Best of Hanoi & Ho Chi Minh City 7 Days & 6 Nights

Best of Hanoi & Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam’s two most iconic urban experiences—each offering its own rhythm, flavor, and charm.

🏮 Hanoi – The Timeless Capital

Hanoi is a city of poetic contrasts. Nestled in the Red River Delta, it blends ancient pagodas, colonial architecture, and serene lakes with the buzz of scooters and street vendors. The Old Quarter is a maze of history and flavor, while cultural landmarks like the Temple of Literature and Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum offer deep insight into Vietnam’s soul.

Vibe: Traditional, introspective, romantic
Highlights: Hoan Kiem Lake, Water Puppet Theater, Train Street, Long Bien Bridge

🌃 Ho Chi Minh City – The Modern Pulse

Formerly Saigon, this southern metropolis is Vietnam’s economic engine. It’s fast-paced, bold, and cosmopolitan. French colonial buildings stand beside glass skyscrapers, and the nightlife is electric—from rooftop bars to bustling night markets.

Vibe: Energetic, modern, adventurous
Highlights: Ben Thanh Market, Independence Palace, War Remnants Museum, Bitexco Tower

✅ Dos and ❌ Don’ts

Hanoi

✅ Dos

• Walk or cycle around Hoan Kiem Lake at sunrise.
• Try bun cha, pho, and egg coffee.
• Visit the Temple of Literature and the Old Quarter.
• Watch a water puppet show for a cultural treat.
• Dress modestly when visiting temples and pagodas.

❌ Don’ts

• Don’t expect traffic to stop for pedestrians—cross slowly and steadily.
• Avoid loud behavior in sacred sites.
• Don’t rent a scooter unless you’re confident in chaotic traffic.

Ho Chi Minh City

✅ Dos

• Use Grab or Gojek apps for safe transport.
• Explore District 1 for colonial architecture and nightlife.
• Visit the Cu Chi Tunnels for a historical perspective.
• Try banh mi, com tam, and Vietnamese iced coffee.
• Exchange currency at jewelry shops, not the airport.

❌ Don’ts

• Don’t drink tap water—stick to bottled.
• Avoid flashy jewelry or valuables in crowded areas.
• Don’t visit during Tet (Lunar New Year) unless you plan ahead—many businesses close.

📅 Best Time to Visit

🗺️ If You’re Traveling North to South (Hanoi → Hue → Hoi An → Ho Chi Minh City)

Best Months: November to March

• Why:
  • Cool, dry weather in the north (Hanoi, Ha Long Bay)
  • Sunny skies in central Vietnam (Hue, Da Nang, Hoi An)
  • Warm and dry in the south (Ho Chi Minh City, Mekong Delta)
• Bonus: Lunar New Year (Tet) usually falls in late January or early February—festive but busy!

🏖️ If You’re Focusing on the South (Ho Chi Minh City, Mekong Delta, Phu Quoc)

Best Months: December to April

• Why:

• Dry season with minimal rain
• Ideal for beach days, boat tours, and city exploration

🏞️ If You’re Exploring the North (Hanoi, Sapa, Ha Long Bay)

Best Months: October to April

• Why:

• Crisp air and clear skies
• Great for trekking in Sapa and cruising Ha Long Bay