through Hanoi later on in this itinerary, so don’t stress about squeezing everything into these first few days. Perfect if you have a touch of jet lag and just need a little chill.

If you want a detailed breakdown of exactly what to do here and what to expect, check out my full 3 day Hanoi itinerary.

Getting From Noi Bai Airport To The Old Quarter

Noi Bai Airport is around 30-60 minutes from the tourist center of Hanoi’s Old Quarter. The exact time depends on traffic, which can get pretty crazy!

There are a few easy ways to get into the city, and none are overly complicated:

• Prepaid transfer: Perfect after a long flight, this will be your easiest option. You can book for around $20.00 and have someone waiting for you with a little sign.
• Taxi: Easy to find outside arrivals and expect to pay $14.00-$18.00. Make sure to agree on a price before getting in, and don’t pay by the meter. Unfortunately, scams are common here.
• Bus 86: This is the cheapest option and runs directly to the Old Quarter. It’ll take you around an hour and cost $1.30, perfect if you’re on a budget.

Top Things To Do In Hanoi

With around a day and a half in Hanoi, focus on wandering, eating, and soaking up the vibe rather than trying to squeeze it all in. Remember, we’re coming back in a few days!

• Wander the Old Quarter: Honestly, the best thing you can do here is just walk. Duck down random alleys, people watch, and grab a banh mi. Oh, and you can’t forget an egg coffee!
• Hoan Kiem Lake & Ngoc Son Temple: A good spot to slow things down a bit and escape the chaos.
• St Joseph’s Cathedral: An easy stop while you’re already in the Old Quarter. If you’re around on a Sunday morning, you can quietly sit in on the service.
• Train Street: One of Hanoi’s most famous sights. Train Street is heavily restricted and the situation changes often, so check current access locally rather than planning around it.”

If you’re keen on a more detailed plan, definitely check out my full 3 day Hanoi itinerary.

Where To Stay In Hanoi

The best area to stay in Hanoi is the Old Quarter, where you’ll find most tourists. It’s full of culture and super handy for getting around. Everything is within walking distance, with plenty of eateries, super cheap hostels, and some pretty nice hotels as well if you want to splash out.

I stayed over at Hanoi City Backpackers, which is the perfect social spot if you’re solo. Here, the dorms start from just $5.00, and with a privacy curtain, it’s such a good value!

Hanoi City Backpackers Hostel A modern and upscale hostel. From $5.00 per night in the heart of the city. BOOK NOW	Little Charm Hanoi Hostel A favorite with travelers. A hostel with all the amenities, from $4.50 per night. BOOK NOW
Hotel De Rond A beautiful hotel, for a peaceful retreat. Rooms starting from $50.00 per night including breakfast. BOOK NOW	Eclipse Legend Hotel An affordable option for a private room in a great location. Prices start from $30.00 per night. BOOK NOW

How To Get From Hanoi To Sapa

Sapa is the northernmost stop on this itinerary and one long travel day. Prepare yourself both mentally and physically for this.

There are a few ways to get there, but this will depend on your budget and how comfortable you want to be.

• Bus: The most popular option. It’s direct, takes around 6 hours, and costs from $20.00. Just make sure you choose a decent company. If you can definitely splurge on a VIP sleeper.

• Train: Overnight trains run to Lao Cai (the closest station), taking around 8 hours, followed by a 1-hour transfer to Sapa. It’s slower, but more comfortable if you struggle to sleep on buses.
• Minivan: A good middle ground. These take around 5-6 hours, prices start around $20.00, and are more comfortable than standard buses. Seriously, some are super fancy, such as the Eco Sapa Bus.
• Car or taxi: The fastest but most expensive option, taking around 5 hours and costing roughly $200.00.

I do have a full guide on traveling from Hanoi to Sapa if you’re keen on more details.

