Best Recommended 7 Days Vietnam Itinerary 2024
As busy travelers with a short trip in Vietnam, some desire to experience Vietnam thoroughly from North to South, while others wish to get a deeper insight into a specific Vietnam region for 1 week.
Let us show you the best Vietnam itinerary for 7 days to get a glimpse of this lovely country.
- Best for: All type travelers, especially first timers for a glance at Vietnam
- Recommended Budget: From US $600 per pax
- Destinations Visited: Hanoi, Halong Bay, Ho Chi Minh, Cu Chi Tunnels, and Mekong Delta
- Suggested Itinerary: Throughout Vietnam or inside out a specific region
- Transportation used: Car, Cruise, Local Boat, and Domestic Flight
Top Suggested Vietnam Itinerary 7 Days
With this one-week itinerary, you will learn more about Vietnam by witnessing the local life in Hanoi Old Quarter, admiring the mystical limestones on Halong Bay in the North, then traveling to the South to experience the hustle and bustle of Ho Chi Minh City, which is totally opposing to the serenity of Mekong Delta.
| Day | Highlights | Where to stay |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Walking around Hanoi Old Quarter | Hotel in Hanoi |
| Day 2 | Explore Hanoi and its historical sites | Hotel in Hanoi |
| Day 3 | Relax on Halong Bay overnight cruise | Halong Bay Cruise |
| Day 4 | Enjoy the bustling Ho Chi Minh City | Hotel in Ho Chi Minh |
| Day 5 | Uncover the Cu Chi Tunnels | Hotel in Ho Chi Minh |
| Day 6 | Discover the rich culture of the Mekong Delta | Hotel in Ho Chi Minh |
| Day 7 | End in Ho Chi Minh city |
Day 1: Venture around Hanoi Old Quarter
Being named “36 Old Street”, Hanoi Old Quarter is a must-see destination of the North due to its rich historical and cultural values from centuries. After being transferred to your hotel in Hanoi and doing some check-in procedures, you will have free time to explore this antique area by yourself.
Enjoy Vietnamese Cuisine In Hanoi Old Quarter
Recommend things to do:
- Watch an authentic interesting water puppet show at Thang Long Theater
- Enjoy a mysterious & meaningful night tour at Hoa Lo Prison
Find more interesting activities at Top 10 Things to Do in Hanoi Old Quarter.
If you are craving for Hanoi street food, day 1 is the perfect chance for you to go on the Hanoi Street Food Walking Tour.
Best places to stay:
- The most convenient - 1st choice for tourists: Hanoi Old Quarter
- Affordable 5-star hotels, only 10 mins from city center: Hanoi West Lake
| Hotel & Standard | Price from (r/n) | Address |
|---|---|---|
| HM Boutique (3-star) | $55 | No.3, Hang Dau St., Hoan Kiem Dist. |
| HanoiOi (3-star) | $55 | No. 30C, Ba Trieu St., Hoan Kiem Dist. |
| Tirant (4-star) | $95 | No.38, Gia Ngu St., Hoan Kiem Dist. |
| Hanoi Pearl (4-star) | $70 | No.6, Bao Khanh Alley, Hoan Kiem Dist. |
| Apricot (5-star) | $170 | No.136 Hang Trong St., Hoan Kiem Dist. |
| Peridot Grand (5-star) | $160 | No.33, Duong Thanh St., Hoan Kiem Dist. |
Day 2: Explore Hanoi And Its Iconic Sites
- Suggested budget: $45
Your second day is the time to explore Hanoi city, one of the most ancient capitals in the world. As this is an over-1000-year-old city, the must visit places here are mostly historical sites with extremely reasonable entrance fees or totally free!
Hanoi's Essence Captured In Bustling Serenity
Recommended attractions:
Temple of Literature
Temple of Literature, the first Vietnam national university was built nearly 1000 years ago during the Ly Dynasty and had been the highest educational facility until the 1700s. Nowadays, this place is one of the most important relics, a temple to worship the most excellent teachers in Vietnam's history and a symbol of national education which honors the best Vietnamese students annually.
