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On this article, I’ll share our 7-day itinerary for Vietnam. 1 week in Vietnam is just not a lot, nevertheless it’s potential to go to among the primary highlights of this wonderful nation: from Ho Chi Minh Metropolis to Ha Lengthy Bay.
Hey there! Are you planning a visit to Vietnam however unsure the place to begin? Look no additional as a result of we’ve obtained you lined with this 7-day itinerary! Prepare for an thrilling journey by a few of Vietnam’s most gorgeous locations, from the bustling metropolis streets of Ho Chi Minh Metropolis to the serene waters of Ha Lengthy Bay.
I’ll share with you the precise itinerary that we adopted in Vietnam: we landed in Ho Chi Minh Metropolis, then went to discover Phu Quoc due to its good seashores and the truth that it was the one heat seaside vacation spot in Vietnam in winter. Afterwards, we flew to Hanoi and, from there, went to Ha Lengthy Bay. In whole, we spent 7 days in Vietnam, which isn’t rather a lot, however we liked it a lot and can gladly be again to discover the center of Vietnam (Hoy An, Da Nang and different wonderful locations).
Helpful hyperlinks on your journey to Vietnam:
I’ve obtained a number of requests to offer a short abstract of all of the necessary and helpful hyperlinks used on this put up for different articles that includes our itineraries, so right here’s an summary of helpful hyperlinks for the Vietnam 1-week itinerary:
Flights: Skyscanner for the flights to Vietnam and inner flights. I like to recommend flying with Vietnam Airways
Taxis: Grab
SIM card: you may both purchase one on the airport or purchase a multi-country sim like Drimsim that works in a lot of totally different locations all over the world
Plug sort: use this multi-country adapter
Excursions: street food tour of Ho Chi Minh City by motorbike with native college students, Hanoi sightseeing tour, Phu Quoc snorkelling tour
Ha Lengthy Bay cruise: book here
Resorts: Hammock Ho Chi Minh City Ben Thanh, Salinda Resort Phu Quoc, JM Marvel Hanoi
Earlier than we begin with the itinerary, listed here are a few FAQs:
What’s the perfect time to go to Vietnam? When did you journey to Vietnam?
Vietnam is an all-year-long vacation spot. Nevertheless, summer season in Vietnam may be highly regarded and humid. We visited Vietnam in winter, December & January, and we had the perfect climate within the South – Phu Quoc and Ho Chi Minh Metropolis, nevertheless it was very chilly, unusually chilly, in Hanoi. After we have been in Hanoi, it was simply 15-16 levels. Nevertheless, it was moderately uncommon – it’s not typically that chilly in Hanoi in December!
It’s laborious to say what’s the perfect time to go to Vietnam – it relies on what precisely you wish to go to. Since we picked a time of the 12 months first – we knew that we might solely have sufficient annual go away for this journey in December; over the Christmas holidays; we needed to work round that and embrace the locations which have the perfect climate in winter. If we have been to journey in October, it will have been a special situation, and we’d possible tweak this itinerary a bit of bit and go to totally different locations.
The center of Vietnam, the realm of Hoi An, will get very wet in winter – therefore, we determined to skip it and go to different locations with higher climate.
What’s one of the simplest ways to journey round Vietnam?
Travelling round Vietnam may be very inexpensive, however provided that you journey by bus and prepare. Nevertheless, for that, you’ll want to have greater than 1 week in Vietnam. In any other case, you spend most of your time in Vietnam simply getting from one vacation spot to a different. If time is restricted, you will have to purchase flights – and people aren’t too low-cost. Nevertheless, I discovered inner flights in Vietnam to be very dependable and fairly good total, particularly for those who fly with Vietnam Airways.
When travelling contained in the cities, I like to recommend utilizing Seize – which is an Asian model of Uber. It really works in lots of nations, and it’s fairly dependable and really inexpensive. You need to use my referral link to install it.
Alright, with out additional ado, let’s begin with the itinerary for Vietnam in 7 days – the perfect locations to go to in Vietnam in winter.
The proper itinerary for 1 week in Vietnam: Ho Chi Minh Metropolis, Phu Quoc, Hanoi & Ha Lengthy Bay: a day-by-day overview
Earlier than I’m going into an excessive amount of element on what we did do on daily of our journey to Vietnam, I needed to offer a short overview of our itinerary.
Days 1 & 2 – Exploring Ho Chi Minh Metropolis, staying at Hammock Inn Ben Thanh
Day 3: Morning flight to Phu Quoc, staying at Salinda Resort
Day 4: Exploring Phu Quoc
Day 5: Afternoon flight to Hanoi, an evening at JM Marvel
Day 6: Morning decide up from the Ha Lengthy Bay cruise firm, cruising the Ha Lengthy Bay
Day 7: Getting again to Hanoi, exploring the town
Day 8: Morning in Hanoi and flying again
Now, let’s discuss this itinerary in additional element.
