The Most Epic 7-Day North Vietnam Itinerary

Who doesn’t like Pho? 🍜 Lol sadly my fiancé actually doesn’t (he’s weird I know) but it’s a good thing he didn’t come with me on my most recent trip to North Vietnam! (I went with my dad who definitely loves pho). Anyways, are YOU ready to explore North Vietnam like never before? And no you don’t need to actually like pho in order to fall in love with Vietnam, although it never hurts.

If you only have 7 days to spare and can’t afford to take more time off of work (I get it), but want to see all the North Vietnam highlights including Hanoi, Halong Bay, Ninh Binh, and more — then you’re in for a f*cking epic adventure. In this post, I’ve put together a complete 7-day itinerary for North Vietnam that’ll hit all the must-see spots, plus a few hidden gems.

I’ll also cover everything you need to know like “Do you need a visa?” and “How do you get around?”
And of course, you’ll find a massive FAQ section at the end, so you’re totally prepared for your trip.

Whether you’re planning to go solo, with friends, or thinking about joining a tour (I’ll be linking some great options below), this guide’s got everything you need to make your 7 day North Vietnam trip as smooth and unforgettable as possible. So let’s get into it 👇

Read more on Vietnam 🇻🇳

• The Most Incredible 3 Day Hanoi Itinerary for First Timers

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North Vietnam at a glance

Short on Time? Here Are My Top Picks for the Best Hotels in North Vietnam:

• Capella Hanoi, for those seeking a sophisticated stay with a touch of old-world charm located in the heart of Hanoi. This is definitely my #1 recommendation for hotels in Hanoi as I’m obsessed with the art noveau design and opera theme
• La Sinfonía del Rey Hotel & Spa, for a boutique hotel with breath-taking views over Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple. This is a great hotel for those who are jetlagged and want to go on a stroll at 6am haha aka me.
• The West Hotel & Spa, for a super laid-back, yet still luxurious experience. This incredible 4-star hotel is often less than $50 USD/night! Something you literally can’t find anywhere in the states.

Is 7 days in North Vietnam enough?

YES! Although you’re asking the 👑 of fast-paced itineraries because not all of us are born wealthy lol. So I understand most of need to get back to work and can’t afford to take more than 5 business days off of work. So yes, 7 day is the perfect amount of time to experience the highlights without feeling too rushed.

Whether you’re exploring the bustling streets of Hanoi, cruising through Halong Bay’s stunning limestone islands, or hiking through the rice terraces of Sapa, there’s just enough time to soak it all in at a relaxed pace.

Plus, you’ll have time to dive into local culture, enjoy the delicious food, and even sneak in a few off-the-beaten-path spots. Trust me, 7 days gives you the perfect balance of must-see destinations and spontaneous adventures!

Do I need a visa for North Vietnam?

If you’re traveling from the US (which I think most of my readers are), the answer is YES! Don’t be stupid like me and wait until last minute. And then end up having to pay $100 to expedite it because the Vietnamese government website is useless.

If you’re planning well in advance, you should be fine getting a visa through the official central Vietnam Government website. Just keep in mind that this might take weeks.

And if you’re like me who plans everything somewhat last minute, then you might need to pay a 3rd party service to rush your visa. I totally thought this was going to be a scam but it was fine. I guess money talks. Soooo yeah, whatever route you end up taking, just know that you DO NEED A VISA FOR VIETNAM.

Best time to visit North Vietnam

I think you guys know that Asia can get hot af, especially during summer. I’m usually not one to skip out on traveling due to weather but Asia’s humidity is another beast. Some people can handle it, but I honestly hate having to take 5 showers in a day on vacation. But to each their own. I went in April and it was already pretty hot but again, some people are totally fine. My dad? Completely unbothered lol.

Spring and summer (March to August) are the warmer months, with temps ranging from 70-90°F (21-32°C), so it’s perfect for sightseeing and outdoor activities. Just know that July and August can get a bit steamy, especially in Hanoi, where the humidity can make things feel so much hotter. This time of year also brings in the crowds, especially during summer vacation, so expect popular spots to be a little busier.

On the flip side, fall and winter (September to February) offer cooler, more comfortable temps, usually between 50-70°F (10-21°C). It’s less humid, which makes it a great time to explore without the heat getting in the way. Plus, you’ll find fewer tourists, so you can enjoy places like Halong Bay and Sapa with a little more peace and quiet. Just pack a jacket, especially in the mountains, as it can get chilly.

