It would be a very difficult job to plan how to spend 7 days in Vietnam since it is probably not enough. Still, you can experience a lot without feeling rushed if have enough insight to plan your journey. In this travel guide, we will help you plan the perfect 7-day itinerary in Vietnam, focusing on one region to make the most of your time.
Is 7 Days Enough in Vietnam?
7 days could be enough to get a taste of Vietnam, but it’s important to focus on only one region to avoid feeling rushed. Vietnam is a long, narrow country with diverse attractions spread across three main regions: North, Central, and South. Trying to cover too much ground in a week can lead to a whirlwind tour that leaves you exhausted. Instead, choose one region and explore it thoroughly.
Where to Visit in Vietnam in 7 Days?
For a 7-day itinerary, we recommend focusing on one region of Vietnam, especially Northern. This area offers a mix of bustling cities, serene landscapes, and cultural experiences. Here are some must-visit destinations in Northern Vietnam:
Hanoi: The capital city, known for its rich history, vibrant street life, and delicious cuisine.
Halong Bay: A UNESCO World Heritage site famous for its emerald waters and thousands of limestone islands.
Sapa: A mountainous region known for its terraced rice fields, ethnic minority villages, and stunning trekking routes.
Ninh Binh: Often called “Halong Bay on land,” this area features limestone karsts, winding rivers, and ancient temples.
5 Suggested itineraries
5 plans listed here will include Vietnam charms in each region without rush, that you can consider for your Vietnam 1 week itinerary:
Itinerary 1: Classic Vietnam itinerary 1 week
This itinerary will be suitable if you want to get a bit of everything from North to South Vietnam and to basically understand and experience the country. Since you have a limited time to visit all major attractions of Vietnam, this will be a rushed itinerary so be prepared for it.
| Day | Route & Place | Highlights | Transportation | Overnight |
| Day 1 | Hanoi arrival | Arrival & Rest | International flight | Hanoi |
| Day 2 | Hanoi city tour | Full Day Discovering Historical Sites of Hanoi | Car | Hanoi |
| Day 3 | Hanoi – Halong Bay | Enjoy Halong Bay overnight cruise with fascinating water activities (kayaking, visit cave, swimming, etc) | Car, Cruise | Halong Bay |
| Day 4 | Halong Bay – Hanoi – Flight to Da Nang | Arrival Hoi An in night | Car, Domestic flight | Hoi An |
| Day 5 | Hoi An | Discovering Hoi An Ancient Town | Car | Hoi An |
| Day 6 | Da Nang – Ho Chi Minh | Arrival Ho Chi Minh City with various highlights in Saigon City tour | Domestic flight | Ho Chi Minh |
| Day 7 | Ho Chi Minh – Mekong Delta – Ho Chi Minh Departure | Day trip in Mekong Delta with unique cultures of locals (visit fruit garden, rowing boat through small canals) | Car, International flight |
Itinerary 2: 7 days in Vietnam for family in Northern
The family may prefer to avoid rush journeys with air travel, therefore, so focusing on typical areas is the best option. This Vietnam itinerary for 7 days will give your family a comprehensive exploration of Northern Vietnam.
| Day | Route & Place | Highlights | Transportation | Overnight |
| Day 1 | Hanoi arrival + Cyclo tour | Arrival in Hanoi and explore the city by cyclo | International flight, car | Hanoi |
| Day 2 | Hanoi half-day tour | Half-Day City Tour or Bat Trang Ceramic Village – Street Food Tour | Car | Hanoi |
| Day 3 | Hanoi – Halong Bay | Enjoy the Halong Bay cruise with various water activities | Car, Cruise | Halong Bay |
| Day 4 | Halong Bay – Hanoi – Night train to Lao Cai | Disembark the cruise, back to Hanoi, and take an overnight train to Sapa (the train departs at 21:00 or 21:40) | Car, Train | Lao Cai |
| Day 5 | Sapa | Enjoy a trekking tour in Sapa | Car | Sapa |
| Day 6 | Sapa – Hanoi | Discover Sapa attractions like Fanxipang Mountain and Silver Waterfall before going to Hanoi | Car/ Train/ Shuttle bus | Hanoi |
| Day 7 | Hanoi – Ninh Binh – Hanoi – Flight home | Visit Ninh Binh with a boat trip and biking around tranquil villages | Car, local boat, international flight |
>>> You can explore more detail for this itinerary by visiting this suggested Vietnam tour: Tonkin Elegance 8 Days
Itinerary 3: 7 days Vietnam explore mountainous areas itinerary for adventurers
For adventurers, you should take a journey to the north of Vietnam which is often praised for its unique natural and cultural features. For nature, the most famous one is the world heritage Halong Bay. However, many other places such as Sapa, Ha Giang, Ba Be, and Cao Bang are all worth visiting with magnificent landscapes and cultures.
| Day | Route & Place | Highlights | Overnight |
| Day 1 | Hanoi – Ha Giang | Arrival in Ha Giang and prepare for the trekking tour | Ha Giang |
| Day 2 | Ha Giang – Quan Ba – Dong Van | Enjoy a trekking tour through the mountains, valleys, and rice terraces surrounding Ha Giang | Dong Van |
| Day 3 | Dong Van – Meo Vac | Explore unique cultures in mountainous area | Meo Vac |
| Day 4 | Meo Vac – Bao Lac – Cao Bang | Interact with local ethnic minorities, drive through some of Vietnam’s most rugged territory | Cao Bang |
| Day 5 | Cao Bang – Ban Gioc – Nguom Ngao Cave | Visit the magnificent Ban Gioc Waterfall that lies on both Vietnam and China and the magnificent Nguom Ngao Cave | Cao Bang |
| Day 6 | Cao Bang – Ba Be Lake | Travel to Ba Be Lake and rest | Ba Be Lake |
| Day 7 | Ba Be Lake – Hanoi | Ends up in the verdant karst mountains with a relaxing boat trip at Ba Be Lake- the biggest freshwater lake in Vietnam | Hanoi |
>>> You can explore more detail for this itinerary by visiting this suggested Vietnam tour: Spirit Of Northeast Vietnam Adventure 7 Days
Note: Be expected to spend a long time on the car/bus when you decide to travel to this region. Even though, the view on the mountain will never disappoint you.
