You are preparing to have 20 days in Vietnam, but don’t know where to start? Are you wondering where to go, what to see, or how to spend your time and money? Hop on the journey with the Indochina Voyages Team, here is what exactly you are looking for to plan and enjoy the flexible holiday packages Vietnam
Is 20 days in Vietnam enough or too long?
Twenty days in Vietnam is an ideal duration that allows you to thoroughly explore the country’s diverse regions and experience its rich cultural tapestry. With this timeframe, you can truly delve deep into Vietnam’s wonders, from the mountainous north to the vibrant south, without feeling rushed.
In 20 days, you can:
- Fully explore all three distinct regions of Vietnam (Northern, Central, and Southern)
- Spend quality time in major destinations like Hanoi, Halong Bay, Hoi An, and Ho Chi Minh City
- Include more off-the-beaten-path locations like Ninh Binh, Sapa, and Dalat
- Experience both cultural immersion and relaxation at the beaches
- Travel at a comfortable pace that allows for deeper experiences in each location
The three-week timeframe strikes a perfect balance, giving you enough time to appreciate Vietnam’s diversity while maintaining an engaging pace. You’ll experience the magnificent mountains of the North, the charming beaches of Central Vietnam, and the vibrant plateaus of the South without feeling rushed between destinations.
So, 14 days or 20 days in Vietnam, which one is better?
20 days in Vietnam is generally better than 14 days, especially if you want to experience the country’s full diversity without feeling rushed. A 14-day itinerary would require you to be more selective about destinations and move at a faster pace. You might need to focus on just two regions or skip some significant areas like the mountains of Sapa or the beaches of Nha Trang.
With 20 days in Vietnam, you can truly delve deep into the country’s wonders, suggesting that the extra days make a meaningful difference in the quality and depth of your experience. If time and budget allow, the 20-day option offers a more comprehensive and relaxed journey through Vietnam’s diverse landscapes and cultures.
>> Read more for a glimpse of Vietnam from North to South if having 14 days: Vietnam Itinerary 14 days North to South: Complete Travel Guide For The Best Experience
Perfect itinerary for 20 days in Vietnam
Here’s our suggested Grand Sensational Vietnam 20 Days Tour with prices starting from USD $1907/person itinerary for your perfect 20 days in Vietnam adventure:
Week 1: Nothern Charm – From Hanoi Old Quarter to Vietnam’s mountainous
Day 1 – 2: Hanoi City Tour and explore the vibrant streets of the Old Quarter, visit iconic landmarks, and savor delicious street food.
Day 3: Blend in the local life and rhythms of life in the tranquil Ninh Binh. Immerse in the serenity of lush rice paddies and peaceful villages.
Day 4 – 5: Embark on a cruise through the ethereal beauty of Halong Bay, immersing yourself in its captivating scenery.
Day 6 – 7: Reach Vietnam’s Mountainous to join a trekking tour to explore the unique life of ethnic minorities, and witness the magnificent landscape through Vietnam’s iconic – terraced fields.
Week 2: Central Vietnam’s Cultural Treasures – From Hoi An Ancient Town to Charming Beaches
Day 8 – 9: Explore the imperial city of Hue, visiting its historic sites and indulging in its culinary delights.
Day 10 – 11: Discover the ancient town of Hoi An, wander through its charming streets, and experience its rich cultural heritage. (On the way to Hoi An, we pass through the wonderful Hai Van Pass and stop to admire the breathtaking Cham Museum and the Marble Mountains in Danang).
Day 12 – 13: Refresh yourself with one of the most beautiful beaches in Vietnam in Nha Trang.
Week 3: Southern Wonders with City Life and Unique Culture on the Mekong Delta
Day 14 – 15: Embark Dalat – a city known for its romantic and charming highland with 4 seasons in one day. Discovering Dalat City Tour and observing how dried persimmons are made at a nearby farm.
Day 16 – 17: Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of Ho Chi Minh City, explore its historical landmarks, and dive into its bustling street food scene. Learn more about Vietnam’s history at Cu Chi Tunnel
Day 18 – 19: Venture into the Mekong Delta, cruise through its enchanting waterways, visit floating markets, and experience its serene rural life.
Day 20: Come back to Ho Chi Minh City. Your free time to shopping and exploring many narrow alleys. It is also the end of the journey.
Besides our available Grand Sensational Vietnam 20 Days, you can tailor your flexible holiday packages in Vietnam with our travel expert team till it suits you best. Depending on your preference, the IV Team will give you suitable advice and tailor 3 weeks of Vietnam for you perfectly.
What do you need to know before going for 20 days in Vietnam?
Before embarking on your Vietnam adventure, there are a few essential questions to keep in mind:
Do I need a visa to enter Vietnam for 20 days?
To enter Vietnam, you must have your own passport which is valid for at least six months; and depending on each nationality, the visa is required in advance or is exempted.
Here is the list of countries with visa exemptions for each period (Updated 2023):
- 30 Days for Free: Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, Laos, Indonesia, Cambodia
- 21 Days for Free: The Philippines
- 45 Days for Free: Poland, Denmark, Sweden, Britain, France, Germany, Italy & Spain, and Norway.
- E-visas for 3 months: USA, Canada, and Australia
For the rest of the countries, you should contact the Vietnam Embassy/ Consulate in your country before traveling to Vietnam; apply Visa on arrival with a trustworthy travel agency; or arrange an E-visa on your own to be well prepared for traveling to Vietnam within 3 weeks.
For travelers who plan to visit Phu Quoc Vietnam for the whole period of 3 weeks, you will find this policy great. It is that foreign passport holders are exempt from visa requirements to Phu Quoc island for no longer than 30 days. If you transit through other international airports in Vietnam before arriving at Phu Quoc, you are still eligible for the exemption.
