8 Days 7 Nights in Vietnam in February: A First-Timer’s Guide (2025)
Photo: Unsplash/ Vivu Vietnam
Vietnam in February is a dream destination for travelers seeking pleasant weather, vibrant festivals, and breathtaking landscapes. The average temperature ranges from 15°C to 20°C in the north and 25°C to 30°C in the south, making it ideal for exploring both cities and countryside. Lunar New Year (Tet) celebrations often fall in February, adding a unique cultural experience to your journey.
Day 1: Arrive in Hanoi – Exploring the Heart of Vietnam
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Morning:
Arrive at Noi Bai International Airport and take a taxi or pre-arranged van transfer (~45 minutes, $15-$20) to your hotel in the Hanoi Old Quarter.
Head to Hoan Kiem Lake, a serene spot at the heart of Hanoi. Visit Ngoc Son Temple (open daily, 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM, entrance fee: $1).
Afternoon:
Stroll through the vibrant Old Quarter. Enjoy lunch at Pho Bat Dan (address: 49 Bát Đàn, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi; open 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM), a local favorite for authentic pho, with bowls starting at $2.50.
Visit the Temple of Literature (open daily, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM, entrance fee: $1), Vietnam’s first university, surrounded by lush gardens and ancient architecture.
Evening:
Watch a water puppet show at Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre (6:30 PM, tickets: $5-$10).
Dine at Quan An Ngon (address: 18 Phan Boi Chau, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi; open 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM), offering diverse Vietnamese dishes in a charming setting.
Day 2: Hanoi to Halong Bay – A UNESCO World Heritage Site
Morning:
Image: Unsplash/@ledoc
Depart Hanoi early for Halong Bay (~3.5-hour drive, $100-$150 for a private van rental).
Board a luxury overnight cruise such as Paradise Elegance or Indochina Sails (~$200 per person including meals and activities).
Afternoon:
Explore Sung Sot Cave (Surprise Cave) and kayak around floating villages.
Relax on the sundeck while enjoying the breathtaking scenery.
Evening:
Savor a seafood dinner on board and participate in activities like squid fishing or a cooking demonstration.
Day 3: Halong Bay to Hanoi – Scenic Return Journey
Morning:
Begin your day with Tai Chi on the sundeck.
Visit Titov Island for a short hike or a refreshing swim.
Return to the port and drive back to Hanoi.
Afternoon:
Explore the French Quarter. Stop by St. Joseph’s Cathedral (open daily, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM).
Indulge in dessert at Lòmá Cheesecake (address: 12 Hàng Gà, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi; open 8:00 AM – 9:00 PM), praised by Yoo Jae Suk and Ji Suk Jin.
Evening:
Board the overnight train to Sapa. Opt for luxury cabins like Sapaly Express ($35-$45 per person).
Day 4: Sapa – Trekking in the Mountains
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Morning:
Arrive in Sapa and transfer to your hotel (~15 minutes by taxi, $5).
Begin a guided trek to Lao Chai and Ta Van villages (~5 hours).
Afternoon:
Interact with local Hmong and Dao communities to learn about their culture.
Enjoy a home-cooked Vietnamese lunch (~$10).
Evening:
Explore Sapa’s night market for handcrafted textiles and souvenirs.
Dine at Good Morning Vietnam (address: 102 Thác Bạc, Sapa; open 7:00 AM – 10:00 PM).
Day 5: Sapa to Hanoi – Mount Fansipan Adventure
Image: Unsplash/ @bttsg
Morning:
Take the Fansipan Legend cable car ($35 per person) to the summit of Mount Fansipan.
Explore the summit and marvel at panoramic views.
Afternoon:
Return to Sapa for lunch and relaxation.
Board the overnight train back to Hanoi.
Day 6: Hanoi to Saigon – Exploring Southern Vietnam
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Morning:
Fly from Hanoi to Tan Son Nhat International Airport in Saigon (~2 hours, $50-$100).
Check into your hotel in District 1.
Afternoon:
Visit the War Remnants Museum (open daily, 7:30 AM – 5:00 PM, entrance fee: $1).
Stop by the Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon and Saigon Central Post Office, iconic French colonial landmarks.
Evening:
Join a motorbike food tour (~$30 per person) and sample local dishes like bánh xèo and bánh mì. Highly-rated tour companies include Saigon Food Tour.
Day 7: Saigon – Mekong Delta Day Trip
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Morning:
Depart for the Mekong Delta (~2 hours by van, $20-$30 per person for group tours).
Cruise along the river, visit floating markets, and explore fruit orchards.
Afternoon:
Enjoy a Vietnamese lunch featuring fresh seafood and tropical fruits (~$15).
Try making coconut candy at a local workshop.
Evening:
Return to Saigon and dine at Secret Garden (address: 158 Pasteur, Ben Nghe, District 1; open 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM).
Day 8: Departure from Saigon
Morning:
Visit Ben Thanh Market to shop for coffee, spices, and silk scarves.
Walk along Nguyen Hue Walking Street for a final glimpse of Saigon’s vibrant atmosphere.
Afternoon:
Transfer to the airport for your departure.
Vietnamese Food to Try
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Bún Chả (Grilled Pork Noodle Salad): Try at Bún Chả 34 (address: 34 Hang Than, Hanoi; open 8:00 AM – 9:00 PM).
Cà Phê Trứng (Egg Coffee): Enjoy at Giang Cafe (address: 39 Nguyen Huu Huan, Hanoi; open 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM).
Gỏi Cuốn (Fresh Spring Rolls): Available at Wrap & Roll (multiple locations in Saigon).
Chè (Sweet Dessert Soup): Try at Chè Thương (address: 85 Tran Hung Dao, Saigon; open 2:00 PM – 10:00 PM).
Additional Tips
Currency: The Vietnamese Dong (VND) is the local currency. Carry cash, as card payments are not widely accepted in smaller establishments.
Transportation: Renting a private van for group travel is cost-effective and convenient (~$100/day).
Packing: Bring comfortable shoes, a light jacket, and a raincoat for unpredictable weather.
Tet Holidays: Many businesses close during Tet. Confirm opening hours in advance.
With this detailed February itinerary, you’re set for an unforgettable adventure in Vietnam. From stunning landscapes to cultural experiences and tantalizing food, Vietnam has something for every traveler. Happy exploring!