Sapa (Days 3–6)

After the chaos of Hanoi, Sapa is where things calm down. This is the perfect place to check out the iconic rice terraces, some impressive peaks, and see what rural life is like in Vietnam.

The scenery here feels totally different from Vietnam’s cities. Think misty hills, winding roads, and little villages scattered through the valley. It’s a nice breather and one of the best places on this itinerary to get outside and explore.

I’ve written a full 3 days in Sapa itinerary, with everything you need to know if you want to go a bit more in depth.

Top Things To Do In Sapa

With a few days in Sapa, you’ll want to get outside and enjoy nature. Though don’t stress about filling your days with activities, a slower pace will help you enjoy your time here.

• Go Trekking: This is the main reason people come to Sapa! Guided treks are pretty affordable (around $20), and will take you through rice fields and local villages.
• Mount Fansipan: This is the highest peak in Vietnam. If you’re feeling brave, you can hike it, or just take the cable car for views without all that effort.
• Sapa Night Market: You’ll find it held on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday nights. It’s the place to be in the evenings for local food, souvenirs, and a good time.
• Homestay Experience: Spending a night in a homestay is a must and an awesome way to see a more local side of life. I HIGHLY recommend this!
• Cat Cat Village: Pretty damn touristy, but also quite cute. Nice and close to Sapa and worth it if you can deal with some crowds.

For more ideas, check out my Sapa Itinerary Guide

Where To Stay In Sapa

Now you’ll find plenty of places to stay in Sapa, but the best option is to mix it up. Spend some time in town, then add in a homestay.

Sapa township has a bunch of hotels and hostels, and it’s small enough that you can walk pretty much everywhere. It’s perfect if you want to be near plenty of restaurants, shops, and transport.

I also really recommend staying in a local homestay, where you’ll eat with the family, wake up to incredible views, and experience rural life. Just be aware that not all have heating, electricity, or wifi.

Sapa Riverside Eco Lodge and Spa is a luxe homestay costing $25.00 per night. Though for something more backpacker-friendly, Little Ta Van Homestay is a good choice.

Lustig Hostel A beautiful hostel with mountain vibes for backpackers. Dorms here start from $4.00 oer night. BOOK NOW	Flaco Hostel Sapa Super affordable private rooms in an excellent location. Rooms start from $10.00 per night. BOOK NOW
Sapa Clay House Mountain Retreat Beautiful private rooms from $82.00 per night and in an incredible location with a pool. BOOK NOW	Bamboo Sapa Hotel A super modern and luxurious hotel, starting from $40.00 per night with an amazing pool. BOOK NOW

Return To Hanoi (Days 6–7)

This stop in Hanoi is a bit of a breather after Sapa. But it’s also a good chance to do anything you didn’t quite squeeze in the first time round, though maybe skip the Bia Hoi.

Getting back will be pretty long regardless of the transport, so once you arrive, it’s usually a mix of eating, showering, and sleeping. That said, if there’s a cafe, market, or foodie spot you missed earlier, this is your moment.

You’ve already got your bearings from the start of the trip. This night in Hanoi will feel way more relaxed, and will set you up nicely for the early Ha Long Bay start tomorrow.

Ha Long Bay (Days 7–8)

Ha Long Bay is for sure one of Vietnam’s highlights, and for good reason. Seeing the limestone cliffs rising out of the water from the comfort of your boat is a bucketlist experience.

There are too many cruises to choose from, everything from horribly cheap ‘how is this boat floating’ to luxury junk boats with private balconies and multi-course dinners.

For this itinerary, an overnight cruise is the best option, and most include transfers from Hanoi, which keeps things simple.

I did a 2-night cruise here and found that having more than one day on the water makes a big difference. You’ll be able to get to quieter spots, have plenty of time for kayaking, and you’re not rushing.

When choosing a cruise, I’d focus more on recent reviews and group size than just price. Also, try booking Lan Ha Bay over Ha Long Bay. They both depart from the same spot, but it’ll be a lot less overtourism!

