A week sounds like a lot until you look at a map of Vietnam. Flying from Hà Nội to Sài Gòn and back eats into two days, and every extra stop means more packing and transfers. The happiest one-week trips we see are the ones that stay in one region and go deeper.
So instead of one rushed north-to-south route, here are three complete weeks — pick the one that fits your dates. (If you have 10 days, see our 10-day itinerary instead.)
Which week fits your dates?
| Month you travel | Best region for 7 days |
|---|---|
| January | South |
| February | South or Centre |
| March–April | Any — all three are good |
| May | North or Centre |
| June–August | Centre |
| September | North |
| October–November | North |
| December | South |
Why? It comes down to the three different climates. The full story is in the best time to visit Vietnam.
Week 1: The north
| Day | Plan |
|---|---|
| 1 | Arrive in Hà Nội, evening walk around Hoàn Kiếm Lake |
| 2 | Hà Nội: Temple of Literature, Old Quarter, bún chả lunch |
| 3 | Ninh Bình: boat trip through Tràng An or Tam Cốc, overnight in a homestay |
| 4 | Ninh Bình morning (Hang Múa viewpoint), transfer to Hạ Long / Lan Hạ Bay |
| 5 | Overnight cruise, back to Hà Nội in the afternoon |
| 6 | Free day in Hà Nội: museum, cooking class or café-hopping |
| 7 | Fly home |
Why it works: everything is within three hours of Hà Nội, so there are no flights inside the trip. Our Hà Nội first-timer guide helps you plan the city days.
Week 2: The centre
| Day | Plan |
|---|---|
| 1 | Arrive in Đà Nẵng, transfer to Hội An (about 45 minutes) |
| 2 | Hội An old town early, cycle to the rice fields and An Bàng beach |
| 3 | Hội An: cooking class or tailor fittings; lantern-lit evening |
| 4 | Drive over the Hải Vân Pass to Huế |
| 5 | Huế: Imperial City and a royal tomb |
| 6 | Back to Đà Nẵng: Marble Mountains and Mỹ Khê beach |
| 7 | Fly home from Đà Nẵng |
Why it works: one airport, short drives, and a mix of history, food and beach.
Week 3: The south
| Day | Plan |
|---|---|
| 1 | Arrive in Sài Gòn, evening street food in District 1 or 3 |
| 2 | Sài Gòn: War Remnants Museum, Reunification Palace, Bến Thành area |
| 3 | Mekong Delta: boats, canals and orchards, overnight in a homestay |
| 4 | Early floating market, back to Sài Gòn |
| 5 | Fly to Phú Quốc |
| 6 | Phú Quốc: beaches, snorkelling, sunset |
| 7 | Fly home (via Sài Gòn or direct where available) |
Why it works: city, river life and island in one week, with just one short domestic flight.
How to choose if more than one fits
- First time in Asia? The centre is the gentlest start: compact, walkable and easy.
- Love scenery and hiking? The north.
- Want sun and sea at the end? The south.
Tips for a smooth week
- Book a flight into and out of the same region’s airport to avoid backtracking.
- Do not plan anything big on your arrival day.
- Keep one half-day free for rain or rest.
- Budget for your week with our Vietnam travel cost guide.
ONE WEEK, NO STRESS
Check your entry rules
Some passports can stay visa-free for a week or more; others need an e-visa. Find out which applies to you.
Read our visa guide →