Vietnam is a tapestry of dynastic capitals, French boulevards, and riverine life, threaded together by fragrant bowls of pho and the percussion of scooter horns. From the Red River Delta to the Saigon River, the country rewards curiosity—duck into a pagoda, try the alleyway eatery, and linger over an egg coffee as trains skim past the Old Quarter.

In eight days, this itinerary focuses on two hubs to maximize depth: Hanoi for history and northern nature, and Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) for energy, food, and the Mekong’s waterways. You’ll add a Ha Long Bay day cruise and a rural escape to Ninh Binh’s limestone karsts.

Practical notes: most nationalities can apply for Vietnam’s e‑visa online (often up to 90 days, check current rules). Cash is king—Vietnamese dong (VND)—but cards are increasingly accepted. Dress modestly for temples, carry small bills, try Grab for rides, and cross streets with steady, predictable steps. The best travel seasons are spring (Feb–Apr) and autumn (Sep–Nov).

Hanoi

Hanoi is Vietnam’s thoughtful capital: ancient temples, incense curls, and a lake at its heart. The Old Quarter’s craft guild streets still hint at their medieval origins; the French Quarter’s villas add Art Deco swagger. Food here is delicate and herb-forward—bún chả, bún thang, and feather-light bánh cuốn.

• Top sights: Hoàn Kiếm Lake and Ngọc Sơn Temple, Temple of Literature, Long Biên Bridge at sunset, the French Quarter, and the pagodas around West Lake.
• Eat & drink: Pho Gia Truyen (Bat Dan, iconic northern pho), Bánh Mì 25 (crisp baguettes), Chả Cá Thăng Long (turmeric-dill fish hotplate), Cà Phê Giảng (legendary egg coffee), and bia hơi corners around Tạ Hiện.
• Getting in: Fly into HAN. Compare fares on Trip.com or Kiwi.com. Old Quarter transfers take ~40–60 minutes; taxis/Grab run roughly 250,000–350,000 VND (~$10–14).

Where to stay (Hanoi): Browse apartments and townhouses on VRBO or hotels on Hotels.com.

• Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi (heritage grandeur, central): Book
• Hanoi La Siesta Hotel & Spa (boutique, stellar service): Book
• Somerset Grand Hanoi (aparthotel, families): Book
• Lotte Hotel Hanoi (modern skyline views, excellent pool): Book

Day 1 — Arrive in Hanoi

Afternoon: Land at HAN and check into your hotel. Start gently with a loop around Hoàn Kiếm Lake—watch tai chi on the banks and visit Ngọc Sơn Temple via the scarlet bridge.

Evening: Slurp your first bowl at Pho Gia Truyen (lean cuts, clear broth), then wander the Old Quarter alleys. Cap the night with Hanoi’s signature egg coffee at Cà Phê Giảng—silky, meringue-like foam over robust brew—and a cold bia hơi near Tạ Hiện.

Day 2 — Hanoi’s icons + vintage jeep foodie adventure

Morning: Visit the Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first university, for quiet courtyards and Confucian stelae. Coffee at Blackbird Coffee (refined roasts) or Loading T (cinnamon-infused Vietnamese brew).

Afternoon: Explore the French Quarter’s yellow villas and the Opera House area. Lunch at Quán Ăn Ngon (multi-regional classics; try bánh xèo and bánh cuốn). Swing by Long Biên Bridge for river views.

Evening: See Hanoi by open-top military jeep—food tastings, hidden lanes, and local culture.

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

Day 3 — Full-day escape to Ninh Binh (Hoa Lư, Tam Coc & Mua Cave)

Trade city noise for rice fields and karst peaks. Typical route: the 10th‑century capital of Hoa Lư, a Tam Coc sampan ride through cave grottos, cycling lanes edged by limestone, and the 500-step climb to Múa Cave viewpoint. Expect an early start (7–7:30 am) and return by 6–7 pm; lunch is included on most tours.

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

Tip: Bring sun protection and light layers; boats are low-slung and photogenic. Tours generally run from ~$45–85 per person depending on group size and inclusions.

Day 4 — Ha Long Bay 5‑Star Day Cruise

Carve through emerald spires on a comfortable day boat with lunch, a cave visit, and time to kayak or swim (weather permitting). Hotel pickup in Hanoi (~2.5 hours to the pier), boarding late morning, and return to Hanoi by evening.

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

Dinner back in Hanoi: Reserve Chả Cá Thăng Long (sizzling turmeric‑dill fish with peanuts, herbs, rice noodles). Nightcap at Polite & Co (vintage cocktail bar) or craft ales at Pasteur Street Brewing – Hanoi Taproom.

Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)

Saigon hums at a different frequency: glass towers next to incense‑filled pagodas, alleys stuffed with grills and woks, and a riverfront promenade built for people‑watching. The city is an open-air anthology—from French colonial landmarks to wartime history and a dynamic modern arts and café culture.