Halong Bay & Hanoi To Ninh Binh

After your Ha Long Bay cruise, most companies will transfer you back to Hanoi. This’ll save you the hassle of public transport and get you back there in the afternoon.

Luckily, Hanoi and Ninh Binh are pretty close together, so you’ll be able to get there all in one day.

Bus: This is the go-to option. Buses run frequently, take around 2 to 3 hours, and cost roughly $8-11.

Train: Plenty of services throughout the day. Soft seats are cheap and fine, but if you want a bit more space, a sleeper berth is worth the upgrade.

Taxi: Fastest choice at around 2 hours. Great if you’re short on time or splitting the cost with others, but it’s definitely pricey.

Mini Van: Slightly more expensive than the bus, but faster and more comfortable, and some are fancy as.

Ninh Binh (Days 8–10)

Ninh Binh has seriously taken off over the last few years, and once you’re here, it’s easy to see why. With beautiful karst mountains, greenery, and some of the best views you’ll get in Vietnam.

Take your time here and slow down a bit. Hike up the viewpoints, take a boat ride through caves and rice fields, or just enjoy the scenery.

A lot of people rate Ninh Binh as the most beautiful spot in Vietnam, and it’ll definitely be a highlight. Nearby Tam Coc is especially lovely, with mountains rising straight out of the fields and peaceful homestays if you want a quieter base.

Things To Do In Ninh Binh

Ninh Binh is all about scenery and enjoying a bit of nature. There are plenty of awesome things to do that are well worth checking out.

• Trang An Boat Ride: This is the most popular. You’ll glide through limestone karsts, rivers, and caves, where those iconic photos are taken. There are a few different routes, but they’re all similarly priced and equally beautiful.
• Hang Mua Viewpoint: The climb up the 500 steps is a bit brutal, but the view from the top is worth it. Stick to the left at the fork for the highest viewpoint with the dragon statue.
• Hire a bicycle: One of the best ways to explore the area. It’s mostly flat, bikes are super cheap to rent, and cycling between Tam Coc, rice fields, and lakes is a highlight in itself.
• Bich Dong Pagoda: A quiet temple built into the side of a limestone mountain. It’s an easy ride from Tam Coc and makes for a nice little stop.

Where Should You Stay In Ninh Binh

Now, you have two different options in terms of location: Ninh Binh or Tam Coc. They’re only about 15 minutes apart, but pretty different.

Now, Ninh Binh is larger with more hotels, restaurants, and cafes. It’s handy, but doesn’t really have that quiet chill feeling.

Tam Coc is much smaller and more relaxed. You’ll have homestays as the accommodation choice, surrounded by rice fields and cliffs. If you’re keen for a more peaceful stay and don’t mind fewer amenities, this is easily the best choice.

Trang An Lamia Bungalows Impressive bamboo rooms in nature. From $25.00 per night including a great breakfast. BOOK NOW	Tam Coc Friendly Homestay A lovely homestay with clean and modern rooms. From $20.00 per night with breakfast. BOOK NOW
The Banana Tree Hostel Beautiful hostel with modern dorm rooms from $8.00 per night and in an incredible location with a pool. BOOK NOW	City Garden Hostel Located right in the town of Ninh Binh it’s a great option for travelers. From $3.00 per night for a dorm. BOOK NOW

Ninh Binh To Hue

This is one of the longer travel days on the itinerary, so prepare yourself. Though you’ll be best to travel overnight to make the most of your time.

• Train: The most comfortable option for sure. Overnight trains to Hue take around 12 hours, and actually have a proper bed so you can get a somewhat decent sleep.
• Bus: A cheaper alternative, but sleeper buses can be hit or miss for comfort. If you’re a light sleeper, the train is usually worth the extra cost, otherwise book a VIP sleeper.
• Fly: There’s no airport in Ninh Binh, so flying means heading back to Hanoi first. Technically, it’s doable, but more hassle than it’s worth for this leg.

