Just got back from Vietnam, and what an adventure it was! Friends are joking that I secretly took a geography course 
This country is a treasure trove of experiences, from bustling cities to serene deserts to idyllic islands. Here’s my 7-day itinerary for beginners to follow directly 
My itinerary:
D1: Shanghai to Ho Chi Minh City
(
Small reminder: Don’t forget to compare exchange rates at the airport! There are several counters right at the exit.)
D2: Explore Ho Chi Minh City
Visit Reunification Palace to step into history
Snap some Instagram-worthy photos at the Pink Church
Send postcards to friends from the iconic Central Post Office
(
Highlight: A Saigon River cruise at night is a must!
The city lights make the view ten times more enchanting than during the day.)
D3: Take a sleeping bus to Mui Ne
(
4-hour journey, recommend taking the afternoon bus so you can sleep through it)
Chase the sunset at Red Sand Dunes (Barefoot on the hot sand, but totally worth it for those stunning shots!
)
D4: Classic one-day tour in Mui Ne
Head to White Sand Dunes at 4 AM to catch the breathtaking desert sunrise 
Buy fresh seafood at the early morning fish market in the fishing village (Remember to haggle down to half price!)
D5: Relaxation day in Nha Trang
Take photos at Po Nagar Cham Towers, pretending you’re at Angkor Wat
Enjoy a 2 RMB Vietnamese drip coffee at Hon Chong Promontory
(
Highly recommended!
Condensed milk and ice cubes make it absolutely delicious)
D6: City walk in Hanoi
Sip coffee on Train Street and wait for the train to pass by
Watch locals dance gracefully at Hoan Kiem Lake
D7: Shopping and heading home 
Hard-earned tips:
Crossing the road in Ho Chi Minh City requires some serious light-footed skills! The sheer number of motorcycles will make you question your life choices.
In Mui Ne, the midday desert heat is intense enough to fry an egg 
Make sure to wear sunglasses and sun-protective clothing.
If you go to the mud baths in Nha Trang, bring dark-colored swimwear! My white swimsuit took three washes to clean 
When shopping in Hanoi’s Old Quarter, haggle down to 30% off! I snagged a canvas bag for just 8 RMB.
Top 3 surprises:
The Mui Ne fishing village at dawn is like opening a mystery box! Fresh mantis shrimp just landed, only 10 RMB per kilo.
At sunset, locals in Nha Trang jump into the sea! The atmosphere is incredibly joyful and lively.
Egg coffee in Hanoi tastes like tiramisu! I gained 2 pounds after indulging for three days, but it was totally worth it.
Looking at the photos now, I’m still so excited! Vietnam is way more fun and vibrant than I ever imagined! Feel free to ask any questions in the comments
That itinerary looks solid! I especially agree about comparing exchange rates at the airport – such a money-saver. Can’t wait to visit Vietnam myself someday.
Vietnam sounds amazing! I’m planning a trip myself and your itinerary is super helpful. Those cities and islands sound like the perfect mix of adventure and relaxation.