Exploring Vietnam: A Perfect 7-Day Itinerary
Welcome to your perfect Vietnam 7-day itinerary!
Vietnam is a must-visit country filled with breathtaking landscapes, rich history and culture, delectable cuisine, and overall, a remarkable country where you can immerse yourself in so many different experiences. With so much to see and so many incredible places to explore, trying to plan your one-week itinerary can feel nearly impossible and a bit overwhelming. To put your travel anxiety at ease, use this 7-day Vietnam itinerary to gather all of the necessary information you need for a stress-free trip. From trains and flights to travel tips and destination-specific itineraries, this guide is your ultimate resource for making the most of your 7 incredible days in Vietnam.
Oh & as always, practice sustainable tourism while traveling, please :)
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Vietnam 7-day itinerary
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the itinerary
Day 1: Hanoi
Day 2: Day Trip To Halong Bay, Lan Ha, or Cat Ba
Day 3: Day Trip to Ninh Binh
Day 4: Hoi An
Day 5: Day Trip to Hue
Day 6: Dalat
Day 7: Ho Chi Minh City
Getting to Vietnam
Option 1: Plane
You can fly internationally right into the city of Hanoi (HAN). The airport is 28 KM from the Old Quarter. You can take a public bus or book a Grab ride to reach your accommodation from the airport. A private taxi or Grab (an application for your phone similar to Uber) should be around 20-25 USD.
For a guide on how to use the public bus and or airline-provided buses to the Old Quarter from the airport, head here!
Option 2: Bus
Buses are great low-budget options for those already in one of Vietnam’s neighboring countries—Cambodia or Laos. Keep in mind that the travel time will be over 24 hours. 12GoAsia has the best options for booking!
For all the vital information you need to visit Vietnam, head here!
Where to Stay
HANOI:
Days 1 to 3 will be spent in Hanoi to ensure easy access to surrounding areas and day trips. The Old Quarter is easily the best area to stay in Hanoi. However, be mindful of loud bars and clubs on some streets in this area, as they can be very noisy. I stayed at the Joye Hotel (I do not recommend it), and it was super loud until 3 or 4 AM. Previously, I was a flight attendant— I could sleep through most noises and sleep disturbances, but this noise was impossible even for me. I recommend reading the reviews before booking to ensure this does not happen to you.
Other great areas for a shorter stay include the French Quarter and the Hoan Kiem Lake area.
Best Accommodation Options For Every Traveler:
Best Backpacker/Hostel Option: Hanoi City Backpackers Hostel or Hanoi Boutique House
Best Low-Budget: TrangTrang Boutique Hotel
Best Mid-Budget: Flora Centre Hotel & Spa, Grande Collection Hotel & Spa, or Babylon Premium Hotel & Spa
High-End: Scent Premium Hotel or Meritel Hanoi
Best Luxury: The Oriental Jade Hotel or Peridot Grand Luxury Boutique Hotel
HOI AN:
Day 3-5 will spent in the charming Hoi An. I recommend staying in Hoi An Ancient Town, Minh An, or Cam Pho to be within walking distance of everything.
Best Accommodation Options For Every Traveler:
Best Backpacker/Hostel Option: Backhome Hostel & Bar or HY Local Budget Hotel by Hoianese
Best Low-Budget: Hoi An Center Town or Lacasa Old Town Villa (I stayed here and truly enjoyed my stay, breakfast was included.)
Best Mid-Budget: La Charm Hoi An Hotel & Spa or Em's House Hoi An Homestay
High-End: Laluna Hoi An Riverside Hotel & Spa or RiverTown Hoi An Resort & Spa
Best “Luxury” Priced: Bel Marina Hoi An Resort (Villa and river view options) or La An Central Boutique Villa (The apartment with a river view)
DALAT:
For one night, from day 5 to 6, you will stay in Dalat. I recommend staying in Dalat’s city center to be within walking distance of everything. I chose an accommodation in Ward 1.
