This one week Vietnam itinerary balances comfort with adventure for travelers willing to spend a bit more. It features short flights to save time, boutique stays, and active experiences like hiking and motorbiking. From southern sights to central heritage and northern landscapes, you’ll sample Vietnam’s diversity in one week from Saigon to Hanoi.

Day 1: Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) - Begin in the buzzing metropolis of Saigon. Check into a comfortable boutique hotel in District 1 to refresh (mid-range examples: Silverland Yen Hotel - chic with a rooftop pool, ~$60; or Liberty Central - modern high-rise, ~$80). In the afternoon, delve into Saigon’s city sights: the Reunification Palace (30k VND) and the French-colonial Notre-Dame Cathedral and Central Post Office (great for photos, free entry). Take a guided street food tour in the evening - hop on the back of a vintage Vespa or join a walking tour to sample local eats like bánh xèo (sizzling pancakes) and grilled scallops. This offers an authentic taste of the city’s night culture with the safety of a guide. End the night with a craft beer at a rooftop bar like Bùi Viện’s Level 23 or a cocktail at the iconic Hotel Rex - a treat to celebrate your first day.

Stay: A centrally-located 3-4 star hotel. Ben Thanh Retreats Hotel or Avanti Boutique are also popular (~$50-$70) for comfort near the action. Expect amenities like A/C, Wi-Fi, and breakfast included.
Transport: Use GrabCar for air-conditioned rides around town (still cheap by Western standards). Walking is feasible between central sights.
Activities: If energy allows, catch the early evening show À Ố Show at the Saigon Opera House - a modern acrobatic performance blending dance and folklore (tickets ~$30, praised for its cultural insight and skill).
Food: Do a mix of street food and restaurant. For lunch, you might cool off at Quan An Ngon, a mid-range restaurant that gathers Vietnam’s street foods in a colonial courtyard setting (~150k VND per dish). In the food tour or on your own, don’t miss Saigon’s famous cà phê sữa đá (iced coffee with condensed milk) - perhaps at the historic Café Apartment on Tôn Thất Thiệp street, where dozens of quirky cafés fill a former apartment block.
Tips: Saigon can be overwhelming - a private city guide for half-day can be hired (~$20-$30) if you prefer a structured tour. Mid-range travelers may opt for a private Cu Chi Tunnels tour by speedboat on Day 2, so consider booking in advance (Les Rives company offers excellent service).

Cau Trang Tien Bridge

Day 2: Cu Chi Tunnels & Fly to Hue - In the morning, venture to the Cu Chi Tunnels to satisfy your history and adventure itch. For efficiency and comfort, take a luxury speedboat tour (Les Rives tours, ~$85) up the Saigon River to the tunnels. You’ll arrive before the crowds and enjoy a scenic ride with breakfast onboard. Explore the original Ben Dược tunnel site (less touristy and less widened) with a knowledgeable guide, crawling through safe sections of the tunnel and learning guerrilla tactics. A nice perk: the tour includes a riverside Vietnamese lunch (the guides provide abundant food - often spring rolls, lemongrass chicken and a delicious soup). By early afternoon, you’re back in Saigon. Grab your bags and transfer to the airport for a 1.5-hour flight to Hue (Vietnam Airlines or VietJet, ~$50 one-way). Arrive in Hue, the imperial city in central Vietnam, by early evening. Check into a charming boutique hotel near the Perfume River (e.g. Hue Serene Palace ~$40, or Eldora Hotel for a colonial chic feel ~$70).

