Adventure, Cruises, Family friendly, Sightseeing
Tour Type
16 days up
Tour Duration
8/10
Tour Physicality
Halong Bay, Hanoi, Hoi An, Hue, Ninh Binh, Pu Luong, Saigon, Mekong Delta, Quang Binh
Tour Location

Plan your perfect 3 weeks Vietnam itinerary. Explore ancient villages, cruise Halong Bay, trek in Pu Luong, visit Hue and Hoi An, and experience the Mekong Delta.

Highlights of 3 Weeks Vietnam Itinerary

This 21 days Vietnam tour program captures the country’s essence from north to south, blending cultural discovery with natural wonders and authentic encounters. Begin in Hanoi, where ancient temples and colonial boulevards reflect a thousand years of history, before cycling through Duong Lam Ancient Village and trekking in the lush valleys of Pu Luong Nature Reserve.

Drift among limestone peaks on an overnight Halong Bay cruise, then head south to Phong Nha–Ke Bang National Park for an exhilarating Tu Lan cave expedition. Explore the underground Vinh Moc Tunnels, relax at Cua Tung Beach, and uncover the imperial splendor of Hue. Lantern-lit Hoi An enchants with cooking classes, countryside adventures, and visits to the sacred My Son Sanctuary.

In vibrant Saigon, discover French landmarks and the historic Cu Chi Tunnels before venturing deep into the Mekong Delta, where floating markets, bird sanctuaries, and rural homestays reveal the timeless charm of Vietnam’s waterways.

TOUR START Hanoi, Vietnam
TOUR END Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
INCLUDED Transportation in private air-conditioned vehicle with driver;
Train ticket Hanoi – Dong Hoi (sharing A/C 4-soft sleepers’ cabin);
Air ticket Danang – Saigon;
Accommodation in hotels (shared twin room);
Meals as indicated: B = breakfast, L = lunch, D= Dinner;
English speaking guides;
Entrance fee to indicated sights;
Water puppet show;
Cyclo tour, boat trips;
Join cruise on Halong Bay;
Waters & cool towels on the van.
NOT INCLUDED Other meals, tip, drinks, international flights & airport tax, single room, personal expenses, insurance…

Are you interested in 3 weeks Vietnam itinerary from North to South? Contact us for best prices!

1

Day 1: Arrival in Hanoi

Upon arrival at Noi Bai International Airport in Hanoi, you will be warmly welcomed by your guide and transferred to your hotel in the heart of Vietnam’s capital. Depending on your flight schedule, you might have time to enjoy a first stroll around Hoan Kiem Lake, where locals gather to practice tai chi in the mornings or meet friends in the evening. The lake is bordered by shady trees, a red-painted wooden bridge leading to Ngoc Son Temple, and a lively pedestrian zone buzzing with food stalls and street performances.

Hanoi is a city of a thousand years, layered with history from ancient dynasties, French colonial rule, and the modern Vietnamese spirit. Spend your first evening getting acquainted with the city’s rhythm: the mix of scooters, steaming bowls of pho on every corner, and the scent of coffee drifting from narrow cafés tucked into old shophouses.

Overnight in Hanoi.

2

Day 2: Hanoi City Tour – History, Heritage, and Local Life

After breakfast, your discovery of Hanoi begins with a leisurely cyclo ride. This traditional rickshaw-style vehicle allows you to absorb the atmosphere of the Old Quarter at a gentle pace. The labyrinthine streets are each named after a craft or trade—Silk Street, Paper Street, Herbal Medicine Street—many of which still echo their original purpose.

From there, continue into the French Quarter, where grand boulevards, shaded by tamarind and banyan trees, reveal elegant villas, government buildings, and cultural landmarks. This part of the city earned Hanoi its nickname “Paris of the East.”

A short walk takes you into Ngoc Ha Village, a rare enclave of traditional life in the middle of the city. Here, you’ll glimpse scenes of local daily activities—women washing vegetables by communal wells, elders chatting under banyan trees, and children running through narrow alleys. It feels like stepping back into the Red River Delta’s village life, preserved despite Hanoi’s urban expansion.

The morning continues with a visit to the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum Complex, where the country’s revered leader rests. The site includes the Presidential Palace, the simple Stilt House where he lived, and the symbolic One Pillar Pagoda. Each structure reflects both historical gravity and a sense of spiritual continuity.

