7-Day Vietnam Itinerary for the Informed Traveler -

Vietnam offers extraordinary diversity within its borders—from bustling cities and ancient towns to dramatic landscapes and culinary delights. While a single week cannot possibly capture the country’s full breadth, a well-designed 7-day itinerary can provide meaningful experiences across Vietnam’s highlights when time constraints exist. This guide creates a balanced journey incorporating cultural immersion, historical context, natural beauty, and culinary exploration for travelers seeking depth rather than merely checking destinations off a list.

With limited time, strategic choices become essential. This itinerary focuses on three key regions—Hanoi and Halong Bay in the north, Hoi An and surroundings in the central coast, and Ho Chi Minh City in the south—connected by efficient domestic flights. Rather than attempting to see everything, each location emphasizes quality experiences that provide genuine insights into Vietnam’s complex character and rich heritage.

Itinerary Overview

Day 1: Arrive in Hanoi – Old Quarter exploration and culinary introduction
Day 2: Hanoi’s historical and cultural highlights
Day 3: Halong Bay overnight cruise
Day 4: Halong Bay morning – Afternoon flight to Da Nang – Transfer to Hoi An
Day 5: Hoi An Ancient Town and countryside
Day 6: Morning flight to Ho Chi Minh City – War history and colonial architecture
Day 7: Mekong Delta day trip – Evening departure or extension

Day 1: Arrival in Hanoi and First Impressions

Most international travelers enter Vietnam through either Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City. This itinerary begins in the capital, allowing visitors to experience the country’s evolution from north to south.

Morning/Afternoon: Arrival and Settling In

Upon arrival at Noi Bai International Airport, approximately 45 minutes from the city center, arrange transportation via pre-booked hotel shuttle, private car service, or metered taxi from reputable companies like Mai Linh or Vinasun. Avoid unofficial taxi operators offering “special prices.”

For accommodations, the Old Quarter offers atmospheric options within walking distance of many attractions:

Luxury: Sofitel Legend Metropole or Hotel de l’Opera for colonial elegance
Mid-range: La Siesta Premium Hang Be or Essence Hotel for boutique comfort
Budget-conscious: Old Quarter View Hanoi or Hanoi Impressive Hotel

After check-in and refreshment, take a walking orientation through the Old Quarter—the commercial and cultural heart of Hanoi for over a millennium.

Late Afternoon: Old Quarter Walking Introduction

The Old Quarter’s 36 historic guild streets—each traditionally dedicated to specific crafts or products—provide perfect immersion into Hanoi’s commercial heritage. Key experiences include:

Hang Bac (Silver Street): Still home to silversmiths and jewelry shops
Hang Gai (Silk Street): Featuring textiles and tailoring services
Hang Ma (Paper Product Street): Colorful ceremonial items and decorations

As you navigate the narrow streets, observe the characteristic “tube houses”—buildings extremely narrow in width but extending far back from the street, developed to minimize taxes once based on street frontage.

Walk to Hoan Kiem Lake, the city’s geographic and spiritual center. Visit Ngoc Son Temple on a small island accessed via the iconic red Huc Bridge. The lake features prominently in Vietnamese folklore through the legend of Emperor Le Loi returning a magical sword to the Golden Turtle God.

Evening: Street Food Introduction

Hanoi offers Vietnam’s most distinctive street food culture, with influences from Chinese, French and indigenous cooking traditions. Rather than dining at tourist-oriented restaurants, consider a guided street food tour (companies like Hanoi Street Food Tours or Vietnam Awesome Travel offer English-speaking guides) or explore independently these authentic options:

Bun Cha Huong Lien (24 Le Van Huu Street): Made famous by Anthony Bourdain and Barack Obama’s visit, this restaurant serves exemplary bun cha—grilled pork with rice noodles, herbs and dipping sauce
Pho Thin (13 Lo Duc Street): A local institution serving exceptional beef pho with a distinctive wok-seared flavor
Banh Mi 25 (25 Hang Ca Street): Outstanding Vietnamese sandwiches combining French bread with local fillings

End the evening with egg coffee (ca phe trung)—a Hanoi specialty featuring a custard-like topping of egg yolk, sugar, and condensed milk over strong Vietnamese coffee—at either Cafe Giang (39 Nguyen Huu Huan) or Cafe Dinh (13 Dinh Tien Hoang).

