7 Ideas for a Perfect 1 Week Vietnam Itinerary
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Are you researching website after website wondering, “How to spend 1 week in Vietnam?”
Well, you’re in luck! As someone who has been living in Hanoi, Vietnam since 2017, I’ve had the privilege of not only exploring this country at my own pace but also crafting one-week itineraries for friends and family when they visit.
One week might seem like a short time, but with some thoughtful planning, you can experience the incredible diversity Vietnam has to offer. From the emerald waters of Ha Long Bay to the mountains of Sapa and the city life in Hanoi – I’ve seen it all and I’m here to guide you.
One of my favorite trips in Vietnam involved exploring the beauty of Ha Long Bay on a boat, then heading to the mountains of Sapa, and finally returning to the streets of Hanoi. It was a fun week of exploration, and highlighted the contrast of Vietnam’s landscapes.
In this blog post, we’ll dive into not just one, but seven different 1 week Vietnam itineraries. We’ll explore a classic north-to-south route, a northern itinerary focusing on Hanoi, Sapa, and Ha Long Bay, and a southern itinerary featuring Ho Chi Minh, Mekong Delta, Nha Trang, and Da Lat.
Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or someone planning their first trip to Vietnam, these itineraries are designed to make the most of your one week in this fascinating country.
One Week in Vietnam: A Classic Itinerary
The Classic 1 Week Vietnam Itinerary is a wonderful route that showcases the country’s distinctive north-to-south diversity.
- Day 1 → Hanoi
- Day 2 → Ha Long Bay
- Day 3 → Hanoi
- Day 4 → DaNang/Hoi An
- Day 5 → Da Nang/Hoi An
- Day 6 → Ho Chi Minh
- Day 7 → Ho Chi Minh
Start your journey in Hanoi on Day 1, immersing yourself in the city’s rich history and vibrant street food culture. Depending on when you land in Hanoi (and where you are coming from) you may or may not be battling some jet lag. Spend the day visiting historical sites like Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and Temple of Literature, or just wander around the old quarter eating delicious street food. It’s worth getting a massage and some down time and attempt to adjust to your (likely) new time zone.
On Day 2, take a trip to Ha Long Bay, one of Vietnam’s most iconic destinations (and an UNESCO World Heritage Site). Spend the day on a boat ride cruising through the stunning limestone islands and soaking in the serene atmosphere. There are plenty of overnight cruise options, luxury and budget, so you can choose what suits your style and budget best.
Head back to Hanoi on Day 3, and spend the day exploring more of the city’s charm. If you missed it on Day 1, definitely get lost in the Old Quarter, a maze of narrow streets filled with shops, cafes and restaurants. Don’t miss out on trying some of the local delicacies like pho (noodle soup) and banh mi (sandwich), get a closer look at the city’s local markets and try some more delicious street food (can you tell that food is a highlight of Vietnam?!).
Next stop: Da Nang or Hoi An on Day 4. You can take an overnight bus or train, but honestly a one way air ticket from Hanoi to Da Nang is not expensive, and when time is not on your side, the 50 minute flight between the cities is a much better option than the bus.
Da Nang and Hoi An are only about 30-40 minutes away from each other so you can choose which one you want to base yourself in for the next few days. If you’re trying to figure out where to stay in Danang, read this guide on the 15 Best Hotels in Danang.
Da Nang offers a more modern, urban vibe while Hoi An is known for its charming ancient town and lantern-lit streets. Spend the day exploring the beautiful beaches and taking in the local culture and cuisine.
In Hoi An, be sure to take a cooking class and learn how to make some delicious Vietnamese dishes. You can also get custom-made clothing at one of the many tailor shops in the city – just be prepared for some haggling! End your day with a relaxing boat ride along the Thu Bon river, admiring the stunning views of the town at night.
On Day 6, take a flight to Ho Chi Minh City (formerly known as Saigon). This city offers a mix of French colonial architecture, modern skyscrapers, and vibrant street life, and you will see it is a much different vibe than Hanoi!
Visit popular attractions such as Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon, Central Post Office, and the War Remnants Museum to learn about the country’s history. For a unique experience, take a street food tour in Ho Chi Minh City and try dishes like banh xeo (savory Vietnamese pancake) and goi cuon (fresh spring rolls).
For some fun nightlife, check out Bui Vien Street or the backpacker’s area for cheap drinks, live music, and a lively atmosphere (and definitely a lot of hookers).
Devote Day 7 to exploring even more of Ho Chi Minh, ensuring you delve into its rich history and thriving markets. Or, go for a Mekong Delta tour to explore the beautiful waterways and floating markets of this region.