Days 1 & 2: Exploring Ho Chi Minh Metropolis
Touchdown in Ho Chi Minh Metropolis
In the event you solely have one week to spend in Vietnam, I like to recommend shopping for multi-city flights, identical to we did. We landed in Ho Chi Minh Metropolis and departed from Hanoi, which was very handy.
Our flight to Ho Chi Minh Metropolis was a direct flight from London, and it landed very early within the morning, round 5AM. Since we hadn’t managed to sleep on the aircraft, we determined to e book a really inexpensive resort subsequent to the airport simply to sleep for a few hours. We ended up reserving Victoria Airport Lodge, which wasn’t an ideal place to sleep because it was very noisy, however a minimum of we might chill out for just a few hours, from 6am to 11am.
Exploring Ho Chi Minh Metropolis
We arrived at our residence for the subsequent 2 nights, resort Hammock Ben Thanh round 12pm and, fortunately, managed to verify in early. Hammock Ben Thanh is situated in the perfect space of Ho Chi Minh for exploring the town – there are many cafes, eating places and points of interest close by, and you may stroll to a lot of the different main points of interest.
Central Market
We went for a stroll across the Ben Thanh space, tried a conventional Vietnamese sandwich, Bahn Mi, for lunch, after which later spent a while exploring the Central Market. The Central Market is known for its replicas of designer items. Nevertheless, we have been inquisitive about one other part of this market – the realm with fruits, teas and sweets from Vietnam. We managed to purchase just a few edible souvenirs there. In the event you’re seeking to purchase some presents, e.g. sweets, espresso or tea from Vietnam – it’s a superb place to buy them.
Road meals tour by bike
Within the early night, we had our Ho Chi Minh Metropolis avenue meals tour by bike with native college students. We booked this tour in advance on GetYourGuide here. It’s a tour that I positively advocate to everybody visiting Vietnam. Not solely we tried a lot of totally different dishes we wouldn’t have tried in any other case, however we additionally realized rather a lot in regards to the historical past of Vietnam, rode a bike within the metropolis with most bikes in Vietnam (and doubtless all the world) and hung out in nice firm! Every of us obtained assigned a scholar who drove us round by bike and confirmed us the perfect issues to eat in Vietnam. The tour lasted for nearly 4 hours, and it was implausible! We ended the tour close to the Strolling avenue – the occasion avenue of Ho Chi Minh Metropolis!
Making an attempt Egg Espresso
Just a few individuals advisable we attempt the standard Vietnamese Egg Espresso, and the subsequent morning; we headed to essentially the most iconic place to attempt it, Little Hanoi Egg Espresso. Egg espresso is a really distinctive factor, and I haven’t seen it anyplace else however Vietnam. It’s espresso with an egg inside, and it must be consumed scorching (I’ve tried the chilly model as effectively, and it wasn’t that nice).
Strolling across the upscale a part of Ho Chi Minh Metropolis
Later, we went for a stroll across the extra upscale a part of Ho Chi Minh Metropolis, the place a lot of the boutiques have been situated, proper subsequent to the Ho Chi Minh Monument, the Folks’s Committee Constructing and The Opera Home. That is most likely essentially the most lovely a part of Ho Chi Minh Metropolis, so it’s positively price exploring.
Ho Chi Minh Metropolis from above in Bitexco Tower
One other must-visit place in Ho Chi Minh is the Remark Deck on the Bitexco Tower. The doorway prices lower than $10 per particular person, and the views from there are nice! Bitexco Tower was Vietnam’s tallest constructing for a protracted whereas earlier than Landmark Tower was constructed. Nevertheless, Bitexco Tower remains to be one of the iconic buildings within the nation and even in all the world.
Sipping cocktails with the perfect view at Landmark Tower
Our subsequent vacation spot, the Landmark Tower, was a brief Seize drive away (btw as I discussed earlier than, Seize is an Uber different in Asia), and you may use my link to install it.
At Landmark Tower, we have been heading to the Clean Lounge Espresso Bar by Nest – one of many highest cafes/bars in Asia. We didn’t have a reservation, however fortunately, there have been some out there spots on the open-air terrace, which was terrific. We additionally liked the cocktails and desserts there – the menu was artistic and really scrumptious. If I used to be to advocate one place in Ho Chi Minh Metropolis, it will be Clean Lounge.
Exploring the Outdated Submit Workplace and the Notre Dame Cathedral
Our ultimate vacation spot in Ho Chi Minh Metropolis was the previous a part of the town with the Submit Workplace and Notre Dame Cathedral. The put up workplace (Sai Gon Central Submit Workplace) is free to go to, and inside, it has a working put up workplace and some memento outlets. Notre Dame Cathedral is without doubt one of the oldest surviving buildings in Ho Chi Minh Metropolis (it was completed in the midst of the nineteenth century), and it’s a working cathedral that you may simply go to.
