Vietnam is a very large country and there are many things to see and do. If you only have a week to spare, Vietnam Itinerary in 7 Days will require careful planning and careful selection of destinations to visit. So let’s first see how to plan such a short trip and then what to see in a week in Vietnam.
Vietnam in 7 days: how to do it
First, here are some tips for travelling to Vietnam in a week:
1) Plan your itinerary in advance
Decide on the cities and attractions you want to visit and plan your itinerary accordingly. Make sure you book domestic flights, overnight trains, buses and hotels in advance to avoid surprises and save time. Keep in mind that Vietnam is a very large country, so you have to make choices. For example, you can focus on one region such as the North, Centre or South, or visit the main cities such as Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City and Hoi An.
2) Focus on the main attractions
In 7 days, you won’t have enough time to visit all the attractions in Vietnam. Choose the main attractions according to your interests and plan accordingly. Consult one of the latest travel guides to help you choose.
3) Focus on a geographical area
Vietnam has several regions with different characteristics and cultures. Choose a geographical area that you like best and visit the main attractions in that area.
4) Choose how to get around
In Vietnam, there are several transport options, including internal flights, overnight trains and buses. Internal flights are fast but they are also the most expensive option available. However, when you want to travel in Vietnam in 7 days, you should definitely consider them for larger trips. Night trains are a good option if you want to save money, but they are less comfortable than internal flights. Buses are the cheapest option, but can be less safe and reliable. To maximise time, you can travel by bus at night. Evaluate your budget and needs before choosing your means of transport.
5) Rely on reliable tour operators
If you don’t have much time, consider relying on a tour operator to organise your trip. This way, you will have the chance to visit the main attractions without having to worry about organising everything yourself.
6) Don’t neglect the local culture and cuisine
Vietnam has a very rich and diverse culture, so take the time to explore the local culture and cuisine. In your 7 days in Vietnam make sure you visit temples and pagodas, attend festivals and ceremonies, and try the local culinary specialities.
7) Take time to relax
Don’t try to see too much in too little time. Vietnam is a very beautiful country and it is worth taking the time to appreciate it at its best. Take some time to relax, enjoy the scenery and savour the beauty of the country.
Vietnam in 7 days: suggested itineraries
Here are some suggested itineraries for a 7-day trip to Vietnam. Of course, there are many more things to do in Vietnam and many more destinations to visit. These 7-day itineraries in Vietnam will give you an idea of the must-see sights in a week, but if you have more time on your hands, you can explore Vietnam even further!
1) Vietnam in 7 days: Hanoi and Hoi An
We begin with an itinerary focused on two main destinations: Hanoi and Hoi An. In this case, we have chosen to include two excursions. Specifically, from Hanoi we have assumed an excursion to Halong Bay while from Hoi An we have chosen one to the My Son site.
Day 1: Arrival in Hanoi
Arrive in the Vietnamese capital, taking time to settle in and discover the unique atmosphere of Hanoi, strolling through the old town and enjoying delicious Vietnamese cuisine.
Day 2: Hanoi
Visit the city of Hanoi and its main points of interest, such as the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, the Temple of Literature, Hoan Kiem Lake and its red bridge.
Day 3: Excursion to Halong Bay
Depart for an overnight excursion to the beautiful Halong Bay, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World.
Day 4: Return to Hanoi and departure for Hoi An
Return to Hanoi and depart by plane for Hoi An, a pretty coastal town and UNESCO World Heritage Site. Take a stroll through the old town and discover the traditional architecture, local markets and souvenir shops.
Day 5: Hoi An
A day dedicated to visiting Hoi An, including a stroll through the Old Town and visiting some of its most beautiful sights, such as the Japanese Bridge. In the afternoon, sunbathe on the nearby An Bang beach.
Day 6: Excursion to My Son
Excursion to the ruins of the archaeological site of My Son, located a few kilometres from Hoi An.
Day 7: Hoi An and return home
Last day in Hoi An for relaxing on the beach and shopping. Departure for Da Nang airport and flight home.
2) Vietnam in 7 days: Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi
We continue with an itinerary focusing on two main destinations: Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi. In this case, we have chosen to include three excursions. Specifically, from Ho Chi Minh City we have assumed an excursion to the Cu Chi Tunnels, while from Hanoi we have chosen one to Halong Bay and another to Ninh Binh.
Day 1: Arrival in Ho Chi Minh City
Arrive in Vietnam’s largest city, rich in history and culture. You may visit Notre-Dame Cathedral, the Central Post Office, Ben Thanh market and the War Museum.
Day 2: Excursion to the Cu Chi Tunnels
Visit the Cu Chi Tunnels, about an hour’s drive from Ho Chi Minh City. Visiting the Cu Chi Tunnels is usually done via an organised half-day excursion. On the way back, you can continue exploring Ho Chi Minh City.
