Is 3 weeks in Vietnam enough?

Is three weeks too long in Vietnam?

Hey!

Three weeks in Vietnam? Nah, it's defo not too long. It's like, perfect, actually. I spent almost a month there, back in, like, 2023, and it still felt rushed.

It's easy to get around; trust me. You can totally hit up all the coastal spots and do some overland stuff. Plus, Vietnam is super safe. I mean, I never felt unsafe, anyway. And it's cheap. Like, really cheap.

• Three weeks is plenty for:
  • Hanoi's Old Quarter - so much stuff, food everywhere!
  • Ha Long Bay – did a cruise; totally worth it.
  • Hoi An – got some clothes tailored; bargaining is key!
  • Ho Chi Minh City – museums and markets galore, it's a blast.
  • Maybe a trip up to Sapa? Though, I didn't get there myself...

So, yeah, three weeks is enough to cram a lotta stuff in, if you plan it right! Like, you can see a ton, really. You should defo go. Seriously. Do it. Plan your things out and it will be the best experience ever.

How many weeks do you need in Vietnam?

Ugh, Vietnam. Three weeks? Too short, honestly. I crammed SO much in. Should've done a month. My friend Sarah did four, and she said it was just right. She loved the food more than me, though – I’m picky.

• Hanoi – amazing street food, chaotic, loved it. Seriously, the best pho.
• Ha Long Bay – touristy, but stunning. The pictures don't do it justice! Wish I'd kayaked more.
• Hoi An – tailor shops everywhere! Got three suits made, so cheap. My best decision.

Southern Vietnam felt rushed. Needed more time in the Mekong Delta. And beaches! Fuuuuun. I was already planning my next trip on the plane home. Seriously considering a motorbike tour next time. That’s my goal.

Damn, the price though...it was surprisingly cheap! This trip cost me way less than my last one to Italy, and I did so much more. My budget was $2500 for three weeks, and I still had money left over. I could have extended my stay easily. More temples next time. Definitely need more time exploring the central highlands. I didn't even make it to the Central Coast. So many regrets!

Affordable. Safe. Easy. Totally agree with the description. Next trip, I'm taking my mom. She's obsessed with rice paddies.

This is insane, I need to book flights again. NOW.

How expensive is 3 weeks in Vietnam?

Three weeks. Vietnam. Expensive? Is it, though?

It's…well, I figured I’d manage on maybe $30-40 a day. Seems doable, right?

That’s just me trying to keep it cheap, I guess. You know, hostels. Banh mi from the street. I am thinking about it, like that one time I tried to save up for my dad's birthday, but something always came up.

• Accommodations: Hostels or basic guesthouses are where the budget goes.
• Food: Street food. All of it. It’s the best anyway. I love pho. Did you know my grandmother used to make it? She made the best broth, the best I ever had.
• Transportation: Local buses, maybe a motorbike rental for a few days. It depends. I like to walk; I want to see the cities.

I really should try harder. Why do I not save more?

I wish I could just go.

How long is enough to spend in Vietnam?

7-10 days. Main attractions. Balanced.

Good enough. For some.

Hanoi and Ha Long Bay. Or Hue. Decisions.

Time is relative.

Details:

• Northern Vietnam (3-4 days): Chaotic Hanoi. Ha Long Bay cruise, essential, touristy. Sapa trek, if weather permits. It rains.

• Central Vietnam (3-4 days): Ancient Hoi An. My Son ruins. Da Nang beaches, overrated. Imperial Hue.

• Southern Vietnam (3-4 days): Bustling Ho Chi Minh City. Mekong Delta cruise. Cu Chi Tunnels, disturbing. Phu Quoc island, escape.

• Flight within Vietnam saves time. Trains, scenic, slow. Motorbikes? Brave souls only. I nearly died.

• Visas are a hassle. Get it sorted. I forgot once, never again!

• Street food is the best food. Pho, banh mi, gio cha! Don't be scared.

• Learn some Vietnamese. "Xin chào," goes a long way.

• Bargain hard. Especially in markets. They expect it.

• Be wary of scams. They are everywhere. My wallet vanished in Saigon.

• Respect the culture. Temples, pagodas, dress appropriately. No singlets.

• The heat is intense. Hydrate. Always.

Enough is a state of mind, innit?

How much money to take to Vietnam for 3 weeks?

Vietnam: 3 weeks.

$70-$150 daily—your call.

Mid-range: Accommodation, food solid, a few thrills. I flew business class, though.

Backpackers: Skimp. I wouldn't.

Luxury: Sky's the limit, baby.

Total: $2100-$4500, flights excluded. Your shopping sprees? Unknown. My sister maxed out her card there, yikes.