Day 2: Hanoi’s Historical and Cultural Depth

Dedicate your second day to understanding Hanoi’s historical significance and cultural institutions, providing context for Vietnam’s complex heritage.

Morning: Historical Exploration

Begin at the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum Complex in Ba Dinh Square, where Ho Chi Minh declared Vietnam’s independence in 1945. The sprawling site includes:

Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum: Housing the preserved body of Vietnam’s revolutionary leader (closed Mondays and Fridays, and annually October-November for maintenance)
Presidential Palace: The former French governor’s residence where Ho Chi Minh refused to live, preferring the nearby modest stilt house
Ho Chi Minh’s Stilt House: His simple living quarters reflecting his austere lifestyle
One Pillar Pagoda: An iconic Buddhist temple originally built in 1049

Note that appropriate attire (covered shoulders and knees) is required, and the mausoleum prohibits photography, talking, and lingering.

Continue to the Temple of Literature (Van Mieu), Vietnam’s first national university founded in 1070. This Confucian temple complex honors scholars and sages, featuring stunning architecture, beautiful gardens, and 82 stone stelae mounted on tortoises recording the achievements of exceptional scholars.

Afternoon: Museums and Cultural Perspectives

After lunch (consider Quan An Ngon at 18 Phan Boi Chau Street for a comprehensive introduction to Vietnamese regional cuisines in a pleasant courtyard setting), visit one or two museums aligned with your interests:

Vietnam Museum of Ethnology: Exceptional exhibits on Vietnam’s 54 ethnic groups with outdoor displays of traditional architecture (recommended for those interested in cultural diversity)
Vietnamese Women’s Museum: Thoughtfully curated exhibitions on women’s roles in Vietnamese society, family life, and during wartime
Hoa Lo Prison Museum: Partially preserved colonial-era prison nicknamed the “Hanoi Hilton” by American POWs, providing perspectives on both French colonial imprisonment of Vietnamese revolutionaries and later the detention of American pilots

Late Afternoon: Artistic Traditions

Visit the Hanoi Opera House, a magnificent example of French colonial architecture completed in 1911, for exterior photos and, if timing permits, a performance by the Vietnam National Symphony Orchestra or traditional music ensemble (check schedule and book tickets in advance).

Nearby, explore Trang Tien Plaza and the surrounding area for contemporary Vietnamese art galleries, including Apricot Gallery (40B Hang Bong Street) and Vietnam Fine Arts Museum (66 Nguyen Thai Hoc Street) for broader context on Vietnamese artistic traditions.

Evening: Water Puppetry and Dinner

Experience water puppetry—a traditional northern Vietnamese art form dating back to the 11th century—at Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre near Hoan Kiem Lake. Originally performed in village ponds during rice harvest celebrations, this unique cultural expression features wooden puppets manipulated above water to depict folktales and rural life scenes.

For dinner, consider upscale Vietnamese cuisine at restaurants like Green Tangerine (48 Hang Be Street) or Cha Ca Thang Long (21 Duong Thanh Street) specializing in cha ca—Hanoi’s famous turmeric-marinated fish dish cooked tableside with dill and herbs.

Day 3: Halong Bay Overnight Cruise

Dedicate your third day to experiencing Halong Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring thousands of limestone karst formations rising dramatically from emerald waters approximately 170 kilometers east of Hanoi.

Morning: Transit to Halong Bay

Arrange transportation through your cruise operator, typically departing Hanoi between 8:00-9:00 AM with a 3.5-4 hour journey including a brief rest stop. The newest highway has reduced travel time considerably compared to older routes.

Cruise selection significantly impacts your experience:

Luxury options: Paradise Cruises, Orchid Cruises, or Heritage Line offer sophisticated vessels with spacious cabins, gourmet dining, and comprehensive activities
Mid-range choices: Swan Cruises, Stellar of the Seas, or Peony Cruises provide good value with comfortable accommodations and quality experiences
Budget considerations: Rosa Cruise or Alova Gold Cruises offer simpler facilities but still access similar scenic areas

Book well in advance through reputable agencies or directly with cruise companies, particularly during high season (October-April).

