Vietnam is a tapestry of dynastic history, French-colonial boulevards, temple courtyards, and markets where herbs perfume the air. In seven days you can sip egg coffee where it was invented, drift past karst peaks in Ha Long Bay, and wander Hoi An’s lantern-lit lanes. This itinerary balances headline sights with time to linger over bowls of noodles and sunsets on the river.

From Thăng Long-era Hanoi to Cham-era Hoi An, the country’s story lives in pagodas, guild streets, and humble food stalls. Expect contrasts: the hum of motorbikes around Hoàn Kiếm Lake, then the hush of a silent tea house; the clang of woks in an alley, then the sea breeze at An Bàng Beach.

Practical notes: most travelers use Vietnam’s e-visa (apply in advance), the currency is VND, and Grab (ride-hailing) is the easiest way to get around cities. Cross streets steadily, keep valuables secure, and come hungry—Vietnamese cuisine rewards curiosity, from phở and bún chả to cao lầu and white rose dumplings.

Hanoi

Hanoi blends 1,000 years of history with kinetic street life. The Old Quarter’s 36 guild streets still hint at their craft roots; the French Quarter fans out with grand theaters and leafy avenues. Around West Lake, temples meet trendy cafes, and before dawn, tai chi ripples along the lakeside.

• Don’t miss: Hoàn Kiếm Lake and Ngọc Sơn Temple, Thăng Long Water Puppet Theater, Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum complex, Temple of Literature, Hoa Lò Prison, and a street-food crawl in the Old Quarter.
• Flavors to find: phở bò at Pho Gia Truyền (Bát Đàn), bún chả at Bún Chả Hương Liên (the “Obama” spot), egg coffee at Cà Phê Giảng, and bánh mì at Bánh Mì 25.
• Neighborhood vibes: Old Quarter for energy and walkability; French Quarter for boulevards and museums; Tây Hồ (West Lake) for calmer cafes and sunset bars.

Where to stay: Browse Old Quarter boutiques, French Quarter classics, or lakeside apartments on VRBO (Hanoi) or compare hotels on Hotels.com (Hanoi). Look for places near Hoàn Kiếm Lake if you want to walk to most sights.

How to get to Hanoi: Fly into Noi Bai (HAN). Search fares on Trip.com flights or Kiwi.com. Old Quarter is ~40–50 minutes by car from the airport; a Grab car usually runs 280,000–420,000 VND ($11–$17).

Day 1: Arrival, First Tastes of the Old Quarter

Afternoon: Land in Hanoi and check in. Shake off jet lag with a slow lap around Hoàn Kiếm Lake, then pop into Ngọc Sơn Temple over the scarlet bridge. For a first coffee, try the original Cà Phê Giảng for frothy egg coffee—born here in the 1940s when milk was scarce.

Evening: Dinner at Bún Chả Hương Liên (grilled pork patties and pork belly with herbs and dipping broth; order nem rán spring rolls on the side). Cap the night with a low-stakes stool at Bia Hơi Corner (Tạ Hiện) for fresh daily draft and people-watching, or slip to Polite & Co for classic cocktails in a vintage salon vibe.

Day 2: Mausoleums, Scholars, and Street Eats

Morning: Visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum complex (arrive early; dress modestly), then the lotus-like One Pillar Pagoda and HCM’s stilt house. Coffee at Tranquil Books & Coffee for a serene break.

Afternoon: Explore the 11th-century Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first university; scan the stone stelae of doctoral laureates. Continue to Hoa Lò Prison for sobering French-colonial and wartime history. Late snack: Pho Gia Truyền (Bát Đàn)—join the queue, slurp fast, it’s worth it.

Evening: Book the Thăng Long Water Puppet Theater show near the lake for a folkloric performance with live orchestra. Dinner in the French Quarter at Pizza 4P’s Tràng Tiền (Vietnamese-milk-cheese house; their burrata and local basil is a win) or stick to northern staples at Chả Cá Thăng Long (dill-scented turmeric fish cooked tableside). Nightcap at Nê Cocktail Bar—try the “Pho Cocktail,” a clever herb-and-spice riff on Hanoi’s signature soup.

Day 3: Ha Long Bay Day Cruise

Depart Hanoi at ~7:30 a.m. by highway shuttle (2.5–3 hours each way). Board a mid- or high-end day cruise in Hạ Long or Lan Hạ Bay with a seafood lunch, kayaking among limestone islets, and a cave visit (e.g., Luon Cave or Dark & Bright). Expect back in Hanoi around 7–8 p.m. Total from hotel-to-hotel: 12 hours.

Why today: With a day-cruise you capture the bay’s emerald water and karst scenery while keeping the itinerary tight for your flight south tomorrow.

Food notes: Many cruises include lunch; bring snacks. Back in town, keep it light: Bánh Mì 25 for a crisp baguette (barbecue pork or tofu with pate) and a sweet treat at Ô Mai Hồng Lam (candied fruits) to sample classic northern flavors.

Hoi An

Hoi An is Vietnam’s postcard come to life: ochre shophouses, Chinese assembly halls, a Japanese Covered Bridge, and a river paved with lantern light at dusk. By day, bicycle past rice paddies; by night, graze through stalls of cao lầu and grilled satay.

