Planning 1 week in Vietnam? Our real, tested itinerary covers Ho Chi Minh City, Hoi An, and Hanoi, plus costs and food tips!
Thinking about spending 1 week in Vietnam? We’ve spent weeks exploring this incredible country from south to north, and we’re using everything we learned to break down the perfect one-week route: Ho Chi Minh City, Hoi An, and Hanoi with a Ha Long Bay day trip. Here’s exactly how we’d spend a week if we had to do it all again!
Quick money note before we jump in: 1 VND = about $0.000038 USD, so don’t panic when you see prices in the millions. It adds up fast in your head but not in your wallet!
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Is 1 Week in Vietnam Enough?
Honestly? Yes, if you plan it right! Seven days gives you enough time to hit Ho Chi Minh City, one central hub like Hoi An or Da Nang, and Hanoi with a Ha Long Bay day trip.
Here’s what you’ll have to skip:
- An overnight stay in the Mekong Delta
- Trekking around Sapa
- A detour to Ninh Binh’s limestone landscapes
We added these options on our own longer trip and loved them, so if you can stretch to 10-14 days, it’s worth it!
How to Get Around During Your Week in Vietnam
When traveling that far in a week, domestic flights are your best option. VietJet and Bamboo Airways usually offer one-way fares from $20 to $60 if you book a few weeks in advance. The flight from Ho Chi Minh City to Da Nang takes about one hour and twenty minutes.
We also rode the overnight train on part of our trip. A segment like Hanoi to Da Nang takes around 16 to 17 hours by train, so it’s only worth it if you enjoy the ride itself!
For getting around each city, Grab is such an amazing option:
- GrabCar: about $1 to $4 for a short city ride
- GrabBike: even cheaper, and kind of fun once you get used to it
For day trips to Ba Na Hills or Ha Long Bay, arrange a private driver or join a small-group tour through your hotel.
Grab our essentials with this FREE Vietnam Pre-Travel Checklist. Everything’s linked, so you’re trip-ready without the stress!
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Day 1: Arrival in Ho Chi Minh City
Landing in Saigon means easing into the city’s energy, and District 1 is the perfect base for that.
Morning
Take a taxi or use Grab to go directly to your hotel in District 1; we stayed at the Hilton Saigon, a very central location. After you check in, grab coffee and have a light meal nearby. No need to make reservations today, so just settle in.
Afternoon
Walk District 1’s main sights, including Notre Dame Cathedral (it’s under renovation, but still pretty from outside) and the Central Post Office, which still sells vintage postcards. For lunch, we loved Pho Le for classic southern-style pho.
Evening
Catch the sunset from a rooftop bar, then have dinner at Quán Bụi or Madam Quyên, both of which we tried and would happily go back to! Keep it low-key tonight since jet lag is real.
Day 2: Ho Chi Minh City Highlights and Cu Chi Tunnels
This day mixes war history with the city’s landmarks, then finishes with a street food adventure at night.
Morning
Spend the morning at the Cu Chi Tunnels. The site entrance runs about $4.50 per person, and a small-group tour with transport usually adds $20 to $30. We’d recommend a small group over a big bus tour so you’re not waiting forever at each stop.
Afternoon
Back in the city by early afternoon, pick one of these:
- Independence Palace: entry runs about $1.50 to $2.50, generally open 8 to 11 AM and 1 to 4 PM with a midday break (double-check hours before you go!)
- Ben Thanh Market: great for souvenirs and haggling practice; we start our counteroffers around half the asking price and meet somewhere in the middle.
Evening
You can book a street food motorbike tour! Ours cost about $55 per person and included visits to Vinh Khanh Food Street, Ho Thi Ky Flower Market, and some local banh xeo stalls. Honestly, that was one of the best organized nights of our entire trip! 🛵
Planning your Ho Chi Minh City itinerary? From where to stay to what to see, here’s everything you need to know.
FREE vietnam Mini Guide
Our favorite Vietnam finds: rooftop bars, hidden cafes, and epic stays from north to south.
Day 3: Fly to Hoi An and Explore the Ancient Town
Trading Saigon’s chaos for Hoi An’s lantern-lit charm is such a fun shift.
Morning
Take a morning flight to Da Nang (just over an hour), then grab a taxi to Hoi An (about 45 minutes and around $12). We checked into Cozy Savvy Boutique Hotel, our favorite stay of the trip! Grab lunch at Morning Glory.
Afternoon
Explore the Ancient Town with the entrance ticket, which costs 120,000 VND (about $5) and covers five attractions of your choice out of roughly 22 heritage sites. We’d pick:
- Japanese Covered Bridge
- Fujian Assembly Hall
- Tan Ky Old House
Evening
Do the floating lantern boat ride on the river! It’s generally $2 to $4, and life jackets are required (even for short rides). Have dinner at Nostalife for white rose dumplings, then wander the Night Market for lanterns and souvenirs. ✨
Visiting Hoi An? These 11+ things are worth adding to your itinerary.
Day 4: Ba Na Hills Day Trip and Hoi An Tailoring
A full day trip up into the clouds, then back to town for a custom clothing fitting.
Morning
Head out early for Ba Na Hills! Entry runs about $35 to $40 per person and covers the cable car, French Village, Fantasy Park, and the famous Golden Bridge. Go early to beat the crowds and the fog, and bring a light jacket since it’s noticeably cooler up top.
Afternoon
Head to a tailor for a fitting! We went with Alice Tailor, and prices range from about $30 to $150 depending on fabric and style. Honestly, do your fabric research ahead of time; that was our biggest mistake the first go around. Give yourself at least two full days for adjustments.
Evening
Watch the sunset at An Bang Beach, or take a coconut boat ride through Bay Mau Coconut Forest. It’s touristy, but genuinely fun! Dinner at Chops Hoi An Riverside was a solid pick for us.
