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

7-Day Itinerary in Vietnam - October 16-22, 2023

Monday, October 16: Hanoi

Start your trip in the capital city of Vietnam, Hanoi. In the morning, visit the historic Hoan Kiem Lake, where you can take a leisurely walk around the scenic lake and visit Ngoc Son Temple. In the afternoon, explore the bustling Old Quarter, known for its narrow streets filled with shops and street food stalls. As the evening sets in, head to the Thang Long Water Puppet Theater to watch a traditional Vietnamese water puppet show.

  • Hoan Kiem Lake: Free, 1-2 hours
  • Ngoc Son Temple: Free, 30 minutes
  • Old Quarter: Free, 2-3 hours
  • Thang Long Water Puppet Theater: Estimated cost: $5-10, 1 hour
Tuesday, October 17: Halong Bay

Embark on a day trip to the stunning UNESCO World Heritage site, Halong Bay. In the morning, take a scenic drive to Halong City and board a traditional junk boat for a cruise through the limestone karsts and emerald waters. Enjoy a seafood lunch on board and explore the fascinating caves and floating villages. In the afternoon, kayak or swim in the bay before returning to Hanoi in the evening.

  • Halong Bay Day Trip: Estimated cost: $50-100, 10-12 hours
Wednesday, October 18: Hue

Fly from Hanoi to Hue, the former imperial capital of Vietnam. In the morning, visit the UNESCO World Heritage site, Hue Imperial City, and explore its grand palaces, temples, and gardens. In the afternoon, take a scenic boat ride along the Perfume River to visit Thien Mu Pagoda and the tombs of the Nguyen Emperors. As the evening sets in, stroll along the Perfume River and enjoy a dinner cruise.

  • Hue Imperial City: Estimated cost: $5-10, 2-3 hours
  • Perfume River Boat Ride: Estimated cost: $10-20, 2-3 hours
  • Thien Mu Pagoda: Free, 1-2 hours
  • Dinner Cruise: Estimated cost: $20-30, 2-3 hours
Thursday, October 19: Hoi An

Take a scenic drive from Hue to Hoi An, a charming ancient town known for its well-preserved architecture. In the morning, explore the UNESCO World Heritage site of Hoi An Ancient Town, with its narrow streets, Chinese temples, and Japanese covered bridge. In the afternoon, take a cycling tour to the nearby Tra Que Vegetable Village and learn about organic farming. As the evening sets in, enjoy a lantern-lit boat ride along the Thu Bon River.

  • Hoi An Ancient Town: Estimated cost: $5-10, 2-3 hours
  • Tra Que Vegetable Village Cycling Tour: Estimated cost: $10-20, 2-3 hours
  • Lantern Boat Ride: Estimated cost: $5-10, 1-2 hours
Friday, October 20: Nha Trang

Fly from Hoi An to Nha Trang, a coastal city known for its beautiful beaches and vibrant nightlife. In the morning, relax and soak up the sun on Nha Trang's beaches or take a boat tour to nearby islands. In the afternoon, visit the Po Nagar Cham Towers, ancient Hindu temples dating back to the 7th century. As the evening sets in, explore the lively nightlife scene along Tran Phu Street.

  • Nha Trang Beach: Free, 2-3 hours
  • Boat Tour: Estimated cost: $20-50, 4-6 hours
  • Po Nagar Cham Towers: Estimated cost: $2-5, 1-2 hours
  • Nightlife on Tran Phu Street: Estimated cost: varies, 2-3 hours
Saturday, October 21: Ho Chi Minh City

Fly from Nha Trang to Ho Chi Minh City, the vibrant metropolis formerly known as Saigon. In the morning, visit the historic Reunification Palace and the nearby War Remnants Museum to learn about Vietnam's history. In the afternoon, explore the bustling Ben Thanh Market for shopping and street food. As the evening sets in, experience the nightlife in the lively backpacker area of Pham Ngu Lao Street.

  • Reunification Palace: Estimated cost: $2-5, 1-2 hours
  • War Remnants Museum: Estimated cost: $2-5, 1-2 hours
  • Ben Thanh Market: Free, 2-3 hours
  • Pham Ngu Lao Street: Estimated cost: varies, 2-3 hours
Sunday, October 22: Mekong Delta

Embark on a day trip to the Mekong Delta, a vast network of rivers and rice paddies. In the morning, take a boat tour to explore the floating markets and traditional villages. Enjoy a local lunch with Mekong Delta specialties. In the afternoon, visit a fruit orchard and try tropical fruits. As the evening sets in, return to Ho Chi Minh City.

  • Mekong Delta Day Trip: Estimated cost: $20-50, 10-12 hours

Hidden Gems and Local Favorites

When in Hanoi, don't miss the chance to visit the Temple of Literature, Vietnam's first national university, and a beautiful example of traditional Vietnamese architecture. In Hue, make sure to try the local specialty, Bun Bo Hue, a delicious spicy beef noodle soup. In Hoi An, explore the nearby countryside by motorbike and visit the lush green rice fields. And in Ho Chi Minh City, take a trip to the Cu Chi Tunnels to learn about the history of the Vietnam War and the ingenious tunnel network used by the Viet Cong.

For hotel and flight prices, check here.

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