Stay: A comfortable hotel in Huế with easy access to the Citadel. Many mid-range hotels here have pools and free bike rentals.
Transport: Flight from SGN to HUI (Hue’s Phu Bai Airport) - opt for an afternoon flight (~4pm) to have a relaxed morning at Cu Chi. Pre-arrange an airport pick-up in Huế (many hotels offer for ~$15) for convenience.
Activities: If you have daylight in Huế, take a stroll along the Perfume River promenade. You might catch locals enjoying an evening exercise or fly kites near Cầu Trường Tiền bridge (which is artfully lit at night). If not too tired, you can even do an evening cyclo tour around the city for a first look.
Food: Dine on Huế’s imperial cuisine. For a casual dinner, try Hanh Restaurant - famous for local specialties like bánh bèo (steamed rice cakes), nem lụi (grilled lemongrass skewers), and bún bò Huế (spicy beef noodle soup). Huế is renowned for having some of Vietnam’s best and most refined dishes, a legacy of the royal cooks. A feast of small plates here might cost ~$10 per person.
Tips: Huế has a slower, traditional pace - enjoy the contrast after fast-paced Saigon. Pack light for the Cu Chi tour (hat, mosquito spray) and wear comfy clothes you don’t mind getting a bit dusty when crouching in tunnels. The tour’s speedboat ride is breezy, so hold onto your hat! According to reviews, the guides and service on these upscale Cu Chi tours are top-notch, making the cost well worth it.

Hue City During Sunset

Day 3: Imperial Hue & Hai Vân Pass to Hoi An - Spend the morning exploring Huế’s Imperial City. Hire a private guide or use an audio guide to appreciate this vast walled citadel and the Forbidden Purple City (entry ~200k VND). Wander through palaces and gardens where Nguyen emperors ruled - many buildings are restored and photogenic. By noon, check out and gear up for an epic ride: a motorbike road trip from Huế to Hội An over the famous Hai Van Pass. This journey (approx. 130 km) is a mid-range adventurer’s dream - you can ride yourself (experienced riders only, rent ~300k VND one-way) or hire an Easy Rider guide who drives while you ride pillion (from ~$40 per person, including luggage transfer). Secure your luggage transport (some companies transfer bags to Hoi An separately or you can send bags by courier from Huế). Hit the road early in the afternoon: curve through coastal fishing villages, stop at Lăng Cô Beach for a quick look or swim, then ascend the Hải Vân Pass - a winding mountain road with breathtaking views of the sea and jungle. Stop at the pass’s summit by old French bunkers for panoramas and pictures. Continue down into Đà Nẵng, optionally visiting the Marble Mountains (if time allows, they close 5pm). Arrive in Hoi An by early evening. Return your bike and check into a lovely Hoi An guesthouse - perhaps a riverfront homestay or a boutique like Hoi An Villa Riverside ($50).

Stay: Little Hoi An Boutique Hotel (has old-town charm, $70) or Vinh Hung Emerald Resort ($60) are good mid-range picks that offer comfort and a pool to unwind after the ride.
Transport: Motorbike Hue to Hoi An via Hai Van Pass. Many travelers use services like Motorvina or Flamingo Travel which allow one-way rentals and will move your bags. If not keen on biking, an alternative is a private car transfer with stops (about $60 for 2 people) - less adventurous but still scenic (the driver can stop at viewpoints).
Activities: Touring Huế Citadel (2-3 hours). En route to Hoi An, take short breaks: e.g., Elephant Springs (suối Voi) after Lăng Cô for a refreshing dip (small entry fee) if you want more adventure. Near Danang, you can stop at Marble Mountains (climb up to caves and pagodas, 40k VND) if daylight permits.
Food: Enjoy a hearty Huế lunch before riding out - maybe cơm hến (rice with baby clams) and a cold soy milk, a Huế favorite. Along the Hai Van route, roadside cafes at the summit sell cold drinks and simple snacks (grilled corn, bánh mì). In Hoi An, treat yourself to a well-earned dinner: Morning Glory restaurant offers upscale versions of local dishes (~150k VND per entrée) in a charming traditional house setting. Try the white rose dumplings and cao lầu.
Tips: Safety first on the motorbike: wear the provided helmet (ask for a high-quality one). The pass road is generally quiet and safe for confident riders, but if you’re not experienced on two wheels, hiring a driver is wise - many say the Hai Van Pass ride was a trip highlight when done with an Easy Rider guide. They handle the driving, so you can soak up views and even take photos on the move. Weather note: if it’s raining heavily, consider taking the tunnel by bus/car instead for safety. On arrival in Hoi An, most one-way rental services have an office in town to drop off the bike.

