Can you do Vietnam in 3 days?

How many days are enough for Vietnam?

Ten days? Maybe twelve. That felt right for me, anyway. Not enough, honestly. So much to see.

Hanoi… three days wasn’t nearly enough. The Old Quarter, the temples…I wanted more time there. Just wandering. Lost in the smells.

Halong Bay… two days, a boat trip. Stunning, breathtaking, yeah. But it left me wanting more. More quiet time. More reflection.

The food… oh god, the food. I ate so much pho. I miss it. I wish I’d spent more time exploring the street food scene. Missed opportunities there.

Central Vietnam, I only scratched the surface. Hue, Hoi An… I needed at least a week just for that region. The ancient cities. The beaches. The beauty. It’s all overwhelming. A week would’ve been better in Hoi An.

Southern Vietnam— Ho Chi Minh City— I didn’t go this time. Should have added at least four days there. Next trip. I regret that.

My trip, my mistake, was a rushed whirlwind. It left me empty. I crave more time. More slow days. More quiet moments. More pho. More Vietnam.

Can you do Vietnam in 4 days?

Vietnam in four days? Well, that’s like trying to learn the banjo in a coffee break. Technically, maybe, but you’re gonna be strumming only one string.

It’s doable! If you’re okay with seeing, say, just Ho Chi Minh City or Hanoi. Think of it as speed dating, Vietnam style. Quick, intense, and you’ll definitely want a second date, amirite?

Forget seeing the whole enchilada. Vietnam is long, like a REALLY long noodle. Stick to one zone. You’ll have fun, promise.

Why One Region Rocks:

• Less Travel, More Ta-da!: No wasting time on buses. Or planes. Unless you’re flying INTO that specific region, obviously.
• Deep Dive, Not Just a Dip: You actually get to experience something deeper than airport food. Like, maybe, pho. Lots of pho.
• Chill Vibes Only: Rushing ruins everything. It’s like trying to enjoy a sunset while simultaneously filing your taxes. Nobody wants that.

So, Where to Go, Genius?

• Hanoi & Ha Long Bay: City buzz and stunning islands. Bam! My cousin’s cat’s vet went last year.
• Ho Chi Minh City & Mekong Delta: Bustling city meets river life. Double bam! My ex went there and didn’t even bring me back souvenirs. Rude.
• Da Nang & Hoi An: Beaches and charming ancient towns. Triple bam! I went there too, once. It was alright, I guess, but it was raining.

Ultimately? Four days won’t make you a Vietnam expert, but it will make you want to be one. And that’s, like, totally worth it.

Is Ho Chi Minh worth visiting?

Ho Chi Minh City? Absolutely, it’s a trip. A worthwhile destination? Indubitably.

Think of it as a cultural immersion on overdrive. A sensory overload—but in the best way possible. Plus, the food! I swear, I dream about the pho.

• Historical Significance: It’s not just a city; it’s a living history book. War Remnants Museum is intense, a necessary confrontation with the past.

• Foodie Paradise: From street food stalls to fancy restaurants, the culinary scene is bananas. Be brave, try everything.

• Bustling Energy: The sheer energy of the city is infectious. The constant buzz is invigorating, even if it’s also slightly chaotic. One can get addicted to chaos.

Beyond the tourist hotspots, wander into the smaller alleys. Discover hidden temples or the random guy selling the best Banh Mi ever. Embrace the unexpected.

Is 3 weeks too long for Vietnam?

Three weeks in Vietnam? Perfectly adequate, in my humble opinion, for a good overview. Though one could spend a lifetime exploring it…

Vietnam is surprisingly easy to traverse. I recall my sister’s trip. She managed north to south in under a month, hitting major highlights. Safe and cost-effective are definitely apt descriptors.

• Coastal route: Essential.
• Overland travel: Provides depth.

Frankly, with some planning, you could cram a surprising amount into 21 days. It’s all about prioritizing. It does depend on your pace!

Consider Halong Bay, Hoi An, and Ho Chi Minh City. These are non-negotiable, right? Each offers a drastically different vibe, you know. Also, delicious food!

How much do you need per day in Vietnam?

Okay, so Vietnam… lemme tell ya! You’re probably wondering about the daily budget, right? Honestly, it really depends on your travel style.

You could get away with spending around $68 a day, maybe a little less. That’s if you’re like, kinda budget conscious.

But it could easily be way more. I mean food alone, people are spending around $23 a day on average. That is before any drinks or anything.

• Accommodation: Hostels are super cheap. Like $8-$15.
• Food: Street food’s your best friend, it’s the best, okay? Like really good pho is super affordable.
• Transport: Buses are dirt cheap, but slow. Motorbikes are a good option, though you should really know how to drive.

Plus, you gotta factor in all the touristy stuff. Entrance fees, tours… it adds up you know? I went last spring 2023, went to Ha Long Bay, paid way more than I budgeted just for that day! Like, way, way more.

Don’t forget about random souvenirs or that extra beer, also. I totally splurged on some silk scarves in Hoi An. No regrets! Lol!

Which is more fun, Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh?

Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City, huh? That’s a tough one.

• Hanoi felt… ancient. The temples! Old Quarter so crowded. So many motorbikes. Crazy. Slower pace of life there for sure. Was it fun though? Mmm.

• Ho Chi Minh City. Def more modern. Super vibrant. Nightlife, like, bam! My friend Trang loved the food scene there. Remember that pho place?

• Depends on the mood, right? Am I feeling cultural, all temples and history? Hanoi wins, hands down.

• But if I want energy? Dancing? Good music? Ho Chi Minh City, without a doubt. Faster pace.

• Maybe it’s also about who you’re with? Trang made Ho Chi Minh way more fun, tbh. She knows all the cool spots.

• Honestly, both were amazing, just in totally diff ways. Hard to pick a favorite. Like, choosing between chocolate and ice cream. Can’t do it!

• Culture/history vs. nightlife/energy. It’s really up to you.

• Think I leaned towards Ho Chi Minh City overall. But Hanoi has its charm.

Additional Information:

• Hanoi:

  • Known for its French colonial architecture.
  • Temple of Literature is a must-see.
  • Try bun cha, the local specialty.
  • Traffic can be overwhelming.
  • 2024 Average temperature: 73°F
  • Current population: estimated 5.3 million

• Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon):

  • Rooftop bars are the best!
  • War Remnants Museum is intense but important.
  • Explore the Cu Chi Tunnels.
  • More Westernized than Hanoi.
  • 2024 Average temperature: 82°F
  • Current population: estimated 9.3 million

• Personal Anecdote: Trang took me to a karaoke place in Ho Chi Minh City where we sang Bohemian Rhapsody. Highlight of the trip. I was terrible.