Vietnam itinerary for 1 week 

1 week may not be long enough to admire all the cultural and natural wonders of Vietnam. It does not mean you will not see something authentic and unique in this country. These Vietnam 1 week itineraries have something to gain your attention:

Vietnam 1-week itinerary from north to South

This journey offers a glimpse of Vietnam, covering all the world-classic sites like Hanoi, Halong Bay, Hoi An, and Ho Chi Minh city tour. Each touring day is packed with different experiences from museum visits to oceanic safari. 
Day 01: Arrive in Hanoi. Take a water puppet show.
Day 02: Hanoi City Tour. Discover the most iconic Hanoi attractions.
Day 03: Hanoi - Halong Bay. Enjoy a styled cruise in Halong Bay.
Day 04: Cruise further to the heart of the bay. Taking flight to Danang. Transfer to Hoi An. Evening walk in Hoi An ancient town
Day 05: Explore Hoi An`s famous landmarks. Evening flight to Ho Chi Minh city
Day 06: Ho Chi Minh city tour
Day 07: Ho Chi Minh tour - Departure
This tour can be operated on the other route from Ho Chi Minh to Hanoi.

Northern Vietnam Highlights in 7 days

The treasure of north Vietnam stems from striking mountains, ancient capitals, and diverse scenery formed by river valleys and rice paddies. From Ha Giang to Ninh Binh, each destination has its own personality and this Vietnam 7-day itinerary takes you to all of its highlights.
Day 01: Hanoi Arrival. Visit the Old Quarter
Day 02: Hanoi - Lan Ha Bay cruise
Day 03: Lan Ha Bay disembark. Transfer to Ninh Binh
Day 04: Explore Hoa Lu ancient capital, Mua Cave, and take a sampan ride in the Ngo Dong river.
Day 05: Ninh Binh - Mai Chau valley. Explore the tranquil valley of Mai Chau, home to Thai people.
Day 06: Mai Chau - Hoa Binh lake - Hanoi.
Day 07: Hanoi City Tour. Departure.

Southern Vietnam in 1-week itinerary

Exposing the rich Mekong delta, the bustling southern hub of Ho Chi Minh city, and the amazing tunnel of Cu Chi, this tour encompasses the essential charm of south Vietnam.
Day 01: Ho Chi Minh city arrival. Visit Ho Chi Minh
Day 02: Ho Chi Minh - Cu Chi tunnel
Day 03: Ho Chi Minh - Can Tho
Day 04: Can Tho - Chau Doc - Ho Chi Minh
Day 05: Ho Chi Minh - Phu Quoc island
Day 06: Phu Quoc island
Day 07: Phu Quoc - Ho Chi Minh city departure. 

Northern Vietnam Adventure with Halong Bay in 2 week
For those who fancy a trip to Vietnam that does not follow the classic way, this adventure is for you.
Day 01: Hanoi arrival. Enjoy the Hanoi city tour
Day 02: Hanoi City Tour. 
Day 03: Early Hanoi departure to Sapa. Sapa Off beaten track trek
Day 04: Sapa off road trek. Homestay
Day 05: Sapa

Top things to do in Vietnam to add to your Vietnam Itinerary
Here are some of the best things to do for any Vietnam Itinerary. Depending on your holiday duration, you may not be able to soak up all these destinations or the beautiful experiences they offer. 

Explore Hanoi Bay

The very first destination which boasts an amazing picture-perfect seascape in Northern Vietnam is Halong Bay. With 1,600 limestone towers soaring from the turquoise waters, the bay is rated number 1 for water and island experiences. Things to see in Halong Bay are abundant ranging from photogenic islets to lush national park of Cat Ba, from secret lagoon to fine sand beaches. It is said that your Vietnam Travel Itinerary is incomplete without Halong Bay. If you expect a less visited alternative, consider Bai Tu Long Bay. There are still opportunities to be captivated by alike landscapes, awe-inspiring caves and friendly fishermen.

Cat Ba island

Travel to Cat Ba island can be a nice answer to Halong Bay. The island will not disappoint as it offers spectacular view, beautiful waterways in Lan Ha Bay and some fascinating historic sites. Some of the best ideas to spend the days in Cat Ba islands are : hiking through its famous Lookout Tower trail, relax at Ngu Lam peak, kayaking through the floating villages. Many people choose the 18km trek from 1 side of the island to the other passing through the scenic Viet Hai village.

