Vietnam hits all your senses at once. Motorbikes in waves of 50+ navigating intersections with no apparent rules. Pho served at 6 AM on plastic stools from carts older than the customers. Limestone karsts rising 100 meters straight out of emerald water in Ha Long Bay. War history that the people insist on calling the American War, with thousand-year-old temples next door. And food – relentlessly, miraculously good food, often for 2-4 USD per meal.
This 7-day itinerary covers the essential Vietnam north-to-south: Hanoi (2 days) + Ha Long Bay overnight cruise + Hoi An (2 days) + Ho Chi Minh City (1.5 days). Use domestic flights to compress the 1,650 km distance between Hanoi and Saigon. You will eat banh mi in the city where it was invented, sleep on a junk boat in one of the worlds great natural landscapes, walk through a UNESCO ancient town lit by thousands of silk lanterns, and finish in the chaotic energy of Saigon.
This guide details exactly how to handle the Ha Long Bay cruise selection (it matters), which Hanoi pho stand is worth queueing for, how to get a custom tailored suit made in Hoi An in 24 hours, and how to handle the Vietnamese dong without losing your mind. All prices in VND with USD approximations.
Tap a destination below to compare hotels.
Why 7 Days Works for Vietnam
Vietnam stretches 1,650 km north to south – the same distance as Stockholm to Rome. The country has three distinct regional cultures (northern, central, southern), each with its own cuisine, dialect, and pace. Seven days lets you hit all three by combining domestic flights with overnight transport.
The classic route: 2 days in Hanoi (north – cooler, more traditional, French-influenced architecture), 1 night Ha Long Bay (the limestone karst seascape, north), 2 days Hoi An (central – the preserved trading port with lantern-lit nights), 1.5 days Ho Chi Minh City formerly Saigon (south – hot, energetic, war history, motorbike chaos).
Less than 7 days you have to drop either the north or south. More than 10 days lets you add Sapa (the rice-terrace mountains north of Hanoi), Hue (the imperial city between Hoi An and Hanoi), the Mekong Delta (the river-and-rice country south of Saigon), or Phu Quoc (the tropical beach island).
Day 1-2: Hanoi – The 1000-Year-Old Capital
Hanoi was founded in 1010 CE as Thang Long (Ascending Dragon) and has been a capital for most of the last millennium. The Old Quarter still follows the 36-street grid established in the 11th century, with each street historically named after the trade sold there – Hang Be (rafts), Hang Bac (silver), Hang Bo (baskets). Most streets still loosely specialize today.
Day 1 Morning: Hoan Kiem Lake + Old Quarter
Start at Hoan Kiem Lake in the heart of Hanoi. The lake is the geographic and emotional center of the city – around it locals practice tai chi at dawn, families promenade at dusk, and the legend of the Returned Sword (Hoan Kiem – the 15th-century king who returned a magical sword to the lake turtle) is told to every Vietnamese child. The red Huc Bridge leads to the Jade Mountain Temple (Ngoc Son) on a small island. Entry 30,000 VND (~1.20 USD).
Walk into the Old Quarter – the maze of 36 streets, each barely 3 m wide, where every storefront is open to the street. Watch for motorbikes (the most important survival skill in Hanoi: walk slowly and predictably across streets, do not stop, do not run, the motorbikes will flow around you like water). Photograph Ta Hien street (the Beer Street, lined with plastic-stool nightlife), Hang Bac (silversmiths), Hang Ma (paper offerings for the dead, brightest red and gold).
Day 1 Lunch: Banh Mi 25 + Bun Cha
Banh Mi 25 (Hang Ca 25, expat-popular, 25,000-45,000 VND ~1-2 USD) for the classic Hanoi banh mi – the French baguette filled with pate, pork, pickled vegetables, cilantro, chili. Or for the absolute legend: Banh Mi Phuong (in Hoi An on Day 3-4, considered by Anthony Bourdain to be the worlds best). For dinner-quality: Bun Cha Huong Lien (Le Van Huu 24, the place where Obama and Anthony Bourdain ate the legendary 2016 bun cha – grilled pork with vermicelli and dipping sauce, 60,000 VND ~2.50 USD for the Obama Combo).
Day 1 Afternoon: Temple of Literature + Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum
The Temple of Literature (Van Mieu, 30,000 VND) was Vietnams first university, founded in 1070 CE as a Confucian academy where mandarins were trained. The five courtyards represent the 5 elements; the rear hall houses 82 stone steles listing the names of every doctoral graduate from 1442-1779. Allow 60 min.
