Vietnam in 7 days — is it really enough? Absolutely yes, if you plan it right. With direct flights from Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Kolkata reaching Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City in just 5 hours, Indian travellers can comfortably explore Vietnam's biggest highlights in a week without feeling rushed.
This 7-day Vietnam itinerary from India is built specifically for Indian travellers — covering iconic Halong Bay, the lantern-lit streets of Hoi An, French colonial Hanoi, and the buzzing energy of Ho Chi Minh City. We've included real travel times, where to eat (with Indian-friendly options), what to skip, and approximate costs in INR.
Quick Overview: 7-Day Vietnam Itinerary at a Glance
- Day 1 — Hanoi: Arrive, Old Quarter walk, Hoan Kiem Lake
- Day 2 — Halong Bay: Overnight cruise, kayaking, caves
- Day 3 — Halong Bay → Hanoi: Morning cruise, fly to Da Nang
- Day 4 — Hoi An: Old Town, lanterns, tailor shops
- Day 5 — Da Nang/Ba Na Hills: Golden Bridge, cable car, beaches
- Day 6 — Ho Chi Minh City: War Remnants Museum, Cu Chi Tunnels
- Day 7 — Ho Chi Minh → India: Last-minute shopping, departure
Before You Start: Essentials for Indian Travellers
- Visa: Indians need a Vietnam e-visa. Apply 2 weeks early using our step-by-step Vietnam visa guide for Indian passport holders
- Currency: Vietnamese Dong (VND). 1 INR ≈ 290 VND. Carry some USD too
- Best time: November or March — read our best time to visit Vietnam guide
- Flights from India: Direct flights from Delhi/Mumbai to Hanoi & Ho Chi Minh, 5 hours, ₹20,000–₹30,000 round trip
- Travel insurance: Recommended (₹500–₹1,000 for the trip)
Day 1: Arrive in Hanoi — The Old Soul of Vietnam
Land at Noi Bai International Airport (HAN) by morning if flying from Delhi or Mumbai (overnight flight). Take a Grab cab to your hotel in the Old Quarter — about 45 minutes, ₹500–₹700.
Afternoon: Walk through Hanoi's Old Quarter — 36 chaotic streets each named after the trade once practised there. Try a Vietnamese egg coffee at Giang Café (vegetarians, you can ask for it without the egg).
Evening: Visit Hoan Kiem Lake at sunset, see the iconic red bridge and Ngoc Son Temple. Dinner at Namaste Hanoi or Tandoor Restaurant for Indian food if you're missing home cooking.
Where to stay: Old Quarter (₹2,500–₹5,000/night for 3-star hotels)
Day 2: Halong Bay Overnight Cruise — Bucket List Moment
This is THE day. After breakfast, your cruise transfer picks you up at 8 AM (or you take a 4-hour drive yourself). Halong Bay is roughly 170 km from Hanoi.
Board your overnight cruise ship by noon — most Indian-friendly options include Paradise Cruise, Indochina Sails, or Bhaya Cruise. Lunch on board with a buffet (vegetarian options available — request in advance).
Afternoon activities: Kayaking through limestone karsts, visit Surprise Cave (Sung Sot), swimming, sunset cocktails on the deck.
Evening: Themed dinner on board, squid fishing, traditional music. Sleeping with karst peaks outside your window is unforgettable.
Cost: ₹6,000–₹15,000 per person for cruise (all meals included)
Day 3: Back to Hanoi → Fly to Da Nang
Morning: Tai Chi class on deck (optional), explore Titop Island, brunch on board, then sail back to harbour by noon.
Afternoon: Drive back to Hanoi (4 hours). Direct flight from Hanoi to Da Nang in the evening — 1 hour 20 minutes, ₹3,000–₹5,000.
Check into your hotel in Hoi An (45-minute drive from Da Nang airport). Light dinner — try authentic Cao Lau noodles, a Hoi An speciality.
Day 4: Hoi An — Lanterns, Heritage, and Charm
Morning: Explore Hoi An Ancient Town (UNESCO World Heritage). Visit the Japanese Covered Bridge, old merchant houses, and Phuc Kien Assembly Hall. Entry combo ticket: 120,000 VND (~₹420).
Afternoon: Get a tailored suit or dress made — Hoi An's tailors deliver in 24 hours. Then a Vietnamese cooking class (₹1,500) where you learn pho and spring rolls.
