Vietnam rewards the curious. Millennia-old temples share sidewalks with hip coffee bars; limestone karsts rise from emerald paddies; markets hum at dawn while scooters weave like schools of fish. From imperial Thang Long (old Hanoi) to modern Ho Chi Minh City, this 7-day itinerary balances culture, cuisine, and nature—with smart routing and insider food stops.

Expect a deep dive into Hanoi’s Old Quarter and lakes, a full-day escape to Ninh Binh’s boat caves and bike paths, and a day cruising Ha Long Bay’s iconic karsts. Fly south midweek for Saigon’s dynamic neighborhoods, wartime history at the Cu Chi Tunnels, and a flavor-packed street food evening.

Practical notes: Most visitors use the 90-day e-visa (check current entry rules before booking). The dong (VND) is cash-forward; cards are widely accepted in cities. Best weather clusters around Oct–Dec and Mar–May; summer brings heat and afternoon showers. Pack light, breathable layers and comfortable walking shoes.

Hanoi

Vietnam’s political and cultural capital pairs ancient pagodas and French boulevards with an ever-evolving food scene. Around Hoàn Kiếm Lake, legends of a restored sword mingle with morning tai chi. Up in the Old Quarter, guild streets still hint at traditional trades.

Top hits include the Temple of Literature, Hoa Lo Prison, West Lake’s Tran Quoc Pagoda, and evenings spent chasing bún chả and egg coffee. Day trips to Ninh Binh and Ha Long Bay unlock otherworldly landscapes within easy reach.

Getting in and around: Fly into Nội Bài (HAN). Compare fares on Trip.com Flights or Kiwi.com. Transit to the Old Quarter takes ~45–60 minutes by Grab or reputable taxis (G7, Mai Linh).

Where to stay (bookable now):

• Classic luxury near the Opera House: Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi
• Design-forward high-rise views: Lotte Hotel Hanoi
• Boutique comfort in the Old Quarter: Hanoi La Siesta Hotel & Spa
• Space for families: Somerset Grand Hanoi
• Browse more stays on Hotels.com – Hanoi or apartments via VRBO – Hanoi.

Food and drink short list:

• Breakfast pho: Phở Gia Truyền Bát Đàn (queue moves fast; pay before eating), Phở Thìn Lò Đúc (smoky stir-fried beef).
• Hanoi icons: Chả Cá Thăng Long (dill-turmeric fish DIY skillet), Bún Chả Hương Liên (Obama-bún chả fame; still excellent).
• Snack stops: Xôi Yến (sticky rice bowls), Bánh Cuốn Thanh Vân (steamed rice rolls).
• Coffee culture: Cà Phê Giảng (original egg coffee), Loading T (cinnamon iced coffee), Nê Cocktail Bar (try the “Phở Cocktail”).

Day 1: Arrive in Hanoi, Old Quarter stroll, first flavors

Afternoon: Land at HAN and transfer to your hotel. Stretch your legs with a loop around Hoàn Kiếm Lake; step into Ngọc Sơn Temple for lake views and a taste of local lore.

Evening: Dive into dinner with bún chả (grilled pork over herbs and vermicelli) or chả cá (sizzling fish with dill). Cap the night on Tạ Hiện’s Bia Hơi corner with fresh draft beer and roasted peanuts, or settle into Polite & Co for classic cocktails.

Day 2: Hanoi’s heritage and a vintage-jeep food adventure

Morning: Visit the Temple of Literature, built in 1070 and dedicated to Confucius—Vietnam’s first university. Continue to Hoa Lo Prison for sobering history spanning French colonial rule to the American War.

Afternoon: Coffee at Cà Phê Giảng, then wander the French Quarter’s wide boulevards and bookshops. If time allows, ride out to West Lake for Tran Quoc Pagoda—sunset here glows across the water.

Evening: See, taste, and learn Hanoi by open-top legend jeep on the Hanoi Jeep Tour: Food, Culture and Fun by Vietnam Army Jeep. Expect alleyway eateries, hidden war sites, and local neighborhoods you’d likely miss on your own.

Day 3: Full-day Ninh Binh—ancient capital, boat caves, and rice paddies

Trade city buzz for karst peaks and rivers on the Ninh Binh Full-Day Tour from Hanoi to Hoa Lu, Tam Coc & Mua Cave. This small-group outing typically includes hotel pickup, Hoa Lu’s 10th-century temples, a rowing boat through Tam Coc’s cave system, countryside cycling, and the Mua Cave viewpoint.

Back in Hanoi for dinner, try Chả Cá Thăng Long or a bowl of late-night phở at Phở Thìn.

Day 4: Ha Long Bay day cruise—emerald seas and limestone towers

Set out early for Ha Long Bay via the expressway (~2–2.5 hours by shuttle). Opt for a premium day boat with a 6–7 hour cruise, kayaking or a bamboo boat through lagoons, and a seafood lunch. It’s a full but unforgettable day; expect to return to Hanoi in the evening. For a celebratory nightcap, Nê Cocktail Bar’s “Pho Cocktail” is a playful nod to Hanoi’s signature soup.

Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)

Saigon runs on momentum—neon and incense, heritage apartments turned bistros, and boulevards from the French era lined with tamarind trees. District 1’s landmarks pair well with forays to Chinatown (District 5) and riverside Thảo Điền.

Between bites of bánh xèo and bowls of phở, you’ll trace wartime history at the Cu Chi Tunnels and drift past coconut groves in the Mekong Delta. Evenings? Rooftops, craft beer, or a dinner cruise along the Saigon River.

Getting there (Day 5 morning flight): Fly HAN → SGN (~2h10). Typical one-way fares range ~$50–$120 depending on season. Compare and book on Trip.com Flights or Kiwi.com. From SGN to District 1 takes ~25–40 minutes by Grab or Vinasun taxi.

Where to stay (bookable now):

• Opulence on Đồng Khởi: The Reverie Saigon
• Modern comfort with a great pool: Hotel Nikko Saigon
• Boutique and central: Silverland Yen Hotel
• Serviced apartments for families: Sherwood Residence
• Stylish hostel for social travelers: The Common Room Project
• Browse more stays on Hotels.com – Ho Chi Minh City or apartments via VRBO – Ho Chi Minh City.

Food and drink short list:

• Morning coffee: The Workshop (roastery, airy loft), L’Usine (brunch and design), Café Vị for strong cà phê sữa đá.
• Street-side icons: Bánh Mì Huỳnh Hoa (stuffed baguettes), Phở Hòa Pasteur (old-school broth), Bánh Xèo 46A (crispy crepes).
• Sit-down Vietnamese: Cuc Gach Quán (chic, home-style), Quán Bụi (regional classics), Hum Vegetarian (elegant plant-based).
• Nightlife: Pasteur Street Brewing Co. (craft beers), Saigon Saigon Rooftop Bar (historic views), Layla Eatery & Bar (cocktails).

Day 5: Fly to Saigon, colonial landmarks, and a street-food safari

Morning: Fly Hanoi → Ho Chi Minh City (see booking links above). Check in and refresh.

Afternoon: Walk District 1’s icons: the Central Post Office (Gustave Eiffel–influenced), Notre-Dame Cathedral (facade under periodic restoration), the Opera House, and Đồng Khởi’s boutiques. For lunch, try bánh xèo at 46A or bún thịt nướng at Chi Tuyền on Cô Giang.

Evening: Hop on the Ho Chi Minh Street Food & Sightseeing By Motorbike to taste local-only stalls (7–12 dishes!) and see night markets and hidden lanes safely with expert riders.

Day 6: History and river life—Cu Chi Tunnels + Mekong Delta (full day)

Pair two classics on the Cu Chi Tunnels and Mekong Delta – VIP Tour. You’ll explore the wartime tunnel network (learn how entire communities lived underground), then cruise past coconut palms on the Delta with village stops and a local lunch. Expect an early pickup and late afternoon return.

Back in town, toast the day with a rooftop sundowner or unwind with a bowl of phở at Phở Lệ in District 5.

Day 7: Easy Saigon morning, last bites, depart

Morning: Brunch at L’Usine (eggs, pastries, Vietnamese coffee) or Maison Marou for bean-to-bar chocolate and croissants. Souvenir dash: Ben Thanh Market’s spice stalls or a quick stop at the Book Street on Nguyễn Văn Bình.

Afternoon: Airport transfer for your departing flight. If you have a few extra hours, the War Remnants Museum offers essential context; go early to avoid lines.

Optional swap or add-ons

• Hanoi Day 4 alternative: Upgrade your bay experience with the premium Jade Sails – Halong & Lan Ha Bay Day Tour (small groups, kayaking, and a refined lunch).

Getting between cities (recap)

• Hanoi → Ho Chi Minh City flight: ~2h10; ~$50–$120 one-way. Book via Trip.com Flights or Kiwi.com.
• Vietnam rail (for other routes): Check schedules on Trip.com Trains. Note that Hanoi↔Saigon by rail is ~31–35 hours.

Daily dining planner (quick reference):

• Day 1: Bún chả dinner; Tạ Hiện beer corner.
• Day 2: Phở breakfast; jeep tour eats for dinner; cocktails at Nê.
• Day 3: Lunch included on tour; late snack at Xôi Yến.
• Day 4: Seafood lunch onboard; return dinner at Chả Cá Thăng Long.
• Day 5: Bánh xèo lunch; scooter street food tour dinner.
• Day 6: Lunch included; rooftop or phở nightcap.
• Day 7: Brunch at L’Usine or Maison Marou.

In seven days you’ll taste Vietnam’s breadth: Hanoi’s scholarly elegance, karst-studded day trips, and Saigon’s kinetic streets and river life. Keep this guide handy—you’ll move efficiently, eat memorably, and leave with a shortlist of places to revisit.