Vietnam is vast and varied. One week may not be enough to explore the entire country and experience its fascinating history and remarkable beauty. However, if you only have one week to spend for a vacation in Vietnam, the best thing that you can do is to plan your trip well. So to ensure that you’ll get the best out of your one-week Vietnamese adventure, here’s a sample itinerary that you can follow.

Apply for Your Visa Ahead

Vietnam landing visa in Tan Son Nhat Airport, Ho Chi Minh city

When planning for your Vietnam trip, you should also make sure that you have everything sorted and that includes your visa. You need to research in advance if you need a visa to enter the country. If you belong to those countries that require a visa to Vietnam, simply apply for your visa at eVisa-Vietnam.com. Applying for your visa online is fast and easy. You just need to fill out the form with your details including your email address because this is where your visa is going to be sent. After that, you just need to make a payment and submit the form. Wait for a few days and you will receive an email for the pre-approval letter. Print this letter and bring this with you on your trip. This is what you are going to present to the immigration in Vietnam and they will let you into the country.

One-Week Vietnam Itinerary

After you have applied for your visa and booked your flight to Vietnam, you can now start planning for your one-week trip to Vietnam. Here’s an itinerary that you can follow:

Day 1 – Explore Ho Chi Minh City

The City Hall of Ho Chi Minh City

The city of Ho Chi Minh is a great place to start your trip to Vietnam. On your first day, take time to explore the city. The best thing about Ho Chi Minh is that you can explore most attractions by foot. Start at the Nguyen Hue and admire the French colonial architecture lining the street. Other attractions that are worth checking out are the American War Museum, Independence Palace, and the Notre Dame Basilica.

Day 2 – Visit the Cu Chi Tunnels

Cu Chi tunnels – famous place in Vietnam war – people dug underground for living

On your second day, wake up early to head to the Cu Chi Tunnels. Located in the outskirts of Ho Chi Minh, this 200 km long tunnel used to be the hiding place of soldiers during the Vietnam War. It’s a great place to visit if you want to learn more about the history of Vietnam. You also have the chance to get inside the tunnel if you wish or fire an AK-47 at the shooting range.

Day 3 – Fly to Hanoi

The temple of the Jade Mountain in Hoan Kiem Lake, Hanoi

Your trip to Vietnam would not be complete without visiting Hanoi, the country’s capital city and home to some popular historic and cultural landmarks. There are several cheap flights that you can book from Ho Chi Minh to Hanoi and only takes 2 hours. Arriving in Hanoi, make your way to the Old Quarter, a great base to start exploring the city. Be sure to check out the Hoan Kiem Lake, Temple of Literature, and the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum.

Day 4 – Visit Tam Coc in Ninh Binh

Discover Tam Coc and Bich Dong Pagoda by boat (Ninh Binh province, Vietnam)

Wake up early as you’re heading to Tam Coc, in the province of Ninh Binh, which is a two and a half hour drive away from Hanoi. You’ll spend the day visiting 10th-century temples, trekking across the rice fields, or floating down the Ngo Dong River while exploring some enchanting caves.

Day 5 and 6 – Cruise in Ha Long Bay

Beautiful view on tourist boats among limestone rocks of Ha Long Bay, Vietnam

Your last few days in Vietnam will be spent on a cruise soaking up the stunning nature views in the Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for its emerald green waters surrounded by beautiful limestone cliffs. You can choose from the many different cruises in Halong Bay. Since your time in the country is limited, a 2-day cruise should be enough. On this journey, you’ll have the opportunity to cliff dive and kayak into the beautiful blue lagoons and spend the rest of the evening at the deck of your boat admiring the beautiful sunset views.

Day 7 – Fly Home

On your final day, you can fly back to Ho Chi Minh and take your flight back home.

Family with luggage at the airport