We’ve spent 12 days here in Vietnam so far, and it’s an exciting, stimulating place, full of contrast, colour, and sensory overload (especially as a vegan). Here's how we’d break it down into a 7-day itinerary for anyone wanting a curated yet immersive experience.
Day 1 – Dive into Hanoi’s Old Quarter
Old Quarter + Local Markets
This area is a living museum, chaotic, fragrant, loud, and endlessly fascinating. The narrow streets are organised by trade (Tin Street, Silk Street, etc.), and the architecture is a beautiful mix of colonial French facades and ageing Vietnamese shop-houses.
As a vegan, the markets can be confronting live animals, meat hanging in the open air, and unfamiliar smells, but they’re also a raw insight into local life and food culture.
Travel Tip: Early morning visits to the markets offer the most authentic atmosphere, locals shop before the heat builds.
Day 2 – Cultural Core of the City
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Train Street - One of Hanoi’s quirkiest photo opportunities, this narrow residential street features a train running through it a few times a day. Many cafes line the track, just check local schedules as access has become more restricted for safety.
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Temple of Literature – Vietnam’s first national university, dating back to 1070, this peaceful complex is dedicated to Confucius and education. A must-see for culture lovers.
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St. Joseph’s Cathedral – Built in 1886, this striking neo-Gothic cathedral reflects Hanoi’s French colonial influence.
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Hoan Kiem Lake – The spiritual heart of Hanoi, especially beautiful at sunrise. Legend says a golden turtle once stole a magic sword here, which gave the lake its name: “Lake of the Returned Sword.”
Wellness Note: Locals practice tai chi and dance here at dawn — join them if you’re up early.
Day 3 – Off the Beaten Path with Tinny Travel Company
Hat Painting & Incense Village Tour
This day was unexpectedly rich in quiet beauty and craft tradition. The hat painting and incense-making village tour allows you to experience Vietnam’s rich handmade heritage up close. The incense villages (like Quang Phu Cau) explode in colour, bright red incense sticks drying under the sun make for stunning visuals and deep cultural insight.
Did You Know? Conical hats (nón lá) are still handwoven and hold symbolic meaning a blend of protection, elegance, and practicality.
Day 4 – Ha Long Bay Adventure (Asia Fun Adventures)
Overnight or Full Day Tour
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Ha Long Bay – A UNESCO World Heritage Site with nearly 2,000 limestone islands jutting out of emerald water. Mystical and surreal.
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Hang Sửng Sốt (Surprise Cave) – One of the largest and most impressive caves in the bay, filled with dramatic stalactites and open caverns.
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Luon Cave – Accessible by bamboo boat or kayak, this water cave leads into a serene lagoon surrounded by vertical cliffs.
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Titop Island – Great for a panoramic hike or a swim. The view from the top is worth the sweaty climb.
Travel Tip: Opt for a reputable cruise company with strong environmental practices. Overtourism is a significant concern in this area.
Day 5 – Ninh Binh Exploration (Real Vietnam Company)
Often called “Ha Long Bay on land,” this region offers towering limestone cliffs, lush rice paddies, and river systems that wind through ancient caves.
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Hoa Lư – Vietnam’s ancient capital during the 10th and 11th centuries. The temples here are modest but steeped in national history.
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Tràng An – A scenic boat ride through a landscape of caves and cliffs — serene, cinematic, and less crowded than Tam Cốc.
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Múa Cave (Hang Múa) – The climb up nearly 500 steps is no joke, but the view at the top is breathtaking, one of the best in Ninh Binh.
Wellness Note: This area is a beautiful place to slow down. The pace is rural, peaceful — ideal for a digital detox day.
Day 6 – Hanoi's Spiritual & Political Landmarks
Back in the city, spend your day visiting historic sites around West Lake and Ba Dinh Square.
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West Lake (Hồ Tây) – The largest lake in Hanoi, surrounded by cafes, temples, and peaceful walkways.
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Trấn Quốc Pagoda – Hanoi’s oldest Buddhist temple, originally built in the 6th century. Its location on a small island in the lake makes it especially photogenic.
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Quán Thánh Temple – Dedicated to one of the four sacred protectors of the city.
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Presidential Palace & Mausoleum – The resting place of Ho Chi Minh. While the palace can’t be entered, the gardens are open.
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Imperial Citadel of Thăng Long – A UNESCO site, this was the political centre of Vietnam for over a thousand years.
Travel Tip: These spots are spread out and under high security. If it’s hot or you're short on time, the hop-on hop-off bus is your friend.
Optional Add-Ons:
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Hanoi Night Market - Bustling, chaotic, and full of energy. Great for local snacks, souvenirs, and people-watching.
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Walking Food Tour – We skipped this due to allergies, but for most travellers, it’s an unmissable way to connect with the culture. From bun cha to egg coffee, the flavours of Hanoi are unforgettable.
Lessons & Reflections
Vietnam has surprised us. The tours we’ve taken (especially through Get Your Guide) have been seamless. The buses are comfortable, guides are communicative, and we love how everything is coordinated through WhatsApp, a small touch that makes travel here stress-free. We’ve learned that surrendering to the structure of a good tour allows us to let go and simply be present.
This 7-day journey through northern Vietnam wasn’t just about checking off destinations; it became a lesson in slowing down, letting go of control, and being present in the chaos and beauty of the moment. Each stop, from the buzzing Old Quarter to the stillness of Ninh Binh’s limestone valleys, offered something deeper than scenery: a chance to shift perspective.
Travel here is not always comfortable. It’s noisy, layered, and unapologetically alive. But when you allow the structure of a well-organised tour to hold you, you can soften into the experience and truly take it in. You begin to see how small comforts, like incense smoke curling through the air or the rhythm of a paddleboat gliding through still water, can become anchoring moments.
For us, Vietnam reminded us of the importance of grounding ourselves through ritual, even while in motion. It challenged our ideas of what we need to feel at home, and what’s possible when we let go of rigid expectations.
If you come to Vietnam with an open heart and a loose plan, you may leave not only with unforgettable memories but with a quieter mind, a lighter suitcase, and a deeper connection to what matters most.