Continue to the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum (free entry, closed Mondays and Fridays + every September-November for restoration). Uncle Hos embalmed body is displayed in a refrigerated glass case (he requested cremation but the Communist Party overruled). Strict dress code: no shorts, no shoulders, no cameras inside. Next door visit the Presidential Palace gardens and the One Pillar Pagoda – the 11th-century temple on a single column rising from a lotus pond.
Day 1 Evening: Egg Coffee + Street Food
Try Vietnamese egg coffee (ca phe trung) at Giang Cafe (Nguyen Huu Huan 39, the original since 1946 invented by Mr Nguyen Giang, 35,000 VND ~1.50 USD). The egg yolk is whisked with condensed milk into a meringue-like foam over strong Vietnamese coffee – tastes like tiramisu in liquid form.
Dinner street food crawl on Ta Hien Street (the Beer Street). Try bia hoi (fresh draft beer brewed daily without preservatives, 8,000 VND ~0.30 USD per glass), grilled pork skewers, fried spring rolls (nem ran), pho ga (chicken pho, 50,000 VND ~2 USD), banh xeo (the Vietnamese crispy crepe), nem nuong (grilled pork sausage rolls). Total for a 3-stand crawl: 200,000-350,000 VND (8-15 USD) per person.
Day 2 Morning: Vietnam Museum of Ethnology + Cyclo Tour
The Vietnam Museum of Ethnology (Nguyen Van Huyen, 40,000 VND) is one of Hanois best museums – covering all 54 ethnic groups of Vietnam with full-scale reconstructed houses in the outdoor area, traditional clothing, religious objects. Allow 2 hours. Less touristy than central Hanoi museums.
Take a cyclo tour through the Old Quarter (150,000-300,000 VND for a 1-hour scenic loop with driver). Touristy but iconic – the 3-wheeled cycle rickshaw was the Hanoi taxi system before motorbikes took over. The driver pedals; you sit; you photograph everything from the gentle pace of pre-motorbike Vietnam.
Day 2 Afternoon: Hoa Lo Prison + Train Street
Hoa Lo Prison Museum (Hoa Lo 1, 30,000 VND) – known to American GIs as the Hanoi Hilton, this is where Senator John McCain was imprisoned 1967-1973. Built by the French in 1896 to hold Vietnamese political prisoners; later flipped to hold downed US pilots during the war. The exhibits are heavily Vietnamese-perspective but worth visiting for the historical complexity. Allow 60 min.
Hanoi Train Street (Phung Hung area) – a narrow alleyway literally between rows of houses where a train passes 2-3 times a day, 30 cm from the front doors. The visitor experience was banned in 2019 due to tourist deaths, partially reopened with cafes that move chairs back when trains arrive. Train passes typically 7:30 PM and 3:30 PM daily. Have a coffee at Train Cafe (10:00 AM, 19:00 PM trains – confirm current schedule at hotel before going).
Day 2 Evening: Water Puppet Theater
Thang Long Water Puppet Theater (Dinh Tien Hoang 57, by Hoan Kiem Lake, shows 4:30, 6:30, 8 PM, 200,000 VND for the standard ticket). Vietnams 1,000-year-old folk art – wooden puppets perform stories about rural life on a waist-deep water stage, with traditional Vietnamese music and dance. Surprisingly captivating, 50 min show.
Day 3: Ha Long Bay Overnight Cruise
Ha Long Bay (UNESCO 1994) is one of the most photographed natural landscapes on Earth – 1,600+ limestone karst islands rising from emerald water across 1,553 km2. The bay was created by 500 million years of geological activity and 200 million years of tropical karst formation.
Choosing the Right Cruise
Critical decision: Ha Long Bay has 200+ junk boat operators. Quality varies dramatically. Bottom-tier 2-star boats are crowded, dirty, and avoid the better routes. Use only mid-range or premium operators:
Premium: Bhaya Cruises (250-450 USD per person for 1-night overnight, premium classic junks), Au Co Cruises (300-550 USD, 3-day routes), Paradise Cruises Sails (280-480 USD, the company that pioneered the higher-end segment). Mid-range: Indochina Junk (180-280 USD, well-reviewed and ethical), Halong Bay Cruises, Pelican Cruises.