How to get around North Vietnam in 7 Days

Okay so full disclosure, I joined an… interesting Taiwanese tour when I went to North Vietnam so a lot of the transportation was organized for us. I was desperate to see another country and my dad only likes traveling with tour groups so we made a compromise. However, I’ve spent hours researching the best routes and logistics to take you from Hanoi to Halong Bay to Ninh Binh and beyond!

I genuinely love researching travel so I’m pretty confident I was able to pull all the logistics stuff into a comprehensive travel guide below.

The good thing is you’ve got plenty of logistics options to choose from. In Hanoi, grab a taxi or use Grab (basically Vietnam’s Uber). For longer trips, sleeper buses and trains are reliable, affordable, and comfortable! (And this is coming from someone who hates bus travel but Vietnam knows what they’re doing unlike South America)

If you’re feeling adventurous, you can also rent a motorbike and cruise around the village of Ninh Binh. And for those heading to Halong Bay, a cruise is the (only) way to go! But I’ll make sure to give you all the options for getting to/from the ferry port when you go!

Suggested 7 day North Vietnam itinerary

Here’s my suggested 7-day North Vietnam itinerary since it’s the one I personally did, but feel free to tweak it! You’ll start in Hanoi, cruise through Halong Bay, and wrap up in Ninh Binh. If two nights on the bay isn’t your thing, you can also swap one of the nights for an overnight trip to Sapa. Either way, you’re getting the perfect mix of city vibes, stunning landscapes, and adventure — all in just one week!

Days 1-2: Diving into street food and history in Hanoi

Getting into Hanoi during your 7 day North Vietnam itinerary

Getting into Hanoi from the U.S. is pretty straightforward — just be ready for a long haul! There are no direct flights, so you’ll likely have a layover in Tokyo, Seoul, Hong Kong, Taipei, or Singapore before landing at Noi Bai International Airport (HAN).

Once you arrive, it’s about a 40-minute drive into the city center. You can grab a taxi, airport shuttle, or use Grab (Vietnam’s Uber) for the easiest ride.

However, I always suggest pre-booking airport transportation to make things easier. It will also ensure that you don’t get scammed at the start of your trip 🙈

Where to stay in Hanoi during your 7 day North Vietnam itinerary

Hanoi is a great city for all types of travelers. That’s also what makes it such a good starting point too. Since it has hotel options for every budget, whether you’re after affordable guesthouses, boutique stays, or luxury hotels. Most travelers stay in the Old Quarter for its central location, lively streets, and easy access to top sights. If you prefer something quieter, the French Quarter offers upscale hotels with a more relaxed vibe.

Budget travelers will find plenty of hostels and guesthouses under $30 a night, while mid-range boutique hotels range from $50-$100. If you’re after 5-star luxury, you’re still only paying ~$150+ for spots like the Sofitel Metropole or Peridot Grand Luxury Boutique Hotel which let’s be real, is absolutely UNHEARD OF in the states.

I dive into all these hotels (and more) in my detailed 3-day Hanoi itinerary, but here are some of my top mid-range to luxury picks!

• Capella Hanoi, for those seeking a sophisticated stay with a touch of old-world charm located in the heart of Hanoi. This is definitely my #1 recommendation for hotels in Hanoi as I’m obsessed with the art noveau design and opera theme
• La Sinfonía del Rey Hotel & Spa, for a boutique hotel with breath-taking views over Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple. This is a great hotel for those who are jetlagged and want to go on a stroll at 6am haha aka me.
• The West Hotel & Spa, for a super laid-back, yet still luxurious experience. This incredible 4-star hotel is often less than $50 USD/night! Something you literally can’t find anywhere in the states.

Best places to eat in Hanoi during your 7 day North Vietnam itinerary

I also cover my favorite places to eat in my 3 day Hanoi itinerary but here are the hi-lights of restaurants in Hanoi that I thought were so f*cking delicious:

• Phở Gia Truyền Bát Đàn – One of Hanoi’s most famous phở spots, known for its rich, flavorful broth and traditional no-frills experience. Expect a line, but it’s worth it.
• Chả Cá Lã Vọng – The iconic place for Chả Cá (grilled turmeric fish with dill), a must-try Hanoi specialty that you won’t find done better anywhere else.
• Bún Đậu Mắm Tôm Hàng Khay – If you’re up for a truly local experience, this spot serves one of Hanoi’s most beloved (and pungent) dishes—Bún Đậu Mắm Tôm (tofu, rice noodles, and fermented shrimp sauce). Not for the faint of heart, but incredibly authentic.

These three restaurants should give you a solid glimpse into Hanoi’s signature dishes!