At midday, you’ll enjoy a traditional meal at the Season of Hanoi Restaurant, where northern specialties are prepared with authentic flavors.

The afternoon highlights include the Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first university, originally built in 1070 and dedicated to Confucius. Its courtyards, ancient steles, and scholarly atmosphere provide insight into Vietnam’s long history of valuing education. Later, visit the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology, one of the country’s most fascinating museums, displaying artifacts, costumes, and reconstructed houses representing Vietnam’s 54 ethnic groups. Unlike many museums, the items here are still very much a part of people’s lives today.

Conclude your day with a relaxed walk through the Old Quarter once more, where lanterns light up and vendors set out trays of grilled meats, tropical fruits, and sweet desserts.

Overnight in Hanoi.

3

Day 3: Hanoi – Duong Lam Ancient Village – Pu Luong Nature Reserve

This morning, leave the capital behind and journey into the countryside of the Red River Delta. Your destination is Duong Lam Ancient Village, often called the “Hoi An of the North” due to its collection of laterite brick houses, many dating back hundreds of years.

As you walk through narrow alleys, you’ll arrive at Mong Phu Communal House, the only one in the village whose original gate remains intact. Dedicated to national heroes, the communal house embodies the architectural harmony and cultural values of northern Vietnamese villages.

Today’s lunch is a highlight: a home-hosted meal at the house of Mr. Huyen, where you’ll also learn about the making of tuong, a traditional soy-based sauce integral to local cuisine. Sitting at a family table and tasting authentic dishes allows you to connect with the warmth and hospitality of Vietnamese rural life.

In the afternoon, take a cycling trip around Duong Lam’s fields and hamlets. Stop to try regional treats such as che lam (sticky rice and ginger candy), banh te (steamed rice cakes with pork, onion, and mushroom wrapped in banana leaves), and che kho (mung bean sweets).

Later, continue your drive to Pu Luong Nature Reserve, a hidden paradise between Mai Chau and Cuc Phuong National Park. The region is known for its terraced rice fields cascading down mountain slopes, thick forests, and the stilt houses of Thai ethnic communities.

Arrive in the late afternoon and check into your eco-lodge or retreat surrounded by lush greenery and tranquil sounds of nature.

Overnight in Pu Luong.

4

Day 4: Pu Luong – Water Wheels and Bamboo Rafting

Wake to birdsong and mist drifting across terraced fields. After breakfast, set out on a gentle trek toward the Cham River. Cross a suspension bridge and follow village trails to see the iconic water wheels—ingenious bamboo structures that channel river water into irrigation canals. These wheels are a fascinating blend of practicality and beauty, turning endlessly in harmony with nature.

Arriving at a fisherman’s house, take a short rest before embarking on a bamboo rafting adventure. With guidance from your local hosts, you’ll learn to paddle and steer your raft as you float downstream. The slow rhythm of the river, framed by limestone mountains and rice paddies, offers serenity and stunning scenery.

Disembark at Tan Lap Bridge before returning to your retreat for dinner and relaxation.

Overnight in Pu Luong.

5

Day 5: Pu Luong – Ninh Binh

After breakfast, bid farewell to Pu Luong’s tranquil hills and drive to Ninh Binh, a province famed for its karst landscapes and emerald rice fields.

Upon arrival, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before boarding a small sampan for a boat trip along the Ngo Dong River. The scenery is breathtaking: sheer limestone cliffs rise dramatically from green paddies, mirrored in the calm water. As your boat glides quietly, you’ll pass through three natural caves, ducking beneath stone arches adorned with stalactites.

Later, visit Bich Dong Pagoda, a complex of three ancient temples built into a mountainside. Climb the stone steps for a panoramic view over valleys, villages, and jagged peaks.

By late afternoon, check into your hotel in Ninh Binh town or nearby countryside.

Overnight in Ninh Binh.

6

Day 6: Ninh Binh – Halong Bay

Today’s journey takes you east through the fertile Red River Delta toward Halong Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New Seven Natural Wonders of the World. Along the drive, observe rural life as farmers tend to rice fields and water buffalo graze lazily in the paddies.

Arrive at Hon Gai International Harbor, where you’ll board a traditional wooden junk cruise. Receive a warm welcome, a refreshing drink, and a safety briefing before checking into your cabin.

