Vietnam is a mesmerizing melange of stunning natural beauty, rich traditions and culture, and unique cuisine. A Vietnam itinerary makes for an experience that is sure to sweep you off your feet, in more ways than one. It was love at first sight for us when we visited the country for the first time. After Thailand and Cambodia, Vietnam was the third country we visited, which was cradled by the Mekong River.

The Mekong River flows through six countries, the other three being China, Myanmar, and Lao PDR, making it one of the longest rivers in the world. If you are planning a trip to Vietnam, this 1 Week Vietnam Itinerary, based on our personal experience, will surely help you in scripting your own Vietnam adventure.

Vietnam Travel Guide – 7 Days In Vietnam

We spent 7 days in Vietnam and covered three cities – Hanoi, Nha Trang, and Ho Chi Minh City. Our Vietnam itinerary also included the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ha Long Bay which is located approximately at a distance of about 180 kilometres from Hanoi city. We flew from India’s capital city Delhi to Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam on a Vietnam Airlines flight. We also flew on Vietnam Airlines flights for our travel within Vietnam.

This post is more than just a Vietnam 7-Day Itinerary. It is a Guide To Vietnam, especially for first-time visitors to Vietnam. Apart from information about where to visit in Vietnam for the first time, you shall also find information on where to eat, where to stay, currency, language, transportation, and the best time to visit Vietnam. Also included specifically for travellers to Vietnam from India is information about Vietnam trip costs from India, and Vietnam visa for Indians.

Best Vietnam Itinerary – Vietnam In Seven Days

We flew from Bangalore to Delhi, from where we boarded our Vietnam Airlines flight to Hanoi. Currently, you can fly to Vietnam from Delhi or Mumbai, there are direct flights to Hanoi from these places. This Vietnam itinerary spans over seven days and includes the day of arrival in Hanoi and the day of departure from Vietnam.

Vietnam Trip Itinerary – Day One In Hanoi

We arrived in the wee hour of the morning at the Noi Bai International Airport (HAN) in Hanoi. Immigration was a breeze and we were out of the airport in quick time. Hanoi is the political and cultural capital of Vietnam and there are many Places to visit in Hanoi and interesting experiences to be savoured. We had a packed day ahead. So after checking in at our hotel, Silk Path, we were ready to explore the attractions of Hanoi.

Vietnam Itinerary – Temple of Literature Hanoi

The Temple of Literature is a nice place to start your Hanoi sightseeing. Dating back to the year 1070, this Confucian temple also served as a place of learning exclusively for members of the royal clans. It has the distinction of hosting the first, “University of Vietnam,” known as, “The Imperial Academy,” between 1076 to 1779 and is located amidst tranquil environs right in the middle of the city.

The Temple of Literature is made up of gardens, pavilions, a lake, and temples. You should not miss the Stellae or stone tablets erected on the bodies of turtles. Incidentally, the turtle (Quy), is one of the 4 holy creatures that are revered in Vietnam, the other three are; Dragon (Long), Unicorn (Ly), and Phoenix (Phuong).  These were erected to honour those who were successful in the royal exams. Something like your degree certificate, but the difference is that these were etched in stone. The Temple of Literature on the currency note of the 100,000 Vietnamese Dong note.

Vietnam Itinerary – Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum Hanoi

A visit to Hanoi would be incomplete without visiting the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, the place where the embalmed body of the legendary Vietnamese leader lies. The mausoleum is in the centre of the historic Ba Dinh Square, where Ho Chi Minh read the Proclamation of Independence on 2 September 1945, which gave birth to the Democratic Republic of Vietnam.

The embalmed body of Ho Chi Minh called Uncle Ho by the grateful people of Vietnam lies in a glass chamber inside the mausoleum. The public is allowed inside the Mausoleum in the morning hours between 7.30 AM to 10.30 AM on all days except Mondays and Fridays.

Vietnam Itinerary – One Pillar Pagoda Hanoi

One can take a stroll in Ba Dinh Square and walk to the iconic One Pillar Pagoda Temple which is within walking distance. The One Pillar Pagoda is located in a serene setting and is a Buddhist temple that as the name suggests stands on one pillar. It is one of the famous temples of Hanoi whose origins date back to the 11th century. It was built by Emperor Ly Thai Tong. The structure was completely damaged in the year 1954, however, the current structure is the one that was restored in 1955 by Vietnam’s Ministry of Culture.

Vietnam Itinerary – Indian Vegetarian Lunch

After visiting the One Pillar Pagoda, we made our way to the Maazi Restaurant in Hanoi which served Indian food. There are many Indian restaurants in Hanoi so Indians and vegetarians can get their quota of spicy food easily. It was an elaborate lunch at the Maazi restaurant, complete with Pani  Poori, Paneer Tikka, Dal, Vegetable Pulao, different curries, in short, the works!

