Explore the Best of Vietnam: 7-Day Itinerary

Tuesday, December 26: Ho Chi Minh City

Start your trip in the vibrant Ho Chi Minh City, formerly known as Saigon. In the morning, explore the historic landmarks like the Notre-Dame Cathedral and Reunification Palace. Indulge in delicious street food for lunch at Ben Thanh Market. In the afternoon, visit the War Remnants Museum to learn about Vietnam's history. In the evening, take a stroll along Nguyen Hue Walking Street and immerse yourself in the bustling atmosphere of nightlife.

• Notre-Dame Cathedral: estimated cost - free, time spent - 1 hour
• Reunification Palace: estimated cost - 40,000 VND, time spent - 1-2 hours
• Ben Thanh Market: estimated cost - varies, time spent - 1-2 hours
• War Remnants Museum: estimated cost - 40,000 VND, time spent - 2 hours
• Nguyen Hue Walking Street: estimated cost - free, time spent - evening

Wednesday, December 27: Phu Quoc Island

On the second day, fly to Phu Quoc Island. In the morning, relax and soak up the sun on the white sandy beaches. Discover the island's vibrant marine life with snorkeling or scuba diving in the crystal-clear waters. Enjoy a fresh seafood lunch by the beach. In the evening, take a stroll along the colorful Dinh Cau Night Market and indulge in local delicacies.

• Beach Activities: estimated cost - varies, time spent - morning
• Snorkeling/Scuba Diving: estimated cost - varies, time spent - afternoon
• Dinh Cau Night Market: estimated cost - varies, time spent - evening

Thursday, December 28: Hoi An

Take a short flight to Hoi An, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Start your day by exploring the charming Ancient Town, known for its well-preserved architecture. Get tailor-made clothes at affordable prices. Enjoy a traditional Vietnamese lunch by the riverside. In the afternoon, take a boat ride along the Thu Bon River and visit the nearby Traditional Craft Villages. Witness the beautiful lanterns illuminating the city streets in the evening.

• Ancient Town: estimated cost - 120,000 VND, time spent - morning
• Tailor Shops: estimated cost - varies, time spent - morning
• Thu Bon River Boat Ride: estimated cost - 120,000 VND, time spent - afternoon
• Traditional Craft Villages: estimated cost - 150,000 VND, time spent - afternoon

Friday, December 29: Ba Na Hills and Da Nang

Embark on a day trip to Ba Na Hills, a French-themed mountain resort. Take the cable car up to the hills and enjoy panoramic views. Visit famous landmarks like the Golden Bridge and French Village. Have lunch at one of the restaurants offering stunning vistas. In the afternoon, return to Da Nang and explore the beautiful My Khe Beach. Enjoy a seafood dinner at one of the beachside restaurants.

• Ba Na Hills: estimated cost - 700,000 VND, time spent - full day
• Golden Bridge: estimated cost - included in Ba Na Hills ticket, time spent - 1-2 hours
• My Khe Beach: estimated cost - free, time spent - evening

Saturday, December 30: Hanoi

Fly to Hanoi, the vibrant capital of Vietnam. Start your day by visiting the historic Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple. Sample delicious street food in the Old Quarter for lunch. Explore the Temple of Literature, Vietnam's first national university. In the evening, watch a traditional water puppet show and savor a bowl of steaming hot pho before retiring to your hotel.

• Hoan Kiem Lake: estimated cost - free, time spent - morning
• Temple of Literature: estimated cost - 30,000 VND, time spent - afternoon
• Water Puppet Show: estimated cost - 100,000 VND, time spent - evening

Sunday, December 31: Halong Bay and Ninh Binh

Take an early morning cruise to the breathtaking Halong Bay. Explore the limestone karsts and caves while enjoying a delicious seafood lunch on board. Return to Hanoi and take a 2-hour drive to Ninh Binh. Visit the stunning Trang An Grottoes and take a boat ride through the serene rivers. Explore the ancient capital of Hoa Lu and learn about Vietnam's history. In the evening, enjoy a quiet dinner in Ninh Binh.

• Halong Bay Cruise: estimated cost - varies, time spent - full day
• Trang An Grottoes: estimated cost - 200,000 VND, time spent - afternoon
• Hoa Lu: estimated cost - 20,000 VND, time spent - afternoon

Monday, January 1: Ha Giang Loop

Take a road trip to Ha Giang, known for its breathtaking landscapes. Experience the famous Ha Giang Loop, a scenic motorbike route. Drive through mesmerizing valleys, rice terraces, and traditional villages. Stop by Dong Van Karst Plateau Geopark, a UNESCO Global Geopark. Immerse yourself in the local culture and spend the evening in Dong Van.

• Ha Giang Loop: estimated cost - motorbike rental, time spent - full day
• Dong Van Karst Plateau Geopark: estimated cost - 100,000 VND, time spent - afternoon

Hidden Gems and Local Favorites

Explore the hidden gems of Vietnam by visiting Cao Dai Temple in Tay Ninh, a unique religious site blending different religions. Discover the tranquil beauty of Mui Ne's sand dunes and indulge in fresh seafood by the sea. For a local favorite, visit the Mekong Delta and take a boat tour through the floating markets.

Check hotel and flight prices here.