how many days in Philippines is enough, what to do for 7 days in Philippines? A 7-day, 6-night Philippines travel itinerary (Philippines itinerary 7 days, 7 days in Philippines itinerary) promises to bring you the best experiences. Check out the self-guided Philippines itinerary 1 week suggested by Living Nomads for the details in this article!
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The Philippines, a country with more than 7,000 large and small islands, is an ideal destination for those who love nature, the sea and culture. With a 7-day, 6-night itinerary, you will have a true adventure, discovering the beauty of white sand beaches, lush tropical forests and colorful coral reefs. Moreover, you will be immersed in a unique culture, meet friendly people and enjoy diverse cuisine. The Philippines promises to bring you unforgettable experiences and valuable memories.
Philippines itinerary 7 days — Day 1: Cebu – Entering the Door to History and Culture
Your journey will begin with a direct flight from Vietnam to Cebu City. This is the perfect place to start your trip as the city is both rich in history and a gateway to the most beautiful islands. After checking in and relaxing, you will have time to explore the city.
Cebu City Historical and Street Food Tour
Visit the Santo Niño Church – the oldest Catholic church in the Philippines, which houses the legendary statue of the Santo Niño Child Jesus. Next, you can visit Fort San Pedro – a military fort from the Spanish colonial era. In the evening, stroll along Magallanes Street to feel the vibrant atmosphere, enjoy street food and local dishes.
Day 2: Moalboal – When the Sea Calls
On the second day, you will leave Cebu City for Moalboal, a coastal town famous for its underwater wonders. After arriving, you will spend the afternoon immersing yourself in the clear blue waters and experiencing the Sardine Run – millions of sardines moving in giant schools.
Beginner Scuba Diving in Moalboal with PADI
This is a breathtaking sight that you cannot miss. You can also go snorkeling or scuba diving to swim with sea turtles and other marine creatures, enjoying the colorful ocean world.
7 days in Philippines itinerary — Day 3: Kawasan Falls and Osmeña Peak – Adventure in the Wild
This is a day for those who love adventure and unspoiled nature. In the morning, you will start the trip to Kawasan Falls. This is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the Philippines, with emerald green water flowing over many layers of rocks.
Badian Canyoneering in Cebu and Kawasan Falls Tour
You can swim, relax or join the challenging zipline tours. In the afternoon, the journey will continue to Osmeña Peak, the highest peak in Cebu. The climb is not too difficult but will give you a spectacular panoramic view of the rolling hills and the sea beyond.
Day 4: Coron – Touch the Island Paradise
Today, you will travel by plane from Cebu to Coron, an island known as one of the most beautiful landscapes in the world. After arriving and checking in, you can spend the afternoon relaxing.
You can rent a motorbike to go around town, explore some of the nearby destinations and enjoy a delicious seafood dinner, recharging your energy for the upcoming days of exploration.
Philippines itinerary 1 week — Day 5: Coron Tour A – Admire the Mysterious Beauty
Spend the day on Coron Tour A, exploring the island’s most iconic destinations. Start with Kayangan Lake, one of the clearest lakes in Asia. You will have to hike a short distance to reach the lake, but the reward is the view of the clear blue lake, surrounded by towering limestone cliffs.
Next, you will relax on the white sand beach of CYC Beach and kayak to enjoy the tranquility. Finally, explore the Green Lagoon, a unique emerald lake where you can swim and explore small caves.
Day 6: Coron Tour B – Mysteries of the Deep
Continue exploring Coron with Coron Tour B, which features unique and mysterious landscapes. The first destination is the Twin Lagoon, famous for its two lagoons separated by cliffs.
You have to swim through a small tunnel or climb a wooden ladder to get to the other side. Then, you will arrive at Barracuda Lake, a brackish lake located in an extinct volcanic crater. What is special here is the change in temperature and salinity of the water according to the depth. Finally, you will stop at Smith Beach, where you can relax and enjoy a fresh seafood lunch before returning to the mainland.
Day 7: Manila – Return to the Beginning and End of the Journey
On the last day of the trip, you will fly from Coron to Manila. In the afternoon, after arriving, you can leave your luggage and start exploring the city. Visit the ancient city of Intramuros with its ancient stone-paved streets.
A Step Back in Time: Intramuros Walking Tour
You can rent a horse-drawn carriage to tour around the ancient city, explore the historic Fort Santiago. At the end of the day, move to Ninoy Aquino International Airport to check in for your flight back to Vietnam, ending a memorable journey in the Philippines.
