Make this trip your own
Create your own free, personalized itinerary in seconds — then sign up to save and edit it.
Create my version
Viewed by 50 travelers

7-Day Itinerary: Exploring Vietnam

Saturday, November 11: Ho Chi Minh City

Morning: Start your trip by visiting the historic landmarks of Ho Chi Minh City. Explore the Reunification Palace and learn about its role in Vietnam's history. Afterward, visit the War Remnants Museum to gain insight into the Vietnam War.

Afternoon: Take a walk to the bustling Ben Thanh Market, where you can shop for local handicrafts, clothing, and delicious street food. Dive into the vibrant atmosphere and try some Vietnamese delicacies.

Evening: Experience the nightlife at Bui Vien Street in the city's backpacker district. Enjoy live music, street performances, and a variety of bars and restaurants.

  • Reunification Palace: Estimated cost - $5, Estimated time spent - 2 hours
  • War Remnants Museum: Estimated cost - $2, Estimated time spent - 2 hours
  • Ben Thanh Market: Free entry, Estimated time spent - 2 hours
  • Bui Vien Street: Cost varies, Estimated time spent - evening
Restaurants
  • Saigon Garden: Enjoy a traditional Vietnamese breakfast at Saigon Garden, featuring dishes such as pho, banh mi, and Vietnamese coffee. Average cost for a meal is about $5 per person.
  • Nha Hang Ngon: For lunch, head to Nha Hang Ngon, a beautiful restaurant housed in a French colonial building. Indulge in a wide range of Vietnamese street food specialties like spring rolls, grilled meats, and noodle soups. Average cost for a meal is about $7 per person.
  • Cuc Gach Quan: For dinner, dine at Cuc Gach Quan, a charming restaurant known for its organic farm-to-table dishes. Try their signature clay pot dishes, seafood specialties, and vegetarian options. Average cost for a meal is about $15 per person.
Sunday, November 12: Hoi An

Morning: Fly to Hoi An and start your day by wandering through the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Ancient Town. Admire the well-preserved architecture, colorful lanterns, and charming canals.

Afternoon: Visit the Japanese Covered Bridge, an iconic symbol of Hoi An. Explore the local markets, where you can find unique handicrafts, silk products, and tailor-made clothes. Treat yourself to a relaxing boat ride along the Thu Bon River.

Evening: Experience the enchanting ambiance of Hoi An at night. Marvel at the lantern-lit streets and join a cooking class to learn how to make traditional Vietnamese dishes.

  • Ancient Town: Free entry, Estimated time spent - 4 hours
  • Japanese Covered Bridge: Estimated cost - $2, Estimated time spent - 1 hour
  • Local markets: Estimated cost - varies, Estimated time spent - 2 hours
  • Cooking class: Estimated cost - $20, Estimated time spent - evening
Monday, November 13: Hue

Morning: Take a scenic drive to Hue, the former imperial capital of Vietnam. Start your day by exploring the Imperial City, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Discover the ancient palaces, temples, and beautiful gardens.

Afternoon: Visit the Thien Mu Pagoda, an iconic seven-story pagoda situated on the Perfume River. Enjoy a boat cruise along the river and witness the picturesque landscapes.

Evening: Indulge in the local cuisine with a visit to Dong Ba Market. Taste Hue's specialty dishes, such as bun bo Hue (spicy beef noodle soup) and banh khoai (savory pancakes).

  • Imperial City: Estimated cost - $5, Estimated time spent - 3 hours
  • Thien Mu Pagoda: Free entry, Estimated time spent - 1 hour
  • Boat cruise: Estimated cost - $10, Estimated time spent - 1 hour
  • Dong Ba Market: Estimated cost - varies, Estimated time spent - 2 hours
Tuesday, November 14: Hanoi

Morning: Fly to Hanoi, the capital city of Vietnam. Begin your exploration with a visit to the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and pay respects to the country's revered leader.

Afternoon: Explore the Temple of Literature, Vietnam's first university and a significant historical site. Wander through the Old Quarter's narrow streets to experience the city's rich cultural heritage.

Evening: Attend a traditional water puppet show, a unique Vietnamese art form dating back centuries. Enjoy a bowl of pho, Vietnam's famous noodle soup, for dinner.

  • Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum: Free entry, Estimated time spent - 1 hour
  • Temple of Literature: Estimated cost - $2, Estimated time spent - 2 hours
  • Water puppet show: Estimated cost - $5, Estimated time spent - 1 hour
  • Old Quarter: Estimated cost - varies, Estimated time spent - evening
Wednesday, November 15: Halong Bay

Morning: Embark on a breathtaking cruise to Halong Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its limestone islands and emerald waters. Enjoy the stunning scenery and take part in activities such as kayaking or swimming.

Afternoon: Explore the mysterious Thien Cung Cave, also known as the Heavenly Palace Cave, with its impressive stalactite formations.

Evening: Spend the night on the cruise, indulging in a seafood feast and enjoying the peaceful serenity of Halong Bay under the starry sky.

  • Halong Bay Cruise: Estimated cost - $100 (overnight), Estimated time spent - full day
  • Thien Cung Cave: Estimated cost - $5, Estimated time spent - 1 hour
Thursday, November 16: Nha Trang

Morning: Fly to Nha Trang, a coastal city known for its stunning beaches and vibrant nightlife. Relax on the white sandy shores and soak up the tropical sun.

Afternoon: Take a boat trip to the nearby islands and go snorkeling or scuba diving to explore the colorful underwater world. Enjoy a seafood lunch on one of the islands.

Evening: Experience the lively nightlife in Nha Trang with its beachfront bars, clubs, and night markets.

  • Nha Trang Beach: Free entry, Estimated time spent - 4 hours
  • Boat trip and snorkeling: Estimated cost - $30, Estimated time spent - 4 hours
  • Nightlife in Nha Trang: Cost varies, Estimated time spent - evening
Friday, November 17: Mekong Delta

Morning: Travel to the Mekong Delta, a region known as the "rice bowl" of Vietnam. Take a boat tour along the Mekong River and explore the floating markets, fruit orchards, and traditional villages.

Afternoon: Visit a local coconut candy factory and learn about the traditional process of making this sweet treat. Enjoy a bicycle ride through the picturesque countryside.

Evening: Enjoy a delicious dinner featuring regional specialties such as fresh river fish and tropical fruits.

  • Mekong Delta boat tour: Estimated cost - $30, Estimated time spent - 6 hours
  • Coconut candy factory: Free entry, Estimated time spent - 1 hour
  • Bicycle ride: Estimated cost - $5, Estimated time spent - 2 hours

Hidden Gems and Local Favorites

In addition to the popular tourist attractions, Vietnam offers some off the beaten path experiences and places loved by locals. Don't miss the peaceful town of Sapa, nestled in the mountains of northern Vietnam, known for its stunning rice terraces and vibrant ethnic minority cultures. Explore the caves of Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and marvel at their natural beauty. For a beach getaway, Con Dao Islands provide pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and a tranquil atmosphere.

Plan your trip to Vietnam by checking hotel and flight prices on Kayak.

0
Like this trip? Make your own version.
A free, personalized itinerary in seconds — sign up to save and edit it.
Create my version