Hoi an Ancient Town Is the Top Favorite Spot for Travel Influencers in Vietnam!

Day 4: Hoi An’s Charms and Countryside - A full day to enjoy Hoi An and its surroundings. In the morning, take a guided bike tour to the countryside (many local tour operators run half-day cycling trips ~$25). Pedal through emerald rice fields to visit villages that craft things like sleeping mats or boatbuilding. Pop by the Tra Que herb village and even join farmers tending the gardens - a hands-on experience often included in tours. Return to town for a leisurely afternoon. Beat the heat by relaxing at your hotel pool or indulging in a spa massage (Hoi An has many mid-range spas; a 60-min massage ~$20). Later, dive into Hoi An’s rich culture: join a cooking class. Many mid-range classes ( ~$30-$40) include a market tour to buy ingredients then a hands-on lesson to cook 3-4 dishes (enjoy your creations for dinner). As dusk falls, Hoi An’s beauty peaks - stroll the riverfront as lanterns are lit, maybe even release your own paper lantern on the water for luck. Shop for souvenirs - perhaps get a pair of custom leather sandals or a tailored summer dress (tailoring is reasonably priced and quick; you could have an item made within 24 hours from ~$30, depending on fabric). End the night at a quiet riverside bar with a local brew or a cocktail.

Stay: Same Hoi An hotel (consider upgrading to a room with a balcony or river view for a small extra fee - worth it for relaxation).
Transport: Bicycles (many hotels lend them free) are ideal for getting around Hoi An’s flat landscape. Taxis or hotel cars can take you to any farther spots comfortably.
Activities: If you prefer, swap the morning bike tour for a visit to My Sơn Sanctuary - the Cham ruins an hour from Hoi An. A guided tour (by bus or jeep, ~$25) lets you explore these 4th-century temple remnants in the jungle with expert commentary, and you’ll be back after lunch. In town, use your Old Town ticket to enter a couple of historic merchant houses or assembly halls. Also consider visiting the Reaching Out Tea House - a peaceful cafe run by hearing-impaired staff, known for its serene atmosphere and local tea sets (a unique, contemplative experience).
Food: Enjoy Hoi An’s best dishes. Breakfast might be Vietnamese pancakes at your hotel or a bowl of phở. During the cooking class, you’ll whip up classics like spring rolls and maybe Hội An-style fish in banana leaf, gaining recipes to take home. For dessert or a midday treat, try mot - a refreshing herbal drink sold on the street, or stop by Reaching Out’s sister establishment for Vietnamese tea and cookies. If you have room late at night, grab a scoop of homemade ice cream at Before & Now creamery or a slice of mango cake from the night market.
Tips: The summer heat in central Vietnam is intense - schedule active pursuits in early morning or late afternoon. The cooking class doubles as dinner, so a lighter lunch is advised. When shopping, mid-range travelers can appreciate that prices are still negotiable - don’t hesitate to haggle respectfully even for tailoring (many shops will offer a discount if you buy multiple items or pay in cash). Also, take advantage of your hotel’s concierge - they can recommend reputable tailor shops, spas, and tours so you avoid any tourist traps.

