One Week Itinerary in Vietnam and Thailand: 4 Perfect Tour Plans

With rich culture and convenient transportation, Thailand and Vietnam have become twin destinations in one Southeast Asia tour. Spending 7 days in Thailand and Vietnam might feel a bit rush, but it’s enough for those short on time to get a quick taste of the iconic landmarks.

Whether you’re into history, beaches, or adventure, we’ve crafted four special itineraries that cover the highlights of Thailand and Vietnam. If you’d rather not rush your trip, consider adding two extra days to slow things down and fully enjoy the unique sights and culture of Thailand and Vietnam. Keep reading to know more detailed itineraries for Vietnam and Thailand in one week.

Is One Week Enough in Vietnam and Thailand?

Yes, you can have a great experience in Vietnam and Thailand in one week. By focusing on a few key locations, you can see some of the top highlights of both countries and have a rich experience of local culture.

Bangkok, Hanoi, and Saigon are major gateways for international visitors with a host of attractions for planning a great Vietnam and Thailand tour. Thailand’s capital is the biggest city in the country with world-famous cuisine, and fascinating temples and cultural attractions. Hanoi and Saigon offer contrasting views of Vietnam. Culture and history thrive in the northern capital, while Saigon embraces its role as a vibrant southern hub.

A week also gives you enough time to visit surrounding cities. In Thailand, you’re never far from the beaches of Phuket or Pattaya. Central Vietnam also has fine coastal resorts and historical cities like Hoi An and Hue.

Beautiful beaches in Phuket, Thailand.

For First Timers: 3 Days in Bangkok and 4 Days in Hanoi

The two capitals are an easy choice for first-time travelers. Spending a week in Bangkok and Hanoi, you will see some of the best sites in each country, and take your time exploring city streets and bustling markets.

Thailand: 3 Days for Bangkok Exploration
Arrive in Bangkok to start exploring the highlights of Thailand. A 3-day Bangkok city tour will take you to the Grand Palace, where you can see the breathtaking gardens and Wat Phra Kaew, the Temple of the Emerald Buddha. A river cruise on the Chao Phraya River will show you the canals winding through the city and stop at famous sites like Wat Arun, the Temple of the Dawn.

Take a day trip to Kanchanaburi, 80 km south of Bangkok. There, you can visit Damnoen Saduak Floating Market and travel on the Death Railway to enjoy beautiful countryside scenes.

The bustling Damnoen Saduak Floating Market.

Vietnam: 4 Days in Hanoi and Halong Bay Cruise
Four days is the classic length for a Hanoi tour and trip to Halong Bay. The city’s treasured attractions are a deep dive into Vietnamese history. Visit the solemn Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum to expand your understanding of the country, and see Tran Quoc Pagoda on the tranquil shore of West Lake. Hoan Kiem Lake is another peaceful retreat in the city’s heart, and you can take a traditional cycling tour through the Old Quarter.

Halong Bay is a short drive from Hanoi. The UNESCO World Heritage Site is a natural wonder. Take an overnight Halong Bay cruise on the emerald waters and marvel at the towering limestone karsts. Cruises provide opportunities for fun water activities like swimming and kayaking, and you can go island hopping to visit beaches.

4 Days Hanoi Tour with Halong Bay Cruise

Hanoi - Halong Bay Cruise - Hanoi

For Cultural Enthusiasts: Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Saigon, Hanoi

For those who love to explore cultural architecture and temples, add some destinations including Chiang Mai and Saigon to your week-long tour to sample the culture across Thailand and Vietnam.

Thailand: 2 Days in Bangkok and 1 Day in Chiang Mai
In addition to touring Bangkok’s attractions like the Grand Palace and Wat Traimit, make sure to check out Yaowarat. The main thoroughfare through Bangkok’s Chinatown is one of the premier places for street food. At night, you can also watch a Thai boxing match to see why this exciting sport is popular all over the country.

Chiang Mai, in northern Thailand, is a cool mountainous region with beautiful forests and temples. Wat Umong is a must-see. At Wat Suan Dok, you can admire the unique architecture and talk with local monks about temple life.

The unique architecture of Wat Suan Dok.

Vietnam: 2 Days in Saigon and 2 Days in Hanoi
Spending two days in touring Saigon will take you to historic sites from the Vietnam War. The Cu Chi Tunnels are an amazing system built by guerrillas fighting in the south, and the Reunification Palace is where the war was officially ended. The city also has beautiful colonial architecture, such as the Old Saigon Post Office, and bustling markets like Ben Thanh Market, which offer great food and unique souvenirs.

Hanoi’s historic attractions, like the Temple of Literature, are just one side of the city. You can also see traditional Vietnamese performances like a water puppet show and then head to a night market like the one in the Old Quarter for some authentic Vietnamese food.

7 Days Short Thailand and Vietnam Highlights Tour

Bangkok - Chiang Mai - Saigon - Hanoi

For Beach Lovers: Hanoi, Hoi An, Phuket

Stunning, white sand beaches are the first thing that comes to mind about Southeast Asia for many people. Vietnam and Thailand both have tranquil seaside destinations where you can relax by the ocean.

Vietnam: 3 Days in Hanoi & Halong Bay, 2 Days in Hoi An
Hanoi is the gateway to the natural wonders of Halong Bay. Take an overnight cruise and go island hopping. Places like Ti Top and Tuan Chau Island have pristine, white sand beaches where you can relax and enjoy water activities like swimming, kayaking, and snorkeling.