Best Accommodation Options For Every Traveler:
Best Backpacker/Hostel Option: Dalat Mr Peace Backpacker's (dorm) or Jerry House Đà Lạt (private room)
Best Low-Budget: Together is Home (I stayed here) or Moc Thach Hostel Dalat
Best Mid-Budget: VX Hotel or Le House DaLat
High-End Budget: Le Macaron City Center - Boutique Hotel Đà Lạt or Ngọc Nguyên Homestay
Best Luxury: Quy Tai Premium Hotel or Hôtel Colline (Colline Suite)
HO CHI MINH CITY:
On the final night of your trip, from days 6 to 7, you will stay in Ho Chi Minh City. The city has an international airport, making it convenient for flying back home or to your next destination. I recommend staying in District 1 to be central to daytime and nighttime activities. This area is only a 20-minute or so drive from the airport.
Best Accommodation Options For Every Traveler:
Best Backpacker/Hostel Option: VY DA CENTRAL MARKET HOSTEL (Dorm) or Jan Hostel Central Point (private room)
Best Low-Budget: Woody House Boutique
Best Mid-Budget: Olala CBD Apartment - Rivergate Tower or Leiden Homestay&Cafe
High-End Budget: Fusion Suites Saigon or Fusion Original Saigon Centre
Best Luxury: La Siesta Premium Saigon (The Suites) or Park Hyatt Saigon or La Siesta Premium Saigon
Day 1: Explore Hanoi
This entire first day of the itinerary is completely walkable if you feel up to it, and can be done in any order. You can always hop on the back of a Grab or GoJek for a cheap taxi to each of these must-see places!
Pro Tip: Click on the square in the top right corner of the map to enlarge it and see each destination in Hanoi.
First Things First…Coffee Time! I mean there really is no better way to start your journey ahead than with a warm cup of coffee. Head to one of the many unique coffee spots in Hanoi where you can try the famous Cà phê trứng (egg yolk, condensed milk, sugar, and coffee). Vegan? That’s okay, you can opt for a delicious coconut cream-based coffee instead!
Hanoi Coffee Station (one of my favorites) offers milk alternatives for those who, like me, are lactose intolerant. Some other unique and popular options are The Note Coffee or Tranquil Books and Coffee.
Hanoi Stop #1-3: Hoan Kiem Lake, French Quarter, Hoa Lo Prison Relic
Hoan Kiem Lake
Finished sipping? Head over to Hoan Kiem Lake where you can take a walk around and capture some of the natural beauty in Hanoi. Wander over to the sacred Ngoc Son Temple, which sits on the lake and serves as an emblem of the nation’s history and culture. Cross the 150-year-old red Huc Bridge for a unique perspective of Hanoi. After sunset, the bridge lights up in red, creating a striking view and reflection to capture. The entrance fee to the temple is 50,000 VND (2 USD).
Nearby, you can explore Dong Kinh Nghia Thuc Square for some shopping and street food, depending on how much time you have!
The French Quarter
Walk towards the French Quarter to find some high-end shopping and quaint buildings. This area is a very distinct section of Hanoi and is perfect for capturing architectural photos, grabbing a quick lunch, or splurging a bit on some shopping. Be sure not to miss the Hanoi Opera House!
Fun Fact: Vietnam was once a French colony, which is why you can see some French influence throughout the city.
Hoa Lo Prison Relic
This is your next stop on your 7-day Vietnam itinerary, where you can explore some of Vietnam’s history. The Hoa Lo Prison Relic, translating to the fiery furnace, was used by the French for political prisoners and later by the Vietnamese for American prisoners during the Vietnam War. Today, the prison offers a glimpse into the harsh realities of the prisoner’s lives and stands as a symbol of Vietnam’s resilient spirit.
Entrance Fee: 30,000 VND (1.20 USD) for adults | 15,000 VND (0.60 USD) for children | Audio guides are an additional 30,000 VND (1.20 USD)
Hours: Daily 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Hanoi Stop #4: Old Train Street
Once ready, head over to Old Train Street for a coffee, beer, or small snack while you await for the massive train to run down the tracks of the street, nearly squishing you against the wall of your cafe (ok it's not as scary as it sounds). This is one of my favorite things to do in Hanoi, and it never seems to get old—it is always just as exhilarating.
The train times are as follows: 8:30, 11:30, 3:30, 7:10, 7:30, and 7:50. (don’t be too late!)