Hanoi Old Town

Day 5: Fly to Hanoi - Discover the Capital - Say goodbye to Hoi An and catch a morning flight from Da Nang to Hanoi (~1 hour, often ~$50). Arrive in Hanoi around mid-day and transfer to your hotel in the Old Quarter or French Quarter. Choose a stylish mid-range hotel like Hanoi La Siesta Trendy (boutique luxury feel ~$75) or Hanoi Essence Hotel (right in the Old Quarter, ~$60) to have a comfortable base. After settling in, head out to explore Hanoi’s Old Quarter on foot or via cyclo. Unlike HCMC, Hanoi’s vibe is more traditional and artsy. Visit the Temple of Literature - Vietnam’s first university, tranquil with lotus ponds (30k VND entry). Stop by the Train Street in the afternoon for a coffee - this narrow street is famous for trains rumbling past doorsteps (check if it’s open to tourists; if not, you can still watch from a café at a distance). In late afternoon, join an electric scooter or vintage Minsk motorbike tour of the city (several operators, ~$50) - an adventurous way to zip through Hanoi’s maze of streets, see West Lake, the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum exteriors, and even hidden spots like banana plantations along the Red River, all with a guide. You’ll witness the crazy traffic from a local’s perspective but with an experienced driver, so you can safely enjoy the ride. Tonight, treat yourself to a blend of local and fine dining: make a reservation at T.U.N.G Dining, an acclaimed creative restaurant on Asia’s top 100 list (tasting menu ~$60) or try the iconic Cha Ca La Vong restaurant for Hanoi’s famous turmeric fish fry (around 120k VND) - it’s a rustic, one-dish spot that’s been serving up fish with dill and peanuts for over a century. Two very different experiences, both memorable. If you have energy after dinner, take a relaxing walk along Hoan Kiem Lake to see it illuminated, and perhaps grab a drink at a rooftop bar like Twilight Sky for a panoramic view of the lake and city lights.

Hidden tip: If you have some spare time, you can visit the Quang Ba flower market which is one of the most famous markets among locals in Vietnam for fresh flowers!

Stay: Comfortable hotel in central Hanoi. Many mid-range hotels here have boutique charm and excellent service - you might even get a welcome drink or fruit platter on arrival. If you stay in the French Quarter, you’ll be near the Opera House and high-end boutiques; in the Old Quarter, you’ll be amid the lively street action - choose based on your preference.
Transport: Flight from Danang (DAD) to Hanoi (HAN) - flying saves nearly 16 hours by train/bus. Book an early flight (8-9am) to maximize Hanoi time. Hanoi airport to the center is ~45 minutes; arrange a hotel car ($18-$20) or take a comfortable shuttle bus ($5). Within Hanoi, taxis and Grab are cheap - a 10-minute ride is just a couple of dollars. For touring, walking and cyclo rides are great in the Old Quarter, but avoid peak traffic times if going by cyclo.
Activities: If interested in culture, you can visit the Hoa Lo Prison Museum (“Hanoi Hilton”) before it closes (5pm) for insight into Vietnam War history (entry 30k VND). The motorbike city tour usually covers a lot, including maybe a stop for egg coffee or street food, and gives a thrilling overview. Alternatively, if you prefer to slow down, skip the bike tour and enjoy a traditional water puppet show in the evening at Thang Long Theater ($7) - unique to Hanoi and quite charming.
Food: Hanoi’s mid-range dining is superb. For lunch after arrival, try Bún Chả Tuyết or Đắc Kim for bun cha in the Old Quarter - flavorful and safe. In the afternoon, consider stopping by Cafe Giảng for the original egg coffee in a rustic cafe where this coffee was invented (around 30k VND, it’s like a coffee flavored dessert in a cup!). The dinner at T.U.N.G Dining will be an upscale gastronomic adventure (reserve ahead; smart casual dress). If you opt for cha ca fish instead, know that at Chả Cá Lã Vọng they only serve one dish - they’ll fry the marinated fish at your table in sizzling oil with heaps of dill and green onions, and you combine it with noodles and peanuts - an authentic Hanoian experience.
Tips: Domestic flights in Vietnam are frequent but aim to arrive at the airport 1.5 hours early in case of security lines. In Hanoi, note that nightlife is more subdued than Saigon - many bars close by midnight due to curfews (though this is loosening). However, the weekend night market and walking street around Hoan Kiem Lake (if your Day 5 is a Fri/Sat/Sun) is lively - streets close to traffic and there are often free traditional performances or street games to watch. Mid-range travelers can enjoy Hanoi’s mix of old and new - don’t be afraid to stop into a street food stall even if you dined at a fancy place earlier; the authenticity of crouching on a tiny stool for late-night phở is part of the fun.

