7-Day Vietnam Travel Guide - [Your Blog Name]

The Ultimate 7-Day Vietnam Travel Guide

Vietnam is a mesmerizing blend of natural wonders, rich history, and vibrant culture. This comprehensive 7-day itinerary will take you from the bustling streets of Hanoi to the emerald waters of Ha Long Bay and the charming lantern-lit alleys of Hoi An.

Vietnam at a Glance:

Currency: Vietnamese Dong (VND)
Language: Vietnamese (English widely spoken in tourist areas)
Best Time to Visit: February-April & August-October
Average Daily Budget: $50-100 (mid-range traveler)
Getting Around: Domestic flights, trains, and private drivers recommended

Pro Tip: Get your Vietnam visa arranged in advance (e-visa available for many nationalities).

Detailed 7-Day Vietnam Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Hanoi - Exploring the Old Quarter

Time	Activity	Details	Cost
Morning	Arrival at Noi Bai Airport	Take airport taxi or pre-arranged transfer to hotel Check into hotel in Old Quarter (best location)	$20-30
Afternoon	Hanoi Old Quarter Walk	Explore the 36 streets named after historical trades Visit Dong Xuan Market Try egg coffee at Café Giang (invented here in 1946)	$5-15
Evening	Water Puppet Show & Street Food Tour	Traditional water puppet show at Thang Long Theatre Street food tour to try pho, banh mi, and bun cha	$25-40

Foodie Tip: Don't miss Hanoi's famous "Bun Cha" (grilled pork with noodles) at Bun Cha Huong Lien, where Anthony Bourdain dined with Obama.

Day 2: Ha Long Bay Overnight Cruise

Time	Activity	Details	Cost
8:00 AM	Transfer to Ha Long Bay	4-hour drive from Hanoi with scenic countryside views	$20-40
12:30 PM	Board Cruise Ship	Luxury junk boat with private balcony cabin Welcome drink and safety briefing	$150-300
2:00 PM	Kayaking & Swimming	Explore hidden lagoons and limestone caves Swim in the emerald waters	Included
6:00 PM	Sunset & Cooking Class	Sunset party on sundeck Learn to make fresh spring rolls	Included
8:00 PM	Overnight on Bay	Stargazing from your private balcony	Included

Booking Tip: Choose a 2-day/1-night cruise with at least 4-star reviews. Avoid the cheapest options as quality varies greatly.

Day 3: Ha Long Bay → Flight to Da Nang → Hoi An

Time	Activity	Details	Cost
6:30 AM	Tai Chi & Sunrise	Morning exercise on deck with stunning views	Included
9:00 AM	Disembark & Return to Hanoi	Transfer to Noi Bai Airport for afternoon flight	$20-40
3:00 PM	Flight to Da Nang	1.5 hour flight with Vietnam Airlines or Vietjet	$50-80
5:00 PM	Transfer to Hoi An	45-minute drive to charming ancient town	$15-25
7:00 PM	Hoi An Night Market	Explore lantern-lit streets Try local specialties like Cao Lau noodles Get clothes tailored (24-hour service available)	$10-30

Photography Tip: The Japanese Covered Bridge looks magical at night when illuminated by lanterns - best photos around 7:30-8:00 PM.

Day 4: Hoi An Countryside & Cooking Class

Time	Activity	Details	Cost
8:00 AM	Bike Tour to Tra Que Village	Cycle through rice paddies and vegetable farms Learn about traditional farming methods	$25-40
11:00 AM	Hoi An Cooking Class	Market tour to select fresh ingredients Learn to make 4-5 local dishes Enjoy your creations for lunch	$35-60
3:00 PM	An Bang Beach	Relax at this beautiful sandy beach (20-min bike ride)	$5-15
7:00 PM	Dinner by Thu Bon River	Fresh seafood at Morning Glory Restaurant Try White Rose dumplings (Hoi An specialty)	$15-30

Shopping Tip: Hoi An is famous for custom tailoring. Bring photos of designs you like for best results. Allow 2-3 days for multiple fittings.

Day 5: My Son Sanctuary & Flight to Ho Chi Minh City

Time	Activity	Details	Cost
6:00 AM	My Son Sanctuary Tour	UNESCO-listed Hindu temple ruins Morning visit avoids crowds and heat Learn about Champa civilization	$25-45
12:00 PM	Lunch in Hoi An	Final bowl of Cao Lau before heading south	$5-10
2:00 PM	Flight to Ho Chi Minh City	1.5 hour flight from Da Nang	$50-80
5:00 PM	Cu Chi Tunnels Half-Day Tour	Explore underground network used during Vietnam War Optional chance to fire historic weapons	$20-35
8:00 PM	Dinner in District 1	Modern Vietnamese at Secret Garden (rooftop) Try Southern specialties like Banh Xeo	$15-25

History Note: The Cu Chi Tunnels presentation reflects the Vietnamese perspective on the war. For balance, visit the War Remnants Museum tomorrow.

