Vietnam Itinerary 7 Days: Best One Week Trip For First-time Travelers

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 one week.

Let us show you the best 7-day Vietnam itineraries to get a glimpse of this lovely country.

Complete Vietnam Itinerary 7 Days: From North To South

Vietnam is a long S-shape country with rich culture, and you may wonder you cannot fully explore it for only 7 days. The answer is: you absolutely can.

With our special 7-day Vietnam tour, you will learn more about this country by witnessing the local life in Hanoi Old Quarter, admiring the mystical limestones on the Halong Bay cruise 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	Say hello to 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	Depart from Ho Chi Minh city

Day 1: Say Hello To 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.

For anyone who loves learning more about the culture, you can consider watching Vietnamese traditional acts such as the Thang Long water puppet show, which is a puppet's performance on the water stage that dates back to when paddy fields in Vietnam were inundated.

Learn about Vietnamese culture at Hanoi Water Puppet

If you want someone to show you around the beautiful city, just attend some interesting tours to see the charming scenery at night and try tasty street food.

Day 2: Explore Hanoi And Its Historical Sites

Your second day is the time to explore Hanoi city, one of the most ancient capitals in the world. You will have a chance to know more about Vietnam's country, people, and history through its outstanding destinations.

First, you visit the Temple of Literature, the first national university built nearly 1000 years old ago, then head to One Pillar Pagoda. You will be impressed by the unique architecture of this Buddhist temple, which is designed like a lotus blossom, the national flower of Vietnam.

Our guests visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum on a family trip

After the stop at Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, you can move to West Lake to breathe fresh air and see the peaceful lake flow. Walk along to reach Tran Quoc Pagoda, the oldest Buddhist Pagoda in Vietnam.

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 Overnight Cruise

Wake up early and enjoy the Hanoi atmosphere in the morning. Take your breakfast while witnessing residents rush to work. To move to Halong Bay, you should rent a car or a shuttle bus.

Halong Bay is a World Heritage Site famous for its breathtaking natural beauty, you can admire the significant landscape of limestone islands, discover hidden caves, and explore fishing villages, depending on the itinerary of each cruise.

Kayaking is a must-try activity when traveling to Halong

Besides the sightseeing, you can take part in many outdoor activities such as padding kayaks and swimming. If you are a relaxation lover, joining onboard activities is also enjoyable, such as sunbathing, relaxing with massage and sauna services, or just immersing yourself inside a jacuzzi/swimming pool.

 

Day 4: Enjoy The Bustling Ho Chi Minh City

You should take part in a Tai Chi or Vovinam class in the early morning on the vessel to train your health. Then, enjoy your light breakfast with coffee, tea, and pantries among the wonderful seascape while the cruise is sailing back to the harbor.

Join the Tai Chi class on the Sena Cruise

After your voyage, hit your road to Noi Bai Airport and take a flight to Tan Son Nhat International Airport. Being considered a never-sleeping city, Ho Chi Minh is the most dynamic urban area of the South. Let’s start to discover this enchanting city by participating in some fascinating Saigon night tours!

Day 5: Uncover the Cu Chi Tunnels

The Cu Chi Tunnels, located 55 km south of Ho Chi Minh City, were the site of multiple military actions 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.

Two girls are exploring the underground of Cu Chi Tunnels

You may go down inside the gloomy, stuffy, and cramped tunnels, and see how people lived during the war.

After the Cu Chi tour, you will return to Ho Chi Minh to visit some historical and ancient spots, such as:

• Reunification Palace - which was formerly the residence of the Vietnamese President of the Republic.
• Old Post Office & Saigon Notre Dame Cathedral - observe the outstanding examples of French architecture in Vietnam.
• War Remnants Museum - One of the oldest Saigon museums since 1975, you will know about the truth of the brutal battles during the Vietnam War.

After that, you may pause for a cup of coffee and see how the locals live. Then there are some of the warmest and most welcoming folks here. Return to your accommodation and begin planning for the next day.

 

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.

First, you travel to Ben Tre province and take a boat to the Ham Luong River. After cruising along the river, you will stop by local workplaces to witness the Mekong life. You may visit the coconut processing workshop, eat their coconut candy, or try weaving at a mat weaving house.

Try weaving sedge mats with locals

Continue your journey by getting on a ‘Xe Loi’, which is a type of motorized rickshaw, and stop at little shaded pathways to see desired fruit orchards and coconut farms. Coming to Vietnam will allow you to sample a variety of fruits that you may not have seen before.

After that, you may rest and enjoy some fresh air on a relaxing sampan trip along narrow canals.

 

Day 7: Goodbye to 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. The trip will be complete when you arrive at Tan Son Nhat International Airport.

Let's check the full program of Vietnam at A Glance 7 days and enjoy 1 week in Vietnam to the fullest.

 

Alternative Choices For You

North Vietnam Itinerary 7 Days: Off The Beaten Path Adventure

North Vietnam Itinerary 7 Days

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.

Day 1 - 3: Trekking tour in Hoang Su Phi

Along the way to Ha Giang, you will admire the beautiful scenery of Vietnam's mountains and forests and terraced fields along the hills.

A few houses or small villages crisscross the hills, creating a rustic beauty among the majestic mountains. It is also a good chance for you to approach the ethnic minorities who mostly live in the fields.

