The Best Vietnam 7 Day Itinerary

Duration icon Duration: 7D/6N
Trip code icon Trip Code: ORG-ITNO7
Map marker icon Best places to visit: Tour start from HanoiNinh BinhBai Tu Long bayHo Chi MinhMekong delta (My Tho → Can Tho) → End tour in Ho Chi Minh

Overview

Vietnam is a land of contrasts. Ancient history, breathtaking landscapes, and modern urban excitement blend seamlessly together. From the ancient streets of Hanoi’s Old Quarter, the limestone karsts of Ninh Binh, the tranquility of Bai Tu Long Bay, to the excitement of Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam is a rich and varied travel experience.

This Vietnam 7 Day Itinerary is perfect for travelers who have limited time to spare but still want to experience the very best of Vietnam. This tour is a logical progression of Vietnam’s top attractions. A combination of a luxury bay cruise, ancient history, and the excitement of the Mekong Delta makes it perfect for first-timers.

Why Choose This Vietnam 7 Day Itinerary?

This itinerary will give you a chance to see the most rewarding destinations in Vietnam, and you will have time to see each place at your own comfortable pace instead of trying to see too many destinations and rushing from one place to another. The north-south itinerary will save you time, and a luxury cruise in Bai Tu Long Bay will give you a chance to see Ha Long Bay from a more peaceful and exclusive point of view.

This 7-day itinerary for Vietnam will give you a great balance of culture, scenery, and local life, and we highly recommend it for couples, families, and small private groups who are looking for quality rather than quantity.

Highlights of the Vietnam 7 Day Itinerary

  • Travel easily between North and South Vietnam
  • Visit Hanoi’s Old Quarter, historical sites, and cultural attractions
  • Visit Ninh Binh Province and explore its limestone karst scenery by boat and at Mua Cave viewpoints
  • Stay overnight on a luxury cruise in Bai Tu Long Bay, a less crowded alternative to Ha Long Bay
  • Visit the Cu Chi Tunnels and learn about Vietnam’s history and war efforts
  • Visit the Mekong Delta and explore its waterways by boat through coconut groves and other scenery

Who Is This Vietnam 7 Day Itinerary For?

  • First-time visitors seeking a well-rounded Vietnam experience
  • Travelers with limited time but wanting to see the best of Vietnam
  • Couples seeking a balanced Vietnam experience in terms of culture, nature, and relaxation
  • Private groups/families seeking comfort and flexibility
  • Travelers interested in tailor-made Vietnam holidays

Travel Tips for Vietnam

  • Lightweight, breathable clothing is recommended for the entire year
  • Comfortable walking shoes are a must for city tours and heritage sites
  • The best time for a visit is in the early morning for popular attractions
  • This itinerary is recommended for all seasons, with good weather between March and May, and September and November.

Experience the Best of Vietnam in 7 Days

Ranging from ancient capitals and dramatic karst scenery to cities and waterways, Vietnam has a diversity and variety that few countries can match. This Vietnam 7 Day Itinerary presents the country’s most memorable experiences in a unique and specially crafted travel experience for discovery, comfort, and memories.

Vietnam 7 day itinerary travel map

Vietnam 7 Day Itinerary Travel Map

Itinerary Details

Day 1: Hanoi Arrival & Half-Day City Discovery (L)

Day 1: Hanoi Arrival & Half-Day City Discovery (L)

Morning activities

Upon arrival at Noi Bai International Airport, you’ll be greeted by your guide and driver. They’ll transport you to your hotel in the heart of Hanoi. After your flight, you’ll have time to rest and rejuvenate. This is the perfect time to get accustomed to the Vietnamese way of life. Early check-in is also available upon request.

Afternoon activities

Your Vietnamese adventure begins with a half-day city exploration. Your first stop is the Thang Long Imperial Citadel, a UNESCO World Heritage site that offers a glimpse into Vietnam’s rich history. Next is the Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first university. This ancient site is a reflection of Vietnam’s Confucian roots.

Your afternoon tour also includes a stop on the unique Train Street. This is where you’ll witness the daily activities of the locals just inches away from the train tracks.

Evening activities

You’re free to explore the Old Quarter of Hanoi, also known as the 36 streets. This area is filled with street food stalls, small cafes, and stores. You’re free to enjoy your dinner as you wish.

Overnight in Hanoi

Day 2: Hanoi - Ninh Binh: Limestone Landscapes & Countryside (B/L)

Day 2: Hanoi - Ninh Binh: Limestone Landscapes & Countryside (B/L)

Morning activities

After breakfast, we leave for Ninh Binh, which is known as ‘Ha Long Bay on Land’. The drive takes you through some of the most serene Vietnamese countryside, where rice fields and villages replace the concrete and steel of Hanoi.

We arrive at Trang An Grottoes and take a traditional sampan boat ride through some of the most beautiful limestone caves and karst scenery, which provides an opportunity to experience nature in all its beauty.

Afternoon activities

We continue our journey to Hoa Lu Ancient Capital, which was once the political center of Vietnam in the 10th century. We visit some of the ancient temples dedicated to King Dinh and King Le, which provide an insight into Vietnam’s early dynasties.

After lunch at one of the local restaurants, we visit Mua Cave, where we climb up the steps of the mountain and enjoy some of the most breathtaking views of Tam Coc’s rice fields and rivers. In the summer, there are some beautiful lotus ponds at the foot of the mountain, which add an extra touch of beauty.