Vietnam Itinerary – Cycle Rickshaw Tour of Old Quarter Hanoi

After a heavy lunch, we hopped on a cycle rickshaw and sat back to enjoy a ride that took us through the historic Old Quarter of Hanoi. This area is the heart of Hanoi and connects the city to its roots. The ride gave us an immersive experience of the city’s culture and the local way of life.

We saw locals sitting on low stools on street corners with friends and family exhibiting a unique community bonding. They bonded over cups of coffee, small barbeques in front of them, or bowls of Pho  Bo, the famous street food of Vietnam. As Christmas was not far away, some of the shops were gaily decorated and it was a riot of colours, men and women were busy shopping as they sauntered on the streets dodging bikes and cycle rickshaws.

Vietnam Itinerary – Kiem Hoan Lake Hanoi

The Hoan Kiem Lake is a green lung space right in the middle of the Old Quarter. It is a popular evening hangout with locals, as we found out. The shimmering waters of the lake and the red-coloured bridge that connected to the small island in the centre of the lake presented a beautiful sight as the sun sank on the western horizon. The lake is surrounded by parks and gardens. The Lake is also referred to as the Sword Lake, or Lake of The Restored Sword, based on a Vietnamese legend associated with the Golden Turtle God (Kim Qui).

The Hoan Kiem Lake is just across the road from the Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre, and hence it was convenient for us to spend some time at the lake before our show began at the theatre.

Vietnam Itinerary – Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre Hanoi

Water Puppet Theatre in Hanoi is part of Vietnam’s culture and heritage. It is a craft that involves skill and a unique method of storytelling. It brings alive the culture of rural Vietnam and its legends and myths alive in a unique way. Water Puppet shows can be seen in Hanoi as well as other cities including Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon).

In Hanoi, Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre is where you get to experience this unique art. We watched the show with fascination. It was a fascinating fusion of music, skilful puppetry, and storytelling. The group of puppeteers stood in the water behind the screen for the entire show working at their craft. The moment at the end of the show when the puppeteers appeared from behind the curtains to take their bows standing knee-deep in water, was truly magical.

Vietnam Itinerary – Dinner Time

After the Water Puppet Show, we took a short walk in the Old Quarter area to one of the popular Indian restaurants in Hanoi, the Tandoor. We had another satisfying Indian vegetarian dinner, which was very good, before making our way back to the Silk Path Hotel to retire for the night. We had to leave early morning the next day for Ha Long Bay.

Vietnam Itinerary 7 Days – Day Two In Hanoi

It is always an intriguing experience waking up in a new land far away from home. You wake up with excitement, looking forward to new experiences. That is exactly how we woke up in Hanoi on day 2 of our Vietnam trip. We were travelling to Ha Long Bay and hence had to leave our hotel early. The hotel had arranged a packed breakfast for us which we had on our way to the Ha Long International Cruise Port, a drive of about two and a half hours from Hanoi.

Vietnam Itinerary – Aboard Ambassador Luxury Cruise

It was with a great deal of excitement that we arrived at the Ha Long Cruise Port to board our ship. After fortifying ourselves with hot cups of coffee in the lounge, we were taken by an electric golf cart to the boarding jetty. It was an awesome sight as huge liners stood shoulder to shoulder waiting for their turn to sail into the sea. We walked past the ships as our ship was anchored right at the end.

We boarded the luxury Ambassador Cruise which is in essence a floating luxury hotel of sorts. We were given our own luxury room to relax in. But of course, there was so much to see and experience, that there was hardly any time to relax. After a quick snack and coffee, we set about exploring the ship.

Vietnam Itinerary – Sung Sot Caves Ha Long Bay

You can choose to lounge on the upper deck or in the huge restaurant or relax in the jacuzzi. If you are craving privacy you can relax on the balcony of your room and watch the limestone rocks of Ha Long Bay pass by. But if you are the adventurous sort and crave activity, you can get off the ship and a host of activities await you.

One such activity on the Ha Long Bay cruise is a visit to the Sung Sot Caves which literally means, ” Cave of Surprises,” or, “Surprising Cave,” in the Vietnamese language. Discovered by the French in the year 1902. The Sun Sot Caves consist of a series of caverns. We hopped onto a smaller boat that took us to Bo Hon Island. Here we had to climb around 250 odd steps and also descend around the same number to access the many caverns that make up the Sung Sot Cave.

Inside, in semi-darkness, we witnessed the incredible works of the sculptor, Mother Nature. Water had sculpted strange and lifelike figures from the Limestone Karst, creating a surreal landscape. In Ha Long Bay, there are many such caves, however, the Sung Sot Cave is the main one and is an important destination for tourists to Ha Long Bay.

