3-4 days in Vietnam

If you have 3–4 days in Vietnam or are combining it with nearby countries, each region – North, Central or South – offers unique cultural, natural, and historical experiences.

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3 or 4 days in Vietnam tour itineraries and travel tips

Hanoi and the North

Hanoi, Vietnam’s capital, is not only the typical landing point for international travelers but also one of the country’s most iconic and beloved travel destinations. Visitors can spend a few hours or a full day exploring the city’s rich culture, historic landmarks, and vibrant street life. Additionally, Hanoi is surrounded by charming traditional villages worth visiting, such as Bat Trang Ceramic Village and Van Phuc Silk Village – both located around 5-15 km from the city center – and Duong Lam Ancient Village, about 60 km away. We offer a variety of Hanoi City tour options to suit different interests and schedules.

Hoan Kiem Lake, Hanoi

Ha Long Bay, located approximately 180 km from Hanoi, is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling in Northern Vietnam. Renowned for its stunning limestone karsts, emerald waters, and scenic seascapes, Halong Bay offers a truly unforgettable experience. Travelers can choose from several options to explore the bay, including a one-day trip featuring 4 to 5 hours of cruising on a shared daily boat, or a more immersive two-day itinerary with an overnight stay aboard a comfortable cruise ship. The longer option allows more time to enjoy cave visits, kayaking, and sunset views on the water.

Ninh Binh, about 100 km south of Hanoi, is another highlight of Northern Vietnam, often referred to as ‘Halong Bay on land’ thanks to its dramatic limestone landscapes. The province is home to several top attractions, including the historic Hoa Lu Ancient Capital, the peaceful Tam Coc (Three Grottos) boat ride, the UNESCO-listed Trang An Landscape Complex, the serene Van Long Nature Reserve, and Bai Dinh – one of the largest pagodas in Southeast Asia. A full-day trip from Hanoi is typically enough to explore the area’s main highlights, though an overnight stay allows for a more relaxed experience.

Mai Chau, situated roughly 170 km southwest of Hanoi, has emerged in recent years as a popular escape for those seeking natural beauty and authentic ethnic culture. Surrounded by green rice fields and stilt-house villages, Mai Chau offers a peaceful contrast to city life. It can be visited as a day trip, but spending 2 days is ideal for those who want to enjoy local homestays, bike through the valley, and experience traditional Thai minority life. With an extra day, travelers can extend their journey to Moc Chau, a nearby highland area known for tea plantations, flower fields, and cool mountain air.

Mai Chau Valley, North Vietnam

Sapa Town, located approximately 350 km from Hanoi, is a popular destination known for its breathtaking mountain scenery, ethnic minority cultures, and cool climate. While it used to require nearly three full days to visit from Hanoi due to long travel times, the recent opening of a modern expressway has significantly reduced the journey. Now, travelers can reach Sapa in about 5.5 to 6 hours by car or sleeper bus, making a 2-day trip possible for those with limited time. However, the classic option of traveling by overnight train from Hanoi to Lao Cai, followed by a short drive to Sapa, remains a charming and comfortable choice, typically spanning 3 days and 2 nights. Whether you choose a quick getaway or a more relaxed itinerary, Sapa offers stunning rice terraces, local markets, and the chance to trek through ethnic villages like Lao Chai, Ta Van, and Cat Cat.

Our Hanoi city tours and Northern Vietnam area tours in 3 or 4 days:

Itinerary 1: 3 days in Hanoi

Day 1: Hanoi Arrival, visit Hanoi

Arrive in Hanoi, check into your hotel, and explore Hoan Kiem Lake, the Old Quarter, and sample authentic street food.

Day 2: Hanoi – Ha Long Bay

Travel to Halong Bay, embark on a scenic cruise, enjoy a seafood lunch, visit limestone caves, and relax with sunset views on deck.

Day 3: Ha Long – Hanoi – Departure

Disembark in the morning, return to Hanoi, explore local markets or museums (time permitting), then transfer to the airport for departure.

Itinerary 2: 4 days in Hanoi

Day 1: Hanoi Arrival, Visit Hanoi

Arrive in Hanoi, stroll around Hoan Kiem Lake, explore the bustling Old Quarter, and enjoy your first taste of authentic Vietnamese cuisine.

Day 2: Hanoi – Ha Long

Travel to Ha Long Bay, cruise through limestone karsts, visit caves, and savor fresh seafood on board before returning to Hanoi in the evening.

