Best 7-Day Vietnam Tours: Which Itinerary is Right for You?

With 7 days in Vietnam, you can choose from classic North-South itineraries, in-depth regional explorations, family-friendly tours, or authentic off-the-beaten-track adventures. The best option depends entirely on your interests, travel style, and budget. This guide breaks down the top 7-day Vietnam tour options, complete with detailed itineraries, pro tips, and essential FAQs to help you plan your perfect week.

1. Classic trips: Visiting the must-sees of Vietnam in 7 days

These tours cover the must-see highlights and are ideal for travellers who want to see a lot in a short time.

1.1 Vietnam tour in 7 days from North to South

Best for: Adventurous travellers who want to tick off both Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City in one week.

This whirlwind tour takes you from the capital Hanoi, through the central charm of Hoi An, to the vibrant energy of Saigon and the Mekong Delta.

Route: Hanoi – Halong – Da Nang – Hoi An – Ho Chi Minh – Ben Tre – Ho Chi Minh

Noticed:

• Pace: Fast, with 2 domestic flights (Hanoi–Da Nang, Da Nang–HCMC).
• Misses: You won't see Ninh Binh, Hue, or Can Tho.
• Best for: Travellers who prioritize seeing both ends of the country.

1.2. Vietnam tour in 7 days from North to Centre

Best for: Families, couples, and those wanting a comfortable pace with cultural highlights.

This tour focuses on Vietnam's most iconic northern and central destinations, with a relaxed rhythm.

Route: Hanoi – Halong – Hue – Da Nang – Hoian – Hanoi

Day 1: Hanoi – arrival: Welcome to Hanoi, walk in the old quarter, discover the life of Hanoians
Day 2: Hanoi – city tour: Visit the Temple of Literature and the Ethnography Museum, explore the French Quarter, experience the water puppet show
Day 3: Hanoi – Halong Bay: Transfer to Halong Bay, Cruise on the bay, swimming & kayaking, night on board
Day 4: Halong – Hanoi – flight to Hue: Continuation of the cruise. Return to Hanoi. Flight to Hue
Day 5: Hue – city tour – Da Nang – Hoian: visit Hue imperial city, boat trip on the Perfume River, visit Thien Mu Pagoda, Minh Mang Tomb. Transfer to Hoian
Day 6: Hoian discovery: visit Hoian old town and the surrounding villages
Day 7: Hoian – flight to Hanoi (or Ho Chi Minh City) – departure flight

Noticed:

• Pace: Comfortable and easy, suitable for all ages.
• Flights: 2 domestic flights (Hanoi–Hue, Da Nang–Hanoi).
• Best for: First-timers wanting a balanced taste of culture, nature, and history.

1.3 Vietnam Tour 7 days North and South

Best for: Travellers who want to combine the natural wonders of the North with the energy of the South.

This itinerary skips the Centre to focus on Halong Bay, Ninh Binh, and Ho Chi Minh City with the Mekong Delta.

Route: Hanoi – Ninh Binh – Halong – Hanoi – Ho Chi Minh – Ben Tre – Ho Chi Minh

Day 1: Hanoi – arrival: Welcome to Hanoi, walk in the old quarter, discover the life of Hanoians
Day 2: Hanoi – city tour: Visit the Temple of Literature and the Museum of Ethnography, explore the French Quarter, and experience the water puppet show.
Day 3: Hanoi – Ninh Binh: Bike ride & boat trip in Tam Coc, visit Dinh-Le temple
Day 4: Ninh Binh – Halong: Transfer to Halong, cruise in the bay, night on board
Day 5: Halong – Hanoi – flight to Ho Chi Minh: Continuation of the cruise, return to Hanoi, flight to Ho Chi Minh
Day 6: Ho Chi Minh – city tour
Day 7: Ho Chi Minh – Ben Tre – Ho Chi Minh – departure flight: Boat trip on the Ben Tre river, bike ride in the village, meet with the locals. Return to Ho Chi Minh. Departure flight.

Noticed:

• Misses: Central Vietnam (Hue, Hoi An, Da Nang).
• Flights: 1 domestic flight (Hanoi–Ho Chi Minh).
• Best for: Travellers focused on North-South contrasts.

1.4. Vietnam tour 7 days in the North only

Best for: Culture lovers, trekkers, and those who prefer slow travel.

This tour immerses you in the nature and culture of Northern Vietnam, from mountain villages to the iconic bay.

