Vietnam 7-Day Itinerary: Best Highlights and Must-See

The definitive guide to a perfect Vietnam one week adventure, covering Hanoi, Halong Bay, Hoi An, and more. Tailored for Singapore travelers seeking safe, trusted travel planning with seamless ties to Asian property insights via Homejourney.

As a platform prioritizing user safety and transparency, Homejourney verifies every recommendation to help you explore confidently. This pillar guide draws from expert itineraries and real traveler experiences for your Vietnam 7 days escape.[1][2]

Why Visit Vietnam in 7 Days
Best Time to Visit & Getting There from Singapore
Detailed 7-Day Vietnam Itinerary
Top Attractions & Experiences
Practical Travel Tips
Accommodation Guide
Food & Dining Guide
From Vietnam to Singapore: Real Estate Opportunities
FAQ

Why Visit Vietnam for a Short Trip

Vietnam offers a compact yet diverse Vietnam highlights experience in just one week, blending ancient culture, stunning landscapes, and vibrant cities. From Hanoi's bustling Old Quarter to Halong Bay's emerald waters, it's ideal for a short Vietnam trip.[1][2]

Singaporeans love Vietnam for its proximity—direct flights take under 3 hours—and affordability. Expect costs 40-60% lower than Singapore, with street food at SGD 2-5 per meal. Homejourney's trust-focused approach ensures you plan safely, much like we verify property listings.[1]

Key draws include UNESCO sites like Hoi An Ancient Town and natural wonders like Ninh Binh's karsts, perfect for first-timers.[1][4]

Best Time to Visit & Getting There from Singapore

The optimal window for your Vietnam 7 days is October to April in the north (Hanoi, Halong) for mild weather (20-25°C), avoiding monsoon rains. South (Ho Chi Minh) shines December-February.[1][3]

Flights from Singapore: Daily directs via Scoot, VietJet, or Singapore Airlines to Hanoi (TAN) or Ho Chi Minh (SGN), ~SGD 150-300 return. Book via Property Search for bundled travel-property deals on Homejourney.

Month	North Vietnam Weather	South Vietnam Weather
Oct-Apr	Dry, cool (ideal)	Warm, dry
May-Sep	Hot, rainy	Rainy season

Currency: VND (1 SGD ≈ 18,500 VND). Exchange at Changi Airport or use Wise for best rates—Homejourney supports multi-currency tools for investors eyeing VND-SGD conversions.[3]

Detailed 7-Day Vietnam Itinerary: Best Highlights

This Vietnam itinerary balances north-south highlights, optimized for efficiency with domestic flights.[1][2][6]

Day 1: Arrival in Hanoi – Old Quarter Exploration

Land in Hanoi, check into Old Quarter hotel. Cycle tour highlights: Hoan Kiem Lake, Ngoc Son Temple. Evening: Street food and water puppet show (tickets ~SGD 10).[2][5]

Insider tip: Visit Tran Quoc Pagoda at West Lake for serene sunrise views, away from crowds.[4]

Day 2: Ninh Binh – Halong Bay on Land

Early bus (7:30 AM) to Ninh Binh (2 hrs). Boat through Trang An Grottoes, climb 500 steps at Mua Caves for panoramas, visit Bai Dinh Pagoda. Buffet lunch: goat meat, local fish (~SGD 15).[1]

Return to Hanoi by 5 PM. Distance: 90km south.

Day 3: Halong Bay Overnight Cruise

Transfer to Halong Bay (4 hrs). Board luxury cruise: Kayak, cave visits, squid fishing. Sunset views of 1,600 limestone islands.[1][2]

Pro tip: Choose Lan Ha Bay for fewer crowds, same stunning scenery.[1]

Day 4: Fly to Da Nang – Marble Mountains & Hoi An

Morning flight Hanoi-Da Nang (1 hr, ~SGD 50). Visit Marble Mountains, then Hoi An Ancient Town: Lantern streets, tailor shops. Evening lantern release.[1][5]

Day 5: Hoi An & My Son Sanctuary

Free morning in Hoi An (UNESCO site). Afternoon: My Son ruins (Cham temples). Beach relax at An Bang.[9]

Day 6: Fly to Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC) – City Sights

Flight to HCMC (1 hr). Notre-Dame Basilica, War Remnants Museum, Ben Thanh Market. Rooftop coffee.[3][7]

