Vietnam is long and narrow, so a good 7 day Vietnam itinerary is really about choosing what to skip. This route takes the three things most first timers actually want, the old quarter of Hanoi, a night on Ha Long Bay and the lanterns of Hoi An, then finishes in Ho Chi Minh City. Two short domestic flights do the heavy lifting.
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Quick facts before you book
Best time to go: February to April is the only window that works well across the whole country at once. The north is best October to April, the centre February to May, and the south December to April. Avoid the central coast from September to November for storms.
Daily budget: around 55 US dollars a day for comfortable mid range travel, or about 30 US dollars a day on a backpacker budget. Vietnam is one of the best value countries in Asia.
Visa: many nationalities need an e-visa arranged before arrival, though some get visa free entry for short stays. Check your passport in the GlobeDude Explorer and apply through the official government portal only.
The route at a glance
Hanoi for two nights, an overnight cruise on Ha Long Bay, fly to Da Nang for two nights in Hoi An, then fly south to Ho Chi Minh City for the final two.
Day by day
Day 1: Arrive in Hanoi
Base yourself in the Old Quarter. Walk the chaos of the thirty six streets, each once dedicated to a single trade, and learn to cross the road by moving slowly and predictably while the scooters flow around you. Egg coffee on a plastic stool, then bun cha for dinner.
Day 2: Hanoi history and street food
Morning at the Temple of Literature and the Ho Chi Minh mausoleum complex, afternoon at the women’s museum or the train street area. Eat your way through the evening, pho for breakfast tomorrow, banh mi whenever. Book a street food walk if you want the good stalls without the guesswork.
Day 3: Ha Long Bay overnight
Transfer to the coast and board an overnight cruise through the limestone karsts. Kayak into a lagoon, swim off the boat, eat seafood on deck and wake up with the mist still sitting between the islands. Choose Lan Ha Bay if you want the same scenery with fewer boats.
Day 4: Back to Hanoi and fly to Da Nang
Cruise back in the morning, transfer to Hanoi, then take a short evening flight to Da Nang and drive thirty minutes to Hoi An. Check into the old town or a quiet lane just outside it.
Day 5: Hoi An old town
The prettiest town in Vietnam and a UNESCO site. Yellow walls, the Japanese covered bridge, and thousands of silk lanterns that come on at dusk. Get clothes tailored in a day, cycle out to the rice paddies and An Bang beach, and take a basket boat through the coconut palms.
Day 6: Fly to Ho Chi Minh City
Morning flight south. The energy shift from Hoi An is immediate. Visit the War Remnants Museum, which is confronting but essential, then the Reunification Palace and the central post office. Rooftop bar at sunset over the traffic.
Day 7: Mekong or markets, then home
Either take a half day trip to the Mekong Delta or the Cu Chi tunnels, or stay in town for Ben Thanh market and a final bowl of pho. The airport is close to the centre, so you can squeeze the morning in comfortably.
What this week actually costs
Per person for a mid range trip. Pick your home country above and the flight row updates with live return fares from your nearest hub:
| Expense | Per person |
|---|---|
| Accommodation, six nights | 230 US dollars |
| Food | 130 US dollars |
| Domestic flights and transport | 190 US dollars |
| Tours and entries | 160 US dollars |
| Est. flights from your country | Pick your country above |
| Total for the week, with flights | 710 US dollars |
Check it against your income in the Salary Goes Furthest tool.
Where to stay
Hanoi Old Quarter for the atmosphere, Hoi An old town or a nearby garden hotel, and District 1 in Ho Chi Minh City for walkability. Find hotels in Ho Chi Minh City.
Getting around
Book domestic flights early because they are cheap in advance and expensive last minute. Use ride hailing apps in the cities rather than negotiating taxi fares. The night train and sleeper buses are options, but on a seven day trip they cost you more time than they save in money.
Book ahead
Ha Long cruises vary enormously in quality, so this is the one thing worth researching properly rather than booking on arrival. Browse tours and cruises in Vietnam on GetYourGuide.
Stay connected
Ride hailing apps are how you get around Vietnamese cities, so being online is not optional.
Pay at the real rate: Vietnam is largely a cash economy outside hotels. A Wise account lets you withdraw dong at the true rate.
Cover the trip: SafetyWing is a low cost monthly plan built for travelers.
Find the fare: flying into Hanoi and out of Ho Chi Minh City saves a full day of backtracking. Compare flights to Vietnam.
Frequently asked questions
Is 7 days enough for Vietnam?
Seven days covers the north and one other region comfortably if you use domestic flights. It is not enough for the whole country from Hanoi to the Mekong by land. Pick three stops and travel between them by air.
How much does a week in Vietnam cost?
Around 710 US dollars per person for a mid range week excluding international flights, including a Ha Long Bay cruise and two domestic flights. Backpackers manage the same route closer to 400.
What is the best month to visit Vietnam?
February to April works best across all three regions at once. The north is pleasant October to April, the centre February to May, and the south December to April. September to November brings storms to the central coast.
Do I need a visa for Vietnam?
Most nationalities need an e-visa applied for online before arrival, while some get short visa free entry. Open the GlobeDude Explorer for your rule, and only apply through the official government website to avoid scam sites.
Should I go north or south in Vietnam?
The north gives you Hanoi, Ha Long Bay and mountain scenery, while the south gives you the Mekong Delta, better beaches and warmer winter weather. Hoi An in the centre is the single prettiest stop and works with either.
Is Vietnam cheap to travel in?
Very. Street meals cost a few dollars, comfortable hotels are inexpensive and internal flights are affordable when booked ahead. It is among the best value destinations in Southeast Asia.
This itinerary is AI assisted and reviewed before publishing. Costs, opening hours and transport schedules change, so confirm current details before you book. Some links above are affiliate links that support GlobeDude at no extra cost to you.
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