Best Vietnam Itinerary for 7 Days – The Ultimate Travel Plan

Posted By: Richard Roeffen / Vietnam Travel Guides

Plan the best 7-day Vietnam itinerary, Hanoi and Ha Long Bay to Hoi An and Ho Chi Minh City. Explore cultural highlights, scenic landscapes, and delicious food with budget and luxury travel options.

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.

Wander through the Hanoi Old Quarter, a maze of history, street food, and hidden gems! — Wander through the **Hanoi Old Quarter**, a maze of history, street food, and hidden gems! - (Source: Collected)

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).

Sail through the majestic limestone islands of Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site! — Sail through the **majestic limestone islands** of Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site! - (Source: Collected)

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).

Walk on the Golden Bridge, held by giant stone hands, offering stunning views of Da Nang! — Walk on the **Golden Bridge**, held by giant stone hands, offering stunning views of Da Nang! - (Source: Collected)

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).

Step back in time in Hoi Ans Old Town, with lantern-lit streets and ancient charm! — Step back in time in **Hoi An’s Old Town**, with lantern-lit streets and ancient charm! - (Source: Collected)

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).

Experience the energy of Ho Chi Minh City, where history meets modern skyscrapers! — Experience the energy of **Ho Chi Minh City**, where history meets modern skyscrapers! - (Source: Collected)

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).

Crawl through the Cu Chi Tunnels and uncover Vietnams wartime history underground! — Crawl through the **Cu Chi Tunnels** and uncover Vietnam’s wartime history underground! - (Source: Collected)

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).

Shop, eat, and explore the vibrant Ben Thanh Market, the heart of Saigons culture! — Shop, eat, and explore the vibrant **Ben Thanh Market**, the heart of Saigon’s culture! - (Source: Collected)

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, Viet

Tags: how to plan a trip to Vietnam, best Vietnam travel route, vietnam itinerary

Best Itinerary Services: 12-Day Vietnam Tour Itinerary: From North to South

Day 1-2: Hanoi – The Capital of Vietnam

Arrive in Hanoi, transfer to your hotel.
Explore the Old Quarter, Hoan Kiem Lake, and Ngoc Son Temple.
Visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, One Pillar Pagoda, and Temple of Literature.
Enjoy a traditional Water Puppet Show.
Try local dishes like Pho, Bun Cha, and Egg Coffee.

⭐ Best Experience: A private street food tour through Hanoi’s bustling alleys.

Day 3-4: Halong Bay – A UNESCO Natural Wonder

Travel to Halong Bay for an overnight cruise.
Explore Sung Sot Cave, Titop Island, and floating fishing villages.
Enjoy kayaking, swimming, and a sunset dinner on board.
Return to Hanoi and fly to Da Nang.

⭐ Best Experience: Waking up to the sunrise over Halong Bay.

Day 5-6: Hoi An – The Ancient Town

Explore Hoi An Ancient Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Visit the Japanese Covered Bridge, Tan Ky Old House, and Hoi An Market.
Take a private lantern-making class.
Enjoy a boat ride on the Thu Bon River.
Relax on An Bang Beach.

⭐ Best Experience: Watching Hoi An light up with lanterns at night.

Day 7-8: Hue – The Imperial City

Drive along the Hai Van Pass, one of Vietnam’s most scenic roads.
Visit the Imperial City, Thien Mu Pagoda, and royal tombs.
Enjoy a private dragon boat ride on the Perfume River.

⭐ Best Experience: Exploring the ancient palaces of the Nguyen Dynasty.

Day 9-10: Ho Chi Minh City – The Vibrant Metropolis

Fly to Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon).
Visit the Notre Dame Cathedral, Central Post Office, and War Remnants Museum.
Explore Ben Thanh Market for shopping and street food.
Take a private night-time Vespa tour of the city.

⭐ Best Experience: Riding through Saigon’s streets like a local.

Top 5 Must-Visit Destinations from North to South in Vietnam

Sapa – The Land of Majestic Rice Terraces
Ninh Binh – The "Halong Bay on Land"
Hue – The Imperial City
Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park – The Land of Caves
Phu Quoc Island – A Tropical Paradise

Located in the northern mountains, Sapa is famous for its breathtaking terraced rice fields and ethnic minority cultures.

⭐ Top Attractions:

Fansipan Mountain – The highest peak in Indochina, reachable by cable car.
Lao Chai & Ta Van Villages – Home to the Black H’mong and Red Dzao people, offering incredible trekking routes.
Cat Cat Village – A traditional village showcasing H’mong culture.

⭐ Best Experience: Trekking through the rice terraces and staying in a local homestay.

Ninh Binh is a paradise of limestone karsts, lush rice fields, and ancient temples, offering stunning scenery similar to Halong Bay but on land.

⭐ Top Attractions:

Trang An Scenic Complex – A UNESCO-listed boat tour through caves and temples.
Mua Cave Viewpoint – Climb 500 steps for a panoramic view of the region.
Bai Dinh Pagoda – The largest Buddhist temple complex in Vietnam.

⭐ Best Activity: A peaceful boat ride through Tam Coc’s limestone caves.

Once the imperial capital of Vietnam, Hue is home to ancient palaces, temples, and royal tombs.

⭐ Top Attractions:

Hue Imperial City – A UNESCO-listed complex of palaces and temples.
Thien Mu Pagoda – A historic 7-story pagoda along the Perfume River.
Tomb of Emperor Khai Dinh – A beautifully decorated royal tomb.

⭐ Must-Try Foods: Bún Bò Huế, Bánh Bèo, Nem Lụi.

Phong Nha-Ke Bang is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for its impressive limestone caves and adventure activities.

⭐ Top Attractions:

Son Doong Cave – The largest cave in the world (requires pre-booking).
Phong Nha Cave – A stunning river cave accessible by boat.
Paradise Cave – A breathtaking dry cave with impressive stalactites.

⭐ Best Experience: Kayaking through the caves and exploring underground rivers.

Phu Quoc is Vietnam’s largest island, famous for its white-sand beaches, crystal-clear waters, and luxury resorts.

⭐ Top Attractions:

Sao Beach & Long Beach – Pristine beaches with golden sand.
VinWonders & Safari – A family-friendly amusement park and wildlife sanctuary.
Sunset Town & Kiss Bridge – A romantic seaside attraction.

⭐ Best Experience: Watching the sunset at Ong Lang Beach while enjoying fresh seafood.