- Address: No.58, Quoc Tu Giam St., Dong Da Dist., HN
- Ticket: 30,000 VND/person (~ US $1.2)
- Opening hours: 08:00 - 17:00
Temple Of Literature The First University Of Vietnam
- Before the national entrance exam - the most important one after 12 years of general education, many students come here to wish for achievements.
One Pillar Pagoda
Was built in 1049, after a mysterious dream of King Ly Thai Tong seeing Lady Guanyin (a god in Buddhism) sitting on the lotus. A Buddhist helped the king to design the pagoda based on his dream. And that is the reason why this Buddhist temple has impressive unique architecture that looks like a lotus blossom - the national flower of Vietnam.
- Address: Chua Mot Cot St., Ba Dinh Dist., HN
- Ticket: NA
- Opening hours: 07:00 - 18:00
Take Pictures With The Unique One Pillar Pagoda
- One Pillar Pagoda is extremely tiny (only 9m2). It is suggested that you shouldn’t try to get inside, just admire its special beauty from outside.
Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum
Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum is where Vietnam's greatest leader rested in peace. But it’s not a simple mausoleum to worship and memorize Ho Chi Minh. This place is actually a huge complex with a museum, relics, and gardens where you can learn clearly about Vietnam history, also life and thoughts of Ho Chi Minh.
- Address: No. 1, Hung Vuong St., Ba Dinh Dist., HN
- Ticket: 25,000 VND/person (~ US $1)
- Opening hours: 07:00 - 17:00
Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum Holds Great Renown Among Visitors To Hanoi
Tran Quoc Pagoda
Among hundreds of temples in this city, the precious value of Tran Quoc Pagoda is its wonderful location (right on the West Lake) with an outstanding view and it’s the oldest Buddhist Pagoda in Hanoi. This place is one of the top religious sites here which is always full of people who come to worship and pray on the 1st & 15th monthly (Lunar Calendar) and also during important dates such as Tet Holiday or Buddhist ceremonies.
- Address: No. 46, Thanh Nien St., Tay Ho Dist., HN
- Ticket: Free
- Opening hours: 07:30 - 17:30
Tran Quoc Pagoda - Famous For Its Profound Cultural And Buddhist Significance
- Have a cup of coffee or a glass of smoothie and enjoy the stunning sunset at the West Lake
- Try Pho Cuon (Fresh Rolling Pho) & Pho Chien Phong (Fried Pho Noodle) at Ngu Xa St. near West Lake
For those who are nervous about exploring Hanoi yourself, you should refer to the best Hanoi tours and get a tour guide to support you carefully.
Day 3: Relax on Halong Bay Cruise
- Suggested budget: from $125/ person/ 2d1n cruise package
Halong Bay is a World Heritage Site famous for its breathtaking natural beauty. The best way to admire the significant landscape here is having a Halong Bay cruise for at least a 2-day-1-night itinerary. This is the only way that you can enjoy the bay inside out by exploring limestone islands, discovering hidden caves, and visiting fishing villages.
Halong Bay - Renowned As A Tourist Paradise In The North
Recommended activities:
- Outdoor activities: kayaking, swimming, visit floating village
- Onboard activities: relaxing on sundeck, doing Tai-Chi/Vovinam exercise, joining cooking class
- Better price is available for the low season from May to August
- The best kayaking experience should be accompanied with waterproof shoes or simply a pair of flip-flop
- A 5-star cruise usually includes fine-dining dinner, make sure to prepare an elegant gown for a more gorgeous Insta time
- Proposal on a Halong catamaran is definitely a top trend!
Day 4: Say Hello to The Unsleeping Ho Chi Minh City
As the 2d1n cruise in Halong usually ends at around 11.30 am - 12.00 pm, the soonest time you arrive at the airport for a flight to HCMC is around 3.00 pm
Most tourists land in Ho Chi Minh late at night. But don’t worry, if you aren’t tired after a long time transferring both by road and airway, you can still enjoy a little bit of this crowded city.
