How to Plan a 7 Days Vietnam Itinerary? 8 Tour Ideas for First-Time/Second Time Travelers

Have 7 days available for travel? There’s no better place to spend it than the Southeast Asian paradise of Vietnam. There’s so much for tourists to choose from, you can get exactly the holiday you want. To get you started, here are 8 tour ideas for Vietnam itinerary 7 days.

The Most Classic 7 Days in Vietnam: Cover all Highlights from North to South

The classic 7-day experience in Vietnam covers all the highlights from North to South. Arriving in Hanoi, you’ll experience the vibrant city life, enjoying street food in the Old Quarter, and visiting attractions like the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, the One Pillar Pagoda, and the Temple of Literature. Then depart for Halong Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and take a relaxing cruise of the beautiful waters and surrounding limestone karsts. Then it’s on to explore the cultural wonders of Hoi An Ancient Town known for its well-preserved architecture and unique atmosphere.

Saigon is the last stop on this 7 days Vietnam itinerary. In Saigon, you’ll see not just the local city life and historic ties to the Vietnam War at popular attractions like the War Remnants Museum, the Reunification Palace, and Cu Chi Tunnels. Saigon is also the perfect jumping-off point for a boat ride along the scenic, intricate waterways of the Mekong Delta, known as the "Rice Bowl" of Vietnam.

Itinerary:
Day 1-3: Hanoi city tour with Halong Bay cruise
Day 4-5: Hoi An city exploration
Day 6-7: Saigon city tour with Mekong Delta discovery

8 Days Best of Vietnam Tour Package

Hanoi - Halong Bay - Hoi An - Saigon - Mekong Delta – Saigon

The In-Depth 7 Days in Vietnam: Explore Northern Vietnam

For less of a whirlwind tour, you could spend 7 days in Vietnam focused on a deeper experience in just one region. Visiting northern Vietnam starts in Hanoi with the classic exploration of the Old Quarter, sampling local delicacies. The Ho Chi Ming Mausoleum is not to be missed, and Hanoi also offers beautiful natural and cultural attractions such as Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple.

Not far from Hanoi is the mountain town of Sapa, known for its terraced rice fields and ethnic minority villages. There you can embark on a Sapa trekking adventure to explore the picturesque landscapes or visit local ethnic minority villages like Cat Cat or Lao Chai.

After coming back to Hanoi, The UNESCO World Heritage site of Halong Bay is the jewel of northern Vietnam and the perfect place to relax. From your Halong Bay cruise, you’ll explore the bay and have a chance to disembark to explore caves or join in activities such as swimming and Kayaking.

The last part of the tour is a visit to the city of Ninh Binh, in the Red River Valley. Known as ‘Halong Bay on land’, it is an area of stunning natural beauty where you can take a sampan boat ride through rice paddies and limestone formations, and explore Bich Dong Pagoda and the ancient capital of Hoa Lu.

Itinerary:
Day 1-3: Hanoi city tour and Sapa exploration
Day 4-5: Halong Bay Cruise relaxing, head to Ninh Binh
Day 6-7: Ninh Binh tour, Hanoi departure

7 Days Northern Vietnam Historical & Natural Tour Package

Hanoi – Sapa - Halong Bay - Ninh Binh - Hanoi

The In-Depth 7 Days in Vietnam: Explore Southern Vietnam

Southern Vietnam has its own special appeal for an in-depth tour. You can fly directly into Tan Son Nhat International Airport from many locations to begin the tour in Saigon. The city’s role in the Vietnam War is at the heart of many attractions such as the War Remnants Museum and the Reunification Palace, but Saigon also features many examples of colonial and neo-classical architecture such as the Notre Dame Cathedral and historic Post Office.

The Mekong Delta is a fascinating region of Southern Vietnam, and heading to Vinh Long province is the next step in the tour. The picturesque landscapes with its rivers and canals are best experienced with a Mekong River boat trip to also see the local way of life along the river.

