7 Days in Vietnam: Your Perfect Itinerary Sorted

Whether you want to do something fun, like taking a motorcycle ride through jam-packed alleys, or indulge in something surreal such as cruising through the tranquil waters of Mekong Delta – A holiday in Vietnam is packed with delightful attractions for all travellers.

We’ve decoded the perfect 7-days’ Vietnam holiday itinerary for you. Take a look and give in to your excitement!

Day 1: Arrive in Hanoi​

Arrive in this land of architectural grandeur – the capital city of Vietnam steeped in all sorts of travel goals. Kick-start your day with a power-packed breakfast or brunch at a local food joint. As Vietnamese food is a riot of flavours and spices – local food here is totally unmissable! You may go for a food tour while you’re at it.

We Recommend: Ca phe trung (Egg Coffee), Banh cuon (Steamed rice roll), Banh gio (Pyramidal dumpling), Bun rieu (Crab paste vermicelli).

Spend the rest of the day exploring Hanoi on a rented bike or simply stroll through the popular markets in Old Quarter.

Evenings are going to be energetic as Hanoi is known for its bustling night life. Sip your favourite drink at the celebrated Bia Hoi U Phao and immerse in the typical Vietnamese ambiance of this restaurant.

Hotel Recommendations:

1. O'Gallery Premier Hotel & Spa, Starting from Rs. 5,643/night*
2. Golden Palace Hotel, Starting from Rs. 1,688/night*

Day 2: Explore the architectural delights of Hanoi

Kick start this day with a visit to some of the majestic historical sites in central Hanoi. The Imperial Citadel of Thang Long - A UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a key attraction here. You can spend most of the morning consumed by the sheer beauty of this elegant masterpiece.

Post this, you can explore Hoan Kiem Lake – a freshwater lake and Ngoc Son nearby.

If you wish to shop, you can check out the famous ‘36 streets’ – a shopper’s paradise with a local flavour. Dig in for artwork, embroidery, food, coffee, silks, stuffed toys, watches, silk products and what not!

The Temple of Literature (built in 11^th century) is also something that you might want to explore while here. Do visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum Complex in Ba Dinh Square – a top attraction in Vietnam, to see the preserved body of Ho Chi Minh – their prominent political figure.

Finally, wind up at one of the popular joints for dinner.

We Recommend: Cong Caphe, Tini Café, Red Bean Trendy Restaurant, The Railway Hanoi, and Grandma’s Restaurant.

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Day 3: Check out the astonishing Limestone Mountains of Ninh Binh

Kick start your day with a delicious street side breakfast such as Banh mi (Vietnamese bread), or a noodle soup at Pho 10 restaurant. Post breakfast, set out for a day packed with ample of sight-seeing in the Ninh Binh Province.

Trang An is a place in Ninh Binh that offers magnificent sights of valleys, caves, and limestone mountains. You can book a boat ride through the caves and go cruising around the striking landscapes of Vietnam.

Some restaurant recommendations for lunch here include: Coffee Phong & Fast Food, Bao Anh Restaurant, TuTuCoffee, Thao Linh Restaurant, Duclinh Restaurant.

Having done with food, explore one of the most popular places in Vietnam where Hollywood flick ‘Kong: Skull Island’ was shot. Get ready to jump into a photography spree here.

Get back to relax at the famous Duong restaurant where you surreptitiously sip a tall glass of their popular cocktail, guilt free! 

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Day 4: Immerse in the beauty of the exotic Halong Bay

You can take a bus, train or a private taxi to reach Halong Bay from Hanoi. Halong Bay is known for its spectacular limestone islands. You can get to the Tuan Chau Island, from where you can embark on a 4-hours long journey to the Bay. The long ride might get your hunger pangs kicking-in, so enjoy delicious Halong Bay food while you’re here.

We Recommend: Cha Muc, and some other delicious sea food here.

Try these food joints: 14 Pizza, Wander Station, Rock House Pizza.

Post this, make a quick stop at the legendary Dau Go Island, where you can get a glimpse of the Thien Cung Grotto. You can relish the labyrinthine maze of stalactite and stalagmite structures inside this grotto.

Wrap up your day with a nice dinner at any of these places: Kim Hang Restaurant, Phuong Vi Restaurant, Linh Dan Restaurant.

Hotel Recommendations:

1. Halong Plaza Hotel, Starting from Rs. 2,803/night*
2. Viola Cruise Halong Bay, Starting from Rs. 13,264/night*

Day 5: Arrive in Da Nang – have a thundering Alpine Coaster ride

Arrive in Da Nang on your 5^th day. We recommend you to take a flight from Hanoi as this is the most convenient way to get here. Feel at home in this laidback city of Vietnam and indulge in some quick bites before starting your day.

Top food joints we recommend here include: Quan Com Hue Ngon, Lam Vien Restaurant, Bushido Restaurant.

Post this, get ready for an adventurous day ahead! Ba Na Hill Mountain Resort is a totally mesmerizing spot to check out. Go up on a cable car ride to enjoy breath-taking views from the top. You can also stroll through an ecological park and visit the marvellous replica of a French Village here. Walk through the amazing Golden Bridge to enjoy the striking beauty of mother nature. You can also opt for a ride at the Alpine Coaster – but remember, it is not for the faint heart!

Keep the evening for a relaxed dinner at Waterfront Danang Restaurant & Bar at Bach Dang Street.

Hotel Recommendations:

1. A25 Hotel Nguyen Du, Starting from Rs. 1,164/night*
2. Fusion Maia Danang, Starting from Rs. 23,488/night*

Day 6: Explore Hoi An – a UNESCO World Heritage Site

As this is a small town, we recommend you take a night bus from Da Nang, and not a flight.

Once here, indulge in scrumptious breakfast in any of these restaurants: Ong Hai, Mia Coffee, Banana Split, Bo Bo Café.

Hoi An is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and there are plenty of activities to relish in this port city.

You may choose from having a lazy day sitting and watching people offer prayers at the Ong Pagoda, or go exploring the Chinese assembly halls for great Instagram feeds. You may also look out for gorgeous antiques at the Old House of Tan Ky.

Later in the day, you may make a quick stop at the Japanese Bridge for a truly sublime experience.

Finally, you can enjoy some Indian food for dinner at Khazaana 1992 Indian Restaurant at Hai Ba Trung.

Hotel Recommendations:        

1. Royal Riverside Hoi An Hotel, Starting from Rs. 2,506/night*
2. Palm Garden Beach Resort and Spa, Starting from Rs. 8,454/night*

Day 7: Discover Ho Chi Minh’s mesmerizing culture!

Take a flight from Da Nang to Ho Chi Minh – a city that simply cannot be missed if you’re in Vietnam.

Start your day with some local food like street side Pho. Slurp a bowl of this hot noodles à la Vietnamese style!

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Check out these for truly lip-smacking Pho: Pho 2000, Pho Bo Vien Thap Cam, Pho 24.

Then you can walk down the streets of Ben Thanh Market to see the market chaos there. Yes, Ho Chi Minh is known for its traffic and crowd. You can rent a motorbike for ease of commuting.

Later in the day, catch up an opera show at the Saigon Opera House. You can also watch unique water puppetry at Golden Dragon Water Puppet Theatre.

After a long day, enjoy a relaxing evening at Xien Khe in Phu Nhuan District or tickle your taste buds at Noir – Dining in the Dark in Da Kao Ward.

Hotel Recommendations:

1. Meraki Hotel, Starting from Rs. 1,133/night*
2. Le Meridien Saigon, Starting from Rs. 10,240/night*

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