Pro Tip: Please always follow locals’ instructions here for your safety. They do this for a living and they are the experts.
After you have captured some epic photos and videos, you can head over to The Temple of Literature, Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum, Tran Quoc Pagoda, or stop to view the Presidential Palace.
Temple of Literature:
Entrance Fee: 70,000 VND (2.80 USD) for adults | 35,000 VND (1.40 USD) for Vietnamese students | Free for children under 15 years old
Hours: 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum: The Vietnamese revolutionary leader and President Ho Chi Minh lay to rest here.
Entrance Fee: 25,000 VND (1 USD)
Operating Hours: Saturday - Thursday (Closed Fridays)
April 1 - October 31: 7:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. | November 1 - March 31: 8:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Pro Tip: Follow all security guard rules and regulations while visiting. Flag raising and lowering ceremonies occur nearby in Ba Dinh Square from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily.
Hanoi Stop #5: The Old Quarter
Your final stops on day one of your itinerary will be to enjoy dinner, explore, and shop in the Old Quarter. The walk back to this area takes approximately 30-40 minutes. Depending on the time and your energy level, you can opt to call a Grab or Gojek for a ride.
Stroll around the chaoticly busy streets here, and pop into the night market! Vietnam is known for its night markets and clothing, so it is the perfect place to buy new wardrobe items. The market is open 6.00 PM – 12.00 AM on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.
Be sure to head to bed early to get some rest before a busy next few days!
Day 2: Day Trip To Halong Bay, Lan Ha Bay, or Cat Ba Island
Halong Bay is a picturesque emerald bay with limestone mountains, evoking the quintessential image of a trip to Vietnam. However, over the years it has become extremely overcrowded, overtouristy, and sadly, a bit dirty. If you are like me and want a less touristy experience, then heading to Lan Ha Bay is for you! It has the same emerald waters and limestone mountains for you to take in.
Best Time to Visit: September - May
How Far from Hanoi: 172 km +
How to Get There:
Shared Van: This is the best option, in my opinion. It will take around 3 hours and 30 minutes and is around $5.
Motorbike: 2.5 hours minimum, but you need to be a confident driver, and navigation can be difficult if you do not have good phone service. The cost to rent a motorbike varies but is around 150,000-300,000 VND (4.30 - 13 USD) for the smallest bike to a larger one.
Bus: You can book a $8.00 (USD) ticket on 12GoAsia, which will take 2.5 to 3 hours (sometimes longer). There is also a cheaper public bus, but I have never done this myself.
Taxi: Private taxis and Grabs or Gojeks are also an option, but can be more expensive.
A Day Tour: A guided day tour can be a great option to optimize time and avoid the stress of navigating there and back.
Things to Do: Cruises (day and overnight)
Another great addition or alternative if you have more time would be Cat Ba Island. It can get crowded, but my boyfriend did this a few years back and he does not stop raving about it.
The Best Guided Tour Options!
Day 3: Day Trip to Ninh Binh
Ninh Binh is Vietnam’s best-kept secret and the perfect place for a day trip. This charming city, located on the Red River Delta, is home to the UNESCO World Heritage Site: Trang An Landscape Complex. Ninh Binh offers a day filled with picturesque moments, from riding a bicycle through limestone karsts to floating in a small wooden boat along its waterways.
Ninh Binh is one of my absolute favorite places, not just in Vietnam but in all of Southeast Asia. It is truly unmissable. Many people refer to Ninh Binh as the Halong Bay on land, but in my opinion, this gem is even better.
Best Time to Visit: November - April
I went in January for my birthday— the weather was perfect for outdoor activities. It was much warmer than Hanoi at the time.
How Far from Hanoi: 94 km
How to Get There:
Bus / Shared Van: $4-10 (USD) and takes around 2 hours. 12GoAsia has the best options for booking, as always!
Train: A little over 2 hours and costs around $12 (USD).
Motorbike: Always an option, but with the other options being so cheap and easy, especially for naps, why bother?
A Day Tour: A guided day tour can be a great option to optimize time and avoid the stress of trying to navigate your way there and back.
Things to Do: Bike rides, boat rides, temples and pagodas
You can find more information on exploring Ninh Binh here!