When is the best time to visit?
From my own experience, the best time to visit Vietnam is from December to April with less rainfall and milder temperatures in almost all places.
Due to the long and thin S-shape of the country, the weather in Vietnam differs greatly among the regions: North, Central & South. To enjoy the most of each place, you should be more prepared to research the weather in each place and choose the period that fits for all places within your Vietnam itinerary 3 weeks.
Normally, there are high season & low season when you travel to Vietnam:
- The high season (October to April the next year): Dry and cool weather
- The low season (May to September): Hot and humid summertime.
But if you only have summer time to relax from April to October; so is this feasible to visit Vietnam? The answer is Yes. This is the monsoon/rainy season of our country but also a great time for our domestic tourists when the family can enjoy together. Traveling in this period, you should be more aware of trekking or adventurous activities to avoid any dangers, but it will favor any beach lovers in the Northern and central parts with pristine beaches of shiny weather.
For the other places with daily showers in the wet season, you are advised to prepare a flexible itinerary in case of any delays caused by the weather.
Important Note
Along with the tropical monsoon climate, Vietnam is sometimes affected by typhoon season which can see severe storms attacking the Central coast from October till early December including Quang Binh, Hue, Da Nang, and Hoi An. So by knowing clearly about the weather facts, you can plan for a smooth trip.
Internet, Calling & Electronic Voltage in Vietnam
Here are some essential tips regarding the internet, calling, and electronic voltage for foreigners traveling to Vietnam:
- Internet Access
- Purchase a local SIM card: Buying a local SIM card upon arrival is a convenient and cost-effective way to access the internet. Major providers like Viettel, Mobifone, and Vinaphone offer various data packages suitable for tourists.
- Wi-Fi availability: Most hotels, cafes, and restaurants in tourist areas provide complimentary Wi-Fi. However, the connection speed and reliability may vary, so having a local SIM card as a backup is recommended.
- Calling
- International roaming: Check with your mobile service provider about international roaming options and rates for calls and text messages. This can be convenient if you need to make occasional international calls.
- VoIP apps: Utilize Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) apps such as WhatsApp, Skype, or Viber to make free or affordable international calls using Wi-Fi or mobile data.
- Electronic Voltage
- Power plugs and voltage: Vietnam typically uses Type A, Type C, and Type F power plugs. The standard electrical voltage is 220V, and the frequency is 50Hz. If your devices use a different voltage, you may need a voltage converter or adapter to ensure compatibility.
- USB charging: Many hotels and accommodations provide USB charging ports, which can save you the hassle of carrying multiple adapters or converters. However, it’s still advisable to have a universal adapter as a backup.
- Power outages
- In some remote or rural areas, power outages may occur occasionally. It’s advisable to carry a portable power bank to keep your electronic devices charged during such situations.
Extra Travel Tips in Vietnam
– Finding ATMs in Vietnam is quite easy in almost all cities except for very remote and rural areas. The fee is applied for any withdrawal but it is much better than bringing cash with you for such a long travel time.
– You can find ATMs at any airport, around the streets, near restaurants, or your accommodation. And of course, ATMs only dispense Vietnam Dong as our official currency.
– As Vietnamese is the mother tongue of the country while English is not widely spoken among the citizens, you can only find basic English spoken at tourist sites, hotels, souvenir shops, etc. So it is important to learn some popular phrases that help you throughout the trip.
– Do not forget to have a hotel business card from the reception desk that will make it easier for you to return after going around.
– Bring tissues with you everywhere in case many toilets have no toilet paper.
– Laundry service can be found everywhere from your hotels/hostels or outside the hotels so you only need to pack your clothing for one week and let the laundry take care of the rest. When you come back from busy day tours, the perfectly folded clothes are ready for you.
– There are a lot of places to explore without much guidance on the spot but if you are short on time and seeking a detailed insight into the cultural and natural values of the tourist sites, an organized tour is a good option. Having your all-inclusive package prior to departure will be perfect.
– But if you prefer a few leisure days on your own, you can totally book the day trips or short package tours that may fulfill your time and experience; such as the Halong Bay overnight cruise, the full-day city tours, biking/motorbike tours, or home-stay in Mekong Delta.
What about if I want to spend 20 days more than in Vietnam?
If you take your trip with your family and have 20 days for vacation and want to explore multiple countries for further exploration, you can find more ideas in our list of Vietnam and Cambodia Family Tours. Or else, consider combining your Vietnam adventure with other neighboring countries:
- Vietnam and Laos: Experience the tranquility of Luang Prabang, the natural wonders of Vang Vieng, and the vibrant capital city of Vientiane.
- Vietnam and Thailand: Indulge in the bustling streets of Bangkok, explore the historical city of Ayutthaya, and unwind on the idyllic islands of Phuket or Krabi.
If you’d like to combine Vietnam, Cambodia, and Laos for your Indochina Tours, this Far East Discovery 22-day tour could be a perfect option. Besides, finding the best Southeast Asia tour companies is very important. You only need to enjoy the journey if having the enthusiastic support of a local travel company.
Hopefully, this ultimate travel guide will help you plan a perfect Vietnam itinerary for 3 weeks. Also, it will certainly give you plenty of fun things to do and to see for your wonderful holiday.
Indochina Voyages Travel Specialist
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Indochina Voyages stands out as one of the premier Southeast Asia Tour Companies, specializing in crafting personalized private packages for discerning travelers. If you are looking to discover the beauty of Vietnam or further countries through an authentic and respectful lens, contact us here or email at [email protected].