Afternoon: Bay Exploration

After boarding and check-in procedures (typically around noon), cruises begin with lunch while navigating into the bay. Most itineraries include afternoon activities such as:

Visiting massive limestone caves like Sung Sot (Surprise) Cave with spectacular formations
Kayaking through karst formations and floating fishing villages
Swimming at secluded beaches (seasonal and weather permitting)

Quality operators increasingly visit less crowded areas like Bai Tu Long Bay or Lan Ha Bay rather than the more congested central Halong Bay region, offering similar geological features with fewer vessels.

Evening: Sunset and Overnight

Enjoy sunset views over the karst landscape—a magical experience as light transforms the limestone formations—followed by dinner onboard. Many cruises offer evening activities including squid fishing, documentary films about the region, or cooking demonstrations.

Overnight accommodation in your cabin provides the opportunity to experience the bay’s quiet transformation from evening to dawn—a significant advantage over day trips that miss these atmospheric moments.

Day 4: Halong Bay to Hoi An

Early Morning: Sunrise and Departure

Rise early for sunrise over the bay—often accompanied by morning tai chi sessions offered on most cruises. After a light breakfast, participate in final activities such as visiting floating villages or additional cave explorations before returning to the main vessel for brunch during navigation back to harbor.

Afternoon: Flight to Da Nang and Transfer to Hoi An

Disembark around 11:00 AM and transfer directly to Noi Bai International Airport for an afternoon flight to Da Nang in central Vietnam (approximately 1 hour 20 minutes flying time). Several domestic airlines offer this route multiple times daily, including Vietnam Airlines, VietJet Air, and Bamboo Airways. Booking the flight for around 3:00-4:00 PM allows comfortable connection time.

Upon arrival in Da Nang, arrange private transfer to Hoi An, approximately 30 kilometers south (45 minutes by car). Many Hoi An accommodations offer airport pickup services, or taxis are readily available at fixed rates from the airport.

Accommodation options in Hoi An include:

Luxury: Four Seasons Resort The Nam Hai or Anantara Hoi An Resort
Mid-range: La Siesta Hoi An Resort & Spa or Allegro Hoi An
Budget-friendly: Vinh Hung Library Hotel or Tribee Bana Hostel

Evening: First Impressions of Hoi An

After checking in and refreshing, take an evening orientation walk through Hoi An’s Ancient Town—a UNESCO World Heritage site reflecting the town’s importance as a trading port from the 15th to 19th centuries. The town transforms at night as thousands of colorful lanterns illuminate the streets, creating a magical atmosphere.

Enjoy dinner at restaurants like Morning Glory (106 Nguyen Thai Hoc Street) or Mango Mango (45 Nguyen Phuc Chu Street) offering refined Vietnamese cuisine, then stroll along the Thu Bon River where paper lanterns float on the water—a traditional practice believed to bring good fortune.

Day 5: Hoi An Ancient Town and Surroundings

Dedicate a full day to exploring Hoi An’s exceptional preservation of Vietnamese, Chinese, Japanese, and European architectural influences alongside its vibrant contemporary culture.

Morning: Ancient Town Exploration

Purchase the Old Town ticket (120,000 VND), which grants access to five heritage attractions from a selection including historic houses, assembly halls, museums, and traditional performances. Key sites include:

Japanese Covered Bridge: Built in the late 16th century connecting the Japanese and Chinese quarters
Tan Ky House: A beautifully preserved 18th-century merchant’s home displaying Japanese, Chinese and Vietnamese architectural elements
Phuc Kien Assembly Hall: Elaborate Chinese community hall dedicated to Thien Hau, goddess of the sea
Museum of Folk Culture: Exhibits on local traditions and daily life in historic Hoi An
Traditional Craft Workshops: Demonstrations of lantern making, silk production, and woodcarving

Between visits, explore the market and vibrant shopping streets, where skilled tailors can create custom clothing with remarkable speed (though quality varies tremendously—research reputable establishments if interested in this service).

Afternoon: Rural Contrast

After lunch at Cargo Club (107-109 Nguyen Thai Hoc) or similar riverside restaurant, explore Hoi An’s rural surroundings by bicycle—an ideal transportation method given the flat terrain. Several options exist:

Tra Que Vegetable Village: Organic gardens where traditional farming methods continue, with opportunities for cooking classes using just-harvested ingredients
Cam Kim Island: Accessible by ferry or bridge, this rural island maintains traditional woodworking and boat-building crafts
An Bang Beach: For relaxation, this beach offers a pleasant environment approximately 5 kilometers from town, with seafood restaurants lining the shore

For those preferring guided experiences, companies like Heaven and Earth Bicycle Tours offer half-day excursions with knowledgeable local guides.

