3 days in Vietnam itinerary – What to do in Vietnam in 3 days

Is 3 days in Vietnam worth It? Absolutely - If you plan it right

While Vietnam is a country that could easily fill weeks of exploration, many travelers only have a few days due to flight schedules, stopovers, or multi-country plans. The key to making a short trip work is focusing on one region—north, central, or south—and crafting a route that blends culture, food, and scenery without wasting time in transit.

A well-designed 3 days in Vietnam itinerary lets you:

• Discover a region’s signature sights and stories

• Enjoy local food and meaningful cultural moments

• Minimize airport time and maximize your adventure

Instead of rushing from city to city, this guide helps you choose the best location based on your arrival point and travel style, then shows you what to do in Vietnam in 3 days with easy, rewarding plans.

Sample itinerary for 3 days in Vietnam

Option 1: Hanoi & Ninh Binh – Northern Vietnam charm

Day 1: Explore the culture and chaos of Hanoi

Kick off your adventure in Vietnam’s capital city. Start with a walking tour of the Old Quarter—an atmospheric web of alleyways filled with shops, cafés, and colonial architecture. Visit the Temple of Literature, Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, and One Pillar Pagoda. Don’t forget to try Hanoi’s famous egg coffee and bun cha at a street-side eatery.

Day 2: Day trip to Ninh Binh

Take a 2-hour drive to Ninh Binh, often called “Ha Long Bay on land.” Enjoy a tranquil boat ride through limestone karsts at Trang An or Tam Coc. Hike to the top of Hang Mua for sweeping valley views, then visit the ancient temples of Hoa Lu before heading back to Hanoi.

Day 3: Markets, museums, and local life

Spend your final morning at Dong Xuan Market or take a cultural dive at the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology. If time allows, enjoy a leisurely stroll around Hoan Kiem Lake and catch a traditional water puppet show before your departure.

Perfect for: History and culture lovers Souvenirs: Hand-embroidered goods, coffee beans, lacquerware

Option 2: Ho Chi Minh City & Cu Chi tunnels – Southern energy and history

Day 1: Dive into Saigon’s bustling streets

Start your day at the Central Post Office and Notre-Dame Cathedral before heading to the sobering War Remnants Museum. Explore Ben Thanh Market in the afternoon and enjoy rooftop cocktails in District 1 by evening.

Day 2: Half-day Cu Chi tunnels tour

Take a guided morning tour to the Cu Chi Tunnels, just 1.5 hours from the city. Learn how the Viet Cong lived underground and view preserved weapons and booby traps. Return in the afternoon for café hopping or a hidden food tour.

Day 3: Art and local flavors

Spend your final day exploring Saigon’s creative side with stops at small art galleries, designer boutiques, and street murals. Try a bowl of hu tieu (southern-style noodles) before heading to the airport.

Perfect for: Foodies and history buffs Souvenirs: Propaganda posters, handmade notebooks, coffee drip sets

Option 3: Da Nang & Hoi An – Beach, temples, and old towns

Day 1: Da Nang highlights

Begin your day with a visit to the Marble Mountains for short hikes and cave temples. Head to Linh Ung Pagoda to see the towering Lady Buddha statue and spend your afternoon relaxing at My Khe Beach.

Day 2: Day trip to Hoi An

Just a 45-minute drive from Da Nang, Hoi An is one of Vietnam’s most beautiful towns. Wander through the Ancient Town, take a lantern-making class, and enjoy a boat ride on the Thu Bon River. Stay for dinner at a riverside restaurant before returning.

Day 3: Ba Na Hills & Golden Bridge

Take a cable car to Ba Na Hills and marvel at the Golden Bridge, suspended above the treetops and held by massive stone hands. Explore the French Village and gardens before heading back to Da Nang.

Perfect for: Couples and slow travelers Souvenirs: Custom-tailored clothes, silk lanterns, beachwear

Option 4: Hue – Vietnam’s imperial capital in 3 days

Day 1: Ancient city sights

Start your day with the Imperial City, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and tour the Citadel, Noon Gate, and Forbidden Purple City. Visit the peaceful Thien Mu Pagoda by the Perfume River.

Day 2: Tombs and temples

Spend your day exploring royal tombs—Minh Mang, Khai Dinh, and Tu Duc. Each offers a unique mix of architecture, nature, and quiet reflection. Stop by a traditional garden house for a cup of Hue’s famous lotus tea.

Day 3: Cooking class and local art

Wrap up your trip with a cooking class focused on Hue’s imperial cuisine, or visit the bustling Dong Ba Market for snacks and gifts. End your afternoon at a local gallery or craft workshop.

Perfect for: History lovers and cultural travelers Souvenirs: Conical hats, herbal teas, local paintings

Option 5: Phong Nha & Quang Binh – Caves, jungles, and countryside

Day 1: Arrive in Phong Nha and explore the countryside

Start your adventure in Quang Binh province, home to Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park. After arriving via Dong Hoi Airport, take the scenic drive to Phong Nha town. Settle in with a countryside bike ride or a walk along the Son River. In the evening, enjoy a quiet dinner at a local homestay with views of rice paddies and jungle cliffs.

Day 2: Caves and National Park adventure

Spend your full day exploring the world-famous cave systems. Join a guided tour to either Paradise Cave or the Phong Nha Cave by boat. For a bigger challenge, try trekking to Hang En or exploring dark caves by zipline and kayak. Don’t forget to bring swimwear, headlamps, and a sense of adventure.

Day 3: Rural life & departure

Visit local farms or villages for a glimpse of rural life in Vietnam’s central highlands. Learn how local families grow peanuts or make rice wine. Then transfer back to Dong Hoi for your flight or train departure.

Perfect for: Nature lovers, outdoor adventurers, quiet travelers Souvenirs: Jungle honey, handmade textiles, local herbal remedies

Final travel tips for a 3-Day Vietnam itinerary

• Pick one region only—don’t try to travel across the country in three days.

• Use domestic flights if needed—Vietnam has great connections between major cities.

• Pack light and stay in centrally located hotels to save time.

• Consider the weather—northern and southern Vietnam differ greatly depending on season.

Conclusion

Even with just three days, you can uncover rich layers of Vietnam’s culture, history, and flavor. Whether it’s the ancient streets of Hanoi, the dynamic sprawl of Saigon, or the serene beaches of central Vietnam, each itinerary in this guide gives you a full, curated experience.

Want more ideas for planning longer trips or different travel styles? Check out our complete guide on the Vietnam Itinerary to find the itinerary that fits your goals.