How many days do you need in Vietnam?

This itinerary covers 7 days in Vietnam, which is a great amount of time to explore the main highlights. Depending on your pace and interests, you could extend or shorten the trip.

What is the best itinerary for Vietnam?

Plan your perfect 7 days trip to Vietnam. This detailed travel itinerary includes daily activities, local recommendations, and insider tips to make your journey unforgettable.

Discovering Vietnam in 7 Days

Day 1: Hanoi City Exploration

Hanoi, Vietnam

8:00AM

Breakfast at Pho 10

Start your day with a traditional bowl of pho at Pho 10, a local favourite in the Old Quarter.

£3, 1 hour

10:00AM

Visit Hoan Kiem Lake

Take a stroll around the picturesque Hoan Kiem Lake and visit Ngoc Son Temple located on a small island in the lake.

Free, 1-2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Bun Cha Huong Lien

Enjoy a delicious lunch of bun cha at Bun Cha Huong Lien, famously visited by former US President Barack Obama.

£5, 1 hour

3:00PM

Explore the Temple of Literature

Discover Vietnam's first national university, the Temple of Literature, showcasing traditional Vietnamese architecture and history.

£2, 1-2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Quan An Ngon

Indulge in a variety of Vietnamese dishes at Quan An Ngon, a popular restaurant offering authentic local cuisine.

£8, 1.5 hours

Find Hotels in Hanoi

Day 2: Ha Long Bay Cruise

Ha Long Bay, Vietnam

8:00AM

Depart for Ha Long Bay

Embark on a scenic drive from Hanoi to Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its emerald waters and towering limestone islands.

£20, 3.5 hours

12:00PM

Lunch on the Cruise

Enjoy a delicious seafood lunch on board your traditional junk boat as you cruise through the stunning landscapes of Ha Long Bay.

£10, 1 hour

3:00PM

Explore Sung Sot Cave

Discover the magnificent Sung Sot Cave, one of the largest and most beautiful caves in Ha Long Bay, with stunning rock formations.

£5, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner on the Cruise Deck

Enjoy a romantic dinner on the deck of the cruise ship, savouring the sunset over the limestone karsts of Ha Long Bay.

£15, 2 hours

Find Hotels in Ha Long Bay

Day 3: Historical Hue

Hue, Vietnam

8:00AM

Breakfast at Lac Thien Restaurant

Start your day with a hearty breakfast at Lac Thien Restaurant, known for its local specialities like banh khoai and bun bo Hue.

£4, 1 hour

10:00AM

Visit the Imperial City

Explore the ancient Imperial City of Hue, a UNESCO World Heritage Site showcasing the former capital of Vietnam with its palaces and temples.

£6, 2-3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Ancient Hue Restaurant

Enjoy a traditional Hue meal at Ancient Hue Restaurant, offering delicacies like banh beo and com hen.

£7, 1 hour

3:00PM

Visit Thien Mu Pagoda

Discover the iconic Thien Mu Pagoda, a seven-story pagoda overlooking the Perfume River, symbolizing the spiritual heart of Hue.

£2, 1-2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Nina's Cafe

Relish a fusion dinner at Nina's Cafe, combining Vietnamese and Western flavours in a charming riverside setting.

£10, 1.5 hours

Find Hotels in Hue

Day 4: Charming Hoi An

Hoi An, Vietnam

8:00AM

Breakfast at Morning Glory Restaurant

Start your day with a delightful breakfast at Morning Glory Restaurant, renowned for its authentic Vietnamese dishes and charming ambience.

£5, 1 hour

10:00AM

Explore Hoi An Ancient Town

Stroll through the historic Hoi An Ancient Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site filled with well-preserved architecture, temples, and lantern-lit streets.

£4, 2-3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Bale Well

Indulge in a local favourite, com ga (chicken rice), at Bale Well, a hidden gem offering delicious Vietnamese street food.

£3, 1 hour

3:00PM

Take a Boat Ride on the Thu Bon River

Experience a peaceful boat ride on the Thu Bon River, passing by lush greenery and traditional Vietnamese villages along the banks.

£8, 1-2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Morning Glory Restaurant

Return to Morning Glory Restaurant for dinner and savour their extensive menu of Vietnamese specialities, ensuring a satisfying end to your day.

