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Vietnam Itinerary 7 Days: A Perfect Week of Culture, Nature & Flavour
A one-week Vietnam plan: Hanoi & Ha Long Bay, Hoi An’s lantern streets, and Saigon + Mekong—routes, flights, highlights, tips, and a day-by-day map.
One week in Vietnam can take you from ancient streets to golden beaches, from lantern-lit riversides to tangled jungles—and fill your memories with stunning scenery and unforgettable meals. With careful planning, seven days is just enough to capture the country’s essential highlights, balancing a taste of city life, history, and adventure. Here’s how to make the most of a week in Vietnam.
Overview: 7 Days, 3 Iconic Destinations
Classic North–Central–South Route:
You’ll get ancient capitals, Unesco sights, countryside, and modern energy—with enough time for street food and local color.
Alternative: Central Vietnam Focus
Ideal if you want to skip long flights and go deep in one region.
- Days 1–2: Hanoi & Ha Long Bay
- Days 3–4: Hoi An (via Da Nang)
- Days 5–7: Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) and Mekong Delta
You’ll get ancient capitals, Unesco sights, countryside, and modern energy—with enough time for street food and local color.
Alternative: Central Vietnam Focus
- Days 1–2: Da Nang city & beaches
- Day 3: Ba Na Hills or Hue day trip
- Days 4–7: Hoi An and My Son temples, An Bang Beach
Ideal if you want to skip long flights and go deep in one region.
Day-by-Day Suggested Vietnam Itinerary
Day | Place | Highlights | Overnight |
1 | Hanoi | Old Quarter, Hoan Kiem Lake, street eats | Hanoi |
2 | Ha Long Bay | Overnight cruise: caves/kayak/swim | On boat |
3 | Hanoi → Da Nang → Hoi An | Return from cruise, fly to Da Nang & transfer to Hoi An | Hoi An |
4 | Hoi An | Ancient town, lanterns, bicycle tour | Hoi An |
5 | Hoi An → Da Nang → HCMC | Beach morning, fly to Saigon | Ho Chi Minh City |
6 | Ho Chi Minh City | Cu Chi Tunnels, Ben Thanh Market | Ho Chi Minh City |
7 | Mekong Delta | Day trip: floating market, villages | Ho Chi Minh City |
North: Hanoi & Ha Long Bay (Day 1–2)
Hanoi:
Arrive and dive into the Old Quarter’s maze. Savor bun cha, visit Ngoc Son Temple, walk the French Quarter, and top it off with egg coffee (try Café Giang).
Arrive and dive into the Old Quarter’s maze. Savor bun cha, visit Ngoc Son Temple, walk the French Quarter, and top it off with egg coffee (try Café Giang).
Ha Long Bay:
Early transfer for your cruise (join-in or private). Marvel at limestone cliffs, visit Sung Sot Cave, kayak, swim, and enjoy a sunset on deck. Sleep on the bay.
Essential tip: Pre-book your Ha Long cruise and Hanoi–Da Nang flight for smooth transitions.
Early transfer for your cruise (join-in or private). Marvel at limestone cliffs, visit Sung Sot Cave, kayak, swim, and enjoy a sunset on deck. Sleep on the bay.
Essential tip: Pre-book your Ha Long cruise and Hanoi–Da Nang flight for smooth transitions.
Central: Hoi An, Da Nang (Day 3–5)
Hoi An:
Return via Hanoi to Da Nang by air (1.5hrs), transfer to charming Hoi An. Explore lantern-lit streets, tailor shops, and the riverside market. Day trips: bike lost in rice fields, relax at An Bang Beach, or take a lantern-making class.
Return via Hanoi to Da Nang by air (1.5hrs), transfer to charming Hoi An. Explore lantern-lit streets, tailor shops, and the riverside market. Day trips: bike lost in rice fields, relax at An Bang Beach, or take a lantern-making class.
Da Nang:
If you have extra time, hit My Khe Beach or the Marble Mountains. Food here is distinct—don’t miss mi quang noodles and fresh seafood.
If you have extra time, hit My Khe Beach or the Marble Mountains. Food here is distinct—don’t miss mi quang noodles and fresh seafood.