Boats Parked in Halong Bay During Cruise Tour

Day 6: Hanoi to Halong Bay Cruise - Experience one of Vietnam’s natural wonders in style. In the morning, transfer from Hanoi to Hạ Long Bay. Instead of the regular 4-hour bus, upgrade the journey: take a seaplane flight from Hanoi to Halong (optional, 45 minutes, ~$175) for a spectacular aerial view of the bay’s limestone islands. It’s a splurge, but fliers rave that it’s well worth the price for the panoramic vista of emerald waters and karsts. You’ll land in Halong Bay around noon to meet your overnight cruise. Check in for a 1-night luxury cruise (many excellent mid-range options $150-$250/person including meals). Enjoy a welcome drink as the ship sets sail among thousands of towering karst islets. Typically, the first day includes a sumptuous lunch on deck, then an excursion: perhaps kayaking through lagoons, visiting a limestone cave, or stopping at Titop Island to hike for a view or swim at the beach. Back on board, partake in a spring roll cooking demo or sunset happy hour on the sundeck. Dine on fresh seafood and Vietnamese-European fusion cuisine in the dining room - the quality on these higher-end junks is often a highlight (think juicy tiger prawns, spring rolls, and even fine wine). After dinner, you might squid-fish off the side or stargaze from the top deck. Fall asleep in a comfortable private cabin with your own balcony, lulled by the lapping waves in this UNESCO World Heritage seascape.

Stay: Onboard a Halong Bay cruise (e.g., Orchid Cruise, Athena Luxury Cruise, or Paradise Elegance). Cabins are like hotel rooms - en-suite bathroom, large windows; some even have a bathtub with a view. Mid-range cruises often limit 20-40 guests, ensuring a more personalized experience.
Transport: Private transfer or seaplane: If not taking the seaplane, your cruise package likely includes a luxury van pick-up from your Hanoi hotel (depart ~8am). The new highway gets you to Halong in ~2.5 hours now, making even the drive much quicker. The seaplane option not only saves time but doubles as a scenic tour (15-minute aerial sightseeing over the bay before landing).
Activities: On cruise Day 1: kayaking is a must-do - paddling through sea caves into hidden lagoons feels adventurous yet peaceful. The cave visit (Surprise Cave or similar) showcases impressive stalactites. If you climb Ti Top Island, you’re rewarded with a postcard-perfect view of the bay - have your camera ready. Onboard, join the chef for a fun nem (spring roll) wrapping session, or just relax on a deck chair. Some cruises also offer a sunset tai chi session - a gentle introduction to this meditative exercise against a gorgeous sunset.
Food: All meals on the cruise are included and typically excellent. Let them know of any dietary needs - they accommodate vegetarians, etc. Enjoy the multi-course lunch, perhaps with dishes like stir-fried squid, mango salad, grilled fish, and tropical fruits. Dinner might be a mix of Vietnamese and Western - you might find phở broth as a starter and beef steak or baked seafood as mains. There’s usually an afternoon tea with snacks, and you can buy drinks (not included) - treat yourself to a glass of wine or a cocktail at sunset.
Tips: Bring an overnight bag and leave your big suitcases in Hanoi (ask your hotel to store luggage, which they usually do free). Pack swimwear, sunscreen, insect repellent, and maybe a light jacket for evening breeze on deck. The cruise will have life jackets for kayaking. Tipping the cruise crew at the end (a few dollars) is appreciated for good service. Note: Wi-Fi is spotty on the bay - embrace being mostly offline. This is your time to disconnect and revel in Halong’s dreamlike scenery.