Route: Hanoi – Mai Chau – Pu Luong – Ninh Binh – Halong – Hanoi

Day 1: Hanoi – arrival: Welcome to Hanoi, walking tour in the old quarter
Day 2: Hanoi – city tour: Visit the Temple of Literature and the Museum of Ethnography, explore the French Quarter, and experience the water puppet show.
Day 3: Hanoi – Mai Chau – Mai Hich: Visit the Muong village and the Thung Khe pass, explore Thai culture in Mai Hich village, overnight stay at a local homestay
Day 4: Mai Chau – Pu Luong: Hike to the villages of Eo Ken - Hang, meet with a Muong family, transfer to Pu Luong
Day 5: Pu Luong – Ninh Binh: Transfer to Ninh Binh, visit Hoa Lu, rowing boat excursion in Tam Coc
Day 6: Ninh Binh – Halong Bay: Transfer to Halong. Cruise in Halong Bay and Lan Ha. Night on board
Day 7: Halong – Hanoi – departure flight: Continuation of the cruise. Return to Hanoi. Departure flight

Noticed:

• Pace: Relaxed, no domestic flights.
• Best for: Families with children, older travellers, and nature enthusiasts.
• Unique: Includes an authentic homestay experience.

1.5. Vietnam tour 7 days in the South only

Best for: Beach lovers, culture enthusiasts, and those wanting to escape the crowds.

Discover the vibrant energy of Saigon, the tranquil waterways of the Mekong Delta, and the Cham culture.

Route: Ho Chi Minh – Ben Tre – Tra Vinh – Long Xuyen – Tra Su – Chau Doc – Ho Chi Minh

Day 1: Ho Chi Minh City Arrival
Day 2: Ho Chi Minh City, city tour: Discovery of Saigon: Independence Palace, Notre-Dame Cathedral, central post office, Chinatown, Quan Am pagoda, FITO museum
Day 3: Ho Chi Minh City – Ben Tre – Tra Vinh: Boat and bicycle excursion, visit an artisan workshop, meet with the local population and spend the night at a local homestay
Day 4: Tra Vinh – Sa Dec – Long Xuyen: Bike ride in Khmer villages, departure to Long Xuyen visiting Kien An Cung pagoda, Huynh Thuy Le house and Cao Dai temple
Day 5: Long Xuyen - Tra Su – Chau Doc: Floating market, Cu Lao Ong Ho islet, Tra Su reserve, Mount Sam, Goddess Xu pagoda, Thoai Ngoc Hau temple and Tay An pagoda
Day 6: Chau Doc – Ho Chi Minh: return to Ho Chi Minh
Day 7: Ho Chi Minh City, Departure

Noticed:

• Extension: Can easily extend to Cambodia from Chau Doc (5-hour fast boat to Phnom Penh).
• Best for: Cultural travellers and those seeking authentic Mekong life.
• Unique: Deep immersion in Mekong Delta culture.

2. Authentic, off-the-beaten-track trip to Vietnam in 7 days

If you are thirsty for authentic discoveries and have the soul of an adventurer.

The remote mountainous regions in the North-West and North-East of Vietnam invite you to indulge yourself.

2.1 Authentic Circuit in the North-West

This 7-day stay in Northern Vietnam is carefully designed to please lovers of nature, culture and off-the-beaten-track discoveries. Start in Hanoi and head to the Northwest to immerse yourself in a majestic natural setting in Nghia Lo, Tu Le, Mu Cang Chai, and Sapa and meet ethnic inhabitants in colourful costumes. Finish your week-long trip to Vietnam with a cruise in Halong Bay.

Route: Hanoi - Nghia Lo - Tu Le - Mu CangChai - Sapa - Hanoi - Ha long - Hanoi

Day 1: Hanoi arrival
Day 2: Hanoi – Nghia Lo: Road to Nghia Lo visiting tea plantations in Thanh Son, discovery of the ethnic villages of Muong and Thai
Day 3: Nghia Lo – Tu Le – Mu Cang Chai: Trek through the best rice terraces in the world at Tu Le - Mu Cang Chai - La Pan Tan, immerse in the culture of the Dao, Dzay, Thai and Hmong
Day 4: Mu Cang Chai – Sa Pa: Gentle hike to Na Tam, interact with Lao & Lu, transfer to Sapa via the highest pass in Vietnam – Hoang Lien Son pass
Day 5: Sapa – Hanoi: Journey through the rice terraces and ethnic villages in the Muong Hoa valley, discover the life of the Hmong and Dzay, return to Hanoi
Day 6: Hanoi – Halong Bay: Transfer to Halong Bay, cruise and overnight on board
Day 7: Halong Bay – Hanoi – departure flight: Continuation of the cruise. Return to Hanoi. Departure flight

Noticed:

• Best time: September-October (harvest season) or May-June (watering season).
• Fitness: Requires good physical condition – not suitable for children or those with mobility issues.
• Unique: Homestay options, remote villages, breathtaking landscapes.

