7-Day Vietnam Itinerary for First-Time Visitors

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Ever since we came back from our first month long trip to Vietnam in March 2025, I have been flooded with enquiries about Vietnam itinerary for 7 days. While regular readers of this blog would be aware that I usually scoff at such queries that try to ‘do a country in a short period of time’, I understand that there are people who have few holidays on hand and can only manage to visit Vietnam for 7 days. While I still think that 7 days is too less for travelling in Vietnam, this itinerary tries to cover the highlights of Vietnam in a week perfect for a first time visitor. Vietnam is a value-for-money country with a range of landscapes and a bustling food scene and friendly locals. This itinerary is being made after our second visit to Vietnam, in the winter for about five weeks.

A customer service counter featuring signs for Viettel and Mobifone 5G SIM cards with promotions for data and calls. A staff member is seen at the counter.
A street vendor riding a bicycle loaded with various snacks and goods, wearing a hat, in an urban setting with shops and buildings in the background.
Colorful display of fresh fruits in baskets at a street market, with various types of fruits including oranges, bananas, and avocados, and a person sitting in the background.

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Introduction to Vietnam

Located in South-east Asia, Vietnam is a long country with a continuous coastline spanning 1600 kms; and narrow with some points being only 50 kms wide. It can largely be divided in three parts; North, South and Central Vietnam. The tourist can look forward to stunning natural landscapes, bustling ancient cities, diverse culture, flavourful street food and an enviable variety of Vietnamese beer and coffee; all at decent prices. The locals are cheerful and smiling and the overall energy of anywhere you go in Vietnam is mindboggling, add fabulous art and crafts and you have a cocktail that you want to return again and again!

A street vendor sitting on a small stool on a sidewalk, wearing a conical hat and a red jacket, using a smartphone. She has two baskets beside her, one filled with food and the other with drinks, while shops and motorcycles are visible in the background.
A coffee shop display featuring various jars of coffee beans labeled with prices, including Culi, Moka, Arabica, and Special. The shop sign reads 'Café Moka Đức Thành' with the location address and contact information.
The Tan Dinh Catholic Church, a pink Gothic-style structure with a tall clock tower, set against a cloudy sky.
A variety of fresh fruits displayed in a market, including a pile of round, brown longans and bright yellow mangoes. Some longans are in clear plastic containers, while others are arranged in clusters with green leaves.
A colorful display of various fruits arranged in baskets at a market, with price tags visible. The fruits include bananas, mangoes, oranges, and apples among others.
A vendor preparing fresh spring rolls, featuring lettuce and herbs on a rice paper wrap, with various food items and utensils visible in the background.

When to Visit Vietnam? Best Weather to Visit Vietnam

The weather in Vietnam varies drastically from region to region with South Vietnam (Mekong Delta) being extremely hot and humid. Ho Chi Minh in Southern Vietnam (formerly Saigon) is the financial capital of the country and the biggest city in Vietnam. Da Nang is Vietnam’s third biggest city and lies in Central Vietnam. Hanoi is Vietnam’s capital and second biggest city, its cultural heart with an ancient history and a favourite of tourists. From May to October, the weather gets very hot and humid across Vietnam and it rains most of the time. If you are travelling in Vietnam during this time, be well prepared for weather related disruptions.

  • Best time to visit South Vietnam : December to February.
  • Best time to visit Central Vietnam : January to March.
  • Best time to visit North Vietnam : February to April and October to mid-December.
Display of various t-shirts with Vietnam-themed designs, arranged on wooden racks, surrounded by greenery.
Display of traditional textiles and accessories in a glass case, featuring colorful woven fabrics, decorative shawls, and metal earrings on a red background.
A collection of traditional calligraphy artworks displayed on hanging scrolls. Each scroll features different stylized characters and symbols, showcasing artistic expressions and techniques in ink on paper.

Vietnam Itinerary for 7 Days

This Vietnam Itinerary for 7 days considers both scenarios for people starting their Vietnam trip in 1. Hanoi or 2. Ho Chi Minh (Saigon).

Day 1 : Arrive in Hanoi. Explore Old Quarter & French Quarter.