Day 3: Hanoi – Ninh Binh – Hanoi

Discover the ancient capital Hoa Lu, take a sampan ride through Tam Coc’s rice fields and caves, then return to Hanoi in the evening.

Day 4: Hanoi Shopping – Departure

Enjoy last-minute shopping in the Old Quarter or Dong Xuan Market before transferring to the airport for your departure flight.

Itinerary 3: 4 days in Hanoi

Day 1: Hanoi arrival, visit Hanoi, night train to Sapa (Night train, which departs around 20.00 PM from Hanoi and arrives in Lao Cai, around 5.00 AM next morning, Lao Cai is 40KM from Sapa)

Day 2: Sapa: Explore Sapa’s ethnic markets, trek through terraced rice fields, and visit local villages like Cat Cat or Lao Chai to experience hill tribe culture.

Day 3: Sapa – Night train back to Hanoi (Train departs around 20.00 PM from Lao Cai and arrives in Hanoi around 5.00 AM next morning)

Day 4: Hanoi shopping – Departure

Ha Long Bay, a Must-See place in Northern Vietnam!

Itinerary 4: 4 days in Hanoi

Day 1: Hanoi Arrival, visit Hanoi

Arrive in Hanoi and explore the city’s vibrant energy, stroll around Hoan Kiem Lake, and discover local markets and hidden alleys.

Day 2: Hanoi – Mai Chau – Hanoi

Enjoy a scenic drive to Mai Chau, wander through stilt-house villages, meet White Thai locals, and admire lush green valleys before returning.

Day 3: Hanoi – Ha Long – Hanoi

Take a day cruise through Ha Long Bay’s limestone islets, enjoy fresh seafood onboard, and kayak or relax amid stunning seascapes.

Day 4: Hanoi Shopping – Departure

Spend your final morning browsing Hanoi’s artisan shops, picking up souvenirs like silk and lacquerware, before heading to the airport.

Danang and the Central

Hue or Danang is place travelers normally arrive in the central of Vietnam. Our tour itineraies for central Vietnam shall start from either Hue or Da Nang City

Hue, the former imperial capital of Vietnam, is renowned for its rich history and well-preserved royal heritage. As the last seat of the Nguyen Dynasty, Hue is home to significant landmarks such as the Imperial City (Forbidden Purple City), the tranquil Perfume River (Huong River), and the majestic royal tombs of emperors like Khai Dinh, Minh Mang, and Tu Duc. The city also offers a glimpse into traditional Vietnamese architecture and court culture. Most travelers can explore the main highlights of Hue in a full-day tour, though staying longer allows time for leisurely boat cruises and culinary experiences featuring Hue’s royal cuisine.

Da Nang, located about 150 km south of Hue, is the economic and transportation hub of Central Vietnam and a growing destination in its own right. The city is famous for its long sandy beaches like My Khe and Non Nuoc, the scenic Han River, and the spectacular Ba Na Hills tourism complex, which includes the iconic Golden Bridge, French-style architecture, and year-round cool climate. Da Nang also offers modern conveniences, vibrant nightlife, and easy access to surrounding attractions.

Hoi An, a UNESCO-listed ancient town, is just a short drive from Da Nang and is one of Vietnam’s most beloved destinations. Known for its well-preserved old town, lantern-lit streets, tailor shops, and fusion cuisine, Hoi An enchants visitors with its blend of Vietnamese, Chinese, and Japanese heritage. We offer a variety of Hoi An tour options, including walking tours, cooking classes, cycling to nearby villages, and relaxing beach excursions to An Bang and Cua Dai.

Our Central Vietnam area tours in 3 or 4 days:

Itinerary 1: 3 days from Hue

Day 1: Hue Arrival, Visit Hue
Arrive in Hue and uncover its royal legacy through quiet pagodas, riverside tombs, and peaceful garden houses steeped in imperial history.

Day 2: Hue – Da Nang – Hoi An
Journey along the scenic Hai Van Pass, stop at Marble Mountains, then explore lantern-lit streets and riverside charm in Hoi An’s Old Town.

Day 3: Hoi An – Da Nang – Departure
Enjoy a relaxed morning at a local café or beach before transferring to Da Nang Airport for your departure.

Lantern night, Hoi An ancient town

Itinerary 2: 4 days from Da Nang

Day 1: Da Nang Arrival – Hoi An

Arrive in Da Nang, transfer to Hoi An, and enjoy a peaceful evening strolling riverside alleys and lantern-lit ancient streets.

