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.

Ultimate 7-Day Vietnam Shoestring Budget Itinerary

Day 1: City Exploration

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

8:00AM

Visit Ben Thanh Market

Start your day by exploring the vibrant Ben Thanh Market, offering an array of local goods and street food.

£5, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Pho 2000

Enjoy a delicious bowl of traditional pho at Pho 2000, a renowned spot for this iconic Vietnamese dish.

£3, 1 hour

3:00PM

Explore War Remnants Museum

Delve into Vietnam's history at the War Remnants Museum, showcasing the country's resilience and past.

£2, 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Quan An Ngon

Indulge in a variety of Vietnamese dishes at Quan An Ngon, offering a taste of local street food in a restaurant setting.

£8, 1.5 hours

Find Hotels in Ho Chi Minh City

Day 2: Beach Relaxation

Da Nang, Vietnam

9:00AM

My Khe Beach

Spend a relaxing day at My Khe Beach, known for its crystal-clear waters and golden sands.

£2, Full Day

1:00PM

Beach Picnic

Enjoy a beach picnic with fresh fruits, banh mi, and local snacks for a budget-friendly meal by the sea.

£5, 1 hour

6:00PM

Seafood Dinner at An Cuu

Head to An Cuu seafood market to savour a seafood feast at affordable prices, a must-try in Da Nang.

£10, 2 hours

Find Hotels in Da Nang

Day 3: Historical Exploration

Hoi An, Vietnam

9:00AM

Ancient Town Walking Tour

Embark on a self-guided walking tour of Hoi An's Ancient Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site filled with history and charm.

£3 (optional entrance fees), 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Morning Glory Restaurant

Dine at Morning Glory Restaurant for authentic Vietnamese cuisine with a wide range of dishes at reasonable prices.

£6, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Explore Cam Thanh Coconut Village

Discover the rural side of Hoi An at Cam Thanh Coconut Village with a boat ride and hands-on activities like fishing and basket boat rowing.

£5, 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Bale Well

End your day with a visit to Bale Well for a traditional Vietnamese dining experience, famous for its grilled meat skewers and local beer.

£7, 1.5 hours

Find Hotels in Hoi An

Day 4: Cultural Immersion

Hue, Vietnam

9:00AM

Imperial City of Hue

Explore the Imperial City of Hue, a vast complex of palaces, temples, walls, and gates that once served as the seat of the Nguyen emperors.

£4, 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Hanh Restaurant

Enjoy a hearty meal at Hanh Restaurant known for its traditional Hue cuisine, offering dishes like bun bo Hue and banh khoai.

£5, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Thien Mu Pagoda

Visit Thien Mu Pagoda, an iconic seven-story pagoda overlooking the Perfume River, symbolising the spiritual and cultural heritage of Hue.

£1, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at Lac Thien Restaurant

Dine at Lac Thien Restaurant for a budget-friendly meal with local favourites such as banh xeo and fresh spring rolls.

£6, 1.5 hours

Find Hotels in Hue

Day 5: Capital Exploration

Hanoi, Vietnam

9:00AM

Hoan Kiem Lake

Begin your day with a leisurely stroll around Hoan Kiem Lake, a scenic spot in the heart of Hanoi perfect for people-watching.

Free, 1.5 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Bun Cha Huong Lien

Taste the famous bun cha at Bun Cha Huong Lien, the restaurant where President Obama once dined, offering a delicious and affordable meal.

£4, 1 hour

3:00PM

Temple of Literature

Explore the Temple of Literature, Vietnam's first national university and a symbol of Confucianism and academic excellence.

£2, 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Bun Bo Nam Bo

Enjoy a bowl of bun bo nam bo, a Hanoi speciality at a modest price, at this local eatery loved by both tourists and locals.

£3, 1 hour

Find Hotels in Hanoi

Day 6: Nature Escape

Ha Long Bay, Vietnam

8:00AM

Ha Long Bay Cruise

Embark on a budget-friendly cruise through the stunning limestone karsts and emerald waters of Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

£30, Full Day

1:00PM

Lunch on the Boat

Enjoy a freshly prepared seafood lunch on the boat while taking in the breathtaking scenery of Ha Long Bay.

Included, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner on Tuan Chau Island

Dine at one of the local restaurants on Tuan Chau Island, offering a variety of seafood dishes at reasonable prices.

£10, 2 hours

Find Hotels in Ha Long Bay

Day 7: Final Exploration

Hanoi, Vietnam

9:00AM

Explore Old Quarter

Spend your final day exploring the bustling streets of Hanoi's Old Quarter, known for its narrow lanes, historic architecture, and vibrant atmosphere.

£3, 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Pho Thin

Try the renowned pho cuon at Pho Thin, a local favourite offering a unique twist on traditional pho dishes.

£5, 1 hour

4:00PM

Visit Hoa Lo Prison

Explore the historical Hoa Lo Prison, also known as the 'Hanoi Hilton', which sheds light on Vietnam's wartime history.

£2, 1.5 hours

7:00PM

Farewell Dinner at Highway4

End your trip with a farewell dinner at Highway4, a restaurant known for its creative Vietnamese fusion dishes and unique dining experience.

£10, 2 hours

Find Hotels in Hanoi

Step 1 Outline Preview:

Ultimate 7-Day Vietnam Shoestring Budget Itinerary

Day 1: City Exploration

8:00AM

12:00PM

3:00PM

7:00PM

Day 2: Beach Relaxation

9:00AM

1:00PM

6:00PM

Day 3: Historical Exploration

9:00AM

1:00PM

4:00PM

7:00PM

Day 4: Cultural Immersion

9:00AM

1:00PM

4:00PM

7:00PM

Day 5: Capital Exploration

9:00AM

12:00PM

3:00PM

7:00PM

Day 6: Nature Escape

8:00AM

1:00PM

6:00PM

Day 7: Final Exploration

9:00AM

1:00PM

4:00PM

7:00PM

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