As the boat sails into the quieter Bai Tu Long Bay, enjoy lunch on board while limestone karsts and islets pass by your window. The afternoon includes a visit to Thien Canh Son Cave, with chambers filled with stalactites. Later, stop at Hon Co Island, where you can swim, relax on a white sandy beach, or try kayaking.

Return to the junk in the evening. As the sun sets and the bay turns golden, enjoy a freshly prepared dinner and perhaps join a cooking demonstration on deck. The peaceful night on the water is unforgettable.

Overnight on board in Halong Bay.

7

Day 7: Halong Bay – Return to Hanoi

Wake up early to witness one of Vietnam’s most magical sights: the sunrise over Halong Bay. As the first rays of light spill over the jagged limestone peaks, the waters shimmer in hues of silver and gold. Step out onto the deck for morning tea or coffee while the boat glides gently through the tranquil seascape.

After breakfast, transfer to a rustic rowing boat for a visit to Vung Vieng Fishing Village. Unlike many tourist stops, Vung Vieng still preserves an authentic lifestyle on the water. You’ll see floating homes, schools, and fish farms, where families have lived for generations. Conversations with villagers reveal how people adapt to life entirely dependent on the tides.

Back on the junk, you’ll have time for a refreshing swim in the open bay or simply lounge on deck to soak up the last views. Lunch is served as the cruise makes its way back toward the harbor.

By noon, disembark at Hon Gai Harbor and begin the drive back to Hanoi. The journey through the Red River Delta offers a final glimpse of rural life before returning to the capital.

You have free time in the afternoon for your own activities.

Return to Hanoi for the night.
Overnight in Hanoi.

8

Day 8: Hanoi – Flight to Dong Hoi – Chay Lap Farmstay

After completing the first week of our 3 weeks Vietnam itinerary, we now leave the North and continue southward to begin exploring Central Vietnam.

In the morning, transfer to the airport for a short flight south to Dong Hoi, the gateway to Phong Nha–Ke Bang National Park. Upon arrival, meet your driver and continue to Chay Lap Farmstay, a charming eco-lodge nestled in the countryside at the park’s edge.

After settling in, enjoy lunch and spend the afternoon exploring the area by bicycle. Pedal along quiet lanes shaded by bamboo groves, pass small villages, and watch farmers tending peanut fields and water buffalo grazing in meadows. For those seeking more adventure, rugged off-road trails offer a fun challenge.

Return to the farmstay in the late afternoon and relax by the pool or join optional water activities like kayaking on the river. The surrounding karst mountains glow in the evening light, and the peaceful countryside offers a gentle pause after days of sightseeing.

Dinner will be served at the farmstay, where ingredients are locally sourced and meals showcase regional flavors.
Overnight in Chay Lap Farmstay.

9

Day 9: Tu Lan Cave System Expedition – Camping Under the Stars

Wake early for breakfast and prepare for a thrilling two-day Tu Lan cave expedition, one of Vietnam’s most extraordinary adventures. Depart from Chay Lap around 8:00 am, traveling along the Ho Chi Minh Highway to Tan Hoa Village, the headquarters for the cave tours. After a thorough safety briefing and equipment check, set off on foot with your expert guides.

The trek takes you through lush jungle, across rivers, and into the remote wilderness. Pass through Hung Ton Cave and hike into To Mo Valley, where lunch is served beside a sparkling waterfall. Continue trekking deeper into the wilderness until you arrive at Hang Ken Cave, made famous by National Geographic photographer Carsten Peter.

Here, set up camp on a sandy beach by the cave entrance. The afternoon is free to swim at the waterfall, relax in hammocks, or explore the natural pool. As evening falls, enjoy a hearty dinner prepared by the team before gazing up at the brilliant night sky, unspoiled by artificial light.

Tonight, you’ll sleep in tents under the stars—a rare chance to truly disconnect and immerse yourself in pristine nature.
Overnight in campsite by Hang Ken Cave.

10

Day 10: Tu Lan – Phong Nha – Chay Lap

Rise to the sounds of the jungle and enjoy breakfast by the riverbank. Today’s adventure continues with exploration of more caves in the Tu Lan system. Enter Hang Kim Cave, recently discovered and admired for its underground waterfalls. You will also pass through the dry chamber of Tu Lan Cave, marveling at stalactites, stalagmites, and cathedral-like chambers shaped over millions of years.