Day 7: Ha Long Bay and Return to Hanoi - Wake up early in Halong to the sound of gentle waves. Join a tai chi session on the sundeck at dawn (a serene, bucket-list moment as mist rises around the jungle-clad peaks). After a light breakfast, the cruise continues weaving through the bay. This morning’s excursion might be to a pearl farm to see how pearls are cultivated, or a quiet floating village where you can row in a bamboo boat among locals’ homes. Alternatively, some cruises visit another cave or island. Savor a hearty brunch on board as the boat heads back to harbor around 10:30-11:00am. You’ll disembark by late morning. If you have time before your flight, you could arrange a transfer to visit the Quảng Ninh Museum (striking modern architecture, interesting exhibits on the region - entry 40k VND) or simply relax at a café by Halong marina. Depart Halong by early afternoon for the ride back to Hanoi (those on seaplane will fly back around 12:00). Arrive in Hanoi by 3-4pm. If flying out of Hanoi this evening, head straight to Nội Bài Airport (allow 3 hours from Halong to airport). Otherwise, retrieve your luggage in Hanoi and enjoy a final evening. Perhaps get a relaxing herbal spa treatment - a mid-range spa like Omamori Spa offers blind massage therapists and fair prices (~$20/hour) - or do some last-minute shopping (silk scarves, coffee beans from Trung Nguyen, or propaganda poster art make great gifts). For a grand finale dinner, try Home Hanoi Restaurant in the French Quarter - set in a colonial villa, it serves classic Vietnamese cuisine with a modern twist (mains ~$10-$15). Toast to your week of adventures with a Hanoi beer or French wine.

Stay: If not flying out, one more night in Hanoi (you could switch to a hotel near the airport for convenience, but it’s more pleasant to stay downtown and take a transfer later). Some travelers with late flights even book a cheap hotel just for the evening to shower and rest before heading out.
Transport: Cruise shuttle or seaplane back to Hanoi. If you have an evening flight from Hanoi, it’s best to arrange a direct airport drop-off from Halong (most cruise companies can arrange this for an extra fee) so you don’t have to backtrack into the city. The drive to the airport from Halong takes ~3.5 hours, so a 7pm or later flight is usually safe.
Activities: The Halong cruise morning is more laid-back. If you choose not to do the morning excursion, you can simply sunbathe on deck or take photographs - the light in early morning is great for photography. Back in Hanoi, if you have a few hours, you might visit Ngoc Son Temple on Hoan Kiem Lake if you haven't yet (entry 30k VND, to see the preserved giant turtle and temple), or enjoy a coffee with a lake view.
Food: Brunch on the boat will fill you up (usually an East-meets-West spread with noodles, omelets, pastries, etc.). For any transit hunger, your transfer might stop at a rest stop where you can grab snacks or buy local candies. In Hanoi, for your final meal, you could also consider something fun like BBQ on Phùng Hưng Street (grill your own meats at the table, popular with locals, mid-range pricing), or stick to a refined restaurant as mentioned. Don’t forget dessert: Hanoi has amazing chè (sweet soups) and also Western-style bakeries if you crave cake.
Tips: Account for travel time today - it’s essentially a half travel day. If your flight is next morning, you have the option to spend a relaxed last night in Hanoi. Some prefer to book a foodie tour by jeep on their final night to hit any foods they missed - if you have room, it can be a delicious last hurrah. Also, settle any remaining bills in Vietnamese đồng or change back minimal currency; tipping your Hanoi hotel staff or driver is a nice gesture. Finally, reflect on the journey from south to north - you’ve comfortably conquered Vietnam’s highlights and even road-tripped the famous Hải Vân Pass, all in a week full of stories and smiles.

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