Being considered a never-sleeping city, Ho Chi Minh is the most dynamic urban area of the South. Therefore, if you are strong enough, you can experience this amazing city from dusk to dawn.
Ho Chi Minh City Boasts A Variety Of Cultural And Historical Attractions
Recommended nightlife activities:
- Late-night dinner at Ho Thi Ky night market - the most delightful place for street suppers in HCMC
- Get high at Bui Vien St. - a tourist’s top pick for nightlife activities full of excitement
Best places to stay: District 1 & 3
| Hotel & Standard | Price from (r/n) | Address |
|---|---|---|
| Avanti (3-star) | $60 | No. 186, Le Thanh Ton St., Dist. 1 |
| Blue Diamond (3-star) | $65 | No. 6, Thi Sach St., Dist. 1 |
| Eden (4-star) | $90 | No.38, Bui Thi Xuan St., Dist. 1 |
| Harmony (4-star) | $82 | No.34, Bui Thi Xuan St., Dist. 1 |
| Majestic (5-star) | $170 | No.1, Dong Khoi St., Dist. 1 |
- Change D-3 itinerary into Halong Bay day cruise instead of the 2d1n option and take a flight to HCMC right that night, you will have a full-day experience in Ho Chi Minh City on D-4 and your D-5 won’t be rushed.
Day 5: Uncover the Cu Chi Tunnels
- Suggested budget: $100
It is recommended that you should wake up early for this day so you can spend half day exploring Cu Chi Tunnels and the other half for a city tour in HCMC.
The Cu Chi Tunnels - a top search for must-visit in Saigon, located 55 km to the south of the city. During the Vietnam War, Viet Cong soldiers employed these tunnel networks in the past, and they played a significant role in their resistance to American forces.
You may go down inside the gloomy, stuffy, and cramped tunnels, and see how people lived during the war.
- Location: Phu Hiep, Cu Chi, HCMC
- Opening hours: 07:00 - 17:00
- Ticket price: 110,000 VND/ person (~ US $4.5)
Cu Chi Tunnels - Built By Local Residents And Soldiers From 1946 To 1968
- Visit reenactment areas: witness the life of soldiers and local people in Cu Chi in the 1940s, which is represented by wax figures
- Try shooting guns: you have a chance to hold a real AK-47 or M16 under the instruction of the staff here from US $2/ 60 mins per person. Be noted that this activity is only for adults above 16.
In the afternoon, to visit some iconic places in Ho Chi Minh City, you should arrive at the city center around 1.00 pm.
If you want to explore Cu Chi Tunnels in a different way, try Luxury Cu Chi Tunnels Speedboat Tour.
Must-visit attractions:
Reunification Palace
This place saw one of the most treasured moments of Vietnam history - the last day of the Vietnam War and the country from North to South once again became one.
With a campus of up to 20,000m2 and a construction area of about 4,500m2, this was once the workplace and residence of the presidential family with full functionality (under Republic of Vietnam). After 1975, this place became a symbol of peace, unity and national independence.
- Address: Ben Thanh, Dist. 1, HCMC
- Ticket: 40,000 VND/ Adult (~ US $1.6), 20,000 VND/Child (~ US $0.8)
- Opening hours: 08:00 - 15:30
Reunification Palace Played A Significant Role In Vietnamese History
- As the garden here is huge (above 10,000m2) with many ancient trees and well-taken-cared, you can spend time enjoying the fresh air with greenery here and take some pictures of friendly wild birds and squirrels there.
War Remnants Museum
As one of the best museums in Vietnam which owns the largest number of war artifacts including over 20,000 documents, artifacts, and films (about 1500 among them are exhibited to tourists), the War Remnants Museum is definitely a must-visit in Ho Chi Minh City.
As this museum has many historical stories to tell, you should spend at least 1 hour there to have a brief and up to 4 hours to get them all. Please note that as some images and films might not be too violent for children, you should consider carefully before taking your kids here.
