Vietnam
The perfect 7 days itinerary
Vietnam is a Southeast Asian country known for its beaches, rivers, Buddhist pagodas, and bustling cities. Hanoi, the capital, pays homage to the nation’s iconic Communist-era leader, Ho Chi Minh, via a huge marble mausoleum. Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Saigon) has French colonial landmarks, plus Vietnamese War history museums and the Củ Chi tunnels, used by Viet Cong soldiers. The country is also famous for its delicious cuisine, vibrant culture, and stunning landscapes.
What to do in Vietnam?
This 7 days itinerary is the perfect guide to the best things to see in Vietnam. It includes day-by-day activities, travel tips, and the top places to visit.
Day 1: Arrival in Hanoi
Morning
Arrive in Hanoi, the capital city of Vietnam. Check into your hotel and freshen up.
Afternoon
Start your exploration with a visit to the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, the final resting place of Vietnam's revolutionary leader. Nearby, visit the One Pillar Pagoda, a historic Buddhist temple.
Evening
Stroll around Hoan Kiem Lake and enjoy a traditional Vietnamese water puppet show at the Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre.
Day 2: Explore Hanoi's Old Quarter and Temples
Morning
Visit the Temple of Literature, Vietnam's first national university, dedicated to Confucius. Then, head to the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology to learn about the diverse cultures of Vietnam's 54 ethnic groups.
Afternoon
Explore the bustling streets of Hanoi's Old Quarter. Visit the Dong Xuan Market for some local shopping and try some street food.
Evening
Enjoy a traditional Vietnamese dinner at a local restaurant.
Day 3: Day Trip to Halong Bay
Morning
Take a day trip to Halong Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its emerald waters and thousands of towering limestone islands topped with rainforests. Board a traditional junk boat for a cruise around the bay.
Afternoon
Explore the stunning caves and grottoes, and enjoy a seafood lunch on board. You can also go kayaking or take a swim in the bay.
Evening
Return to Hanoi and relax at your hotel.
Day 4: Travel to Hoi An
Morning
Fly to Da Nang and take a short drive to Hoi An, a charming ancient town known for its well-preserved architecture and lantern-lit streets. Check into your hotel.
Afternoon
Explore the historic streets of Hoi An. Visit the Japanese Covered Bridge, the Assembly Hall of the Fujian Chinese Congregation, and the Hoi An Museum.
Evening
Enjoy a riverside dinner and take a lantern boat ride on the Thu Bon River.
Day 5: Cooking Class and Beach Time in Hoi An
Morning
Take a Vietnamese cooking class. Visit a local market to pick fresh ingredients and learn to cook traditional dishes.
Afternoon
Relax at An Bang Beach. Enjoy the sun, sea, and sand. You can also try some water sports.
Evening
Explore more of Hoi An's night market and enjoy some local street food.
Day 6: Travel to Ho Chi Minh City
Morning
Fly to Ho Chi Minh City, formerly known as Saigon. Check into your hotel.
Afternoon
Visit the War Remnants Museum to learn about the Vietnam War. Then, explore the Reunification Palace, a landmark in Ho Chi Minh City's history.
Evening
Stroll down Nguyen Hue Walking Street and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere. Have dinner at a rooftop restaurant with a view of the city.
Day 7: Explore the Cu Chi Tunnels and Departure
Morning
Take a half-day trip to the Cu Chi Tunnels, an extensive network of underground tunnels used by the Viet Cong during the Vietnam War. Learn about the history and even crawl through some of the tunnels.
Afternoon
Return to Ho Chi Minh City and do some last-minute shopping or sightseeing.
Evening
Head to the airport for your departure flight.