Best Vietnam Itinerary for 7 Days – The Ultimate Travel Plan

Vietnam is a country of stunning landscapes, rich history, and vibrant culture. With only 7 days, you can still experience the best of Vietnam, the bustling streets of Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City to the serene beauty of Ha Long Bay and Hoi An.

This Vietnam itinerary is designed for first-time travelers and covers Northern, Central, and Southern Vietnam with both budget and luxury options.

Day 1: Arrive in Hanoi – Explore the Capital of Vietnam

Why Visit Hanoi?

Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam, is a city full of history, culture, and incredible street food. Spend your first day exploring its bustling Old Quarter, French colonial architecture, and scenic lakes.

Morning – Arrive & Explore the Old Quarter

✔ Walk around Hoan Kiem Lake and visit Ngoc Son Temple.

✔ Stroll through the Hanoi Old Quarter, famous for its narrow streets and local markets.

Afternoon – Discover Hanoi’s History

✔ Visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum & Presidential Palace.

✔ Explore the Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first university.

Evening – Enjoy Hanoi’s Street Food & Nightlife

✔ Try Pho (Vietnamese noodle soup) at Pho Gia Truyen.

✔ Watch a traditional Water Puppet Show at Thang Long Theater.

✔ Experience Hanoi’s nightlife at Ta Hien Beer Street.

Budget Stay: Little Charm Hanoi Hostel ($10/night).

Luxury Stay: Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi ($200/night).

Day 2: Ha Long Bay – A UNESCO World Heritage Cruise

Why Visit Ha Long Bay?

Ha Long Bay is one of the most beautiful natural wonders in Vietnam, known for its majestic limestone islands and emerald waters.

Morning – Travel Hanoi to Ha Long Bay

By Bus/Shuttle: 2.5–3 hours.

By Seaplane: 45 minutes (luxury option).

Afternoon & Evening – Enjoy a Ha Long Bay Cruise

✔ Kayak through hidden caves and explore floating fishing villages.

✔ Visit Sung Sot Cave (Surprise Cave), one of the bay’s largest caves.

✔ Enjoy a seafood dinner and sunset on a luxury cruise.

Budget Stay: Overnight cruise on Swan Cruises (~$130/person).

Luxury Stay: Paradise Elegance Cruise (~$300/person).

Day 3: Fly to Da Nang & Explore Hoi An Ancient Town

Why Visit Hoi An?

Hoi An is a well-preserved ancient town, famous for its lantern-lit streets, tailor shops, and beautiful architecture.

Morning – Fly Hanoi to Da Nang & Transfer to Hoi An

Flight time: 1.5 hours.

Da Nang to Hoi An: 45 minutes by car.

Afternoon – Explore Hoi An’s Old Town

✔ Visit Japanese Covered Bridge and Tan Ky Old House.

✔ Get a custom-made outfit at a Hoi An tailor shop.

Evening – Enjoy Hoi An’s Lantern Festival & Food

✔ Take a boat ride on the Thu Bon River and release a lantern.

✔ Try Cao Lau (Hoi An noodles) and Banh Mi Phuong.

Budget Stay: Tribee Bana Hostel ($15/night).

Luxury Stay: Anantara Hoi An Resort ($250/night).

Day 4: Relax at My Khe Beach & Visit the Golden Bridge

Why Visit Da Nang?

Da Nang is famous for beautiful beaches, stunning bridges, and the famous Golden Bridge.

Morning – Relax at My Khe Beach

✔ Swim, sunbathe, or surf at My Khe Beach.

Afternoon – Visit Ba Na Hills & Golden Bridge

✔ Take a cable car to Ba Na Hills.

✔ Walk along the Golden Bridge, held up by giant stone hands.

Budget Stay: Funtastic Beach Hostel ($20/night).

Luxury Stay: InterContinental Da Nang ($350/night).

Day 5: Fly to Ho Chi Minh City & Discover Saigon

Why Visit Ho Chi Minh City?

This city is Vietnam’s economic hub, blending modern skyscrapers with historic landmarks.

Morning – Fly Da Nang to Ho Chi Minh City

Flight time: 1.5 hours.

Afternoon – Explore Saigon’s Historical Sites

✔ Visit the War Remnants Museum.

✔ Explore Notre-Dame Cathedral & Central Post Office.

Evening – Enjoy Saigon’s Street Food & Nightlife

✔ Try Banh Xeo (Vietnamese pancake) at Banh Xeo 46A.

✔ Enjoy rooftop drinks at Chill Skybar.

Budget Stay: The Like Hostel & Café ($12/night).

Luxury Stay: The Reverie Saigon ($300/night).

Day 6: Cu Chi Tunnels & Mekong Delta Day Trip

Morning – Explore Cu Chi Tunnels

✔ Crawl through underground tunnels used during the Vietnam War.

✔ Learn about Vietnamese guerrilla warfare tactics.

Afternoon – Take a Boat Tour in the Mekong Delta

✔ Ride a traditional sampan boat through coconut groves.

✔ Visit a local fruit farm and floating market.

Tour Cost: ~$50/person (includes Cu Chi & Mekong tour).

Day 7: Departure or Extra Exploration

✈️ If you have time before your flight:

✔ Visit Ben Thanh Market for souvenirs.

✔ Relax at a Vietnamese coffee shop for one last taste of Egg Coffee.

Travel Tip: Book an evening flight to maximize your last day.

Final Thoughts

This 7-day Vietnam itinerary offers a perfect mix of history, culture, and nature. Whether you’re a budget traveler or seeking luxury, Vietnam has it all!

Start planning your Vietnam adventure today!