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

Saturday, December 23, 2023: Arrival in Hanoi

Start your trip in the capital city of Vietnam, Hanoi. In the morning, visit the historic Hoan Kiem Lake and take a stroll across the famous red bridge to Ngoc Son Temple. In the afternoon, explore the bustling Old Quarter with its narrow streets filled with shops and street food vendors. In the evening, indulge in a traditional Vietnamese dinner at a local restaurant.

  • Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple: Free, 2 hours
  • Old Quarter: Free, 3 hours
  • Dinner at a local restaurant: $10-20 per person
Sunday, December 24, 2023: Halong Bay Cruise

Embark on a memorable cruise adventure in Halong Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage site. In the morning, board a traditional junk boat and sail through the breathtaking limestone karsts and emerald waters. Enjoy a seafood lunch on board and explore the stunning caves and grottoes. In the evening, savor a delicious dinner while watching the sunset over the bay.

  • Halong Bay Cruise: $100-150 per person, full day
Monday, December 25, 2023: Hoi An Ancient Town

Travel to the charming city of Hoi An, known for its well-preserved ancient town. In the morning, take a guided walking tour of the town's narrow alleys adorned with colorful lanterns. Visit historical sites like the Japanese Covered Bridge and the Assembly Hall of the Fujian Chinese. In the afternoon, explore the local markets and try your hand at traditional lantern making. Finish the day with a sunset boat ride along the Thu Bon River.

  • Hoi An Ancient Town: $5 entrance fee, 4 hours
  • Lantern making workshop: $10-20 per person, 2 hours
  • Sunset boat ride: $10-20 per person, 1 hour
Tuesday, December 26, 2023: Hue Imperial City

Discover the imperial history of Hue by visiting the UNESCO-listed Hue Imperial City. In the morning, explore the ancient citadel, including the Imperial Enclosure, the Forbidden Purple City, and the beautiful Thien Mu Pagoda. Enjoy a traditional Hue-style lunch at a local restaurant. In the afternoon, take a boat ride along the Perfume River to visit the serene Tomb of Emperor Minh Mang.

  • Hue Imperial City: $10 entrance fee, 4 hours
  • Thien Mu Pagoda: Free, 1 hour
  • Boat ride to Emperor Minh Mang's Tomb: $10-20 per person, 2 hours
Wednesday, December 27, 2023: Mekong Delta

Experience the vibrant life along the Mekong Delta. In the morning, take a boat trip to the bustling Cai Be Floating Market, where locals trade goods from their boats. Visit local cottage industries to see how products like rice paper and coconut candy are made. Enjoy a traditional Vietnamese lunch on an island. In the afternoon, explore the lush fruit orchards and canals of the delta before returning to Ho Chi Minh City.

  • Cai Be Floating Market: Free, 2 hours
  • Local cottage industries: Free, 1 hour
  • Lunch on an island: $10-20 per person
  • Mekong Delta exploration: $20-30 per person, 4 hours
Thursday, December 28, 2023: Ho Chi Minh City

Discover the bustling city of Ho Chi Minh City, formerly known as Saigon. In the morning, visit the historic landmarks like the Reunification Palace, the War Remnants Museum, and the Notre-Dame Cathedral. Enjoy a delicious pho lunch at a local street stall. In the afternoon, explore the vibrant Ben Thanh Market for souvenirs and try some local street food. In the evening, take a relaxing stroll along Nguyen Hue Walking Street.

  • Reunification Palace: $5 entrance fee, 2 hours
  • War Remnants Museum: $2 entrance fee, 2 hours
  • Notre-Dame Cathedral: Free, 1 hour
  • Pho lunch: $5-10 per person
  • Ben Thanh Market: Free, 2 hours
  • Nguyen Hue Walking Street: Free, 1 hour
Friday, December 29, 2023: Cu Chi Tunnels

Explore the historical Cu Chi Tunnels, an underground network used by the Viet Cong during the Vietnam War. In the morning, take a guided tour of the tunnels and learn about the hardships faced by soldiers during the war. Try your hand at shooting a real AK-47 rifle at a nearby shooting range. In the afternoon, return to Ho Chi Minh City and enjoy your last evening in Vietnam with a rooftop dinner overlooking the city skyline.

  • Cu Chi Tunnels: $10 entrance fee, 4 hours
  • AK-47 shooting range: $30-50 per person, 1 hour
  • Rooftop dinner: $20-50 per person

Hidden Gems and Local Favorites

For off the beaten path attractions, consider visiting the peaceful Phu Quoc Island with its stunning beaches and lush national parks. Explore the ancient capital of Ninh Binh, known as "Halong Bay on land," where you can take a boat ride through limestone caves and cycle through picturesque rice fields. Don't miss the beautiful terraced rice fields in Sapa, perfect for hiking and exploring the unique minority cultures.

To check hotel and flight prices for your Vietnam trip, click 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