Vietnam Itinerary: 3-4 Weeks for Backpackers and Solo Travelers

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Planning a 3-4 week adventure through Vietnam? You’re in for the adventure of a lifetime. Whether you’re seeking stunning landscapes or meaningful cultural experiences, this Vietnam itinerary has got you covered. From the bustling streets of Hanoi to the jagged mountains of the Ha Giang Loop and the charming towns of Central Vietnam, you’ll get a taste of everything this incredible country has to offer. This Vietnam itinerary is perfect for solo travelers and backpackers who want to experience the best of Vietnam while making friends and staying on a budget.

Vietnam Itinerary: FAQs

Why should I solo travel in Vietnam?

Vietnam is one of my favorite countries I’ve ever solo traveled. Not only is Vietnam a beautifully diverse country with stunning scenery, rich culture, and delicious food, but it’s also a great place to explore on your own. The locals are friendly, it’s easy to get around, and there are tons of other solo travelers to explore with. You’ll never have to worry too much about safety if you take standard safety precautions. It’s also one of the cheapest countries I’ve ever solo traveled, so traveling alone won’t break the bank. It’s safe, cheap, friendly, social, and has world-class sights – what more can you ask for from a solo travel destination? This Vietnam itinerary is tried and true by myself and so many other solo travelers.

The Ha Giang Loop is my number one pick for the best places to solo female travel in Asia!

Why should I backpack in Vietnam?

The backpacking community in Vietnam runs strong, with tons of backpackers traveling up and down the country every day. Logistically, living out of a backpack is the easiest way to get around Vietnam because of the roads. You won’t want to drag a big suitcase on unpaved roads. However, the main reason to backpack is not about physically living out of a backpack, but the backpacking culture. Staying in hostels, eating at cheap food stalls, and going to social events are part of what makes backpacking Vietnam so fun. It’s a great place to be on a budget since it’s so cheap, and you’ll never struggle to make friends with other travelers. For logistical, social, and budget reasons, backpacking is the way to go, and this Vietnam itinerary is the perfect route.

When should I travel to Vietnam?

Because Vietnam is such a long country, spanning 1025 miles north to south, there are different weather patterns in each part of the country. Overall, January to May is the best time to visit for the highest chance of good weather in all regions. Since this Vietnam itinerary takes you through all or most regions of Vietnam, this is the ideal time to go.

How long do I need in Vietnam?

I recommend visiting Vietnam for three to four weeks. It’s a huge country with so much to see, and you need four weeks if you want to see both the north and south. In two to three weeks, you could choose to explore either the north or south (choose the north in this case!). This Vietnam itinerary is designed for three to four weeks because I can’t imagine cutting anything else out. In three weeks, you can see the best of the north and end in central Vietnam. In four weeks, you have enough time to continue south as well.

How to get around Vietnam?

It’s extremely easy to get around Vietnam using buses, which you can book through your accommodation or conveniently online through 12go.com. I exclusively used buses to navigate this Vietnam itinerary. These buses are often comfortable, clean, and cost-efficient. There are three main types of buses in Vietnam: seated, sleeper, and VIP. Seated buses have regular seats, while sleeper and VIP buses have reclining seats. The difference is that sleeper buses are narrower and don’t have full privacy, while VIP buses have almost twin-size private cabins. I always recommend paying for VIP, as it’s so little in our home currency and makes the long journeys much more comfortable.

Should I travel north to south or south to north?

It doesn’t matter! Whichever way works best with your flights and other destinations is fine. Many people suggest going south to north because then you’re “saving the best for last”, but I did north to south and still had an amazing time. This Vietnam itinerary is north to south because it’s based on my trip, but you can easily reverse it if that works better for you. Also, pay attention to the weather in each part of Vietnam when you’re coming, as it might be best to plan according to rainy and dry seasons. North, central, and south Vietnam have different rainy seasons.

3 Week Vietnam Itinerary

Hanoi: 3 days

READ MORE: Best things to do in Hanoi

WHERE TO STAY: $$$: H Hotel Hanoi, $$: Hanoi Liliane Hotel & Travel, $: The One Hostel & Rooftop Pool Hanoi

Day 1

Welcome to Vietnam, one of my favorite countries I’ve solo backpacked through! Hanoi is a chaotic but amazing place to start (or end, if you’re going south to north) this Vietnam itinerary. The capital of Vietnam, Hanoi is a bustling city full of people, history, culture, food, shopping, nightlife, and more. As you’ll probably be tired from the journey here, I recommend taking your first day in Hanoi slow. Grab one of Hanoi’s famous egg or coconut coffees, stroll around the Old Quarter, and end your day with a meal on Train Street. What better way to start your journey in Hanoi than with trains rushing past just inches away as you’re eating dinner?

