Travel

Vietnam 7 Days Itinerary from India

- By Anamika Mishra

Hello friends! I am back from my Vietnam trip and it was simply wonderful. Exploring a new country is always a mixed experience – somethings are sweet and somethings are sour. You know I almost got mugged on the first day and pick pocketed on the second day. You’ve got to be very careful while travelling in Vietnam. I will share more about this in my Vietnam vlog series but in this blog post, I am sharing my Vietnam 7 Days itinerary.

This is an outline of my trip which will help you plan yours. So, lets dive in!

Cities covered: Hanoi, Ninh Binh, Hoi An & Da Nang

Day 1: Arrival in Vietnam

We had a night flight from Delhi to Hanoi, that reached on 28th morning

Hanoi city tour (Temple of literature, Jail museum, Old quarter market, Train street)

Day 2: Ninh Binh tour (Its an anciet town 2.5 hours drive from Hanoi)

Hoa Lu, Pagodas, Be river ride (Ninh Hai – boat ride inside the caves)

Day 3: Ha Long Bay Cruise

We opted for an overnight cruise, so checked in on 30th and checked out on 31st.

Cruise activities, island hopping, kayaking etc

Day 4: Hanoi to Da Nang flight

Full day went in travelling because flight got delayed, we reached our hotel in Da Nang at night around 10:30 pm

Day 5: Da Nang city tour & Hoi An

The marble mountain, Hoi an ancient city, Son Tra Night Market, Dragon Bridge

Day 6: Ba Na Hills

Full day trip to Ba Na Hills

Day 7: Da Nang City Exploration

Cho Han market, 3D art museum, Vincom plaza, My Khe beach

Day 8: Back to India

Here are some essential pointers for your trip to Vietnam, presented in simple language:

1. Visa

Check if you need a visa. Many countries can apply for an e-visa online. It’s easy and quick. For Indians, you can easily get evisa.

2. Currency

The currency is Vietnamese Dong (VND). Keep some cash, as cards aren’t always accepted.
ATMs are common, but carry small denominations for local markets.

3. Language

English is spoken in tourist areas but in rare cases.
We used google translator to communicate with cab drivers and local vendors. Everything is coming up in the Vietnam vlog series on my youtube channel.

4. Weather

Vietnam has different climates in the north, central, and south. Check the weather for each region before packing.
Pack light clothes, but bring a raincoat or umbrella—it can rain anytime!
Carry sunscreen, a scarf/cap/hat

5. Transportation

Taxis and Grab (like Uber) are convenient for getting around.
Biking and walking are great ways to explore, especially in cities like Hanoi and Hoi An.
Be cautious when crossing streets—traffic can be chaotic!

6. Food

Vietnamese street food is delicious and cheap. Try pho (noodle soup), banh mi (sandwich), and fresh spring rolls but if you are a vegetarian like me, you can search for Indian restaurants, a little bit expensive (for eg: 800 INR for 5 rotis) but at least you can eat mann ka khana.
Always carry your water bottle and get it filled wherever possible. Locals suggested us to not to drink from the random “drinking water taps”, so you can buy bottled water as well.

7. Respect Local Culture

Dress modestly when visiting temples.
Remove shoes before entering homes or temples.
Greet people with a smile

8. Safety

Vietnam is not safe, watch out for pickpockets in busy areas.
Carry a copy of your passport and important documents.
Night time, people can snatch your stuff and runaway, so hold things closely and if you are wearing a backpack, make sure its hanging on the front side.

9. Sim Card

Buy a local SIM card for internet and calls—available at airports or convenience stores.
I did international recharge but it did not work in majority of places, don’t rely on it.