Day 3: Hanoi
Air transfer from Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam. You may visit Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum, the Temple of Literature and Hoan Kiem Lake.
Day 4: Excursion to Ninh Binh
Day trip to Ninh Binh, also known as the ‘overland Halong Bay’. Here you can admire breathtaking landscapes of rice fields, caves and karst mountains. Return to Hanoi in the evening.
Day 5 and 6: Excursion to Halong Bay
An overnight visit to Halong Bay, one of Vietnam’s most famous and iconic sights.
Day 7: Hanoi and return home
Return to Hanoi for departure. If you still have time, you could visit the Tran Quoc Pagoda or take one last walk along the Red River before saying goodbye to Vietnam.
3) 7-day itinerary in North Vietnam
Here is an example of a week-long itinerary in North Vietnam. The trip revolves around Hanoi, which in this case becomes the hub for reaching Halong Bay, Sa Pa and Ninh Binh. The latter locations can be replaced with as many from the multitude of destinations available in northern Vietnam. For example, take a look at the must-see locations and national parks in northern Vietnam. Alternatively, consult one of the latest travel guides!
Day 1: Arrival in Hanoi
After your arrival in Hanoi, you can spend the rest of the day exploring the Vietnamese capital.
Day 2: Halong Bay
Halong Bay is one of Vietnam’s most popular attractions, so don’t miss the opportunity to stay overnight on a boat.
Day 3: Return to Hanoi and departure for Sapa
At the end of your Halong Bay tour, return to Hanoi. In the evening, take the overnight train to Sapa.
Day 4 and 5: Sapa
Spend your time hiking among the rice fields, visiting local markets and trying traditional cuisine. In the evening, take the train back to Hanoi.
Day 6: Ninh Binh
Upon returning to the Vietnamese capital in the morning, set off on a day trip to Ninh Binh.
Day 7: Hanoi and return home
Spend the last day in Hanoi before heading to the airport for your return home.
4) 7-day itinerary in Central Vietnam
Here is an example of what to see in Central Vietnam in 7 days. Focusing on central Vietnam, you can visit places such as Danang, Hue, Hoi An and My Son in a week. However, the choice of destinations is endless: take a look at the must-see locations in Central Vietnam or consult a travel guide.
Day 1: Arrival in Danang
Arrive in Danang and check into your hotel. If you have time to spare, you can visit My Khe beach or take a walk around the city centre.
Day 2: Danang, Hue
Start the day by continuing your sightseeing in Danang, then take a bus or train to Hue, Vietnam’s imperial city. Along the way, take in the beautiful scenery.
Day 3: Hue
A day dedicated to visiting Hue, which was the capital of Vietnam during the Nguyen dynasty.
Day 4: Hue, Hoi An
After visiting a few more attractions in Hue, take a taxi or bus to Hoi An. Check into your hotel and then take a stroll through the old town, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Day 5: Hoi An
A day dedicated to visiting Hoi An. Visit some of its most beautiful sights, such as the Japanese Bridge. In the afternoon, sunbathe on the nearby An Bang beach.
Day 6: My Son
Day trip to the ruins of the archaeological site of My Son, located a few kilometres from Hoi An.
Day 7: Danang and return home
After breakfast, take a taxi or bus to Danang and then head to the airport for your return flight. Before departing, you can pay one last visit to the city.
5) 7-day itinerary in South Vietnam
Finally, here is an example of what to see in southern Vietnam in 7 days. This one-week itinerary revolves around Ho Chi Minh City and the island of Phu Quoc. In between are day trips to the Cu Chi Tunnels and the Mekong Delta. This is a relaxing itinerary, with several days on the island of Phu Quoc. However, you can of course modify the itinerary to suit your own interests: take a look at what you absolutely must see in South Vietnam as well as the most beautiful islands and seaside resorts.
Day 1: Arrival in Ho Chi Minh City
Arrival in Ho Chi Minh City. If you have time to spare, you can devote the day to discovering the main places of interest.
Day 2: Mekong Delta excursion
Depart for the Mekong Delta for a day of nature and local culture.
Day 3: Excursion to Cu Chi Tunnels
Half-day visit to the Cu Chi tunnels. On the way back, continue exploring Ho Chi Minh City.
Day 4: Phu Quoc
After visiting the city, fly to the island of Phu Quoc, famous for its beaches.
Day 5: Phu Quoc
Snorkelling and fishing excursion to admire the local marine wildlife and learn traditional fishing techniques.
Day 6: Phu Quoc
A day of relaxation on the beaches of Phu Quoc.
Day 7: Ho Chi Minh City and return home
Flight to Ho Chi Minh City to catch the return flight. If time permits, you can spend the last few hours doing some shopping in the local markets.