Day 5: Fly to Hanoi and Explore the Old Quarter
Heading north into the capital, where ancient streets meet modern energy.
Morning
Pick up your tailoring order, then fly to Hanoi. Check into your Old Quarter hotel and grab lunch at Bún Chả Hương Liên, the famous “Obama bun cha” spot! We got the full combo (bun cha, a crispy crab spring roll, and a Hà Nội beer) for about $4 to $6, and it didn’t disappoint.
Afternoon
Walk around Hoan Kiem Lake and visit Ngoc Son Temple, connected to the shore by a cute little red bridge, for about $1.20. Wander the Old Quarter’s historic trade streets, then stop for egg coffee at Giang Café, the actual birthplace of the drink! We tried the topping first, then sipped the coffee underneath, then stirred it all together, and it quickly became a favorite.
Evening
Have dinner, then head to Ta Hien Beer Street for cheap drinks (around $1.50 a glass) and great people-watching, or catch a traditional water puppet show for something more cultural.
Visiting Hanoi for the first time? Get everything you need to know to plan your trip, from what to see to where to stay.
Day 6: Ha Long Bay Day Cruise
Vietnam’s most iconic UNESCO site, done as a long day trip from Hanoi.
Photo courtesy of GetYourGuide
Morning
Early pickup for the roughly 2.5 to 3-hour drive to Ha Long Bay, then board a day cruise. Pricing generally runs $45 to $70 per person with lunch included.
Afternoon
Cruise activities vary, but usually include kayaking or a cave visit, plus tons of time on deck for photos of those iconic limestone karsts. 🌊
Evening
Head back to Hanoi. Keep dinner simple (Ngoặm Smash Burgers or King Roti are both great, low-key options) and start packing for your last day.
Make your trip unforgettable. These are our go-to Favorite Vietnam Activities, from street food tours to Ha Long Bay cruises, all tried and loved by us.
Day 7: Hanoi Highlights and Departure
One last morning for temples and markets before heading to the airport.
Morning
Visit the Temple of Literature (about $1.20) or the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum Complex. A few things to know about the mausoleum:
- Entry to the mausoleum itself is free.
- It’s closed on Mondays and Fridays.
- No bags or cameras allowed inside, and security is strict.
- Dress modestly; no shorts or sleeveless shirts.
Grab breakfast at Banh Mi 25, one of our go-to spots!
Afternoon
Squeeze in last-minute shopping in the Old Quarter, have lunch, then head to Noi Bai Airport, about 45 minutes away.
Evening
Depart from Hanoi. Safe travels! ✈️
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Where to Stay on This Vietnam Itinerary
We used three home bases for this trip, and booking centrally in each one made a huge difference:
- Ho Chi Minh City: Hilton Saigon, right in the middle of District 1.
- Hoi An: Cozy Savvy Boutique Hotel, our favorite stay of the entire trip.
- Hanoi: an Airbnb in the Old Quarter for a local feel, or the InterContinental Hanoi Westlake if you want one splurge night.
1 Week Vietnam Itinerary Tips
- Book ahead: flights, Ba Na Hills tickets, your Ha Long Bay cruise, and your tailor fitting slot all get pricier the closer you book.
- Best time to go: October to April tends to bring cooler, drier weather up north and in the center, while the south stays hot but pretty dry too.
- What to pack: light clothing, a rain jacket, modest temple outfits, slip-on shoes, a portable charger, a mini fan, and bug spray.
- Cash is king: carry small bills since a lot of street stalls and small shops don’t take cards.
- Stay sharp: never leave your passport as collateral for a bike rental, always use Grab instead of hailing a taxi off the street, and keep a strap on your phone.
- Time crunch or extra days: add the Mekong Delta or Ninh Binh if you’ve got 10-14 days, or cut Ba Na Hills if you only have 5-6.
From north to south, this Vietnam Travel Guide helps you plan it all.
Free vietnam pre-travel checklist
Save yourself the stress: grab this free pre-travel checklist with all the right links ready to go.
Why 1 Week in Vietnam Is Absolutely Worth It
A week is honestly enough time to genuinely experience three totally different sides of Vietnam instead of settling for just one, and the two short flights in this itinerary are what make that possible without feeling rushed. You get Saigon’s energy, Hoi An’s lantern-lit charm, and Hanoi’s old-world feel, capped off with a day on Ha Long Bay. We’ve done this route ourselves and would do it again in a heartbeat! 💛
FAQs for 1 Week in Vietnam
Is 1 week enough to see Vietnam?
Yes! One week is enough for Ho Chi Minh City, one central hub like Hoi An or Da Nang, and Hanoi with a Ha Long Bay day trip. Just know you’ll be skipping the Mekong Delta, Sapa, and Ninh Binh.
Should I start my trip in Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City?
We’d start in Ho Chi Minh City and head north. It usually pairs better with typical flight arrival times, and Hanoi sits closer to Ha Long Bay for the end of your trip.
How much does a 1-week Vietnam trip cost?
On our own two-week trip, we averaged about $66 per person per day, not including international flights. For a one-week version with two domestic flights, budget around $500 to $700 per person.
Do I need a visa for a 1-week Vietnam trip?
Yes, most travelers need an eVisa, which costs $25 for single entry and is good for up to 90 days. Apply at least a week or two before your trip.
Can I fit Ha Long Bay into a 1-week itinerary?
Definitely! A day cruise from Hanoi is the easiest way to do it since you don’t need an overnight stay away from your hotel.
Is it better to fly or take the train between cities in a week?
Flying is the better call for a week-long trip since it saves you time. We loved our overnight train experience, but a segment like Hanoi to Da Nang eats up 16 to 17 hours, which is a lot when you’re short on days!