Most cruises include: pickup from your Hanoi hotel at 8 AM (3.5 hour drive to Ha Long port), board the junk at noon, lunch on the bay, kayak between karsts (90 min), visit a floating fishing village or cave (Sung Sot Cave, Thien Cung Cave), swim at a hidden beach, sunset drinks on the upper deck, dinner with fresh seafood, sleep on board. Day 2: tai chi at sunrise on the deck, breakfast, kayaking, lunch, return to Hanoi by 4 PM.
Lan Ha Bay alternative: routes through Lan Ha Bay (south of Ha Long Bay) are equally beautiful with one-third the tourist boats. Operators include Vietnam Boutique Cruises, Mon Cheri Cruises, Genesis Cruises.
Day 4: Fly to Hoi An (via Da Nang)
Return to Hanoi by 4 PM. Late afternoon flight Hanoi to Da Nang (1h20, 35-100 USD on VietJet, Bamboo Airways, or Vietnam Airlines). Grab/taxi from Da Nang airport to Hoi An (30 min, 250,000-400,000 VND ~10-16 USD). Check into your Hoi An hotel – most are 5-10 min walk from the Ancient Town.
Day 5: Hoi An – The Lantern City
Hoi An (UNESCO 1999) was one of Southeast Asias largest trading ports in the 15-19th centuries. Japanese, Chinese, Dutch, and Portuguese merchants set up here to trade in silk, ceramics, spices, and silver. The river silted up in the late 1800s and the port moved to Da Nang – effectively freezing Hoi An in time. The Ancient Town has 800+ preserved buildings from the 15-19th centuries.
Day 5 Morning: Ancient Town Tour
Buy the combo ticket (120,000 VND ~5 USD) at any entry booth – gives you 5 entries to choose from among 22 heritage sites. Pick: Japanese Covered Bridge (Chua Cau, the 16th-century bridge with the iconic curved roof, on the 20,000 VND banknote), Tan Ky Old House (a 200-year-old merchant family home still owned by the 7th generation), Phuc Kien Assembly Hall (the most ornate of the Chinese ancestral halls, dedicated to the Fujian community), Hoi An Folklore Museum, and the Sa Huynh Culture Museum.
Day 5 Afternoon: Custom Tailored Clothing
Hoi An is famous for its 600+ tailor shops that can make a custom-fitted suit, dress, or shirt in 24 hours. Reputable shops with 24-hour turnaround: Yaly Couture (Nguyen Thai Hoc, the most established at scale, suit 200-350 USD), Be Be Tailor (mid-tier, suit 150-280 USD), Bao Khanh Tailor (small boutique, slightly cheaper, more personal). Get fitted on Day 5 morning, return for fitting Day 5 evening, pick up Day 6 morning. Bring a reference photo of what you want.
Day 5 Evening: Lanterns and Boat Ride
After sunset, Hoi An lights up with thousands of silk lanterns – the streets, the river, the boats. The Old Town becomes one of the most photogenic places on Earth. Take a small lantern boat ride on the Thu Bon River (50,000-150,000 VND for 20 min, two people). Release a floating lantern (10,000 VND each) – the locals believe it carries away worries and brings luck.
Dinner at Morning Glory (Nguyen Thai Hoc 106, the Hoi An institution, 150,000-350,000 VND ~6-15 USD), Mai Fish (the modern Vietnamese fusion, 250,000-450,000 VND), or for the very best banh mi anywhere: Banh Mi Phuong (Phan Chu Trinh 2B, 30,000-45,000 VND ~1-2 USD).
Day 6 Morning: An Bang Beach + Cooking Class
An Bang Beach is 5 km from Hoi An Ancient Town (15 min by Grab or bike). Quieter than nearby Cua Dai, with restaurants offering beach loungers (free with food order, expect 80,000-150,000 VND per meal). Swim, sunbathe, walk the wide soft-sand beach.
Alternative morning: Vietnamese cooking class (650,000-1,000,000 VND per person ~25-40 USD) – the Hoi An specialty. Most include a Tra Que herb village visit, market shopping, and 4-5 dishes cooked over 4 hours. Try Red Bridge Cooking School (river setting, professional), Hoi An Eco Cooking Class (more intimate, family-run).
Day 6 Afternoon: My Son Sanctuary
1.5-hour drive south of Hoi An: My Son Sanctuary (150,000 VND), the UNESCO Cham temple complex built 4-13th centuries CE. The ruined Hindu temple towers among jungle were partially destroyed by US bombing during the Vietnam War but enough survives to evoke an Angkor Wat-on-smaller-scale. Allow 2 hours. Group tours from Hoi An 250,000-450,000 VND ~10-18 USD with transport.
