After spending 21 days across Vietnam, based on our experience, this itinerary is what we have been recommending our friends to get the best out of Vietnam if they have around 5 to 7 days in Vietnam. If you are planning a longer trip then do check out what we did for 21 days in Vietnam here.
While it is possible to do all the three major cities (Ho Chi Minh, Da Nang/Hoi An and Hanoi) in 7 days, we strongly advise against it. If you strive to cover the entire Vietnam in 7 days, you will end up not having much fun and will mostly spend your time in commute. This itinerary is perfect for couples, families and any relaxed traveller.
Vietnam Itinerary
Detailed 7 day Vietnam Itinerary
Here is the detailed day wise breakup of the best of Vietnam in 7 days.
Day 1 - Hanoi
Plan your flights in such a way that you reach Hanoi early enough so that you have the time to do sightseeing.
After you check in and freshen up, head out to explore the famous Egg Coffee in Hanoi. There are a lot of cafes that serve this like Cong Cafe, Hidden Gem Cafe etc. Post some light coffee, you can check out the Hoa Lo Prison. Post the prison tour, you can reach near the Hoan Kiem Lake which is in Hanoi Old Quarters.
I would recommend that you find a place to stay in the old quarter because most tours that you do will offer pick up from here. Besides, it is more convenient to stay in the heart of the city.
Walk around the old quarter and do some souvenir shopping. You will find a lot of paintings, clothes, shoes and much more here. Once you are done shopping, head to Chua Tran Quoc for the sunset.
Sunset at Chua Tran Quoc
Enjoy the sunset and then head to the train street. Don't forget to check the train timings. It was around 9 pm when we went. The street is vibrant and you can sit and enjoy food and drinks while waiting for the train.
Day 2 - Day tour to Ninh Binh
Your Ninh Binh tour guide would come in around 8 am to pick you up from your hotel if you are in old quarter. Brace yourself, there is a lot of walking involved today. The tour starts from visiting Hoa Lu, the ancient capital of Vietnam and tombs of the kings. This place is from the 10th century and hence is historically significant.
Hoa Lu Ancient Capital
Post lunch, head to Tam Coc and take the sampan go along the Ngo Dong river to visit Tam Coc's three caves.
Tam Coc Boat Ride
Tam Coc River Views
Visit Mua Caves and climb the Dragon Mountain if you are up for it
View from Dragon Mountain
Return to Hanoi and head to Beer Street to enjoy your final night here.
P.S: The Ninh Binh tour can be booked online or through an agent on Day 1 in old quarter
Day 3 - Halong Bay
Checkout from your hotel in Hanoi early morning as your shuttle to Halong bay comes and picks you up at around 8 am. On the way to Halong way, check out a pearl farm and see how pearls are made.
You will check in at around 11:30 am. After a welcome drink and safety briefing, your ship will cruise towards the southeast of Halong Bay, passing Fighting- Cock and Finger Islet.
Halong Bay Cruise
Post lunch a small boat takes you to Sung Sot Cave, one of the biggest caves in Ha Long Bay with beautiful stalactites. You will be surprised by the breathtaking panoramic view across the Bay once you exit the cave as well as the stalactites and stalagmites formed over millions of years which have taken on fascinating shapes.
Sung Sot Cave
Post that the boat takes you to Ti Top Island for stunning panoramic views of the Bay. After the hike, you can swim in the beach for some time before it's time to head back.
Ti Top Island View
Enjoy the cruise and the dinner overnight and do some squid fishing.
Day 4 - Da Nang
Get up early in the morning and head over to the Kayaking spot post breakfast. Checkout is at 10 am post an early lunch. Once you are back to the bay, we recommend you heading to Cat Bi Airport instead of going all the way back to Hanoi to catch your flight to Da Nang.
Kayaking in Halong Bay
Once you check into your hotel at Da Nang, I recommend you rent a bike and head to The Marble Mountain.
Marble Mountain
Marble Mountain Temple
On your way back, you can check out the night market as well as the Dragon Bridge.
Day 5 - Bà Nà Hills (Golden Hands Bridge)
Wake up early and head to Bà Nà Hills. Bà Nà Hills is a hill station and resort located in the Trường Sơn Mountains west of Da Nang. To reach to the top of the hills you have to take one of the 6 lines of cable car, holds the world record for longest non-stop single track cable car at 5,801 metres.
Ba Na Hills Cable Car
Ba Na Hills is home to the golden hands bridge which is something that most people see on Instagram or any travel blog as a must see place in Vietnam. It is a small walking bridge, literally built on top of the clouds.
Golden Hands Bridge
The Sun World at Ba Na Hills has a lot of activities and is like a resort on its own. It is an amalgamation of French, Asian and Buddhist heritage. There is a lot to do and you would not realise how the day flies by.
Ba Na Hills Resort
Ba Na Hills Architecture
Ba Na Hills Gardens
You can head to the beach in the evening to relax.
Day 6 - Hoi An
After checking out from Da Nang, head 30 km down South to Hoi An. Once you drop your luggage in your hotel, start looking through the numerous tailor shops in the main city and find a tailor that you like. Choose fabric, design and bargain a bit before placing your order.
Explore the rich cultural heritages either on a rented bicycle or on foot until you are tired. Then head to the riverside near the Japanese bridge and sit in one of the wonderful cafes for refreshments. In the evening, go for a boat ride on the river and light a lantern. Explore the night market before calling it a night.
Hoi An Street
Hoi An Ancient Town
Hoi An Lanterns
Hoi An River
Hoi An Japanese Bridge
Hoi An Night Market
Day 7 - Fly back
Early in the morning, head to your tailor for a final fitting. While the tailor makes final finishing, you can head to a nearby spa for a massage. Collect your clothes and then checkout.
Take a cab and head to Da Nang airport for your flight back home.
If you are looking for vegetarian or vegan food, for the above itinerary, check out this blog.
