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.

7-Day North to South Vietnam Cultural and Culinary Journey

Day 1: Hanoi Old Quarter

Hanoi, Vietnam on June 22, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Pho Thin

Start your day with a authentic Hanoi breakfast featuring Pho, a Vietnamese beef noodle soup revered by locals, at Pho Thin, open from 6am to 10am.

VND50000, 1h

9:30am

Explore Hanoi Old Quarter

Wander through the bustling streets of the Old Quarter, renowned for its colonial architecture, street vendors, and vibrant market life.

Free, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Bun Cha Huong Lien

Taste the famous Bun Cha, grilled pork served with noodles and fresh herbs, a Hanoi specialty cherished by locals and visitors alike. Open daily 10am-3pm.

VND60000, 1h

1:30pm

Visit Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple

Enjoy a peaceful stroll around Hoan Kiem Lake and visit the scenic Ngoc Son Temple situated on a small island in the lake.

VND30000, 1h

3:00pm

See the final resting place of Vietnam’s revolutionary leader Ho Chi Minh. Remember to check the mausoleum's opening hours (8am-11am, closed Monday and Friday). Visiting the surrounding botanical gardens and stilt house is also rewarding.

Free, 1h30m

6:30pm

Dinner at Cha Ca La Vong Restaurant

Enjoy a traditional Hanoi dish of grilled fish with turmeric and dill served at Cha Ca La Vong, one of the city's oldest restaurants, open 11am to 10pm.

VND120000, 1h30m

8:00pm

Water Puppet Show

Experience a unique Vietnamese cultural performance at Thang Long Water Puppet Theater near the lake. Shows run from 7pm to 8pm daily.

VND100000, 1h

Find Hotels in Hanoi

Day 2: Halong Bay Cruise

Halong Bay, Vietnam on June 23, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Hotel in Hanoi

Enjoy a hearty breakfast before your transfer to Halong Bay, allowing you energy for the day’s activities.

Included in accommodation, 1h

8:00am

Travel to Halong Bay

Travel approximately 3.5-4 hours by road from Hanoi to Halong Bay, noted for its emerald waters and towering limestone islands.

VND300000 (bus transfer), 4h

12:00pm

Halong Bay Day Cruise

Embark on a scenic daytime cruise exploring caves and islands, including lunch served onboard. Cruises generally operate 12pm-5pm.

USD60, 5h

5:30pm

Return to Hanoi

Head back by road to Hanoi, arriving in the late evening for rest.

Included in tour, 4h

9:30pm

Late Dinner at Bun Bo Nam Bo

Try the southern-style beef noodle dish, Bun Bo Nam Bo, at a popular local night spot open until late.

VND70000, 1h

Find Hotels in Halong Bay

Day 3: Imperial City Tour

Hue, Vietnam on June 24, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a light breakfast before your morning flight to Hue.

Included, 1h

9:00am

Flight Hanoi to Hue

Fly from Hanoi to Hue, approximately 1 hour. Arrival transfer to hotel.

USD50, 1h

11:00am

Visit Imperial City (The Citadel)

Explore the UNESCO World Heritage site featuring palaces, gates, and temples that symbolize Vietnam’s last feudal dynasty, open 8am-5:30pm.

VND150000, 2h

1:30pm

Lunch at Les Jardins de La Carambole

Relish French-Vietnamese fusion cuisine in a charming colonial setting, open 11am to 2pm.

VND250000, 1h

3:00pm

Thien Mu Pagoda

Visit the iconic seven-story pagoda set lovely by the Perfume River, open 7am-6pm.

No entrance fee, 1h

5:00pm

Walk along Perfume River

Enjoy a peaceful afternoon walk along the river, seeing boats and local life.

Free, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Ancient Hue Restaurant

Sample traditional Hue royal cuisine at Ancient Hue, open from 10am to 10pm.

VND200000, 1h30m

Find Hotels in Hue

Day 4: Travel to Hoi An

Hue to Hoi An, Vietnam on June 25, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a relaxing breakfast before checkout.

Included, 1h

8:00am

Travel Hue to Hoi An via Hai Van Pass

Take a scenic 3-hour drive south crossing the famous Hai Van Pass with stunning ocean and mountain vistas.

VND400000 (private car), 3h

11:30am

Check-in and Lunch at Morning Glory Restaurant

Arrive and enjoy lunch featuring local specialties like Cao Lau noodles at popular Morning Glory, open 10am-10pm.

VND120000, 1h

1:00pm

Hoi An Ancient Town Walking Tour

Discover lantern-lit streets, historic houses, and riverside cafes in this UNESCO World Heritage Site open all day.

VND120000 (ticket to Ancient Town), 3h

5:00pm

Visit Japanese Covered Bridge

See the iconic 18th century Covered Bridge, a symbol of Hoi An, open till sunset.

