Your One-Stop-Shop for a Perfect Getaway
Following this guide will ensure you will have a positive and enjoyable 7 day trip to Vietnam on a budget.
The Overview
What we’ll cover :
– A Comprehensive Full Week Schedule Of Activities Spanning over 5 Cities.
– Your overall and daily budget for accomodation, food, and fun.
– The County’s Most Popular Festivals & When they Take Place.
– Customs and Cultural Differences to Watch Out For to Remain Respectful of their Country.
The Itinerary
I’ll do the planning for you! Follow my guide and you’ll find yourself on a magical adventure in no time. Be share to share photos when you go!
The best time to visit Vietnam depends on your preferences and interests. If you want to experience the cooler, dry season, the best time to visit is from November to April. If you prefer the warmer, wet season, the best time to visit is from May to October. Keep in mind that Vietnam is a large country with a diverse climate, so the weather can vary significantly depending on where you go.
Day One
Fly from the USA to Hanoi. Upon arrival, take a taxi from the airport to your hotel or hostel in the city center.
Day Two
Explore Hanoi on foot, visiting the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, the Temple of Literature, and the Old Quarter. For lunch, try some local street food at one of the many stalls in the city. In the evening, dine at a budget restaurant serving traditional Vietnamese cuisine.
Day Three
Take a bus or taxi from Hanoi to Halong Bay. Enjoy a full-day cruise around the bay, with stops at some of the limestone islands. Lunch and dinner are included on the boat. Stay overnight on the boat or return to Hanoi in the evening.
Day Four
Take a bus or train from Hanoi to Hoi An. Upon arrival, check into your hotel or hostel in the city center. For lunch, try some of the local specialties at one of the restaurants in the Old Quarter. In the evening, visit the night market and try some local food.
Day Five
Take a day trip to the My Son ruins, a UNESCO World Heritage Site located just outside of Hoi An. Lunch is included on the tour. In the evening, dine at a budget restaurant serving traditional Vietnamese cuisine.
Day Six
Take a bus or train from Hoi An to Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City). Upon arrival, check into your hotel or hostel in the city center. For lunch, try some local street food at one of the many stalls in the city. In the evening, dine at a budget restaurant serving traditional Vietnamese cuisine.
Day Seven
Take a taxi from your hotel or hostel to the airport for your flight back to the USA. You have about 16 hours in the air ahead of you! Enjoy thinking of all the wonderful memories you made the last week. Reach out to me with your photos from the trip on my Contact page. I’d love to see them!
Budgeting Your Trip
It is difficult to estimate the exact cost of a 7-day vacation to Vietnam in USD, as it will depend on a variety of factors, including your travel style, the time of year you visit, and the exchange rate between your home currency and the Vietnamese dong. However, here is a rough estimate of what you might expect to pay for different aspects of your trip:
Accommodations
Prices for budget accommodation in Vietnam, such as hostels or budget hotels, can start at around $10-15 per night. Mid-range accommodation, such as 3-star hotels, may cost around $30-50 per night, while upscale accommodation, such as 4- or 5-star hotels, may cost $100 or more per night.
Transportation
The cost of transportation in Vietnam will depend on the mode of transport you choose and the distance you travel. Public buses and trains are generally cheaper than taxis, and prices tend to be lower outside of the major cities. For example, a one-way bus or train ticket from Hanoi to Hoi An may cost around $10-20, while a one-way taxi ride may cost around $50 or more.
Food and Drink
The cost of food and drink in Vietnam is generally quite affordable, especially if you stick to local dishes and street food. Prices tend to be higher at more upscale restaurants and in the major cities. For example, a meal at a local restaurant may cost around $5-10, while a meal at a more upscale restaurant may cost $20 or more.
Activities and Attractions
The cost of activities and attractions in Vietnam will depend on the specific activity or attraction you choose. Some popular options, such as visiting the Hue Festival or taking a cruise around Halong Bay, may have an additional cost.
Overall, you should plan to budget around $50-100 per day for a 7-day positive and enjoyable trip to Vietnam, depending on your travel style and the specific activities and attractions you choose. This estimate does not include the cost of flights from the USA, which will depend on your departure city and the time of year you travel.
Festivals & Events
Vietnam has a number of festivals and events that are worth checking out if you are planning a trip. Here are a few festivals that you might consider including in your itinerary:
Tet Nguyen Dan (Lunar New Year)
Tet is the biggest and most important festival in Vietnam, and it is celebrated with a week-long holiday in late January or early February. The festival is marked by traditional rituals and activities, including the decoration of homes with flowers and plants, the exchange of gifts, and the preparation of traditional foods.
Hue Festival
The Hue Festival is a biennial cultural event that takes place in the city of Hue. The festival features a variety of performances and exhibitions, including traditional music, dance, and art. It is usually held in April or May.
Ho Chi Minh City International Film Festival
The Ho Chi Minh City International Film Festival is an annual event that takes place in November. The festival features a variety of films from around the world, as well as workshops and seminars.
Vietnam Heritage Photo Awards
The Vietnam Heritage Photo Awards is an annual event that takes place in December. The awards ceremony showcases the best photographs of Vietnam’s cultural and natural heritage.
Keep in mind that these festivals may be subject to change or cancellation due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. It is always a good idea to check with local authorities or your embassy for the most up-to-date information before planning your positive and enjoyable trip to Vietnam.
Customs & Cultural Differences
Vietnam has a rich culture and a number of customs and traditions that are worth learning about and respecting when visiting the country. Overall, the most important thing to remember when visiting Vietnam is to be respectful of local customs and traditions, and to be open and receptive to new experiences. By being mindful of cultural differences and showing respect to those around you, you can help to ensure a positive and enjoyable trip to Vietnam.
Respect for authority and hierarchy
In Vietnam, it is important to show respect for authority and hierarchy, especially to those who are older or in positions of power. This includes using formal titles when addressing people and not interrupting or speaking out of turn.
The importance of the family
Family is very important in Vietnam, and it is not uncommon for extended families to live together or for children to take care of their parents in their old age. It is important to show respect to elders and to be mindful of the role of the family in Vietnamese culture.
Respect for religion
Vietnam is a predominantly Buddhist country, and Buddhism is an important part of Vietnamese culture. It is important to show respect to religious sites and to be mindful of local customs when visiting temples or other religious sites.
Gifting customs
In Vietnam, it is common to exchange gifts when visiting someone’s home or when attending a special event. It is a good idea to bring a small gift, such as fruit or pastries, when visiting someone’s home, and to be mindful of the gift-giving customs in different situations.
Eating customs
In Vietnam, it is important to follow local customs when eating, such as using chopsticks, not starting to eat until the oldest person at the table has begun, and not leaving food on your plate. It is also a good idea to be mindful of local taboos, such as not eating dog meat or using your left hand to eat.
By being mindful of these customs and traditions, you can help to ensure a positive and enjoyable trip to Vietnam.
Other things to keep in mind when preparing for a vacation to Vietnam include:
- Packing appropriately: Be sure to pack clothing that is appropriate for the local climate and that respects local customs and traditions, especially when visiting temples or other cultural sites.
- Staying healthy: It is a good idea to take basic precautions to protect your health while traveling, such as washing your hands frequently, drinking clean water, and avoiding risky foods or activities.
- Being prepared for travel: Make sure you have all the necessary documents and travel arrangements in order before you leave, and consider purchasing travel insurance to protect yourself in case of any unexpected issues.
Overall, the most important thing to remember when preparing for a vacation to Vietnam is to be respectful, open-minded, and prepared, and you will have a great time exploring this beautiful and fascinating country.