£10, 1.5 hours

Find Hotels in Hoi An

Day 5: Relaxing Nha Trang

Nha Trang, Vietnam

8:00AM

Breakfast at Lanterns Vietnamese Restaurant

Start your day with a flavoursome breakfast at Lanterns Vietnamese Restaurant, offering a mix of traditional and fusion dishes with a view of the sea.

£6, 1 hour

10:00AM

Visit Po Nagar Cham Towers

Explore the ancient Po Nagar Cham Towers, a complex of temples built between the 7th and 12th centuries by the Cham civilization.

£3, 1-2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Lanterns Vietnamese Restaurant

Return to Lanterns Vietnamese Restaurant for a delectable lunch, trying their signature dishes and refreshing beverages while enjoying the seaside view.

£8, 1 hour

3:00PM

Relax at Nha Trang Beach

Unwind on the sandy shores of Nha Trang Beach, known for its clear blue waters and water sports activities, perfect for a leisurely afternoon.

Free, 2-3 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Louisiane Brewhouse

Experience a culinary delight at Louisiane Brewhouse, a beachfront restaurant offering a blend of Vietnamese and international cuisine along with craft beers.

£12, 2 hours

Find Hotels in Nha Trang

Day 6: Vibrant Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

8:00AM

Breakfast at Pho Le

Start your day with a classic bowl of pho at Pho Le, a popular spot in Ho Chi Minh City known for its aromatic broth and fresh ingredients.

£4, 1 hour

10:00AM

Explore the War Remnants Museum

Gain insight into Vietnam's history at the War Remnants Museum, displaying exhibits related to the Vietnam War and its aftermath.

£2, 1-2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Secret Garden Restaurant

Indulge in a Vietnamese feast at Secret Garden Restaurant, hidden in a lush rooftop garden, offering a serene dining experience in the busy city.

£8, 1 hour

3:00PM

Shop at Ben Thanh Market

Explore the bustling Ben Thanh Market, a vibrant hub for shopping and local street food, where you can bargain for souvenirs and try Vietnamese snacks.

£5, 1-2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at The Deck Saigon

Dine at The Deck Saigon, a riverside restaurant offering a blend of Asian and Western cuisine, with stunning views of the Saigon River.

£20, 2 hours

Find Hotels in Ho Chi Minh City

Day 7: Mekong Delta Discovery

Mekong Delta, Vietnam

8:00AM

Breakfast at Mekong Rest Stop

Start your day with a hearty breakfast at Mekong Rest Stop, offering a range of local and international dishes before your Mekong Delta adventure.

£6, 1 hour

10:00AM

Explore Cai Be Floating Market

Embark on a boat trip to Cai Be Floating Market, a bustling market on the Mekong River where local vendors sell fresh produce from their boats.

£10, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Tan Phong Island

Enjoy a traditional Vietnamese lunch on Tan Phong Island, savouring regional specialities amidst the lush surroundings of the Mekong Delta.

£8, 1 hour

3:00PM

Visit Vinh Trang Pagoda

Explore the serene Vinh Trang Pagoda, a beautiful Buddhist temple with intricate architecture and peaceful gardens in the Mekong Delta region.

£3, 1-2 hours

6:00PM

Return to Ho Chi Minh City

Conclude your Mekong Delta exploration and return to Ho Chi Minh City for your last evening in Vietnam, reminiscing about your memorable journey.

£15, 3 hours

Find Hotels in Mekong Delta

Step 1 Outline Preview:

Discovering Vietnam in 7 Days

Day 1: Hanoi City Exploration

8:00AM

10:00AM

1:00PM

3:00PM

6:00PM

Day 2: Ha Long Bay Cruise

8:00AM

12:00PM

3:00PM

6:00PM

Day 3: Historical Hue

8:00AM

10:00AM

1:00PM

3:00PM

6:00PM

Day 4: Charming Hoi An

8:00AM

10:00AM

1:00PM

3:00PM

6:00PM

Day 5: Relaxing Nha Trang

8:00AM

10:00AM

1:00PM

3:00PM

6:00PM

Day 6: Vibrant Ho Chi Minh City

8:00AM

10:00AM

1:00PM

3:00PM

6:00PM

Day 7: Mekong Delta Discovery

8:00AM

10:00AM

1:00PM

3:00PM

6:00PM

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