Hanoi is a charming ancient city with history that goes back over 2000 years; a classic mix of old and new with chaotic streets, cute cafés, calming lakes, heritage sights, delicious street food, speakeasy bars and lots more. A recommended area to stay in Hanoi is close to the Old Quarter; as most of the attractions are a short walk or taxi ride away. Explore the Old Quarter and also the French Quarter. The Old Quarter in Hanoi dates back to the 11th Century and is a commercial hub with a maze of 36 streets, each dedicated to a different art or craft. With a lake in close vicinity of wherever you visit, I would call Hanoi a city of lakes.

A chef in a red cap is cooking at a street food stall, pouring broth into metal bowls placed over a fire, with flames visible beneath the bowls.
A display of various honey products, including bottles and jars, in a shop setting. The top sign features honeycomb patterns and images of different flowers with the text 'MẬT ONG HOA BẮC HÀ'.
A glass display rack featuring various types of dim sum including steamed buns and wrapped rice cakes. The sign above indicates the name 'THỌ PHÁT' and lists 'BÁNH BAO - BÁNH GIÒ - DIMSUM'.

Sights in and around Old Quarter, Hanoi : Bach Ma Temple, St. Joseph’s Cathedral, Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple crossing the ornate Huc bridge, Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre, Dong Xuan Market & Hang Da Market, Hanoi Night Market is good for souvenir shopping in Vietnam, Ta Hien Street also called Beer street where every establishment serves fresh Bia Hoi. Old Quarter Streets are a maze and discretion is advised while crossing the streets. Old Quarter Hanoi in the evening lights is a sight to behold, grab one of the small stools at the intersection of beer street; enjoy a snack with your beer. Hoan Kiem Lake is a good place for a morning or evening stroll to observe local life and spend a few peaceful minutes in the bustle of the Old Quarter in Hanoi; to recharge your batteries.

A woman in a green shirt is drawing at a table with various art supplies, while a young boy in a blue polo shirt stands next to her, appearing to assist or observe. Behind them are hanging scrolls with traditional Asian artwork.
A decorative woven basket featuring a crochet doll of a girl with dark hair and a green outfit. The basket is painted with a colorful scene of a tower and a child holding a drink, surrounded by greenery and clouds.
A vibrant street scene featuring a green shop named 'Con Mèo Nhỏ' with books and souvenirs displayed outside. People are walking along the tree-lined road, with a yellow information board on the left.
A chalkboard sign outside a bookstore called 'Little Cats Bookstore', featuring two cartoon cats, one ginger and one white, with the text 'MEOW!!!' and labels for different book genres.
Front view of the historic Central Post Office building in Ho Chi Minh City, with a crowd of tourists and locals gathered at the entrance.
An elderly man in a blue shirt and cap sits beside a traditional pedicab on a city street, with other pedicabs and people in the background.

Must try Pho, Bun Cha, Ca Phe Trung (Egg coffee) and Ché (local desserts) that are a speciality of Hanoi and best tried in the street eateries in Old Quarter.

Day 2 : Hanoi to Ha Long Bay – Day trip or overnight cruise.

Choose a local trip operator or prebook one from one of the various tour agencies for a Day trip to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ha Long Bay. The pick-up shuttle will be early morning from Hanoi and it will take approximately about 2.5 hours to reach Ha Long Bay. Then you can enjoy an afternoon cruise gazing at the limestone karsts jutting out from the emerald water; taking in the must see sights such as the stunning beach of Titop Island and the natural formations of Sun Sot cave among others. Lunch is typically included in the 5 hour day cruise as are also activities like kayaking, hiking and swimming stops. Typically, the return to Hanoi leaves from Ha Long Bay around 530 pm in the evening. If you opt for the overnight cruise, your return to Hanoi will be early morning.

Historical opera house with ornate architecture and a large staircase, surrounded by modern buildings and palm trees.
A bicycle parked on a sidewalk adorned with colorful traditional Vietnamese conical hats, surrounded by greenery and a wall featuring vibrant imagery.
Colorful wall mural depicting the process of making Vietnamese coffee, featuring a man preparing coffee, a woman serving, and illustrated coffee cups and brewing equipment.

Day 3 : Explore Attractions of Hanoi. Night train from Hanoi to Hue.

