7 Days in Vietnam – 5 Best Itinerary Ideas for First Timers

If you have only 7 days in Vietnam, you might be wondering what to see and do to make the most of your trip. With so many amazing destinations in this beautiful country, it can be overwhelming to plan an itinerary that covers all the highlights. But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! In this article, we will share with you 5 itinerary ideas that are perfect for first-time visitors to Vietnam.

7-Day Vietnam Itinerary 1: Hanoi, Halong Bay, and Sapa

What to see and do?

This itinerary covers three of the most popular destinations in northern Vietnam: Hanoi, Halong Bay, and Sapa.

In Hanoi, you can explore the Old Quarter, visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, and try some delicious street food. Then, take a cruise on Halong Bay to admire its stunning limestone formations and enjoy activities like kayaking and swimming. Finally, head to Sapa to trek through rice terraces and meet local ethnic minorities.

Pros and Cons:

Pros:

• You’ll get to experience both city life and natural beauty.
• This itinerary includes some of the best-known tourist spots in Vietnam.
• You’ll have the opportunity to interact with the local people and learn about their culture.

Cons:

• It may be quite physically demanding, especially if you choose to do a multi-day trek in Sapa.
• Halong Bay can be crowded with tourists during peak season.

Alternatives:

If you want to avoid the crowds at Halong Bay, you can consider visiting Bai Tu Long Bay instead. It’s a less touristy alternative that offers similar scenery and activities.

If you’re not interested in trekking, you can skip Sapa and spend more time exploring Hanoi and Halong Bay.

Itinerary:

Day 1-2: Explore Hanoi

• Visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and the One Pillar Pagoda
• Wander around the Old Quarter and try some street food
• Watch a traditional water puppet show

Day 3-4: Cruise on Halong Bay

• Take a cruise to explore the bay and its islands
• Go kayaking or swimming
• Visit caves and fishing villages

Day 5-6: Trek in Sapa

• Take an overnight train from Hanoi to Lao Cai
• Take a bus to Sapa and start your trek
• Stay with local families and learn about their cultures
• Enjoy the beautiful scenery of rice terraces and mountains

Day 7: Return to Hanoi

• Take a bus back to Lao Cai and catch a train back to Hanoi
• Relax and do some last-minute shopping

7-Day Vietnam Itinerary 2: Ho Chi Minh City, Mekong Delta, and Phu Quoc Island

What to see and do?

This itinerary covers southern Vietnam’s three top destinations: Ho Chi Minh City (formerly known as Saigon), the Mekong Delta, and Phu Quoc Island.

In Ho Chi Minh City, you can visit the War Remnants Museum, the Cu Chi Tunnels, and the Ben Thanh Market. Then, take a boat tour of the Mekong Delta to explore its vibrant floating markets and lush scenery. Finally, head to Phu Quoc Island to relax on its white sandy beaches and enjoy some snorkeling or scuba diving.

Pros and Cons:

Pros:

• You’ll get to experience a mix of history, culture, and nature.
• This itinerary is ideal for those who want to relax on the beach.
• The Mekong Delta offers a unique glimpse into rural life in Vietnam.

Cons:

• It may be quite hot and humid in southern Vietnam, especially during the summer months.
• Phu Quoc Island can be crowded with tourists during peak season.

Alternatives:

If you’re not interested in visiting the beach, you can skip Phu Quoc Island and spend more time exploring Ho Chi Minh City and the Mekong Delta.

If you have more than seven days, you can consider adding a visit to the Cu Lao Cham Marine Park, which is known for its pristine coral reefs and diverse marine life.

Itinerary:

Day 1-2: Explore Ho Chi Minh City

• Visit the War Remnants Museum and the Cu Chi Tunnels
• Wander around the Ben Thanh Market and try some street food
• Watch a traditional ao dai fashion show

Day 3-4: Cruise on the Mekong Delta

• Take a boat tour of the delta and its floating markets
• Visit local villages and learn about their daily life
• Enjoy fresh fruits and seafood

Day 5-6: Relax on Phu Quoc Island

• Take a flight to Phu Quoc Island and check into your resort
• Relax on the beach and soak up the sun
• Go snorkeling or scuba diving to explore the vibrant underwater world
• Indulge in fresh seafood at local restaurants

Day 7: Return to Ho Chi Minh City

• Take a flight back to Ho Chi Minh City
• Explore any sights or activities you may have missed
• Depart from Vietnam with unforgettable memories

7-Day Vietnam Itinerary 3: Hue, Hoi An, and Da Nang

What to see and do?