Day 2: Hoi An – My Son Sanctuary

Explore the spiritual ruins of My Son, a UNESCO site surrounded by jungle-clad hills, then return to Hoi An for leisure time.

Day 3: Hoi An – Da Nang – Hue

Travel over the scenic Hai Van Pass, stop at coastal viewpoints, and reach Hue to soak in the city’s royal ambiance.

Day 4: Hue City Tour – Departure

Visit lesser-known pagodas and quiet imperial gardens before heading to the airport, ending your Central Vietnam journey with calm reflection.

Saigon and the South

Ho Chi Minh City, formerly known as Saigon, is Vietnam’s largest city and economic powerhouse, often serving as a major entry or exit point for international travelers. Beyond its role as a transportation hub, the city is a vibrant destination full of energy, culture, and history. Visitors can explore the dynamic urban landscape, from colonial-era architecture and historic landmarks like the Notre-Dame Cathedral and Central Post Office to bustling markets such as Ben Thanh. Just outside the city, top attractions include the Cu Chi Tunnels, an impressive underground network used during the Vietnam War, and the Cao Dai Holy See in Tay Ninh, a colorful and unique spiritual center of the Cao Dai religion. With its lively street life, diverse cuisine, and rich cultural blend, Ho Chi Minh City is more than just a gateway – it’s a destination worth discovering.

The Mekong Delta is a vast network of rivers, swamps, and islands in southern Vietnam. Known for its lush landscapes, floating markets, and traditional villages, it’s an ideal spot for exploring rural life.

Phu Quoc Island is a tropical paradise in the Gulf of Thailand, famous for its stunning beaches, clear waters, lush jungles, and vibrant coral reefs, making it perfect for relaxation and adventure.

Vung Tau is a coastal city just a short drive from Ho Chi Minh City, known for its beautiful beaches, fresh seafood, and scenic views, offering a perfect weekend getaway with both relaxation and culture.

Mui Ne, Phan Thiet is a coastal town famous for its stunning sand dunes, vibrant fishing villages, and excellent water sports. It’s a great destination for both adventure seekers and those looking to unwind by the beach.

We have some options for Ho Chi Minh City tours

Mekong Floating Market

Our Ho Chi Minh City and Southern Vietnam area tours in 3 or 4 days:

Itinerary 1: 3 days in Ho Chi Minh City

Day 1: Saigon arrival, city tour

Day 2: Saigon – Cao Dai Holly See – Cu Chi Tunnel – Saigon

Day 3: Saigon shopping – Departure

Itinerary 2: 4 days in Ho Chi Minh City

Day 1: Ho Chi Minh City Arrival, City Tour
Arrive and explore dynamic Saigon with visits to French-colonial landmarks, local markets, and street food corners full of vibrant energy.

Day 2: HCM City – Cao Dai Holy See – Cu Chi Tunnels
Witness a midday ceremony at the colorful Cao Dai temple, then head underground through the historic war-time Cu Chi Tunnel network.

Day 3: HCM City – Mekong Delta
Cruise through quiet canals, visit local workshops, and savor fresh tropical fruits while experiencing daily life in the lush Mekong region.

Day 4: HCM City Shopping – Departure
Pick up unique souvenirs at local craft shops or modern malls before heading to the airport for your onward journey.

If you prefer beach relax, you can choose either Vung Tau or Mui Ne

Budgets for 3 – 4 days

• 3 star hotel without flight: 250 – 350 $US/ person for double/ twin sharing
• 4 star hotel without flight: 400 – 550 $US/ person for double/ twin sharing
• 5 star hotel without flight: 600 – 750 $US/ person for double/ twin sharing

Recommended tours

• Cuc Phuong National Park – Mai Chau – 3 Days/ 2 Nights.
• Nam Cat Tien National Park – 3 Days/ 2 Nights
• Explore The Highland of Southern Vietnam – 4 Days/ 3 Nights
• Trekking Cat Ba National Park and Lan Ha Bay Kayaking Tour – 4 Days/ 3 Nights
• Danang Beach Break – 4 Days/3 Nights
• Central Vietnam Stopover – 4 Days/ 3 Nights
• Beach and Central Highland of Vietnam Stopover – 4 Days/ 3 Nights
• Southern Vietnam Experience – 4 Days/ 3 Nights

What would you do if you had only 4 days in Vietnam? Let us know your opinions on the comment box below and we can discuss what you can try on a 4-day trip to our country!