The boat trip will take you to Can Tho to see the famous Cai Rang Floating Market. Around Can Tho you can explore the Binh Thuy Ancient House, a well-preserved French colonial-era residence, enjoy the local food, and see some of the traditional farming practices. Then it’s back to Saigon for some more city exploration or last-minute shopping before departure.

Itinerary:
Day 1-3: Saigon city break, head to Vinh Long
Day 4-6: Can Tho highlights tour
Day 7: Saigon departure

10 Days Vietnam Highlights Tour with Can Tho

Saigon - Can Tho - Hoi An - Hanoi - Halong Bay - Hanoi

The In-Depth 7 Days in Vietnam: Explore Central Vietnam

The diverse region of central Vietnam is also worth an in-depth exploration. Da Nang International Airport is the gateway to the relaxing atmosphere of Da Nang. While there you can the Linh Ung Pagoda with its massive Lady Buddha statue, and in the evening go to the Marble Mountains for panoramic views. Then, it’s on to Hue which features Hue Imperial City, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, to explore the royal palaces, and temples within the complex. Nearby, the ancient town of Hoi An awaits with its unique atmosphere and lantern-lit streets of Old Town.

The last part of the tour is relaxing on the beaches of Nha Trang where you can spend the time swimming, and enjoying water sports, or by visiting the Po Nagar Cham Towers and the Long Son Pagoda. Be sure not to miss the fresh seafood and local cuisine at beachside restaurants.

Itinerary:
Day 1-2: Da Nang city tour, go to Hue
Day 3-4: Hue and Hoi An ancient town visit
Day 5-7: Nha Trang beach relaxing

10 Days Central Vietnam Beach Relaxing & Culinary Tour

Da Nang - Hue - Hoi An - Nha Trang - Mui Ne - Da Lat - Da Nang

The In-Depth 7 Days in Vietnam: Explore Northern and Central Vietnam

Besides trying to see everything and focusing only on one area, your tour could combine two regions, such as Northern and Central Vietnam, to strike a balance between range and depth. Of your experience. The capital of Hanoi will give the experience of a bustling, Southeast Asian city steeped in culture and history, and a cruise in the nearby Halong Bay will show off the natural wonders of the region.

Then, to Central Vietnam, filled with historic wonders starting with the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Hue Imperial City, and the Royal Tombs of the Nguyen Emperors also in Hue. Nearby Hoi An preserves ancient architecture and atmosphere, and charms visitors with the vibrant Central Market, Japanese Covered Bridge, and Quan Cong Temple. Rounding out the time in Central Vietnam, Da Nang’s beautiful beaches are a great place to relax at the end of your journey, and do a little shopping in places like Han Market.

Itinerary:
Day 1-3: Hanoi city exploration with Halong Bay cruise
Day 4-5: Hue city break
Day 6-7: Hoi An ancient town tour (Da Nang departure)

Hue Imperial City

The In-Depth 7 Days in Vietnam: Explore the Southern and Beach of Vietnam

Southern Vietnam features special attractions all its own. From Saigon with its important history in the Vietnam War, to the Mekong Delta where traditional ways of life along the river persist. A Vietnam boat trip of the area is a great way to interact with local culture sampling regional specialties along the way, Can Tho, a city in the heart of the Mekong Delta, shows the unique culture and commerce of the region in its local markets, alongside picturesque attractions such as the Ong Pagoda.

Phu Quoc, the last leg of the tour, is the place to experience the southern beaches of Vietnam at their finest. Located in the Gulf of Thailand, off the southwestern coast of Vietnam, it is the largest island in Vietnam and is known for its stunning natural beauty, pristine beaches, and lush landscapes. Phu Quoc has everything you’d want on a tropical island. Pristine beaches for sunbathing, swimming, and water sports, national parks, such as Phu Quoc National Park, with diverse ecosystems and lush rainforests, and bustling night markets and fishing villages for great food and shopping.