Mekong Delta

As the Mekong River travels more than 4,000km from the Tibetan Himalaya and reaches Vietnam, it gradually slows down to a languid pace, displaying scenic views of islands, rice paddies, stilted villages, and a way of life that has remained unchanged for centuries. It appears as though the river desires to take it easy and relish the picturesque landscape. If one hitches a ride with a cargo boat, they can do precisely that. All that's required is to locate a shady spot to hang a hammock and savor the sights of distant riverbanks while the boat, laden with fruit and rice sacks, trudges through the thick brown flow. Alternatively, one can choose from various commercial cruises that ply certain sections of the river. The journey from Cai Be to Can Tho is a fantastic way to experience a night on the river. As you proceed southwards along the Mang Thit River, linking the Tien Giang and Bassac systems, the channel gradually narrows, allowing a glimpse into the riverbank's dilapidated stilted houses.

Phong Nha

Nestled close to the Laos border in Vietnam's narrow central region lies Quang Binh province, a rugged area of dense jungles. The region is home to a multitude of deep caves, including one of the world's largest, Hang Son Doong. It boasts a massive cavern that could comfortably accommodate a skyscraper. Phong Nha, a small town, serves as the hub for the region's caving expeditions, with its eponymous cave, a UNESCO-listed wonder that is worth exploring. Here, you can hire guides and equipment to venture into the caves. For those who do not fancy going underground, the area is also renowned for trekking. The surrounding jungle is dotted with breathtaking waterfalls and teems with an active (and boisterous) community of monkeys and flying foxes.

Buon Ma Thuot

Buon Ma Thuot, the capital of Vietnam's central highlands, is surrounded by breathtaking waterfalls and the villages of the Ede people, known for their stilted structures that are only accessible by women. The area is fiercely matriarchal, and the houses are marked by carved breasts. In addition to its cultural heritage, Buon Ma Thuot is also famous for being the heart of Vietnam's thriving coffee industry. The Trung Nguyen coffee company dominates the area, and their logo can be found in every corner of the paddy fields and industrial zones. For coffee enthusiasts, the city offers plenty of coffee-related attractions, including the World Coffee Museum, which showcases the history of coffee production in Vietnam and around the world. Visitors can learn about the coffee-making process and sample some of the best brews in the country. In March 2023, the biennial Coffee Festival will take place, during which various coffee venues in the city will offer freebies to celebrate the local produce.

Understand Vietnam`s history in Ho Chi Minh city

The Ho Chi Minh City Museum offers informative exhibitions that depict the country's tumultuous past through photographs, artefacts, and memorabilia. Despite not glossing over the atrocities, the museum presents the information sensitively. It's located in the Gia Long Palace, where Ngo Dinh Diem spent his final hours in power before his assassination in 1963, adding a sense of historical significance to the site. For a more sobering experience, the War Remnants Museum serves as a necessary reminder of the atrocities committed during the Vietnam War. Featuring bomb remnants, first-hand accounts from war veterans, a guillotine stained with blood, and photographs of napalm burns, the museum provides a chilling glimpse into the past.

See Hue

Hue, situated on the Perfume River and serving as a significant historical location, played a vital role in dividing North and South Vietnam during the Vietnam War. The area is adorned with important historical sites and offers fantastic cycling opportunities. Begin your day with a refreshing bike ride in the cool morning air to the Tiger Fighting Arena, situated three kilometers from the city center. Once Vietnam's version of the Colosseum, the arena showcased fights between tigers and elephants to demonstrate the monarchy's strength. Next, head to Tu Duc Tomb and then make your way to Vong Canh Hill for breathtaking panoramic views of the Perfume River. From Vong Canh Hill, make your way downhill to Tu Hieu Pagoda, a serene and picturesque pine forest. After that, visit the tomb of Minh Mang, the second emperor of the Nguyen dynasty. Once back in town, arrive at the Imperial Citadel's walled fortress, where you can either leisurely cycle through the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Vietnam's Forbidden City, or savor a drink while enjoying the tranquil atmosphere of the Perfume River.

