vietnam travel itinerary 7 days Vietnam is a fascinating country with a rich culture, diverse landscapes, delicious cuisine, and friendly people. Whether you are looking for history, nature, adventure, or relaxation, Vietnam has something for everyone. But how can you make the most of your time in Vietnam if you only have 7 days? In this blog post, we will show you how to plan a perfect 7-day Vietnam itinerary that covers the highlights of this amazing country.
Itinerary Overview vietnam travel itinerary 7 days
There are many ways to spend 7 days in Vietnam, depending on your preferences and interests. However, we suggest that you focus on one or two regions of Vietnam, rather than trying to see everything in one week. This way, you can avoid spending too much time on transportation and enjoy each destination more fully.
For this itinerary, we will focus on the north and central regions of Vietnam, which offer a great mix of culture, history, natural beauty, and cuisine. We will start in Hanoi, the capital city of Vietnam and a hub of culture and history. Then we will visit Halong Bay, one of the most stunning natural wonders in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Next, we will head to Hoi An, a charming ancient town in central Vietnam that is famous for its architecture, lanterns, and tailors. Finally, we will end our trip in Hue, the former imperial capital of Vietnam and a center of historical and cultural heritage. vietnam travel itinerary 7 days
Here is a summary of our 7-day Vietnam itinerary:
- Day 1: Arrive in Hanoi and explore the city
- Day 2: Take a day trip to Halong Bay and enjoy an overnight cruise
- Day 3: Return to Hanoi and fly to Da Nang, then transfer to Hoi An
- Day 4: Explore Hoi An and its surroundings
- Day 5: Take a day trip to Hue and visit its attractions
- Day 6: Return to Hoi An and enjoy some free time
- Day 7: Fly back to Hanoi and depart
Day 1: Hanoi
Hanoi is the capital city of Vietnam and a great place to start your 7-day Vietnam itinerary. Hanoi has a rich history and culture, with many museums, temples, monuments, and colonial buildings to explore. It also has a vibrant street life, with bustling markets, street food stalls, cafes, and shops. You can easily spend a whole day wandering around the Old Quarter, the heart of Hanoi, and soaking up the atmosphere. vietnam travel itinerary 7 days
Some of the highlights of Hanoi that you should not miss are:
- Hoan Kiem Lake: This is a beautiful lake in the center of the city, surrounded by trees, gardens, and bridges. It is a popular spot for locals and tourists alike, especially in the morning and evening. You can walk around the lake, visit the Ngoc Son Temple on an island, or watch the water puppet show at the Thang Long Theater. vietnam travel itinerary 7 days
- Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum: This is where the body of Ho Chi Minh, the founding father of modern Vietnam, is preserved in a glass coffin. You can visit the mausoleum and pay your respects to the revered leader, as well as see his stilt house, museum, and gardens nearby. vietnam travel itinerary 7 days
- Temple of Literature: This is one of the oldest and most beautiful temples in Hanoi, dating back to the 11th century. It was originally a Confucian academy and the first university in Vietnam. You can admire the architecture, gardens, statues, and pavilions of this historic site. vietnam travel itinerary 7 days
- Hanoi Train Street: This is a narrow street in the Old Quarter where a train passes through twice a day, just inches away from the houses and shops. You can watch this unique spectacle from one of the cafes along the street, or take some photos from a safe distance. vietnam travel itinerary 7 days
- Hanoi Street Food: Hanoi is famous for its street food, which is cheap, delicious, and diverse. You can try some of the local specialties, such as pho (noodle soup), bun cha (grilled pork with noodles), banh mi (sandwich), egg coffee (coffee with egg yolk and condensed milk), and more. vietnam travel itinerary 7 days
Day 2: Halong Bay
Halong Bay is one of the most popular destinations in Vietnam and a must-see on your 7-day Vietnam itinerary. Halong Bay is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, featuring thousands of limestone islands and islets rising from the emerald water. The scenery is breathtaking and the atmosphere is serene. The best way to experience Halong Bay is by taking a cruise, which will take you to some of the most scenic spots and activities in the bay. vietnam travel itinerary 7 days
There are many options for cruises in Halong Bay, ranging from budget to luxury, and from day trips to overnight stays. We recommend that you choose an overnight cruise, which will allow you to enjoy the sunset, sunrise, and starry night in the bay. You can also join some of the activities offered by the cruise, such as kayaking, swimming, snorkeling, fishing, hiking, or visiting caves and floating villages.