The charming city of Hoi An, with its famous Lantern Festival that takes place every full moon, also boasts some of the top beaches in Asia.

Cua Dai Beach is only 4km from the city center. The calm waters and warm waves are perfect for anyone looking to relax. An Bang Beach is another top beach in Hoi An with no shortage of restaurants and bars featuring freshly caught seafood. For a more tranquil sport, head to Hidden Beach to escape the crowds and bask in the sun.

An Bang Beach is one of the best beaches in Hoi An.

Thailand: 2 Days in Phuket
Phuket is a world-renowned beach destination and one of the best places in Thailand to find coastal resorts and great seafood, as well as take part in fun water activities.

Patong Beach is one of the most popular spots. Find great restaurants and exciting nightlife along its lively 2.5km stretch. Karon Beach is famous for its soft sand and beachfront restaurants, and at Bangtao Beach, you can enjoy fun watersports like kayaking and snorkeling.

Patong Beach in Phuket.

For Adventurists: Khao Sok National Park, Halong Bay Cruise

Venture into nature to find exciting adventures. In Thailand and Vietnam’s beautiful natural environments, you’ll find great activities and breathtaking landscapes.

Thailand: 3 Days in Bangkok and Khao Sok National Park
After exploring Bangkok’s temples, markets, and street food, fly to south Thailand to explore Khao Sok National Park. It is an unforgettable place. Khao Sok National Park is covered with some of the oldest evergreen rainforests in the world.

Soaring limestone mountains rise above deep valleys and breathtaking lakes. You can trek through the jungles and see magnificent animals, including the famous elephants. Take a boat tour of Cheow Lan Lake, and relax at night in your cozy floating bungalow.

Beautiful scenery in Khao Sok National Park.

Vietnam: 4 Days in Hanoi and Halong Bay
Four days in Hanoi and Halong Bay is enough time to experience the culture and history of Vietnam’s capital. Then, drive to Halong Bay and embark on an adventure on the emerald waters.

On islands like Van Don Lom Bo Island, you can trek through the forests and cliffs. Kayak to Luon Cave to marvel at its serene, enclosed lagoon. Explore caves like Thien Cung Cave, known as Heavenly Palace Cave on Dau Go Island, and Song Sot Cave on Bo Hon Island.

Exploring Thien Cung Cave in Halong Bay.

2 Extra Days to Make your Thailand Vietnam Tour More Leisure

7 Days in Thailand and Vietnam seems a little bit rush. You can add two extra days to your week-long tour to see the classic highlights across Thailand and Vietnam in a relatively slow pace.

Thailand: 2 Days in Bangkok, 2 Days in Chiang Mai
Start exploring Bangkok with a free day after your arrival. Use the chance to sample street food and take in some nightlife if you’re not too tired. Spend a full day touring the city, traveling by tuk-tuk to Wat Pho temple, and visiting the Grand Palace.

Take a short flight to Chiang Mai to experience its rich natural beauty. Elephant Nature Park is a big attraction there. You’ll see the magnificent animals in a natural setting and learn about conservation efforts.

Travelers can get close to rescued elephants in Chiang Mai Elephant Nature Park.

Vietnam: 2 Days in Saigon, 3 Days in Hanoi & Halong Bay
Your Saigon experience will start with a dinner cruise on the Saigon River. See the major highlights of the city the next day, including Notre Dame Cathedral and the Emperor Jade Pagoda, and visit Cholon, the city’s largest Chinatown, for unique shops and great street food.

Arrive in Hanoi for a half-day city tour. At night, you’ll be able to try some of the best street food in the world, including Vietnamese classics like pho noodle soup and bang mi sandwiches.

Take an overnight cruise of Halong Bay. Cruises provide plenty of fun activities, such as kayaking and swimming, that you can enjoy while seeing the breathtaking karst formations on the almost 2,000 islands.

9 Days Thailand and Vietnam Classic Tour

Bangkok – Chiang Mai – Saigon – Hanoi – Halong Bay - Hanoi

Insider Tips for One Week Itinerary in Vietnam and Thailand

- Most travelers can get a visa on arrival for Thailand. Use Vietnam’s e-visa system to conveniently arrange a visa in advance.
- November to February is the best season for a combined trip to Thailand and Vietnam. The weather is cooler, and rain is less frequent.
- North Vietnam can be cooler during the winter months. Bring a light jacket or sweater to stay warm in the evenings.
- Grab is the best ride-sharing app in both countries. Download it before you leave to connect your local debit or credit card. The app can also help with translation.
- Credit cards are widely accepted in large establishments and tourist areas, but cash in local currency is best for smaller transactions.

14 Days Best of Thailand and Vietnam Tour

Bangkok – Chiang Rai – Golden Triangle – Chiang Rai – Chiang Mai – Hanoi – Halong Bay – Hanoi – Da Nang – Hoi An – Da Nang - Saigon

Conclusion

Spend a week in traveling Thailand and Vietnam for an unforgettable tour across Southeast Asia. Add some extra days for an in-depth experience touring the best sites in both countries.

Contact us to customize your experience with help from our professional travel consultants to create your dream experience. We’re always available to help you start planning the trip of a lifetime to Thailand and Vietnam.