Vietnam is one of the most diverse countries you can travel to in order to broaden your experiences.
Read on to explore the cultural tapestry and geographical diversities that you can discover in Vietnam with this carefully crafted Vietnam 7-day itinerary. From the serene waters of Hạ Long Bay and the historic charm of Hoi An to the immersive energy of Ho Chi Minh City, countless surprises and encounters with the country’s history, architecture, and natural wonders will make your week-long adventure unforgettable. Whether you’re eager to explore world-renowned cuisines, visit ancient temples, or wander through lush countryside landscapes, this trip is perfect for you.
These itinerary mixes must-see spots with hidden gems, making it ideal for both first timers and repeat visitors. You’ll experience the big sights without missing the country’s unique vibe. Buckle up for an unforgettable journey through this Southeast Asian jewel, paced just right to create memories that will last a lifetime.
Why Should Vietnam Be Your Next Destination?
Vietnam is one of Southeast Asia’s top destinations for backpackers as well as regular tourists. Rich in its culture, and culinary experiences, this country offers UNESCO-listed breathtaking beaches, and holiday tour packages. Vietnam is also considered to be the cheapest country in Southeast Asia for travelers. Here is why Vietnam should be your next holiday destination. Vietnam checks all the boxes for being a very hospitable and culturally diverse country.
Budget Destinations: The cost of travelling in Vietnam is very cheap, as accommodations, public transport, and affordable food options are abundant. Vietnam costs around $25 to $40 per day for each individual according to most travelers. With a well-curated Vietnam 7-day itinerary, it will cost you very less compared to other tourist destinations in the world.
Backpacker’s Paradise: The diverse landscape and rich culture of Vietnam combined with cheap and affordable hostels and hotels are the perfect destination for backpackers. Vietnam is also one of the friendliest countries and as a tourist you will feel pretty safe and welcoming.
Diverse Natural Beauty: No two tourist destinations in Vietnam are alike. From Hạ Long Bay to Hue Imperial City, the diversity in the tourist attractions will leave no room for a dull moment. Along with having insta-worthy places like the Hanoi train street, it also has vast hidden gems like Nha Trang, and Mekong Delta where you can experience the traditional ways of Vietnamese livelihood.
Flavorful Local Food & Lifestyle: The local food in Vietnam is packed with flavors and uses local ingredients and mix it with traditional cooking methods and you will be served pots of wonders. Some of the famous local dishes include ún bò Huế Beef Noodles, Bánh cuốn, rice vermicelli with crab, Pho and Banh mi. These are only the start. You should definitely try versions of same dishes in different regions in Vietnam. You can also get good vegan-friendly food in the main cities like Saigon.
World-famous Beaches: The tropical beaches of Nha Trang, Da Nong, and Mui Ne are perfect for spending a couple of days in serene beaches, and you can also enjoy different landscapes and enjoy beaches. At Ha long, you get great nightlife as well as beaches nearby. For more rural locations abound with beauty and serenity, choose Da Nang, offering secluded coves, blue waters, white sands, vibrant corals, and breathtaking sunsets.
Are 7 Days Enough for A Hanoi & Danang Tour?
Vietnam is a country that is so diverse in offering varying landscapes, while 7 days are not enough to explore every region, but just enough to build you an enjoyable itinerary with glimpses of the beautiful country. If you have a week in your hand, set on a trip of adventure and experiencing culture. If this is your first time travelling, 7 days is a good start, for experiencing the different food and culture.
Importance of Planning Ahead
You need to plan your trip, way ahead of your time, as Vietnam is a large country. Plan your route and your journey accordingly. To plan your Vietnam trip, you must arrange travel documents and craft an itinerary best suited to your interests and the region you want to explore.
Once you decide on the route of your travel, you will have to plan your accommodation and transportations. The Northern part of Vietnam, including Hanoi city, is the perfect example of rich culture and breathtaking views. In central Vietnam, cities like Hue and Hoi An have historical cities full of architectural wonders.
In the south, you will see busy cities like Ho Chi Min with all different kinds of foods to explore, as well as the Mekong Delta where you can enjoy lush landscapes and floating markets.
You can either explore the Ho Chi Min city and the southern attraction like Binh Tuan, Con Dao, Phu Quoc, Can Tho · Chau Doc offers mesmerizing tourist spots, different types of local foods and warm people. You can also choose to spend your holidays in a relaxed manner in Nah Tarang staring at the emerald beaches like Doc Let Beach, and island-hopping Hon Tre Island, Hon Mun Island, Yang Bay Waterfall, Van Phong Bay, Diep Son Island. If you want a week away from hustle and bustle, enjoy a luxury spa and have a beach holiday in Nha Trang.