Some of the highlights of Halong Bay that you should not miss are:
- Ti Top Island: This is a small island with a sandy beach and a viewpoint on top. You can climb up the stairs to enjoy the panoramic view of the bay, or relax on the beach and swim in the clear water.
- Sung Sot Cave: This is one of the largest and most impressive caves in Halong Bay, with a huge chamber and stalactites and stalagmites of various shapes and colors. You can walk through the cave and marvel at the natural formations. vietnam travel itinerary 7 days
- Luon Cave: This is a tunnel-like cave that can only be accessed by a small boat or kayak. You can paddle through the cave and enter a hidden lagoon, where you can see monkeys, birds, and other wildlife.
- Bai Tu Long Bay: This is a less crowded and more pristine area of Halong Bay, where you can enjoy the scenery without the noise and pollution of other boats. You can also visit some of the islands and villages in this area, such as Quan Lan Island, Vung Vieng Fishing Village, and Thien Canh Son Cave. vietnam travel itinerary 7 days
Day 3: Hoi An
Hoi An is a charming ancient town in central Vietnam that is famous for its architecture, lanterns, and tailors. Hoi An was once a major trading port in Southeast Asia, attracting merchants from China, Japan, India, and Europe. As a result, Hoi An has a unique blend of cultures and styles, reflected in its buildings, temples, bridges, and markets. Hoi An is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, preserving its historic and cultural value. vietnam travel itinerary 7 days
To get to Hoi An from Halong Bay, you will need to return to Hanoi first and then take a flight to Da Nang, the nearest airport to Hoi An. The flight takes about an hour and a half, and the transfer from Da Nang to Hoi An takes about 45 minutes by car. You can book your flight and transfer in advance, or arrange them with your cruise or hotel. vietnam travel itinerary 7 days
Once you arrive in Hoi An, you can check in to your hotel and explore the town. Hoi An is a small and walkable town, with many attractions within walking distance. You can also rent a bicycle or a scooter to get around, or take a taxi or a cyclo (pedicab) for short distances.
Some of the highlights of Hoi An that you should not miss are:
- Hoi An Ancient Town: This is the main attraction of Hoi An, where you can see the old houses, shops, temples, and bridges that date back to the 16th and 17th centuries. You can walk along the streets and admire the architecture, or enter some of the buildings and learn about their history and culture. You can also buy a ticket that allows you to visit five of the most famous sites in the ancient town, such as the Japanese Covered Bridge, the Tan Ky House, the Phuc Kien Assembly Hall, the Quan Cong Temple, and the Museum of Trade Ceramics. vietnam travel itinerary 7 days
- Hoi An Lanterns: Hoi An is known for its colorful lanterns that light up the town at night. You can see them hanging from the buildings, along the river, and in the markets. You can also buy your own lanterns from one of the many shops or stalls in the town, or join a lantern-making workshop and learn how to make them yourself. You can also take part in the lantern festival that happens on every full moon night, when people release lanterns into the river and make wishes. vietnam travel itinerary 7 days
- Hoi An Tailors: Hoi An is also famous for its tailors, who can make custom-made clothes for you at a reasonable price. You can choose from a variety of fabrics, styles, and designs, and get your clothes ready within a day or two. You can also buy ready-made clothes from one of the many shops or markets in the town, or browse through some of the local handicrafts and souvenirs. vietnam travel itinerary 7 days
- Hoi An Cuisine: Hoi An has a distinctive cuisine that reflects its multicultural heritage and local ingredients. You can try some of the local specialties, such as cao lau (noodles with pork and herbs), banh xao (fried noodles with pork and shrimp), and banh xeo (crispy pancake with pork and bean sprouts). vietnam travel itinerary 7 days
Day 4: Hoi An and its surroundings
Hoi An has more to offer than just the ancient town. You can also explore its surroundings, which are rich in natural and cultural attractions. You can take a day trip to one of these places, or combine them if you have enough time and energy. vietnam travel itinerary 7 days
Some of the places that you can visit around Hoi An are:
- My Son Sanctuary: This is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, featuring the ruins of Hindu temples built by the Champa Kingdom between the 4th and 13th centuries. You can see the remains of brick towers, sculptures, and inscriptions that reflect the religious and artistic achievements of this ancient civilization. You can also enjoy a cultural show of Cham music and dance at the site.