Day 7: Saigon – Energy and War History
Day 7 Morning: Fly to Saigon
Morning flight Da Nang to Ho Chi Minh City (1h15, 35-100 USD). HCMC is hot, energetic, and the economic capital of Vietnam – more cosmopolitan than Hanoi, with skyscrapers, malls, and the sense of a city that did not stop modernizing after Doi Moi (the 1986 economic opening).
Drop bags. Lunch banh mi at Banh Mi Huynh Hoa (Le Thi Rieng 26, the Saigon banh mi institution since 1989, 65,000 VND ~3 USD for the legendary version with 6 types of pork pate). Or pho at Pho Hoa Pasteur (Pasteur 260C, 60,000 VND ~2.50 USD).
Day 7 Afternoon: War Remnants Museum + Reunification Palace
War Remnants Museum (Vo Van Tan 28, 40,000 VND ~1.50 USD) – the unflinching account of the Vietnam War from the Vietnamese perspective. Heavy but essential. Three floors: war crimes documentation, US military equipment in the courtyard (helicopters, tanks, artillery), and the deeply moving Requiem exhibit of war photography. Allow 2 hours.
Reunification Palace (Nam Ky Khoi Nghia 135, 40,000 VND) – the former South Vietnamese presidential palace where the war ended on April 30, 1975 when North Vietnamese tanks crashed through the gates. Preserved exactly as it looked that day. Interior tours of the war rooms, communication bunkers, and presidential helicopter pad. Allow 90 min.
Day 7 Evening: Saigon Rooftop + Departure
Sunset rooftop drinks at Saigon Saigon Bar at the Caravelle Hotel (Le Loi 19, the 1959 hotel where war journalists drank during the Vietnam War, the rooftop has the citys best 360 view, cocktails 250,000-400,000 VND ~10-16 USD). Alternative: Chill Skybar (more modern, more expensive), Air 360 Sky Bar.
Final dinner: Cuc Gach Quan (Dang Tat 10, traditional Vietnamese in a French colonial townhouse, 250,000-550,000 VND ~10-22 USD), Hum Vegetarian (Hai Ba Trung, modern Vietnamese, 200,000-400,000 VND). Then taxi to Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN, 30 min) for the evening flight home.
Where to Stay in Vietnam
Hanoi
Stay in the Old Quarter for the chaotic charm or French Quarter for upscale calm. Budget: Old Quarter View Hostel (8-20 USD dorms), Little Charm Hanoi Hostel (12-25 USD). Mid-range: La Siesta Premium Hang Be (60-110 USD, the Hanoi boutique chain), Hotel La Sinfonia del Rey (55-95 USD). Luxury: Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi (the 1901 colonial grand dame, 350-700 USD), Capella Hanoi (modern luxury, 280-550 USD), Apricot Hotel (art-themed near Hoan Kiem, 180-320 USD).
Hoi An
Stay in the Ancient Town for atmosphere or in the surrounding garden districts for tranquility (5 min bike ride to town). Budget: Sunflower Hotel (35-75 USD), Vinh Hung Heritage Hotel (45-90 USD). Mid-range: Anantara Hoi An Resort (140-260 USD riverside), Almanity Hoi An Wellness Resort (130-230 USD). Luxury: Four Seasons Resort The Nam Hai (10 min from Hoi An on the beach, 500-1,200 USD), Maia Resort Quang Nam (350-650 USD).
Ho Chi Minh City
Stay in District 1 for the historic and tourist core (Reunification Palace, Notre-Dame, the major museums all within walking distance). Budget: The Hammock Hotel Ben Thanh (35-65 USD), Lacasa Saigon Hotel (45-85 USD). Mid-range: The Reverie Saigon (350-650 USD luxury all-suite), Hotel des Arts Saigon MGallery (180-320 USD). Luxury: Park Hyatt Saigon (the Lam Son Square 5-star, 350-700 USD), The Reverie, Hotel Continental Saigon (the 1880 colonial hotel, 250-450 USD).
Where to Eat in Vietnam: A Primer
Vietnamese food is one of the worlds great cuisines: balanced, herb-driven, fresh, light, and dramatically affordable. North-central-south variations are pronounced.