The Best Guided Tour Options!
Evening of Day 3: Travel Hanoi —> Hoi An
On the evening of day 3, you will travel to Hoi An. You have 2 options for traveling between the two.
Option 1: Plane
Since you are coming from Hanoi, I recommend taking a flight, which usually costs between 26-60 USD. I recommend booking ahead of time for the most inexpensive prices. You will fly into Da Nang International Airport (DAD). From there, you can book a cheap 35-minute transport through your Hoi An accommodation or 12GoAsia (around 3 USD).
If you choose to fly, you can always fly into Hoi An the following morning of day 4, depending on which you prefer.
Option 2: Sleeper Bus/Train
These are a cheap option throughout the country of Vietnam. 12GoAsia has the best options for booking, as always!
The journey by bus is over 13 hours, so with only 7 days in Vietnam, I recommend opting for an overnight sleeper bus if you prefer traveling by land.
The train is around 16 hours and will come into the nearby city of Da Nang. From Da Nang, you can book a cheap 35-minute transport through your Hoi An accommodation or 12GoAsia (around 3 USD).
Day 4: Hoi An
Begin your day in Hoi An by exploring the charming yellow streets of Old Town as you head over to the central market. You can find food, beverages, jewelry, chopsticks, trinkets, etc. I recommend heading here early in the day for the freshest options and the smallest crowd. The morning is also ideal for some incredible photo moments.
Market Hours: 6:00 A.M. - Evening
After the market, explore as many heritage sites as you like. For 120,000 VND (less than 5 USD), access five of Hoi An’s heritage buildings. Tickets are valid for 24 hours.
Examples of Heritage Sites:
Assembly Halls: The Fujian Assembly Hall, the Cantonese Assembly Hall, the Teochew Assembly Hall, the Hainan Assembly Hall, the Chinese Assembly Hall
Japanese Covered Bridge: This is one of the symbols of Hoi An. Sadly this bridge was closed off and under construction when I visited January 2024.
Old Houses: Tan Ky House, the Quan Thang House, the Phung Hung House, Duc An Old House, Tran Family Chapel
Museums: Museum of Folk Culture, Museum of Sa Huynh Culture
Quan Cong Temple
Take a lunch break by heading into one of the many local Vietnamese restaurants to try Cau Lao noodles, Hoi An’s signature noodle dish with thick rice noodles, greens, crunchy crouton-like pieces, and usually pork. This dish is a must-try!
Vegan Cau Lao Option: V Vegan - Vegan Cafe & Restaurant — I ate at this spot almost every day while I was in Hoi An
After lunch…
Continue exploring heritage sites or shop around in the Old Town, known for its silk and tailoring. Visit a local shop for handwoven silks or custom-tailored outfits.
Stop by a coffee shop like The Espresso Station, hidden in a small alley. I enjoyed their coffee ice cubes—frozen cubes of coffee with steamed plant-based milk, a unique and tasty experience.
As the sun sets, head to the Thu Bon River. Whether you choose a riverside bar, a boat ride, or simply sitting by the water, the sunset over Hoi An’s ancient buildings and vibrant boats is a picture-perfect moment. This is when Hoi An truly becomes magical.
Once the sun has set, head over to the lively waterfront Night Market. It is filled with stalls selling food, souvenirs, jewelry, clothing, and more. Stop by the river to make a wish with one of the small colorful lanterns (10,000 VND) and watch it sail down amongst the wooden boats and other floating lanterns that make the river glow.
Market Hours: 5:00 P.M. to 11:00 P.M.
You can find a more detailed 1-day Hoi An itinerary here!
Day 5: Day Trip to Hue or Ba Na Hills
From Hoi An, there are two incredible day trips I recommend taking advantage of! If you are looking for a more exhilarating day, with beautiful views and photo moments, then Ba Na Hills is for you. However, if the weather is not on your side, you can venture to Hue instead—another beautiful and historic city close to Hoi An.
#1: Ba Na Hills—The Famous Golden Bridge
A clear day.... (courtesy of Unsplash since I was not lucky enough for a clear day).
A cloudy day...