Evening: The most magical part — lantern-lit streets after sunset. Take a small wooden boat on Thu Bon River and release a wishing lantern. Photo opportunities at every corner.
Indian food option: Ganesh Indian Restaurant Hoi An — surprisingly authentic dal makhani.
Day 5: Da Nang & Ba Na Hills — The Golden Bridge
Morning: 30-minute drive to Ba Na Hills. Take the cable car (Guinness World Record holder for longest non-stop single-track cable car) up to 1,487 m.
At the top: Walk across the famous Golden Bridge held by giant stone hands — the most Instagrammable spot in Vietnam. Explore the French Village, Fantasy Park, and gardens.
Cost: Cable car + park entry ₹2,500
Afternoon: Return to Da Nang. Relax at My Khe Beach, one of Asia's most beautiful beaches.
Evening: Watch the Dragon Bridge breathe fire (Saturday & Sunday at 9 PM). Dinner at Madam Lan for traditional Vietnamese seafood.
Night flight to Ho Chi Minh City — 1 hour 25 minutes. Check into your Saigon hotel late evening.
Day 6: Ho Chi Minh City — Energy of Modern Vietnam
Morning: Half-day tour of Cu Chi Tunnels (75 km from city) — the underground tunnel network from the Vietnam War. Crawl through actual tunnels and see hidden traps. Tour cost: ₹1,500–₹2,000.
Afternoon: Back in Saigon, visit:
- War Remnants Museum — Powerful, emotional (₹150 entry)
- Reunification Palace — Where the war ended in 1975
- Notre Dame Cathedral & Saigon Central Post Office — French colonial beauties
Evening: Shopping at Ben Thanh Market — silk scarves, coffee, lacquerware. Bargain hard! Then dinner at Bến Thành Street Food Market or Saigon Indian Kitchen.
Optional: Sky Bar at Bitexco Tower for Saigon skyline views (₹600 entry).
Day 7: Departure Day — One Last Vietnamese Coffee
Morning: Sleep in or grab last-minute coffee at one of Saigon's iconic cafés. Pick up Vietnamese coffee beans, dried fruits, or souvenirs you missed.
Afternoon: Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN) is just 30 minutes from city centre. Direct flights to Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru take about 5 hours.
Pro tip: Most Vietnam-to-India flights depart at night, so you have a full last day to explore.
Total Cost Estimate for 7-Day Vietnam Trip from India
Here's what a 7-day Vietnam trip typically costs Indian travellers:
Budget Trip (per person): ₹57,375 total
- International flights: ₹20,000
- Domestic flights (2 sectors): ₹6,000
- Hotels (6 nights): ₹12,000
- Halong Bay cruise: ₹6,000
- Tours & activities: ₹5,000
- Food & local transport: ₹6,000
- Vietnam e-visa: ₹2,375
Mid-Range Trip (per person): ₹95,375 total
- International flights: ₹28,000
- Domestic flights (2 sectors): ₹10,000
- Hotels (6 nights): ₹25,000
- Halong Bay cruise: ₹12,000
- Tours & activities: ₹8,000
- Food & local transport: ₹10,000
- Vietnam e-visa: ₹2,375
For a complete cost breakdown including hidden expenses, read our Vietnam tour cost from India guide.
5 Smart Tips to Make Your 7 Days in Vietnam Smoother
- Take internal flights, not trains: Hanoi to Da Nang by train is 17 hours. By flight, 1 hour 20 minutes for ₹3,500.
- Use Grab app: Cheaper than taxis and avoids haggling. Download before you fly.
- Carry small denominations of USD: Useful for cruise tips and visa-on-arrival situations.
- Book Halong cruise + Hoi An hotels in advance: Both fill up fast in peak season.
- Apply for your e-visa early: See our complete Vietnam visa guide for Indians — applications can take up to 7 working days.
Want a Customised 7-Day Vietnam Trip?
This itinerary is a tested blueprint, but every Indian traveller has different priorities — honeymoon couples might want more Phu Quoc time, families with kids might skip Cu Chi Tunnels, and adventure seekers might add Sapa trekking.
Explore our destination-wise packages for Halong Bay, Hanoi, Hoi An, Da Nang, Ho Chi Minh City, Phu Quoc, and Sapa — or contact our travel experts to build a custom 7-day plan that fits your style and budget. We've helped thousands of Indian travellers create unforgettable Vietnam holidays — yours could be next.
Ready to start? Apply for your Vietnam e-visa from India today and start packing!