Honestly, I recommend the overnight train, which makes this long stretch feel far less painful!

Hue (Day 10–12)

So Hue feels a little bit different from other spots on this 3 week Vietnam itinerary. It’s calmer than the big cities, but still busy enough to have a good vibe. Running through the middle is the Perfume River, and the huge Imperial Citadel is a highlight.

You don’t need loads of time here, which is why two days is perfect. It’s enough to explore the Imperial City properly, wander around town, and enjoy things without it dragging on.

Some people even manage to squeeze Hue into one day by arriving early on the overnight train and leaving again that evening. Now it’s possible, but I’d recommend 2 days so you can enjoy yourself a bit more without rushing.

Best Things To Do In Hue

Hue is best known for its history, and the Imperial City is the main reason most people stop here.

Even though this stop isn’t just about ticking off one sight, there are definitely a few more things to check out while you’re here:

• Imperial City of Hue: This is the big one and, yes, it really is worth it. The place is massive, with gates, palaces, and courtyards everywhere. Give yourself a few hours and take it slow in the heat.
• Thien Mu Pagoda: The famous seven-storey pagoda by the river. Easy to get to by Grab and a nice, calm break from wandering around the massive grounds all day.
• Abandoned Waterpark: A weird but interesting side trip if you’ve got time to kill. It’s a bit out of town, easiest to get to by motorbike, and it’s a bit unofficial. Expect to hand over a small “entry fee”.
• Royal Tomb of Tu Duc: Much quieter than the Imperial City and a good option if you want something a bit more chilled, with traditional buildings and gardens to wander through.

I also have a full 2 days in Hue guide if you’re keen to look at things in more detail.

Where To Stay In Hue

Hue has plenty of good value places to stay, and it’s super easy to find something nice without spending much. There are lots of small guesthouses around the city, often for under $20.00 per night.

If you’re travelling solo, you’ll find great hostels that are social without being too party-heavy. These are my favorites, where you can still meet people but also get a good sleep.

You don’t need to stay right in the centre to enjoy Hue either. Many areas just outside the Citadel are quieter and cheaper, and everything is still an easy Grab ride away.

Hue To Hoi An

Getting from Hue to Hoi An is pretty damn straightforward. But if you’re keen to turn this travel day into an adventure, it’s super easy.

One of the best things to do here is a Jeep or Easy Rider tour over the famous Hai Van Pass.

It turns an average few hours into a proper adventure. You’ll get epic views along the coast, mountain roads, and plenty of photo stops along the way.

If you’d prefer to keep things simple, just take the train from Hue to Da Nang, then transfer to Hoi An by bus or taxi. It’s easy enough, just nowhere near as fun!

Hoi An (Day 12–15)

Hoi An is a pretty awesome place to spend a few days. Plus, after all that time on the road, it’s the perfect place to chill out. The town itself is charming, colourful, and for very good reason, a favourite stop for travelers in Vietnam.

The Ancient Town is the main highlight here. This is especially so in the evenings with lanterns all lit up, delicious food, and some incredible photo ops. Yes, it may be touristy, but it’s also genuinely beautiful.

I found Hoi An really easy to get around by bicycle or motorbike. The roads are pretty flat, and the town, beach, and villages aren’t too far apart.

Check out my full backpacking Hoi An itinerary with everything you need to know.

Things To Do In Hoi An

Hoi An is one of those places where there are so many things to do. Seriously, if you’re bored you’re doing it wrong. Just wander, eat well, get lost, and enjoy the energy.