Days 3-4: Phu Quoc
On the third day of our 7-day journey to Vietnam, we wakened fairly early to go to the airport and seize a flight to Phu Quoc. Out of all of the seashores, there in Vietnam, we determined to choose Phu Quoc as a result of it was just about the one place with good climate in December!
The place to remain in Phu Quoc?
There are many choices for lodging in Phu Quoc, and we did loads of analysis earlier than committing to 1 place. We booked Salinda Resort – which is without doubt one of the greatest resorts in Phu Quoc, it has nice rankings, however is just not overly costly. It has a beautiful seaside, and it’s only a quick taxi trip from Phu Quoc city with its evening market.
Issues to do in Phu Quoc in 2 days:
In the event you simply wish to relaxation, you are able to do that completely effectively at Salinda Resort. You possibly can spend more often than not stress-free on the seaside and swimming and within the afternoon, stroll alongside the excessive avenue and go to a therapeutic massage place or a espresso place, for instance.
In the event you’re eager on doing a bit extra sightseeing in Phu Quoc, you may rent a motorbike and do a tour across the island. Alternatively, listed here are the highest issues to do in Phu Quoc:
- Discover the bustling evening market in Phu Quoc, the place you may pattern scrumptious Vietnamese avenue meals and buy souvenirs. The market is definitely accessible by taxi (simply 9 minutes by taxi from Salinda Resort).
- Take a scuba diving or snorkelling tour and uncover the colorful coral reefs and various marine life round Phu Quoc. You possibly can pre-book this tour in advance here
- Embark on a guided tour of Phu Quoc Nationwide Park, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, the place you may discover lush forests and encounter uncommon wildlife.
- Go to the historic Phu Quoc Jail Museum to study in regards to the island’s previous through the Vietnam Struggle and achieve perception into the resilience of the Vietnamese individuals.
There’s additionally a tremendous cocktail place/speakeasy bar situated throughout the street from Salinda Resort, which we liked and I can 100% advocate!
Day 5: Afternoon flight to Hanoi
On our fifth day in Vietnam, we took a flight to Hanoi. Our flight was within the afternoon, so we had an opportunity to spend the morning on the resort and swim a bit extra. The flight from Phu Quoc to Hanoi is for much longer than the one from Ho Chi Minh Metropolis to Phu Quoc and takes nearly 2 hours (it’s far!). We landed in Hanoi round 3pm, and it took us nearly an hour to get to our resort, JM Marvel. We booked a taxi by way of Seize app, as all the time, nevertheless it took some time to reach.
Issues to do in Hanoi in December
We had an entire night to so spend in Hanoi. Nevertheless, it was very chilly. The climate in Hanoi in December may be fairly temperamental. It was simply 14 levels on our first day in Hanoi, 16 on our second day and 21 levels in every week once we returned from Laos. When packing for this journey in winter, make certain to carry some heat garments with you. I like to recommend bringing a light-weight, packable goose climate jacket (like those from Uniqlo) – I wore It on our first and second days in Hanoi and in addition within the night on the Ha Lengthy Bay Cruise.
On our first night in Hanoi, we determined to have dinner in a restaurant that’s advisable by loads of guides, Duong’s. They’ve loads of conventional Vietnamese dishes with a twist.
Afterwards, we went to see the trains on the well-known prepare tracks cafes. Mainly, it’s a pedestrian-only avenue with prepare tracks within the center and cafes and outlets on either side. Every so often, a prepare passes, and everybody must clear the road and keep within the cafes/outlets – the trains move very near individuals!
After that, we walked a bit of bit across the centre of Hanoi, had some milk tea and headed again to our resort, JM Marvel, to sleep early to arrange for the early decide up for the Ha Lengthy Bay cruise.
Day 6: In a single day Ha Lengthy Bay Cruise
Which Ha Lengthy Bay Cruise to e book
It’s important to e book your Ha Lengthy Bay cruise upfront – we booked ours a month upfront, and plenty of cruises have been already bought out. We tried to e book Athena, however there was no availability, so the company urged Paradise Class Cruise as a substitute. Paradise Cruises supplied a free switch to the cruise and again, which was very useful, and the minibus was very snug. You possibly can check the availability of the cruise here.
Attending to Ha Lengthy Bay
Our pick-up was round 8:25am from the foyer of our resort. Then we drove to choose up one other couple from a resort close by.
The drive to Ha Lengthy Bay takes round 2-2.5 hours, relying on the visitors. Most transfers additionally make a technical cease on the Pearl Museum, the place there’s a museum, a big pearl store, just a few cafes and a rest room.