Day 2

Today, you’ll visit the historic and cultural sites near the Old Quarter. Start at the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long, where you can learn about wars and dynasties throughout Vietnam’s history. Then visit the Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first university and a great example of traditional Vietnamese architecture and Confucian history. Finally, visit Tran Quoc Pagoda at West Lake, Hanoi’s oldest Buddhist temple and a serene place to walk or bike around.

If you have extra time and energy and are interested in Vietnamese history, consider checking out the Ho Chi Minh Museum and Mausoleum. The Mausoleum is where revered leader Ho Chi Minh’s body rests, and the museum allows you to learn about his life and legacy. Keep in mind that you must dress respectfully, with shoulders and knees covered.

Day 3

On your last full day in Hanoi, you can choose from a few activities. Take a cooking class, go on a food tour, watch a water puppet show, or visit the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology. In the evening, get a relaxing massage or head to Hanoi Beer Street to experience its nightlife.

Day 4

Today, you’ll make your way to Ha Giang before starting the Ha Giang Loop tomorrow. Grab one last Hanoi coffee before getting the six-hour bus. Check with your Ha Giang Loop provider, as most of them will organize your bus and sometimes offer you free accommodation the night before the loop. I recommend going to bed early tonight, as you’ll want to be rested up for the next few days!

Ha Giang Loop: 4 days

WHERE TO STAY: Mama’s Homestay

Days 5-8

You are in for the adventure of a lifetime over the next four days. You’ll drive through scenic mountains, learn about local culture, do karaoke, and make friends for life. I thought the Ha Giang Loop was the highlight of my Vietnam itinerary, and every other backpacker I met felt the same way. It’s a 300+ kilometer motorbike route in northern Vietnam that passes through rugged mountain landscapes, green rice terraces, and small local villages. Each day, you’ll drive an average of 100+ kilometers, making stops for viewpoints, local villages, waterfalls, food and drinks, and more.

You have a few options when it comes to the Ha Giang Loop, like what company to book it though, if you’ll drive yourself or have a local driver, and how many days to go for. To make it short, I recommend booking through Mama’s Homestay with a local driver (AKA “easy rider”) for four days. But there’s a lot to consider, so check out my guide to everything you need to know for the Ha Giang Loop to be best prepared.

On the last day of the Ha Giang Loop, you have two options: take an overnight bus to Cat Ba and spend the next day resting on the beach, or take an evening bus to Hanoi and spend the night and the following day there. Most Lan Ha Bay cruises can pick you up from Cat Ba or Hanoi (for an extra cost), so this is up to whether you want to take an overnight bus or not and if you want more time in Hanoi or Cat Ba.

Cat Ba & Lan Ha Bay: 3 days

WHERE TO STAY: $$$: Flamingo Resort, $$: Cat Ba View Hotel, $: The Oversleep

NOTE: Many people have heard of Ha Long Bay, but Lan Ha Bay is its neighboring, less crowded, less littered sibling. The scenery is the same, but it’s more enjoyable than the crowds and litter in Ha Long Bay.

Day 9

Day 9 will either be spent in Cat Ba, if you’ve chosen to take the overnight bus directly here, or in Hanoi, if you’ve chosen to spend the night there. Either way, it’s a free day for much-needed rest and relaxation after the Ha Giang Loop. I chose to take the overnight bus directly to Cat Ba and spent the day chilling on the beach.

Days 10-11

If you’re in Hanoi, your Lan Ha Bay cruise will pick you up bright and early to make the drive to Cat Ba. If you’re already in Cat Ba, enjoy sleeping in a bit before you’re picked up. Over the next 24 hours, you’ll sail around Lan Ha Bay and spend the night under the stars on board. There are many cruises depending on your budget and travel style, from party cruises to adventure cruises. Make sure you read up on the description for your cruise so you book one that you’ll enjoy. Activities on these cruises typically include swimming, kayaking, trekking, and partying.

For a more luxurious, adventurous cruise, check out La Regina Legend. For a more budget-friendly, party cruise, check out Halong Hideaway.

Your cruise should return in time for you to take the four-hour bus to Ninh Binh the same evening. Ask your cruise operator to help book your ticket so they can help you time it right.

