7-Day Vietnam Trip: Complete North to South Route

Planning a week-long Vietnam trip? This comprehensive 7-day Vietnam itinerary covers the essential highlights from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City. Perfect for first-time visitors, this Vietnam travel guide includes budget breakdowns, transportation tips, and day-by-day planning for exploring Vietnam in one week. Experience ancient temples, UNESCO World Heritage sites, coastal towns, and vibrant cities in seven action-packed days. Whether you’re backpacking in Vietnam or seeking a midrange adventure, this north-to-south Vietnam route delivers an unforgettable journey through Southeast Asia’s most captivating destination.

Quick Trip Overview

• Duration: 7 days, 6 nights  
• Route: Hanoi → Halong Bay → Hue → Hoi An → Ho Chi Minh City  
• Best Time to Visit: October to April (dry season across all regions)  
• Budget Range:15-35 million VND (2-5 million per day)  
• Transport: Domestic flights, private transfers, overnight cruise

Day-Wise Vietnam Itinerary: Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City

Day 1: Arrive in Hanoi – Old Quarter Exploration

• Morning/Afternoon: Arrive at Noi Bai International Airport. Transfer to the Old Quarter (45-60 minutes). Spend 3-4 hours walking Hanoi’s historic streets, visiting the Temple of Literature, and exploring local markets.
• Evening: Stroll around Hoan Kiem Lake and enjoy street food, especially the famous Train Street. Optional: Watch a traditional water puppet show (250,000 VND per ticket).
• Accommodation: Old Quarter or Hoan Kiem area  
• Key Tip: Book accommodation near the Old Quarter for easy access to restaurants and attractions.

Day 2: Halong Bay Overnight Cruise

• Morning: Early departure to Halong Bay (7-8 AM). Transfer time: 2.5-3.5 hours, depending on traffic.
• Afternoon/Evening: Board your 2-day/1-night Halong Bay cruise. Activities include kayaking through limestone karsts, visiting caves, sunset viewing, and onboard meals. Most cruises include lunch, dinner, and breakfast.
• Accommodation: Overnight on a cruise ship  
• Booking Tip: Reserve Halong Bay cruises 4-6 weeks in advance, especially during peak season (December-February).

Day 3: Halong Bay to Hue

• Morning: Morning Tai Chi session (optional). The cruise continues with island visits. Disembark around midday.
• Afternoon: Return to Hanoi, then catch a flight to Hue (flight time: 75-90 minutes). Alternative: Take the overnight train from Hanoi to Hue (12-14 hours) to save on accommodation.
• Evening: Arrive in Hue. Explore the riverside area or rest at your hotel.
• Accommodation: Near Imperial Citadel, Hue  
• Transport Cost: Domestic flight 1.2-2.5 million VND

Day 4: Hue Imperial City to Hoi An via Hai Van Pass

• Morning: Visit Hue Imperial Citadel and royal tombs (9 AM-12 PM). Entry fee: 200,000 VND for the complex.
• Afternoon: Private car or shuttle transfer from Hue to Hoi An via the scenic Hai Van Pass (2.5-3 hours with photo stops). This mountain road offers breathtaking coastal views.
• Evening: Arrive in Hoi An Ancient Town. Walk the lantern-lit streets and dine by the Thu Bon River.
• Accommodation: Hoi An Ancient Town or Da Nang (My Khe Beach)  
• Pro Tip:  Don’t rush the Hai Van Pass drive, stop for Vietnamese coffee and coastal photos.
  

Day 5: Full Day in Hoi An

• Morning: Walking tour of Hoi An Ancient Town (UNESCO World Heritage site). Visit the Japanese Covered Bridge, Tan Ky Old House, and local markets.
• Afternoon: Optional activities, take a cooking class, bike to An Bang Beach (4 km), or visit My Son Sanctuary (Cham ruins, half-day tour 400,000 VND).
• Evening: Explore riverside cafes or get custom clothing made (Hoi An is famous for tailors).
• Accommodation: Hoi An Ancient Town  
• Must-Do: Rent a bicycle (50,000 VND/day) to explore the surrounding countryside.