The journey involves swimming through sections of wet caves, scrambling over boulders, and trekking along jungle paths. The experience is moderately challenging but deeply rewarding, offering a sense of discovery at every turn.

By early afternoon, trek back to Tan Hoa Village for a late lunch before returning to Phong Nha. Arrive at Chay Lap Farmstay in the late afternoon with time to shower, relax, and perhaps enjoy a quiet evening reflecting on the adventure.

Note on adventure level: This expedition requires moderate fitness and comfort with outdoor activities. Participants trek approximately 12 kilometers, swim through cave passages, and climb ladders with safety ropes. Weather conditions influence difficulty, with muddy terrain during rains and heat during summer months. Safety is prioritized, with professional guides and top-quality equipment provided.

Overnight in Chay Lap Farmstay.

11

Day 11: Quang Binh – Vinh Moc Tunnels – Cua Tung Beach – Hue

After breakfast, depart Quang Binh and travel south along the historic Demilitarized Zone (DMZ). The highlight of the morning is a visit to the Vinh Moc Tunnels, an underground complex where villagers lived for years during the Vietnam War to avoid bombings. Walking through the tunnels, you’ll see living quarters, kitchens, wells, and even maternity areas that sustained entire communities underground.

Afterward, pause at Cua Tung Beach, a serene stretch of coast known for its white sand and calm waters. Enjoy a short walk and perhaps some fresh seafood before continuing the drive to Hue.

Arrive in Hue by evening. Known as the former imperial capital of the Nguyen Dynasty, Hue holds a special place in Vietnamese history and is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Perfume River winds gracefully through the city, lined with pagodas, ancient houses, and royal tombs.

Check into your hotel and enjoy dinner on your own or take a riverside stroll to absorb Hue’s peaceful atmosphere.
Overnight in Hue.

12

Day 12: Hue City Tour – Imperial Heritage and Local Encounters

Start the day with a cyclo ride across Trang Tien Bridge, offering sweeping views of the Perfume River. The ride continues to Dong Ba Market, Hue’s largest and oldest market, where colorful stalls overflow with spices, fruits, dried seafood, and household goods. The bustling atmosphere reflects daily life in the city.

From the market, follow the riverbank toward the Imperial Citadel, the seat of power for the Nguyen emperors from 1802 to 1945. Enter through the Noon Gate and explore landmarks such as the Flag Tower, Nine Dynastic Urns, Thai Hoa Palace, and the Forbidden Purple City. Though much was damaged during conflicts, restoration continues, and the grandeur of imperial architecture remains impressive.

At midday, visit Dong Thien Pagoda, where nuns run a small kindergarten for underprivileged children. Here, enjoy a peaceful vegetarian lunch prepared by the nuns. This intimate experience offers insight into Buddhist practices and the generosity of Hue’s religious community.

In the afternoon, continue to the Tomb of Emperor Tu Duc, one of Hue’s most beautiful royal mausoleums. The site is designed as a peaceful retreat with lotus-filled lakes, pine-shaded courtyards, and intricate pavilions reflecting the emperor’s poetic soul.

Later, visit Thien Mu Pagoda, perched on a hill overlooking the Perfume River. Its seven-story tower is the symbol of Hue and one of Vietnam’s most photographed landmarks. On the return, stroll through Kim Long Village, famous for its garden houses and mandarins’ residences. At one of these historic homes, meet the elderly granddaughter of a royal mandarin and hear personal stories of Hue’s past.

Evening is free to enjoy Hue’s renowned cuisine, such as bun bo Hue (spicy beef noodle soup) or delicate royal-style small dishes.
Overnight in Hue.

Perfect! Let’s continue your rewritten 3 Weeks Vietnam Itinerary with Part 3 (Days 13–17). I’ll keep the same polished narrative style, expand with cultural details, and keep the text immersive.

13

Day 13: Hue – Hai Van Pass – Da Nang – Hoi An

This morning, depart Hue and begin one of Vietnam’s most scenic drives along the coast toward Da Nang. The highlight is the legendary Hai Van Pass, a dramatic mountain road that snakes between the Truong Son range and the South China Sea. As you ascend, stop at viewpoints where the winding road, mist-shrouded mountains, and sparkling ocean stretch endlessly before you. The pass is often described as the “Ocean Cloud Pass,” a name that perfectly captures its ethereal beauty.

