Vietnam 3 Day Itinerary

Vietnam 3-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Hanoi - Exploring the Capital City

Places to Visit:

  1. Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum & Museum: Pay respects to the father of modern Vietnam and explore the museum. (Open from 8am-10:30am & 2pm-4:30pm, closed on Mondays and Fridays)
  2. One Pillar Pagoda: A historic Buddhist temple dating back over 1000 years.
  3. The Temple of Literature: Vietnam’s first university and a symbol of education.
  4. Hoan Kiem Lake & Ngoc Son Temple: Relax, take a boat ride and visit the beautiful temple.
  5. Old Quarter (36 Streets): Explore the bustling streets filled with shops, food stalls, and local life.

Activities:

  1. Traditional Water Puppet Show: Experience this unique Vietnamese art form in the evening.
  2. Cyclo Tour: Take a ride in a cyclo (rickshaw) to see Hanoi’s highlights.
  3. Try local street food: Pho, Bun Cha, Banh Mi are must-tries!

Things to Know:

  1. Traffic in Hanoi can be chaotic, so be careful when crossing roads.
  2. Bargain when shopping at markets and night markets.
  3. Respect local customs and dress modestly when visiting temples.
  4. Internet access is widely available throughout the city.

Visa Requirements:

  1. Most nationalities require a visa to enter Vietnam. Check Vietnam’s Immigration Department for more information or use a visa service.
  2. Some nationalities can get a visa on arrival at the airport if they arrange an approval letter in advance.

Transportation:

  1. Taxis are readily available and affordable, but be sure to use reputable companies like Grab or Mai Linh.
  2. Motorbikes and bicycles can be rented for exploring the city. Remember to wear a helmet!
  3. Public buses are also an option, though less convenient for tourists.

Day 2: Halong Bay - Natural Wonder

Places to Visit:

  1. Halong Bay: A UNESCO World Heritage Site with thousands of limestone islands and beautiful scenery.

Activities:

  1. Cruise in Halong Bay: Spend the day on a boat exploring the bay, swimming, kayaking, and visiting caves.
  2. Sunset Party: Many boats offer evening activities like cooking classes, squid fishing, or simply enjoying the beautiful sunset with drinks.
  3. Overnight stay on boat (optional): For a more immersive experience, you can spend the night on a boat in Halong Bay.

Things to Know:

  1. Bring insect repellent and a light jacket for the evening.
  2. Book your cruise in advance, especially during peak season.
  3. Be aware of scams when booking tours or renting bikes around the pier area.
  4. Try local seafood dishes like grilled squid or clams.

Transportation:

  1. Bus: You can take a bus from Hanoi to Halong Bay, with various companies offering daily trips. The journey takes about 3-4 hours.
  2. Seaplane: For a more expensive but scenic option, consider a seaplane transfer that takes only 45 minutes.

Day 3: Hoi An - Ancient Town

Places to Visit:

  1. Old Town of Hoi An: A beautifully preserved Vietnamese trading port dating back over 400 years.
  2. Japanese Covered Bridge: This iconic wooden bridge was built in the 16th century by the Japanese community.
  3. Ancient House (Phuc Kien Assembly Hall): Learn about Hoi An’s history and culture at this historic house.
  4. An Bang Beach: Relax on the beautiful sandy beach or try water sports like kite surfing, windsurfing, or parasailing.

Activities:

  1. Cooking Class: Join a local cooking class to learn how to make traditional Vietnamese dishes.
  2. Lantern Making Workshop: Create your own lantern to take home as a souvenir.
  3. Bike Tour: Explore the countryside around Hoi An on a bike, visiting rice fields and local villages.

Things to Know:

  1. Hoi An is famous for its tailors, so don’t forget to get something custom-made!
  2. The town can get very crowded during peak tourist season, so visit early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid the crowds.
  3. Bring a camera and take plenty of photos!

Transportation:

  1. Bus: There are direct buses from Hanoi to Hoi An, taking about 12-14 hours. Overnight buses are available.
  2. Flight: For a quicker option, fly from Hanoi to Danang airport, then take a taxi or bus to Hoi An.