Things to do in Hanoi during your 7 day North Vietnam itinerary

I’m actually not going to go into too much detail here because you can find my top list of things to do and places to see in my complete 3 day Hanoi itinerary linked here.

But some of my favorite things to do in Hanoi

• 🌈 Visit the most colorful cafe covered in rainbow sticky notes at Note Coffee
• 🍜 Eat your way through Hanoi on a delicious Michelin Guide street food tour
• 📚Check out the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and Temple of Literature
• 🍳Try a traditional Vietnamese egg coffee
• 💧Watch a unique water puppet show

Days 3-5: Cruising through Ha Long Bay

Days 3-5 during your Northern Vietnam itinerary are going to be all about Halong Bay. You’ve probably heard about this UNESCO world heritage site already but if you haven’t — think towering limestone cliffs, emerald waters, and fun boat rides. This part of the trip is nice because you can either relax on the boat and take in the views or go on some adventures like kayaking and cave exploring.

Getting into Halong Bay during your 7 day North Vietnam itinerary

The good thing about visiting a famous UNESCO site is that the logistics are fairly easy because it’s a main attraction for the country. The last thing you want is another long-haul trek as you’re still adjusting to the time zone. There are a few main ways of getting to Halong Bay:

🚌 A $15/person shared limo service is one of the best and most comfortable ways of getting to Halong bay, especially if you’re on a budget. These massive limo buses are a super convenient way of getting picked up in Hanoi around 8am and getting into Halong Bay by the afternoon.

🚗If money isn’t an issue, then a private transfer is always going to be the way to go. Since you can make multiple stops along the way and not have to be on anyone else’s time. Similar to the shared limos, private transfers from Hanoi to Halong Bay take ~3 hours and start at around $70 per one-way private transfer.

🚐Last but not least, I highly recommend you joining a 3 day 2 night Hanoi to Halong Bay Cruise Tour. Even though I was apart of a larger tour, this is basically what I did during my trip. This is also definitely what I would’ve booked if I ended up traveling solo. There are a ton of tour options online but this luxury cruise has really great reviews and all the rooms have balconies. So every person gets incredible views of the limestone cliffs as you cruise by.

There’s also a really great 2 day 1 night tour option if you’d rather only spend a night.

Where to stay in Halong Bay during your 7 day North Vietnam itinerary

Almost everyone stays on their cruise boat when visiting Halong Bay. And that’s because in order to truly see the scenery, you need to cruise out into the water. Again, this is why there are so many tour options because a 3 day 2 night Hanoi to Halong Bay tour is really the most convenient option. Everything is taken care of for you, the food is delicious, and you don’t have to worry about transportation at all.

For those who prefer to travel with a little bit of stress, here are some hotels that you can stay in while visiting the area. If you choose to stay in one of these, then you’ll probably still want to combine it with a daytime boat cruise anyway to get the full experience. The one day boat cruises are really fun as they usually include lunch, kayaking, drinks, and more!

Here are my top picks for hotels in Halong Bay, Vietnam:

• Vinpearl Resort & Spa Ha Long – A private island vibe without the hassle and/or the cost. You get killer bay views, a massive pool, and a private beach. Feels fancy, but not in a “do I even belong here?” way.
• Royal Halong Hotel – Classic, comfortable, and has a casino if you’re feeling lucky. Not the flashiest, but solid service and a great location near the action.
• Oakwood Ha Long – Sleek, modern, and perfect for long stays. Feels more like a stylish apartment than a hotel — ideal if you are traveling in a larger group and want space or a kitchen.
• Citadines Marina Halong – Chic, comfy, and comes with a rooftop infinity pool. Serviced apartments meet hotel perks, right in the upscale Marina area.

Best places to eat in Halong Bay during your 7 day North Vietnam Itinerary

Again, I normally don’t push tours but this is one of the few places that I suggest you book one. Just because of how easy everything is. Like, look at all the food above. They just take care of it for you and you still get to enjoy an authentic Vietnamese cuisine. You also get to meet other travelers which makes the experience fun.

Sadly I can’t really comment on what the best restaurants are in Halong Bay because breakfast, lunch, and dinner were all taken care of for us during our cruise!

Things to do in Halong Bay during your 7 day North Vietnam itinerary

Okay so the reason I’m suggesting you spend 2 night in Ha Long Bay vs just one is because of the sheer number of activities there are to do. A visit to Hạ Long Bay is an adventure-packed experience with a mix of relaxation and thrill. If you booked the day cruise like I recommended, all of this will likely be taken care of for you! Like for us, we got to kayak, swim, and go cave exploring!