• Top sights: War Remnants Museum, Independence Palace, Notre-Dame Cathedral (exterior), Central Post Office, Thảo Cầm Viên (botanical zoo), Chợ Lớn (Chinatown) and Thien Hau Temple.
• Eat & drink: Phở Hòa Pasteur (beef pho stalwart), Bánh Mì Huỳnh Hoa (overflowing baguettes), Cục Gạch Quán (home-style dishes in a nostalgic villa), HUM (vegetarian finesse), and rooftop views along Đồng Khởi or Nguyễn Huệ.

Where to stay (Saigon): Compare apartments on VRBO or hotels on Hotels.com.

• The Reverie Saigon (opulent, river views): Book
• Silverland Yen Hotel (District 1, spa & tea time perks): Book
• Sherwood Residence (spacious suites, great for families): Book
• Hotel Nikko Saigon (sleek comfort near District 1/5): Book
• The Common Room Project (stylish social hostel): Book

Hanoi → Saigon travel: Morning flights take ~2h10 (HAN→SGN). Compare prices on Trip.com or Kiwi.com; fares often range ~$40–120 one way. SGN→District 1 taxis/Grab: ~30–45 minutes, ~150,000–220,000 VND (~$6–9).

Day 5 — Fly south to Saigon + downtown orientation

Morning: Fly HAN→SGN. Check in and refresh. Coffee at Shin Coffee (meticulous pour-overs) or L’Usine (boutique + brunch).

Afternoon: Walk the District 1 “heritage mile”: Central Post Office’s Gustave Eiffel steelwork, Notre-Dame Cathedral’s red bricks (view from the square), and the Independence Palace lawns. Lunch at Phở Hòa Pasteur (thin rice noodles, balanced broth) or Bánh Mì Huỳnh Hoa (share one—they’re huge).

Evening: Stroll Nguyễn Huệ Walking Street at sunset. Dinner at Cục Gạch Quán (try caramelized pork claypot and sour soup). For drinks, Pasteur Street Brewing’s flagship for Vietnamese‑twist craft beers (jasmine IPA), or a rooftop along Đồng Khởi for skyline views.

Day 6 — Cu Chi Tunnels & the Mekong Delta (full day)

See two keystones in one day: the wartime tunnel network at Củ Chi and the river life of the Mekong. This VIP small‑group tour typically includes round‑trip transfers, guide, a speedboat or motorboat section, a canalside lunch, and tastings of local fruit and coconut candies. Expect 10–11 hours door to door.

Cu Chi Tunnels and Mekong Delta VIP Tour by Limousine

Dinner back in the city: HUM Vegetarian (artful plates) or Bếp Mẹ Ỉn (home-style central dishes). Dessert: chè (sweet soups) from a street cart—look for pandan and coconut aromas.

Day 7 — Saigon neighborhoods, jeep city tour & night scooter feast

Morning: Dive into Ben Thanh Market early for snacks and souvenirs (bargain politely). Head to Chợ Lớn (Chinatown) to see incense coils at Thien Hau Temple and grab a classic cà phê sữa đá at a corner café.

Afternoon: Take a breezy open‑air jeep to cover the big sights and hidden corners while learning local history with stops for photos.

Ho Chi Minh City Private Half-Day Tour by U.S Army Jeep

Evening: Hop on the back of a motorbike with local guides for the city’s best eats—from grilled pork skewers and fresh rice‑paper rolls to steaming snail dishes and creamy avocado ice cream. You’ll weave safely through districts most visitors miss.

Ho Chi Minh Street Food & Sightseeing By Motorbike (Safe & Fun)

Day 8 — Slow morning & departure

Morning: Coffee flight at Saigon Coffee Roastery or Shin Coffee; pick up lacquerware or ceramic chopstick rests along Đồng Khởi. Brunch at L’Usine or a bowl of crab paste bún riêu from a neighborhood stall.

Afternoon: Depart for SGN. If you have extra time, decompress with a foot massage near your hotel before heading to the airport.

Optional swaps and add‑ons

• Prefer a different northern day? Swap Ha Long for a second Ninh Binh route emphasizing Trang An boat caves and Bai Dinh’s vast pagoda complex: Full-Day Ninh Binh Highlights Tour from Hanoi

  

• If seas are calm and you have an extra night, upgrade to an overnight Ha Long/Lan Ha cruise for sunrise kayaking: Top 1 Ha Long-Lan Ha Bay Luxury 5 Star Cruises & Balcony Cabin

  

Good to know: Taxis are metered; Grab is ubiquitous. Dress lightly but carry a rain layer in the wet season (May–Oct). Tipping isn’t mandatory but rounding up or 5–10% for standout service is appreciated. For trains within Vietnam, see schedules on Trip.com Trains (note: Hanoi↔Saigon rail is scenic but ~32–35 hours).

Summary: In a week, you’ll trace Vietnam’s story from Hanoi’s Confucian courtyards to the karsts of Ninh Binh and Ha Long Bay, then pivot south to Saigon’s markets, scooters, and the Mekong. This plan balances culture, cuisine, and landscapes—with handpicked tours and eateries that locals love.