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Impression Of Vietnam 7-day Itinerary By Dorian Family

Day 1: Arrival in Hanoi

Day 1 of 7 days in Vietnam, upon arriving at Noi Bai International Airport in Hanoi, we were warmly welcomed by a guide sent by the Vietnam travel agency, Autour Asia. Punctual, friendly, and deeply passionate about his country, he immediately made us feel at ease.

The transfer to our hotel went smoothly, giving us the chance to take in our first glimpses of Vietnamese life: scooters racing by, street vendors calling out, and typical colonial facades lining the roads.

In the afternoon, our adventure truly began with a visit to Hanoi’s historic quarter. With its unique charm, this old district was a living labyrinth — bustling alleys, colorful markets, the scent of spices, and the constant hum of the city created a mesmerizing scene.

We let ourselves get lost in this vibrant atmosphere before taking a delicious break in a small, family-run eatery. It was the perfect opportunity to enjoy our very first pho, bursting with flavor, alongside crispy spring rolls.

Day 2: Excursion to Hoa Lu and Tam Coc

The second day of our Vietnam in 7 days led us to one of northern Vietnam’s most stunning natural gems: Ninh Binh province. After about a two-hour drive from Hanoi, we arrived in Hoa Lu, the ancient imperial capital of Vietnam in the 10th century.

Set in a peaceful landscape surrounded by limestone mountains, we visited historic temples dedicated to the Dinh and Le kings. These spiritual, history-filled sites gave us a powerful introduction to Vietnam’s glorious past.

In the afternoon, we enjoyed an unforgettable boat ride on the tranquil waters of Tam Coc. Expert rowers — steering with their feet — guided us through golden rice fields and majestic karst formations. The stillness, broken only by birdsong and the laughter of children playing on the riverbanks, created an almost dreamlike atmosphere.

To end the second day of Vietnam in 7 days, we hopped on bicycles and pedaled through the quiet village paths, discovering the authentic beauty of rural Vietnamese life.

Day 3: Hanoi – Halong Bay

The third day of our Vietnam in 7 days took us to one of the country’s most stunning natural wonders: the iconic Halong Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We left Hanoi early in the morning for the drive to the embarkation port.

Upon arrival, the view was breathtaking: dozens of traditional wooden junks gently bobbing on the water, ready to welcome travelers for an unforgettable maritime adventure.

Once aboard our wooden junk, we began a cruise through the bay’s spectacular scenery. Thousands of limestone karsts rose from the emerald-green waters, creating a dreamlike landscape. In the afternoon, we enjoyed a kayaking session around the islets, followed by a visit to the impressive Surprise Cave, and later, a Vietnamese cooking class with the crew.

The evening unfolded in peaceful silence, accompanied by the gentle lapping of the waves. Spending the night on the junk, surrounded by towering rock formations and the stillness of the sea, was both soothing and magical — a truly unforgettable moment of our trip.

Day 4: Halong Bay – Hanoi – Flight to Ho Chi Minh City

After a calm night on the junk, gently rocked by the quiet waters of Halong Bay, we started the day with a sunrise tai chi session on the deck. The crisp air, the silence of the sea, and the silhouettes of limestone formations on the horizon made for a serene and memorable wake-up. After one last breakfast on board, our cruise came to an end, and we headed back to Hanoi by road.

In the afternoon, we boarded a domestic flight to Ho Chi Minh City, formerly known as Saigon. The contrast with the north was immediate: hotter temperatures, frenetic traffic, modern skyscrapers, and an energetic atmosphere. The city instantly captivated us with its unique blend of Vietnamese tradition and urban modernity.

We spent the evening strolling through the lively downtown streets, especially around the vibrant Ben Thanh Market. Bright lights, bustling street stalls, delicious aromas, and a buzzing ambiance marked our first encounter with southern Vietnam — a new and fascinating side of the country just waiting to be explored.

Day 5: Exploring the Mekong Delta

This day of our Vietnam in 7 days itinerary was dedicated to exploring the Mekong Delta, a true maze of waterways and farmlands in the heart of southern Vietnam. Early in the morning, we left Ho Chi Minh City for My Tho, where a traditional boat was waiting for us.

Once on board, we gently drifted along canals lined with coconut palms, tropical orchards, and stilt houses — a genuine glimpse into the local way of life.

We stopped at several iconic islands of the delta, including Unicorn Island and Dragon Island. These visits allowed us to discover the region’s artisanal and culinary treasures. We tasted a variety of freshly picked exotic fruits, watched the traditional making of coconut candies, and observed the local craftsmanship behind rice paper production.

A musical interlude later offered us a touching moment through a performance of traditional Vietnamese music. This day, blending nature, tradition, and heartfelt encounters, was one of the most emotionally rich experiences of our stay — an unforgettable immersion into the soul of southern Vietnam.

Day 6: Cu Chi Tunnels – Ho Chi Minh City

The sixth day of our Vietnam in 7 days trip began with a powerful visit to the Cu Chi Tunnels, located about 50 kilometers from Ho Chi Minh City. This underground network, stretching over hundreds of kilometers, was a major stronghold of Vietnamese resistance during the war against the Americans.

On-site, our guide passionately explained the harsh living conditions endured by the Vietnamese fighters. We crawled through a short section of the tunnel, felt the narrowness of the space, and saw firsthand the ingenious ventilation systems, primitive traps, and hidden shelters.

Back in the city, the afternoon was devoted to discovering Ho Chi Minh City’s colonial heritage. We admired the majestic red-brick Notre-Dame Cathedral, visited the central post office designed in the Eiffel style, and strolled through the bustling aisles of Ben Thanh Market, where we picked up a few handmade souvenirs.

To end the day, we savored a delicious stir-fried beef dish with vegetables, followed by the traditional Vietnamese three-color dessert. It was a full day, rich in historical memory, architectural beauty, and the culinary delights of southern Vietnam.

Day 7: Departure from Ho Chi Minh City

On our final day in Vietnam, we had a bit of free time to wander the streets of Saigon, sip on iced Vietnamese coffee, and do some last-minute shopping. Our French-speaking agency, Vietnam Autour Asia, took care of everything: airport transfers, formalities, and last-minute travel tips. This final moment gave us a chance to reflect on our Vietnam in 7 days and cherish every memory.

Our Vietnam in 7 days was much more than just a tourist circuit. It was a full cultural immersion — a series of touching encounters, breathtaking landscapes, and captivating lessons in history. Each region, from the lush north to the tropical south, revealed a different face of the country. We want to sincerely thank the Vietnam travel agency – Autour Asia, whose professionalism and warmth made our stay seamless and memorable. For anyone dreaming of discovering Vietnam but pressed for time, this Vietnam in 7 days tour is the perfect choice.