Best of Vietnam in 7 Days – Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City Itinerary

Arrive in Hanoi, the elegant capital of Vietnam. Upon arrival, you will be welcomed and transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure, allowing you to relax or take a gentle walk to soak in the atmosphere of this historic city.

Overnight: Hanoi

After breakfast, enjoy a full-day guided tour of Hanoi, one of Southeast Asia’s most atmospheric capitals. Explore the iconic Ho Chi Minh Complex, including the Mausoleum (subject to opening days), Ho Chi Minh’s Stilt House, Presidential Palace, and the One Pillar Pagoda.

Continue to the Old Quarter, famously known as the 36 Streets, followed by visits to Hoan Kiem Lake & Ngoc Son Temple, the Temple of Literature, scenic West Lake, Tran Quoc Pagoda, and one of Hanoi’s renowned museums.

This day offers deep insight into Vietnam’s history, culture, and daily life.

Overnight: Hanoi

After breakfast, depart for Ninh Binh, often called Inland Halong Bay. Visit Hoa Lu, the ancient capital of Vietnam, and explore the historic Dinh and Le Temples.

After lunch, enjoy a serene boat trip through Van Long / Tam Coc, passing limestone karsts, caves, rice fields, and traditional villages. This scenic countryside experience is a highlight of the Vietnam north to south itinerary. Return to Hanoi in the evening.

Overnight: Hanoi

Check out early and transfer to Halong Bay, passing through the scenic Red River Delta. Board a cruise and begin exploring the spectacular limestone formations and karst grottoes of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Enjoy a freshly prepared seafood lunch onboard, visit limestone caves, and take part in activities such as kayaking or swimming, getting close to floating villages. End the day with dinner and leisure time on the cruise.

Overnight: Halong Bay Cruise
Note: Cruise itinerary subject to weather conditions.

Start your morning with Tai Chi on deck or a relaxing breakfast while cruising through Halong Bay. Visit another scenic limestone cave before returning to the harbor.

Transfer back to Hanoi and continue to the airport for your flight to Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), known as the Gem of Indochina. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel.

Overnight: Ho Chi Minh City

After breakfast, proceed for a full-day Mekong Delta tour to My Tho. Visit the beautiful Vinh Trang Pagoda, followed by a boat ride along the Mekong River to explore the islands of Dragon, Unicorn, Phoenix, and Tortoise.

Experience rural life, visit traditional coconut houses, taste seasonal fruits, enjoy local music, ride a horse cart through village paths, sample honey tea and Mekong whisky, and take a rowing boat through palm-lined canals. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before returning to Ho Chi Minh City.

Overnight: Ho Chi Minh City

Depending on your flight schedule, enjoy free time for last-minute shopping, café hopping, or exploring the city at your own pace. Later, transfer to the airport for your onward journey.

• Accommodation in selected hotels and Halong Bay cruise

• Daily breakfast and meals as per itinerary

• Domestic flight from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City

• Halong Bay overnight cruise with activities

• Full-day Mekong Delta tour

• All sightseeing and transfers in air-conditioned vehicles

• Services of an experienced English-speaking guide

The best time to follow this Vietnam 7 Days Itinerary is from October to April, when the weather is pleasant across both northern and southern Vietnam. This period is ideal for sightseeing in Hanoi, cruising in Halong Bay, exploring Ninh Binh, and enjoying the Mekong Delta without extreme heat or heavy rainfall.

At Traavel Bug, we curate well-balanced Vietnam travel experiences that combine culture, nature, and comfort. From carefully selected stays to seamless transfers and expert-guided tours, we ensure a smooth, memorable, and value-driven journey from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City, tailored for first-time and repeat travelers alike.