Ninh Binh

The Tràng An Scenic Landscape Complex in Ninh Binh province was granted UNESCO World Heritage status in 2014, and it's not difficult to see why. The area is punctuated by striking limestone karsts and vast, verdant valleys, where boats gracefully navigate the Red River Delta. Tam Cốc-Bích Động, a village within the complex, boasts rice paddies that are equally worthy of UNESCO-listed recognition. The best way to experience them is by taking a leisurely boat ride down the Ngo Dong River, allowing you to fully appreciate the ethereal view as you glide along. Fortunately, getting to Tam Coc is more straightforward than ever. Although the area has become more popular in recent years, it is still easy to reach from Hanoi via bus or train. Alternatively, day tours and two-day trips are available if you prefer a pre-organised itinerary. It is highly recommended to spend at least a day here, if not longer, according to Wanderlust's Jackie Scully. In particular, she suggests visiting Hang Múa in Ninh Binh province, where the reward for climbing the 486 stone steps is a stunning vista. It's best to go early to avoid the heat.

Nam Cat Tien

Cat Tien National Park, located in southern Vietnam, is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts. This massive biosphere reserve covers 720 sq km and comprises botanical gardens and lowland forest, providing a sanctuary for rare creatures and birdlife in a number of sanctuaries and rescue centres. The Dao Tien Endangered Primate Species Centre is home to golden-cheeked gibbons, silvered langurs and native pygmy lorises, while the Cat Tien Bear Sanctuary houses tens of sun bears. In addition, visitors to Cat Tien have the opportunity to spot Asian elephants and clouded leopards, among other rare creatures. Birdwatchers will not be disappointed either, as sightings of Asian barred owlets, blue-rumped and bar-bellied pittas, and orange-necked partridges are common. Some of the park's animal residents come alive when night falls, so staying in one of Cat Tien's homestays or hotels and embarking on a nighttime drive can lead to a unique wildlife encounter in Vietnam. At the Vietnam-China border, in Cao Bang on the Vietnamese side and Guangxi on the Chinese side, lies the Ban Gioc waterfall – not one, but two imposing cascades on the Quay Son River. This natural wonder is one of the most stunning sights in South-East Asia, with its towering height of 70m and width of 208m. The way it tumbles down the rocky limestone face is a sight to behold. If you're feeling adventurous, you can trek up to the falls high points with the right walking gear. The Cao Bang region, situated in the mountainous northeast of Vietnam, has much to offer beyond Ban Gioc. There are caves to explore, local homestays to experience, and other breathtaking waterfalls to discover.

Phu Quoc

Phu Quoc, a tranquil Vietnamese island situated off the coast of Cambodia, is a perfect retreat for travelers seeking a break from the chaos of Vietnam's cities. Visitors to Phu Quoc will find no shortage of activities to enjoy. Wildlife enthusiasts can pay a visit to Vinpearl Safari Care and Conservation Park, where they can encounter white Bengal tigers, elephants, macaques, silver langurs, and many other fascinating animals. For a peaceful retreat in nature, take a hike through the lush forests of Phu Quoc National Park and soak in the serene atmosphere of Suoi Tranh Waterfall. After a long day of exploration, take a ride on the impressively long cable car to Hon Thom Nature Park, or bask in the serenity of Sao Beach, Ong Lang, or remote Khem Beach, each boasting stunning white sands and surrounded by palm trees and forest. You'll feel like you're at the edge of paradise.

Mai Chau

Discover the unexplored beauty of Hoa Binh, a tranquil province nestled in the rural northwest of Vietnam. In this region, you can venture into the enchanting Mai Chau Valley, encompassed by mountains and surrounded by verdant rice paddies. It's a hidden treasure that's worth exploring. To experience the authentic daily life of the region, opt for a homestay with a White Tai family. Choose from one of two charming villages - Lac or Poom Coong - and wake up each morning to the stunning views of the surrounding countryside. For the ultimate picturesque setting, the Vietnamese Tourist Board recommends a homestay near Hieu. Once you're settled, immerse yourself in the White Tai community's culture. Rent a bike and cycle through Mai Chau, or browse the local markets for vibrantly-hued, locally-crafted textiles. If you're up for a day trip, take a trek to the spectacular and underrated Hoa Binh Lake.
Best ideas for Vietnam itinerary for 1 week