Take a leisurely day in Hanoi and explore popular attractions of Hanoi at a slower pace. Hanoi Sights : Hanoi Opera House, Temple of Literature, Thang Long Imperial Citadel, Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, One Pillar Pagoda, Hoa Lu Prison Museum, Train Street, Tran Quoc Pagoda near Tay Ho Lake and West Lake. Use Grab taxi app to navigate across these attractions in Hanoi. Public buses are also easy and there’s even a free tourist bus that runs on a specific tourist friendly route. Top tip is to enjoy the taro and sticky rice ice cream at Kem Trang Tien when you are near the Hanoi Opera House; thank me later!

A young man sitting on a motorcycle, wearing a green jacket, is looking at his phone. Behind him is a colorful mural depicting schoolchildren in uniforms and a scenic landscape.
A pint of amber beer with a logo sits on a wooden table at night, with blurred lights and trees in the background.
A narrow alleyway with a decorated wall featuring red paper fans and traditional symbols, adorned with a straw canopy, leading to a residential area.

Most 7 day itineraries to Vietnam skip Hué (pronounced Huye) simply due to lack of time. In my opinion, Hué is likely to be your most endearing memory of Vietnam and I am trying to squeeze it in. Take the night train from Hanoi to Hué or next day’s early morning flight from Hanoi to Hue airport.

Day 4 : Arrive in Hué, Central Vietnam. Explore the Imperial Citadel and delight in Hué delicious royal cuisine.

I recommend staying in the vicinity of Le Loi Street area or near the Imperial Citadel. The chief attraction of Hué is the UNESCO World Heritage Site Imperial City which was the ancient capital of the first Nguyen Emperor of Vietnam. Hué is a sizeable city in Central Vietnam and is set by the Huong River (Perfume River sounds better!) Keep about 2-4 hours for a perusal of the most important sights in the Imperial Citadel. Evenings are perfect for a cruise on the timeless Dragon boat when the Perfume River is bathed in all sorts of sunset colours. The food in Hué is arguably the most flavourful and spiciest in Vietnam and I highly recommend trying the local delicacies or the hotpot at one of the many eateries. Ca Phe Muoi (Salted coffee) is a Hué speciality and is really delicious!

A beautifully ornate temple structure featuring a golden statue of a deity, surrounded by greenery and colorful plants.
A traditional Asian-style building near a river, featuring multiple tiers with decorative rooftops and surrounded by greenery.
A train station with signs indicating platform directions and passenger information. The ceiling is made of blue translucent material, and there are colorful lights hanging. In the background, trains are visible at the platform.

Attractions of Hué: Imperial Citadel, Tombs of Emperors – Khai Dinh, Tu Duc, Minh Mang, Gia Long, Thien Mu Pagoda, Dong Ba Market, Perfume River Cruise on a Dragon Boat, Hue regional food specialities like Bun bo Hué, Nem Lui, Com Hen, Bun Thit Nuong, Bun Hen among others and Huda beer brewed in Hué.

Day 5 : Hué to Hoi An by Limousine/Taxi. Go around the dreamy fairytale come to life – Old Town Hoi An.

From one UNESCO World Heritage Site to another; Hoi An is the most popular destination in Vietnam and perhaps the most visually beautiful. The taxi/bus/limousine transfer from Hue to Hoi An should take about 3 hours; aim to leave from Hué by 830 am so that you arrive in Hoi An before noon after crossing the Hai Van Pass. Choose a stay close to Old Town Hoi An so that you can fully appreciate the beauty of this ancient 15th Century trading port town formerly called Faifoo.

A vibrant mural depicting a quaint café setting with a green plant in the foreground, featuring decorative lighting, stone pathways, and a colorful building with blue shutters.
Art display featuring traditional Chinese calligraphy and paintings hung on a yellow wall, with scattered artwork and art supplies on the ground.
A colorful display of hanging paper lanterns in various shapes and designs, featuring vibrant colors like red, blue, yellow, and white, adorned with floral and artistic patterns.