2.2 Authentic tour in the North-East in 7 days

This tour will give you the opportunity to discover the hidden landscapes of Vietnam by taking a very little-travelled road in the northeast. This region is full of real playgrounds that suit all types of hikers and all levels. Whether you are a beginner or experienced, solo or in a group, be sure that Ha Giang, Cao Bang, Bac Kan... will please you.

Route: Hanoi - Ha Giang - Dong Van - Meo Vac - Bao Lac - Ba Be - Hanoi

Day 1: Hanoi – arrival
Day 2: Hanoi – Ha Giang: Road to Ha Giang, easy hike to the villages of Me - Lup - Tha, a night at a homestay
Day 3: Ha Giang – Dong Van: Dong Van Karst Plateau Geopark, Twin Fairy Mountains, commune of the Hmong & Bo Y ethnic groups, palace of the Hmong king
Day 4: Dong Van – Meo Vac – Bao Lac: Travel from Dong Van to Bao Lac, crossing the Ma Pi Leng pass, exploring the authentic life of the Lo and Hmong minorities
Day 5: Bao Lac – Ba Be: Meeting with an ethnic group from San Chi in a hidden village on the hill, visit Hua Ma cave, night at a Tay homestay
Day 6: Ba Be – Hanoi: Boat trip on Ba Be Lake, excursion to Dau Dang Waterfall and Puong Cave, return to Hanoi
Day 7: Hanoi – departure flight

Noticed:

• Fitness: Requires good physical condition – not suitable for children or those with mobility issues.

• Comfort: Homestay conditions are basic but authentic.

• Best time: September-November or March-May.

• Unique: Sunday visit to Dong Van market possible.

3. Family trip to Vietnam in 7 days

Vietnam is also an ideal country for a family trip. Call on a local travel agency that will be able to offer you an itinerary balancing bike rides, walking tours and fun activities for your little ones. This is undoubtedly an exceptional opportunity for children to socialize and discover a new culture by playing with local children from different backgrounds.

Here is an example:

Day 1: Hanoi – arrival: visit the old quarter of Hanoi
Day 2: Hanoi – city tour: Visit the Temple of Literature and the Museum of Ethnography, explore the French Quarter, and experience the water puppet show.
Day 3: Hanoi – Halong Bay: Transfer to Halong Bay, cruise and overnight on board
Day 4: Halong – Hanoi – flight to Da Nang – Hoian: Continuation of the cruise. Return to Hanoi. Flight to Da Nang, transfer to Hoian
Day 5: Hoian – discovery: Bike ride in the rural villages of Hoian, boat trip on the Thu Bon River, interact with locals
Day 6: Hoian – free day
Day 7: Hoian- Da Nang – Hanoi – departure flight

Kid-Friendly Activities in Hoi An:

• Make pottery in Thanh Ha village
• Bamboo boat trip in Cam Thanh coconut forest (catch crabs!)
• Paint traditional masks
• Family cooking class
• Make colourful lanterns

Noticed:

• Pace: Relaxed with free time for beach or activities.
• Best for: Families wanting a mix of culture and fun.

4. High-end travel and honeymoon in Vietnam with a seaside extension in 7 days

Do you want a luxury tour or a honeymoon with a seaside stay? Think of Vietnam! Breath-taking landscapes, tasty cuisine, welcoming people and also a wide choice of accommodations to suit all budgets, Vietnam has everything to satisfy you.
Get inspired by these ideas below to have exceptional moments in dream places in Vietnam.

4.1 For the period between May-September

Start with a visit to Hanoi to soak up its atmosphere mixing history, culture and food. Then enjoy a cruise in the legendary bay which has everything to make your escape a most romantic experience. Nothing better than watching the sunset on the upper deck where the unique beauty of thousands of spectacular islets plays out. The stay ends in style with a hand-in-hand stroll through the old quarter and a seaside extension on the sublime Hoian beach.