During the trekking tour to Nam Hong and Pan Hou, you can sightsee the endless terraced rice fields, pass through beautiful lush bamboo forests, and visit Tay ethnic people’s houses to observe their lives.

Day 4: Discover Dong Van & Meo Vac

The highest protruding point on the map of Vietnam is Dong Van, which is famous for its stunning mountains, towering caverns, and vibrant wildflowers. The upland neighborhood you will go to next is Meo Vac, a little valley at the foot of the rocky mountains, which has a magnificent outlook and a tranquil ambiance.

After that, you head to Sa Phin, also known by the name Vuong Mansion, a historic H'mong royal residence. Here, you will listen to a presentation made by a local tour guide to learn about the house and all the stories behind it.

Day 5 - 7: Ba Be National Park exploration

In Ba Be Park, you can have a chance to learn more about Lo Lo and Pu Peo people, the main ethnic groups whose history and culture are the interesting secret of Vietnam minorities.

You will have a day to explore Ba Be Lake on the boat. The lake's surface is always tranquil, ideal for a leisurely boat ride downstream. Feel free to sightsee the river's natural beauty while you discover the secret of the Puong Cave and Dau Dang Waterfall.

Finally, you arrive in Hanoi and end the awesome 1 week in northern Vietnam. For any further interest, the Off The Beaten Track Northeast Vietnam 7 days always awaits you on a new adventure.

 

Central Vietnam in 7 Days: Hoi An Discovery

Central Vietnam Itinerary 7 Days

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. 

Day 1 - 2: Join Farming Activities At Tra Que Village

Hoi An - one of Vietnam's best historic towns - which is described as tranquil, picturesque, and intimate, and Tra Que Village is called after a sweet-scented herb used to season a variety of Hoi An dishes.

The Tra Que village tour is exposure to the serene setting and allows you to learn about the cultural lifestyle of the residents. You can take part in local farmers' operations, including ground scraping, sowing, watering, harvesting, and a variety of other tasks rarely seen in modern towns. 

Day 3: My Son Sanctuary & Champa Culture

My Son Sanctuary is an excellent example of Champa civilization. The beautiful stone sculptures, temples, and towers of the Hindu-themed ruins are breathtaking, surely you will be completely impressed.

After the sanctuary trip, you will ride back to Hoi An Ancient Town to discover its ancient beauty. You get your town tour around historic homes and the vibrant market, which was once Asia's main trading port in the 17th and 18th centuries.

Day 4 - 5: Hoi An Ancient Town Discovery

Coming to Hoi An without enjoying the specialties here will be extremely regrettable. First, start your Hoi An street food tour with Vietnamese bread. The bread here is very special because its name and taste have been known worldwide.

After that, you should take a stroll around town and sample some of the town's most famous foods, such as Cao Lau (Pork Rice Noodles), Banh Xeo (Vietnamese Pancake), and Mot drink (Hoi An Herbal Tea). Moreover, you can unwind with sweets and a few last words with your guides and fellow gourmets at a quiet coffee shop.

Day 6 - 7: Spend Leisure Time On An Bang Beach

An Bang Beach, one of Hoi An's most beautiful beaches in Cam An Ward, offers a wide range of things to choose from, both on and off the water. There are many interesting activities, such as windsurfing, riding a water motorcycle, or kayaking.

Another thing that you should do is go to An Bang Beach to view the romantic sunset. The sunset scenery is spectacular late afternoon, with the sun shining like a fireball on the skyline. The last rays of the sun shine down on the small fishing boat, creating an image of perfection.

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 in A Week: Saigon City Break & Beach Relaxation

South Vietnam Itinerary 7 Days

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.

Day 1 - 2: Explore The Underground Cu Chi Tunnels

One of the most famous and bustling cities in Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh City, also known by the local name Saigon. Discover the stories hidden deep in Vietnamese history by traveling around the city with its highlight attractions such as the War Remnants Museum, the Reunification Palace, the Saigon Notre Dame Cathedral, and the Old Post Office.

One famous spot near Ho Chi Minh City that you must not miss is the 250-kilometer-long underground tunnel system - Cu Chi Tunnel. When you enter the tunnel's confidential environment, you'll find the life of the Vietnamese soldiers inside the tunnel during the Vietnam War.

Day 3: Get an insight into local life at Mekong Delta

Your journey will begin on the Mekong River when you start boarding at the Ham Luong River. On the boat, you will visit a variety of local businesses to get a sense of how the local economy operates.

You will join a coconut processing workshop, where you can try coconut candy - a famous specialty of South Vietnam. Then a 'xe loi' (a type of motorized rickshaw) will take you into the forest, where you can see fruit orchards and taste the sweet tropical fruits of the Mekong Delta.

Day 4 - 7: Enjoy beach relaxation on Mui Ne Beach

Known for its natural beauty of amazing sand dunes, crystal clear seawater, and mouthwatering seafood, Mui Ne is a wonderful place for a beach vacation, where you not only can relax and recharge after working, but also join in many thrilling water-based activities such as windsurfing, sailing, and snorkeling.

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 one week. For more detailed plans, let's contact us for the best Vietnam tour packages!

BestPrice Travel

(Image source: Internet)