Day 7: Cu Chi Tunnels & Mekong Delta Day Trip

Morning Cu Chi Tunnels (crawl history sites), afternoon Mekong boat ride, floating market. Depart HCMC evening.[3][7]

Day	Highlights	Travel Time	Cost Est. (SGD)
1	Hanoi Old Quarter	Airport-30min	20
2	Ninh Binh	2hrs bus	50
3	Halong Cruise	4hrs	200
4-5	Hoi An	1hr flight	80
6-7	HCMC & Mekong	1hr flight	100

Total est. budget: SGD 1,000-1,500 pp excluding flights (mid-range).[1][3]

Top Attractions & Must-See Experiences

Halong Bay: UNESCO site, boat cruises from SGD 150/night.[1][2]
Hoi An Ancient Town: Lantern-lit walks, tailoring (custom suit SGD 200).[1]
Ninh Binh: Trang An boat (SGD 15), Mua Caves climb.[1]
Cu Chi Tunnels: Historical crawl, SGD 25 tour.[3]
Mekong Delta: Floating markets, coconut candy workshops.[3]

Hidden gem: Linh Ung Pagoda in Da Nang for Lady Buddha views.[1]

Practical Travel Tips for Safety & Savings

Visa: Singaporeans get 45-day e-visa (USD 25, apply online). Safety: Use Grab app, avoid night walks in alleys. Homejourney verifies partners like we do properties.[3]

Transport: Domestic flights VietJet (~SGD 50), Grab rides SGD 5-10. SIM: Viettel eSIM SGD 10/7days.

Money-saving: Book cruises via Klook, eat street pho (SGD 3). Health: Drink bottled water, get hep A vaccine.

Accommodation Guide by Budget

Luxury (SGD 200+): Hanoi: Sofitel Legend Metropole; Hoi An: Four Seasons Resort.[5]
Mid-range (SGD 80-150): Hanoi Old Quarter hostels; HCMC: Liberty Central.
Budget (SGD 30-60): Hanoi: Hanoi La Siesta; Halong: Paradise Cruise.[1]

Book via Agoda for Singaporean-friendly payments. For expats, consider Vietnam stays as trial for Asian property diversification.

Food & Dining: Must-Try Vietnamese Cuisine

Signature dishes: Pho (beef noodle soup, SGD 4), Banh Mi (SGD 2), Bun Cha (grilled pork, SGD 5). Hanoi: Egg coffee at Giang Cafe. Hoi An: Cao Lau noodles.[2][5]

Street food tour: SGD 30, safe vendors marked by locals. Vegan options abundant. Pair with Vietnam beer (SGD 2).

Hanoi: Quan An Ngon (variety hub).
HCMC: Pho Quoc Thien (authentic).
Hoi An: Morning Glory (fusion).

From Vietnam Highlights to Singapore Property Opportunities

Many Vietnam visitors explore Singapore for stable real estate. With VND volatility, diversify via Singapore properties—check current Bank Rates for mortgage insights or Projects Directory for verified launches.

Vietnamese investors favor Singapore HDBs (from SGD 500k) for safety. Use Property Search to find options, like those near MRT for expat ease. Homejourney prioritizes transparency, verifying agents as we do travel partners. Compare via Projects . For maintenance, see Aircon Services . Inspired by our Hong Kong-Macau guides like Budget Hong Kong to Macau Day Trip Guide 2025 | Homejourney .

Expat tip: Singapore's 99-year leases suit long-term from Vietnam base.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the best Vietnam 7 days itinerary for first-timers?

Hanoi (2 days), Halong Bay cruise, fly to Hoi An/Da Nang (2 days), HCMC/Mekong (3 days).[1][2]

How much does a short Vietnam trip cost from Singapore?

SGD 1,200-2,000 pp including flights, mid-range.[1][3]

Is Vietnam safe for solo Singapore travelers?

Yes, stick to tourist areas, use Grab. Low crime, but watch pickpockets.[3]

Best time for Vietnam one week in Halong Bay?

October-April for clear skies.[1]

Visa for Singaporeans to Vietnam?

45-day e-visa, easy online.[3]

Can I combine Vietnam trip with Singapore property viewing?

Yes, fly via SIN. Explore Homejourney's Property Search for seamless planning.

Ready for your Vietnam 7 days? Homejourney supports your journey with verified tools—from travel tips to property searches. Start with Projects Directory for Asian investment insights. Feedback welcome to improve your experience.