Vietnam Itinerary – Titop Island Ha Long Bay

After we visited the Sung Sot Caves, we took the boat to Ti Top Island. A small island with a limestone hill flanked by a small sandy beach. The beach was named after the Russian Cosmonaut Gherman Titov by Vietnam’s legendary leader and President Ho Chi Minh, after his visit here in 1962. The beach has a beautiful stretch of crescent-shaped white sand that has been bleached by the surf. It is an idyllic location to just relax on the beach or go for a swim. If you are in for some more rigorous pursuit, you can climb to the top of the hill for a stunning view of Ha Long Bay.

Vietnam Itinerary – Lunch On Board Ambassador Cruise

We returned to the ship after spending some lovely moments on the Ti Top island. A sumptuous buffet spread awaited us at the Ambassador Cruise Liner. It was a massive spread consisting of Vietnamese, Continental, and Pan Asian cuisine. We had a fantastic lunch and retired to our room for some moments of relaxation.

Vietnam Itinerary – Luon Cave Ha Long Bay

After a brief rest on board the luxury liner of Ambassador Cruises, we boarded a smaller boat for our next adventure in Halong Bay. Luon Cave is also part of the Bo Hon Island. It lies at the foot of a massive mountain. The Luon Cave is an arch-shaped entrance carved into the limestone that leads to an enchanting lagoon.

The lagoon itself is enclosed on all sides by limestone rocks covered with greenery and exotic plants, while when you look upwards, you can see white clouds framed against the blue skies. This is also reflected in the clear and tranquil waters of the lagoon. You can visit the Luon Cave either by yourself in a Kayak, or take a bamboo boat, and relax and take pictures of the panoramic scenes that unfold around you.

After an ethereal experience at the Luon Caves, we returned to the Cruise in time to spend some magical moments watching the sun go down on the western horizon, as we slowly set sail to the Ha Long Bay International Cruise Port.

Vietnam Itinerary – Dinner In Hanoi

We drove back to Hanoi taking with us beautiful memories of our luxury cruise in Ha Long Bay. We reached Hanoi and proceeded straight to a new Indian restaurant named, ‘Tadka,” which was within walking distance from our Hotel. We had another fine Indian vegetarian dinner and decided to take a walk before retiring for the night. We found out that the famous Hanoi Train Street was nearby, and so we went in search of it.

Vietnam Itinerary – Train Street Hanoi

We had seen many images and videos of the intriguing Train Street of Hanoi and wanted to see it with our own eyes as we were in Hanoi. After a few wrong turns, we finally reached the Train Street. We were a bit disappointed as we saw a train go by when we were still at a distance from the place.

However, we thought we could take pictures and videos of the place, train or no train. The place has been renovated and has been opened to the public in 2023. The atmosphere was very vibrant with small eateries and other shops lining both sides of the railway track.

We were busy clicking pictures when the ringing of a bell and the shouts of the shopkeepers alerted us about the approach of a train. Luck was on our side, and we were thrilled as a train hurtled past, we could feel the wind created by the wake of the train on our face, as it rolled past within a whisker of us. If you are visiting Hanoi, do visit the Hanoi Train Street, unabashedly, do not worry if it has been labelled touristy or not. It is an experience not to be missed.

Vietnam Itinerary 7 Days From India – Day Three In Hanoi

This was our last day in Hanoi, and we had half a day for sightseeing before boarding an afternoon flight to our next destination in Vietnam. After a quick breakfast in the hotel, we checked out, lock stock and barrel, and boarded our bus which would take us to the village of Bat Trang, some 16 kilometres from Hanoi,

Vietnam Itinerary – Bat Trang Ceramic Village

The Bat Trang Village by no stretch of imagination looked like a village. It was a small town with streets lined on both sides by shops selling ceramic ware. Inside the shops, it was a riot of colours, as huge vases, cups, saucers, jars, showpieces, and other ceramic ware, with vibrant colours and designs, grabbed your attention. We also watched the different processes involved in the making of ceramic products at one of the workshops.

Bat Trang and pottery or ceramic ware have a history that goes back many centuries. Being close to the Red River, ensured the easy availability of raw materials, and this fueled the growth of the ceramic industry in the village. It was also on a major trade route and this meant the finished products traveled to countries like China and Japan. Today, Bat Trang is a thriving centre of ceramics connected to its roots, but in tune with the times.

Vietnam Itinerary – Lunch In Hanoi

After visiting Bat Trang village it was time to head back to Hanoi, for an Indian vegetarian lunch at one of the best Indian restaurants in Hanoi, Namaste Hanoi. The lunch included some innovative Indian dishes, that left us asking for more. From the restaurant, we drove straight to the airport to catch our Vietnam Airlines flight to our next destination.

