Planning one week in Vietnam is a task that often invites high ambition. When you look at a map, it’s tempting to think you can start in the North and end in the South in just seven days. However, Vietnam is a “stretched” country—a 1,600-kilometer journey that spans vastly different climate zones, landscapes, and cultural identities.

At Ginkgo Voyage, the most common planning mistake we see is travelers trying to squeeze the entire country into a single week. The result? A “holiday” spent mostly in airports, domestic flight lounges, and highway traffic.

To truly experience Vietnam, you have to choose a side. Here is the reality of the North-South divide and how to choose the right launchpad for your week.

The Stretched Reality: One Country, Two Worlds

Vietnam isn’t just long; it is dramatically diverse. Because of its unique geography, the North and South rarely share the same weather or “vibe” at the same time.

• The North: This is the land of ancient soul and vertical landscapes. Specifically, it has four distinct seasons. In the winter months, you might find yourself wrapped in a jacket amidst the mist of the limestone karsts. It feels poetic, traditional, and rugged.
• The South: This is the land of tropical abundance and constant energy. It remains warm all year round. Life here is dictated by the pulse of the Mekong River and sun-drenched orchards. It feels vibrant, modern, and lush.

The One Week in Vietnam Trap: Quality Over Quantity

It is physically possible to fly from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City in seven days, but it comes with a heavy “Transit Tax.”

A domestic flight in Vietnam consumes about 5 to 6 hours of your day. This total includes the commute to the airport, check-in times, and potential flight delays. On a 7-day trip, doing this twice means you lose nearly 30% of your actual exploration time. Instead, by focusing on one region, you turn those “transit hours” into “experience hours”—time spent kayaking in a sea cave or talking to a local farmer.

Option A: One Week in Vietnam Southern Itinerary

If your flight arrives at Tan Son Nhat (SGN), you are in the perfect position to explore the “Liquid Landscapes” of the South. Ho Chi Minh City is a strategic launchpad that balances modern history with the deep, rural soul of the Mekong Delta.

The Best Southern Flow:
To enjoy the South without the rush, we recommend a loop that starts with the energy of Saigon and moves deep into the river life.

• Urban Heritage (2 Days): Explore the war history, the French colonial architecture, and the secret alleys of the city.
• The Deep Mekong (2 Days): Move beyond the tourist hubs. By staying overnight in places like Ben Tre or Can Tho, you experience the floating markets at dawn—something day-trippers never see
• Coastal Relaxation (3 Days): Fly to Phu Quoc Island for white sands, turquoise waters, and fresh seafood sunsets.

What you will miss: By choosing the South, you miss the dramatic mountain rice terraces and the misty limestone bays of the North.

The Curated Route: Our Southern Vietnam Highlight (7 Days) perfectly blends this 2-2-3 rhythm of city, river, and sea.

Option B: Landing in Hanoi (The North)

If you arrive at Noi Bai (HAN), you are entering the cultural heart of the country. Hanoi is the gateway to the “Highlands and Heritage” of the North.

The Best 8-Day Northern Flow:

Northern Vietnam requires a bit more time because the landscapes are more vertical and the roads more winding.

• The Heritage of Hanoi (3 Days): Immerse yourself in the 1,000-year-old soul of the city—the Old Quarter, the Temple of Literature, and the sophisticated cafe culture.
• The Highlands (3 Days): Head into the “Green Heart” of Mai Chau and Pu Luong to see the iconic rice terraces and stay in ethnic minority villages.
• Iconic Unesco Site: End with an overnight cruise through the secluded limestone karsts of Lan Ha Bay (the quieter neighbor of Ha Long).

What you will miss: By staying North, you miss the tropical “rice bowl” culture of the Mekong Delta and the coastal island escape of Phu Quoc.

The Curated Route: For travelers landing in Hanoi, we recommend our Hanoi – Pu Luong – Lan Ha Bay (8 Days) tour, which focuses on deep heritage and landscape immersion over road exhaustion.

The Decision: Which Launchpad is Yours?

Since you cannot see the whole country in a week, let your “Vibe” decide:

Choose the South if: You love warm weather, bold street food, modern history, and the vibrant life.

Choose the North if: You love dramatic mountain scenery, ancient traditions, misty atmospheres, and UNESCO heritage bays.

Travel Like a Local

The best way to respect Vietnam’s vast beauty is to give it your full attention—one region at a time. Whether you choose the South or the North, focusing your week ensures you return home with stories and connections, not just a collection of boarding passes.

• Need more planning help? Read our Ho Chi Minh City Travel Guide to see if the Southern energy matches your style.
• Ready to decide? Compare our Southern Highlight and the Northern Highlands & Bay itineraries to see which rhythm matches your holiday.