7 days in Vietnam Itinerary

The capital of Vietnam, Hanoi has bounded back from the effects of war, and today serves as a bustling commercial and cultural hub bursting at the seams.

Kick off your visit on the 26th (Mon): explore the activities along West Lake, steep yourself in history at Temple of Literature & National University, and then appreciate the extensive heritage of Old Quarter. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the next day: take in the spiritual surroundings of One Pillar Pagoda, steep yourself in history at Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, and then contemplate the waterfront views at Lake of the Restored Sword (Hoan Kiem Lake).

For where to stay, traveler tips, ratings, and other tourist information, read our Hanoi trip maker tool.

Use the Route module to find travel options from your starting location to Hanoi. Finish your sightseeing early on the 27th (Tue) to allow enough time to fly to Ho Chi Minh City.

Formerly known in the West as Saigon and affectionately referred to as the "Pearl of the Far East," Ho Chi Minh City is a study of old and new, woven and piled together in a fast-paced urban hub.

Start off your visit on the 28th (Wed): get a sense of history and politics at The Independence Palace, pause for some serene contemplation at Notre Dame Cathedral of Saigon, then ponder the world of politics at Central Post Office, and finally take an in-depth tour of War Remnants Museum.

To find more things to do, where to stay, traveler tips, and more tourist information, read Ho Chi Minh City trip itinerary builder.

Fly from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City in 4.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a train. June in Ho Chi Minh City sees daily highs of 38°C and lows of 29°C at night. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 28th (Wed) to allow time to fly to Hoi An.

Indisputably one of Vietnam's most atmospheric destinations, Hoi An contains a World Heritage-listed old town boasting over 2,000 years of culture and history.

On the 29th (Thu), don't miss a visit to Hoi An Ancient Town, take in the exciting artwork at Ha Ha - Art In Everything, then take in the views from Japanese Covered Bridge, and finally tour the pleasant surroundings at An Bang Beach. On the 30th (Fri), you'll have a packed day of sightseeing: kick back and relax at Non Nuoc Beach, make a trip to The Marble Mountains, and then kick back and relax at Cua Dai Beach.

To see other places to visit, maps, ratings, and other tourist information, you can read our Hoi An trip builder tool.

Traveling by flight from Ho Chi Minh City to Hoi An takes 3.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or do a combination of train and bus. In June, plan for daily highs up to 41°C, and evening lows to 30°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 1st (Sat) early enough to drive to Hue.

Nestled on the banks of the Perfume River, the city of Hue remains most famous as the former home of the Nguyen Dynasty, the influence of which remains evident in local palaces, temples, forts, and museums.

On the 1st (Sat), take in the views from Truong Tien Bridge, steep yourself in history at Imperial City, and then contemplate in the serene atmosphere at The Mieu Temple. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the next day: steep yourself in history at Tomb of Tu Duc, then contemplate the long history of Tomb of Minh Mang, then admire the striking features of Thien Mu Pagoda, and finally do sightseeing your way with Le Family Rider.

To see where to stay, traveler tips, ratings, and tourist information, use the Hue trip planner.

Getting from Hoi An to Hue by car takes about 3 hours. Other options: do a combination of taxi and train; or take a bus. July in Hue sees daily highs of 39°C and lows of 28°C at night. Cap off your sightseeing on the 2nd (Sun) early enough to catch the flight back home.