Vietnam Itinerary – Departure From Hanoi and Arrival in Nha Trang

It was evening by the time we arrived at the Cam Ranh International Airport in Nha Trang. The distance from Hanoi to Nha Trang is about 1300 kilometres and the flight took about 2 hours.

Vietnam Itinerary – Check In At Potique Hotel Nha Trang

The Cam Ranh International Airport of Nha Trang is about 36 kilometres from the city centre. The road runs parallel to the sea and is lined with many luxury resorts. We soon reached our hotel, the Potique Hotel, a 5-star property within a 2-minute walk from the beach. The hotel incorporates elements of Indo-Chinese architectural design and is an elegant place to stay and wake up in.

Vietnam Itinerary – Dinner In Nha Trang

After checking in at the Potique Hotel, we drove to the Ana Marina Yacht Club for dinner. A beautiful place on the edge of the sea. We had a lavish dinner consisting of Vietnamese and Indian cuisine. The restaurant also had live dance and music. After a leisurely dinner, it was time to head back to our hotel for some rest before embarking on the exploration of Nha Trang, the next morning.

Vietnam Itinerary 7 Days – Day Four In Nha Trang

Nha Trang is a lovely seaside city located in Central Vietnam. It has lovely sandy beaches, resorts, clubs, and adventure activities, and has emerged as a popular holiday getaway for travellers from the world over as well as with Vietnamese travellers.

Itinerary Vietnam – Morning Walk To Nha Trang Beach

Early morning saw us taking a short walk from the Potique Hotel to the beach. It had rained in the night and the roads had a watery sheen. We were hoping to catch the sunrise, however, the weather played spoilsport. But we loved the morning vibes, watching the locals go about their morning routine. Some played football by the beach, while some jogged along the edge of the sea. A group of ladies were busy in their Zumba dance routine in a small garden by the beach.

Dominating the Nha Trang skyline with its distinctive architecture is the Trầm Hương Tower. It is a masterpiece of contemporary architecture and is a distinctive landmark of Nha Trang. The place is a venue that hosts cultural and art performances. It was a wonderful experience seeing this landmark up close in the morning, The 2/4 square is located near the Trầm Hương Tower and is a large open space suitable for community activities. We saw people engaged in ball games, or just strolling around in the morning.

Itinerary Vietnam – Ponagar Temple Nha Trang

After breakfast at the hotel, we proceeded to one of the prominent attractions of Nha Trang, the Ponagar Temple. The temple is a Cham temple with its origins dating way back to the 8th century. The presiding deity of the temple is a Goddess who is worshipped as Yan Po Nagar by the Vietnamese people.

We spoke to the Cham priest of the temple and were astonished to note that the Goddess is Uma or Parvati, the consort of Shiva. There are also temples in the complex that are dedicated to Shiva, Skanda, and Ganesha. We also met a few Cham people who had come to visit the temple. A small percentage of the Cham people follow Hinduism, while others follow Islam and Buddhism.

Though it is not known who built the original temple, later inscriptions associate the temple with Cham Kings like Satyavarman, Harivarman I, and Jayavarman II. The temple was originally dedicated to Uma or Parvati.

Best Itinerary For Vietnam – Dam Market Nha Trang

The Dam Market also known as Cho Dam Market is the main local market of Nha Trang. One can buy goods here that range from readymade garments, footwear, groceries, fresh fruits and vegetables, and much more. If you are inclined, you can shop here for souvenirs or local handicrafts.

Vietnam Trip Itinerary – Lunch In Nha Trang

After a brief rest at our hotel, we made our way to the Sailing Club for lunch. We loved the location of the place which was right beside the beach. It was a nice experience having our lunch serenaded by the musical symphony of the surf, sand, and sea,

Vietnam Itinerary 7 Days From India – Vinpearl Land Nha Trang

After lunch, it was time to take a thrilling speed boat ride to the island of Hon Tre, where Vinpearl Land is located. Here is the VinWonders a theme park, similar to Disneyland. The theme park offers many exciting activities and also has a gorgeous beach. It makes for a wonderful family getaway, excellent for a day trip from Nha Trang. We spent half a day at this park and had a whale of a time before returning to Nha Trang City.

Vietnam Itinerary 7 Days – Dinner In Nha Trang

Our saga of eating in Indian restaurants continued in Nha Trang with dinner at the Ganesh Restaurant, one of the popular restaurants in the city for vegetarian and Indian food. The food exceeded expectations as was the cast in all the Indian restaurants where we had eaten during our Vietnam trip.

Vietnam Itinerary – Visiting Night Market of Nha Trang

Vietnam is a country known for its vibrant night markets, and it is a unique experience to visit them. Nha Trang too has its share of night markets. We had a night market, right next to our hotel, and after dinner, we took a stroll through the night market. Shops sold souvenirs, local handicrafts, clothes, and eatables. It was a relatively small market, and we soon left the market for a night visit to the beach and the 2/4 square. The Trầm Hương Tower, the many high-rise buildings, the beach, and the sea looked different under lights at night.