🛶 Kayaking – Kayak through hidden lagoons, sea caves, and floating fishing villages for a closer look at the bay’s natural beauty.

🏊 Swimming – Take a dip in the calm, turquoise waters at secluded beaches like Ti Top Island or Soi Sim Island.

🕵️ Cave Exploring – Wander through massive limestone caves like Sung Sot (Surprise Cave) or the surreal Dau Go Cave, filled with stalactites and ancient formations.

🌅 Sunrise Tai Chi – Many cruises offer early morning Tai Chi sessions on deck for a peaceful start to the day.

🐉 Visiting Floating Villages – Explore traditional fishing communities like Cua Van, where locals have lived on the water for generations.

🏝️ Island Hopping – Discover Cat Ba Island, the largest island in the bay, home to rugged landscapes, hiking trails, and even wild monkeys..

Days 6-7: Enjoying the peace and landscapes of Ninh Binh

After a few days on the water, you’ll now be ready to travel to Ninh Binh for the final days of your week long North Vietnam itinerary. Once you arrive, get ready for a completely different vibe. You’ll be going from limestone karsts rising out of the sea to towering cliffs surrounding rice paddies.

Ninh Bình is often called the “Hạ Long Bay on land,” and after cruising through Tam Cốc or Tràng An by boat, you’ll see why.

It’s a perfect contrast to the bay. Quieter, greener, and packed with hidden temples, caves, and epic viewpoints 🍃

Getting into Ninh Binh during your 7 day North Vietnam itinerary

Getting from Halong Bay to Ninh Binh can be a bit of a trek, but totally doable — and 100% worth it. You’re probably looking at a 3.5 to 4.5-hour drive, so hiring a private car is the most comfortable option (and won’t break the bank if you’re splitting with others).

Similar to getting into Halong Bay, you can also hop on a super comfortable shared limo for $16/person.

Your last option is to take a bus from Halong City to Ninh Binh, but given the price of the shared limos, it really doesn’t make sense to take a bus which usually includes a bunch of stops and multiple transfers.

Where to stay in Ninh Binh during your 7 day North Vietnam itinerary

Ninh Binh is easily one of the most affordable destinations in Southeast Asia / North Vietnam. All the accommodations here are beautiful, clean, and modern. With the majority of them costing under $70/night.

• Emeralda Resort Ninh Binh — Nestled right in the heart of Ninh Binh’s stunning landscapes, this eco-luxe resort serves up lush gardens, peaceful villas, and a pool that practically begs for a lazy afternoon. It’s got that whole “retreat from the world” vibe while still being close to Tam Coc and Trang An. Bonus: the on-site spa and organic restaurant will have you feeling fancy and refreshed.
• Lalita Boutique Hotel & Spa Ninh Binh — Small but mighty, Lalita Boutique Hotel packs a serious punch in the comfort department. Think stylish, modern rooms with a touch of Vietnamese charm. Plus a spa that’ll knead away all your travel-induced stress. It’s well-located for hopping over to Hang Múa or Bai Dinh Pagoda, and the staff are absolute gems.
• Coco Island Villa Ninh Binh — Dreaming of a peaceful hideaway surrounded by nature? Coco Island Villa is calling your name. Tucked away in a quiet corner of Ninh Binh, this spot is all about cozy bungalows, a super chill vibe, and waking up to postcard-worthy views. It’s the kind of place where you can sip coffee on your balcony, listen to the birds, and finally start that book you’ve been meaning to read (or, let’s be real, scroll TikTok in peace).
• An’s Eco Garden — Comfy little huts and bungalows, killer views, and just the right amount of rustic charm. There’s a pool for cooling off, a solid on-site restaurant, and a peaceful vibe that feels miles from the chaos — but still close to all the Ninh Binh must-sees.

If you want to combine Halong Bay and Ninh Binh in one trip, you can also book this 3 day trip from Hanoi that takes you to see both destinations!

Best places to eat in Ninh Binh during your 7 day North Vietnam Itinerary

• 1990 Restaurant Food & Drinks — A casual family-run restaurant perfect for lunch. They serve everything from classic pho to fried noodles, spring rolls, and rice plates.
• An Tam Coc Restaurant & Coffee — A tourist hotspot but the food is delicious and the portions are big. You definitely have to order the chili chicken stirfry and one-of-a-kind coconut coffee!
• NGON Vegan Restaurant — High-quality vegan food for a fraction of the price. People say the lemongrass tofu and spring rolls here are delicious!

