Experience the Best of Vietnam: A 7-day Itinerary From North to South

Day 1-2: Explore Food, Culture, and Architecture in Ha Noi

Ha Noi is the cradle of Vietnam’s history, culture, and cuisine. As the century-old capital city, Ha Noi has an array of narrow streets, bustling markets, and architectural treasures.

On day 1 in Ha Noi, the morning kicks off with a walk through the Old Quarter, a maze of 36 streets teeming with hidden gems waiting to be explored.

Here, amid the hustle and bustle, you can savor the essence of Hanoian food culture at its finest. From steaming bowls of Pho to savory Bun Cha and Egg Coffee that tastes like creme brulee, the flavors of Ha Noi can tantalize anyone’s taste buds.

A small, bustling street corner in Ha Noi. Source: Pexels.

As the day progresses into the afternoon, take a leisurely walk around the historic Hoan Kiem Lake amidst serene surroundings. Wander through the hallowed halls of the Temple of Literature, the first national university of Vietnam dating back to the 11th century.

No visit to Ha Noi would be complete without visiting the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, where the legacy of Vietnam’s leader lives.

As the sun sets and night begins, Ha Noi truly comes alive.

Stroll through the labyrinth of alleyways and street corners to experience the vibrant street food scene all by yourself. From sizzling skewers to delicate steamed rolled rice pancakes (Banh Cuon), the array of Hanoian food culture is nothing short of mesmerizing.

Day 2 of 7-day Itinerary Vietnam Travel is when you can visit other nearby attractions outside Ha Noi. Whether it’s the tranquil beauty of Trang An, Ninh Binh, the awe-inspiring majesty of Ha Long Bay, or the coastal allure of Do Son, Hai Phong, the choice is yours.

With only one day to spare outside Ha Noi, remember to choose the one destination based on your preferences.

Ha Long Bay can be reached from Ha Noi in only a couple of hours. Source: Pexels.

Day 3-4: Explore Nature and Wildlife in Phong Nha

Just over an hour’s flight from Ha Noi, Phong Nha is renowned for its natural wonders and pristine wilderness. Home to one of the world’s largest caves, Son Doong, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, this enchanting destination beckons adventurers from far and wide into the heart of nature.

Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park has some of the best natural landscapes in Vietnam. Here, towering karst mountains pierce the sky while hidden caves and underground rivers carve through the ancient limestone formations.

A breathtaking scene in Son Doong Cave, where a lush jungle thrives due to sunlight exposure from the sinkhole.

Notably, travelers are invited to explore Phong Nha on tours led by Oxalis - a leading adventure tour operator dedicated to showcasing the best of this place.

For those seeking a single-day tour in Phong Nha, the Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park Tour or the Tu Lan Experience Tour offer the perfect introduction to the park.

For those seeking peace amidst nature, the Tan Hoa Village Tour offers a retreat into rural Vietnam. Cycle through picturesque countryside landscapes, kayak along the serene Son River, and be a guest in the hospitality of local villages, where time seems to stand still.

The best thing about Phong Nha lies beneath the earth’s surface, where mystery awaits in the depths of its caves. For 2 days and 1 night, Oxalis offers the Hang Va or Hang En Cave Tour, where you can traverse underground rivers, navigate towering chambers, and witness the otherworldly beauty beneath the surface.

Whether you have a day or two to spare, Oxalis’s carefully crafted and exclusive tours are the finest way to get the most out of Phong Nha, no matter what you want to do there.

Overnight camping inside Hang En Cave is a highly sought-after experience among explorers.

With our expert guides and commitment to sustainable tourism, Oxalis ensures that every moment in Phong Nha is extraordinary. Find the adventure of a lifetime and discover the hidden treasures that await in the heart of Vietnam’s wilderness.

Day 5-6: Explore Beaches and Water Sports in Da Nang

After a 5-hour ride on a sleeper bus from Phong Nha, you’ll find yourself in Da Nang, a coastal city renowned for its stunning beaches. Here, the sun-kissed shores can make anyone want to unwind and indulge in seaside adventures.

On your first day in Da Nang, begin with a relaxing morning on the shores of My Khe Beach or Non Nuoc Beach. Feel the warm sand beneath your feet as you soak in the tranquil atmosphere and rejuvenate your soul with the turquoise waters.

When you’ve got enough of soaking up the sun, go inland to discover the captivating beauty of the Marble Mountains. These towering limestone hills are adorned with caves, pagodas, and panoramic vistas that offer a glimpse into Vietnam’s culture.

As night falls, make your way to the iconic Dragon Bridge, a symbol of Da Nang’s modernity and vitality. Witness the nightly light show as the dragon breathes fire and water amidst a symphony of color and sound.

The Dragon Bridge breathing fire and water amidst a symphony of color and sound. Source: CNN.

Once the show is over, indulge in the local seafood cuisine and vibrant nightlife on the beachfront, where every moment is infused with the city’s energy and charm.

On day 2 in Da Nang, try out some water sports such as surfing, snorkeling, or jet skiing along the coastline. Feel the adrenaline rush as you ride the waves or explore the underwater world beneath the water’s surface.

For those seeking further adventure, get on a one-hour ride south to Hoi An Ancient Town, just 50km from Da Nang.

Here, be immersed in the beauty of UNESCO World Heritage-listed streets adorned with ancient architecture, vibrant lanterns, and bustling markets. Explore the temples, stroll along the tranquil Thu Bon River, and sample delicious dishes at local eateries.

Just an hour's ride from the bustling city of Da Nang is this charming street corner in Hoi An. Source: VnExpress.

Day 7: Explore the Vibrant Metropolis in Ho Chi Minh City

As your Vietnam 7-day itinerary draws to a close, move further south to Ho Chi Minh City, the bustling metropolis that serves as the heart of southern Vietnam.

Feeling worn out after days and nights traveling? Begin the last day in your Vietnam 7-day itinerary gently by visiting a handful of historic landmarks such as the War Remnants Museum, Reunification Palace, and Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon.

With these sites conveniently situated close to each other, you can easily explore them all within a single morning, leaving ample time to continue your journey.

The Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon is one of the most popular sites in District 1, Ho Chi Minh City.

Stay out of the heat during midday as you wander through the shaded streets of District 1, where shops, cafes, and street vendors abound. Feel the lively sights, sounds, and flavors of Saigonese food at local eateries, where each dish tells a different story.

As night falls, explore the city’s nightlife. From rooftop bars offering sweeping views of the city skyline to intimate live music venues pulsating with rhythm, this city never sleeps.

One of the most breathtaking views of Ho Chi Minh City's towering buildings.

If your departure isn’t imminent, take the time to feel every moment here. Soak up the atmosphere that defines the spirit of Ho Chi Minh City.

Bottom Line

With this Vietnam 7-day itinerary, you can set out on the ultimate journey while getting everything the country has to offer: vibrant cities, stunning scenery, and precious cultural treasures. Explore, discover, and create memories that will last a lifetime.

What are you waiting for?

Start your journey for a week in Vietnam and see for yourself how things that were impossible before now become possible.

The Oxalis Experience.