How to Spend 7 Days in Vietnam: Ultimate Itinerary 🇻🇳

Vietnam is a country of incredible diversity, offering everything from stunning natural landscapes to bustling cities and unique cultural experiences. If you're planning to spend a week in Vietnam, you're in for an unforgettable adventure. In this 7-day itinerary, I’ll show you how to make the most of your time, exploring both the north and south of the country. From the iconic Halong Bay to the snowy wonderland of Snow Town Saigon, this itinerary covers it all.

Let’s dive into the perfect 7 days in Vietnam! And if you're ready to start planning your trip, book your flights and accommodation through this link for exclusive travel deals.

Day 1: Arriving in Hanoi and Exploring the Old Quarter

Your trip begins in the bustling capital of Hanoi. After arriving at Noi Bai International Airport, check into your hotel in the Old Quarter—the heart of the city. Hanoi is a wonderful blend of old and new, with ancient temples sitting alongside trendy cafes and street markets.

What to Do:

- Hoan Kiem Lake: Start your exploration with a visit to Hoan Kiem Lake, a peaceful spot right in the center of the city. Take a leisurely stroll around the lake and visit Ngoc Son Temple, located on a small island in the middle of the lake.

- Old Quarter: Spend the afternoon exploring the Old Quarter’s narrow, lively streets filled with shops, street food vendors, and motorbikes. This is the best place to get a feel for local life in Hanoi.

- Street Food: In the evening, dive into Hanoi’s famous street food scene. Be sure to try pho (Vietnamese noodle soup) and banh mi (Vietnamese baguette sandwich). For dessert, don’t miss egg coffee, a unique Hanoi specialty.

Where to Stay: The Old Quarter has plenty of hotels and hostels, ranging from budget to mid-range options. Choose a place close to Hoan Kiem Lake to stay in the heart of the action.

Day 2: Halong Bay Day Cruise

On your second day, it’s time for a day trip to one of Vietnam’s most famous destinations—**Halong Bay**. Known for its emerald waters and towering limestone islands, Halong Bay is a UNESCO World Heritage site that offers some of the most beautiful scenery in Vietnam.

What to Do:

- Day Cruise: You can book a day cruise from Hanoi, which includes transportation to and from Halong Bay (about a 2-hour drive each way). Once on the boat, you’ll glide through the calm waters, passing by thousands of limestone karsts. Many cruises include a seafood lunch, a visit to a cave, and an opportunity to go kayaking or swimming.

- Kayaking and Swimming: For a more active experience, try kayaking through the small coves and caves that dot the bay. If the weather is warm, you might even take a dip in the refreshing waters.

Pro Tip: If you have more time, consider an overnight cruise to fully enjoy the beauty of Halong Bay at sunrise and sunset.

Return to Hanoi in the evening, and get some rest before heading south the next day.

Day 3: Fly to Danang & Relax at Danang Beach

On Day 3, catch a morning flight from Hanoi to Danang, a coastal city located in central Vietnam. Danang is known for its long, sandy beaches and modern vibe, making it the perfect spot to relax after a busy few days.

What to Do:

- Danang Beach: After checking into your hotel, head to My Khe Beach (also known as Danang Beach), one of the most famous beaches in the region. Spend the day relaxing on the beach, swimming in the crystal-clear waters, or renting a surfboard if you're up for some waves.

- Seafood Dinner: Danang is renowned for its fresh seafood, so in the evening, head to one of the local seafood restaurants. Don’t miss out on trying grilled squid and steamed clams with lemongrass.

Where to Stay: Choose a hotel or beach resort close to My Khe Beach for easy access to the ocean and stunning sea views.

Day 4: Bana Hills and the Golden Bridge

Day 4 takes you on an adventure to the famous Bana Hills, home of the iconic Golden Bridge held up by two giant stone hands. Located about an hour’s drive from Danang, Bana Hills offers a mix of breathtaking views, cultural attractions, and fun activities.

What to Do:

- Cable Car Ride: Start your day with a scenic cable car ride up to Bana Hills. The cable car is one of the longest in the world, and the views of the surrounding mountains and forests are incredible.

- Golden Bridge: The highlight of the trip is walking across the Golden Bridge, a stunning architectural feat with panoramic views of the lush hillsides below. Be sure to take plenty of photos here!

- French Village: After visiting the bridge, explore the nearby French Village, which feels like you’ve stepped into a European town, complete with cobblestone streets and French architecture.

- Fantasy Park: If you're traveling with kids (or if you're young at heart), head to Fantasy Park, an amusement park with games, rides, and 3D cinemas.

Return to Danang in the afternoon to relax after your day in the mountains. For booking your trip to Danang and Bana Hills, click here.

Day 5: Day Trip to Hoi An

On Day 5, take a short trip to Hoi An, a UNESCO World Heritage town known for its well-preserved ancient architecture and lantern-lit streets. Hoi An is just a 40-minute drive from Danang and offers a completely different atmosphere.

What to Do:

- Explore the Ancient Town: Wander through the old streets of Hoi An, visiting landmarks like the Japanese Covered Bridge and the Assembly Hall of the Fujian Chinese Congregation.

- Tailor Shops: Hoi An is famous for its tailor shops, where you can get custom-made clothes in just a day or two. Whether you want a new suit or a summer dress, Hoi An's tailors can create something special just for you.

- Lantern Festival: If you're visiting during the full moon, be sure to stick around for the Lantern Festival, when the town is illuminated by thousands of glowing lanterns.

Return to Danang in the evening after enjoying the charm and beauty of Hoi An.

Day 6: Fly to Ho Chi Minh City & Visit Snow Town Saigon

On Day 6, catch a morning flight to Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Saigon), the largest city in Vietnam. After arriving, head to Snow Town Saigon, one of the most unique attractions in the country.

What to Do:

- Snow Town Saigon: Located in the heart of a tropical country, Snow Town Saigon offers a winter experience with artificial snow, sledding, and even snowboarding. It's a fun activity for families and anyone looking to do something different in Vietnam.

- Ben Thanh Market: After your snowy adventure, head over to Ben Thanh Market for some shopping. The market is famous for its variety of goods, from souvenirs to street food.

Where to Stay: Stay in District 1, the central area of Ho Chi Minh City, where you’ll find a wide range of hotels and easy access to the city's main attractions.

Day 7: Explore Ho Chi Minh City & Departure

Spend your final day in Vietnam exploring the bustling streets of Ho Chi Minh City. With its mix of French colonial architecture, war history, and vibrant street life, there's plenty to see and do.

What to Do:

- War Remnants Museum: Start your day with a visit to the War Remnants Museum, which offers a sobering look at the Vietnam War through photos, artifacts, and military equipment.

- Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon: Another must-see is the Notre-Dame Cathedral, a beautiful French colonial church located in the heart of the city.

- Saigon Central Post Office: Right next to the cathedral is the Saigon Central Post Office, an impressive building designed by Gustave Eiffel.

In the afternoon, make your way to Tan Son Nhat International Airport for your departure, filled with amazing memories from your 7-day journey through Vietnam.

Final Thoughts

Vietnam is a country that offers an incredible mix of culture, natural beauty, and unique experiences. This 7-day itinerary is designed to give you a taste of Vietnam’s most iconic destinations, from the peaceful streets of Hanoi to the sandy beaches of Danang and the bustling city life of Ho Chi Minh City.

Whether you're into history, adventure, or simply looking to relax, Vietnam has something for everyone. Be sure to check out my travel resources and book your trip with this link.

Watch my full Vietnam itinerary video on YouTube: Click here to see stunning footage and additional tips for your trip.