Ninh Binh: 2 days

WHERE TO STAY: $$$: Tam Coc Retreat, $$: Lalita Boutique Hotel & Spa, $: Banana Tree Hostel

Day 12

On your first day in Ninh Binh, rent a motorbike or join a tour to see its cultural highlights and beautiful landscapes. I recommend starting early with a boat tour in Trang An, where a local will row you through stunning scenery, caves, and temples. This is a popular thing to do in Ninh Binh, so the earlier the better for the crowds (and the heat). In the afternoon, visit the Instagram-famous Bich Dong Pagoda and the former capital of Vietnam at Hoa Lu Ancient Capital. Finally, end your day with sunset at the Hang Mua Viewpoint, where you’ll climb 500 steep stairs to see the sky changing over mountains, pagodas, rivers, and rice paddies.

Day 13

Today is all about enjoying the peaceful Ninh Binh countryside. It’s a great place to rent a bicycle or motorbike and allow yourself to take the road less traveled. You’ll see water buffalo, duck farms, rice paddies, rivers, lotus fields, shrines, and take in the scenery from new and less-discovered perspectives. There are plenty of tranquil coffee shops and restaurants where you can relax and fuel up as you explore.

Day 14

Today, you’ll make the eight-hour bus ride from Ninh Binh to Phong Nha. You can do it as an overnight bus, but most arrive in Phong Nha around 2-4 am, which isn’t ideal. I recommend taking the bus during the day so you can arrive in the evening.

Phong Nha: 2 days

WHERE TO STAY: $$$: Victory Road Villas, $$: TuTu’s Homestay, $: Green Riverside Cosy Home

NOTE: I chose to skip Phong Nha and take a sleeper bus straight from Ninh Binh to Hue. I’m not big on caves (my claustrophobic nightmare), and the ethics of the Duck Stop experience were questionable, so I decided it wasn’t worth a stop for me. Many backpackers stop in Phong Nha and enjoy it, which is why I’m including it as an option. If it doesn’t sound like it’s for you, then extend your time in Hoi An instead (which is what I did and didn’t regret).

Day 15

There are two main things to do in Phong Nha: explore its impressive caves and be a duck leader (yes, a duck leader). Phong Nha Cave, Dark Cave, and Paradise Cave are the most popular for day trips. Almost every tour will visit Paradise Cave and have you choose between Phong Nha Cave, where you can take a boat ride into the cave, or Dark Cave, where you can zipline, trek, and take a mud bath. Most tours end with a visit to the Duck Stop, where you can feed a large group of ducks. As mentioned above, I wasn’t completely sure if this was an ethical experience or not so I did not try it. If you know anything about whether this experience is ethical or not, please let me know in the comments!

Day 16

Today, you’ll make your way to Hue on a three-hour bus or train. When you arrive in Hue, you can grab dinner or drinks at the Hue Night Walking Street.

Hue: 2 days

WHERE TO STAY: $$$: Melia Vinpearl Hue, $$: Glory Hue Homestay, $: New World

Day 17

Today will be a busy but rewarding day seeing the historic sites in Hue. Hue was the capital of Vietnam from 1802 to 1945, so there are many important historical attractions, including tombs, temples, and palaces. Before I visited Hue, I hadn’t heard much about it and didn’t have high expectations. But as a history buff, I really enjoyed my day going around Hue and I think you will too. You’ll meet other travelers who skip it, but I suggest staying for just one full day if you can.

The must-sees in Hue include the Mausoleum of Emperor Khai Dinh, the Mausoleum of Emperor Minh Mang, Thuy Xuan Incense Making Village, Thiet Mu Pagoda, and the Imperial City. The most popular way to see everything in a day is to join a guided tour like this one that conveniently takes you to the top tights with a local guide who can explain Hue’s fascinating history.

Another option for budget backpackers or those who want to go at their own pace is the hop-on hop-off sightseeing bus. Personally, I did an easy rider tour with a friendly local who drove me around on a motorbike. I was addicted to easy rider tours in Vietnam – I love the feeling of being on the back of a motorbike and having a local show me around! They’re also perfect for solo travelers who don’t want to be stuck with big tour groups.

Day 18

If you loved the Ha Giang Loop, you’re going to love the Hai Van Pass. Today, you’ll make your way from Hue to Hoi An on one of Vietnam’s most scenic motorbike routes. Imagine the Ha Giang Loop, but instead of mountain views, you get ocean and city views. I recommend using an easy rider for this route unless you’re very confident on a motorbike, as a significant part of the drive is on highways and major roads.

Most Hai Van Pass tours take all day, despite the actual driving time only being a couple of hours. This is because you’ll stop at sights of interest to break up the driving. I stopped at a local fishing town, swam in a waterfall, ate lunch at the beach, crossed the Dragon Bridge in Da Nang, and explored the Marble Mountains. These are common stops for the ride that make it even more fun than just seeing pretty views.

