Embarking on 7 days in Vietnam offers an exhilarating taste of this Southeast Asian jewel, where colonial history, ancient traditions, and natural wonders collide. In just one week, you’ll traverse from the bustling streets of Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) in the south to the misty karsts of Hạ Long Bay in the north—sampling world-famous street food, exploring UNESCO World Heritage sites, and soaking up vibrant local culture along the way.
Why Choose 7 Days in Vietnam?
Planning a 7 days in Vietnam itinerary is about maximizing experiences while minimizing logistics headaches. Here’s why a week is the perfect duration:
- Geographic Diversity in One Week: Cover two major cities (Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi), a UNESCO heritage town (Hội An), and the world-renowned beauty of Hạ Long Bay without cramming or rushing.
- Balanced Pace: Seven days allow for immersive experiences—street-food tours, cooking classes, and boutique-hotel stays—without exhausting travel days.
- Cost and Time Efficiency: By clustering destinations geographically, you reduce transport times and costs, making the most of your limited vacation days.
- Iconic & Authentic: Hit Vietnam’s biggest draws (Cu Chi Tunnels, Ancient Town, bay cruises) while weaving in homestays, local markets, and hidden gems.
Essential Planning for Your 7 Days in Vietnam
Before diving into the day-by-day breakdown, lay the groundwork with these key considerations.
Entry & Exit Points
- Arrival: Fly into Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN) for southern access.
- Departure: Depart from Nội Bài International Airport (HAN) in Hanoi to maximize your week.
Visa & Entry Requirements
- E-Visa: Apply online up to 90 days in advance for a 30-day single entry.
- Visa-On-Arrival: Requires pre-approval letter; process at SGN or HAN with minimal fees.
Booking Transport
- Domestic Flights: VietJet, Bamboo Airways, Vietnam Airlines connect SGN ↔ DAD ↔ HAN. Book 6–8 weeks ahead for best deals.
- Trains & Buses: Consider an overnight train from Hue to Hanoi if extending beyond this 7-day route.
- Private Transfers: For shorter hops (Hội An ↔ Da Nang), shuttle services and private cars can save time.
When to Go
- Dry Season: December–April offers mild temperatures and minimal rain—a sweet spot for 7 days in Vietnam.
- Shoulder Seasons: March–May and September–October balance crowds and weather.
- Avoid Central Typhoon Season: September–November can bring heavy storms around Đà Nẵng/Hội An.
Your 7-Day Vietnam Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival & Ho Chi Minh City Highlights
Morning:
- Land at SGN, clear customs, buy a local SIM (Viettel/Mobifone for ≈₫200,000).
- Transfer to your District 1 hotel via GrabCar (≈₫200,000).
Afternoon:
- War Remnants Museum: Allocate 1–1.5 hours to understand Vietnam’s modern history.
- Notre-Dame Cathedral & Central Post Office: Admire French colonial architecture just across from each other.
- Reunification Palace: Tour the restored rooms where the Vietnam War ended.
Evening:
- Street-Food Crawl: Sample bánh mì, phở bò, and gỏi cuốn around Ben Thanh Market.
- Sky Deck at Bitexco Tower: Catch sunset views over Saigon’s skyline.
Insider Tip: Download GrabBike to zip through traffic; always carry small bills for street stalls.
Day 2: Cu Chi Tunnels & Mekong Delta Day Trip
Full-Day Tour (7:00 AM–6:00 PM):
- Cu Chi Tunnels (2½ hours): Crawl through safer tunnel sections, view trapdoors, and learn guerrilla-war tactics.
- Mỹ Tho & Mekong Delta (3½ hours): Boat ride on the Tiền River, visit coconut-candy workshops, taste tropical fruits, and enjoy a traditional music show on a local islet.
Tour Inclusions: Lunch of fresh fish, rice, and local dishes.
Tip: Wear loose clothing and closed-toe shoes for tunnel tours.
Day 3: Fly to Hội An & Ancient Town Exploration
Morning:
- Early flight SGN → Đà Nẵng (1h 20m), transfer by taxi to Hội An Ancient Town (45 min).
Afternoon:
- UNESCO Hội An Ancient Town:
- Wander lantern-lit streets and shop for silk lanterns.
- Cross the Japanese Covered Bridge.
- Visit Chinese assembly halls and Japanese merchant houses.
Evening:
- Riverside Dinner: Savor cao lầu noodles or white-rose dumplings overlooking the Thu Bồn River.
- Lantern-Release Ceremony: Float a paper lantern for luck and take iconic photographs.