- Address: Ward 6, Dist. 3, HCMC
- Ticket: 40,000 VND/ Adult (~ US $1.6), 20,000 VND/Child (~ US $0.8)
- Opening hours: 07:30 - 17:30
War Remnants Museum - A Must-see Place For Tourists Interested In Vietnam's Past
Old Post Office & Saigon Notre Dame Cathedral
These 2 sites are right opposite to each other so you can do both at one visit. The attraction of these two destinations lies in their architecture inspired by the ancient style of Western Europe - mainly France - which is now making them become worth-for-check-in places. As the Cathedral is under huge renovation until 2027, you can only see it a little bit from outside, covered mostly by scaffolding.
- Address: Cong Xa Paris St., Ben Nghe, Dist. 1, HCMC
- Ticket: NA
- Opening hours: 08:00 - 16:00
Central Post Office Stands Out As One Of The Most Iconic Landmarks In Saigon
- The sightseeing double-decker bus start point is right outside the Post Office, you can have a tour with it right after visiting these sites.
Alternative activities for D-5:
- Admire the beauty of Saigon River while savoring the sumptuous meal on the Dinner Cruise on Saigon River for US $39/ pax.
- Immerse in the music and storytelling of A O Shoes for US $32/ person.
A O Show - Extraordinary Show Captures Vietnam's Culture And Beauty
Day 6: Discover The Rich Culture Of the Mekong Delta
The Mekong Delta is the area where the Mekong River meets and flows into the sea through a series of distributaries. In contrast to major cities' noisy and frantic life, coming to this region will give you a sense of calm in the countryside.
As the Mekong Delta is a huge area, for a day trip, the best option is doing a tour to My Tho & Ben Tre at only $50/person.
Visit Cai Rang Floating Market In Mekong Delta
Recommend things to do:
- Take a boat trip along Ham Luong River
- Visit the local coconut candy factory (a typical specialty of Ben Tre), observe the making process and have a taste
- Try a short ride with ‘Xe Loi’ - a type of motorized rickshaw
- Rest and enjoy some fresh air on a relaxing sampan trip along narrow canals covered by authentic water coconut trees
For those cannot decide what to do to explore Mekong Delta, let's take a look at the Insight Mekong Delta Day Trip from Saigon.
- Don’t forget to buy coconut candy - a perfect gift for sweet-tooth families and friends (only from around $1- 2/pack); also, other products from coconut here are worth souvenirs
- Fish lovers shouldn’t miss the deep-fried elephant-ear fish - a classic delicacy in the Mekong River area with delightful taste and an interesting way to enjoy
Day 7: End in Ho Chi Minh City
It is the final day of your 7 days in Vietnam, so you may relax at the hotel or go shopping for souvenirs on this day. So, take your time to wander around before the check-out.
Wander Around Ho Chi Minh City
- If you want to spend more time in the Mekong Delta or visit Cai Rang floating market, just extend your trip there to D-7 and book a late departure flight from HCMC (from 9 pm) so you can make it!
- Let's check our recommendation for Vietnam Tour 7 days and enjoy 1 week in Vietnam to the fullest
Alternative Choices for 1 Week in Vietnam
North Vietnam 1 Week: Off The Beaten Path
Joining this adventure to the mountainous areas of North Vietnam, you will spend 7 days getting into ethnic cultures and venturesome trekking routes. This northern Vietnam one-week itinerary features the trek in Hoang Su Phi and Ba Be National Park, along with the kayak in Ba Be Lake.
Recommend 1 Week Itinerary in North Vietnam
Recommended itinerary:
| Day | Highlights | Where to stay |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 - 3 | Trekking in Hoang Su Phi | Hotel & Homestay in Hoang Su Phi |
| Day 4 | Discover Dong Van & Meo Vac | Homestay in Dong Van & Ba Be |
| Day 5 - 7 | Ba Be National Park exploration | Homestay in Ba Be |
For any further interest, the Off The Beaten Track Northeast Vietnam 7 days always awaits you on a new adventure.
Central Vietnam 1 Week: Hoi An Discovery
Coming to the Central, you can admire the tranquility of Hoi An Ancient Town, experience a day as a farmer at Tra Que vegetable village, and learn about the unique culture of Champa ruins. On the last two days, you should take advantage of relaxation on the An Bang beach.
