Vietnam 3-Week Itinerary – Autumn 2026

Autumn in Vietnam requires strategic routing — Central Vietnam's typhoons are dangerous, but the north is at its best and the south is clearing up. This 21-day route digs deep into North Vietnam's golden rice harvest, then flies south for Mekong rivers and Phu Quoc beaches.

Quick Facts

• →Duration: 21 days / 20 nights
• →Best Months: September through November
• →Regions Covered: North Vietnam (in depth), South Vietnam
• →Internal Flights: 1 (Hanoi → HCMC)
• →Pace: Relaxed
• →Budget Range: $45-90 per day

Why Autumn Works (With Caution)

Autumn is the north's best season — golden rice terraces, clear skies, comfortable temperatures (20-28°C). The south is transitioning out of monsoon, with improving conditions through the season.

Critical warning: Central Vietnam (Hue, Hoi An, Da Nang) has typhoons September-November. Flooding, cancelled flights, dangerous conditions. This route skips Central entirely.

Day-by-Day Itinerary

▸Hanoi (3 nights)

Autumn Hanoi is perfect — 24-26°C, low humidity, blue skies. The Old Quarter feels relaxed rather than oppressive. Explore without rushing: temples, museums, street food, coffee culture.

Use day three to prepare for Ha Giang — rent a motorbike or arrange a driver.

Highlights: Old Quarter, Temple of Literature, autumn walking weather

▸Ha Giang (4 nights)

Drive north to Ha Giang (6-7 hours) for Vietnam's most dramatic scenery. The Ha Giang Loop winds through karst mountains, terraced valleys, and ethnic minority villages. Autumn brings golden rice at lower elevations and buckwheat flowers on the peaks.

This is challenging but unforgettable travel — Vietnam's last frontier. Hire a driver if you're not confident on mountain roads.

Travel from Hanoi: 6-7 hours by bus or car, $15-50.

Highlights: Ha Giang Loop, Ma Pi Leng Pass, golden terraces, minority villages

▸Sapa (3 nights)

Drive west to Sapa (5-6 hours). After Ha Giang's adventure, Sapa feels almost civilized. September brings golden terraces before harvest; October means harvest activity; November shows bare fields and clear views.

Trek to villages, take the Fansipan cable car, enjoy mountain evenings.

Travel from Ha Giang: 5-6 hours by car.

Highlights: Rice terraces, trekking, mountain views

▸Hanoi (1 night)

Return to Hanoi (5-6 hours) for a city night. Rest, laundry, favorite spots revisited.

▸Ninh Binh (2 nights)

Head south to Ninh Binh (2 hours) for the famous "Ha Long Bay on land" landscapes. Late September-October means golden rice harvest — the karsts rising from golden paddies are iconic.

Tam Coc boat rides, Mua Cave viewpoint, cycling.

Travel from Hanoi: 2 hours by car or bus.

Highlights: Golden harvest, Tam Coc, Mua Cave

▸Ha Long Bay (2 nights)

Continue to Ha Long Bay (3-4 hours) for a 2-night cruise. Autumn brings clear skies and calm seas — excellent kayaking and swimming conditions.

Travel from Ninh Binh: 3-4 hours by car.

Highlights: Autumn clarity, calm seas, uncrowded caves

▸Ho Chi Minh City (2 nights)

Fly from Hanoi to HCMC (2 hours). The south is emerging from monsoon season — expect some afternoon rain but improving conditions. Two nights covers the essentials: War Remnants Museum, Chinatown, rooftop bars.

Travel from Ha Long Bay: Return to Hanoi (3-4 hours), then 2-hour flight.

Highlights: War Remnants Museum, city energy, evening food scene

▸Mekong Delta (2 nights)

Head to Can Tho (3.5 hours) for the Mekong's floating markets and river life. Water levels are manageable in autumn; boat tours operate smoothly. Cai Rang Floating Market at dawn is unmissable.

Travel from HCMC: 3.5 hours by car or bus.

Highlights: Cai Rang Floating Market, river life, delta homestay

▸Phu Quoc (4 nights)

Fly from Can Tho (or HCMC) to Phu Quoc. By November, the island is in full dry-season mode — sunshine, calm seas, perfect beach weather. End your trip unwinding.

Travel from Mekong: 45-minute flight from Can Tho or return to HCMC.

Highlights: Beach relaxation, seafood, island exploring

Why This Itinerary Works

Avoiding typhoons: Central Vietnam is dangerous September-November. This route skips it entirely — your safety and enjoyment matter more than checking boxes.

Northern depth: Most visitors rush through the north. Four nights in Ha Giang and three in Sapa let you experience the region properly.

Timing the south: By November, the south's monsoon is ending. Phu Quoc is entering peak season.

Adjustments

Late November: The south is at its best; consider extending Phu Quoc and Mekong, shortening the north.

Skip Ha Giang: If the adventure is too much, extend Sapa (5 nights) and add Cat Ba Island instead.

Check conditions: If typhoons are severe, the south may have residual flooding. Monitor weather and be flexible.

FAQ

Why can't I visit Hoi An in autumn?

Typhoon season. September-November brings severe storms, flooding, and dangerous conditions. Flights cancel, roads flood, beaches close. It's genuinely risky — don't chance it.

Is Ha Giang safe in autumn?

Yes — the north doesn't get typhoons. Roads can be wet after rain but nothing compared to central Vietnam. Hire an experienced driver if you're concerned.

When is rice harvest in Sapa?

Early September in the higher terraces, late September-October lower down. By November, most rice is cut. Plan accordingly for golden terraces vs. clear views.

What if I only have 2 weeks?

Focus on North Vietnam only — Hanoi, Ha Giang, Sapa, Ninh Binh, Ha Long Bay. Skip the south entirely. See our 2-week autumn itinerary.