Vietnam Itinerary 7 Days – Day Five In Ho Chi Minh City

After thoroughly enjoying our stay in the enchanting city of Nha Trang and a good night’s sleep, we woke up ready for our next adventure in Vietnam. After breakfast at the Potique Hotel where we were staying, we drove to the Cam Ranh International Airport of Nha Trang to catch our Vietnam Airlines flight to Ho Chi Minh City. We arrived at Ho Chi Minh City during the early noon hours. As there were quite a few places to visit in Ho Chi Minh City, that day, we straight away had lunch and proceeded for city sightseeing.

Vietnam Itinerary 7 Days – Lunch In Ho Chi Minh City

There was a lot on the agenda for Day 7 of our Vietnam itinerary, so we had an early lunch at Mama Masala, a restaurant that served vegetarian Indian food in Ho Chi Minh City, formerly Saigon. After lunch, we were ready to explore the sights of Ho Chi Minh City.

Vietnam Itinerary 7 Days From India – Reunification Palace Ho Chi Minh City

The first place on our Ho Chi Minh City itinerary was the Reunification Palace, also known as Independence Palace. The palace was constructed in 1962 at the site of the old palace that had been destroyed by bombing. The Reunification Palace consists of the meeting rooms, guest rooms, and living quarters, of the former Presidents of the Republic of Vietnam. One of the important sights not to be missed in the Independence Palace is an F-5E aircraft that stands forlornly on a terrace. A fascinating page of history connects the aircraft to the Independence Palace and the history of Vietnam itself.

In 1975 a pilot of the South Vietnamese Air Force and an undetected spy flew an F-5E aircraft and bombed the palace, but could not cause any damage. A few days later, on 30th April 1975, a tank of the North Vietnamese Army crashed into the palace, signifying the end of the Vietnam War.

Vietnam Itinerary  – Central Post Office In Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh City is a modern bustling city, but it is full of heritage landmarks. One of the important heritage buildings in Ho Chi  Minh City is the Central Post Office. Built in 1891 by the French with material procured from France, the post office is still functional and is a popular tourist destination.

The central post office of Ho Chi Minh City is a magnificent structure that blends European and Asian architectural elements. It was buzzing with activity, with people at the numerous counters buying stamps and other postal stationery.

Vietnam Itinerary  – Notre Dame Cathedral In Ho Chi Minh City

Standing right opposite the imposing facade of the Central Post Office is the Notre Dame Cathedral, another legacy of the French. The cathedral is modelled on the lines of the original Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris. The cathedral was built between 1863 and 1880.

Initially, the cathedral was known as the Church of Saigon. It was only after 1959, that it came to be known as Notre Dame Cathedral. Unfortunately, we were not able to appreciate the full magnificence of the heritage structure as it was under renovation. The cathedral has been under renovation for the past six years, and the renovation is expected to be completed only in the year 2027.

Vietnam Itinerary  – War Remnants Museum In Ho Chi Minh City

The Vietnam War which lasted for 20 long years left a trail of devastation and human suffering that the world will never forget. The war which was a proxy war between the Soviet Union, China, and other communist states on the one side and the United States and its allies on the other, continues to remain a blot on human history.

The War Remnants Museum in Ho Chi Minh City is a grave reminder of the war and the depths to which human depravity can plummet. As we walked through the galleries of the museum, images of the futile but devastating Vietnam War came alive in all their horrific forms. If you are at Ho Chi Minh City, a visit to the War Remnants Museum is a must to know about the traumatic past of Vietnam, and to appreciate its resilience and growth in contemporary times.

Vietnam 7-Day Itinerary – Checkin At Paragon Saigon Hotel

It was early evening when we finally checked into our hotel in Saigon. Our hotel was the Paragon Hotel in a prime location of the city. The hotel was within easy walking distance of the Opera House and the City Hall and located in a nice, upmarket neighbourhood.

Vietnam Itinerary  – Vietnamese Dinner In Ho Chi Minh City

After checking in at our hotel and some rest, it was time for dinner. The place where we had dinner was a restaurant named Home Saigon. The place is located in what was once the home of a former President and has a completely traditional Vietnamese ambience. The cuisine too was Vietnamese, and we enjoyed the Vietnamese vegetarian fare that they served.

Vietnam Itinerary  –  Ho Chi Minh City By Night

Ho Chi Minh City is known for its vibrant nightlife. We decided to take a small walk after dinner and sauntered to the Opera House. Saigon by night was a lovely spectacle, and we thoroughly enjoyed our walk. The famous Bu Vien Street, famous with backpackers and also referred to as Walking Street is also near the Opera House, however, we gave it a miss.

