The Ultimate 7-Day Vietnam Travel Itinerary from India for First-Time Visitors

One of the most popular destinations in recent times, Vietnam is a destination worth ticking off from every Indian traveler's bucket list. Not only is it accessible and convenient to reach, but it is also extremely budget friendly! With this perfect 7 day travel itinerary, Vietnam is all set as your next international destination.

Plus, with a whole lot of things to do in Vietnam - from pristine beaches, delicious food to rich history and UNESCO world heritage sites, there's no way you can resist the adventure that awaits!

For Indian travelers, Vietnam offers the perfect blend of history, culture, adventure, and affordability. Whether you're exploring the historical streets of Ho Chi Minh City, walking through the lantern-lit alleys of Hoi An, or marveling at the architectural beauty of Hanoi, this Southeast Asia country will leave you wanting more.

Additionally, accommodations and food in Vietnam are reasonably priced. Overnight stays in hostels can cost as low as 94,000 VND or around 309 INR, and street food can cost as low as 30,000 VND or 99 INR. The VISA process is also hassle-free with the easy-to-obtain Vietnam e-visa, making travel smoother than ever!

Of course, their food is also something worth traveling for. Other than delicious pho noodle soup and crunchy bánh mì sandwiches, you can never get enough of their street food. Try out banh xeo, a crispy crepe bulging with pork, shrimp, and bean sprouts, and banh knot, which is like a Vietnamese pancake.

Wondering where to go and what to do in Vietnam? Look no further! This 7-day itinerary from India is packed with adventure, culture, and flavors—spicier than a bowl of Pho and more dazzling than Hanoi’s nightlights!

So, what are you waiting for? It’s time to start getting ready for your Vietnam trip!

Known as the “Paris of Asia,” Hanoi is a melting pot of history and modernity and marks the starting point of your Vietnam itinerary. As you get transferred to your hotel from the airport, which takes about 45 minutes, get a glimpse of the lively colorful streets lined with vendors, or the street food stalls filling the air with aroma.

Make sure to experience the culture on your Vietnam trip through their food—ca phe trung (egg coffee), banh cuon (steamed rice roll), banh gio (pyramidal dumpling), bun rieu (crab paste vermicelli), and so much more! Try out local restaurants and street food, but don’t forget to pair your meals with the world’s cheapest beer, bia hơi.

You can spend the rest of the strolling through the old quarter of Vietnam's capital followed by a hearty dinner while walking through the local eateries and markets.

Your second day in Hanoi is packed with adventure. Begin your day with a visit to the famous Hanoi Train Street. When the train arrives through the narrow residential lane lined with colonial homes and cafes, you'll know why it is a real crowd puller.

Continue your sightseeing from Ba Dinh Square, the city's focal point for cultural landmarks and political meets. Check out the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, Temple of Literature, Old Quarter, Hoa Lo Prison, Museum of Ethnology as well as the Bat Trang pottery village. Complete your city tour with a visit to the Long Bien Bridge as pay homage at the exquisite Trấn Quốc Pagoda near the West lake area.

Halong Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is just a three-hour journey from Hanoi. Famed for its stunning limestone cliffs and emerald waters, Halong bay legends say that dragons once took a dip here.

To truly immerse yourself in this experience, go on a Halong bay cruise that includes a meal option of mouthwatering Vietnamese dishes. Sail through a landscape dotted with whimsical islets, like the Stone Dog and Teapot, Cat Ba island and many others named for their unique shapes.

You can also opt for a traditional junk boat trip or an adventurous sea kayaking expedition in Halong Bay where breathtaking views are guaranteed. From Hanoi, Halong Bay is very easy to reach—choose from a bus, train, or private taxi for a scenic ride to this natural wonder.

There are many places to visit in Vietnam, and Ninh Bình should definitely be one of them. Here, you will find valleys, caves, and limestone mountains. You can go through the caves and go cruising around the stunning views of Vietnam.

There are many ways to get to Ninh Bình. Just like getting to Halong Bay, you can also take the bus, train or book a private taxi to this paradise.

On your fifth day, arrive in Da Nang, a vibrant beach-side city nestled between Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh. The most convenient way to reach Da Nang is by taking a flight from Hanoi, which offers a quick and hassle-free journey.

Once you arrive, immerse yourself in the city's laid-back atmosphere, hang out on the beachside and get a taste of the local cuisine. Then prepare yourself for an exciting day tour to Ba Na Hills . Take a thrilling cable car ride to the top, where breathtaking views await. Explore the ecological park, visit the charming replica of a French Village, and stroll across the stunning Golden Bridge, which offers a picturesque view of nature's beauty. For the more adventurous, consider a ride on the Alpine Coaster.

Explore the Ancient Town of Hoi An. This former port city showcases an eclectic mix of architectural styles, reflecting its melting-pot heritage. You'll see everything from wooden Chinese shophouses and ornate temples to colorful French colonial buildings and the iconic Japanese Covered Bridge, complete with a pagoda. The canals that cut through the town add to its charm, giving you plenty of opportunities to capture the picturesque reflections of the buildings and vibrant streets.

Thung Chai, the bamboo basket boat that’s as fun as it sounds. Gliding through the small waterways of the Thu Bon River, you’ll be surrounded by lush greenery and swaying coconut trees.

Start your day with an early 1.5-hour flight from Hoi An to Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam’s vibrant southern hub. Begin your exploration at the War Remnants Museum, where powerful exhibits provide an unfiltered look at the Vietnam War through haunting photographs and military artifacts. A stunning reminder of Vietnam’s French colonial past, the Notre Dame Cathedral has stood for nearly 150 years (not 900!) as an architectural masterpiece. Just a short walk away, the Saigon Central Post Office, designed by Gustave Eiffel, boasts grand interiors and a nostalgic charm, making it a must-see landmark.

No Vietnam itinerary is complete without a visit to the Cu Chi Tunnels in Ho Chi Minh City, an intricate underground network used by the Viet Cong during the war, offering a glimpse into the resilience and ingenuity of the Vietnamese people.

Finally, if time allows, extend your journey to parts of southern Vietnam, the Mekong Delta for a scenic boat ride through its floating markets or relax on the sun-kissed beaches of Phu Quoc Island, a perfect way to end your Vietnam adventure.

Can’t wait to go on an amazing trip to discover delicious food and wonderful views? Enjoy the beauty of Vietnam today when you visit this amazing country!

Before everything else, make sure you get all your documents ready. A Vietnam visa for Indians is easy to get—just have the approval letter beforehand to procure your Visa on arrival at the airport! 

Just like India, Vietnam is generally warm and sunny, so be sure to bring comfortable and breezy clothes. Bring a light jacket and prepare a pair of sneakers as well, especially if you plan on taking hikes! 

With everything set, make sure you take note of the exchange rate. Vietnam currency to INR is 1 VND to 0.0034 INR. Here’s a quick rundown: 100 VND is 0.34 INR, 1,000 VND is 3.4 INR, and 10,000 VND is 34.12 INR. When in Vietnam, be careful when you hand your cash as the 15,000 VND note looks similar to the 50,000 VND note!