Included in ancient town ticket, 30m

7:30pm

Dinner at Cargo Club

Enjoy riverside dining and French-Vietnamese cuisine at Cargo Club, open until 10pm.

VND200000, 1h30m

Find Hotels in Hue to Hoi An

Day 5: Hoi An Immersion

Hoi An, Vietnam on June 26, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at The Fisherman

Start your day with fresh local coffee and light Vietnamese breakfast dishes at this cozy café, open from 7am.

VND80000, 1h

9:00am

Cycling Tour to Tra Que Vegetable Village

Enjoy a morning cycling through countryside to the organic Tra Que Village for farming experience and relaxation.

VND100000 (tour and bike), 3h

12:30pm

Lunch at Tra Que Village Local Spot

Savor fresh herbal and vegetable dishes right in the village, a unique farm-to-table experience.

VND120000, 1h

2:00pm

Relax at An Bang Beach

Spend a leisurely afternoon sunbathing and swimming at nearby An Bang Beach, open all day.

Free, 3h

6:30pm

Dinner at Morning Glory

Return to Morning Glory Restaurant for a different menu experience of Hoi An flavors, open till 10pm.

VND150000, 1h30m

8:30pm

Lantern Night Walk

Enjoy the magical atmosphere as Hoi An lights up with lanterns along the river, a great photo opportunity.

Free, 1h

Find Hotels in Hoi An

Day 6: Fly to Ho Chi Minh City

Hoi An to Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam on June 27, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast and Checkout

Have breakfast and prepare for checkout from your hotel.

Included, 1h

8:00am

Travel to Da Nang Airport

Take a 45-minute taxi ride to Da Nang Airport for morning flight to Ho Chi Minh City.

VND300000, 45m

10:00am

Flight to Ho Chi Minh City

Fly approximately 1 hour to Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam's bustling economic hub.

USD50, 1h

11:30am

Check-in and Lunch at Pho 2000

Enjoy a bowl of Pho at Pho 2000, famous for serving former U.S. President Bill Clinton, open 7am-9pm.

VND70000, 1h

1:00pm

War Remnants Museum

Visit this important museum detailing the Vietnam War’s impact, open 7:30am-6pm.

VND40000, 2h

3:30pm

Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon and Central Post Office

Explore French colonial architecture in the city heart, open 7am-5pm.

Free, 1h

5:00pm

Ben Thanh Market

Shop for souvenirs and taste local street food at this famous market, open till 7pm.

Free, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Cuc Gach Quan

Savor authentic southern Vietnamese cuisine in a charming atmosphere, open 10am-10pm.

VND200000, 1h30m

Find Hotels in Hoi An to Ho Chi Minh City

Day 7: Ho Chi Minh City Highlights

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam on June 28, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at L’Usine

Enjoy a Western-style breakfast and coffee at L’Usine, a trendy café open from 7am.

VND120000, 1h

9:00am

Cu Chi Tunnels Tour

Take a half-day guided tour of the Cu Chi tunnels, a vast underground network used during the Vietnam War, tours 7am-4pm.

USD40, 4h

2:00pm

Return and Late Lunch at Pizza 4P's

Experience delicious fusion pizza and local ingredients at this popular eatery open until late afternoon.

VND250000, 1h

4:00pm

Saigon Skydeck at Bitexco Financial Tower

Enjoy panoramic views of the city from the Skydeck, open 9am-9pm.

VND200000, 1h

6:00pm

Evening Walk along Nguyen Hue Walking Street

Relax with an evening stroll along this lively pedestrian street filled with street performers and cafes.

Free, 1h

7:30pm

Farewell Dinner at Secret Garden

Enjoy a rooftop dinner featuring traditional Vietnamese dishes with a modern twist, open until 10pm.

VND220000, 1h30m

Find Hotels in Ho Chi Minh City

Step 1 Outline Preview:

7-Day North to South Vietnam Cultural and Culinary Journey

Day 1: Hanoi Old Quarter

8:00am

9:30am

12:00pm

1:30pm

3:00pm

6:30pm

8:00pm

Day 2: Halong Bay Cruise

7:00am

8:00am

12:00pm

5:30pm

9:30pm

Day 3: Imperial City Tour

7:00am

9:00am

11:00am

1:30pm

3:00pm

5:00pm

7:00pm

Day 4: Travel to Hoi An

7:00am

8:00am

11:30am

1:00pm

5:00pm

7:30pm

Day 5: Hoi An Immersion

7:30am

9:00am

12:30pm

2:00pm

6:30pm

8:30pm

Day 6: Fly to Ho Chi Minh City

7:00am

8:00am

10:00am

11:30am

1:00pm

3:30pm

5:00pm

7:00pm

Day 7: Ho Chi Minh City Highlights

7:30am

9:00am

2:00pm

4:00pm

6:00pm

7:30pm

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