North (Hanoi)
Pho (the beef-or-chicken noodle soup, the most iconic Vietnamese dish, invented in Hanoi in the 1920s). Try at Pho Gia Truyen (Bat Dan 49, the legend) or Pho Thin (Lo Duc 13, the stir-fried beef variant). Bun cha (grilled pork patties with vermicelli, Obama-Bourdain famous). Cha ca (turmeric fish hot-pot at Cha Ca La Vong since 1871). Egg coffee. Bia hoi (fresh draft beer).
Central (Hoi An)
Cao lau (the Hoi An-only noodle dish – thick noodles, char siu pork, herbs, crispy croutons – the water for cao lau must come from a specific local well to be authentic, 30,000-50,000 VND). White rose dumplings (Hoi An signature steamed shrimp dumplings shaped like rose petals). Banh mi Phuong. Mi quang (turmeric noodles with shrimp and pork, the Central Vietnam comfort food).
South (Saigon)
Banh mi (the legendary Saigon street sandwich at Banh Mi Huynh Hoa). Pho in its sweeter southern style (more spices in the broth). Goi cuon (fresh spring rolls with shrimp + herbs). Bun bo Hue (the spicy beef noodle soup from Hue, popular in Saigon). Banh xeo (the crispy yellow crepe filled with shrimp and bean sprouts). Hu tieu (Chinese-influenced clear broth noodles). Vietnamese iced coffee (ca phe sua da, the strong dark coffee with sweet condensed milk).
Getting Around Vietnam
Domestic Flights
Essential for the 7-day route. VietJet (low-cost, on-time record decent), Bamboo Airways (mid-tier, comfortable), Vietnam Airlines (full-service, slightly more expensive). Hanoi-Da Nang (1h20, 35-100 USD). Da Nang-Saigon (1h15, 35-100 USD). Book 2-4 weeks ahead.
Trains
The Reunification Express (Hanoi-Saigon, 1,726 km, 30 hours) is romantic but slow. The Hanoi-Sapa overnight sleeper (8 hours, 45-95 USD soft sleeper) is a budget classic. For shorter hops, trains lose to flights.
Grab
The Asian Uber – cheap, reliable, English-friendly. City rides 50,000-200,000 VND ~2-8 USD. Grab Bike (the motorbike taxi) is even cheaper and faster in heavy traffic – you ride pillion behind the driver, helmet provided. 30,000-80,000 VND ~1-3 USD for typical hops.
What to Know Before You Go to Vietnam
Best Time to Visit
Vietnams three regions have different climates – generalizing is hard. For the full north-south route: October-April is best (dry in the north, hot in the south but bearable). March-May is the sweet spot for full-country travel (cooler north, dry hot south, lush central). June-September is rainy season everywhere (intermittent but heavy showers, Ha Long Bay cruises sometimes cancelled for typhoons July-September).
Visa
Most western nationalities need an e-visa for Vietnam (25 USD, apply online at evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn 5-7 days before arrival). Single entry, valid 90 days. Photo and passport scan required. Print the approved e-visa to show at immigration.
Money
Vietnamese Dong (VND). 1 USD = approximately 24,500 VND (2026). The numbers are big – a 100,000 VND note is worth 4 USD. Cards accepted at hotels and bigger restaurants; cash needed for street food, taxis, markets. Carry 200,000-500,000 VND per person daily. ATMs widely available; HSBC, Citibank, Vietcombank are reliable.
Tipping
Not traditionally Vietnamese but increasingly expected in tourism. Round up restaurants and Grab fares. Hotel porters 20,000-50,000 VND per bag. Tour guides 100,000-200,000 VND per day. Spa massages 50,000-100,000 VND tip. Cruise crew (if pooled for the boat) 5-10 USD per person per day.
Language
Vietnamese. English is widely spoken in hotels, tourism, restaurants in Hanoi/Hoi An/HCMC. Outside tourism, English drops off fast. Google Translate is essential. Vietnamese uses Latin alphabet (rare among Asian languages) which helps with reading signs.
Crossing Streets
Hanoi and HCMC traffic is 90% motorbikes. Crossings have minimal signal observation. The technique: walk slowly and steadily across, do not stop, do not run, do not change direction. The motorbikes will flow around you like water. Make eye contact with closest drivers. Confidence is your only protection. After 24 hours you will be doing it like a local.
Common Mistakes First-Time Visitors Make
Booking the cheapest Ha Long Bay cruise: bottom-tier boats are crowded, dirty, and stuck on the touristy routes. Pay 200-300 USD per night for a reputable operator – night-and-day difference.
Skipping the e-visa application: Vietnam requires advance e-visa for most western nationalities. Apply 5-7 days before arrival.
