15 Best Things to Do in Vietnam (2026 Travel Guide)
Dreaming of a last-minute Southeast Asia adventure? Our 7-day Vietnam itinerary (updated for 2026) proves you can plan an epic trip fast—no stress, just great food, stunning beaches, and hidden gems.
The photos I took
Aerial view of Nha Trang’s crystal-clear waters, one of Vietnam’s best places for beach lovers
Pre-Trip Prep (2026 Update)
Visa Tips
- Vietnam offers easy e-visas for most nationalities in 2026; apply online with 2 passport photos, approval in 3 days
- Cost: ~$25 per person
Tip 1. Skip the hassle and use a trusted visa service for fast approval, just like we did.
Budget Breakdown (2026 Estimates)
- Total per person for 7 days: ~$845 (includes flights, accommodation, food, activities)
- Flights (Guangzhou ↔ Hanoi + domestic Vietnam flights): ~$422
- Accommodation: $10–$80 per night (budget to mid-range)
Tip 3. USD is widely accepted in Vietnam; carry small bills ($1, $5, $10) for street food and local services.
7-Day Vietnam Itinerary (2026)
Perfect for first-time visitors, this itinerary covers Hanoi, Nha Trang, Da Lat, and Ho Chi Minh City.
Day 1: Guangzhou → Hanoi
- Take an evening flight (10PM) from Guangzhou to Hanoi
- Stay in a clean, Chinese-style homestay (we booked through our local friend)
Tip 5. If traveling with a group, book a 4-person room to save money—prices start at $15 per night in 2026.
Day 2: Hanoi → Nha Trang
- Early morning flight to Nha Trang; enjoy the aerial view of crystal-clear beaches
- Find accommodation (we paid $80 for a 4-person room during a local festival)
- Must-see spots:
1.
Nha Trang Cathedral
: Built in 1927 by French colonizers, Gothic-style with stone carvings and stained-glass windows. Visit at 9AM for best photo light (we went late, so our shots were dark!)
2.
Po Nagar Cham Towers
: Hindu temple built 7th–12th century, similar to Angkor Wat but smaller.
WARNING:
Remove shoes before entering.
- Dinner: Try stone fish and 2 lobsters for only $21 (a steal in 2026!) at a night market stall
- End the day with drinks at a beach bar
Day 3: Nha Trang Island Hopping
- Join a group island tour with a fun, local guide (they’ll keep the vibe lively!)
- Activities available: Parasailing ($35 per person), snorkeling ($15 per person)
- Lunch is included with most tours; expect fresh seafood and tropical fruit
Tip 7. Skip parasailing if you’re afraid of heights (like I did!)—snorkeling is just as fun.
Day 4: Nha Trang → Da Lat
- Take a 6-hour bus ride to Da Lat (Vietnam’s “summer capital,” cool temperatures year-round)
- Stay in a budget hotel for only $20 per night
- Must-do: Visit a hilltop café with panoramic city views (we went 3 times—it’s that good!)
- Explore Bao Dai’s Summer Palace: Colonial-style retreat of Vietnam’s last emperor
Tip 9. Pack a light jacket—Da Lat’s temperatures drop to 15°C (59°F) in the evening.
Day 5: Da Lat Day Tour
- Early morning: Visit a hidden mountain villa (local friend’s secret spot)
- Midday: Explore Golden Valley Garden—hundreds of hydrangeas, few tourists in 2026
- Afternoon: Enjoy high tea at a mountain café; we even saw a rainbow!
Tip 11. Rent a motorbike for $5 per day to explore Da Lat’s hidden corners—safe and easy to navigate.
Day 6: Da Lat → Ho Chi Minh City
- Morning: Visit Xuan Huong Lake (hidden gem, rarely crowded) and ride the alpine coaster ($12 per person)
- Midday: Explore Da Lat Old Train Station (colorful French colonial architecture, great for photos)
- Afternoon: Visit Crazy House—quirky, treehouse-style museum designed by a Vietnamese architect
- Evening flight to Ho Chi Minh City; dinner and ice cream at a night market
Day 7: Ho Chi Minh City → Hanoi → Guangzhou
- Morning: Rent a motorbike and explore Ho Chi Minh City
1.
Clinton’s Pho Shop
: Famous spot where Bill Clinton ate in 2000; pho costs $2 per bowl
2.
Saigon Central Post Office
: French colonial building, great for postcards
3.
Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon
: Watch a local wedding (we saw one—so romantic!)
- Evening flight back to Hanoi, then early morning flight to Guangzhou the next day
Vietnam Travel Tips for 2026
Tip 13. Travel with a local friend or guide to access hidden gems like Xuan Huong Lake—they know the best spots! Tip 14. If you’re planning a wedding, bring a lightweight dress to take photos in Vietnam’s stunning scenery (we brought a wedding dress and got amazing shots!) Tip 15. Book domestic flights in advance in 2026 to get the best prices—Jetstar and Vietjet offer cheap fares starting at $10.
Romantic wedding photos taken in Da Lat’s mountainous scenery, one of Vietnam’s best places for couples
Best Places to Stay in Vietnam (2026)
- Hanoi: Homestays in the Old Quarter ($15–$30 per night)
- Nha Trang: Beachfront hostels ($20–$50 per night)
- Da Lat: Mountain villas ($30–$80 per night)
- Ho Chi Minh City: Budget hotels in District 1 ($20–$40 per night)
For easy booking, you can check recommended hotels and trusted platforms.