This itinerary focuses on the central region of Vietnam, covering three must-visit destinations: Hue, Hoi An, and Da Nang.

In Hue, explore the Imperial City, visit the Thien Mu Pagoda, and take a boat tour on the Perfume River. Then, head to Hoi An and wander through its ancient town, filled with well-preserved buildings and colorful lanterns. Finally, spend some time in Da Nang to visit the Marble Mountains, enjoy beautiful beaches, and explore impressive bridges like the Golden Bridge.

Pros and Cons:

Pros:

• You’ll get to experience the rich history and cultural heritage of Vietnam.
• Hoi An’s ancient town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and offers a unique atmosphere.
• Da Nang provides a perfect blend of nature, city life, and relaxation.

Cons:

• This itinerary doesn’t cover the northern or southern parts of Vietnam.
• The weather can be unpredictable, especially during the rainy season.

Alternatives:

If you’re interested in exploring more historical sites, you can add a day trip to My Son Sanctuary from Hoi An. It’s an archaeological site that showcases the ancient Champa civilization.

If you have more than seven days, you can consider adding a visit to the Ba Na Hills in Da Nang. It’s a hill station known for its French village, amusement park, and stunning views.

Itinerary:

Day 1-2: Explore Hue

• Visit the Imperial City and the Royal Tombs
• Take a boat tour on the Perfume River to visit Thien Mu Pagoda
• Enjoy local delicacies like bun bo Hue (Hue-style beef noodle soup)

Day 3-4: Discover Hoi An

• Wander through the ancient town and admire its well-preserved architecture
• Visit the Japanese Covered Bridge and the Assembly Hall of the Fujian Chinese Congregation
• Take a cooking class or a lantern-making workshop

Day 5-6: Experience Da Nang

• Explore the Marble Mountains and enjoy panoramic views from the top
• Relax on My Khe Beach, known for its white sand and clear water
• Visit the Golden Bridge and the Dragon Bridge for impressive photo opportunities

Day 7: Return to Hue or Depart from Da Nang

• Take a train or a bus back to Hue or catch a flight from Da Nang
• Spend some extra time exploring any sights you may have missed
• Depart from Vietnam with unforgettable memories

7-Day Vietnam Itinerary 4: Nha Trang and Dalat

What to see and do?

This itinerary is perfect for beach lovers and nature enthusiasts. It focuses on two beautiful destinations in southern Vietnam: Nha Trang and Dalat.

In Nha Trang, relax on the stunning beaches, go snorkeling or diving to explore the coral reefs, and take a boat trip to nearby islands. Then, head to Dalat, a charming hill station known for its cool climate, colorful flower gardens, and picturesque landscapes. Enjoy outdoor activities like hiking, canyoning, and visiting waterfalls.

Pros and Cons:

Pros:

• You’ll get to experience the best of both worlds: beach relaxation and mountain scenery.
• Nha Trang offers a wide range of water sports and activities.
• Dalat’s cooler climate makes it a great escape from the heat.

Cons:

• This itinerary doesn’t cover other parts of Vietnam, such as Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City.
• The weather in Dalat can be quite chilly, especially at night.

Alternatives:

If you’re not interested in beach activities, you can consider skipping Nha Trang and spending more time exploring Dalat. There are plenty of cultural and natural attractions to discover in this charming city.

If you have more than seven days, you can add a visit to the Cat Tien National Park, located between Nha Trang and Ho Chi Minh City. It’s a biodiversity hotspot that offers excellent opportunities for wildlife spotting and jungle trekking.

Itinerary:

Day 1-4: Relax in Nha Trang

• Spend your days sunbathing on the beach and swimming in the crystal-clear waters
• Go snorkeling or diving to explore the colorful coral reefs
• Take a boat trip to nearby islands like Hon Mun and Vinpearl Land

Day 5-7: Explore Dalat

• Visit the Valley of Love, known for its romantic landscapes
• Explore the Crazy House, an unconventional architectural masterpiece
• Take a cable car ride to the Truc Lam Pagoda for panoramic views
• Go hiking or canyoning in the beautiful surrounding nature
• Visit the Datanla or Pongour waterfalls for a refreshing dip

Day 8: Return to Nha Trang or Depart from Dalat

• Take a bus back to Nha Trang or catch a flight from Dalat
• Spend some extra time enjoying the beach or exploring Dalat’s unique atmosphere
• Depart from Vietnam with unforgettable memories

7-Day Vietnam Itinerary 5: Phong Nha, Hue, and Hoi An

What to see and do?

