7-Day Itinerary for Vietnam

1. Thursday December 7: Hanoi
   30 minutes (21.3 km) from Noi Bai International Airport

   In the morning, visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and explore the historic Old Quarter. In the afternoon, take a cyclo ride around Hoan Kiem Lake and visit the Temple of Literature. In the evening, indulge in a traditional Vietnamese dinner.

   • Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum: Free entry, 1-2 hours
   • Old Quarter: Free to explore, whole day
   • Hoan Kiem Lake: Free to visit, 1-2 hours
   • Temple of Literature: Entrance fee: 30,000 VND, 1-2 hours
   • Traditional Vietnamese Dinner: Estimated cost: 200,000 VND, 1-2 hours
2. Friday December 8: Ha Long Bay
   3 hours (160 km) from Hanoi

   Embark on a full-day cruise in Ha Long Bay, exploring the stunning limestone karsts and caves. Enjoy a seafood lunch on board and take part in activities like kayaking and swimming. Witness a magical sunset before returning to Hanoi in the evening.

   • Full-day Ha Long Bay Cruise: Estimated cost: 1,500,000 VND, 10 hours
3. Saturday December 9: Hoi An
   2 hours (30 km) from Da Nang International Airport

   Discover the charm of the ancient town of Hoi An. Explore the colorful lantern-lit streets, visit historic sites like the Japanese Covered Bridge and Tan Ky House, and indulge in delicious street food. In the evening, take a boat ride on the Thu Bon River.

   • Japanese Covered Bridge: Entrance fee: 150,000 VND, 1-2 hours
   • Tan Ky House: Entrance fee: 80,000 VND, 1 hour
   • Street Food in Hoi An: Estimated cost: 200,000 VND, 2-3 hours
   • Boat Ride on Thu Bon River: Estimated cost: 150,000 VND, 1-2 hours
4. Sunday December 10: Hue
   3 hours (120 km) from Hoi An

   Explore the imperial city of Hue. Visit the UNESCO-listed Citadel, the royal tombs of Emperor Khai Dinh and Emperor Minh Mang, and Thien Mu Pagoda. Experience a traditional Hue-style dinner in the evening.

   • Hue Citadel: Entrance fee: 150,000 VND, 2-3 hours
   • Emperor Khai Dinh's Tomb: Entrance fee: 150,000 VND, 1-2 hours
   • Emperor Minh Mang's Tomb: Entrance fee: 100,000 VND, 1-2 hours
   • Thien Mu Pagoda: Free to visit, 1 hour
   • Traditional Hue-style Dinner: Estimated cost: 250,000 VND, 1-2 hours
5. Monday December 11: Ho Chi Minh City
   2 hours (1,100 km) from Hue Phu Bai International Airport

   Discover the vibrant city of Ho Chi Minh City. Visit the War Remnants Museum, Reunification Palace, and Notre-Dame Cathedral. Explore the bustling Ben Thanh Market and enjoy a traditional Vietnamese coffee in a local café.

   • War Remnants Museum: Entrance fee: 40,000 VND, 1-2 hours
   • Reunification Palace: Entrance fee: 40,000 VND, 1-2 hours
   • Notre-Dame Cathedral: Free to visit, 30 minutes - 1 hour
   • Ben Thanh Market: Free to visit, 1-2 hours
   • Traditional Vietnamese Coffee: Estimated cost: 50,000 VND, 1 hour
6. Tuesday December 12: Mekong Delta
   2.5 hours (70 km) from Ho Chi Minh City

   Embark on a Mekong Delta day trip to explore the floating markets, lush fruit orchards, and rural landscapes. Take a boat ride along the canals and enjoy a traditional Vietnamese lunch at a local home. Learn about local cottage industries.

   • Mekong Delta Day Trip: Estimated cost: 1,000,000 VND, 8-10 hours
7. Wednesday December 13: Phu Quoc Island
   2 hours (320 km) from Ho Chi Minh City

   Relax and unwind on the beautiful beaches of Phu Quoc Island. Enjoy snorkeling, swimming, and sunbathing. Indulge in fresh seafood for lunch and explore the local night market in the evening.

   • Beach Activities in Phu Quoc: Free to enjoy, whole day
   • Fresh Seafood Lunch: Estimated cost: 300,000 VND, 1-2 hours
   • Exploring the Night Market: Free to visit, 1-2 hours

Recommendations

Consider visiting the Cu Chi Tunnels near Ho Chi Minh City for an immersive historical experience. Day trips to the stunning Ba Na Hills from Da Nang or exploring the ancient capital of Ninh Binh are also highly recommended. To make the most of your money and have fun, try bargaining at local markets, tasting street food, and joining guided city tours to learn about the rich history and culture of Vietnam.

For hotel and flight prices, you can check here.