Vietnam Itinerary 7 Days – Day Six In Ho Chi Minh City

Day six of our Vietnam trip was also spent in Ho Chi Minh City. We began the day with an early morning city walk to get an immersive experience of Ho Chi Minh City and experience the morning vibes.

Vietnam Itinerary  –  Morning Walk In Ho Chi Minh City | Nguyen Hue Boulevard

Our morning walk took us to the Opera House, a landmark of Ho Chi Minh City, the Ho Chi Minh City Hall in front of which stands a statue of Ho Chi Minh, and the Nguyen Hue Boulevard.

The Nguyen Hue Boulevard has the City Hall at one end and the Saigon Riverfront at the other. It is a beautiful pedestrian street that is filled with morning joggers. Pigeons pranced around in the centre as a little girl with her mother ran after them. A group of ladies jived to music from the player that they had brought with them.

The middle lane of the boulevard is a pedestrian zone, while the lanes on the sides are open to traffic. The boulevard is lined with restaurants, shops, and offices. We saw the Ho Chi Minh City Tourist Office also at one corner of the Boulevard.

Vietnam Itinerary  –  Thien Hau Temple Ho Chi Minh City

Breakfast was done, it was time to head out for some more experiences in Ho Chi Minh City. We first visited the Thien Hau Pagoda, a Taoist temple dedicated to the Sea Goddess Mazu. It is believed that Mazu was originally a girl named Lin Moniang, who lived in the 10th century. She possessed miraculous powers with which she saved her family during a terrible typhoon. The temple was originally built in the year 1760 by the Chinese community originating from Guangzhou.

The interior of the temple is covered with murals and has large incense burners in front of the sanctum. Three bronze statues of the deity are placed inside the sanctum. The temple is filled with a peaceful aura and makes for a blissful experience.

Vietnam Itinerary  –  Exploring The Mekong Delta

We then drove to the harbour at a place called My Tho on the Mekong Delta, some 80 kilometres from Hanoi. We would be exploring the islands of the Mekong Delta by boat and the traditional hand-rowed boats called Sampans. The Mekong is one of the longest rivers in the world and is called Cuu Long in Vietnamese. This translates as a river with 9 dragons.

Vietnam Itinerary – Unicorn Island | Thoi Son Island In The Mekong Delta

The Unicorn Island is also known as Thoi Son Island and is located beside the Thoi Son Canal along the Mekong River. We took a boat from the My Tho city Boat station to the Unicorn Island. On the island, we visited a Honey Bee farm and tasted fresh honey as well as honey tea. We then took a round of the island on a golf cart, before stopping at a fruit orchard where we tasted fresh tropical fruits including Dragon Fruit, Longan, Guava, and watermelon. We also listened to some Vietnamese songs from some talented young musicians here.

Vietnam Itinerary – Cruising On The Thoi Son Canal

After this, we gingerly stepped into a narrow canoe called Sampan. This hand-rowed boat took us along the Thoi Son Canal to our next stop on the Mekong Delta. The ride through the canal was a unique experience as the boatwoman deftly manoeuvred the boat in the narrow canal, avoiding other boats that came from the opposite direction.

We soon alighted at a place where coconut candy was being made. We watched the making of coconut candy right from the dehusking of the coconut to the final product. We also tasted the candy and bought some to take home with us.

We boarded a bigger boat and cruised to Phoenix Island where lunch awaited us.

Vietnam Itinerary – Phoenix Island In The Mekong Delta

We had lunch in a restaurant that stood on the edge of the Mekong River on Phoenix Island. The restaurant was aptly named Mekong Taste. The menu was essentially Vietnamese seafood, however, we managed to fill ourselves with some vegetarian alternatives from the local cuisine, fruits, and coconut water. After a quiet lunch, watching the boats cruising along the Mekong River, it was time for us to bid farewell to the island and the Mekong Delta and drive towards Ho Ch Minh City.

Vietnam Itinerary – Visiting Cho Lon Market Ho Chi Minh City

On the way back from the Mekong Delta, we stopped for some time to visit one of the largest local markets of Ho Chi Minh City, known as Cho Lan Market. The market sold a wide range of products including footwear, apparel, handicrafts, souvenirs, food items including dry fruits, and much more. The market is a good place for shopping as the prices are reasonable and you can also bargain.

Vietnam Itinerary – Dinner In Ho Chi Minh City

After a hectic day at the Mekong Delta, we had a quiet dinner at an Indian restaurant called Tandoor in Ho Chi Minh City. It was our last night in Ho Chi  Minh City and also Vietnam as we would be flying out the next day. We were feeling a little sad already in anticipation of the impending farewell to the beautiful country of Vietnam.

