Curated by Sheridan-Leigh | Powered by GPT Slow Travel Planner from MyLifestyle.au
VIETNAM – 21-day Travel ItineraryVietnam offers travellers an unforgettable blend of vibrant culture, breathtaking landscapes, and mouth-watering cuisine. Wander through the charming streets of Hanoi’s Old Quarter or sail the serene waters of Halong Bay’s limestone islands. Explore the lantern-lit town of Hoi An, experience bustling markets in Ho Chi Minh City, or relax on picturesque beaches in Da Nang and Phu Quoc. Delicious street food, from fragrant bowls of pho to crispy banh xeo pancakes, captures Vietnam’s culinary heart. Rich history, friendly locals, and diverse experiences make Vietnam an ideal destination, promising an adventure that will linger long after your trip ends. |  | ||
 | The Slow Travel Planner from MyLifestyle.au is your trusted guide to meaningful, authentic journeys. Designed for thoughtful explorers, it offers personalized itineraries, cultural insights, and sustainable travel tips. With a warm, seasoned voice, it encourages you to immerse deeply, travel mindfully, and connect with local communities—transforming every trip into a soulful adventure. | ||
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21-Day Vietnam Travel Itinerary — The Ultimate Slow Travel Route
If you have the time, this is the trip I wish everyone could take. Over 3 weeks, you’ll explore Vietnam’s must-sees and hidden gems, with plenty of time to pause, breathe, and connect with locals and landscapes alike.
21-Day Vietnam Travel Itinerary: Relaxed and Thoughtful Exploration
Day 1: Arrival in Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC)
Arrange a private airport transfer to a centrally located hotel in District 1.
Spend the afternoon unwinding at the hotel or exploring a nearby café.
Enjoy a relaxed dinner at a local Vietnamese restaurant.
Day 2: Ho Chi Minh City Highlights
Morning: Visit the Notre Dame Cathedral and Central Post Office, iconic landmarks showcasing colonial architecture.
Afternoon: Explore the War Remnants Museum for a historical perspective. (Allow a few hours)
Evening: Stroll through a central market or enjoy a quiet dinner.
Day 3: Mekong Delta and Cu Chi Tunnels Full-Day Tour
Combine two famous sites in one day:
Visit Cu Chi Tunnels in the morning to learn about wartime history.
Explore the Mekong Delta in the afternoon, including a sampan ride through canals and a local lunch.
Return to HCMC in the evening for rest and dinner.
Day 4: Flexible Day
Take a slow day to explore art galleries, enjoy a river cruise, explore or relax at the hotel.
Day 5: Fly to Da Nang
Morning flight to Da Nang.
Get private transport directly to Hoi An Spend the day relaxing (approx. 40 minutes’ drive from Da Nang)
Enjoy dinner with river views.
Day 6: Hoi An Ancient Town
Morning: Visit Hoi An Ancient Town to explore its charming streets and historic sites like the Japanese Bridge. (Purchase a Tourist pass which allows entry to 5 Historical sites of your choice)
Afternoon: Join a lantern-making or coffee making workshop or relax by the river.
Evening: Enjoy dinner and a boat ride under the lantern-lit skies.
Day 7: Relax in Hoi An
Spend the morning at the beach(An Bang beach is 15minutes out of the old town) or exploring a nearby organic farming village.
Rest in the afternoon or shop for local handicrafts.
Attend an evening cultural performance. Hoi An memories show is essential
Day 8: Coconut Forest and Marble Mountains
Morning: Take a basket boat ride in a peaceful coconut forest.
Afternoon: Visit Marble Mountains en route to Da Nang.
Day 9: Relax in Da Nang
Check into hotel I recommend Beach side of river
Spend the morning walking along the beach or shopping in the city.
Use the afternoon to unwind at your hotel or enjoy a spa treatment.
Day 10: Ba Na Hills and Golden Bridge
(1hours drive from Da Nang (go early as it gets packed allow full day)
You do not need to do a tour just book a Grab from Hotel to entrance
Take a cable car to Ba Na Hills and visit the famous Golden Hand Bridge.
Explore the gardens and other attractions at your own pace.
There are many Taxis and Grab available when you are ready to leave
The Buffet Lunch is good if you wish to indulge
Day 11: Son Tra Peninsula and Dragon Bridge
Morning: Visit Linh Ung Pagoda and enjoy panoramic views from the Lady Buddha statue.
Evening: Watch the Dragon Bridge’s fire and water show (available Friday/Sunday nights).
Day 12: Hue Day Trip
(2.5-hour drive to Hue without stops)
Travel via the scenic Hai Van Pass to Hue.
Explore the Imperial City, Thien Mu Pagoda, and the Perfume River.
Return to Da Nang in the evening.
Day 13: Fly to Hanoi
Morning flight to Hanoi. Check into hotel in Old Quarter
Spend the evening walking around a lake or enjoying local delicacies at a quiet restaurant.
Day 14: Hanoi City Highlights
Morning: Visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum Complex and the One Pillar Pagoda.
Afternoon: Explore the many attractions Hanoi has to offer or take a city tour. (I recommend the Jeep Hidden Gem Tour) Explore the Vietnamese Women’s Museum for cultural insights.
Evening: Watch a water puppet show and enjoy dinner in the Old Quarter.
Day 15–17: Ha Long Bay
(2.5-hour drive from Hanoi to Ha Long)
Day 15: Travel to Ha Long Bay one night at Yen Residences
Next day Board an overnight trip on the bay a 2-day, 1-night luxury cruise.
Activities: Tai Chi, gentle boat rides, and visiting floating villages or caves.
Day 18: Return to port
Back to Hanoi and Rest
Spend the afternoon relaxing or shopping in the Old Quarter.
Day 19: Ninh Binh Full-Day Trip
Explore the Ninh Binh countryside:
Take a serene boat ride in Tam Coc or Trang An.
Visit Hoa Lu Ancient Capital for a glimpse of Vietnam’s early dynasties.
Optional: Climb Mua Cave for panoramic views or relax in nearby gardens.
Day 20: Hanoi Immersion
Visit the Temple of Literature in the morning.
Walk along the Ceramic Mosaic Mural or explore local silk shops.
Stroll through a lively street where trains pass by or enjoy dinner with lake views.
Day 21: Final Day in Hanoi
Choose between:
Visiting a museum (such as the Ethnology Museum).
Relaxing with a spa treatment or enjoying tea at a scenic café.
Do any last-minute shopping or enjoy a leisurely walk.
Day 22: Departure
Arrange a private transfer to the airport for your flight home. Vietnam Airlines are the best
This balanced itinerary combines cultural highlights, natural beauty, and thoughtful experiences to impress both travellers.
This balanced itinerary combines cultural highlights, natural beauty, and thoughtful experiences to impress both travellers.
Travel Smart, Travel Slow
Whichever route you choose, know that you don’t have to do it all. Some of the best memories are made when you take a wrong turn, sip coffee longer than expected, or chat with a stranger on a bench.
You can also use the MyLifestyle Slow Travel Planner GPT to personalise your adventure, swap out stops or extend your time in a favourite spot.
Bonus: Many of the tours and transfers in these itineraries are bookable via my Viator affiliate link, which helps support the blog (at no extra cost to you).
Sheridan-Leigh MyLifestyle.au – Travel Stories to Guide, Tips to Inspire
About the Author:
Below are some recent travels on an interactive map.
Alternatively, view the full interactive travel journey at MyLifestyle Travel Map
Click on a trip line to see images, posts, accommodation and travel information about the destinations.
See her recent travels: Click on the image. https://mylifestyle.travelmap.net