So let’s get into what you should do in Hoi An for an epic time…

• Take a cooking class: One of the best things you can do here. Most classes include a market visit, a boat ride, and a lesson on making Vietnamese dishes. Plus, you get to eat everything at the end.
• Explore the Ancient Town: This is what Hoi An is known for. Just get lost wandering the old streets, check out the Japanese Covered Bridge, and all the historic houses.
• Get something tailor-made: You’ll see tailors everywhere, and Hoi An is one of the top places in Vietnam to get clothes made quickly and affordably. Just allow enough time for fittings.
• My Son Sanctuary: A super popular half-day trip from Hoi An. If you’re an early riser, the sunrise tour is worth it for the cooler temperatures.
• Cycle to the beach: Hire a bike and ride out to An Bang Beach, just 4 kms from town. It’s flat, easy, and this’ll be your first beach break!
• Tra Que Vegetable Village: A chill country stop just outside town. With lots of gardens, water buffalo, and a little glimpse into local life.
• Thanh Ha Pottery Village: If you’re creative, this is your chance to get your hands dirty and throw some pottery. There’s a small entry fee, but you’ll leave with a cool little souvenir.
• Marble Mountains (Da Nang): If you don’t mind heading slightly out of Hoi An, this cluster of marble and limestone hills is worth checking out. You’ll find temples, caves, and views from the top.

Where To Stay In Hoi An

Hoi An has a bunch of accommodation options from beachside hotels, countryside homestays, or something right smack bang in town.

If you’re short on time, I recommend staying near the Ancient Town. This will keep everything walkable, and means you don’t have to rely on a motorbike to get around.

I stayed at Little Leo Homestay, which was a great budget pick. It’s friendly, relaxed, and good value. Dorms are cheap, breakfast is included, and you get free bike hire, which makes transport super easy.

Hoi An To Nha Trang

Next up is another long trip from Hoi An to Nha Trang. The one bit of good news is it’s your last big travel day!

Train: The most popular option and honestly my personal favorite. You’ll need to head to Da Nang first, then grab an overnight train to Nha Trang. It’ll take you around 9 hours, and make sure to book that sleeper berth.

Bus: A cheaper alternative, but slower and not as comfortable. If you go this route, stick with a reputable company and try to book a VIP sleeper.

Fly: The fastest and easiest if you’re well over long travel days. Flights are direct, taking about an hour, and are surprisingly affordable.

If you’re still happy spending time traveling overnight, book the train to get a good rest. Otherwise, flying is a decent way to save time before hitting up the beaches.

Nha Trang (Day 15–17)

Nha Trang is all about the beaches, and after being so busy, a couple of slower days here feel very welcome. Honestly, one of my favourite things to do here is simply to relax. Whack down a towel, jump in the waves, and work on that tan.

If you’re not a beach-goer type, then you may want to give Nha Trang a miss. Perhaps swap it out for Da Lat?

I’ve actually written a backpacking Nha Trang and 3 day itinerary post if you’re keen to go a bit more in depth.

Best Things To Do While In Nha Trang

There’s way more to do here than just hang out at the beach, even though that may be my favorite.

• Hit the beach: It’s a surprisingly nice beach for the middle of a city. The coastline stretches like crazy, with Tran Phu Beach being the most popular. Just watch out for minimum spends at the beach bars.
• Po Nagar Cham Towers: One of the main cultural sights in Nha Trang, and still an active place of worship. It’s a pretty short ride from the city centre and super easy to get to with Grab.
• Snorkelling at Hon Mun Marine Reserve: A crazy popular half-day trip and one of the better places in Vietnam to snorkel. You’ll head out to the coral reefs and check out the local underwater life.
• VinWonders: A legit theme park you can see across the water. There are rides, shows, an aquarium, and a water park if you’re keen on a fun day out! It’s not cheap, so prepare to part with some dong.
• Mud baths at Thap Ba Hot Springs: One of Nha Trang’s more unique activities, so get ready to be dirty! You’ll cover yourself in mud and then rinse off, fingers crossed to looking 5 years younger.

Where To Stay In Nha Trang

There are heaps of options in Nha Trang, whether that’s a hotel in the city, a cheap guesthouse, a beach resort, or a seaside hostel. It’s an easy place to find decent value, especially if you’re travelling Vietnam on a budget.