Vietnam Tour 7-Day Itinerary
If you are only going to be staying in Vietnam, for a week only, a well-planned itinerary will make sure the timing and the travel go smoothly. Your Vietnam tour can be customized on the basis of your preferences. Here is a Vietnam 7-day itinerary covering central and south Vietnam.
Day 1 & 2- Arriving & Starting the Journey in Hanoi
If you are landing at Hanoi International Airport, enjoy the first days of exploring the city. Explore the architectural wonders around the city. Imperial Citadel of Thang Long – A UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the most common attraction site here and a wondrous heritage of architecture and history.
Also, explore Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son followed by the Temple of Literature. The city of Hanoi also has a lot of local markets like Long Bien and Hang da, as well as cute coffee shops, and karaoke for enjoying your day.
If you have ample time in your itinerary, you can also do some sightseeing in Ninh Binh province on the second day. But this is optional as crunching all sights will be very difficult.
Day 3- Road Trip to Hạ Long Bay
Hạ Long Bay is around 172 km away from Hanoi and you can book a rental car or from Grab or taxi for a road trip for around 50 to 70 USD. Public transport like train and bus are also available in Hanoi. Hạ Long Bays beautiful Coastside should be on your list.
You can also pre-book for cruising on the sea and enjoy the night there. Also, you can explore the limestone caves and go for island hopping in Halong. The small islands can be visited by renting a car. Hạ Long Bay is a beautiful place that you must not miss out on during planning your Vietnam 7-day itinerary.
Day 4 & Day 5 – Travelling to Da Nang
It’s time to head to Da Nang, one of Vietnam’s most vibrant cities. On Day 4, you’ll mostly be traveling to Da Nang. Once you arrive, take it easy with an evening stroll to soak in the city’s vibe. On Day 5, start your day early and explore some of Da Nang’s highlights: the Marble Mountains, Ba Na Hills (don’t miss the famous Golden Bridge!), and the iconic Dragon Bridge. Since Da Nang is a coastal city, wrap up your day by catching a beautiful sunset at one of the beaches along the Son Tra Peninsula.
Day 6 – Visit The Ancient Hoi An City
On Day 6, take a short trip from Da Nang to Hoi An (it’s only about 30-45 minutes away). Spend the day wandering through Hoi An’s charming Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that mixes Vietnamese, Chinese, and Japanese influences. Check out the Japanese Covered Bridge, shop at local markets, and enjoy some delicious Vietnamese food by the riverside.
If you’re up for it, join a cooking class to learn how to make traditional dishes or rent a bike to explore the peaceful rice fields around town. You can also relax at An Bang Beach or take a boat ride along the Thu Bon River. For a bit of history, visit the My Son Sanctuary, an impressive site of ancient Cham ruins just a short drive away.
As evening falls, Hoi An transforms into a magical place with its lantern-lit streets. If you’re lucky, you might even catch the monthly Lantern Festival! After a full day of exploring, head back to Da Nang for the night.
Day 7- Exploring Da Nang Last Minute & Shopping
Kick off your last day in Vietnam with a chill morning at Cua Dai Beach or An Bang Beach near Hoi An. These spotless sandy stretches create the perfect vibe for you to unwind, catch some rays, and mull over your week of adventures. Grab lunch, then zip over to Da Nang for some final exploring or shopping.
You could check out the eye-catching Dragon Bridge, hunt for souvenirs at the buzzing Con Market, or squeeze in a quick trip to the jaw-dropping Marble Mountains. As the sun starts to dip, make tracks to Da Nang International Airport for your flight out. This laid-back wrap-up to your trip lets you soak up your last moments in Vietnam. You’ll strike a nice balance between chilling out and snagging any last keepsakes or experiences before waving goodbye to this mesmerizing country.
Tips for People Travelling to Vietnam for the First Time
In Southeast Asia, Vietnam is one of the friendliest countries and very open to foreigners. If it’s your first time in Vietnam, do not only eat restaurant foods but rather try street foods, small eateries, and cafes.
And choose the right timing, as Summers are not the peak season in this country because of humidity and heat. But the weather here varies a lot as the geography of the country leads to extremities. Simultaneously, it can be snowing in Sapa and blazing hot in Phu Quoc. Northern Vietnam has hot wet summer and cool dry winter whereas central Vietnam remains dry most of the year and the Southern area only has summer and monsoon mostly.
If you are coming for the first time, other than arranging airport cab or cab or rental taxi for long trip, you will find ample of public transport which is easily available and affordable. But if you are going to travel by public transport, be aware of public safety, as well as learn basic Vietnamese phrases for essential communications with locals.
Conclusion
If it’s your first time, take your time to enjoy the local ways and definitely visit the bustling markets. Even though Vietnam is a place for slow travel and steep yourself deep in the culture, you can definitely enjoy the varying landscapes and see the gems in and around Hanoi & Da Nang in a week.