Arriving in Da Nang, visit the Cham Museum, which houses the world’s largest collection of Cham artifacts. The Cham civilization once flourished in central Vietnam, and their artistry—intricate sandstone sculptures of Hindu gods, warriors, and sacred animals—offers a glimpse into this fascinating culture dating from the 4th to the 13th centuries.

Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant, perhaps tasting Mi Quang, a Da Nang specialty of turmeric noodles topped with shrimp, pork, and fresh herbs.

In the afternoon, continue to Hoi An, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the best-preserved trading ports in Asia. During the 16th and 17th centuries, Hoi An welcomed merchants from Japan, China, Portugal, and beyond, creating a unique blend of architectural styles. Upon arrival, check into your hotel and take a short orientation walk around the Ancient Town. Admire the Japanese Covered Bridge, wooden shop-houses, and colorful lanterns that line the narrow streets.

The evening is free for you to explore at leisure. At night, Hoi An is enchanting: the lantern-lit streets glow warmly, and riverside cafés invite you to sit and watch floating candles drift along the Thu Bon River.

Overnight in Hoi An.

14

Day 14: Hoi An Countryside Adventure by Scooter

Rise early to experience Hoi An’s surroundings in a more adventurous way—on the back of a scooter driven by a local guide. This immersive journey takes you beyond the Old Town and into the countryside, where daily life unfolds at a slower pace.

Your first stop is Cam Thanh Village, surrounded by lush nipa palm forests along tranquil waterways. Here, farmers and fishermen rely on traditional methods passed down for generations. Pause at a small garden to learn about herbs and spices, tasting drinks made from local plants.

Continue to Thanh Ha Pottery Village, where artisans have been molding clay into bowls, jars, and roof tiles for centuries. Watch potters at work and perhaps try shaping a piece yourself.

The ride then takes you across scenic paths to Cam Kim Island, a rural haven of rice fields, corn farms, and peaceful hamlets. Stop at Tra Nhieu Fishing Village, where you will board a basket boat—a round bamboo vessel unique to Vietnam. Drift along waterways shaded by palms while learning about local fishing techniques.

End the excursion in Kim Bong Carpentry Village, famed for its skilled woodcarvers. Visit workshops where traditional tools are still used to craft boats, furniture, and intricate carvings. You may also stop at a local family producing rice noodles or rice paper, gaining insight into everyday livelihoods.

By mid-afternoon, return to Hoi An Ancient Town with time to relax or shop for tailor-made clothing.

Overnight in Hoi An.

15

Day 15: Hoi An Cooking Class – My Son Sanctuary

This morning, discover Vietnam’s culinary heritage with an authentic cooking class at the Market Restaurant. Begin by visiting Hoi An’s bustling local market, where colorful stalls overflow with fresh noodles, exotic fruits, herbs, and spices. Guided by your instructor, learn how to select the best fish, vegetables, and grains while discovering their medicinal uses in traditional Vietnamese cooking.

Back at the restaurant, tour different food counters where live demonstrations showcase the making of rice paper, noodles, dumplings, and Cao Lau—the iconic noodle dish of Hoi An. Taste samples along the way before heading into the kitchen for your hands-on lesson. Each dish is demonstrated by the chef before you prepare it yourself. At the end, sit down together and enjoy the fruits of your labor. You’ll leave with recipes and even a Vietnamese cooking utensil as a memento.

In the afternoon, travel to My Son Sanctuary, the spiritual center of the ancient Champa Kingdom. Hidden in a lush valley, this UNESCO World Heritage Site once featured more than 70 temples dedicated to Hindu deities. Though many structures were damaged during past conflicts, the remaining towers and carvings showcase some of the world’s finest brickwork. Arriving before sunset ensures a more atmospheric visit, as golden light bathes the ruins and the crowds thin out.

Return to Hoi An in the late afternoon. The evening is yours to wander through the lantern-lit streets or enjoy a riverside dinner.

Overnight in Hoi An.

16

Day 16: Hoi An – Da Nang – Flight to Saigon

Today marks the next stage of our 3-week Vietnam itinerary as we explore Southern Vietnam.

