Vietnam had long been on my bucket list, and last summer, I finally got the chance to explore this incredible country. Over 10 days, I traveled through Hanoi, Ha Long Bay, Danang, Hoi An, and Ho Chi Minh City, immersing myself in the culture, history, and breathtaking landscapes.
From cruising through the emerald waters of Ha Long Bay to wandering the lantern-lit streets of Hoi An and experiencing the vibrant energy of Ho Chi Minh City, every moment was unforgettable. Here’s a glimpse into my journey and a one-week itinerary if you’re planning your own adventure!
Hanoi – The Heart of Vietnam
My journey began in Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam and a city full of charm, history, and bustling energy. The mix of French colonial buildings, ancient temples, and lively street markets made every corner worth exploring.
Best Experiences in Hanoi:
✔️ Exploring the Old Quarter – The chaotic yet vibrant streets were packed with vendors, motorbikes, and some of the best street food I’ve ever had.
✔️ A boat ride in Hoan Kiem Lake – A peaceful escape in the middle of the city.
✔️ Visiting Train Street – Watching a train pass through a narrow street lined with cafes was a thrilling experience.
✔️ Tasting Egg Coffee at Giang Café – A creamy, sweet Vietnamese specialty that I absolutely loved.
✔️ Exploring the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum & Temple of Literature – A dive into Vietnam’s history and culture.
Hanoi’s mix of old-world charm and modern buzz made for an exciting start to my trip!
Ha Long Bay – A Cruise Through a Natural Wonder
A trip to Vietnam wouldn’t be complete without visiting Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its emerald waters and towering limestone karsts.
Highlights of My Ha Long Bay Day Cruise:
🚢 Sailing past limestone islands – The landscape looked like something out of a painting!
🛶 Kayaking through hidden caves – A surreal and peaceful experience.
🕵️ Exploring Sung Sot Cave (Surprise Cave) – Gigantic caverns with fascinating rock formations.
🍤 Enjoying fresh seafood on the boat – Some of the best meals of my trip!
If you have more time, I’d definitely recommend an overnight cruise to experience a sunset and sunrise over the bay!
Danang – A Coastal Paradise
From Hanoi, I flew to Danang, a coastal city known for its beautiful beaches, modern vibe, and stunning landscapes.
Danang Must-Do Experiences:
🏖 Relaxing at My Khe Beach – A pristine stretch of sand and blue waters, perfect for unwinding.
⛰ Exploring the Marble Mountains – A series of limestone hills with pagodas, caves, and panoramic views.
🚠 Walking on the Golden Bridge at Ba Na Hills – The iconic “Hands Bridge” that looks straight out of a fantasy movie.
Danang was the perfect mix of relaxation and adventure before heading to my next destination.
Hoi An – A Lantern-Lit Wonderland
A short drive from Danang brought me to Hoi An, a fairytale-like town famous for its lantern-lit streets, old-world charm, and delicious food.
Best Experiences in Hoi An:
🏮 Wandering through the Ancient Town at night – The glowing lanterns and charming streets felt magical.
🚲 Cycling through rice fields and countryside villages – A refreshing escape from the bustling cities.
🍜 Taking a Vietnamese cooking class – I learned to make pho and fresh spring rolls!
🚣 A boat ride on the Thu Bon River – Watching floating lanterns on the water was a mesmerizing experience.
Hoi An was undoubtedly one of my favorite stops, and I highly recommend staying here for at least a couple of days!
Ho Chi Minh City – The Pulse of Vietnam
The final stop on my trip was Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), Vietnam’s largest and most energetic metropolis.
Best Experiences in Ho Chi Minh City:
🏛 Exploring the War Remnants Museum – A powerful insight into Vietnam’s history.
⛪ Visiting the Notre Dame Cathedral & Central Post Office – French colonial landmarks with beautiful architecture.
🍜 Food tour at Ben Thanh Market – I tried banh mi, pho, and Vietnamese coffee, and everything was delicious!
🚤 Taking a day trip to the Cu Chi Tunnels – Learning about Vietnam’s wartime history was eye-opening.
Ho Chi Minh City was fast-paced, lively, and packed with incredible food and history—a perfect way to end my trip.
Sample One-Week Vietnam Itinerary
If you have only one week in Vietnam, here’s how you can cover the best highlights:
Day 1: Arrive in Hanoi
- Explore the Old Quarter & Train Street.
- Visit Hoan Kiem Lake & Ngoc Son Temple.
- Try egg coffee & local street food.
Day 2: Ha Long Bay Day Cruise
- Take a full-day cruise to Ha Long Bay.
- Explore caves, kayak, and enjoy the stunning views.
- Return to Hanoi for the night.
Day 3: Fly to Danang & Explore
- Relax at My Khe Beach.
- Visit Marble Mountains & Dragon Bridge.
Day 4: Discover Hoi An
- Walk through the Ancient Town & Lantern Market.
- Take a cooking class or bike through the countryside.
- Enjoy a boat ride on the Thu Bon River.
Day 5: Fly to Ho Chi Minh City
- Visit Notre Dame Cathedral & Central Post Office.
- Explore Ben Thanh Market & War Remnants Museum.
Day 6: Cu Chi Tunnels & Local Food Tour
- Take a day trip to the Cu Chi Tunnels.
- Try local street food and experience the nightlife.
Day 7: Departure
- Do some last-minute shopping and say goodbye to Vietnam!
Final Thoughts: Why Vietnam Stole My Heart
Vietnam is a country that truly has it all—stunning landscapes, rich history, mouthwatering food, and warm, welcoming people. Each destination had something unique to offer, making the trip an unforgettable experience.
Would I go back? Absolutely! There’s still so much to explore, from Sapa’s rice terraces to Phu Quoc’s beaches. Until next time, Vietnam!
🌏 Have you been to Vietnam, or is it on your bucket list? Let me know in the comments!
