7 Days in Vietnam: Hanoi, Ninh Binh, Ha Long Bay and Ho Chi Minh City

A week-long Vietnam itinerary blending Hanoi’s storied Old Quarter and limestone landscapes with Saigon’s modern energy, market flavors, and wartime history.
A breathtaking view of Halong Bay with boats navigating through limestone islands.
Photo by foc foodoncam on Pexels

Vietnam is a tapestry of dynastic history, French-colonial echoes, war-era memory, and forward-looking cities. In one week you can sip egg coffee beside Hanoi’s Hoan Kiem Lake, row under karst peaks in Ninh Binh, drift past Ha Long’s jade islands, and chase the neon pulse of Ho Chi Minh City. Expect flavors that linger—herbs and smoke, fish sauce and citrus—and landscapes that shift from mountain to sea to delta.

Hanoi, founded in 1010, wears its heritage on every corner: Confucian courtyards, lakeside pagodas, Art Deco villas, and market lanes where copper pots clatter and bun cha sizzles. South in Ho Chi Minh City, glass towers share space with incense-filled temples and French-era landmarks. Day trips unlock postcard scenes: Tam Coc’s river caves, Ha Long’s limestone pinnacles, the agricultural maze of the Mekong, and the subterranean history of Cu Chi.

Practical notes: Vietnam issues an eVisa for most nationalities; apply online well in advance. Weather varies by region—pack light layers and a rain shell year-round. Cash (VND) is king at markets, but cards are accepted at hotels and many restaurants. Use ride-hailing for quick urban hops, and book flights and trains early around weekends and holidays.

Hanoi

Thousand-year-old temples and silk streets meet French boulevards and street stalls in Vietnam’s capital. Wake early to see tai chi by Hoan Kiem Lake, then plunge into the Old Quarter’s guild alleys for steaming pho and hand-hammered brass. Hanoi balances contemplation—pagodas, museums, tea—with a lively, late-night café and bia hoi culture.

  • Top sights: Ho Chi Minh Complex, Temple of Literature, Hoan Kiem Lake & Ngoc Son Temple, Train Street (select sections open with café access), Long Bien Bridge, Hoa Lo Prison, French Quarter.
  • Why visit: Regal history, refined cuisine, lakeside life, and easy access to Ninh Binh and Ha Long Bay.
  • Where to stay: Classics and boutique gems below, plus serviced apartments for families.

Day 1: Arrive in Hanoi (Afternoon arrival)

Afternoon: Transfer to your hotel and refresh. Stretch your legs with an easy loop of Hoan Kiem Lake, then duck into Ngoc Son Temple for lake views. Coffee time: try egg coffee at Café Giang (silky, meringue-like froth) or coconut coffee at Cong Caphe.

Evening: Dive straight into Hanoi’s flavors and backstreets in a vintage jeep.

Hanoi Jeep Tour: Food, Culture and Fun by Vietnam Army Jeep — a lively orientation with tastings and hidden spots.

Hanoi Jeep Tour: Food, Culture and Fun by Vietnam Army Jeep on Viator

Post-tour, linger on Ta Hien "beer street" for ultra-fresh bia hoi, or book a quieter dinner: Cha Ca Thang Long (turmeric-dill catfish sizzled tableside) or Home Hanoi (garden setting, refined Vietnamese).

Day 2: Imperial Hanoi, Old Quarter eats

Morning: Pho breakfast at Pho Gia Truyen (rich northern broth). Visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum complex (go early; security and dress code apply), the stilt house, and One Pillar Pagoda. Continue to the Temple of Literature—Vietnam’s first university, with turtle steles honoring scholars.

Afternoon: Lunch on bun cha at Bun Cha Huong Lien (famous for the "Obama combo"). Explore the French Quarter’s boulevards and the Vietnam National Museum of History if time permits, then Hoa Lo Prison for sobering context.

Evening: Water Puppet Theater (a uniquely northern art form) followed by a walking snack circuit: banh cuon Thanh Van (steamed rice rolls), then kem tràng tiền (iconic ice cream) as you stroll. Nightcap at Tadioto or a lakeside tea shop.

Day 3: Ninh Binh—“Ha Long on Land” day trip

Full-day excursion from Hanoi to craggy karsts, rice paddies, and temples. Expect 2–2.5 hours each way by highway, a sampan boat ride beneath grottoes, gentle countryside cycling, and the panoramic Mua Cave viewpoint. Wear breathable clothes and sturdy shoes for steps.

Ninh Binh Full-Day Tour: Hoa Lu, Tam Coc & Mua Cave (Boat & Bike)

Ninh Binh Full-Day Tour from Hanoi to Hoa Lu, Tam Coc & Mua Cave Via Boat & Bike on Viator

Back in Hanoi by evening: try modern Vietnamese at Cau Go by the lake, or slurp late-night pho at Pho 10 Ly Quoc Su.

Day 4: Ha Long Bay 5-Star Day Cruise

Set out early (2.5–3 hours via expressway) for a day among emerald waters and limestone towers. Typical itineraries include Surprise Cave, kayaking or a bamboo boat, island viewpoints, and a generous onboard buffet. Bring sunscreen and a light cover-up for decks.

BEST SELLER - Halong 5 Star Day Cruise: Buffet, Wine & Jacuzzi

BEST SELLER - Halong 5 Star Day Cruise: Buffet, Wine & Jacuzzi on Viator

Return to Hanoi in the evening. Dinner ideas: Quan An Ngon (regional classics in a heritage courtyard) or Pizza 4P’s Ly Quoc Su (house-made burrata meets Vietnam’s produce). For cocktails, try Ne Cocktail Bar (famed pho cocktail) or Polite & Co.

Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)

Ho Chi Minh City surges with entrepreneurial energy: rooftop gardens, third-wave roasters, street markets, and contemporary galleries. You’ll find cathedral spires and the century-old Central Post Office near slick pedestrian boulevards and food alleys perfumed with lemongrass and charcoal.

  • Top sights: War Remnants Museum, Reunification Palace, Notre Dame Cathedral (restoration ongoing), Central Post Office, Ben Thanh Market, Jade Emperor Pagoda, Chinatown (Cho Lon), Nguyen Hue Walking Street.
  • Why visit: Vietnam’s culinary capital, nightlife hub, and launchpad to Cu Chi Tunnels and the Mekong Delta.
  • Where to stay: Central District 1 for first-timers; District 3 for leafy streets; riverside District 2 for calmer, upscale dining.
  • Getting there from Hanoi (Day 5): Fly 2 hours (HAN–SGN) from about $60–$130 most seasons via Trip.com flights or Kiwi.com. The north–south train takes ~31–35 hours; if curious, compare on Trip.com trains.

Day 5: Fly to Saigon, landmarks and flavors

Morning: Early flight to Ho Chi Minh City (allow ~60–75 minutes to the airport in Hanoi with traffic). Taxi or ride-hail ~30–45 minutes to District 1. Check in and cool off with iced ca phe sua da at The Workshop (industrial-chic roastery) or Shin Coffee.

Afternoon: Walk the Notre Dame–Central Post Office–Book Street triangle, then the Reunification Palace lawns. For lunch, Pho Hoa Pasteur (est. 1968) or Banh Mi Huynh Hoa (stuffed, pate-rich baguettes).

Evening: Nguyen Hue Walking Street glows at sunset with buskers and skyline views. Dinner picks: Cuc Gach Quan (home-style northern dishes in a restored villa), Quan Bui (Southern classics), or The Deck Saigon (riverside, book ahead). Cocktail options include Summer Experiment or Layla—Eatery & Bar.

Day 6: Cu Chi Tunnels + Mekong Delta in one day

Trace wartime history beneath the jungle canopy, then swap camouflaged bunkers for coconut groves and river life in the Mekong. It’s a big day, but logistics are optimized, often with small groups and comfy vans.

Cu Chi Tunnels and Mekong Delta VIP Tour by Limousine

Cu Chi Tunnels and Mekong Delta VIP Tour by Limousine on Viator

Expect morning departure, ~1.5 hours to Cu Chi, guided tunnel segments, then ~2 hours to the Delta for a boat ride, canals, orchard stops, and regional lunch. Back in the city, refuel with com tam (broken rice) at Com Tam Ba Ghien or seafood at Oc Oanh (snails and grills).

Day 7: Markets, pagodas, and departure (Afternoon flight)

Morning: Ben Thanh Market for souvenirs, spices, and coffee beans. Taste a bowl of hu tieu at a stall or grab a last banh mi at Banh Mi Hong Hoa. If time allows, visit Jade Emperor Pagoda—incense curling under elaborate wood carvings.

Afternoon: Quick lunch—banh xeo (crispy turmeric crepes) at Banh Xeo 46A—then transfer to SGN for your onward flight. Aim to arrive 2.5–3 hours before departure during busy periods.

Food & Coffee Shortlist (save this)

  • Hanoi breakfast/coffee: Pho Gia Truyen; Café Giang (egg coffee); Cong Caphe (coconut coffee); Tranquil Books & Coffee (quiet nooks).
  • Hanoi lunch/dinner: Bun Cha Huong Lien; Cha Ca Thang Long; Quan An Ngon; Cau Go; Pizza 4P’s Ly Quoc Su.
  • Saigon breakfast/coffee: The Workshop; Shin Coffee; L’Usine (brunch, design store); Banh Mi Huynh Hoa.
  • Saigon lunch/dinner: Pho Hoa Pasteur; Cuc Gach Quan; Quan Bui; The Deck Saigon; Com Tam Ba Ghien; Banh Xeo 46A; Oc Oanh (seafood/snails).

Logistics at a Glance

  • Flights: Search international and domestic options on Trip.com or Kiwi.com. HAN–SGN flight time ~2 hours; typical fares $60–$130 booked in advance.
  • Trains: For regional routes (e.g., to Ninh Binh or onward journeys), compare schedules on Trip.com trains.
  • Transfers: In cities, use ride-hailing; for day trips, door-to-door tours simplify pick-up and timing.

Optional Tour Alternatives (swap-ins)

Where to Sleep by Night

One More Hanoi-to-Halong Option

If you prefer to stay overnight on the water, shift Day 4–5 and choose a cabin-forward itinerary. Two curated picks you can compare:

Practical Tips

  • Money: ATMs are widespread; carry small bills for street food and taxis.
  • Etiquette: Shoulders/ knees covered at religious sites; remove hats inside temples.
  • Traffic: Cross slowly and predictably; drivers flow around you.
  • Health: Bottled water only; say “không đá” if you prefer no ice.

Day-by-Day Tour Recap with Links

Wrap-up: In just seven days, you’ll taste the contrasts that define Vietnam: tranquil lakes and blazing boulevards, countryside rivers and city rooftops, humble noodles and inventive cuisine. From Hanoi’s heritage to Saigon’s spark—with karsts, caves, and canals between—this itinerary balances icons and local life for a trip you’ll keep replaying.

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