This morning, enjoy some free time to shop, relax by the river, or stroll through the markets of Hoi An. At the appointed time, transfer to Da Nang airport for your flight south to Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon).

Upon arrival, begin a city tour of Saigon, Vietnam’s most dynamic metropolis. Start at the Reunification Palace, once the headquarters of the South Vietnamese government. Its preserved 1960s interiors offer a time capsule of the war years. Continue to the Notre Dame Cathedral, built by the French in the late 19th century, and the Central Post Office, a striking colonial building designed by Gustave Eiffel.

In the afternoon, visit the Ngoc Hoang Pagoda (also known as the Jade Emperor Pagoda), where locals burn incense for luck and prosperity. The temple is filled with statues of deities, intricate wood carvings, and a strong spiritual atmosphere. End the day at the History Museum, which traces Vietnam’s 4,000 years of history through artifacts and exhibits.

After dinner on your own, enjoy a stroll down Nguyen Hue Walking Street, where locals gather in the evening, or head to a rooftop bar for panoramic city views.

Overnight in Saigon.

17

Day 17: Day Trip to Tay Ninh and Cu Chi Tunnels

This morning, drive northwest from Saigon to Tay Ninh, the spiritual center of Caodaism. Founded in southern Vietnam in the 1920s, Caodaism is a unique religion blending elements of Buddhism, Taoism, Confucianism, and Christianity. Visit the magnificent Cao Dai Holy See, a kaleidoscopic temple where dragons, lotus flowers, and eye symbols adorn the architecture. Attend the colorful midday mass, where priests in bright robes lead ceremonies accompanied by chanting and music.

After lunch at a local restaurant, continue to the Cu Chi Tunnels, one of the most remarkable historical sites in Vietnam. This vast underground network once stretched over 250 kilometers and was used by the Viet Cong during the war. The tunnels contained sleeping quarters, kitchens, meeting rooms, and hidden entrances. Walking through these narrow passages today offers a sense of the resilience and ingenuity of those who lived and fought here.

You will also see traps, camouflage doors, and examples of wartime living conditions. For the adventurous, there’s the option to crawl through a section of the tunnel system.

Return to Saigon in the late afternoon. The drive back reveals Saigon’s sprawling suburbs gradually blending into the city’s busy streets. The evening is free for you to enjoy Saigon’s nightlife—perhaps a dinner cruise on the Saigon River or sampling street food in District 4.

Overnight in Saigon.

Perfect! Here is the final section, Part 4 (Days 18–22) of your polished 3 Weeks Vietnam Itinerary rewrite. This part will bring us to a total of about 4000 words across all four installments.

18

Day 18: Saigon – Cai Be – Vinh Long – Can Tho

Today marks the beginning of your exploration of the legendary Mekong Delta, often called the “Rice Bowl of Vietnam.” After breakfast, depart Saigon for a two-hour drive into the lush delta landscape, where rivers, canals, and rice paddies stretch as far as the eye can see. Along the way, you’ll notice farmers riding bicycles loaded with baskets of produce, roadside stalls selling coconuts, and children waving as you pass by.

Arriving at Ba Ton Pier in Cai Be, board the charming wooden boat known as the Mekong Queen. As the boat glides along the Mekong River, enjoy fresh tropical fruits while the breeze cools you under the shaded canopy. The journey is as much about relaxation as it is about discovery, revealing the timeless beauty of rural Vietnam.

Step ashore to visit local workshops where traditional crafts are still practiced. Watch artisans make rice paper used for spring rolls, see families weaving mats from water hyacinth, and learn how palm leaves are used to roof houses. Each stop offers not just demonstrations but also warm interactions with locals eager to share their way of life.

Return to the boat to witness Cai Be’s river trading scene. Though smaller than other floating markets, this section gives you a real sense of how goods are sold from boat to boat, with agricultural produce hung from bamboo poles to advertise what each vendor has for sale.

Disembark at Tan Phong Island, where you’ll switch to bicycles for a scenic ride along narrow village paths. Pedal through orchards heavy with fruit, past cottages shaded by coconut palms, and along peaceful canals. Along the way, stop at homes where families craft hammocks from coconut fibers, weave hats, or make noodles, offering you an intimate look at cottage industries that sustain life here.

