vietnam travel itinerary 1 week Vietnam is a beautiful and diverse country that offers something for everyone. Whether you are looking for culture, history, nature, adventure, or cuisine, you will find it in Vietnam. But how can you make the most of your time in this amazing destination? How can you plan a perfect Vietnam travel itinerary 1 week that covers all the highlights and hidden gems?
In this blog post, I will share with you my personal experience and tips on how to travel around Vietnam in 7 days. I will show you how to visit the best places in Vietnam, from the bustling cities of Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City to the stunning landscapes of Halong Bay and Sapa. I will also give you some suggestions on what to do, see, eat, and stay in each location. By the end of this post, you will have a clear idea of how to create your own Vietnam travel itinerary 1 week that suits your preferences and budget.
Day 1: Arrive in Hanoi vietnam travel itinerary 1 week
Hanoi is the capital and cultural heart of Vietnam. It is a city of contrasts, where you can find ancient temples and colonial buildings alongside modern skyscrapers and trendy cafes. Hanoi is also a great place to experience the local life and culture of Vietnam, as you can wander around the lively streets, markets, and lakes. vietnam travel itinerary 1 week
Some of the best things to do in Hanoi are:
- Visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum Complex, where you can see the embalmed body of the former leader of Vietnam and learn about his life and legacy.
- Explore the Temple of Literature, which is the oldest university in Vietnam and a symbol of education and culture. vietnam travel itinerary 1 week
- Enjoy a water puppet show at Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre, which is a traditional art form that dates back to the 11th century.
- Sample the delicious street food of Hanoi, such as pho (noodle soup), bun cha (grilled pork and noodles), and egg coffee (coffee with egg yolk and condensed milk). vietnam travel itinerary 1 week
- Experience the nightlife of Hanoi at the Old Quarter, where you can find many bars, pubs, and clubs.
For accommodation, I recommend staying in the Old Quarter, as it is the most convenient and lively area to stay in Hanoi. You can find many options for different budgets and tastes, from hostels and guesthouses to hotels and apartments. vietnam travel itinerary 1 week
Day 2: Day Trip to Halong Bay
Halong Bay is one of the most famous and beautiful attractions in Vietnam. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that features thousands of limestone islands and islets rising from the emerald water. Halong Bay is a must-see for any Vietnam travel itinerary 1 week, as it offers stunning scenery, adventure, and relaxation.
The best way to explore Halong Bay is by taking a cruise. You can choose from different types of cruises, depending on your budget and preferences. Some of the common activities that you can do on a cruise are:
- Kayaking or canoeing around the islands and caves
- Swimming or snorkeling in the clear water
- Visiting floating villages and pearl farms
- Hiking or biking on some of the islands
- Relaxing on the sun deck or enjoying a massage
A typical day trip to Halong Bay from Hanoi takes about 12 hours, including transportation, cruising, and activities. You can book a tour online or through your hotel or hostel. Alternatively, you can also stay overnight on a cruise or on one of the islands, such as Cat Ba Island, if you have more time. vietnam travel itinerary 1 week
Day 3: Fly to Da Nang and Transfer to Hoi An
Hoi An is another UNESCO World Heritage Site that is worth visiting in Vietnam. It is a charming town that preserves the architecture and culture of the 15th to 19th centuries, when it was a major trading port. Hoi An is also known for its colorful lanterns, tailor-made clothes, and delicious cuisine.
To get to Hoi An from Hanoi, you need to fly to Da Nang first, which is the nearest airport. The flight takes about an hour and a half, and you can find many cheap flights online or through your hotel or hostel. From Da Nang airport, you can take a taxi, bus, or shuttle to Hoi An, which takes about 45 minutes to an hour.
Some of the best things to do in Hoi An are:
- Stroll around the Old Town, which is a pedestrian-only zone that features many historical buildings, such as the Japanese Covered Bridge, the Assembly Hall of the Fujian Chinese Congregation, and the Tan Ky House vietnam travel itinerary 1 week
- Take a cooking class, where you can learn how to make some of the local specialties, such as cao lau (noodles with pork and herbs), banh xeo (crispy pancakes with shrimp and bean sprouts), and banh mi (sandwiches with various fillings).
- Shop for souvenirs, such as lanterns, silk, ceramics, and paintings. You can also get custom-made clothes or shoes at one of the many tailors in town.
- Relax at the beach, such as An Bang Beach or Cua Dai Beach, which are both about 5 km from the Old Town. You can rent a bike, scooter, or taxi to get there.
- Enjoy the nightlife of Hoi An, which is more laid-back and romantic than Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City. You can find many bars, restaurants, and live music venues along the river or in the Old Town. vietnam travel itinerary 1 week
For accommodation, I recommend staying in or near the Old Town, as it is the most convenient and atmospheric area to stay in Hoi An. You can find many options for different budgets and tastes, from hostels and homestays to hotels and resorts.
Day 4: Day Trip to My Son Sanctuary
My Son Sanctuary is another UNESCO World Heritage Site that is worth visiting in Vietnam. It is a complex of Hindu temples that date back to the 4th to 13th centuries. It was the religious and political center of the Champa Kingdom, which ruled over central and southern Vietnam for centuries. My Son Sanctuary is a fascinating place to learn about the history and culture of Vietnam, as well as to admire the architecture and art of the temples.