I highly recommend Tabalo Hostel, which is where I stayed. It’s super modern, considering the low price and in a good central location. The bathrooms were always super clean (if you’ve done hostels, you’ll know how big a positive this is) and the beds were comfy.

There’s also plenty of affordable guesthouses around town. They’re usually nothing fancy, but they do the job while you enjoy a couple of chilled beach days.

Jungle Dorm Nha Trang A fun and tropical hostel in a great location. Dorm rooms start at $6.00 per night. BOOK NOW	Bondi Backpackers Nhatrang A party hostel perfect for solo travelers with dorms costing from $4.00 per night. BOOK NOW
V Hotel Nha Trang A modern hotel and with a lovely rooftop pool. Private rooms cost $35.00 per night. BOOK NOW	Vinpearl Resort & Spa Nha Trang The most luxe option with even a waterpark onsite! Rooms start at $115.00 per night. BOOK NOW

Nha Trang To Mui Ne

Next stop is Mui Ne, and luckily this one’s pretty painless. It’s only around 220 km, so compared to earlier travel days, this is easy.

Train: A good option if you want something comfortable. The train takes about 4–4.5 hours to Phan Thiet, then you’ll need to take a 25-minute taxi to Mui Ne.

Bus: The simplest and most popular choice. Buses take around 5 hours, are affordable, and run frequently. I’ve done this route with The Sinh Tourist and had no issues.

If you’re keen to book your tickets, head to 12.Go Asia for schedules and prices.

Mui Ne (Day 17–19)

We’re not leaving the beach just yet, so relax! Next up is the coastal town of Mui Ne on our Vietnam backpacking route. Honestly, this town would be more on the average side if it weren’t for the pretty cool sights nearby.

Think of large sand dunes overlooking the ocean, a chill small town vibe, affordable spots to stay and eat, and beaches super close.

The main thing to do here is to take a sunrise tour. It goes around to all the best things in Mui Ne, so you can tick off those highlights all at once.

Check out my backpacking Mui Ne in 2 days itinerary for all the details on how to spend your time here.

Top Things To Do In Mui Ne

Mui Ne is one of those places where most people end up doing the same main activity, because it’s so unique.

Take a sunrise jeep tour: This is the big reason to stop in Mui Ne. Pickups are grossly early between 4:30 and 5:30 am, but watching the sun rise over the sand dunes is 100% worth it. Group tours are super affordable at around $12 USD, and private jeeps aren’t much more for extra space.

Most sunrise tours include a few key stops:

• White Sand Dunes: The highlight of the morning for sure. You can pay extra for an ATV or jeep ride, but if you’re on a budget, it’s a pretty easy sandy walk from the car park.
• Fishing Village: A quick stop to see the colourful fishing boats and the fresh morning catch coming in. It’s a bit chaotic and smelly, but interesting enough for 15 minutes.
• Red Sand Dunes: Smaller and much busier than the white dunes, mostly because they’re right next to the road, so expect tour buses. Still worth a quick look.
• Fairy Stream: A shallow stream you walk through barefoot. It’s surrounded by bright red cliffs and a few little trees. The colours here are really interesting and make a nice final stop.

Where To Stay In Mui Ne

Mui Ne has a bunch of places to stay, from budget hostels to beachside resorts and small guesthouses.

It’s definitely worth noting that getting to the beach isn’t easy unless you’re staying right on the shoreline. We booked on the wrong side, and while the pool was great, actually finding a sandy stretch was a bit of a mission.