Ba Na Hills hosts the iconic and Instgrammable 150-meter-long golden pedestrian bridge that appears to be held up by two massive stone hands. The bridge has an incredible view over the Annamite Mountains. Take a scenic cable car ride to the park, where you can enjoy the stunning Golden Bridge along with gardens, statues, parks, restaurants, roller coasters, and indoor amusement parks.
Entrance Fee: 21.95 USD for the entrance ticket alone.
Distance from Hoi An: 55 KM
Best Way To Get Here: You can drive here via motorbike, but you need to be a confident driver since the drive is just under 2 hours. If driving is not for you, you can always hire a taxi or take a guided tour that includes transportation. Here, you will find the best-guided tour option available.
Pro Tips: Don't go if it is cloudy, rainy, or foggy—the views will be nonexistent. There is a camera at the entrance that shows the park's weather. If it looks foggy, trust the footage and visit another day. The park is 1,500 meters (4,900 feet) high, so be aware of altitude sickness.
#2: Hue—A Historical City
Distance from Hoi An: 121 KM (Around 2.45 hours)
Hue, previously the capital of Vietnam from 1802 to 1945, is renowned for its UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Imperial City, and its well-preserved ancient structures throughout. The city is colorful, traditional, and surrounded by walls and moats. A day trip to Hue is the perfect break from the crowds in Hoi An, to escape to a timeless and serene area. You can find one of the best guided tours from Hoi An, here!
The evening of Day 5: Travel Hoi An —> Dalat
On the evening of day 5, you will travel to Dalat. You have two options for traveling between the two.
Option 1: Plane
In my opinion, the best option for traveling from Hoi An to Dalat is by plane. It is the fastest transport option between the two (1 hour and 10 minutes) and, if booked on the right day, can be just as inexpensive as a sleeper bus. Dalat’s airport, Lien Khuong International Airport (DLI), is only 29 KM from the city center. Although Hoi An does not have an airport, its neighboring city, Da Nang, has an international airport (DAD) just under 30 KM from Hoi An. This is the same airport you would have flown into from Hanoi!
Flights are usually around 50 to 80 (USD) but can increase during high season, so definitely book ahead!
Option 2: Bus / Shared Van
These are popular options throughout Vietnam, but with only 7 days, they are not very efficient. To book travel throughout Asia, I always use 12GoAsia. They list nearly every company that runs sleeper buses throughout Vietnam, allowing you to pick the cheapest and most efficient options.
The journey via sleeper bus is over 600 km and takes anywhere from 12-15 hours. The bus can cost as little as 20 USD for a basic bed arrangement and up to 50 USD for more comfortable sleeping options. Many of them come equipped with USB charging ports, curtains for privacy, personal AC vents, a blanket, a water bottle, and a pillow.
You can head here for a detailed overview of traveling between Dalat and Hoi An.
Day 6: Dalat
Stop #1: Canyoning
One of the top things to do in Dalat is to join in on the adventurous sport of canyoning. This sport is not for the faint of heart. Imagine repelling down waterfall ledges while securely restrained by a rope tied at the top, ziplining across cascading waterfalls, sliding down natural waterslides, and repelling in and out of waterfalls…It was an adventurous day, to say the least, mostly filled with me trying to talk myself off the ledge (literally). But - I do recommend giving this experience a chance since Dalat is renowned for it!
The best way to experience this adventure is with a guided tour that handles everything, including pick up and drop off back in Dalat. I went with this experience. I highly recommend it! They were informative, friendly, and reassuring. It includes all of the gear you need for the day as well.
Pickup Time: 8:00 AM in Dalat
Duration: 6-ish Hours
Group Size: Max 6 people
Bonus: There are Alpine Coasters you can ride in the park as well!
STOP #2-3: THE FRENCH QUARTER, coffee, & the Crazy house
Aside from Dalat’s ideal place in nature, the city is also known for its coffee and French architecture. Get a glimpse of this in Dalat’s French Quarter by wandering its’ streets and stopping in Dreamers Home and Coffee for a tasty coffee or smoothie or one of the many other cafes in the area.