The best way to visit My Son Sanctuary is by taking a tour from Hoi An. You can choose from different types of tours, such as bus tours, private tours, or bike tours. Some of the tours also include a boat ride on the Thu Bon River or a visit to a local village. A typical day trip to My Son Sanctuary from Hoi An takes about 6 hours, including transportation and sightseeing. vietnam travel itinerary 1 week
Alternatively, you can also visit My Son Sanctuary on your own by renting a bike, scooter, or car. The distance from Hoi An to My Son Sanctuary is about 40 km, and the road is mostly paved and easy to follow. However, you will need to pay an entrance fee of 150,000 VND (about 6.5 USD) per person, and you may not have a guide to explain the history and significance of the site.
Day 5: Fly to Ho Chi Minh City
Ho Chi Minh City, also known as Saigon, is the largest and most dynamic city in Vietnam. It is a city of contrasts, where you can find skyscrapers and shopping malls alongside pagodas and markets. Ho Chi Minh City is also a great place to learn about the history and culture of Vietnam, especially the Vietnam War.
To get to Ho Chi Minh City from Hoi An, you need to fly from Da Nang airport. The flight takes about an hour and a half, and you can find many cheap flights online or through your hotel or hostel. From Ho Chi Minh City airport, you can take a taxi, bus, or shuttle to the city center, which takes about 30 minutes to an hour.
Some of the best things to do in Ho Chi Minh City are:
- Visit the War Remnants Museum, which displays the atrocities and effects of the Vietnam War on both sides. It is a sobering and eye-opening experience that will make you appreciate the peace and freedom that we have today. vietnam travel itinerary 1 week
- Explore the Cu Chi Tunnels, which are a network of underground tunnels that were used by the Viet Cong during the Vietnam War. You can see how they lived, fought, and survived in the tunnels, and even crawl through some of them if you are brave enough.
- Enjoy the views from the Bitexco Financial Tower, which is the tallest building in Ho Chi Minh City. You can go to the Sky Deck on the 49th floor, which offers a 360-degree panorama of the city. You can also go to the EON Heli Bar on the 52nd floor, which is a trendy rooftop bar that serves drinks and snacks. vietnam travel itinerary 1 week
- Taste the delicious street food of Ho Chi Minh City, such as banh mi (sandwiches with various fillings), pho (noodle soup), com tam (broken rice with grilled pork and egg), and che (sweet soup or pudding).
- Experience the nightlife of Ho Chi Minh City at District 1, which is the most popular and lively area to stay in Ho Chi Minh
Day 6: Day Trip to Mekong Delta
Mekong Delta is a region in southern Vietnam that is famous for its fertile land, rich culture, and diverse wildlife. It is where the Mekong River splits into many branches and canals before reaching the sea. Mekong Delta is a must-visit for any Vietnam travel itinerary 1 week, as it offers a glimpse into the rural and authentic life of Vietnam.
The best way to visit Mekong Delta is by taking a tour from Ho Chi Minh City. You can choose from different types of tours, such as bus tours, private tours, or bike tours. Some of the common activities that you can do on a tour are:
- Cruising along the river and canals on a traditional wooden boat or a motorized sampan
- Visiting local villages and markets, where you can see how people live, work, and trade on the water
- Tasting the local fruits, such as coconut, pineapple, mango, and dragon fruit vietnam travel itinerary 1 week
- Watching a traditional music and dance performance by the locals
- Exploring some of the attractions in the region, such as the Vinh Trang Pagoda, the Cai Rang Floating Market, or the Tra Su Bird Sanctuary vietnam travel itinerary 1 week
A typical day trip to Mekong Delta from Ho Chi Minh City takes about 10 hours, including transportation and sightseeing. You can book a tour online or through your hotel or hostel.
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Day 7: Depart from Ho Chi Minh City
On your last day in Vietnam, you can either relax and enjoy some free time in Ho Chi Minh City or do some last-minute shopping and sightseeing. Some of the places that you can visit are:
- The Reunification Palace, which was the former residence and office of the president of South Vietnam during the Vietnam War. It is now a museum that showcases the history and architecture of the palace.
- The Notre Dame Cathedral, which is a stunning neo-Gothic church that was built by the French in the 19th century. It is one of the most iconic landmarks in Ho Chi Minh City and a popular spot for photos. vietnam travel itinerary 1 week
- The Ben Thanh Market, which is the largest and most famous market in Ho Chi Minh City. It is a great place to buy souvenirs, such as clothes, handicrafts, coffee, and spices. You can also try some of the local snacks, such as banh xeo (crispy pancakes with shrimp and bean sprouts), banh cuon (steamed rice rolls with pork and mushrooms), and che (sweet soup or pudding).
- The Saigon Skydeck, which is a observation deck on the 49th floor of the Bitexco Financial Tower. It offers a spectacular view of the city and the river, especially at night. vietnam travel itinerary 1 week
When it is time to leave, you can take a taxi, bus, or shuttle to the airport, which takes about 30 minutes to an hour. You can also book a transfer online or through your hotel or hostel. vietnam travel itinerary 1 week
I hope you enjoyed this blog post and found it helpful for planning your Vietnam travel itinerary 1 week. Vietnam is a wonderful country that has so much to offer, and I am sure you will have an unforgettable experience. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to leave them below. Thank you for reading and happy travels!