Hoi An chief attractions : Japanese Covered Bridge, Old House of Tan Ky, Phuc Kien Assembly Hall, Quan Cong Temple, Cho Hoi An (Hoi An Central Market), Sunset Boat Ride, Hoi An Night Market. Do not tire yourself out in the day as it is in the night lights that the ancient town of Hoi An really comes to life; stroll along the walk-only streets and ogle at the pretty lantern lights! Walking around the Old Town in Hoi An is free; a composite ticket is required to enter any 5 attractions and costs VND 120000.

Street view with blooming pink bougainvillea flowers in the foreground, parked cars along the road, and modern buildings in the background.
A woman sorting and selling fresh mulberries in a market, with a basket full of purple and red fruits set on a table.

There’s also the An Bang beach near Hoi An but I recommend skipping it since you are spending the next day in Da Nang in the vicinity of the My Khe beach. Visitors staying for longer in Hoi An prefer the quiet and tranquil atmosphere of the lush green rice fields; perhaps the afternoon lunch can be tried at one of the cafés or restaurants overlooking the rice fields. The tailors in Hoi An are renowned for making garments precise to measurements but honestly I don’t think one day turnaround is a reasonable time. A few dishes are unique to Hoi An; among those Cao Lau and Banh Xeo are a must try.

A colorful display of various traditional lanterns hanging in a shop, with baskets of decorative items and a wooden chair in front.
A collection of various wooden carvings displayed on a wall, featuring numerous faces and figures with intricate details and textures.
A vibrant display of various decorative lanterns in different colors and patterns, with a large red lantern featuring floral designs at the top, alongside a sign indicating 'Lanterns Making Class'.

My favourite shopping destination in Vietnam happens to be Hoi An; there’s a staggering variety of handmade art for sale in Hoi An – canvas paintings at numerous art galleries, charcoal paintings, handmade lanterns, pottery, tote bags, leather stuff, customised footwear, vintage movie posters, knick-knacks, rice wine, among so many other souvenirs!

Over the course of two month long trips across Vietnam, I have figured that the Spas in Hoi An offer the maximum value for money with excellent massages. Moreover, your pick up from Hoi An hotel and drop to Da Nang can be arranged by the spa, saving you the hassle and some money if discussed in advance.

A vibrant display of multicolored paper lanterns hanging on a wooden wall, illuminated in various shades, creating a festive atmosphere.
A smiling young man stands in front of various colorful paintings in an art gallery, wearing a black and white shirt.
A colorful art gallery at night, featuring a yellow building with blue shutters, a sign that reads 'CO gallery', and several painted artworks displayed outside.
A white tote bag featuring a design of a woman on a bicycle adorned with colorful flowers, with the text 'Hoi An Vibes' printed beside her. The background shows a picturesque street in Hoi An.
A fruit vendor wearing a conical hat stands on a grassy area, holding a pole that supports two baskets filled with various fruits. There are trees and lampposts in the background.
View of Da Nang Beach with palm trees, clear blue sky, and a person gardening in the foreground.

Day 6 : Hoi An to Danang (Da Nang) shuttle bus or Grab Taxi. Da Nang to Ho Chi Minh (Saigon) by night flight

Danang is Vietnam’s third biggest city and the largest city in Central Vietnam. I recommend staying in Danang in the Son Tra area not too far from My Khe beach. Explore Da Nang’s local sights in the Son Tra Peninsula, Marble Mountains, Dong Dinh Museum, Linh Ung Pagoda. Son Tra Lighthouse also called Tiên Sa Lighthouse has epic views of the sea. Ba Na Hills which is sought to be a French village replica is about 35 kms from Danang and might take about 3 hours for an experience from Danang. Dragon Bridge Fire & water show (at 9 pm on weekends and holidays), Han Market, Da Nang Cathedral, Han River Promenade Walk, Con Market, sunset at My Khe beach, Son Tra Night Market.

Fishing boats lined up on a sandy beach with people working nearby and mountains in the background.
A plate of assorted food including a portion of red rice, fried tofu, vegetables, seaweed, and pieces of fried chicken, accompanied by a bowl of soup and a small dish of spring rolls.
A wooden table with a tray holding several coffee drinks: a glass of black coffee topped with foam, a metal coffee filter, a white cup, and two glasses of iced coffee. There is also a spoon and a piece of paper on the table.

