3 Weeks in Vietnam & Thailand - 4 Unique Itinerary Ideas

Itinerary #1: Highlights & Adventure in Vietnam & Thailand

Perfect for travelers seeking a well-rounded trip, this grand tour of Vietnam and Thailand features each country's renowned cuisine, welcoming culture, and staggering landscapes. Experience city highlights during guided tours in Hanoi, Da Nang, Bangkok, and Chiang Mai, and take in the region's natural beauty from the top of Mount Fansipan and while exploring Doi Inthanon and Khao Sok National Park. Then, wrap up your adventure with three days in the tropical paradise of Khao Lak.

Welcome to Vietnam! Your adventure begins in Hanoi, and after exploring the Old Quarter independently, local guides will lead the way between the city's highlights, renowned food spots, and the nearby Bat Trang Pottery Village. Next, detour to Ha Long Bay for a luxury overnight cruise before catching an overnight train north to Lao Cai. Upon arrival, continue to Sapa, a region famous for its endless rice fields, and soak up your picturesque surroundings while hiking between hill tribe villages. Then, wake early for a cable car ride to the summit of Mount Fansipan prior to returning to Hanoi. 

The second week of your adventure kicks off with a flight to Da Nang, and with two nights here, you'll enjoy unhurried visits to the famous Golden Bridge, Bay Mau Palm Forest, and the Marble Mountains. Afterward, pull out your passport and catch a flight to the one and only Bangkok, Thailand. Your first two days here are all about checking out the city highlights, including Chinatown, Wat Arun, and the Grand Palace. Then, take the opportunity to visit the UNESCO-listed city of Ayutthaya before catching a flight to Chiang Mai.

Your stay in Chiang Mai begins with an exciting tuk-tuk food tour, followed by visits to Doi Inthanon National Park and the ancient city of Lamphun. Then, catch a flight to Surat Thani and transfer to a jungle lodge in Khao Sok National Park. Here, you'll explore the Sok River by bamboo raft before setting your sights on the coastal town of Khao Lak. With three days in this tropical paradise, you'll end your trip in style—snorkeling off the Similan Islands and kayaking through dense mangroves. Learn more

Itinerary #2: Culture & Cuisine in Vietnam & Thailand

Get to know Vietnam and Thailand's flavor-packed cuisine and storied history on this slower-paced itinerary featuring vibrant cities and the idyllic island of Phuket. Crafted especially for travelers seeking a more relaxed trip, you'll enjoy extended stays in Ho Chi Minh City, Hoi An, Chiang Mai, and Phuket, all of which are superb bases to experience majestic temples, bustling markets, and surrounding countryside. Other highlights include a chef-led cooking class, an overnight cruise on Ha Long Bay, and a memorable speedboat tour of the Phi Phi Islands.

Upon arriving in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, your adventure kicks off with an evening set aside for independent exploration, perhaps indulging in exotic eats at the Street Food Market or savoring city views from Skydeck. Then, over the following two days, you'll join a city highlights tour, glide between hidden eateries on a Vespa, and boat down the Mekong Delta. Next, transfer by plane and vehicle to Hoi An, where you'll participate in a lantern-making workshop, pedal through unspoiled countryside, and join a cooking class taught by a local chef.

Your adventure continues with a flight to Hanoi, and after a quick refresh at your hotel, you'll spend the rest of the evening touring the city's Old Quarter and Ho Chi Minh Complex. Next, wake early for a scenic trip to Ninh Binh before zipping over to Ha Long Bay for a delightful overnight luxury cruise. Then, return to Hanoi and enjoy a relaxed evening, as the following morning, you'll catch a flight to Bangkok. Two days in this high-energy city ensure you have plenty of time to check out the city's highlights, join a temples and canals tour, and visit the thrilling Mae Klong Railway Market.

The last leg of your journey begins with a flight to Chiang Mai, located in northern Thailand. Spend your first evening relaxing, as over the following three days, you'll pack in a full day of trekking in Doi Inthanon National Park, an immersive visit to Elephant Jungle Sanctuary, and a free day to hop between temples and markets. Then, with your trip winding down, board a flight bound for Phuket. While here, treat yourself to a few days of beach and island hopping before wrapping up your trip with a decadent session at the Oasis Spa. Learn more

Itinerary #3: Authentic Vietnam & Thailand: Homestays, Workshops & Local Experiences

Beyond the mesmerizing temples and energetic cities of Vietnam and Thailand, you'll find a welcoming culture that's all about home-cooked food, handmade crafts, and markets bursting with fresh produce. On this off-the-beaten-path tour, you'll experience a bit of it all. Participate in a lantern-making workshop in Hoi An, overnight in a scenic village tucked near Sapa, cook alongside locals in Chiang Mai, and zip between Bangkok's best street vendors on a tuk-tuk. Then, round out your journey with three rejuvenating days on the island of Phuket.

