Vietnam 7-Day Itinerary 2026 — Hanoi, Halong Bay & Hoi An
Short on time but want to see Vietnam’s highlights? This fast-paced 7-day itinerary hits the north and centre — Hanoi, Halong Bay, and Hoi An — using a couple of quick domestic flights. It’s ideal for a first taste of Vietnam.
Best time to visit
October–April suits the north and centre; expect regional weather differences along the long country.
Day-by-day plan
- Day 1 — Hanoi: Old Quarter, Hoan Kiem Lake, street food, egg coffee.
- Day 2 — Hanoi: Ho Chi Minh Complex, Temple of Literature, Train Street, water puppets.
- Day 3 — Halong/Lan Ha Bay: Overnight cruise among the karsts.
- Day 4 — Back to Hanoi, fly to Da Nang: Transfer to Hoi An.
- Day 5 — Hoi An: Ancient Town lanterns, tailors, riverside; cooking class.
- Day 6 — Da Nang/Hoi An: Marble Mountains, Ba Na Hills (Golden Bridge), beach time.
- Day 7 — Depart from Da Nang.
Getting around & visa
Indians need a cheap e-visa (see our Vietnam visa guide). Use a domestic flight (Hanoi–Da Nang) to save time, and Grab within cities.
Budget & tips
- Mid-range 7-day trip: ~₹35,000–55,000 per person excluding international flights.
- Book the Halong cruise with a reputable operator.
- Eat street food at busy stalls; say “an chay” for vegetarian.
FAQs
Is 7 days enough for Vietnam? For the north + centre, yes. To add the south (Ho Chi Minh, Mekong), you’ll want 10–14 days.