My Khe Beach – My Khe beach alone is a good reason to visit Danang. It is a white sand beach located in the city itself and I recommend a happy hour cocktail at Esco beach or fresh draught beer at East West Brewing while enjoying the sunset colours. Sun beds are available for a small fee if you want to spend the afternoon lounging on My Khe beach and My An beach.

Mornings at the beachside and the riverfront give a peek into local Vietnamese fitness culture with exercising groups, runners, tai chi trainers and all sorts of activities going on. It is a good excuse to wake up early and take in the fresh breeze before the day gets too hot.

Two books displayed on a wooden surface. The left book is titled 'The Goodness of Strangers' by Shubham Mansingka, featuring a scenic image of mountains and rivers on the cover. The right book is titled 'nữ sinh' by Dazai Osamu, with a red cover and an illustration of a girl in a black dress.
A beach scene featuring palm trees, people enjoying the sandy shore, and the ocean in the background under a clear sky.

Day 7 : Explore Attractions of Saigon (HCMC or Ho Chi Minh City)

Ho Chi Minh City (popularly referred as HCMC) is Vietnam’s largest city housing almost 10 million people. It is located in the far South of the country and is the financial and commercial capital of Vietnam. My everlasting memory of Saigon or HCMC is that it is a city of buzzing motorbikes; everywhere you see people are rushing on their two-wheelers and cars are a minority. I found Saigon coffee to be the strongest version across Vietnam; even in Hanoi and Da Nang some cafés had Saigon coffee on their menu and upon asking we were told that the Saigon black is the stronger version! HCMC certainly has a faster pace of life than other parts of Vietnam and the vibrance and energy of the Saigonese is indeed exuberant. Bia Saigon and 333 are locally brewed beers in Saigon.

A beach scene with a yellow table holding two glasses of beer and a conical hat, while people relax on the sandy shore and waves crash in the background.
A scenic view of traditional dragon boats parked along a misty waterfront, with a soft sun setting in the background.

Must visit sights in HCMC : Independence Palace, Book Street, Saigon Opera House, Notre Dame Cathedral Basilica, HCMC Museum, Jade Emperor Pagoda, Ben Thanh Market for souvenir shopping, Saigon River Cruise, Bui Vien Walking Street , Tan Dinh Market for authentic shopping at local prices. Try the Jasmine beer (or other craft beers) at Pasteur Street Original Taproom.

A lively scene inside an art shop adorned with red banners featuring Chinese calligraphy. An elderly woman sits at a table, practicing calligraphy, while others, including a woman and a man, engage in conversation in the background. A potted plant adds color to the setting.
A vibrant orange tree with ripe fruits, planted in a decorative pot, situated near a sidewalk with chairs and tables in the background.

Day Trips from HCMC : Exploring the Cu Chi Tunnels and Mekong Delta takes a longer time and you can squeeze them for a visit in the 1 day given time at hand.

A table setting featuring a hot pot dish with vegetables, tofu, and noodles, accompanied by fresh greens, dipping sauces, and a bowl of rice noodles.
Two women in traditional Vietnamese attire posing in front of an old yellow wall with a large window and decorative brickwork, holding fans and a round hat.

Practical Tips for Exploring Vietnam

Currency : The local currency of Vietnam is Vietnamese Dong (VND). While cards are accepted at most establishments, cash is still king and I recommend carrying VND at all times. Most street vendors accept only cash, tickets for monuments are required to pay in VND. You can carry USD or Euro from your home country and exchange USD to VND in Vietnam at one of the jewellery shops as they offer the best exchange rate.

Sim Card : Viettel coverage is excellent and it is reasonably priced.

A traditional Asian landscape painting featuring a serene river scene with houses, a bridge, and trees in autumn colors, framed in an intricate black wooden frame.
A decorative arrangement of round, hand-painted bamboo hats featuring colorful floral designs, including pink and white lotus flowers, arranged in a grid pattern.

Hat/Cap and Electrolytes : Vietnam is primarily a hot and humid country and the sun in Vietnam can be quite strong; so its best to have a cap or hat to cover the head and protect yourself from getting too tired out. I also recommend carrying electrolytes powder or ORS in case of getting drained out and needing an instant energizer.

