Vietnam 1 week itineraries
Discovering Vietnam in 1 week is a common idea. Vietnam surely showcases a wide range of beauties from cultural activities to landscaping view. There must be many questions for travelers who have 7 days and heading to Vietnam, well, here we answer you:
Is 1 week long enough to see Vietnam?
Vietnam is just too large to be discovered in 1 week. While one week may not be enough to see all the attractions of Vietnam, you can still immerse yourself in its iconic landscapes and rich culture. With a well-planned itinerary, you can make the most of your time in this fascinating country. Consider focusing on either the northern or southern regions, or opt for a curated itinerary that spans from north to south.
Which airport should I land in to start the week in Vietnam?
There are certain choices for you to land in Vietnam:
• Noi Bai International Airport (HAN) - Located in Hanoi, it's the largest airport in the north of Vietnam.
• Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN) - Situated in Ho Chi Minh City, this is the largest and busiest airport in Vietnam.
• Da Nang International Airport (DAD) - This airport serves the central region of Vietnam and is located in Da Nang.
• Cam Ranh International Airport (CXR) - Located near Nha Trang, this airport serves the Khanh Hoa Province in central Vietnam.
• Cat Bi International Airport (HPH) - Located in Hai Phong, this airport also serves the northern region of Vietnam.
• Phu Quoc International Airport (PQC) - Situated on Phu Quoc Island, it's important for both domestic and international tourism to this popular island destination.
• Phu Bai International Airport (HUI) - This airport serves Hue, located in central Vietnam and is a gateway to the country's historical sites.
• Can Tho International Airport (VCA) - Located in Can Tho, it serves the Mekong Delta region in southern Vietnam.
• Lien Khuong Airport (DLI) - Located in Da Lat, it serves the Central Highlands of Vietnam.
For travelers, the top choices are Noi Bai, Tan Son Nhat, Da Nang, Phu Quoc. These international airports are located conveniently, minimize the lenght to top Vietnam attractions.
Target locking before the arrival
Things to soak up in Vietnam seem endless but to list out the most remarkable travel sites with their must-sees, here comes our suggestions:
Hanoi and its Old Quarter
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Known as the heart of Hanoi, the Old Quarter is the place where you should kick off your Vietnam experience. The city boasts a timeless pagoda lining along with a busy market, and high buildings. If you are after the local culture, do not miss the Museum of history, Museum of Art, Museum of Ethnology, and Ho Chi Minh mausoleum. For a sense of Vietnamese cuisine, take yourself on a street food tour or hunt for the best Pho, Banh Mi – there is no better place to do that in Vietnam.
Check-in Halong Bay
Looking for an Instagram photo? head to Halong bay where you`ll have a chance to embark on a traditional cruise to set sail out to 800 islands. The bay is listed in the World Unesco heritages for many reasons including the marine life, sea landscape, and its national park. No matter your trip to Halong is for a day or 3, you are granted amazing selfies and photos with an amazing backdrop.
Ninh Binh
A perfect spot to learn about northern Vietnam culture. The area houses the most rewarded national park of the country where you can watch wildlife or trek into the old rainforest. Apart from that, Ninh Binh has many heritages including Trang An natural reserve.
Mai Chau valley
Imagine an idyllic valley where you`ll wake up by bird songs and the aromatic rice plantation is just right outside your window. Mai Chau is everything about the hospitality and unique culture of Thai people who immigrated from Thailand to Vietnam in the 6th century.
Hoi An Ancient Town
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Hoi An is a must-see place on any Vietnam tour. It used to be a very busy port on the Europe-Asia trading way on the sea. Nowadays, visitors come to Hoi An to absorb its beautiful traditional houses decorated with lanterns, Japanese bridges, and Chinese-influenced pagodas and do beach hopping. Hoi An is simply perfect to spend 2 to 3 days combining cultural interaction with beach relaxation. If you are looking for an adventure, biking around its less-visited or journey to My Son holy is really worth it.
Explore Mu Cang Chai rice terraces
Mu Cang Chai is a remote area where people head to capture its rice terraces. The above photos simply show you the reason. It is not all. There are thrilling adventures to delve into in Mu Cang Chai including paragliding (rice season only), trekking, and mountain biking.
Ho Chi Minh City
The southern economic hub of Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh city is a beguiling destination to check-in. Once in Ho Chi Minh, check in the information exhibitions in the Ho Chi Minh museum, marvel at the French colonial building and cathedral, and go underground to learn about Cu Chi tunnels. Ho Chi Minh City is a good base to head to Mekong Delta.
Cat Tien National Park
Stretching 720 square km, Cat Tien national park has botanical gardens and a lowland forest which offer opportunities to spot the wildlife. Follow the nature expert to behold golden-cheeked gibbons, native lories, and silvered languors.
Can Tho
To adventure the backwaters of the Mekong river, Can Tho is arguably one of the best places. It is home to the famous Cai Rang floating market. From Can Tho, you can board a ferry to Cambodia. The surrounding of Can Tho is packed with beautiful cycling roads and wealthy fruit plantations.
Phu Quoc island
Listed in our best Vietnam islands list, Phu Quoc has everything to seduce you from sun-kissed beaches to fascinating fishing villages, from spectacular islands to lush national park.