Day 1: Hanoi – arrival
Day 2: Hanoi – city tour
Day 3: Hanoi – Ha Long: cruise in the bay. Night on board
Day 4: Halong – return to Hanoi – flight to Da Nang – Hoian
Day 5: Hoian - seaside stay
Day 6: Hoian – seaside stay
Day 7: Hoian – Da Nang – flight to Hanoi – departure flight

Noticed:

• Ideal for: Couples wanting romance and relaxation.

• Accommodation: 4-5 star resorts available in both Halong and Hoi An.

4.2 For the period between November-April

In this option, fly to Phu Quoc instead of Hoian. Paradise beaches of white sand, turquoise water, beautiful sunshine in the dry season (November-April) and lush vegetation, Phu Quoc has everything to satisfy sea lovers. With quality hotel infrastructure, this island awaits you to spend a stay with your feet in the water and so many memorable moments.

Day 1: Hanoi – arrival
Day 2: Hanoi – city tour
Day 3: Hanoi – Ha Long: Transfer to Halong. Cruise in Halong or Lan Ha Bay. Night on board
Day 4: Halong – Hanoi – flight to Phu Quoc
Day 5: Phu Quoc – seaside stay
Day 6: Phu Quoc – seaside stay
Day 7: Phu Quoc – flight to Ho Chi Minh – departure flight

Noticed:

• Ideal for: Beach lovers wanting tropical paradise.

• Best time: November-April (dry season in Phu Quoc).

• Accommodation: World-class 4-5 star beach resorts.

Conclusion 

Vietnam offers an incredible variety, even in just one week. Whether you choose to cruise Halong Bay, trek Sapa's rice terraces, explore ancient Hoi An, or float through the Mekong Delta, a 7-day tour can be an unforgettable introduction to this beautiful country.

Ready to plan your 7-day Vietnam tour? Contact Authentik Vietnam for a personalized itinerary tailored to your interests, pace, and budget.

FAQ: 7-Day Vietnam Tour 

1. Is 7 days enough to visit Vietnam?
Yes, 7 days is enough for a wonderful introduction. You can either focus on one region (North, Centre, or South) for a deeper experience, or do a fast-paced "highlights" tour covering two regions. See the itineraries above to choose the one that fits your style.

2. What is the best 1-week itinerary in Vietnam for first-timers?
For most first-timers, the "North to Centre (Classic & Comfortable)" itinerary (Section 1.2) is ideal. It covers Hanoi, Halong Bay, Hue, and Hoi An at a relaxed pace with two short flights.

3. Can I visit both North and South Vietnam in 7 days?
Yes, but it will be fast-paced. The "North to South (Fast-Paced Highlights)" itinerary (Section 1.1) allows you to see Hanoi, Halong, Hoi An, Ho Chi Minh City, and the Mekong Delta. You'll need two domestic flights and be prepared for early starts.

4. How much does a 7-day tour in Vietnam cost?
Costs vary by travel style:

• Budget: $600-900 per person (hostels, local transport, street food)
• Mid-range: $900-1,500 per person (3-star hotels, private tours, some flights)
• Luxury: $1,800-3,500+ per person (4-5 star resorts, private guides, luxury cruises)

5. What is the best time for a 7-day Vietnam tour?
The best time depends on your destinations:

• North & Centre: March-April or September-November for pleasant weather.
• South: December-April (dry season).
• Full North-South tour: March-April or September-October for the best balance across regions.

6. Is a 7-day Vietnam tour suitable for families with kids?
Absolutely! The "Family-Friendly 7-Day Tour" (Section 3) is specifically designed for children, featuring fun activities such as water puppet shows, bike rides, and lantern-making.

7. What should I pack for a 7-day trip to Vietnam?
Pack light and smart:

• Essentials: Lightweight clothing, comfortable walking shoes, swimwear.
• Layers: A light jacket or sweater (for air conditioning or cool northern evenings).
• Extras: Rain jacket/umbrella (if travelling May-Oct), sunscreen, insect repellent, hat.
• Tech: Universal power adapter, camera.

8. Do I need a visa for a 7-day stay in Vietnam?
It depends on your nationality:

• Citizens of Germany, France, Italy, Spain, UK, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Finland, Belarus, Japan, South Korea, Russia: Visa exemption up to 45 days – no visa needed for 7 days.
• Other nationalities: Apply for an E-visa (90 days, multiple entries) online at Evisa.

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