Evening: Culinary Experiences

Hoi An offers Vietnam’s most distinctive regional cuisine, featuring unique dishes not commonly found elsewhere:

Cao lau: Thick rice noodles with pork, herbs and croutons influenced by Japanese and Chinese techniques
White rose dumplings (banh vac): Delicate shrimp dumplings shaped to resemble flowers
Hoi An-style wontons (hoanh thanh): Crispy wontons topped with savory-sweet tomato sauce

Consider a cooking class with establishments like Morning Glory Cooking School or Red Bridge Cooking School, typically including market tours, ingredient preparation, and dining on your creations. Alternatively, restaurants like Miss Ly Cafe (22 Nguyen Hue Street) serve exceptional versions of local specialties.

Day 6: Ho Chi Minh City’s Urban Energy

Morning: Flight to Ho Chi Minh City

Take an early morning flight from Da Nang to Ho Chi Minh City (approximately 1 hour 20 minutes), Vietnam’s largest metropolis and economic hub. Domestic carriers offer multiple daily connections between these cities.

Upon arrival at Tan Son Nhat International Airport, transfer to your accommodation in District 1, the city’s central area containing most significant colonial architecture and historical sites. Options include:

Luxury: Park Hyatt Saigon or Hotel des Arts Saigon
Mid-range: Liberty Central Saigon Citypoint or Fusion Suites Saigon
Budget-conscious: Himalaya Phoenix or Chez Mimosa Corner

Late Morning/Afternoon: Colonial Architecture and War History

Begin at Reunification Palace (formerly Independence Palace), frozen in time since April 30, 1975, when North Vietnamese tanks crashed through its gates marking the end of the Vietnam War. The 1960s modernist building, particularly its preserved war rooms and telecommunications center in the basement, provides fascinating insights into this pivotal historical moment.

Continue to Notre Dame Cathedral and the Central Post Office—magnificent examples of French colonial architecture located adjacent to each other. The Post Office, designed by Gustave Eiffel, continues functioning today and features a stunning interior with massive arched ceilings.

After lunch at Propaganda Bistro (21 Han Thuyen, D1) featuring contemporary Vietnamese cuisine in a setting decorated with stylized propaganda-art motifs, visit the War Remnants Museum. While presenting a strongly Vietnamese perspective, the museum’s photographic exhibitions and preserved military equipment offer powerful testament to the war’s devastating impact.

Late Afternoon: Contemporary HCMC

Experience modern Vietnamese urban life by visiting:

Nguyen Hue Walking Street: A broad pedestrian boulevard featuring the striking Ho Chi Minh City Hall at one end and the Saigon River at the other
Bitexco Financial Tower: For panoramic city views from the Saigon Skydeck observation platform on the 49th floor
Ben Thanh Market: The city’s most famous market selling everything from souvenirs to street food, though prices typically start high for tourists

Evening: Culinary Exploration

Ho Chi Minh City offers Vietnam’s most diverse dining scene. Consider:

Cuc Gach Quan (10 Dang Tat, D1): Homestyle Vietnamese cuisine in a converted mansion
Quan Bui (17A Ngo Van Nam, D1): Contemporary presentations of traditional dishes
Cho Lon (Chinatown): For authentic Chinese-Vietnamese fusion cuisine in District 5

For evening drinks, the city’s rooftop bar scene provides spectacular views. Options include Social Club Rooftop Bar at Hotel des Arts, EON Heli Bar at Bitexco Tower, or the more laid-back Glow Skybar.

Day 7: Mekong Delta Excursion

Dedicate your final day to experiencing the Mekong Delta—Vietnam’s agricultural heartland where the mighty Mekong River approaches the sea through a maze of tributaries, islands, and floating markets.

Early Morning to Afternoon: Mekong Delta Day Trip

Book a day tour to the Mekong Delta regions closest to Ho Chi Minh City—typically Ben Tre or My Tho provinces, approximately 1.5-2 hours’ drive away. While multi-day exploration would provide deeper immersion, even a day trip offers meaningful glimpses into the Delta’s distinctive culture and landscapes.