I got to Hoi An in the late afternoon, with plenty of time to witness Hoi An at night in all its glory. Grab dinner in the Ancient Town surrounded by lanterns, boats, and yellow historic buildings. You’ll quickly see why so many travelers fall in love with Hoi An.

Hoi An: 3 days

WHERE TO STAY: $$$: The Signature, $$: Cozy An Boutique Hotel, $: LoveLy Hostel

NOTE: As mentioned before, I skipped Phong Na and added time in Hoi An, so I was actually in Hoi An for five days. However, many of these days were chill rest days, so you can easily do everything in three days as suggested here. But if Phong Na isn’t sounding like your vibe (like me) and you want to slow down a bit, Hoi An is a great place to add some time.

Day 19

Today is all about exploring the bright yellow Ancient Town. There are plenty of aesthetic cafes set in historic buildings where you can enjoy brunch and coffee before starting your day. You can easily spend a few hours wandering the streets of the Ancient Town, stopping at temples, heritage buildings, shops, and foodie spots. If you want to enter the temples and heritage buildings, you’ll need to buy an Ancient Town Ticket, which gets you access to 5 sites of your choice for 120,000 VND ($5 USD). The best spots to use the ticket include the Japanese Bridge, Fujian Assembly Hall, Chinese Assembly Hall, Museum of Folk Culture, and Tan Ky Ancient House.

Did you know Hoi An is the tailoring capital of the world? It’s extremely popular to get clothes custom-made here, as the quality is high and the price is relatively low. If you want to do this, today is the best day to get started. You’ll have to go back over two to three days to get it perfectly right, so start the process on your first day in Hoi An.

BeBe Tailor is known as the best tailor in town, with high-quality pieces that they make in-house. Some people advertise this experience as “cheap”, and while it is not cheap (I paid $120 USD for one skirt and one dress), it is a good price for what you get. You can even get your new clothes shipped home for you if you don’t have space for them (although, of course, this increases the price).

At night, you can take a stroll by the river, go on a boat ride down the river to release lanterns, or try out Hoi An’s nightlife.

Day 20

Going on a basket boat ride is a bucket list item for many travelers in Hoi An, and it’s easy to see why. You sit in a small round boat and explore the scenic coconut forest from the river. And if you want, the drivers will even spin you around quickly, which looks really fun (although this costs more). If you want to go on the basket boat ride, it’s easiest to arrange it in town and they’ll organize transport for you. It only lasts about 30 minutes, so you have the rest of the day to yourself.

If you’re lucky enough to have nice weather when you’re in Hoi An (I didn’t; it was pouring the whole time!), then the rest of today is a great time to slow down and relax on the beach. From the Ancient Town, you can rent a bicycle and ride for just 30 minutes through rice paddies to reach An Bang Beach. It’s nice to stop at one of the many cafes set amongst the rice paddies for a coffee. You can also opt to take a 10-minute taxi. While the beach might not live up to the beaches of other Southeast Asian countries, I always appreciate a rest day on the beach during a long backpacking trip.

Day 21

On your last day in Hoi An, there are so many classes that you can choose from to connect more with Vietnamese culture. You can try a cooking class, coffee class, lantern-making class, chocolate class (my class of choice), or many more. No matter which class you choose, it’s fun to get hands-on with local culture and make something memorable.

In the afternoon, you’ll have time to continue exploring the Ancient Town. I highly recommend visiting the Precious Heritage Art Gallery Museum, where you can learn about the 54 ethnic groups of Vietnam through stunning photography, captivating storytelling, and beautiful traditional clothes. It’s an incredible and impactful place, and best of all, it’s free.

And with that, the three-week Vietnam itinerary is over! The closest airport to Hoi An is in Da Nang, and from there, you can catch a flight to the major international airports in Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh to return home or continue to the next part of your journey.

I have good news and bad news if you’ve got four weeks for this Vietnam itinerary. The good news is that your trip isn’t over yet, and the southern part of the country has some amazing sights and experiences! The bad news is that the time has come for another night bus. This is your final long haul to get to the south, so you’ve almost made it through the toughest travel days. Hop on a bus leaving Hoi An late in the evening, and you’ll arrive in Da Lat early the next morning.

4 Week Vietnam Itinerary

Da Lat: 2 days

WHERE TO STAY: $$$: Le House, $$: Feliz Dalat Homestay, $: Mooka’s Home

Day 22

Da Lat is one of those places that you don’t hear much about while traveling, but once you’re there, everyone is raving about it. I was interested in visiting Da Lat because of its French colonial heritage and cool temperatures (an amazing break from the heat of everywhere else), but I didn’t expect to have one of my most meaningful travel experiences EVER here. More on that tomorrow.