Umbrella and Rain Jacket : An umbrella is handy for saving from both the rain and sun. A rain jacket comes to good use for strong spells of rain and breezy cold winds.

Three individuals dressed in traditional attire, holding fans, in front of a colorful ornate yellow building with red windows.
A picturesque pathway leading through an archway towards a building, surrounded by greenery and blooming yellow flowers.

Visa Requirement : Check official portal. Vietnam Visa.

Food in Vietnam

Vietnam is a delight for foodies with a staggering variety of fresh cuisines that vary from region to region and a long list of Michelin Starred restaurants and street eateries. As always, the golden rule is to eat where you can see locals crowding; which means the food is most likely to be fresh and local’s favourite means you are in safe hands! The vegetable and fruit markets in less touristy areas offer great value for money and less chances of cheating as compared to a touristy or popular market area.

A vibrant outdoor fruit market with various baskets of fruits, including bananas, apples, oranges, and avocados. A smiling vendor wearing a conical hat is seen amidst the colorful produce.
A smiling man and woman giving thumbs up in a market filled with colorful items and decorations, including flags. The woman is wearing a red blouse and the man is in a light-colored patterned shirt.
A display cabinet featuring an arrangement of blue and white ceramic plates, vases, and decorative items, showcasing intricate designs and patterns.

Vegetarian food is easily available in Vietnam denoted by ‘chay‘and there are always a couple of restaurants / small stalls in the vicinity of Buddhist Pagodas serving tofu, mushroom and tasty veggie heavy dishes. Some dishes in Vietnam can be served with a choice of veggies, eggs, chicken, beef, pork, seafood etc. Among the easily available and must try dishes in Vietnam are :

Exterior view of a colorful, ornate building with multiple red windows and intricate designs, surrounded by a garden with blooming flowers.
A busy road scene showing various vehicles including cars and motorbikes, with a man riding a bicycle rickshaw carrying a passenger. The sky is overcast.
  • Banh Mi – Vietnamese baguette sandwich. Go to cheap snack with a variety of fillings.
  • Pho & Bun Rieu – Flavourful Noodle Soup common breakfast / lunch across Vietnam
  • Com Tam – Broken Rice served in a number of ways (with veggies, chicken etc etc)
  • Goi Cuon – Fresh Spring Rolls served in rice paper with spicy sauce or peanut sauce
  • Fried Spring Rolls
  • Lau (Vietnamese Hot Pot) – Great value for money
  • Bun Cha – Grilled Pork with herbs, rice vermicilli noodles and sweet + tangy sauce
  • Bun Thit Nuong – Grilled pork, salad, veggies and noodles served with peanut sauce
  • Banh Xeo – Rice Flour Pancakes with options
  • Bun Bo Hue – Traditional Hué delicacy, spicy beef noodle soup. May be available in other versions as well.
  • Cau Lau Noodles – Thick rice noodles with bean sprouts, green herbs and crackers – Hoi An speciality
  • Bo Bia – Shrimp, lettuce and Vietnamese sausage rolled in rice paper served with peanut dip – Street food speciality
  • Banh Bao – Steamed Vietnamese buns with different fillings.
  • Banh Nam – Steamed Rice Flour Cakes with a variety of filling
  • Banh Bot Loc – Steamed tapioca flour dumplings with different fillings wrapped in leaf.
  • Xoi – Vietnamese Sticky Rice
  • Che – Traditional dessert in Vietnam (Give it a try!)

Cafés in Vietnam

Cafés across Vietnam are a serious matter as the Vietnamese love their caffeine kick and dedicate special time for drinking coffee. Vietnamese coffee is Vietnam grown robusta beans and filtered in a unique local filter called phin. Every street is likely to have multiple cafés and some are small street establishments mostly catering to take aways, some cafés are neighbourhood coffee shops located at intersections and are most likely to be a great place for people watching. Fret not if the strong Robusta Vietnamese coffee is not your choice; there are multiple non-coffee drinks like avocado, strawberry and mango smoothies, coconut based drinks, varieties of teas, matcha and loads of other options as well.

A person stands in front of an ornate traditional Vietnamese gate with colorful decorations and stone pillars, surrounded by greenery.
A historic archway adorned with intricate carvings and decorations, featuring two people walking through it towards a pathway lined with greenery.
Outdoor dining area with tables set for a meal, featuring plates, cutlery, and drinks, overlooking a lake and greenery.