Recommend 1 Week Itinerary In Central Vietnam
Recommended itinerary:
| Day | Highlights | Where to stay |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 - 2 | Join Farming Activities At Tra Que Village | Homestay in Tra Que Village |
| Day 3 | My Son Sanctuary & Champa Culture | Hotel in Hoi An |
| Day 4 - 5 | Hoi An Ancient Town Discovery | Hotel in Hoi An |
| Day 6 - 7 | Spend Leisure Time On An Bang Beach | Hotel in Hoi An |
For a deep discovery of the central, let's engage in Hoi An Surrounding And Beach Break in Central Vietnam 7 days at BestPrice Travel.
South Vietnam 1 Week: Saigon City & Beach Relaxation
For those in search of an active trip to big cities and pristine beaches, this itinerary will give you a glimpse of Saigon in 3 days and Phu Quoc Island for the rest. Besides, you can try crawling through the underground tunnels at Cu Chi and visit floating markets in Mekong Delta.
Recommend 1 Week Itinerary In South Vietnam
Recommended itinerary:
| Day | Highlights | Where to stay |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 - 2 | Explore The Underground Cu Chi Tunnels | Hotel in Ho Chi Minh city |
| Day 3 | Get an insight into local life at Mekong Delta | Hotel in Ho Chi Minh city |
| Day 4 - 7 | Enjoy beach relaxation on Mui Ne Beach | Resort in Mui Ne |
Let's follow our Saigon and Mui Ne Relaxation 7-day tour and enjoy it to the fullest!
All in all, you will have a variety of choices to cross Vietnam in only 1 week. For more detailed plans, let's contact us for the best Vietnam tour packages!
BestPrice Travel
(Image source: Internet)
Questions & Answers (10)
Do you have any 7-day itinerary that covers North and Central Vietnam?
Hi! We believe this itinerary is just for you: Vietnam at A Glance 7 Days - only from $688/person.
Hello, can you suggest some best things to do for travelers during Tet holiday in Hanoi? will restaurants, supermarkets and shops open this time of year?
Hi! It is recommended that you shouldn't travel Vietnam during Tet Holiday as most of services close in a few days, you don't have many choices for services and everything is super expensive.
There're not many things to do in Hanoi during Tet holiday. Fortunately, these years, many street vendors and convenient stores in the Old Quarter are opened during Tet Holiday. Also, there are many interesting things to do right before Tet Holiday here as the city is much crowded than normal, just wandering around the Old Quarter is so excited. You also can spend time visiting a Tet flower market to see how locals prepare for Tet. Besides, the countdown events at Sword Lake or in front of Hanoi Opera House are fantastic!
Hello, I will travel to Vietnam next year for 2 weeks and 4 last days of our trip are in Lunar New Year. Will the price for transfers go up this time?
Hi! As services are limited during Lunar New Year time in Vietnam, the price for everything is much higher (and more difficult to find service suppliers). We suggest you should avoid this time when plan for your trip to Vietnam.
we are planning our family holiday this year but don't know when to travel is the best. can you suggest a suitable time to visit North and Central Vietnam? we would like to travel when the weather is dry and cool we will have about 10 days, including 6 days in the North (1 day in Hanoi, 2 days in Ninh Binh and 3 days on Halong Bay Cruise), and 3 days in the Central (2 days in Hoi An and 1 day in Hue) Thanks in advance
Hi! For the best experience in both North and Central Vietnam, you should book the tour in the early of the year, Jan and Feb are all good.
Hello, we are 4 food lovers who want to travel to Vietnam just for 5 nights. Which places should first-timers explore, especially areas with good local cuisine?
Hi! For the best cuisine experience, you should visit Hanoi, Hue, Da Nang, Hoi An, and Ho Chi Minh City. With 5 nights, if you are hurry enough and don't spend too much time on sightseeing and visiting, just focus mostly on the food, you still can visit all the suggested destinations.
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