Your journey begins in sprawling Ho Chi Minh City, where a guided half-day tour ensures you experience the city's must-see sights. Next, transfer to the tranquil Mekong Delta and take in the region's picturesque islands and colorful floating markets by boat before moving on to Hoi An. Here, you'll leave the navigating to experts during a guided walking tour of Ancient Town and a biking trip to Tra Que Vegetable Village. Afterward, catch a flight to Hanoi and treat yourself to a delightful evening of sampling street food alongside an expert guide.

An early morning transfer to Sapa follows on your itinerary, where you'll roam the rice terrace-surrounded town independently and don your hiking boots for a memorable trek through Muong Hoa Valley. Then, stop by Thac Bac (Silver Waterfall) and Heaven's Gate on your return journey to Hanoi, and after a quick overnight, continue to Ha Long Bay for a fantastic two-day cruise onboard a luxury ship. Your next destination, reachable by a two-hour flight, is Bangkok, and your time here is all about checking out temples, street food, and floating markets. 

The third week of your adventure kicks off with a flight to Chiang Mai, and after checking into your hotel for a four-night stay, you'll join a local Lanna family for a cooking class. Over the following days, experience more of the region's many wonders, first during a blessing ceremony at Wat Umong, followed by an immersive day trip to Elephant Jungle Sanctuary and a motor-tricycle excursion through a rural village. Your final destination is Phuket, where you'll round off your trip in style while speedboating around the Phi Phi Islands and hopping between famous beaches. Learn more

Itinerary #4: Nature & Culture in Vietnam & Thailand

Crafted especially for nature lovers, this intrepid Southeast Asian adventure is all about outdoor excursions, pristine landscapes, and time-tested traditions. Starting in Vietnam, you'll hike between remote villages in Sapa, cruise Ha Long Bay, and learn about life along the Mekong Delta. Then, hop over to Thailand, where you'll delve into Bangkok's cuisine, immerse yourself in the temples and natural wonders surrounding Chiang Mai, and post up at the world-renowned beaches of Krabi and Phuket.

Your three-week journey begins in Hanoi, which is an excellent place to shrug off travel fatigue while exploring the Old Quarter and savoring street food on a guided walking tour. Then, transfer north to Sapa, where a scenic hike through the Muong Hoa Valley awaits, followed by a cable car ride to the top of Mount Fansipan. Afterward, make a pit stop in Hanoi before heading to Ha Long Bay for an overnight cruise. Waking up to the sun rising over the Gulf of Tonkin promises to be a highlight of your adventure, but soon, it's time to set your sights on Ho Chi Minh City.

With three days set aside to explore Ho Chi Minh City and its surroundings, you can look forward to unhurried visits to the Mekong Delta region and the storied Cu Chi Tunnels. In addition, enlist the help of a local guide to check out the city's highlights before continuing to Bangkok. During your stay in Thailand's chaotic capital, you'll check out famous temples, sample the best of Chinatown's street food, and embark on a day trip featuring floating markets and salt farms. Afterward, fly north to Chiang Mai and settle into your stay with a guided temples tour.

In Chiang Mai, the final week of your adventure kicks off with a heartwarming day at the Elephant Jungle Sanctuary, followed by a relaxing afternoon at San Kamphaeng Hot Springs. Next, answering the call of the sea, you'll head to the coastal resort town of Krabi. Here, spend two serene days lounging on idyllic beaches and island-hopping by speedboat before making your way to Phuket. The beach theme carries on for the rest of your adventure, and you can look forward to boating among the Phi Phi Islands and happening upon tucked-away beaches prior to prepping for your onward flight. Learn more

More Great 3-Week Vietnam Itineraries

Looking for more inspiration for your trip to Vietnam? Check out these other three-week Vietnam itineraries, with outdoor adventures, cultural trips, and best-of tours to hit the highlights.