Ca Phe Muoi – is salted coffee and a speciality of Hué – it is much tastier than it sounds!

Ca Phe Sua Da – Vietnamese strong drip coffee with condensed milk and ice

Ca Phe Dua – Vietnamese drip coffee with coconut cream (yummy!)

Outdoor seating area of Mémoire Cafe with intricately designed black metal tables and chairs, surrounded by greenery and a fountain.
Hue Railway Station exterior, featuring a red and white building with a clock tower and flags. Sign displaying 'Welcome to Hue Railway Station' in Vietnamese and English.
A street food stall displaying a variety of Vietnamese bánh mì sandwiches and other snacks, with a menu prominently featured; in the foreground, fresh coconuts are piled up. Two patrons are waiting at the stall, while another person is seated nearby.
An older man in a gray jacket and cap sits in a chair, using a traditional smoking pipe. He appears focused as he inhales from the pipe, with a colorful lighter in his other hand. The background features shelves with bags and various items, while the floor is decorated with black and white tiles.
An illustrated portrait of a woman wearing traditional attire, featuring a large hat and colorful clothing. She carries a basket on her back filled with plants and holds an umbrella in one hand.

Shopping in Vietnam

Vietnam is a shoppers delight with something for everyone, in every price point. I am particularly biased towards handmade arts and crafts and my recommendations are for : Bamboo trays and souvenirs, canvas paintings, charcoal paintings, pottery, silk, spices, cashews, handpainted lanterns (Hoi An), bags, leather accessories, Non la (Vietnamese conical hats), coffee, teas, fish sauce, rice wine, embroidered fabrics, Sapa ethnic accessories (super amazing and unique), the usual fridge magnets and trinkets commonly found across night markets in Vietnam.

A person wearing a conical hat sits on the ground with a phone, leaning against a doorway featuring ornate decorations and Chinese characters on the walls.
A mural depicting a girl with a suitcase standing in front of a historic building surrounded by trees and clouds.
A collection of colorful textiles featuring various patterns including geometric designs, spirals, and floral motifs, displayed on a rack.

Best Way to Explore Vietnam?

Cabs (Grab), Walk, Cyclo (sort of rickshaw), Public Buses for local explorations in cities. For commuting between different cities, flights are the fastest option but remember to choose a full service airline. I have heard stories of travellers spending most of their days at airports because of delayed flights just because they saved a few thousands by booking a cheap flight. Vietnam Airlines is a safe choice. Train connectivity in Vietnam is excellent and the sleeper cabins are extremely comfortable. While not exactly cheap, I find night trains more comfortable and convenient than taking a flight. Sleeper buses in Vietnam are a popular choice for backpackers as tickets are readily available and they are the cheapest mode of transportation but I have not taken one and don’t find the idea appealing.

A bustling city street at night with a multi-story building featuring vibrant signage for various restaurants and shops. Crowds of people are seen walking on the street, creating a lively atmosphere.
A woman in a flowing blue skirt walks along a paved path beside a lake, surrounded by trees and greenery.
A historic cathedral with tall, gothic towers and intricate architecture, surrounded by people in traditional clothing and casual attire, set against a cloudy sky.
Interior of a cozy restaurant featuring wooden beams, brick walls, and traditional decor. Customers are seated at low tables, enjoying their meals, with plants and art adorning the space.
Exterior view of a bustling beer restaurant called Bia Hoi Ha Noi, brightly lit at night with outdoor seating filled with patrons and motorcycles parked nearby.
Three people standing in front of an ornate gate with traditional architectural details, surrounded by trees and colorful flags in a garden setting.

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2 thoughts on “7-Day Vietnam Itinerary for First-Time Visitors”

  1. Exotica Leathers

    Loved this itinerary. The structure is great and it’s easy to follow. Great tips for first-time visitors and a perfect balance of places. It really makes planning a Vietnam trip feel simple and exciting.

    Reply
  2. Bharati

    Very insightful and helpful. Thank you!
    Yes, 7-day trips are not the best to experience a place.. But its something versus nothing 🙂

    Reply

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