Drinking tap water: do not. Bottled water is 10,000 VND (~0.40 USD) for 1.5L at any kiosk. Brush teeth with bottled water too.
Eating ice from street stands: clear cylindrical ice with a hole is factory-made and safe. Crushed or chipped ice is often from blocks of unfiltered water – skip.
Not negotiating taxis: use Grab. Street taxis often scam tourists with rigged meters. If you must take a regular taxi, only use Vinasun or Mai Linh brands.
Cost Estimate: 7 Days in Vietnam (per person)
Budget (25-45 USD/day)
Hostel dorms (8-20 USD), street food + cheap eats (10-15 USD daily), domestic flights, Grab/buses, free attractions, mid-tier Ha Long Bay cruise (180 USD/person). Total: 175-315 USD per person, excluding international flights.
Mid-Range (60-120 USD/day)
3-4 star hotels (60-120 USD), restaurant lunch and dinner (25-50 USD), Grab everywhere, premium Ha Long Bay cruise (300-450 USD), cooking class, tailored suit (200-350 USD), domestic flights. Total: 420-840 USD per person.
Luxury (250+ USD/day)
5-star Sofitel Metropole Hanoi or Park Hyatt Saigon (300-700 USD), Four Seasons Nam Hai or Capella Hanoi (400+ USD), top-tier Au Co cruise overnight (450-650 USD), private guide, business-class flights. Total: 1,750-5,000 USD per person.
Flights
From US West Coast to Hanoi (HAN) or HCMC (SGN): 850-1,800 USD roundtrip. East Coast: 1,200-2,200 USD. From London/Paris: 700-1,500 EUR (typically via Singapore, Bangkok, or Doha). Open-jaw (into Hanoi, out of Saigon) usually costs the same as roundtrip.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 7 days enough for Vietnam?
Yes for the north-south essentials with domestic flights. Ten days lets you add Sapa rice terraces or Hue. Two weeks lets you include the Mekong Delta or Phu Quoc tropical beach island.
Best time to visit Vietnam?
October-April for the full country. November-April is dry season in the north. March-May is the sweet spot for nationwide travel. Avoid June-September if doing Ha Long Bay (typhoon risk).
Do I need a visa for Vietnam?
Most western nationalities need an e-visa (25 USD, apply 5-7 days ahead at evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn). Print the approved document for arrival.
Is Ha Long Bay overnight cruise worth it?
Absolutely. Sleeping on the bay is the highlight – sunrise and sunset on the deck, kayaking between karsts, tai chi at dawn. Choose a reputable operator (Indochina Junk, Bhaya, Au Co). Avoid bottom-tier cruises.
Is Vietnam cheap?
Yes, very. Budget 25-45 USD/day works; mid-range 60-120 USD/day gives 4-star comfort. Vietnamese street food is consistently 2-4 USD per meal of restaurant quality.
Should I get tailored clothes in Hoi An?
Yes – it is the Hoi An signature experience. Reputable shops can make a custom suit in 24 hours (200-350 USD), dresses (80-200 USD), shirts (40-90 USD). Get fitted day 1, picked up day 2.
Is Vietnam safe?
Yes for tourists. Petty theft (snatch-and-grab on motorbikes targeting phones/bags) happens in HCMC and Hanoi – keep phone secure, no bags on the street side. Otherwise very safe even at night.
Can I drink the tap water?
No. Use bottled water (10,000 VND ~0.40 USD for 1.5L). Hotels usually provide 2 bottles per day free. Brush teeth with bottled too.
What should I pack for Vietnam?
Lightweight breathable clothes (humidity is brutal), modest temple-appropriate covering (shoulders and knees in pagodas), comfortable walking shoes plus sandals, insect repellent, sunscreen, a refillable water bottle, and a power adapter (Type A/C/F, 220V).
Final Thoughts
Vietnam in 7 days is intense, vivid, and unforgettable. You will leave with deeply specific sensory memories – the steam rising from a bowl of dawn pho at 6 AM in Hanoi, the way Ha Long Bay water glows turquoise around your kayak, the moment Hoi An lit up with a thousand silk lanterns as sunset deepened, the chaotic energy of a Saigon intersection where 200 motorbikes negotiate without ever quite hitting each other.
Vietnam rewards the curious. Eat the street food. Ride the cyclo. Sleep on the junk boat. Order another egg coffee. Trust the chaos and walk slowly across the street. Chuc mung – safe travels.