• Don’t miss: the UNESCO-listed Ancient Town, tailor shops for custom garments, boat lantern ride on the Thu Bồn River, An Bàng Beach, and nearby Marble Mountains and Sơn Trà Peninsula.
• Signature bites: cao lầu (only in Hoi An), white rose dumplings, mì Quảng, and next-level bánh mì.
• Good to know: Bring cash for Old Town entry tickets (they fund preservation and include assembly hall visits). For tailoring, allow 24–48 hours and at least one fitting.

Where to stay: Riverside hideaways and Old Town boutiques are ideal for walkers; beach lovers base near An Bàng. Compare stays on VRBO (Hoi An) or check hotel deals on Hotels.com (Hoi An).

Getting to Hoi An (via Đà Nẵng): Fly Hanoi→Đà Nẵng (DAD): ~1h20; fares usually $45–$110 one-way on Trip.com flights or Kiwi.com. Private car DAD→Hoi An: 45–60 min, ~350,000–500,000 VND ($14–$20). Alternative: the Reunification train Hanoi→Đà Nẵng (~16–17 hours, soft sleeper $35–$70) via Trip.com trains—scenic but time-consuming.

Day 4: Fly South, Ancient Town Strolls and Lanterns

Morning: Transfer to the airport and fly Hanoi→Đà Nẵng. On arrival, private car or Grab to Hoi An to check in. Snack at Hoi An Roastery (the coconut coffee is a local favorite) or a light lunch of mì Quảng at Mì Quảng Ông Hai.

Afternoon: Use your Old Town ticket to visit the Japanese Covered Bridge, Assembly Hall of the Fujian Chinese Congregation (Phúc Kiến), and a heritage house like Tân Kỳ. Stop for a tranquil tea flight at Reaching Out Tea House—orders are written to honor the hearing-impaired staff; it’s a memorable pause.

Evening: Fitting at a reputable tailor such as Yaly Couture (bring photos; discuss fabrics and turnarounds). Dinner at Morning Glory Original (Ms. Vy’s beloved spot—try cao lầu and Hoi An chicken rice). Float a lantern boat on the river at dusk, then browse the night market for sesame sweet crisp (mè xửng) and coconut ice cream.

Day 5: Market, Cooking, and Countryside

Morning: Start at Central Market for herbs and fishmongers in action; grab a breakfast bowl of cao lầu at Trung Bắc. Join a cooking class—popular options include a market visit, basket-boat ride through the nipa palms of Cam Thanh, and hands-on dishes like spring rolls and claypot fish.

Afternoon: Bicycle to Trà Quế Vegetable Village along rice paddies (gentle ride ~20–30 minutes). Many farms offer herb foot soaks and simple farmer-style lunches; otherwise, cool off back at your hotel pool.

Evening: Street-food crawl: share a bánh mì showdown—Bánh Mì Phượng (juicy roast pork, chili jam) versus Madam Khánh—The Banh Mi Queen (superb pate and pickles). Add White Rose Restaurant for translucent shrimp dumplings. Drinks at Q Bar Hoi An for craft cocktails in a restored shophouse.

Day 6: Beach Morning, Marble Mountains and Sơn Trà Peninsula

Morning: Head to An Bàng Beach for a swim and brunch—try Shore Club An Bang Beach (seafood platters, juices) or Salt Pub & Restaurant (hearty breakfasts and ocean views). Sun-lounger rentals are easy; bring small bills for vendors.

Afternoon: Drive ~30 minutes to Marble Mountains (Thủy Sơn peak has the best grottoes and views; wear sturdy shoes). Continue 20–30 minutes to Linh Ứng Pagoda on the Sơn Trà Peninsula to see the towering Lady Buddha and sweeping Danang Bay. Optional detour: Sun World Ba Na Hills for the Golden Bridge (plan 5–6 hours total if you choose this instead).

Evening: If it’s Sat/Sun, catch the Dragon Bridge show in Da Nang at 9 p.m. (fire and water!). Dinner in Da Nang at Mì Quảng Bà Mua (rich turmeric broth noodles) or riverfront Waterfront Danang (Vietnamese-Western menu, city views). Return to Hoi An (~45 minutes).

Day 7: Slow Morning, Spa, and Farewell

Morning: Final fittings and pickups at your tailor. Coffee at The Espresso Station (salted caramel or coconut affogato), then a soothing massage at a reputable spa in the Old Town.

Afternoon: Early lunch at Bale Well (DIY rice paper rolls with pork skewers and herbs) before your transfer to Đà Nẵng Airport for departure. Search flights on Trip.com flights or Kiwi.com. If your schedule allows, one last coconut coffee to go.

Evening: In-flight or onward travel.

Logistics at a glance: Hanoi→Đà Nẵng flight ~1h20; airport transfers add ~1.5 hours total. One-way fares typically $45–$110 (book on Trip.com or Kiwi.com). Train alternative: Hanoi→Đà Nẵng overnight sleeper 16–17 hours via Trip.com trains (more time, great coastal views south of Huế).

Across a week you’ve traced Vietnam’s north-to-central arc: from Hanoi’s Confucian courtyards and street food royalty to karst-studded waters and Hoi An’s lantern romance. Keep the flavors in mind—egg coffee, bún chả, cao lầu—and the river light at dusk; they’re the details that bring Vietnam back to you long after you’ve flown home.