Itinerary 4: Southern Vietnam Discovery 6 Days
This trip offsets the best look at local lives in the area with the choice of luxury or deluxe taste of overnight onboard a Mekong cruise. This is the best itinerary for those who are looking for an effective South Vietnam private tour in a reasonable timeframe.
| Day | Route & Place | Transportation | Overnight |
| Day 1 | Ho Chi Minh arrival | International flight | Ho Chi Minh |
| Day 2 | Ho Chi Minh city tour | Car | Ho Chi Minh |
| Day 3 | Ho Chi Minh – Cao Dai – Cu Chi | Car | Ho Chi Minh |
| Day 4 | Ho Chi Minh – Mekong Delta | Car | Mekong Delta |
| Day 5 | Mekong Delta – Ho Chi Minh | Cruise | Ho Chi Minh |
| Day 6 | Free day |
>>> View tour detail: Southern Vietnam Discovery 6 Days
Itinerary 5: Hidden Charms Of Hoi An & Luang Prabang 8 Days
If you’ve been on a long flight and want to explore Vietnam and beyond, but have a short time, taking a journey to Hoi An and Luang Prabang is also a good choice. In one week, this tour takes you to the most charming towns in the region. It includes Luang Prabang in Laos and Hoi An in Vietnam.
Both destinations are often requested by travelers to the Indochina region. The trip is a good fit if you are into the history and local lifestyle.
| Day | Route & Place | Highlights | Transportation | Overnight |
| Day 1 | Luang Prabang arrival | Arrival in Luang Prabang and have a short visit around | International flight | Luang Prabang |
| Day 2 | Luang Prabang – Pak Ou Cave – Kuang Si Waterfall | Visit signature Pak Ou Cave and Kuang Si Waterfall in Laos | Cruise | Luang Prabang |
| Day 3 | Luang Prabang cycling trip | Enjoy cycling tour in Luang Prabang | Car, bicycle | Luang Prabang |
| Day 4 | Luang Prabang – Flight to Hanoi – Da Nang – Hoi An | Prepare to travel to Central Vietnam | International & domestic flight | Hoi An |
| Day 5 | Hoi An Ancient Town – My Son Sanctuary | Explore Hoi An Ancient town with My Son Sanctuary | Car | Hoi An |
| Day 6 | Hoi An relaxation | Relax in An Bang Beach after long days traveling to explore | Car | Hoi An |
| Day 7 | Hoi An Cooking class | Enjoy a fascinating Hoi An cooking class with various Vietnamese dishes | Car | Hoi An |
| Day 8 | Hoi An – Da Nang – Departure | Say goodbye to Hoi An and prepare to navigate to Danang International Airport | International flight |
>>> You can explore more details for this itinerary by visiting this suggested Vietnam tour: Hidden Charms Of Hoi An & Luang Prabang 8 Days
How Much Money is Enough for 1 Week in Vietnam?
Vietnam is a budget-friendly destination, and the cost of your trip will depend on your travel style. Here’s a rough estimate for a mid-range budget:
- Accommodation: $20-$50 per night for a comfortable hotel or guesthouse.
- Food: $10-$20 per day for meals at local restaurants.
- Transportation: $50-$100 for buses, trains, and taxis.
- Activities: $50-$100 for entrance fees, tours, and activities.
Overall, a budget of $400-$700 per person should be sufficient for a week in Vietnam, excluding international flights.
Helpful Travel Information for Visiting Vietnam for the First Time
Vietnam Weather
- Vietnam has a tropical climate with distinct wet and dry seasons.
- The best time to visit Northern Vietnam is from October to April when the weather is cooler and drier.
Transportation Available
- Buses and trains are the most common forms of long-distance transportation.
- Taxis and ride-hailing apps like Grab are widely available in cities.
- Motorbike rentals are popular but require caution and experience.
Electricity
- Vietnam uses 220V, 50Hz electricity with two types of plugs: Type A (two flat pins) and Type C (two round pins).
- It’s advisable to bring a universal adapter.
Call & Internet
- SIM cards with data plans are inexpensive and widely available at airports and convenience stores.
- Wi-Fi is available in most hotels, cafes, and restaurants.
License Needed When Traveling
- A valid passport with at least six months’ validity is required for entry.
- Depending on your nationality, you may need a visa. Check the latest visa requirements before traveling.
- An international driving permit (IDP) is required if you plan to rent a motorbike or car.
When planning your trip, it is always better to look at the weather and other factors. If you want more details and specifics that suit you best with valuable advice, contact us through our email [email protected] to share with us your expectations, and then Indochina Voyages Team will design the trip just for you. You will get the quote and response within 12 hours.
Visiting Vietnam and beyond? Here are some other articles you should check out:
- How to Plan a Trip to Vietnam? Insider Tips for an Authentic Experience
- Vietnam and Cambodia Itinerary 2 Weeks: How to get the best tour?
- Electricity in Vietnam: What you need to know before your journey
- 9 Most spectacular Vietnam rice fields & Recommended Things to Do
Trang Nguyen – IV Travel Specialist