Top 5 itineraries for Vietnam 1-week trip
We suggest you 3 different trips for Vietnam 7 days itinerary ranging from cross-country to regional-focused ones:
Itinerary 1: A glimpse of Vietnam
This is a quick trip and best for the first-timer.
Day 01: Hanoi arrival. Visit the old quarter
Day 02: Hanoi City Tour
Day 03: Hanoi – Halong Bay
Day 04: Halong Bay – Hoi An
Day 05: Hoi An City tour
Day 06: Hoi An – Ho Chi Minh city
Day 07: Ho Chi Minh tour - departure
Itinerary 2: Best of the north Vietnam 7 days Itinerary
This itinerary takes you in the most enticing hotspots of north Vietnam.
Day 01: Hanoi Arrival
Day 02: Hanoi – Mai Chau Valley
Day 03: Mai Chau valley – Ninh Binh
Day 04: Ninh Binh – Tam Coc – Bich Dong
Day 05: Ninh Binh – Halong Bay
Day 06: Halong Bay – Hanoi
Day 07: Hanoi city – Departure
Itinerary 3: North Vietnam 7 days adventure – family holiday
For adventure-minded travelers, this itinerary is a very good option to hit the road to the far north of Vietnam
Day 01: Hanoi Arrival
Day 02: Hanoi – Sapa
Day 03: Sapa trekking
Day 04: Sapa Hill tribe market. Overnight train to Hanoi
Day 05: Hanoi – Lan Ha Bay
Day 06: Lan Ha Bay - Hanoi
Day 07: Hanoi departure
Itinerary 4: North Vietnam off beaten track 7 days
For those who are curious about the hill tribe life, this 7 days itinerary is just a good option to travel off beaten track in Vietnam. Other advantages are the cultural interaction in Mai Chau and the exploration of Halong Heritage site.
Day 01: Arrive in Hanoi. Visit the city
Day 02: Hanoi – Pu Luong valley
Day 03: Pu Luong – Mai Chau
Day 04: Mai Chau – Hanoi
Day 05: Hanoi – Lan Ha Bay
Day 06: Lan Ha Bay – Hanoi
Day 07: Hanoi departure
Best time to take this trip: April to May, September to November. These periods offers better photography chances as well as cool weather.
Itinerary 5: Best of the South with Beach
Southern Vietnam itself is a diverse area. This is a perfect itinerary to combine Museum visits, floating market exploration, and beach relaxation.
Day 01: Ho Chi Minh City Arrival
Day 02: Ho Chi Minh – Cu Chi Tunnel
Day 03: Ho Chi Minh – Can Tho
Day 04: Can Tho – Phu Quoc islands
Day 05: Phu Quoc island
Day 06: Phu Quoc island – Ho Chi Minh city
Day 07: Ho Chi Minh city departure
What is the budget for 1 week's trip to Vietnam?
Vietnam offers a wide range of budgets for any travel. You can spend from $20/ day if you travel on a low budget or do a backpack and you can also spend a few hundred dollars per day for a better travel service and accommodation.
Another example is the cruise to Halong Bay. For small budgets, you can book a cabin for about $120/ person for 2 day 1 night trip with 4 meals, accommodation, cruise, and entrance fee included. For the same journey, a luxury 5-star may cost $400/ person/ night or even upper.
Private Tour for 1 week in Vietnam
We offer tailor-made Vietnam tours for any private Vietnam tour. What you need to do is simply let us know all your expectations for your trip as detailed as possible. Our travel experts will then craft the itineraries, adding all the travel experiences, and activities needed to match your interest, budget, and expectations. We are happy to make changes until you feel happy with your 1 week's itinerary.
If you are ready, proceed with Vietnam Tailor Made Tour
Travel on your own for 1 week in Vietnam
It is very possible to travel independently in Vietnam. All the travel services now are publicized which means you can access all services from hotel booking, and car rental to hiring a local guide online. In tourist cities like Hanoi, Hoi An, and Ho Chi Minh City, there are travel agencies to help you arrange your day trips too.
Recommended reading:
- The ultimate guide for solo travel in Vietnam
- How to plan a Vietnam Holiday
- Best things to do in Vietnam
- Vietnam Safety Travel
Practical information for 1 week's trip in Vietnam
To make sure you'll have a smooth travel, these are some of the best practical information you should take care of
Important documents & things you must bring
- passport with at least 6 months validity
- Vietnam visa or visa arranged letter
- International flight tickets, cash, and credit card.
Travel Insurance
It is advisable to buy travel insurance in your country. There are international hospitals in Vietnam that accept oversea travel insurance.
What to pack for 1 week in Vietnam
We suggest you check Vietnam's weather for the time you travel carefully, since there is a big difference in terms of weather between the north and south. This decides what you should pack for a trip to Vietnam accordingly.
In general, you should carry:
- Bug spread
- Sun spray
- Hat & sunglasses
- light clothes,
- a swimsuit, and
- if you travel in winter or doing trekking then a coat is a must.
- Sneakers, flip-flops are necessary for beach time too.
Author: CEO Tanbang