Next is Dalat Crazy House, a whimsical and funky spot, featuring imaginative architecture reminiscent of a children’s storybook. It is a unique and fun place to explore, even as an adult, venturing through rooms, stairs, tunnels, and more! You only need an hour or so to explore the grounds.
Hours: 8:30 AM - 6:00 P.M.
Entry Fee: 80,000 VND for adults | 30,000 VND for children
STOP #4: CATCH THE SUNSET!
To complete your Dalat itinerary, head to either Tuyen Lam Lake or Trai Mat for a beautiful sunset over Dalat.
Tuyen Lam Lake is located further from Dalat Center but offers a more scenic sunset over a beautiful lake surrounded by trees. To get here, you will need to rent a motorbike or hire a Grab or Gojek for the journey. The drive is 15 minutes or so.
For Trai Mat, choose a spot near Xóm Lèo Đà Lạt to enjoy a surreal sunset from higher up and a view of Dalat lit up once the sunsets. This spot is a 10-minute drive from Dalat Center. You can find more information on this spot here!
STOP #5: HEAD TO THE NIGHT MARKET
The Dalat night market is massive, offering an intriguing array of street food, souvenirs, clothing, fresh produce, and more. Located on Nguyen Thi Minh Khai Street, it operates from 5:00 PM until late.
Evening of Day 6: Dalat —> Ho Chi Minh City
On the evening of day 6, you will travel to your final destination, Ho Chi Minh City. This city has an international airport perfect for flying home or to fly onwards. You have two options for traveling between the two.
Option 1: Plane
Both Dalat and Ho Chi Minh City have airports within them. The flight is 55 minutes and only cost around 30-50 USD.
Option 2: Sleeper Bus
Since I had more time, I chose the sleeper bus for traveling between Dalat and Ho Chi Minh City. Travel times vary, but I chose the 5-hour bus ride. I paid around 15 USD via 12GoAsia (what else is new). They list nearly every company that runs sleeper buses throughout Vietnam, allowing you to pick the cheapest and most efficient options.
Day 7: Ho Chi Minh City
Welcome to the final day of your Vietnam 7-day itinerary! It has been an incredible but busy week. For your final day, I recommend visiting the Cu Chi Tunnels, a network of tunnels used as hiding spots during combat during the Vietnam War. The tunnels are only 1 hour from the city and can be easily done with a day tour or by renting a bike and heading there yourself. Being short on time, I recommend choosing this half-day tour for ease and efficiency.
If you prefer to stay in the city, you can:
Try a street food-tasting tour.
Join a FREE Walking Tour.
Book a ticket for the AO show.
Visit the War Remnants Museum.
Watch a water puppet show.
Explore Independent Palace.
Cruise the Saigon River.
Explore Cao Dai Temple.
Send a postcard from Saigon Central Post Office.
Visit Notre Dame Cathedral of Saigon.
Shop at Ben Thanh Market.
Cruise the Mekong River Delta.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Vietnam Safe?
Yes, most definitely. I traveled some of Vietnam alone until my boyfriend arrived ten days later. Many backpackers and digital nomads pass through Vietnam, so you will meet plenty of people. As always, follow common travel safety practices:
Always check vaccination requirements and travel advisories, and practice food and water cleanliness/safety. Do not drink tap water in Southeast Asia.
Be aware of travel scams and know how much things should cost.
Secure valuables.
BE CAREFUL DRIVING.
Emergency Contact Numbers: Fire: 114 | Police: 113 | Ambulance: 115
Never travel without the right insurance in case of any sickness, injuries, or theft. Safety Wing is by far the best travel insurance. It has saved me numerous times by covering hospital visits when I was sick during my travels in Asia.
Are there Vegan Food Options in Vietnam?
Hanoi:
Hoi An:
V Vegan - Vegan Cafe & Restaurant (A Fav!)
Chickpea Eatery (Cooking Classes Offered Here)
The Espresso Station (Yummy Speciality Coffee Drinks)
Banh Mi Phuong: (A Bonus for my Non-Vegan Friends)
Dalat:
Pro Tip: Most places offer tofu in tomato sauce and fresh spring rolls, so you should be able to find something wherever you go.
For more info. about traveling to Vietnam, including visas, currency, weather, and more, check out this essential travel guide out!