South: Ho Chi Minh City & Mekong Delta (Day 5–7)
HCMC/Saigon:
Buzzing, modern, and still brimming with history. Visit the War Remnants Museum, Nguyen Hue Walking Street, Notre Dame Cathedral, and drink rooftop cocktails at sunset.
Buzzing, modern, and still brimming with history. Visit the War Remnants Museum, Nguyen Hue Walking Street, Notre Dame Cathedral, and drink rooftop cocktails at sunset.
Cu Chi Tunnels:
Easy half-day trip from the city; crawl through historic tunnels used during the Vietnam War.
Easy half-day trip from the city; crawl through historic tunnels used during the Vietnam War.
Mekong Delta:
Finish with a boat trip through coconut groves, stop at a floating market, and sample home-cooked southern food. Return to HCMC for evening flights.
Finish with a boat trip through coconut groves, stop at a floating market, and sample home-cooked southern food. Return to HCMC for evening flights.
Practical Tips for a 7-Day Vietnam Trip
- Internal flights: Use Vietnam Airlines, VietJet Air, or Bamboo Airways for time-saving connections. Book at least 2–3 weeks out in high season.
- Packing: Light layers, waterproof jacket, power adaptor (type A, C, or D), and sun protection are musts.
- Visas: Most Western nationalities get 15 days visa-free (check latest policy), or use e-visa.
- Money: Cash is king at markets and for taxis; ATMs widely available.
- When to go: Best all-around months: March–May and September–November (dry, not too hot).
Vietnam 7-Day Itinerary FAQ
Can I skip flights and take the train?
Yes, but trains are much slower—Hanoi to Da Nang takes over 16 hours. They’re ideal if you have extra days and enjoy rustic scenery along the coast. For shorter options, check our Vietnam Itinerary 7 Days, which focuses on fewer destinations at a relaxed pace.
Is this itinerary rushed?
It covers a lot of ground, but you’ll experience Vietnam’s striking contrasts—from Hanoi’s history to southern life in the Mekong Delta. For a slower rhythm, skip one stop and dive deeper into another city. Our Hanoi 3 Day Itinerary and Hoi An Day Trip guides are great for more in-depth stays.
How do I arrange tours for Ha Long Bay and Mekong Delta?
You can book online, through hotels, or at reputable travel agencies (always compare reviews). For the north, see our Best Halong Bay Cruise or Ha Long Bay 2 Day Cruise. For the south, pair it with a beach break using our Phu Quoc best beaches guide.
Is English widely spoken?
Yes, in major tourist areas and hotels. In rural areas, English is limited, so apps like Google Translate help. Staying connected is easy with a local SIM—our Vietnam SIM & eSIM guide explains the best options.
Food worries for picky eaters or kids?
Not a problem. Most towns offer Western, vegetarian, and kid-friendly foods, plus familiar snacks. For food lovers, Hanoi’s specialties are a highlight—our Hanoi street food tour and Best Pho in Hanoi guides show exactly what to try.
Yes, but trains are much slower—Hanoi to Da Nang takes over 16 hours. They’re ideal if you have extra days and enjoy rustic scenery along the coast. For shorter options, check our Vietnam Itinerary 7 Days, which focuses on fewer destinations at a relaxed pace.
Is this itinerary rushed?
It covers a lot of ground, but you’ll experience Vietnam’s striking contrasts—from Hanoi’s history to southern life in the Mekong Delta. For a slower rhythm, skip one stop and dive deeper into another city. Our Hanoi 3 Day Itinerary and Hoi An Day Trip guides are great for more in-depth stays.
How do I arrange tours for Ha Long Bay and Mekong Delta?
You can book online, through hotels, or at reputable travel agencies (always compare reviews). For the north, see our Best Halong Bay Cruise or Ha Long Bay 2 Day Cruise. For the south, pair it with a beach break using our Phu Quoc best beaches guide.
Is English widely spoken?
Yes, in major tourist areas and hotels. In rural areas, English is limited, so apps like Google Translate help. Staying connected is easy with a local SIM—our Vietnam SIM & eSIM guide explains the best options.
Food worries for picky eaters or kids?
Not a problem. Most towns offer Western, vegetarian, and kid-friendly foods, plus familiar snacks. For food lovers, Hanoi’s specialties are a highlight—our Hanoi street food tour and Best Pho in Hanoi guides show exactly what to try.