Since you’ll be arriving very early on the night bus, today is a great day to get acquainted to Da Lat slowly. I recommend taking a taxi to Chua Linh Phouc, a stunning pagoda known for its mosaics, and Truc Lam Buddhist Monastery, a temple with picturesque gardens. For the rest of the day, you can explore the city center, try regional southern foods, and visit the night market.

Day 23

So that super meaningful travel experience I mentioned before? Today, you’ll see why Da Lat came to hold a special place in my heart and stuck out as one of my favorite places on my entire Southeast Asia backpacking trip. It’s all thanks to Mr. Rot of Mr. Rot’s Secret Tour. I’m not going to share many details, as this tour is meant to be a secret to respect the locals involved and to keep the element of surprise for all of those on the tour. This is also why I don’t have any photos to share. However, I will say that if you’re interested in a truly authentic, local experience, this tour is for you. You’re going to have to take my word for it, but I promise it won’t let you down. Just talk to anyone else who has done this tour and they will say the same thing.

Because of its “secret” nature, you can’t find much information about this tour online and you have to contact Mr. Rot directly to book. There are many tours claiming to be “secret tours” in town, but the only way to guarantee you’re on the real tour with Mr. Rot is by contacting him. His WhatsApp is: +84 91 395 33 00.

Mui Ne: 2 days

WHERE TO STAY: $$$: The Anam, $$: Lac House, $: iHome Backpacker Resort

Day 24

The bus from Da Lat to Mui Ne takes about 5 hours, so I recommend taking an early bus to maximize your beach time. When you get to Mui Ne, you can spend the rest of the day relaxing on one of Vietnam’s best beaches. The beaches in Vietnam aren’t as stunning as the Philippines or Thailand, but it’s a great place to have a much-needed rest day on this jam-packed Vietnam itinerary.

Day 25

On your second day in Mui Ne, you can decide between another chill beach day or exploring the local sights. Mui Ne is known for its sand dunes, one of the only desert areas in Southeast Asia. If you’ve already seen impressive dunes elsewhere, there’s no need to see them here. But if you haven’t seen dunes and want to, it’s worth the adventure.

Most people visit the dunes on sunset Jeep tours. While this is an affordable option, it’s the most crowded option. I chose to do an easy rider tour with a local who showed me around the major sites while also taking me to the undiscovered, authentic side of Mui Ne. I really enjoyed this experience and highly recommend it for avoiding crowds and learning about local life. No matter how you get there, you have to hire an ATV if you want to ride directly on the dunes. So there’s really no benefit to having the Jeep, other than the affordability.

Ho Chi Minh City & Mekong Delta: 3 days

WHERE TO STAY: $$$: Signature by M Village Hai Ba Trung, $$: Meander Saigon, $: Saigon Chill Hostel

Day 26

In the morning, you’re off on the 3 hour bus ride to Ho Chi Minh City. Vietnam’s largest city and the heart of the south, it’s a great place to end your trip with a bang. If you love big cities, then you could easily spend your final 3 days in Vietnam exploring all that Ho Chi Minh has to offer. Learn about Vietnam’s war history at the War Remnants Museum, send a postcard from the Saigon Central Post Office, recharge at an aesthetic cafe at 14 Ton That Dam, and go shopping for dupes at Ben Thanh Market.

Day 27

If you’re not a big city person, I recommend using the rest of your time in Ho Chi Minh to take advantage of its proximity to the Mekong Delta. While most travelers take a day trip to the Mekong Delta, one of my favorite experiences on this Vietnam itinerary was spending the night on a local farm. I got to see the beautiful scenery of the Mekong while spending a relaxed night at an authentic homestay. I can’t recommend this experience enough! This is the exact experience I booked and loved.

Your overnight tour will pick you up this morning and bring you back to Ho Chi Minh the following morning. You’ll go biking around the local village, learn how to make Vietnamese pancakes, enjoy home-cooked meals, go kayaking, and take the iconic boat tour through the canals. One of the best parts is spending the night at a family-run farm. Book this amazing and affordable experience here!

Day 28

Your homestay will return you to Ho Chi Minh this morning, and you can use the rest of the day for onward travel or continue discovering Ho Chi Minh City. And with that, this Vietnam itinerary has flown by!

Vietnam is a diverse country with delicious food, towering mountains, relaxing beaches, and rich history and culture. With this Vietnam itinerary, you’ll experience the many different sides of the country that make it so special. From riding motorbikes on the Ha Giang Loop to spending the night at a homestay in the Mekong Delta, you’ll never have a dull moment experiencing the real Vietnam as a backpacker or solo traveler.

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