This itinerary provides a balanced experience of Vietnam’s urban, coastal, and cultural highlights.
Northern Vietnam Itinerary for 7 Days
- Day 1 → Hanoi
- Day 2 → Sapa
- Day 3 → Sapa
- Day 4 → Ha Long Bay
- Day 5 → Cat Ba Island
- Day 6 → Ninh Binh
- Day 7 → Hanoi
Kick off your Northern Vietnam 7-day itinerary in Hanoi, the nation’s capital city. Spend the first day exploring its charming Old Quarter, known for its ’36 Streets’, each specialized in a distinct trade. Get lost in the maze of narrow streets lined with local shops and street food vendors, offering everything from delicious pho to traditional handicrafts.
Instead of spending the night in Hanoi you can opt to take an overnight train to Sapa – this will save some money on a hotel, and also get you into Sapa bright and early for Day 2!
On Day 2, set off to Sapa, a picturesque town known for its magnificent landscapes, terraced rice fields, and authentic culture. Spend two days here (Day 2 and Day 3) immersing yourself in the local hill-tribe cultures and conquering the highest peak in Indochina, Fansipan Mountain.
You can stay in Sapa Town, or do a 3 day trek that will have you stay in local homestays. I really like the company Sapa Sisters – they employ only local women, and have a whole bunch of options for one day to multi day trips in Sapa.
On Day 4, make your way to Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offering beautiful views of emerald waters and towering limestone pillars. Spend the day cruising around the bay, kayaking, and exploring the numerous caves. A two day/one night Halong Bay Cruise is the best option to see the area on a tight schedule. Here are the top Halong Bay Cruises:
Continue your coastal adventure on Day 5 at Cat Ba Island, the largest island in Ha Long Bay, where you can enjoy hiking, swimming, and local seafood. Spend the night on the island, and if you have time, take a day trip to Lan Ha Bay for even more stunning views. I
I have a special place in my heart for Cat Ba Island as I was stuck on the island for 4 days back in 2015! Even though we couldn’t leave (due to boats being cancelled because of storms) it was such an awesome trip just living and exploring the island!
On Day 6, head to Ninh Binh, also known as the ‘Halong Bay on Land’, for a peaceful retreat among green landscapes and ancient temples. Go on a bike ride through local villages and countryside , or take a boat tour through Trang An or Tam Coc. Here is an article on more things to do in Ninh Binh.
Conclude your week-long journey on Day 7 by returning to Hanoi, where you can savor some local delicacies and hunt for souvenirs before your departure.
This itinerary provides a solid experience of Northern Vietnam’s natural, cultural, and historic highlights.
Central Vietnam 7 Days Itinerary
- Day 1 → Hoi An/Da Nang
- Day 2 → Hoi An/Da Nang
- Day 3 → Hue
- Day 4 → Hue
- Day 5 → Phong Nha
- Day 6 → Phong Nha
- Day 7 → Phong Nha
Start your journey in Central Vietnam with a 7-day itinerary that is a blend of natural beauty, historic sites, and vibrant city life.
Your Central Vietnam journey begins in Da Nang. If you are coming from anywhere else in Vietnam, there will be direct flights into Da Nang. It will be easier to start from Da Nang and end in Phong Nha vs, the opposite directions (just for ease of flights and such).
The first two days explore Da Nang and Hoi An. Da Nang is a modern and thriving city with plenty of things to do, including visiting the famous Dragon Bridge and enjoying the beautiful beaches. Hoi An, a charming ancient town, is just a short drive from Da Nang where you can experience traditional Vietnamese architecture and delicious food.
It is up to you where you want to stay, I personally, like staying on the beach in Da Nang and taking a day trip over to Hoi An. If you can’t decide, take a look at this article on which city you should choose.
Spend two days here (Day 1 and Day 2) strolling through the narrow streets, admiring colorful lanterns, and trying out local dishes.
On Day 3, drive the Hai Van Pass to Hue, a former imperial city. The Hai Van Pass is one of the most scenic routes in Vietnam and offers stunning views of the coastline. It is very cool to do on the back of a motorcycle, but if that doesn’t appeal, there are plenty of options for tours by car or bus as well.
Once in Hue, spend the next two days (Day 3 and Day 4) exploring the city’s historical sites, such as the Imperial City and Thien Mu Pagoda. Don’t forget to try some of Hue’s famous dishes, like Bun Bo Hue (a spicy beef noodle soup) or Banh Khoai (a crispy pancake filled with shrimp and bean sprouts).