Quality tour operators like Les Rives, Mekong Authentic, or Buffalo Tours utilize smaller boats accessing less-visited waterways rather than mass tourist routes. A typical itinerary includes:

Boat journey along the main river and smaller canals, observing life along the waterways
Visit to coconut candy workshops demonstrating traditional production techniques
Fruit tasting at tropical orchards featuring seasonal specialties
Sampan (rowboat) experience through narrow, palm-fringed canals
Vietnamese lunch featuring Delta specialties like elephant ear fish or river prawns

For a more authentic experience, select tours visiting smaller tributaries rather than primarily focusing on tourist-oriented craft demonstrations and shops.

Late Afternoon/Evening: Return and Departure

Return to Ho Chi Minh City by late afternoon. If your departure flight leaves this evening, arrange luggage storage with your hotel and transportation to the airport allowing ample time for check-in and security procedures.

If your schedule permits an evening flight, consider final explorations of areas like Le Cong Kieu antique street near Ben Thanh Market or Dong Khoi Street’s boutiques and galleries.

For travelers with additional time, recommended extensions include:

Beach relaxation in Phu Quoc Island or Nha Trang
Cultural immersion in the Central Highlands around Dalat
Further exploration of the Mekong Delta with overnight stays in Can Tho to visit the floating markets at dawn

Practical Considerations

Internal Transportation

This itinerary utilizes domestic flights between major destinations, significantly reducing transit time compared to land transportation. Vietnam’s domestic air network is well-developed with multiple daily flights between major cities on carriers including:

Vietnam Airlines (full-service national carrier)
VietJet Air and Bamboo Airways (reliable lower-cost options)

Book flights at least several weeks in advance, particularly during peak seasons (December-February, July-August) when prices increase dramatically or flights sell out.

Visa Requirements

Most nationalities require a visa for Vietnam. Options include:

E-visa: Available for many nationalities for stays up to 30 days, applied for online through the official government website (https://evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn)
Visa on arrival: Requires pre-arranged approval letter from authorized agencies before traveling, then visa stamping upon arrival at Vietnamese international airports
Embassy/consulate application: Traditional application through Vietnamese diplomatic missions

Verify current requirements for your nationality, as regulations change periodically.

Weather Considerations

Vietnam’s elongated geography creates distinct regional weather patterns:

North (Hanoi/Halong Bay): November-April brings cooler temperatures with occasional drizzle; May-October offers warmer conditions with increased rainfall
Central (Hoi An): February-August typically provides the most pleasant conditions, while October-November can bring heavy rainfall and occasional flooding
South (Ho Chi Minh City/Mekong): December-April offers dry, hot conditions; May-November brings regular afternoon showers but generally remains accessible

This itinerary functions year-round but may require adaptation during extreme weather periods.

Cultural Sensitivity

Vietnam maintains more conservative social standards than many Western countries:

Dress modestly when visiting religious sites (covered shoulders and knees)
Remove shoes when required at temples, pagodas, and some traditional homes
Ask permission before photographing individuals, particularly in rural areas
Avoid public displays of affection, which may cause discomfort locally

Money Matters

Vietnam operates primarily as a cash economy outside major tourist establishments:

ATMs are widely available in cities and tourist areas
Major hotels and upscale restaurants accept credit cards, but smaller establishments often don’t
Carry small denominations for markets, taxis, and casual purchases
While the US dollar is sometimes accepted, having Vietnamese dong provides better rates and broader acceptance

Health Precautions

Standard travel precautions apply:

Drink bottled or purified water, including for teeth brushing
Exercise caution with street food by selecting busy establishments with high turnover
Carry basic medications for stomach issues, which commonly affect travelers adjusting to new cuisines
Use reputable pharmacies for any needed medications, as counterfeit pharmaceuticals exist in some markets

Final Thoughts

This 7-day itinerary provides a meaningful introduction to Vietnam’s diversity without attempting to cover the entire country. By focusing on depth rather than breadth, travelers gain genuine understanding of each destination rather than spending excessive time in transit between numerous locations.

Vietnam rewards informed travelers who approach with cultural curiosity, historical awareness, and culinary openness. Even with limited time, thoughtful planning creates opportunities for authentic encounters and meaningful experiences beyond typical tourist trails. For those fortunate enough to return, this initial journey provides solid foundation for deeper exploration of Vietnam’s countless further treasures.