7 days in Vietnam Itinerary

The capital of Vietnam, Hanoi has bounded back from the effects of war, and today serves as a bustling commercial and cultural hub bursting at the seams.

Start off your visit on the 17th (Tue): steep yourself in history at Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and then take a stroll through Old Quarter. Here are some ideas for day two: steep yourself in history at Temple of Literature & National University, then contemplate the long history of Hoa Lo Prison, then explore the activities along Lake of the Restored Sword (Hoan Kiem Lake), and finally pick up a one of a kind souvenir at 54 Traditions Gallery.

To find other places to visit, photos, where to stay, and tourist information, read our Hanoi tour builder.

Kolkata (Calcutta), India to Hanoi is an approximately 6-hour flight. You can also drive. You'll lose 1.5 hours traveling from Kolkata (Calcutta) to Hanoi due to the time zone difference. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 18th (Wed) so you can travel to Halong Bay.

Halong Bay encompasses a cluster of verdant limestone islets that jut out from the sea and make up an enchanting setting recognized as a World Heritage Site.

Kick off your visit on the 19th (Thu): explore the activities along Hạ Long Bay and then take a tour by water with Boat Tours & Water Sports.

To find where to stay and other tourist information, read our Halong Bay online trip maker.

You can do a combination of bus, flight, car, and ferry from Hanoi to Halong Bay in 5 hours. Other options are to do a combination of bus and ferry; or do a combination of train, car, and ferry. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 19th (Thu) to allow time to travel to Hoi An.

Indisputably one of Vietnam's most atmospheric destinations, Hoi An contains a World Heritage-listed old town boasting over 2,000 years of culture and history.

On the 20th (Fri), push the limits with an extreme tour, then stroll through The Marble Mountains, then admire the masterpieces at Precious Heritage by Rehahn, and finally indulge in some personalized pampering at some of the best spas. Keep things going the next day: stop by Yaly Couture - Nguyen Thai Hoc branch, make a trip to Japanese Covered Bridge, then make a trip to Hoi An Ancient Town, and finally have fun at Henna Art Hoi An.

For reviews, maps, ratings, and other tourist information, go to the Hoi An planning app.

Getting from Halong Bay to Hoi An by combination of ferry and flight takes about 8 hours. Other options: do a combination of ferry, car, and bus; or do a combination of ferry, car, and train. In November, daily temperatures in Hoi An can reach 33°C, while at night they dip to 27°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 21st (Sat) to allow time to travel to Ho Chi Minh City.

Formerly known in the West as Saigon and affectionately referred to as the "Pearl of the Far East," Ho Chi Minh City is a study of old and new, woven and piled together in a fast-paced urban hub.

On the 22nd (Sun), make a trip to Cu Chi Tunnels, then look for gifts at LiA Saigon, then get engrossed in the history at War Remnants Museum, and finally admire the landmark architecture of Central Post Office. Here are some ideas for day two: paddle through the water with a kayaking and canoeing tour.

For photos, traveler tips, more things to do, and more tourist information, read our Ho Chi Minh City trip itinerary maker site.

Getting from Hoi An to Ho Chi Minh City by flight takes about 4.5 hours. Other options: drive; or do a combination of bus and train. Expect a bit warmer weather when traveling from Hoi An in November: highs in Ho Chi Minh City hover around 38°C, while lows dip to 28°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 23rd (Mon) so you can travel back home.