If you’ve ever dreamed of exploring Vietnam — from the bustling streets of Ho Chi Minh City to the ancient charm of Hanoi and the magical Ha Long Bay — a 7-day trip from South to North is the perfect adventure.
I just wrapped up my week-long backpacking journey across this beautiful country, and it was a whirlwind of street food, motorbikes, history, and breathtaking landscapes. Whether you’re planning your first Vietnam trip or updating your Vietnam itinerary for 2025, this blog has everything you need.
๐บ️ 7-Day Vietnam Itinerary Overview
Keywords: Vietnam itinerary 7 days, best places to visit in Vietnam, South to North Vietnam travel route
Here’s a quick look at my 7-day journey:
| Day | Destination | Highlight |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) | War Remnants Museum & Ben Thanh Market |
| 2 | Mekong Delta | River cruise & floating market |
| 3 | Da Nang | Beach vibes & Dragon Bridge |
| 4 | Hoi An | Lanterns & Old Town charm |
| 5 | Hue | Imperial City & ancient tombs |
| 6 | Hanoi | Old Quarter & street food tour |
| 7 | Ha Long Bay | Cruise through limestone islands |
๐️ Day 1: Exploring Ho Chi Minh City
Keywords: Ho Chi Minh City travel guide, Saigon tourist spots, things to do in Ho Chi Minh City
I started my trip in Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) — Vietnam’s energetic commercial hub. The chaos of motorbikes, street vendors, and neon lights was both overwhelming and exciting.
๐ Top things to do in Ho Chi Minh City:
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Visit the War Remnants Museum for a moving look at Vietnam’s history.
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Explore Notre Dame Cathedral and Saigon Central Post Office.
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Shop at Ben Thanh Market for souvenirs and local eats.
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Try Vietnamese coffee (Cร phรช sแปฏa ฤรก) and pho at street stalls.
๐ Tip: Don’t miss the Bui Vien Walking Street at night for lively bars and backpacker energy!
๐ค Day 2: Day Trip to the Mekong Delta
Keywords: Mekong Delta tour, day trips from Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam floating market
A 2-hour ride from Saigon brought me to the Mekong Delta, known for its lush waterways and floating markets.
๐ฟ What to expect:
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Cruise along the river and visit local villages.
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See how coconut candy and rice paper are made.
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Taste tropical fruits and listen to traditional Vietnamese music.
The peaceful vibe here was a great break from the busy city.
๐ก Pro Tip: Book a Mekong Delta day tour online or through your hostel for around ₱1,500–₱2,000 ($25–$35).
๐ Day 3: Fly to Da Nang – Beaches and Bridges
Keywords: Da Nang travel guide, Da Nang tourist spots, Dragon Bridge Da Nang
A short flight brought me to Da Nang, a modern coastal city in Central Vietnam.
๐️ Must-visit places in Da Nang:
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My Khe Beach – clean and perfect for sunrise walks.
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Marble Mountains – climb for panoramic views and temples in caves.
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Dragon Bridge – a fire-breathing bridge that lights up on weekends.
๐ค Food to try: Mi Quang (turmeric noodles with pork and shrimp).
๐ฎ Day 4: The Magical Hoi An Ancient Town
Keywords: Hoi An travel guide, Hoi An lanterns, things to do in Hoi An
Just 45 minutes from Da Nang, I reached Hoi An, my favorite stop of the trip. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its lantern-lit streets, riverside cafรฉs, and tailor shops.
๐ธ Top things to do in Hoi An:
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Wander the Old Town at night — it’s magical when the lanterns glow.
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Visit the Japanese Covered Bridge and Tan Ky House.
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Take a boat ride along the Thu Bon River at sunset.
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Get a custom-made outfit at one of the local tailors.
๐ฅข Don’t miss: Try Cao Lau, Hoi An’s signature noodle dish, and a glass of Vietnamese iced coffee by the river.
๐ฏ Day 5: Hue – Vietnam’s Imperial City
Keywords: Hue travel guide, Imperial City Hue, things to do in Hue Vietnam
Next stop: Hue, the former imperial capital of Vietnam. This city is rich in history, culture, and royal architecture.
๐ฐ Things to do in Hue:
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Explore the Imperial Citadel (a UNESCO site).
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Visit the Thien Mu Pagoda and Emperor Tu Duc’s Tomb.
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Take a Perfume River cruise for a relaxing afternoon.
✨ Tip: Rent a motorbike or hire a driver to visit all the sites in one day.
๐ฎ Day 6: Hanoi – The Heart of the North
Keywords: Hanoi travel guide, Old Quarter Hanoi, things to do in Hanoi
Flying from Hue to Hanoi took just an hour. The capital of Vietnam has a different vibe — more traditional, artistic, and laid-back.
๐ Must-see places in Hanoi:
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Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple
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Hanoi Old Quarter – shop, eat, and get lost in its narrow alleys.
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Train Street – where trains pass inches from local cafรฉs!
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Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and Temple of Literature
๐ข Must-try street foods:
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Pho Bo (beef noodle soup)
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Bun Cha (grilled pork noodles)
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Egg coffee (Hanoi’s specialty!)
๐ฅ️ Day 7: Ha Long Bay – The Grand Finale
Keywords: Ha Long Bay cruise, Ha Long Bay tour from Hanoi, Vietnam natural wonders
For my final day, I joined a Ha Long Bay day cruise, about 3 hours from Hanoi. The view was surreal — emerald waters and towering limestone islands as far as the eye could see.
๐ป What to do in Ha Long Bay:
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Join a boat or overnight cruise (1-day or 2D1N).
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Go kayaking or explore limestone caves.
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Relax on deck and watch the sunset over the bay.
๐ It was the perfect way to end my 7-day Vietnam adventure.
๐ธ Vietnam Travel Budget (2025)
Keywords: Vietnam budget travel, how much to spend in Vietnam, Vietnam travel cost
| Category | Estimated Cost (₱) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Flights (domestic) | 4,000–6,000 | 2 short flights (HCMC → Da Nang, Hue → Hanoi) |
| Accommodation | 5,000–7,000 | Budget hostels/guesthouses |
| Food | 3,000 | Street food & local restaurants |
| Transport | 1,500 | Taxis, buses, rentals |
| Tours (Mekong, Ha Long) | 5,000 | Including entrance fees |
| Total Budget: | ₱15,000–₱20,000 ($250–$350) | Great for backpackers! |
๐งญ Vietnam Travel Tips for First-Timers
Keywords: Vietnam travel tips, Vietnam backpacking guide, travel in Vietnam 2025
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๐ Best time to visit: November–April (dry season, cooler weather).
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๐ต Currency: Vietnamese Dong (₫); 1 USD ≈ 25,000 VND.
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๐ฑ Connectivity: Get a local SIM card for ₱300–₱500.
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๐ต Transport: Use Grab for easy rides or rent a scooter.
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๐ Street food: Always eat where locals eat — it’s fresher and cheaper.
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๐งณ Visa: Many nationalities can apply for e-visa online before arrival.
๐ Final Thoughts
Traveling across Vietnam from South to North in just 7 days was an incredible journey — every city had its own story, flavor, and rhythm. From Saigon’s street energy to Hoi An’s lantern-lit beauty and Hanoi’s nostalgic charm, Vietnam is a country that stays with you long after you leave.
If you’re looking for a Vietnam itinerary for one week, this route is perfect — a little fast-paced, but filled with unforgettable moments. ๐
