Key takeaways
- Route: Hanoi (2 nights incl. Ha Long Bay) → Da Nang and Hoi An (2 nights) → Ho Chi Minh City (2 nights).
- Weather differs by region: Da Nang’s heavy rains run from September to December; Ho Chi Minh City is dry from December to April.
- Flights: Hanoi to Da Nang takes about 1 hour 20 minutes, with about 20 flights a day on Vietnam Airlines.
- Visa: Indians need an e-visa, applied for online before travel.
A week in Vietnam from Kerala covers the classic north-to-south route: Hanoi and a Ha Long Bay cruise, then Da Nang and the old town of Hoi An, then Ho Chi Minh City. Because the country is long, the weather differs by region — February to April is the easiest time to see all three, and Da Nang’s heaviest rain falls from September to December. Indians need an e-visa — see our Vietnam visa guide.
7-day plan
- Day 1 — Hanoi. Old Quarter and Hoan Kiem Lake.
- Day 2 — Ha Long Bay. Day cruise from Hanoi (or stay one night on board).
- Day 3 — Fly to Da Nang. About 1 hour 20 minutes. Evening at My Khe beach.
- Day 4 — Hoi An. The ancient town by day and the lantern-lit river at night.
- Day 5 — Fly to Ho Chi Minh City. City sights and Ben Thanh market.
- Day 6 — Mekong Delta or Cu Chi Tunnels day trip.
- Day 7 — Fly home.
Weather by region
| City | Best months | Rainiest months | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hanoi | Oct–Apr | May–Sep (August wettest) | Cool and drizzly Dec–Mar; January averages 20°C by day, 15°C at night |
| Da Nang / Hoi An | Feb–Aug | Sep–Dec (October about 658 mm) | Very heavy rain in autumn |
| Ho Chi Minh City | Dec–Apr | May–Oct | Hot all year; April highs about 34.5°C |
Figures are long-term averages from Viet Nam’s national hydro-meteorological service, published by the World Meteorological Organization.
Ha Long Bay fees
Ha Long Bay’s Management Board charges a sightseeing fee per route: VND 250,000 for day-trip routes 1, 2 and 5, and VND 200,000 for routes 3 and 4; overnight trips cost more. Cruise operators usually include the fee — confirm with yours.
Hoi An Ancient Town ticket
The ancient town ticket costs VND 120,000 (the town plus one major site, museums and three attractions) or VND 80,000 for a smaller package, valid for up to three days, according to Da Nang’s official tourism portal.
Domestic flights
- Hanoi → Da Nang: about 1 hour 20 minutes, around 20 flights a day (Vietnam Airlines).
- Da Nang → Ho Chi Minh City: Vietnam Airlines lists flights from about 55 minutes.
Our Vietnam tour package from Kozhikode includes e-visa assistance, hotels, domestic transfers and sightseeing, with flights on request.
Frequently asked questions
Is 7 days enough for Vietnam?
Yes, for the classic route — Hanoi and Ha Long Bay, Da Nang and Hoi An, and Ho Chi Minh City — using domestic flights between them.
What is the best month to visit Vietnam?
February to April suits all three regions. Da Nang is best from February to August, Ho Chi Minh City from December to April.
How long is the flight from Hanoi to Da Nang?
About 1 hour 20 minutes, with around 20 flights a day on Vietnam Airlines.
Do Indians need a visa for Vietnam?
Yes, an e-visa applied for online before travel, allowing stays of up to 90 days.
This article reflects official sources checked in September 2026.
Sources
- World Meteorological Organization — Hanoi climate
- World Meteorological Organization — Da Nang climate
- World Meteorological Organization — Ho Chi Minh City climate
- Ha Long Bay Management Board — Sightseeing fees
- Da Nang Fantasticity — Hoi An Ancient Town tickets 2026
- Vietnam Airlines — Hanoi to Da Nang
- Vietnam Airlines — Da Nang to Ho Chi Minh City
- Vietnam Immigration — e-visa