If you’re backpacking, EVA HUT Mui Ne Beach Hostel is easily the best option. Dorm beds start from around $6.00, and it’s right on the beach, which makes a massive difference.

iHome Backpacker Resort The perfect hostel with a decent pool. Dorm rooms starting at $7.00 per night. BOOK NOW	Mui Ne Hills Backpackers A good hostel with epic views at an affordable price. Dorm rooms start at $4.00 per night. BOOK NOW
EVA HUT Mui Ne Beach Hostel The ultimate backpackers paradise in Mui Ne. Dorm rooms starting at $6.00. BOOK NOW	Four Oceans Resort Extravagant rooms starting at $42.00 per night including a delicious breakfast. BOOK NOW

How To Travel From Mui Ne to Ho Chi Minh City

This is another pretty short journey, so it shouldn’t be too painful. If you’re keen for more detailed info, check out my Mui Ne to Ho Chi Minh City guide.

Bus: The easiest and most popular option again. It’ll take around 3 hours following the main highway, and there are heaps of departures. Honestly, it’s such a short drive, you don’t need to worry too much about comfort.

Train: It’s possible, but not worth the hassle. You’ll need to take a taxi for 25 minutes to Phan Thiet, and there’s only one train in the afternoon.

If you’re keen to book your tickets, head to 12.Go Asia for schedules and prices.

Ho Chi Minh City (Day 19–21)

We’ve made it to Ho Chi Minh City, the last stop on my 3 weeks in Vietnam itinerary! It’s the perfect place to finish, with plenty of transport options over into Cambodia and international flights.

Ho Chi Minh City is big, busy, and full-on, though since you’ve survived Hanoi, you’ll be just fine.

Okay, now this wasn’t my absolute favorite stop in Vietnam, but it’s still worth visiting. There’s a lot of history here, and it’ll help you understand what the country and the locals have gone through.

It’s also an amazing place for foodie spots! Make sure you save some energy and appetite for eating your way around. 2 to 3 nights is a good amount of time to spend here to check out the highlights.

If you’re keen, I have a full Ho Chi Minh City backpacking travel guide you can check out for more info.

Top Things To Do in Ho Chi Minh City

It’s no secret that Saigon may not have been my favourite stop. Though it’s one of the best places to learn more about the country’s history.

Cu Chi Tunnels: One of the most popular day trips, and really interesting! Parts of the tunnel system stretch for hundreds of kilometres, and seeing them in person is a must. You’ll find heaps of tours available, and they are surprisingly affordable.

Reunification Palace: A significant site marking the end of the Vietnam War. You can walk around the outside for free, or if you’re keen, pay a small fee to go inside and explore the rooms and bunkers.

War Remnants Museum: Another must-do, it’s heavy, but important. This museum gives a confronting look at the Vietnam War and its impact. Allow a couple of hours and be emotionally prepared.

Ben Thanh Market: Yes, it’s touristy, but it’s still worth checking out. Grab some local food, shop for souvenirs, and watch life go by.

Do a free student-led tour: One of the coolest things I did here. Run by local uni students, you’ll jump on their motorbike, cruise through the city, and eat at local spots.

Where To Stay In Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh is HUGE, and looking at a map, it can seem impossible to figure out what area to stay in. Luckily, there’s a typical “backpacker suburb” aka District 1.

It’s a pretty decent spot, perfectly set up for tourists with plenty of restaurants, hotels, hostels, and things to do. Plus, you’ll find the famous Ben Thanh Market and Bui Vien Street (the crazy party place) there.

Don’t go too cheap here on your hotel. We stayed in the absolute budget option, and I wouldn’t repeat it. Sure, the owner was lovely, and breakfast was included, but there was a horrible dorm setup and zero social atmosphere.

Luckily for you, I just made a stupid mistake. There are so many decent hostels and guesthouses in District 1 that won’t break the budget, and you’ll actually be able to enjoy.

