How to plan a 3-week trip to Vietnam
Spend 21 days traveling north to south, starting in Hanoi and ending in Ho Chi Minh City to minimize backtracking. Use domestic flights to bridge long gaps and overnight trains or sleeper buses for scenic, budget-friendly transit.
- Map your route geographically. Stick to a single direction: North to South (Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City). You will save roughly 2 days of transit time by not looping back.
- Secure your internal transport. Book Vietnam Airlines or VietJet flights for the long hauls (Da Nang to HCMC). Use the 12Go Asia website to book trains and sleeper buses at least 48 hours in advance.
- Sort your entry documentation. Apply for your e-visa at least 14 days before your flight. Do not show up at the airport without the printed approval letter or e-visa.
- Budget for local cash. Carry enough USD to exchange for VND at the airport or gold shops, but rely on ATMs in cities. Notify your bank that you are traveling to avoid card blocks.
- Do I need to book everything before I arrive?
- Only the first 3 days and internal flights. Everything else can be booked once you're on the ground, often cheaper.
- Is it safe to drink the tap water?
- No. Use bottled water, or better, carry a filtered water bottle to reduce plastic waste.