Lunch is served at a traditional ancient house, where Mekong specialties such as elephant-ear fish, caramelized claypot pork, and fresh spring rolls are prepared.

By mid-afternoon, bid farewell to your hosts and drive onward to Can Tho, the largest city of the Mekong Delta. Upon arrival, check into your hotel and perhaps take an evening walk along the waterfront, where locals gather at night markets and riverside cafés.

Overnight in Can Tho.

19

Day 19: Can Tho – Cai Rang Floating Market – Chau Doc

Rise early today for a boat trip to the bustling Cai Rang Floating Market, the largest and most famous in the Mekong Delta. As your boat approaches, the river comes alive with activity: traders on large wooden boats piled high with pineapples, pumpkins, melons, and other produce, while smaller boats weave between them to buy, sell, and barter. Bamboo poles with hanging fruits act as signboards to advertise each vendor’s goods.

Circle the market twice to give you ample opportunity to photograph the colorful chaos. The sounds of bargaining, the smells of fresh fruit, and the sight of boats piled with produce create a vibrant sensory experience.

From here, continue by boat to the bustling inland market, where traders display local vegetables, herbs, fish, and spices. This is where you’ll truly sense the energy of delta life, far from the tourist trail. Next, take a short boat ride into a narrow canal leading to a small riverside village. Walk along the alleyways, where families prepare food, mend nets, and chat outside their homes. A visit to a rice processing factory shows how raw paddy is transformed into polished white grains ready for consumption across the country.

Return to Can Tho for lunch before beginning the drive to Chau Doc, located near the Cambodian border. Along the way, stop at the Tra Su Bird Sanctuary, a protected wetland teeming with wildlife. Board a sampan to drift quietly through the flooded cajuput forest, where thousands of storks, herons, and kingfishers nest. The stillness is broken only by bird calls, creating an almost ethereal experience. From the observation tower, you’ll have a sweeping view of the treetop canopy dotted with birds in flight.

Arrive in Chau Doc by evening and check into your hotel. This riverside town is a cultural melting pot of Vietnamese, Khmer, and Cham communities.

Overnight in Chau Doc.

20

Day 20: Chau Doc – Tam Nong Sanctuary – Dong Thap – Saigon

After breakfast, depart Chau Doc and drive to Tam Nong Bird Sanctuary in Dong Thap Province, another ecological jewel of the Mekong Delta. This protected wetland covers thousands of hectares and supports a remarkable diversity of life. Board a motorboat and glide through the reserve, observing waterbirds, lotuses, and tall grasses that sway in the breeze.

The sanctuary is home to around 200 species of birds and more than 130 species of plants, making it one of Vietnam’s richest ecosystems. If traveling between December and May, you may witness the extraordinary sight of flocks of sarus cranes, graceful birds that migrate here during this season. Watching these tall, elegant birds feed and dance is a rare privilege, one of the highlights of birdwatching in Asia.

After touring the sanctuary, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant inside the reserve. The fresh fish, vegetables, and herbs are all sourced from the delta, ensuring authentic flavors.

In the afternoon, begin the drive back to Saigon. Along the way, stop at My Hiep Village, where you can purchase local specialties to bring home—Lai Vung fermented pork rolls, Cao Lanh mangoes, and Chau Thanh longans are among the best-loved delicacies of Dong Thap.

By early evening, you’ll return to bustling Ho Chi Minh City, the contrast with the delta’s calm waters both striking and energizing.

Overnight in Saigon.

21

Day 21: Saigon Departure

After breakfast at the hotel, enjoy some final leisure time depending on your flight schedule. Perhaps take a short walk around the neighborhood for a last taste of Vietnamese coffee or pick up last-minute souvenirs.

At the appointed time, transfer to Tan Son Nhat International Airport for your departure flight.

Your three-week journey across Vietnam concludes here, leaving you with memories of vibrant cities, tranquil villages, majestic landscapes, and warm encounters with local people.

Tour ends.

This 3-week Vietnam itinerary offers one of the most comprehensive overland experiences of Vietnam. From the ancient pagodas of Hanoi to the soaring karsts of Halong Bay, from the mystical caves of Tu Lan to the imperial grandeur of Hue, from lantern-lit Hoi An to the buzzing energy of Saigon, and finally into the lush waterways of the Mekong Delta—you will have explored the country’s geography, history, culture, and cuisine in depth.

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