Day 4: Hội An Immersion – Tailoring & Cooking Class
Morning (9:00 AM):
- Tailor-Made Clothes: Choose fabrics, get measured along Nguyễn Thái Học Street; return in 24–48 hours for custom garments.
Late Morning (11:00 AM):
- Cooking Class & Market Tour: Learn to cook spring rolls, bánh xèo, and herbal salads at a local home-style venue; shop for ingredients at the central market.
Afternoon (2:00 PM):
- An Bàng Beach: Relax on sun loungers; sample fresh seafood at beachside cafés.
- Optional Biking: Cycle through rice paddies and local villages for authentic countryside views.
Day 5: Transfer to Hanoi & Old Quarter Cultural Sights
Morning:
- Fly DAN → HAN (1h 20m), taxi to Old Quarter (≈₫300,000).
Midday:
- 36 Ancient Streets Walking Tour: Sample egg coffee at Café Giảng; shop for traditional crafts.
Afternoon:
- Hoàn Kiếm Lake & Ngọc Sơn Temple: Serene lakeside stroll.
- Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum Complex: Visit the Mausoleum, Presidential Palace, and Uncle Ho’s Stilt House.
- Temple of Literature: Vietnam’s first university (1070) and Confucian shrine.
Evening:
- Water-Puppet Show: Book 6:00 or 8:00 PM at Thang Long Theatre.
Day 6: Hạ Long Bay Overnight Cruise
Early Morning:
- Hotel pickup at 8:00 AM for 3.5-hour drive to Hạ Long City.
Cruise (2D/1N):
- Junk Boat Options: Budget cabins to premium suites; include sunset squid-fishing, cave visits (Sung Sot), kayaking, and Tai Chi on deck.
- Meals: Seafood lunch, dinner, and breakfast on board.
Tip: Pack swimwear, dry bag, and sunscreen. Confirm shuttle return to Hanoi.
Day 7: Return to Hanoi & Departure
Morning on the Bay:
- Light breakfast; optional visit to Ti Top Island for panoramic photos.
Late Morning:
- Disembark by 10:30 AM; transfer back to Hanoi (arrive ≈3:00 PM).
Afternoon:
- Last-Minute Shopping: Pick up silk lanterns, conical hats, and local spices in the Old Quarter.
- Street-Food Finale: Enjoy bún chả or chè sweet soups.
Evening Departure:
- Head to Nội Bài Airport for late-night or red-eye flights; allow 2 hours for traffic.
Practical Travel Tips for 7 Days in Vietnam
Visa Requirements
- E-Visa: Available online for many nationalities; apply 4 weeks prior.
- Embassy Visa or VOA: For longer stays or multi-entry needs.
Money & Payments
- Currency: Vietnamese đồng (₫).
- ATMs: Ubiquitous in cities; fees apply.
- Cash: Essential for street stalls and local markets.
Connectivity
- SIM Cards: Viettel or Mobifone; 4–6 GB for ≈₫200,000.
- Wi-Fi: Found in cafés, hotels, and restaurants.
Health & Safety
- Water: Drink bottled or filtered; avoid ice from unverified sources.
- Food: Choose busy vendors—higher turnover equals fresher dishes.
- Traffic: Motorbike chaos—cross streets steadily, obey pedestrian lights.
- Insurance: Cover medical evacuation, adventure sports, and trip delays.
Cultural Etiquette
- Temples: Cover shoulders and knees; remove shoes.
- Photography: Ask permission before shooting locals.
- Greetings: A nod or slight bow; “xin chào” (hello), “cảm ơn” (thank you).
Packing Checklist for Your 7 Days in Vietnam
| Category | Items |
| Documents | Passport, e-visa printout, travel insurance, flight info |
| Clothing | Quick-dry shirts, lightweight pants, rain jacket, swimwear |
| Footwear | Comfortable walking shoes, sandals |
| Tech | Power bank, universal adapter, smartphone with offline maps |
| Toiletries | Sunscreen, insect repellent, personal meds, basic first aid |
| Extras | Reusable water bottle, dry bag, quick-dry towel |
Seven days in Vietnam deliver a perfect microcosm of the country’s vibrant tapestry— from the frenetic energy of Ho Chi Minh City to the ethereal beauty of Hạ Long Bay, from centuries-old streets in Hội An to Hanoi’s lakeside serenity. This 7 days in Vietnam itinerary, complete with daily plans, insider tips, and practical advice, ensures you make every moment count.
Armed with this guide, you can confidently navigate transport, savor local flavors, and immerse yourself in unforgettable experiences. Pack your bags, prepare your senses, and get ready for the adventure of a lifetime. Safe travels!
See more post: Vietnam Itinerary 2025: Perfect 10-, 14-, or 21-Day Adventure Routes
