Vietnam 7 Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Hanoi

  • Places to Go: Old Quarter, Hoan Kiem Lake
  • Activities: Explore the narrow streets of the Old Quarter, visit the Ngoc Son Temple on a small island in the lake
  • Things to Know: Try some delicious Vietnamese street food, such as banh mi and bun cha; learn about the history and culture of Vietnam at one of the many museums or historical sites
  • Transportation: Arrive at Noi Bai International Airport (HAN) and take a taxi or shuttle bus to your hotel
  • Accommodation: Hotel in Old Quarter area, such as the Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi or the La Siesta Hanoi
  • Visa Requirements: Most nationalities can obtain an e-visa online prior to arrival; check with the Vietnamese government’s website for details

Day 2: Hanoi

  • Places to Go: Ha Long Bay (day trip), Temple of Literature, Museum of Ethnology
  • Activities: Take a day trip to Ha Long Bay and explore its stunning limestone karsts and emerald waters; visit the ancient Temple of Literature, dedicated to Confucius; learn about Vietnam’s 54 ethnic groups at the Museum of Ethnology
  • Things to Know: Be prepared for crowds and traffic in Hanoi; try some of the city’s famous coffee culture at a cafe like Cafe Pho Co
  • Transportation: Take a private car or bus to Ha Long Bay, or use public transportation to get around Hanoi
  • Accommodation: Stay overnight in Hanoi and enjoy the city’s nightlife

Day 3: Ha Long Bay

  • Places to Go: Ha Long Bay (overnight cruise), Sung Sot Cave, Ti Top Island
  • Activities: Take an overnight cruise through Ha Long Bay and explore its stunning scenery; visit the massive Sung Sot Cave and swim at the beautiful Ti Top Island
  • Things to Know: Be prepared for seasickness on the cruise; try some of the delicious seafood at a restaurant like The Grotto
  • Transportation: Take a private car or bus from Hanoi to Ha Long Bay, or use public transportation
  • Accommodation: Stay overnight on the cruise and enjoy the stunning scenery

Day 4: Hoi An

  • Places to Go: Ancient Town of Hoi An, Japanese Bridge, Hoi An Museum
  • Activities: Explore the ancient streets of Hoi An and its many historical sites; visit the iconic Japanese Bridge and learn about the city’s rich history at the Hoi An Museum
  • Things to Know: Be prepared for crowds and traffic in Hoi An; try some of the city’s famous cuisine, such as Cao Lau and White Rose
  • Transportation: Fly from Ha Long Bay to Da Nang (DAD) and take a taxi or bus to Hoi An
  • Accommodation: Hotel in Ancient Town area, such as the Victoria Hoi An Resort & Spa or the The Hoi An Historic Village Boutique Resort

Day 5: Hoi An

  • Places to Go: Marble Mountains, My Son Sanctuary (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
  • Activities: Visit the stunning Marble Mountains and explore its many caves and sculptures; learn about Vietnam’s Cham culture at the My Son Sanctuary
  • Things to Know: Be prepared for crowds and heat in Hoi An; try some of the city’s famous cuisine, such as Banh Mi and Pho
  • Transportation: Take a private car or bus from Hoi An to Marble Mountains and My Son Sanctuary
  • Accommodation: Stay overnight in Hoi An and enjoy the city’s nightlife

Day 6: Hue

  • Places to Go: Imperial City (UNESCO World Heritage Site), Forbidden Purple City, Thien Mu Pagoda
  • Activities: Explore the ancient streets of Hue and its many historical sites; visit the Imperial City and the Forbidden Purple City, a UNESCO World Heritage Site; learn about Buddhism at the stunning Thien Mu Pagoda
  • Things to Know: Be prepared for crowds and traffic in Hue; try some of the city’s famous cuisine, such as Bun Bo and Com Hen
  • Transportation: Drive from Hoi An to Hue or take a bus
  • Accommodation: Hotel in Imperial City area, such as the La Residence Hue Hotel & Spa or the Hotel Saigon Morin

Day 7: Departure from Da Nang

  • Places to Go: None
  • Activities: Spend the morning shopping for last-minute souvenirs or exploring a local market; depart from Da Nang International Airport (DAD)
  • Things to Know: Be prepared for crowds and traffic in Hue; try some of the city’s famous cuisine, such as Banh Mi and Pho
  • Transportation: Take a taxi or shuttle bus from Hue to Da Nang International Airport
  • Visa Requirements: Most nationalities can obtain an e-visa online prior to arrival; check with the Vietnamese government’s website for details