Vietnam Itinerary 6 Days | Vietnam Itinerary 7 Days – Day Seven In Ho Chi Minh City

We woke up on our event day in Vietnam with the realization that our Vietnam tour was all but over. It had been a great experience, and we promised ourselves that we would be back soon to explore more of this gem of Asia. After a leisurely breakfast at our hotel, it was time to drive to the Tan Son Nhat International Airport of Ho Chi Minh City to catch our flight to Hanoi, and from there a connecting flight to Delhi.

If you want a visual experience of our 7-Day Vietnam itinerary click to check out our YouTube video:

Useful Information For First-Time Travellers To Vietnam

If you are planning a visit to Vietnam, here is some useful information that is bound to stand you in good stead.

Vietnam Map

Getting To Vietnam

Vietnam is well-connected with international destinations. The major international airports are the Noi Bai International Airport, Hanoi, and the Tan Son Nhat International Airport of Ho Chi Minh City.

If you are flying from India, you have direct flights to Hanoi from the Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi and the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport in Mumbai. Vietnam Airlines is a premium airline that operates flights to and from India. You also have the option of another budget airline, Vietjet to get to Vietnam.

You can book your flight to Vietnam right here through Cleartrip or Makemytrip or CheapAir or Priceline .

Vietnam Visa Information

Vietnam encourages tourism and this is reflected in its Visa rules and policies. We had availed of the Vietnam E Visa For Indians facility. The procedure for Evisa for Vietnam for tourists from India is pretty simple. You need to fill up an online form that requires you to upload your photo and copy of your passport after which you need to make online payment of the Visa fees which are currently 25 USD for single entry evisa and 50 USD for multiple entry evisa. Once you have completed the online application, it usually takes 3-5 working days to get the visa. You can check the status of your visa application and download the visa at this site.

Getting Around Vietnam

If you are visiting multiple destinations in Vietnam, then flying is the best option. The domestic airline network of Vietnam is good and connects all the country’s important cities. If you are looking for a cheaper option to travel within Vietnam, trains are a good choice. Most of the tourist destinations within the country are connected by the Government-run railway network.

Buses are a good option if you are a budget traveller and also have time on your hands. For example, a bus ride from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City could take around 35-38 hours, while you can fly from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City in a little over 2 hours.

Getting around within the cities of Vietnam like Hanoi, and Ho Chi Minh City is easy with the availability of cab services. Grab is the main cab-hailing app that you can use in the cities of Vietnam for getting around. Other options include public buses and cycle rickshaws.

Where To Stay In Vietnam

The cities and towns of Vietnam offer a range of accommodation options. Whether you are looking for luxury hotels, budget hotels, or hostels and homestays, you are sure to find something that meets your requirements in Vietnam. The prices are also quite reasonable as compared to many other countries.

We visited the cities of Hanoi, Nha Trang, and Ho Chi Minh City, and here are the places where we stayed during our trip. These are 4-5 star luxury hotels, and we found them very good, and would not hesitate one bit in recommending them.

Hotel In Hanoi

The Silk Path Hotel is centrally located in the Old Quarter area of Hanoi.

Hotel In Nha Trang

The Potique Hotel is located centrally in the downtown area and at a 2-minute walk from the beach.

Hotel in Ho Chi Minh City

The Paragon Saigon Hotel is a 5-star hotel located in the central business district of the city.

You can book any of these hotels or any other hotel in Vietnam right here through any of the below options, at the location of your choice here – TripAdvisor or Cleartrip or  makemytrip or  goibibo or  Booking.com or  HotelsCombined or  Agoda and save a lot by getting the best deals on booking your stay.

Click to book the Best Hotels in Vietnam

Where And What To Eat In Vietnam | Vietnam For Vegetarians

Vietnam is a paradise for gourmets, and in the words of the famous international chef and author, Anthony Bourdain, “Vietnam. It grabs you and doesn’t let you go. Once you love it, you love it forever.”

Being vegetarians, our adventure with food in Vietnam was limited. However, it would be pertinent to mention here that there is a good range of Vietnamese food which is vegetarian and is great in taste and flavour. In most of the bigger cities, there is always a vegetarian option available. We ate at Indian restaurants most of the time during our 7-day Vietnam trip. Here are the restaurants that we ate in, and we hope this helps you in planning your own food adventure in Vietnam.

Hanoi Restaurants

Maazi Restaurant
ADDRESS
ngõ 40 Xuân Diệu
Tứ Liên, Tây Hồ
Hà Nội 10000
Vietnam

Tandoor Hanoi
Address: 24 Hang Be Street, Hoan Kiem

Tadka Indian Restaurant
Address: 26 Phùng Hưng, Phường Hàng Bông, Quận Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội Hà Nội, Hanoi City, 100000, Vietnam.

Namaste Hanoi
Address: 46 P. Thợ Nhuộm, Trần Hưng Đạo, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội, Vietnam.