• Flights: Assume $800-$1500 minimum.
• Visas: Research fees NOW.
• Activities: Halong Bay cruises? Budget accordingly. I did the short one. Regret.
• Personal: Souvenirs? Tailored clothes? Think big.
• Contingency: Always stash extra. Seriously. My taxi tried to scam me, darn.

How long is it recommended to stay in Vietnam?

Okay, Vietnam, right? Let me tell you, I went there last November, yeah, November 2023, and honestly, I thought a week would be enough. I was so wrong!

We landed in Hanoi. Crazy city, but so cool! Then, Halong Bay. Seriously breathtaking.

But get this, after like, four days, I felt like I was just scratching the surface.

Seven days? I don't think so. Ten? Ten days, minimum. That's what I'd say.

I wish I had, had, had booked two weeks. No kidding. Next time, two weeks is the plan.

I missed so much, like the Mekong Delta, and I really wanted to see Sapa.

• Missed the chance to visit:
  • Mekong Delta
  • Sapa

Ugh. Seven to ten days? Nah. Not enough. Trust me.

How much money do you need for 30 days in Vietnam?

Ah, Vietnam for 30 days! Budgeting…it's like guessing how many pho noodles are in a giant bowl. Tricky, but here goes:

• Backpacker's Bliss: Imagine $30-$50 a day. Street food is your best friend! Hostels? Sure, why not? Embrace the mosquito nets and shared stories. I once shared a room with a guy who collected belly button lint. Good times.

• Mid-Range Marvel: Think $75-$125 daily. Hotels with actual walls! Restaurant meals, maybe a cooking class. I bought a conical hat and felt incredibly authentic. Almost tripped over a water buffalo.

• Luxury Lover: Sky's the limit, darling. $200+ per day. Fancy resorts, private tours. I'm betting you'll find a spa offering a snail facial. No judgment.

• Flights? Figure $800-$1500, give or take a monsoon.

• Visas? Check the current rate. It's like haggling at a market, only less fun. Unless you LIKE paperwork. Weirdo.

Pro Tip: Be prepared to haggle. Especially for souvenirs that will inevitably end up gathering dust in your attic. I have a "lucky" cricket in a jar. Don't ask.

What influences the cost?

• Location: Hanoi's cheaper than Ho Chi Minh City. Coastal towns? Depends if you want beachfront views or just want to stare at the ocean while eating instant noodles.

• Activities: Cave exploring? Boat trips? Remember, anything involving fire or water tends to cost extra.

• Accommodation Style: Hostels save money. Hotels feel like home. Glamping makes you feel bougie.

• Eating Habits: Street food? Budget-friendly. Fancy restaurants? Empty wallet.

• Drinking Habits: Beer. It helps. Jokes aside, can definitely add to your expenses. I'd say get comfortable with cheap local beer like Bia Hoi.

Enjoy Vietnam! Seriously, though, don't collect belly button lint. It's just…weird.

How much money do you need to travel Vietnam for 3 weeks?

Vietnam for 3 weeks, huh? Money... Okay, so I'm thinking $30-$40 a day. Yeah, that should cover it. Hostels, def. Private rooms if you’re feeling fancy, but hostel dorms are cheaper, right?

Street food. Yum! Super cheap! That's a big win. Transportation though? Buses are probs the best bet. Hmmm, maybe splurge on a train once? Just for the experience!

• Budget: $30-$40/day/person
• Accommodation: Hostels (dorms or private)
• Food: Street food (delicious & cheap!)
• Transportation: Buses (mostly), maybe a train

Okay, so let's say $35 a day x 21 days. That's $735. Plus flights! Which, ugh, those depend. Saw some deals earlier this year, March 2024... $800? $1000? Okay, so maybe $1500 total, give or take.

Wait, what about activities? Ha Long Bay cruise? Must do! That'll be extra. And the Cu Chi tunnels? Entrance fee? Okay, need to factor that in!

• Flights: $800-$1000 (variable!)
• Activities: Ha Long Bay, Cu Chi Tunnels (budget extra)

Packing... light is key. One backpack. Seriously. Did that one time. Never again. Gotta edit better. And sunscreen! The sun is intense. Oh, and bug spray! Mosquitos are no joke. I got eaten alive that time in Hoi An. Ugh.

• Packing Essentials: Backpack, Sunscreen, Bug spray
• Travel Insurance: Don't forget it!

Visas. Check the visa situation before you even book anything. Learned that the hard way. Passport needs to be valid for at least six months, right? Man, gotta renew mine soon.

• Visas: Check requirements before booking
• Passport Validity: At least 6 months!

Learn a few basic Vietnamese phrases. It goes a long way. "Xin chao" (hello), "Cam on" (thank you). Super easy. People appreciate it. Yeah, def makes a difference.