Hey friends 👋 We’re Liam & Sarah – a UK/Canada couple who’s been living in Vietnam since 2023, documenting the best spots, food, tours, and street-level travel tips. This 7-day itinerary is designed to help you see the best of Vietnam, without wasting half your trip in transit.

Let’s jump into our no-fluff, high-reward 7-day Vietnam itinerary, starting in Hanoi and ending in Ho Chi Minh City.

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Perfect For

First-Time Visitors Fast-Paced Travelers Curious Travelers
Our Top Tips
Use overnight trains or evening flights to maximize your sightseeing time.
Pack light – especially for internal flights and train rides.
Bring cash for markets and small shops.
Book sleeper train tickets early – they sell out fast in high season.
Street food is cheap, tasty, and part of the experience – don’t miss it.

Day 1–2: Hanoi

Start your trip in Vietnam’s capital - buzzing with history, street food, and local charm. Stay in the Old Quarter to be right in the heart of the action, walking distance from temples, markets, and cafes.

Dishes to try: Pho (Vietnamese noodle soup - Invented in Hanoi!), Bun Cha (grilled pork noodles), Egg Coffee (creamy & strong)

Our Favorite Things to Do:

Day 3: Ninh Binh (Day Trip from Hanoi)

Don’t waste your one day in Ninh Binh figuring it out on your own! We’ve done this trip countless times and always recommend booking a full-day tour in advance. It includes hotel pickup, skips the 3-hour lines at Trang An, and takes you to every major attraction for just $25 USD. It’s a no-brainer.

Book our favorite full-day Ninh Binh tour here – it covers:

  • Hoa Lu Ancient Capital
  • Bai Dinh Pagoda
  • Trang An boat ride (no queue!)
  • Mua Cave hike

Dishes to try: Goat meat (local specialty), Fried rice (crispy clay pot), Sugarcane juice (sweet & refreshing)

Our Favorite Things to Do:

  • 🚣‍♀️ Trang An boat tour through limestone caves
  • 🏞 Mua Cave viewpoint hike
  • 🏯 Temples at Hoa Lu

Day 4–5: Da Nang & Hoi An

Take the overnight sleeper train from Hanoi to Da Nang. Stay near My Khe Beach for ocean vibes or in Hoi An Ancient Town if you're after lantern-lit evenings and tailor shops.

Dishes to try: Mi Quang (turmeric noodles), Cao Lau (chewy noodles), Seafood BBQ (grilled fresh seafood)

Our Favorite Things to Do:

  • 🌉 Walk across the Dragon Bridge in Da Nang
  • 🏖 Relax at My Khe Beach
  • 🧵 Get clothes tailored in Hoi An Old Town
  • 🛕 View sunrise from My Son Sanctuary

Day 6–7: Ho Chi Minh City

End your Vietnam adventure in the country’s buzzing southern hub. We recommend staying in District 1 - it’s central, walkable, and puts you right near the best food, nightlife, and attractions.

Dishes to try: Banh Xeo (crispy pancake), Hu Tieu (Southern noodle soup), Southern-style Pho, and loads of tropical fruit.

🚌 Must-Do: Dedicate one full day to this Cu Chi Tunnels & Mekong Delta Day Tour. It covers two iconic highlights in one - crawl through wartime tunnels, float through palm-lined canals, sample local fruit and honey tea, enjoy a Vietnamese lunch, and be back in HCMC by evening. It’s only $40 USD including everything (even transport!) - honestly, it’s a no-brainer.

Our Favorite Things to Do:

  • 🛵 Do a night street food tour by motorbike
  • 🏛 Visit the War Remnants Museum for powerful wartime history
  • 🏙 Get panoramic views from Bitexco Tower Skydeck
  • 🥢 Wander Ben Thanh Market and nearby Phan Chu Trinh and Luu Van Lang streets for better deals

Final Thoughts

This itinerary isn’t about seeing everything – it’s about seeing the best of Vietnam in a smart, time-saving way. You’ll still get culture, food, nature, and city energy all in one week.

Let us know if you end up doing this route – we love hearing about your adventures!

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