Itinerary:
Day 1-3: Saigon city tour with Mekong Delta exploration
Day 4: Can Tho highlights tour
Day 5-7: Phu Quoc beach relaxing

7 Days Southern Vietnam Essential Relaxing Tour

Saigon – Mekong Delta – Can Tho – Phu Quoc

7 Days to Explore Vietnam and Cambodia Together

With a full week to travel, another option is to visit Vietnam and Cambodia together. After landing in Saigon, you’ll have a chance to experience the highlights of the city before setting off to the Mekong Delta. There you’ll see the picturesque landscapes and traditional way of life of the locals, and then head back to Saigon to transfer to Siem Reap.

The prime attraction in Siem Reap, and all of Cambodia, is the magnificent temple complex at Angkor Wat. Exploring the iconic archeological site is a once-in-a-lifetime experience and can be followed by a boat trip on Tonle Sap Lake to visit the floating villages. Then fly to Hanoi to explore the capital of Vietnam and enjoy a traditional water puppet show.

Itinerary:
Day 1-3: Saigon city tour with Mekong Delta exploration
Day 4-5: Siem Reap Angkor Wat and Tonle Sap Lake visit
Day 6-7: Hanoi city tour

12 Days Cambodia and Vietnam Highlights Tour Package

Siem Reap - Saigon - Hoi An - Hanoi - Halong Bay Cruise - Hanoi

7 Days to Explore Vietnam and Thailand Together

Combining a trip to Vietnam and Thailand together is a way to take in the exotic scenery and rich culture of these two major Southeast Asian tourist hotspots. The tour begins with the highlights of Bangkok including the Grand Palace, Wat Arun, and Wat Traimit. Next is a flight to Chiang Mai for a half-day visit to cultural and historical sites, including the Old City, Wat Phra Singh, and Wat Phan Tao.

Then transfer to Saigon to start your tour of Vietnam. In Saigon, you’ll see the legendary Cu Chi tunnels, a network of underground passageways that provided a base for Viet Cong soldiers during the Vietnam War. The last leg is in Hanoi with its vibrant street life and French colonial-style buildings.

Itinerary:
Day 1-2: Bangkok city tour
Day 3: Chiang Mai highlights tour
Day 4-7: Saigon & Hanoi city tour

16 Days Vietnam and Thailand Highlights Tour Package

Hanoi - Halong Bay – Hoi An - Saigon – Bangkok – Chiang Mai - Phuket

7 Days to Explore Vietnam and Laos Together

Vietnam is also a good portal to visiting Laos, and with 7 days you’ll get a rich tour of Hanoi and an in-depth look at some of the most important sites in Laos. The first stops in Hanoi are the Tran Quoc Pagoda and Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum. Then, the big highlight of the Vietnam tour is a Halong Bay cruise before transferring to Luang Prabang in Laos.

Luang Prabang is a UNESCO World Heritage-listed city and one of the best places in Laos. There you can visit attractions like Wat Xieng Thong, and the Royal Palace Museum, and take a leisurely stroll around the town's streets. The last leg of the tour is embarking on a boat trip to the Pak Ou Caves, a sacred Buddhist site filled with thousands of Buddha statues. Then, finally, visiting the beautiful Kuang Si Waterfall, where you can swim in the turquoise pools or simply relax in the natural surroundings.

Itinerary:
Day 1-3: Hanoi city exploration with Halong Bay cruise
Day 4-5: Luang Prabang city tour
Day 6-7: Pak Ou caves & Kuang Si Waterfall tour

10 Days Vietnam and Laos Highlights Tour Package

Saigon – Hoi An – Hanoi – Halong Bay Cruise – Luang Prabang

Conclusion

Vietnam is a tourist paradise, and whether it is your first or second visit there is much to experience and explore. Over 7 days you’ll have the chance to see beautiful natural scenery and historic and cultural treasures, and spend time experiencing an exotic and friendly culture. Let us know what you’re looking for, and we’ll help put together your dream tour of Vietnam.