This itinerary is perfect for adventure seekers and nature lovers. It covers three destinations in central Vietnam: Phong Nha, Hue, and Hoi An.

Start your journey in Phong Nha, home to the world’s largest cave systems. Explore the stunning caves, take a boat ride on the Son River, and go hiking or biking in the national park. Then, head to Hue to discover its imperial history and visit ancient monuments like the Citadel and the Royal Tombs. Finally, end your trip in Hoi An, where you can wander through the charming old town, visit local artisans, and enjoy delicious street food.

Pros and Cons:

Pros:

• You’ll get to explore some of the most impressive natural and historical sites in Vietnam.
• This itinerary offers a great balance between adventure and cultural experiences.
• The landscapes in Phong Nha are simply breathtaking.

Cons:

• This itinerary may be physically demanding, especially if you choose to do extensive cave exploration.
• Hoi An can be crowded with tourists, especially during peak season.

Alternatives:

If you’re not interested in cave exploration, you can skip Phong Nha and spend more time exploring Hue and Hoi An. There are plenty of cultural and historical attractions to keep you entertained.

If you have more than seven days, you can add a visit to the Cham Islands from Hoi An. It’s a group of eight small islands that offer excellent opportunities for snorkeling and diving.

Itinerary:

Day 1-3: Explore Phong Nha

• Visit the Phong Nha Cave and the Paradise Cave, two of the most popular caves in the area
• Take a boat ride on the Son River and admire the beautiful scenery
• Go hiking or biking in the Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park

Day 4-5: Discover Hue

• Visit the Imperial City and the Forbidden Purple City
• Explore the Thien Mu Pagoda and the Royal Tombs
• Take a boat ride on the Perfume River and enjoy a traditional music performance

Day 6-7: Wander through Hoi An

• Explore the ancient town and its well-preserved architecture
• Visit local workshops and learn about traditional crafts like lantern making and silk weaving
• Indulge in delicious street food and try specialties like cao lau and white rose dumplings

Day 8: Return to Hue or Depart from Da Nang

• Take a bus back to Hue or catch a flight from Da Nang
• Spend some extra time exploring any sights you may have missed
• Depart from Vietnam with unforgettable memories

FAQs

Q1: Is seven days enough to explore Vietnam?

A1: While seven days is a relatively short time to explore Vietnam, it is still possible to visit several highlights. However, keep in mind that you might have to prioritize certain destinations and activities based on your interests.

Q2: What is the best time to visit Vietnam?

A2: The weather varies across different regions of Vietnam, so the best time to visit depends on where you plan to go. Generally, the dry season from November to April is considered the best time to visit most parts of the country.

Q3: Do I need a visa to visit Vietnam?

A3: Visitors from many countries are required to obtain a visa before arriving in Vietnam. However, citizens of certain countries may be eligible for visa exemptions or apply Vietnam e-Visa online. It’s best to check the requirements with the Vietnamese embassy or consulate in your home country.

Q4: How can I travel between different cities in Vietnam?

A4: Vietnam has an extensive network of buses, trains, and domestic flights that connect major cities and tourist destinations. Buses are usually the most affordable option, while trains offer a scenic journey. Domestic flights are the fastest way to travel longer distances.

Q5: Is it safe to travel in Vietnam?

A5: Vietnam is generally a safe country to travel in. However, like any other destination, it’s important to take necessary precautions such as being aware of your surroundings, keeping your belongings secure, and using reputable transportation services.

Conclusion

With its diverse landscapes, rich history, and vibrant culture, Vietnam offers endless possibilities for first-time visitors. Whether you have a week or more, these 5 itinerary ideas provide a great introduction to the country. From the bustling cities of Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City to the serene beaches of Nha Trang and Phu Quoc Island, each itinerary promises a unique and unforgettable experience. So pack your bags and get ready for an adventure of a lifetime in Vietnam!