The final leg of your one week Central Vietnam Itinerary, Days 5, 6, and 7, will take you to Phong Nha National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its stunning caves and natural landscapes. It is home to the world’s largest cave, the Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, and offers thrilling adventure activities like caving and jungle trekking.
Spend the days exploring the park, visiting the famous caves. For the adventurous, take a boat tour to the Dark Cave and zip line through its underground river or go on a trek through the lush jungle. End your days with a relaxing swim in the beautiful Son River.
After an exciting week exploring Central Vietnam, you can fly direct to Hanoi or HCMC from the Dong Hoi Airport. Or head off on another journey in another part of Vietnam or Asia!
Southern Vietnam Itinerary for 7 Days
- Day 1 → Ho Chi Minh City
- Day 2 → Ho Chi Minh City
- Day 3 → Mui Ne
- Day 4 → Mui Ne
- Day 5 → Da Lat
- Day 6 → Da Lat
- Day 7 → Ho Chi Minh City
Kick off your Southern Vietnam Itinerary in Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC), the heart of Southern Vietnam, where skyscrapers stand side by side with colonial-era buildings.
Spend your first day exploring classic attractions like the War Remnants Museum, the Central Post Office, and the Sai Gon Opera House. In the evening, head to Ben Thanh Market for some shopping and street food. Don’t miss trying Banh Xeo (a savory crispy pancake) and Che Thai (a refreshing dessert with fruits and coconut milk).
On your second day (Day 2), take a day trip to the famous Cu Chi Tunnels, an intricate underground network used by Vietnamese soldiers during the Vietnam War. Get a firsthand experience crawling through small tunnels and learning about the history of the war. You can shoot an automatic weapon, crawl through the tunnels and see the jungle traps used during the war – worth a visit for sure!
If that is not your thing, you can instead venture out to the Mekong Delta, known as the “rice bowl” of Vietnam for its vast network of rivers and rice paddies. Take a boat tour through the floating markets and enjoy some delicious local fruits and seafood dishes. There are many day trips from HCMC.
For day 3 and 4, travel to Mui Ne, a coastal resort town known for its expansive sand dunes and tranquil fishing villages. Spend your days relaxing on the beach, taking a tour through the sand dunes, and trying out some water sports like windsurfing and kitesurfing. Don’t forget to try their delicious seafood dishes, especially their signature dish – grilled fish with chili salt.
On day 5, make your way to Da Lat, a charming mountain town known for its cooler climate and picturesque landscapes. Visit the Valley of Love, stroll through the colorful flower gardens, and take a cable car ride to get a bird’s eye view of the town.
I LOVE Da Lat and my absolute favorite thing to do in the city is eat. I personally think Da Lat has some of the best food in all of Vietnam. Don’t miss trying their famous Bánh căn, a crispy rice pancake filled with shrimp and pork.
End your journey on Day 7 back in HCMC, maybe with a visit to Ben Thanh Market or the Jade Emperor Pagoda before catching your flight home or to your next adventure.
7 Day Vietnam Itinerary Off the Beaten Path
- Day 1 → Hanoi
- Day 2 → Pu Luong
- Day 3 → Pu Luong
- Day 4 → Hanoi
- Day 5 → Ha Giang
- Day 6 → Ha Giang
- Day 7 → Ha Giang
If you’re looking to get away from the crowds of tourists, and experience some lesser visited parts of Vietnam , this 7 day itinerary is perfect for you.
Start your journey in Hanoi on Day 1. Obviously, the capital city of Vietnam is not off the beaten path, but it’s a great starting point for this itinerary. You could jet straight out of the city for Pu Luong, or explore some off the beaten path activities in Hanoi.
On Days 2 & 3, venture into the tranquil heart of Pu Luong, a hidden gem that offers a serene escape from city life. If you’re into trekking, mountain biking, and homestays, then Pu Luong Nature Reserve is a perfect off-the-beaten-track destination. With its lush landscapes, terraced rice fields, and ethnic minority communities, it offers an authentic experience.
After the peacefulness of Pu Luong, head back to Hanoi on Day 4 and prepare for your next off the beaten path adventure. Say goodbye to the city and hello to Ha Giang. This remote province in northern Vietnam is known for its rugged mountains, winding roads, and traditional hill tribe cultures. Spend Days 5-7 exploring this stunning region and witness some of the most breathtaking landscapes in Vietnam – seriously I am not joking about this, the scenery is incredible.