Things to do in Ninh Binh during your 7 day North Vietnam itinerary

Ninh Binh is packed with jaw-dropping landscapes, hidden temples, and boat rides straight out of a fantasy movie. Here’s a list of some of the must-see sights and activities in Ninh Binh:

✅ Trang An Boat Tour – Glide through caves, towering limestone karsts, and ancient temples on this UNESCO-listed boat ride. Absolute must.
✅ Tam Coc Boat Ride – Similar to Trang An but with dreamy rice paddies—go in harvest season (May–June) for golden fields.
✅ Hang Múa Viewpoint – Climb 500 steps for the iconic view of Ninh Binh. Yes, it’s a leg workout. Yes, it’s worth it.
✅ Bai Dinh Pagoda – Vietnam’s largest Buddhist complex, featuring a giant gold Buddha and a ridiculous number of statues.
✅ Hoa Lu Ancient Capital – A quick history stop with scenic temples and an old royal vibe.
✅ Bich Dong Pagoda — An ancient tiered pagoda reachable by boat

If you’re adventurous enough to rent a motorbike, you can also cruise along the scenic Ha Giang loop. If you don’t want to rent a 🏍️ or a driver for the day, you can also join this $22 shared tour that takes you to all the top attractions!

Optional trip to Sapa during your North Vietnam itinerary

If you’re looking to add Sapa to your 7 day North Vietnam itinerary, you can easily cut one day from your Halong Bay stay. Halong Bay typically takes ~2-3 days, so trimming it to ~1.5-2 days still lets you experience the highlights, like a cruise around the bay and some cave exploring.

From Ninh Binh, you can head back to Hanoi on Day 6 and catch a $25/person night bus to Sapa. (It’s a 6-8 hour journey but the overnight sleeper buses are comfortable af).

This way, you get to experience both Halong Bay’s natural beauty and Sapa’s stunning terraced rice fields and mountain views without missing out on either.

North Vietnam FAQ

In addition to this 7-day itinerary, here are some commonly asked questions for first time visitors to North Vietnam!

What currency is used in Vietnam?

Vietnamese Dong (VND). Cash is still king in Vietnam, but a lot of places in Hanoi accept credit cards. ATMs are everywhere, but expect high fees — I would mostly expect to use cash when traveling in Vietnam. And maybe bring some USD for backup.

What language do people speak in Vietnam?

Vietnamese.

English is spoken in the touristy areas, but learning a few basics (like cảm ơn for “thank you”) goes a long way.

Should I do an organized tour or travel independently in North Vietnam?

If you love flexibility, go independent. Vietnam is super easy (and safe) to navigate with buses, trains, and Grab (Asia’s Uber). But if you want a stress-free trip, an organized tour can handle logistics, especially for places like Ha Long Bay!!! (This is the only place I’d recommend a tour).

Which is better: Ha Long Bay or Ninh Binh?

Ha Long Bay = epic cruises and island vibes.
Ninh Binh = natural landscapes with temples and rice paddies.

Tbh, I felt like Ha Long Bay was pretty commercialized so I’d probably pick Ninh Binh. Don’t get me wrong, Ha Long Bay was beautiful (especially to photograph) but if I had to choose, I’d probably go to the slightly quieter destination.

Is North Vietnam cheap?

Yes! Budget travelers can get by on $20–30/day. Mid-range comfort? $50–100. Luxury still won’t break the bank compared to Western prices. Food, transport, and accommodations are all very affordable 🤑

Is it safe to travel to Vietnam?

Absolutely. It’s one of the safest destinations in Southeast Asia. Petty theft can happen (watch your phone in big cities), and traffic is chaotic, but overall, it’s very safe to travel around Vietnam!

7 Days in North Vietnam: Final Thoughts

Welp. There goes your whirlwind 7 days in North Vietnam. What did you think? Time goes by too quickly doesn’t it.

Hopefully by now you’ve seen some crazy limestone cliffs in Halong Bay, eaten world-famous pho in Hanoi, and cruised along the rivers of Ninh Binh. It’s hard to believe you can seriously do all of that in just 7 days!!

And if you’re like me…you’re probably also googling an itinerary for South Vietnam next. Or you’re wondering what would really happen if you just quit your job and never went back. Or is that just me?

But seriously. Northern Vietnam will do that to you. And that’s totally okay in my book 📚

Did you get a chance to visit North Vietnam? Let me know in the comments below!

Visiting other parts of Vietnam?

Check out my other travel guides on Vietnam here.

Visiting other parts of Asia?

Check out my other travel guides on Asia here.

Looking for travel inspiration to somewhere else?

Check out all my international travel guides here!