- Cham Islands: These are a group of eight islands off the coast of Hoi An, known for their pristine beaches, coral reefs, and marine life. You can take a boat or a speedboat to reach the islands, and enjoy activities such as snorkeling, diving, fishing, hiking, or relaxing on the sand. You can also visit some of the local villages and learn about their culture and lifestyle. vietnam travel itinerary 7 days
- Tra Que Vegetable Village: This is a small village near Hoi An, where you can see how the locals grow organic vegetables and herbs using traditional methods. You can join a farming tour and learn how to plant, water, harvest, and cook with these fresh ingredients. You can also enjoy a delicious meal made with the produce from the village.
- Thanh Ha Pottery Village: This is another village near Hoi An, where you can see how the locals make pottery products using clay and kilns. You can watch the artisans shape, decorate, and fire their creations, or try your hand at making your own pottery. You can also buy some of the pottery items as souvenirs or gifts. vietnam travel itinerary 7 days
Day 5: Hue
Hue is the former imperial capital of Vietnam, where the Nguyen Dynasty ruled from 1802 to 1945. Hue is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, preserving its historical and cultural heritage. Hue is famous for its monuments, temples, tombs, and palaces, as well as its cuisine, festivals, and handicrafts. Hue is about 130 km from Hoi An, and you can take a bus, a train, or a car to get there. The journey takes about 3 to 4 hours, depending on the traffic and the mode of transportation. vietnam travel itinerary 7 days
Some of the highlights of Hue that you should not miss are:
- Hue Citadel: This is the most iconic attraction of Hue, where you can see the Imperial City, the Forbidden Purple City, and the Royal Theater. You can walk around the complex and admire the architecture, gardens, gates, and pavilions of this royal residence. You can also visit some of the museums and exhibitions inside the citadel, such as the Hue Royal Antiquities Museum, the Co Ha Garden, and the Nine Dynastic Urns. vietnam travel itinerary 7 days
- Thien Mu Pagoda: This is one of the oldest and most beautiful pagodas in Vietnam, located on a hill overlooking the Perfume River. You can see the seven-story octagonal tower, the giant bronze bell, the car of a Buddhist monk who self-immolated in protest of the war, and the statues and relics of the pagoda. You can also enjoy the peaceful atmosphere and the scenic view of the river.
- Tombs of the Emperors: These are the mausoleums of the Nguyen emperors, scattered along the Perfume River. Each tomb has its own style and design, reflecting the personality and preferences of the emperor. You can visit some of the most famous tombs, such as Minh Mang Tomb, Khai Dinh Tomb, Tu Duc Tomb, and Gia Long Tomb. vietnam travel itinerary 7 days
- Hue Cuisine: Hue is known for its refined and sophisticated cuisine, which was influenced by the royal court and the Buddhist monks. You can try some of the local specialties, such as bun bo hue (spicy beef noodle soup), banh beo (steamed rice cakes with shrimp), banh khoai (crispy pancake with pork and shrimp), nem lui (grilled pork skewers with lemongrass), and che hue (sweet soup with various ingredients).
Day 6: Hoi An
After visiting Hue, you can return to Hoi An and enjoy some free time. You can relax at your hotel, go shopping, get a massage, or join some of the activities that you missed on the previous days. You can also take a bike ride to the countryside and see the rice fields, water buffaloes, and local villages. Or you can go to the beach and swim, sunbathe, or surf. vietnam travel itinerary 7 days
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Day 7: Hanoi
On your last day of your 7-day Vietnam itinerary, you will need to fly back to Hanoi and depart from there. You can take a flight from Da Nang to Hanoi, which takes about an hour and a half. You can book your flight and transfer in advance, or arrange them with your hotel. vietnam travel itinerary 7 days
Depending on your departure time, you may have some time to explore Hanoi a bit more, or buy some last-minute souvenirs or gifts. You can also enjoy some of the street food or coffee that you liked, or try something new.
We hope that this blog post has given you some ideas on how to plan your 7-day Vietnam itinerary. Vietnam is a wonderful country with so much to offer, and we are sure that you will have an unforgettable experience. If you need any help with booking your trip, feel free to contact us and we will be happy to assist you. vietnam travel itinerary 7 days