In 2-3 days you won’t be able to do the whole Ha Giang Loop, but you can definitely do a good chunk of it. If you’re not comfortable on a motorbike, it is worth hiring an Easy Rider. They drive and you sit on the back!
Alternatively, you could do this opposite – start with days 1-4 in Ha Giang then spend the evening of Day 4 in Hanoi, then days 5-7 in Pu Luong!
One Week of Beach Hopping in Vietnam
- Day 1 → My Khe Beach – DaNang
- Day 2 → An Bang Beach – Hoi An
- Day 3 → Nha Trang Beaches – Nha Trang
- Day 4 → Cam Ranh Beaches – Nha Trang
- Day 5 → Phan Tiet Beaches – Mui Ne
- Day 6 → Phan Tiet Beaches -Mui Ne
- Day 7 → HCMC
If it is beaches that you want to discover on your one week itinerary in Vietnam, then this is the perfect plan for you.
Start your journey in DaNang, home to My Khe Beach – voted as one of the most beautiful beaches in Vietnam. Spend a day soaking up the sun and enjoying water activities like kayaking or stand-up paddleboarding.
On day 2, head to Hoi An and visit An Bang Beach. This beach has crystal clear water and white sand, making it a perfect spot for swimming or sunbathing. Don’t forget to explore the charming ancient town of Hoi An while you’re there.
My suggestion is to base yourself in Da Nang – I almost always go for the Marriott – and then just take an easy 25ish minute taxi ride to Hoi An for Day 2.
Next, make your way to Nha Trang, known for its vibrant nightlife and beautiful beaches. Spend day 3 exploring the various beaches in the area like Nha Trang Beach , Bai Dai Beach, and Doc Let Beach. You can also take a boat trip to nearby islands for snorkeling or diving.
Nha Trang has some of the best scuba and snorkeling in the country so if you are looking for some underwater adventure, this is the place to be.
On day 4, head to Cam Ranh Beaches, just a short drive from Nha Trang. Here, you can enjoy more secluded and less crowded beaches like Binh Tien Beach or Dai Lanh Beach. Take in the beautiful views and relax on the white sandy beaches.
For day 5 and 6, head to Phan Tiet Beaches in Mui Ne. This beach is known for its red sand dunes, making it a unique and picturesque spot for photos. You can also try your hand at kitesurfing or windsurfing here.
End your one week itinerary in Vietnam by spending your final day in Ho Chi Minh City. Take a day trip to the nearby Vung Tau Beach and enjoy the view of the city skyline from the beach. Or, spend your final day in Vietnam exploring the markets and delicious street food in Ho Chi Minh City before heading home.
1 Week Vietnam Itinerary – Cities
If you are traveling to Vietnam to experience city life , this one week itinerary will take you through some of the major cities in Vietnam. From busy and modern Ho Chi Minh City to beachy Da Nang, and historical Hanoi this itinerary will give you a taste of the vibrant city culture in Vietnam. This is very similar to the classic 7 day itinerary, but just has you staying in the cities and not venturing further outside.
Day 1-3: Hanoi
Start your trip in the capital city of Vietnam, Hanoi. Explore the old quarter with its narrow streets and ancient temples. Visit popular historical sites like the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and the Temple of Literature. Don’t forget to try some delicious street food like pho or bun cha.
Day 4-5 Da Nang
Next, head to Da Nang, a coastal city in central Vietnam. Visit the famous Marble Mountains and enjoy the panoramic view of the city from the top. You can also relax at My Khe Beach or go on a day trip to Hoi An ancient town.
Day 6-7: Ho Chi Minh City
From Da Nang, fly to Ho Chi Minh City, also known as Saigon. This active city is a combination of modern skyscrapers and traditional markets. Visit popular attractions like the War Remnants Museum and the Cu Chi Tunnels. Don’t miss out on trying some delicious street food in this vibrant city.
Final Thoughts: 1 Week Vietnam Itinerary
There is so much to discover and experience in this beautiful country, and these one week itineraries are just the beginning. Don’t forget to take some time to relax and soak in the vibrant city culture of Vietnam during your trip.
Though 7 days is a quick trip length, there are plenty of ways to explore Vietnam in just one week. Whether you’re interested in a comprehensive classic itinerary, you want to explore the unique character of each region, or you have specific interests, there’s an itinerary perfect for you.
As a local, I have used my personal experiences to craft these itineraries, tailored to suit a range of travel styles. From the energy of Ho Chi Minh City, the tranquility of Da Nang, to the rich history of Hanoi, Vietnam offers a rich fusion of experiences waiting to be discovered.
These itineraries are just a starting point, and there’s so much more to see and do.
