Planning a 7-day trip to Vietnam can feel overwhelming because there’s just so much to see! But with the right itinerary and focus, you can experience the country’s rich culture and landscapes without feeling rushed. 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?
Perhaps 7 days could be enough to get a taste of Vietnam, but focusing on only one region is important 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 are the best places to visit within 7 days in Vietnam?
For a 7-day itinerary, it’s best to focus on one region of Vietnam from North to South to travel at a comfortable pace. The North is a great option, offering a mix of lively cities, natural wonders, and rich cultural heritage. Here are some must-visit destinations in Northern Vietnam:
Hanoi: Vietnam’s capital blends centuries-old history with buzzing street life and world-famous cuisine, perfect for culture lovers and foodies alike.
Halong Bay: A breathtaking UNESCO World Heritage Site, Halong Bay captivates with its emerald waters, towering limestone islands, and magical seascapes.
Sapa: Nestled in the northern mountains, Sapa offers dramatic rice terraces, vibrant hill tribe cultures, and some of the country’s most scenic trekking routes.
Ninh Binh: Nicknamed “Halong Bay on land,” Ninh Binh stuns with dramatic limestone cliffs, peaceful rivers, and ancient temples hidden in lush countryside.
Aside from the North, Vietnam’s Central and Southern regions are also full of charm and worth exploring. Dedicating 7 days to either region can still offer a fulfilling and well-paced journey.
Suggested itineraries
Here are 5 itinerary ideas that let you explore the highlights of each region in Vietnam at a relaxed pace, including one that takes you from north to south in just 7 days.
Itinerary 1: A Relaxed 7-Day Northern Vietnam Trip for Families
For families looking to avoid the hassle of frequent air travel, focusing on key destinations within one region is a smart choice. This 7-day Vietnam itinerary offers a well-rounded exploration of Northern Vietnam at a comfortable pace.
- Day 1: Arrival in Hanoi and explore the city by Cyclo.
- Day 2: Take a Hanoi half-day city tour to visit the highlight attractions. End your day with a night street food tour.
- Day 3: Transfer to Halong Bay. Embark on an overnight cruise, enjoy the slow travel, and take some water activities.
- Day 4: Disembark the cruise, go back to Hanoi, and take an overnight train to Sapa.
- Day 5: Enjoy a trekking tour in Sapa.
- Day 6: Discover Sapa attractions like Fanxipang Mountain and Silver Waterfall before going to Hanoi.
- Day 7: Free morning to savour a coffee, optional short visit to a local market, spa, or cafe..
>>> Our suggested tour: Tonkin Elegance 8 Days
Itinerary 2: 7 days in Vietnam exploring mountainous areas
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 1: Hanoi – Ha Giang
- Arrival in Ha Giang and prepare for the trekking tour
Day 2: Ha Giang – Quan Ba – Dong Van
- Enjoy a trekking tour through the mountains, valleys, and rice terraces surrounding Ha Giang
Day 3: Dong Van – Meo Vac
- Explore unique cultures in the mountainous area
Day 4: Meo Vac – Bao Lac – Cao Bang
- Interact with local ethnic minorities
- Drive through some of Vietnam’s most rugged territory
Day 5: Cao Bang – Ban Gioc – Nguom Ngao Cave
- Visit the magnificent Ban Gioc Waterfall that lies in both Vietnam and China, and the magnificent Nguom Ngao Cave
Day 6: Cao Bang – Ba Be Lake
- Travel to Ba Be Lake, take a boat trip, and relax
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
>>> Take your trip idea by visiting this suggested tour: Spirit Of Northeast Vietnam Adventure 7 Days
Note: Travel times in this region can be long, with extended hours on the road, but the breathtaking mountain scenery makes it all worthwhile.
Itinerary 3: Southern Vietnam Discovery 6 Days
This trip offers the best look at local lives in the area with the choice of a luxury or deluxe taste of overnight stay 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 1: Ho Chi Minh arrives and checks into the hotel
- Enjoy a relaxing evening stroll along Nguyen Hue Walking Street.
Day 2: Ho Chi Minh city tour and visit the highlight attractions
- Explore the War Remnants Museum and admire the architecture of Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon.
Day 3: Ho Chi Minh – Cao Dai – Cu Chi Tunnel
- Witness the colorful Cao Dai noon ceremony and crawl through the fascinating Cu Chi Tunnels.
Day 4: Ho Chi Minh – Mekong Delta
- Take a scenic boat ride through the Mekong’s narrow canals and visit a local coconut candy workshop.
Day 5: Mekong Delta – Ho Chi Minh
- Experience a floating market in the early morning before returning to the city.
Day 6: Free Day
- Indulge in a Vietnamese coffee at a rooftop café or do some shopping at Ben Thanh Market.
>>> View tour detail: Southern Vietnam Discovery 6 Days
Itinerary 4: Classic Vietnam itinerary 1 week
This itinerary will be suitable if you want to get a bit of everything from North to South of Vietnam, and to basically understand and experience the country. Since you have a limited time to visit all the major attractions of Vietnam, this will be a busy itinerary, so be prepared for it.
- Day 1: Hanoi arrival and check-in hotel
- Day 2: Hanoi city tour to discover historical sites and hidden gems of Hanoi
- Day 3: Transfer from Hanoi to Halong Bay and embark on an overnight cruise, featuring scenic views and exciting activities like kayaking or swimming
- Day 4: Come back to Hanoi, then take a flight to Da Nang and drive to Hoi An.
- Day 5: Wake up early to discover the real side of Hoi An Ancient Town without tourists.
- Day 6: Drive to Dang, fly to HCMC, then head to the Mekong Delta with the unique cultures of the locals
- Day 7: Early morning, enjoy the floating market, then get back to Saigon
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 history and local lifestyle.
- Day 1: Arrival in Luang Prabang and have a short visit around
- Day 2: Visit the signature Pak Ou Cave and Kuang Si Waterfall in Laos
- Day 3: Enjoy a cycling tour in Luang Prabang and slowly witness the local life
- Day 4: Luang Prabang – Flight to Hanoi – Da Nang – Hoi An
- Day 5: Explore Hoi An Ancient Town and spend your half day exploring My Son Sanctuary
- Day 6: Relax in An Bang Beach after a long day of traveling to explore
- Day 7: Enjoy a fascinating Hoi An cooking class with various Vietnamese dishes
- Day 8: Say goodbye to Hoi An and prepare to navigate to Danang International Airport
>>> Find your package tour to Central Vietnam and Luang Prabang: Hidden Charms Of Hoi An & Luang Prabang 8 Days
Please note that the above are all the suggested itineraries, and you can absolutely customize your tour based on your preferences. Indochina Voyages – one of the best Southeast Asia Tour Companies with more than 500+ Reviews (96% Excellent) on TripAdvisor. Our expert travel consultants are always available for you.
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.
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
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Indochina Voyages stands out as one of the premier Southeast Asia Tour Companies, specializing in crafting personalized private packages for discerning travelers. If you are looking to discover the beauty of Vietnam or further countries through an authentic and respectful lens, contact us here or email us at [email protected].
Trang Nguyen – IV Travel Specialist