Day 6: Fly to Ho Chi Minh City

• Morning: Transfer to Da Nang Airport (30-45 minutes). Flight to Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC): 1.5 hours.
• Afternoon: Arrive in Saigon (HCMC). Check into the District 1 hotel near Ben Thanh Market. Visit the War Remnants Museum or Notre-Dame Cathedral.
• Evening: Explore Ben Thanh Market, try street food, and enjoy a rooftop drink overlooking the city.
• Accommodation:  District 1, Ho Chi Minh City  
• Flight Cost: 1.5-3 million VND

Day 7: HCMC Day Trip & Departure

• Morning: Choose between Cu Chi Tunnels (4-hour tour, 500,000 VND) or a Mekong Delta day trip (4-5 hours, 600,000-1 million VND).
• Afternoon: Return to HCMC. Last-minute shopping or coffee before heading to Tan Son Nhat Airport.
• Departure: Allow 2-3 hours for airport transfer and check-in for international flights.
• Pro Tip: If time is tight, skip the morning tour and explore HCMC’s District 1 attractions instead.

Vietnam Travel Costs: 7-Day Budget Breakdown

Category	Budget(VND)	Midrange(VND)	Luxury (VND)
Accommodation (6 nights)	750,000 – 3 million	4.5 – 9 million	15 million+
Halong Bay Cruise (2D/1N)	2 – 4 million	5 – 8 million	10 million+
Domestic Flights (2)	2.5 – 5 million	2.5 – 5 million	2.5 – 5 million
Transportation (ground)	1 – 2 million	2 – 4 million	5 – 7 million
Food & Activities	2 – 3.5 million	4 – 6 million	8 – 12 million
Total (7 Days)	15 – 22 million	25 – 35 million	50 million+

Essential Vietnam Travel Tips for One Week

Best Time to Visit Vietnam

• North (Hanoi, Halong): October-March (cool, dry)
• Central (Hue, Hoi An): February-April (best weather)
• South (HCMC): November-April (dry season)

Vietnam Visa Requirements 

Vietnam offers an e-Visa for 90 days (625,000 VND / $25 USD). Apply online 2-4 weeks before travel. Passport must be valid for 6+ months.

Staying Connected

Buy a local SIM card at the airport: Viettel or Vinaphone offer 7-day data packages for 200,000-350,000 VND (5-10GB). Alternatively, use eSIM services for similar prices.

Transportation Between Cities

• Flights: Fastest option for long distances (Hanoi-Hue, Da Nang-HCMC)
• Trains: Overnight sleeper saves accommodation cost (Hanoi-Hue: 12-14 hours)
• Private transfers: Best for scenic routes like Hai Van Pass
• Booking: Reserve flights and cruises 4-8 weeks ahead during peak season

Bottom Line: Making the Most of Vietnam in One Week

This 7-day Vietnam trip guide delivers an immersive journey through the country’s most iconic destinations, from Hanoi’s ancient streets to Ho Chi Minh City’s urban energy. Success lies in advance booking, reserve your Halong Bay cruise and domestic flights 4-8 weeks early. The north to south route balances cultural exploration with natural beauty, perfect for first-time visitors to Vietnam. While the pace is brisk, strategic planning maximises your week without overwhelming fatigue. Remember to budget 2-5 million VND daily depending on comfort level, secure your Vietnam e-Visa early, and travel during the dry season for optimal weather across all regions. For a seamless and hassle-free trip, book your Vietnam holiday package with Pickyourtrail, where you simply enjoy while we take care of all your travel logistics!

FAQ’S

1. Is 7 days enough to see Vietnam?

Yes. 7 days is enough to see Vietnam’s main highlights:s, Hanoi, Halong Bay, Hue, Hoi An, and Ho Chi Minh City. For a slower trip with beach time, plan 10-14 days.

2. Should I fly or take trains between cities in Vietnam?

Fly between cities like Hanoi–Hue or Da Nang–HCMC to save time (1.5 hours vs 12+ hours by train). Take an overnight train only if you’re on a budget.

3. Do I need to book a Halong Bay cruise in advance?

Yes. Book your Halong Bay cruise 4-6 weeks in advance, especially in peak season. Budget cruises start from 2M VND, luxury from 10M+.

4. How much does a 7-day Vietnam trip cost?

Budget: 15–22M VND ($600–880), Midrange: 25–35M VND ($1,000–1,400), Luxury: 50M+ VND ($2,000+)

5. What’s better for a short trip: Halong Bay or Ninh Binh?

Halong Bay for first-time travellers and classic boat cruises. Ninh Binh if you want similar scenery with less travel time and land-based tours.