I recently spent seven days between the bustling streets of Ho Chi Minh City and the serene coastal town of Quy Nhon, and it was an unforgettable experience! The following is my seven-day Vietnam itinerary so you can recreate (or be inspired by) it yourself.
Vietnam is a country of contrasts: one day you might be dodging motorbikes and sipping iced coffee in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City, and the next, you would be lounging by the turquoise waters of Quy Nhon, listening to the waves rolling in. After spending seven glorious days here, I can say that Vietnam is perfect for young travellers seeking a mix of adventure, culture, and relaxation.
I’m always on the lookout for places that offer more than just Instagrammable views. Vietnam – especially Ho Chi Minh City and Quy Nhon – delivers in spades. This country has an energy that sweeps you up the moment you step off the plane.
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Ho Chi Minh City is a bustling metropolis with nearly nine million people and enough coffee shops to keep you caffeinated for life. Meanwhile, Quy Nhon, a more off-the-beaten-path coastal gem, offers the perfect respite after the chaos of city life. In this itinerary, I’ll walk you through the places I visited from quirky cafes hiding inside old apartments to breathtaking temples perching on hilltops. Let’s dive into the adventure!
Ho Chi Minh City: 4 Days, 3 Nights of City Magic
I kicked off my first day in Ho Chi Minh by visiting the quirky Apartment Cafe, a multi-level building packed with unique cafes. Each floor has something different to offer, from aromatic brews to cosy nooks perfect for people-watching. Trust me, grabbing a coffee here makes you feel like you’ve uncovered one of the city’s coolest secrets.
Next up was the visit to the Ho Chi Minh Statue in Nguyen Hue walking street. It’s a great spot for a leisurely stroll and some photos. The area is super pedestrian-friendly, and it’s easy to explore on foot. Even better, if you were feeling a bit tired, just hop on a Grab ride-it’s fast, affordable, and everywhere!
From there, I wandered over to the Saigon Central Post Office. As an architecture lover, I was amazed by the French colonial design and its bright yellow facade. It felt like stepping back in time. Across the way, Book Street is a charming lane filled with bookshops and street vendors, a perfect spot to relax after all that sightseeing.
To wrap up the evening, I joined a Vespa Tour. Riding through the city’s chaotic streets on the back of a vintage Vespa is as thrilling as it sounds, especially when you stop for street food along the way!
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Day 2: Art, Coffee & The A O Show
Art lovers, you shouldn’t miss the delightful Rehanh Gallery featuring contemporary Vietnamese artworks. After soaking up the display of creativity, I needed a caffeine break and hit up a Highland Coffee shop, a local favourite that has become an institution in Vietnam.
The highlight of my second day, though, was definitely watching the A O Show at the Saigon Opera House. Picture Cirque du Soleil meets Vietnamese culture with its mix of acrobatics, bamboo circling, and live music. Plus, the Opera House itself is stunning inside and out!
Day 3: A Cultural Mashup and Shopping Spree
By day three, I craved something a little different. That’s when I discovered Jalan Malaysia, where I was treated to a wide selection of halal food options. Ho Chi Minh has a surprisingly good variety of halal dining spots, and this area is a great place to explore if you were looking for diverse flavours.
After fuelling up, I spent almost half a day at The New Playground, an underground shopping space filled with local Vietnamese brands. For those who are into streetwear, this is heaven! I grabbed a few unique pieces that I can’t wait to show off back home.
I wrapped up the day with a Hop On Hop Off bus tour, which is probably the easiest way to get a panoramic view of the city’s best sights without any hassle. It’s perfect when your feet have had enough!
The Easiest Way Around: Grab Ride Magic and Pedestrian Perks
One of the things that made this trip so smooth was how easy it was to get around. In Ho Chi Minh City, Grab was my best friend! With just a tap, you can zip across the city to your next destination – no need to haggle with taxi drivers or dealing with complicated bus routes. It’s the ultimate travel hack for a stress-free adventure.
And when it comes to walking, Ho Chi Minh City’s central areas are pretty pedestrian-friendly. Especially around Nguyen Hue Walking Street, where it’s easy to take your time, explore, and soak in the vibes of the city without worrying about dodging traffic.
Quy Nhon: 3 Days, 2 Nights of Coastal Relaxation
After the non-stop buzz of Ho Chi Minh, I was ready for some downtime, so I hopped on a short flight to the coastal town called Quy Nhon, which is like a well-kept secret because it is less touristy but rich in natural beauty.
I checked into The Ocean Resort Quy Nhon (you can read my full article about The Ocean Resort here), and let me tell you, this place is a slice of paradise. With its stunning ocean views, sandy beaches, and endless sunshine, I could’ve easily spent all three days lounging by the water. But there were a few gems I just couldn’t miss.
Day 1 in Quy Nhon: Nhon Ly Village & Eo Gio
I started my Quy Nhon adventure by visiting Nhon Ly Village, a quiet fishing village where the pace of life feels slower. The locals are incredibly friendly, and I even got to watch some of them repairing their fishing nets – talk about authentic experience!
Not too far from the village is Eo Gio, a breathtaking coastal spot with jagged cliffs and turquoise waters. There’s a scenic walking path where you can take in all the beauty. I could’ve spent hours just admiring the waves crashing against the rocks.
Day 2: Ong Nui Temple Serenity
My second day in Quy Nhon was all about spirituality. I visited the Ong Nui Temple, a Buddhist house of worship perching on a hilltop with panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. It is peaceful, serene, and a great place for reflection.
Vietnam’s Perfect Balance
The seven-day itinerary I stated above offered me the best of both worlds: the energy and excitement of Ho Chi Minh City, paired with the serene beaches and laid-back lifestyle of Quy Nhon. It’s an ideal blend of city adventure and coastal relaxation that every traveller needs to experience.
Whether you’re an art enthusiast, fashion shopper, foodie, or beach lover, Vietnam delivers at every level. So, pack your bags, download the Grab app, and get ready to explore this incredible country!
Gaya Travel Magazine expresses gratitude towards Vietnam National Authority of Tourism (https://vietnam.travel/), Ho Chi Minh Department of Tourism (https://www.visithcmc.vn/), and Wanderlust Tips (https://wanderlusttips.asia/) for making the writer’s trip to Vietnam possible and smooth-sailing.