Day 6: Ho Chi Minh City Highlights

Time	Activity	Details	Cost
8:00 AM	War Remnants Museum	Powerful exhibits about Vietnam War Allow 1.5-2 hours for full experience	$2
10:30 AM	Reunification Palace	Historic site where Vietnam War officially ended	$3
12:30 PM	Lunch at Ben Thanh Market	Try Southern street food at food stalls Bargain for souvenirs (start at 50% of asking price)	$5-15
2:30 PM	Mekong Delta Day Trip	Boat ride through narrow canals Visit coconut candy workshops Sample tropical fruits	$25-45
8:00 PM	Saigon Skydeck & Dinner	360° city views from Bitexco Tower Dinner at Hoa Tuc (French colonial villa)	$25-50

Transport Tip: Use Grab (Southeast Asia's Uber) for cheap, reliable rides. Motorbike taxis are fun but only with helmet.

Day 7: Departure or Optional Mekong Overnight

Time	Activity	Details	Cost
Morning	Option 1: Flight Home	Transfer to Tan Son Nhat Airport for international flight	$10-20
OR	Option 2: Mekong Homestay	2-day extension to Can Tho (floating markets) Authentic homestay experience	$80-150

Extension Idea: If time allows, add 2-3 days in Phu Quoc Island for beach relaxation or Dalat for cool mountain air.

Essential Vietnam Travel Information

Where to Stay in Vietnam

City	Budget ($20-50)	Mid-Range ($60-120)	Luxury ($150+)
Hanoi	Hanoi Backpackers Hostel	La Siesta Central	Sofitel Legend Metropole
Hoi An	Tribee Kinh Hostel	Allegro Hoi An	Four Seasons Nam Hai
Ho Chi Minh	The Common Room	Silverland Central	Hotel des Arts Saigon

Must-Try Vietnamese Foods

Northern Vietnam:

Pho - Hanoi-style beef noodle soup
Bun Cha - Grilled pork with noodles
Egg Coffee - Hanoi specialty drink

Central Vietnam:

Cao Lau - Hoi An's signature pork noodles
Banh Mi - Best in Hoi An (try Banh Mi Phuong)
White Rose - Shrimp dumplings unique to Hoi An

Southern Vietnam:

Banh Xeo - Crispy Vietnamese pancake
Hu Tieu - Saigon-style noodle soup
Vietnamese Coffee - Strong with sweet condensed milk

Estimated Trip Costs (Per Person)

Expense	Budget	Mid-Range	Luxury
Accommodation	$200 (hostels/guesthouses)	$500 (3-4 star hotels)	$1200+ (5-star)
Food	$100 (street food/markets)	$250 (mix of local & nice restaurants)	$500+ (fine dining)
Activities	$150 (self-guided + few tours)	$300 (guided experiences)	$600+ (private tours)
Transport	$200 (buses/trains)	$350 (domestic flights + private transfers)	$800+ (private drivers)
Total	$650	$1400	$3100+

Practical Travel Tips for Vietnam

Before You Go:

Visa: Most nationalities need visa (e-visa available)
Vaccinations: Recommended: Hepatitis A, Typhoid, Tetanus
Packing: Light clothing + rain jacket (humid climate)

During Your Trip:

Money: Carry small bills (VND) as change can be an issue
Bargaining: Expected at markets (start at 50% of asking price)
Water: Only drink bottled or filtered water
Traffic: Look both ways multiple times before crossing streets!

Cultural Notes:

Greetings: Slight bow with hands together is polite
Temples: Cover shoulders/knees when visiting
Photography: Always ask before photographing people
Tipping: Not expected but appreciated (5-10%)

Final Thoughts

Vietnam offers an incredible diversity of experiences, from the bustling cities to serene countryside and stunning coastline. This 7-day itinerary covers the highlights while giving you a taste of Vietnam's rich culture and delicious cuisine.

The country's efficient domestic flight network makes it easy to cover north-to-south in a week, though you could easily spend months exploring. Whether you're cruising Ha Long Bay, cycling through rice paddies, or slurping pho at a street stall, Vietnam will leave you with unforgettable memories.

Have you visited Vietnam? Share your favorite experiences in the comments below!

The Perfect 7-Day Vietnam Itinerary: From Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City