Overnight in Hanoi.

Day 3: Hanoi - Bai Tu Long Bay: Luxury Cruise Experience (B/L/D)

Day 3: Hanoi - Bai Tu Long Bay: Luxury Cruise Experience (B/L/D)

Morning activities

After breakfast, leave for Ha Long City via modern highway. Upon arrival at the international cruise port, board your luxurious 5-star cruise and enjoy your welcome drink while getting settled into your cabin.

Afternoon activities

Depart for Bai Tu Long Bay, an exclusive and serene version of Ha Long Bay. Cruise through untouched waters and untouched islands of limestone karst. You may opt for some kayaking, swimming, or simply relax on board and enjoy the beauty of nature.

Evening activities

The sun sets over the bay, and the atmosphere becomes serene and calm. Enjoy an elegant dinner of Vietnamese cuisine, followed by a serene night under the stars, with nature’s silence all around.

Overnight on the Dragon Legend Cruise

Day 4: Bai Tu Long Bay - Hanoi: Flight to Ho Chi Minh City (B/L)

Day 4: Bai Tu Long Bay - Hanoi: Flight to Ho Chi Minh City (B/L)

Morning activities

Wake up to the sunrise over the bay, and enjoy a leisurely breakfast. Take a trip to Vung Vieng Fishing Village by traditional rowing boat, and gain a glimpse into the local fishermen’s way of life, one of the most authentic experiences available in Bai Tu Long Bay.

Afternoon activities

Return back to the cruise for check-out and a final cruise through the stunning limestone formations. Disembark later in the morning and transfer directly to Hanoi Airport for your domestic flight to Ho Chi Minh City.

Evening activities

Arrive in Ho Chi Minh City and transfer to your hotel. The remainder of the day is free for relaxation or exploring the city’s dining scene as you wish.

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City

Day 5: Ho Chi Minh City Highlights & Cu Chi Tunnels (B/L)

Day 5: Ho Chi Minh City Highlights & Cu Chi Tunnels (B/L)

Morning activities

After breakfast, a city tour of Ho Chi Minh City will begin. Important tourist attractions that will be visited are Reunification Palace, Notre Dame Cathedral (outside), and the Central Post Office, reflecting French colonial style. The tour will continue at the War Remnants Museum.

Afternoon activities

After lunch, a visit to the Cu Chi Tunnels, a large network of underground tunnels, will be made. The tunnels played an important role during the war and reflect the ingenuity of the Vietnamese people.

Evening activities

In the late afternoon, the city will be revisited, and free time will be allowed.

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City

Day 6: Mekong Delta: My Tho & Ben Tre Experience (B/L)

Day 6: Mekong Delta: My Tho & Ben Tre Experience (B/L)

Morning activities

Leave Ho Chi Minh City for the Mekong Delta, traveling to Ben Tre, famous for its coconut groves. Take a small boat trip cruising through palm-fringed waterways, observing rural riverside life.

Afternoon activities

Visit traditional workshops, such as coconut candy makers, brick kilns, and villages of mat makers. Sample fresh fruits, tea, and traditional music performed by locals. Savor a countryside lunch of Mekong Delta specialties in a peaceful garden setting.

Later, take a leisurely walk through orchards and village roads before returning to Ho Chi Minh City.

Evening activities

Return to Ho Chi Minh City in the late afternoon. Evening is at leisure.

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City

Day 7: Ho Chi Minh City - Free Time & Departure (B)

Day 7: Ho Chi Minh City - Free Time & Departure (B)

Enjoy your final morning at leisure-relax, shop for souvenirs, or explore the city’s cafés. Depending on your flight time today you can spend more time to wander around the city, market, etc

After that our driver transfer to Tan Son Nhat Airport for your departure flight.

End of Vietnam 7 Day Itinerary

This Vietnam 7 day itinerary is perfect for travelers with limited time but still wanting to enjoy the very best that Vietnam has to offer. As a private tour, the 7 day is flexible and easily tailored to your personal travel style.

Contact our local expert today to customize your itinerary and receive your personalized travel plan and quotation.

Inclusions

  • PRIVATE door to door transport (new vehicle) with air-conditioned
  • Experience English speaking guide
  • Local boat in Trang An(or Tam Coc) and Ben Tre as mentioned in tour program
  • Hotel 3 star or similar (2 people/1 room) with buffet breakfast at hotel or can upgrade if order
  • Meals as mentioned above with Vietnamese set menu (B= Breakfast, L= Lunch, D = Dinner)
  • Domestic flight Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh
  • Entrance fees, permission
  • Mineral water daily 2 bottle 500ml/per day
  • Bank fees if payment by credit card
  • Gov tax and service charge
  • No extra charge after final confirmation

Exclusions

  • International flight ticket in Hanoi & out Ho Chi Minh
  • Additional sightseeing or extra usage of vehicle
  • Other than mentioned in the itinerary
  • Personal expenses such as laundry, telephone calls, soft & hard drinks
  • Meals not mentioned in the program
  • Travel Insurance
  • Tips are welcomed!

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Meet Our Local Experts

Ms Angela - Vietnam Travel Expert

Ms Angela

Ms Lucy - Vietnam Travel Consultant

Ms Lucy

Ms. Angela & Ms. Lucy are our experts for this itinerary and as seasoned travellers they have the inside track on the most memorable adventures.

All are tailor-made tours from Origin Travel Team

This itinerary is designed to give you the best local experience we can create in Vietnam!

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