By 11:20am, we arrived at a resort for a cruise check-in, the place we obtained bracelets of various colors. The color of your bracelets dictates your boarding time. We obtained black bracelets and have been among the many final ones to board. Our boarding began at 12:20pm, and we had one hour to kill within the resort foyer. There was only one cafe and never sufficient sitting house for all friends, so the wait was fairly tiring.
Onboard expertise on Class ship (Paradise Ha Lengthy Bay cruise)
By 1:30pm, we had boarded and already had a fast briefing and lunch (it was a buffet, and the standard and selection have been glorious). There are 2-3 actions you are able to do on the primary day and 1 exercise on the second day of the cruise.
The primary exercise included kayaking and a go to to the pearl farm, which required a further fee of round $12 per particular person. Nevertheless, because it was solely 16 levels outdoors and also you needed to be in a swimsuit, we determined to skip the exercise.
At 4pm, the second exercise began – it was a go to to Titov island – there’s a good seaside – if there climate permits, it’s good to swim there. Alternatively, there’s a hill in the midst of the island, and you may climb it to see magnificent views of Ha Lengthy Bay – among the greatest views have been seen throughout our go to to Ha Lengthy Bay.
Nevertheless, the island is insanely busy, so it takes 20 minutes and loads of stairs simply to go up and doubtless, much more, to go downstairs.
We obtained again to the boat round 5:30pm, simply in time for the sundown. Throughout sundown, there was a free cooking class, and after dinner, there was reside music in one of many rooms on the cruise.
The following exercise was very early within the morning, and it included a go to to the biggest and essentially the most well-known collapse Ha Lengthy Bay. Nevertheless, you needed to be prepared by 6:35am to go on this tour. By 8:15am, you needed to be again on the boat and have breakfast and the checkout was at 9:30-10am.
As you may see, the 2-day, 1-night Ha Lengthy Bay cruises do not likely take 2 days – it’s extra like 24 hours. By 10:30am, we have been already within the foyer of our resort, ready for the return switch and by 1:30pm, we have been again in Hanoi!
Day 7: Exploring Hanoi
On our final day of seven days in Vietnam, we had on a regular basis since 1:30pm to see the town, so we determined to do some sightseeing. Listed below are some landmarks I like to recommend visiting:
Imperial Citadel
It’s one of many oldest and most spectacular buildings in Hanoi. It was the political centre of Vietnam for over 13 centuries and served because the capital of the nation through the Ly, Tran, and Le dynasties. Contained in the Citadel, there’s a wide range of constructions, together with palaces, temples, and residences. These constructions have been constructed in several intervals, and every displays the distinctive architectural types and cultural influences of its time.
Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum
This imposing constructing is the ultimate resting place of Vietnam’s most well-known chief. Guests will pay their respects to Ho Chi Minh and study his life and legacy.
The Temple of Literature
The Temple of Literature is a historic temple devoted to Confucius, with gorgeous structure, tranquil gardens, and a wealthy historical past. This website is a must-visit for anybody inquisitive about Vietnamese tradition and historical past.
Another locations I like to recommend visiting in Hanoi:
- Hoan Kiem Lake: That is the center of Hanoi, surrounded by lovely parks, temples, and historic buildings. Take a stroll across the lake or sit by the water and people-watch
- The Outdated Quarter with a lot of conventional outlets, avenue meals stalls, and historical temples. This space is a glimpse into Hanoi’s previous and an ideal place to expertise the town’s vibrant tradition. Nevertheless, it’s possible that you’ve got seen most of it already throughout your first night in Hanoi
- Thang Lengthy Water Puppet Theatre: a singular and conventional artwork kind that originated in North Vietnam, water puppetry is a must-see expertise in Hanoi. Performances are held on the Thang Lengthy Water Puppet Theatre, that includes elaborate puppets, reside music, and vibrant lights.
- Cong Ca Phe – our favorite espresso place in Hanoi. It’s a sequence with just a few espresso outlets, and so they have wonderful distinctive drinks.
Alternatively, you may take a sightseeing tour in Hanoi – a educated information will be capable of carry you to among the most necessary landmarks and share the historical past of Vietnam with you. This tour, for instance, is wonderful – as you get to be pushed across the metropolis on a classic bike!
Abstract of seven days in Vietnam: from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh Metropolis
I hope you loved this itinerary for every week in Vietnam, visiting Ho Chi Minh Metropolis, Phu Quoc, Ha Lengthy Bay and Hanoi. I like to recommend taking this itinerary in winter, because it’s the perfect season to go to the South of Vietnam, and it’s additionally a dry season within the North (nevertheless, it could possibly get a bit chilly). You may also invert this itinerary and begin from Hanoi and end in Ho Chi Minh Metropolis!
In case you have any questions, be happy to DM me at @lizatripsget – I would be capable of assist!
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