Nha Trang Restaurants

Ana Marina Yacht Club
Address: Đường Nguyễn Cơ Thạch, Đường Đệ, Nha Trang, Khánh Hòa, Vietnam.

Sailing Club
Address: 72 74 Trần Phú, Lộc Thọ, Nha Trang, Khánh Hòa 570000, Vietnam.

Ganesh Restaurant
Address: 186 Hùng Vương, Lộc Thọ, Nha Trang, Khánh Hòa 650000, Vietnam.

Ho Chi Minh City Restaurants

Mama Masala
Address: 83 Đ. Nguyễn Cư Trinh, Street, Quận 1, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh, Vietnam.

Home Saigon
Address: 185/28 Đ. Phạm Ngũ Lão, Phường Phạm Ngũ Lão, Quận 1, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh 700000, Vietnam.

Tandoor
Address: 185/28 Đ. Phạm Ngũ Lão, Phường Phạm Ngũ Lão, Quận 1, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh 700000, Vietnam.

Main Cities To Visit In Vietnam on Your Vietnam Itinerary

During our 7-day Vietnam Itinerary, we covered the cities of Hanoi, Nha Trang, and Ho Chi Minh City. However, there is so much more to see in Vietnam. The main places that are important tourist destinations in Vietnam are:

• Hanoi
• Ho Chi Minh City
• Nha Trang
• Da Nang
• Ninh Binh
• Hoi An
• Sa Pa
• Da Lat

Best Time To Visit Vietnam

The best time to visit Vietnam is between April to December. This is the period when most of Vietnam has a dry season.

Vietnam Weather

North Vietnam, where Hanoi is located has two main seasons, namely winter and summer. November to April is winter during which the temperature hovers between 17 to 22 degrees Celsius. Summer is usually from May to October when temperatures range between 30 to 38 degrees Celsius.

Central Vietnam where Nha Trang is located experiences hot weather from January to August and sees rain during the winter months.

South Vietnam where Ho Chi Minh City is located generally has a constant temperature throughout the year. There are only two seasons here, one with rain, and the other without rain. The region receives rainfall from May to November.

Vietnam Currency

Vietnam Dong (VND) is the official currency of Vietnam. One Indian Rupee is equal to around 290 VND, and 1 USD is equal to around 24,000 VND. Major credit cards are accepted at the bigger outlets. However, if you are shopping at local markets, you need to have cash in Vietnam Dong. Some shops also accept US dollars.

Vietnam Phone And Internet Network

Vietnam has a good communications network. Free Wifi is available at most public places including restaurants, and markets. You can also buy a local SIM to stay connected. We found the WiFi network very reliable in the cities, and we also had good WiFi in the bus in which we went around in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.

Vietnamese Language – Common Phrases To Know

It is always good to know some common phrases in the local language of the region that you are visiting. This helps you connect better with the locals. Here are some common phrases that will help you while visiting Vietnam.

• Xin chào – Sin chaw-oh – Hello/Hi, a common greeting with which you greet people
• Cảm ơn – Cam urn – Thank you
• Xin lỗi – Sin lo-oy – Sorry
• Tạm biệt – Dhamn biet – Goodbye
• Bao nhiêu – Ba-oh neo – How much?

Vietnam Travel FAQ

Is a visa needed for travel to Vietnam from India?
Currently visa is required for Indians to travel to Vietnam, however, the process is simple and online. In future, Vietnam may give visa-free entry to Indians.

What is the currency used in Vietnam?
The currency of Vietnam is the Vietnamese Dong (VND).

Is Vietnam safe for tourists?
Vietnam is as safe as any other country, of course, one needs to take the same kind of precautions that one would take while travelling in any country.

Is Vietnam an inexpensive country for Indians?
Vietnam is definitely one of the cheaper countries to travel to from India.

How many days are required for Vietnam?
Vietnam is a big country, so the number of days would depend on what you want to see in Vietnam. However, a typical Vietnam itinerary should be planned for about 7 to 8 days.

Which are the best places to visit in Vietnam?
Every place in Vietnam has its own unique charm. The places to visit are Hanoi, Da Nang, Ho Chi Minh City, Nha Trang, and Nin Binh, among others.

We hope you found our Vietnam Itinerary – Vietnam Travel Guide informative and that it helps you chart your own Vietnam trip. We have tried to share as much information as possible so that this post acts as a complete Vietnam travel guide. However, if you need any more information, or need any clarification, do connect with us. For more such posts, subscribe to our blog and newsletter. Connect with us on our social media channels to stay updated with our travel stories.

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Our visit to Vietnam in Southeast Asia was organized by Vietnam Airlines to promote tourism in Vietnam. The views and opinions expressed in this blog post are our own. #Vietnam #VietnamItinerary #VietnamGuide #VietnamTrip

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