9 Hostel & Bar A backpacker’s favorite in this city. Dorm rooms start at $10.00. BOOK NOW	Nicecy Saigon Hotel Live in luxury for less with prices from $30.00 per night for a double room. BOOK NOW
City Backpackers Hostel Excellent value for money with modern dorm rooms starting from $8.00 per night. BOOK NOW	Beauty House Hotel A quaint little guesthouse in the perfect location. Rooms start from just $24.00 per night. BOOK NOW

Extend (or Swap) This 3 Week Vietnam Itinerary

If you’ve got some extra time, or perhaps aren’t locked into every stop along the way, you’ll be glad to know it’s super easy to extend or tweak this itinerary.

Vietnam is a long country, and there will be plenty of travel days. Definitely take your time, and if you can check out these extra spots:

Ha Giang Loop

If you’re even slightly tempted to ride a motorbike in Vietnam, the Ha Giang Loop is the place to do it. It’s a multi-day loop through northern Vietnam, and hands-down one of the most epic experiences you can have here!

Most travelers book a 3 or 4-day package and go with an easy rider, though if you have a motorbike license, you can self-drive.

This is best swapped with Sapa. They both offer a similar mountain vibe, but you’ll have much more of an adventure on the Ha Giang Loop.

Da Lat

For somewhere a bit cooler in the mountains, Da Lat is the go-to. You’ll find waterfalls, coffee farms, forests, and a slightly romantic, adventurous vibe.

Some travelers head here instead of Mui Ne. It’s not connected to the main railway network in Vietnam, so you’ll need to take a bus.

Da Nang

Da Nang often gets overlooked, with people rushing straight over to Hoi An! Though if you’ve got an extra night or a few, it’s worth checking out.

It’s quite the nomad hangout with decent beaches, solid food, and easy access to places like Marble Mountains. It also works well as a short add-on if you’re flying in or out of central Vietnam.

Phu Quoc

If you’re keen to finish your trip in full relax mode, Phu Quoc is the place! It’s a little slice of paradise with white sand, gorgeous beaches, and palm trees blowing in the breeze. This is Vietnam’s version of the Maldives.

It’s best reached by a short flight from Ho Chi Minh City and works perfectly as a post-itinerary add-on rather than a swap.

Motorbiking Vietnam

Plenty of backpackers rent a motorbike and ride parts of Vietnam independently.

It sounds epic, but just keep in mind it’s slow, tiring, and not the most comfortable way to get around. But if you’ve got weeks to spare, it makes for a good adventure.

FAQs About This Backpacking Vietnam Route

Wrap Up: The Best 3 Weeks In Vietnam Itinerary

Congrats on making it to the end of this massive Vietnam itinerary! Hopefully, now you’ll have a good idea of how to spend those 3 weeks without feeling too rushed.

You can either do it exactly as I’ve written or mix it up with your own stops. Perhaps you want to stay longer in some spots, no biggie, it’ll be an amazing trip!

End of the day, Vietnam is one of those super special places that’s so easy to fall in love with. If you can, explore as much of the country as you can and mix it up with some city, some nature, some beach, and some adventure!

Want more Northern Vietnam Inspiration? Check out….

• 3 Weeks In Vietnam Itinerary For First Time Visitors
• The Best Things To Do In Vietnam
• How Much Does It Cost To Travel In Vietnam & My $25 Daily Budget
• Scams in Vietnam To Know About
• Backpacking Vietnam On A Budget Guide
• Taking A Vietnam Sleeper Bus Transport Guide
• What To Expect On A Vietnam Sleeper Train
• 3 Days In Hanoi Itinerary For The Ultimate Visit
• The Best Hostels In Hanoi
• Backpacking Hanoi In Vietnam Guide
• Ha Long Bay On A Budget
• Discovering Lan Ha Bay and Cat Ba Island
• Hanoi To Sapa Transport Guide
• 3 Days In Sapa Itinerary And Tips
• Visiting Sapa During February
• Hanoi to Hue Transport Guide
• 2 Days In Hue Itinerary & Tips
• Explore The Imperial City Of Hue In Vietnam
• Hue To Da Nang Transport Guide