7 Days 6 Nights Self-Guided Philippines Travel Cost
| Category | Detailed Description | Cost (VND/person) | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation cost (6 nights) | International flight tickets: Vietnam - Philippines (Manila/Cebu) | 4.000.000 - 6.000.000 | Depends on the airline and time of booking. Should book 2-3 months in advance. |
| Domestic Flights: Cebu - Coron and Coron - Manila | 2,500,000 - 3,500,000 | Round trip fare, depending on airline (Cebu Pacific, Philippine Airlines). | |
| Local transportation: Taxi, jeepney, tricycle, motorbike rental | 1.000.000 - 1.500.000 | Includes airport transfers, city tours and motorbike rental in Coron. | |
| Cebu (2 nights): Hotel/guesthouse | 600.000 - 1.200.000 | About 300,000 - 600,000 VND/night/person. | |
| Coron (3 nights): Hotel/guesthouse | 900.000 - 1.800.000 | About 300,000 - 600,000 VND/night/person. | |
| Manila (1 night): Hotel near airport | 400.000 - 800.000 | Convenient for flying back to Vietnam on the last day. | |
| Food costs (7 days) | Main meals, snacks, drinks | 2.500.000 - 4.000.000 | About 350,000 - 550,000 VND/day. You can save money by eating at local restaurants. |
| Tour and activity costs | Island Tour in Coron: Tour A and Tour B | 1.500.000 - 2.000.000 | Includes tour fee, environmental fee, lunch on the island. |
| Tour in Cebu: Kawasan Falls, Osmeña Peak, Moalboal | 1.000.000 - 1.500.000 | Tour cost includes transportation, tour guide and entrance tickets. | |
| Manila and Cebu Historical Tour: Entrance Fees to Monuments | 200.000 - 300.000 | Entrance tickets to attractions such as Fort San Pedro, Fort Santiago. | |
| Incurred/purchased costs | Visa, insurance, souvenir shopping... | 1.000.000 - 2.000.000 | Contingency funds for unexpected situations and gift purchases. |
| Total trip cost (estimated) | 15.600.000 - 23.600.000 | Total costs are estimates per person and may vary depending on when you travel, your spending style, and how you book your services. |
Philippines Travel Experience 7 Days 6 Nights Self-Guided
Here are some special 7-day 6-night Philippines travel experiences for you to preparing to explore this island nation.
Connecting with SIM & Wi-Fi in the Philippines
5G Philippines eSIM | Globe Smart
When traveling abroad, staying connected to the internet is extremely important, especially when you travel independently. In the Philippines, there are two major carriers, Globe and Smart, both of which offer attractive travel packages.
Buy a SIM: You can buy a SIM right at the airport after landing. The SIM counters of the carriers are easy to find. Depending on the time and usage needs, you can choose different packages, often including unlimited data. It is best to buy a SIM available in Vietnam through platforms like Klook, you just need to insert the SIM into your phone when you arrive and you can use it immediately without having to spend time registering.
Rent a Wi-Fi pocket device: If you are traveling in a large group and need to use the internet continuously, renting a Wi-Fi hotspot is a more economical and convenient option. A hotspot can connect to multiple devices at the same time, helping everyone in the group have internet to look up information, maps or share photos. You can rent a Wi-Fi hotspot in Vietnam and receive it at Manila (MNL) or Cebu (CEB) airport, which is extremely convenient.
Traveler 5G SIM Card with Data (PH Airport Pick Up) for PH
Flexible Transportation in the Philippines
The transportation system in the Philippines is quite diverse, from public transportation to private car rental services, helping you easily explore every corner.
Taxi: In big cities like Manila or Cebu, Grab is the safest and most popular choice. You can easily book a car through the app, know the price in advance and don’t have to worry about being “ripped off” by the driver.
Jeepney and Tricycle: These are two typical types of public transportation in the Philippines. Jeepneys are colorfully decorated buses that travel on fixed routes at very cheap prices. Tricycles are suitable for short distances. You should ask for the price before getting on the bus to avoid being overcharged.
Boracay Hop On Hop Off Shuttle Service
Renting a motorbike/car: On tourist islands like Coron or Palawan, renting a motorbike is a great way to explore freely. The rental price is quite cheap, around 300-500 Pesos/day. If you are traveling in a group or want to travel between provinces, renting a private car with a driver will be a safer and more convenient option. A local driver familiar with the roads will help you save time and ensure safety.
Things to Know About Currency & Language in the Philippines
Currency: The currency of the Philippines is the Peso (PHP). You should exchange some cash at the airport for initial spending. After that, you can exchange more at banks or large shopping centers for a better exchange rate. Most restaurants and hotels accept credit cards, but cash is still necessary in markets, small shops or remote islands.
Language: English is one of the two official languages of the Philippines (along with Tagalog), so your communication will be very convenient. Most people, from taxi drivers to store clerks, can speak English.
Must-Try Dishes When Traveling to the Philippines
When coming to the Philippines, you will not only admire the beautiful natural landscape but also have the opportunity to explore a unique and diverse cuisine. Here are the dishes you must try during your 7-day, 6-night trip.
Adobo – Meat Stew
Premium Tri-Island Tour in Siargao
Adobo is an iconic dish of Philippine cuisine, made from meat (usually chicken or pork) stewed in a mixture of vinegar, soy sauce, garlic, pepper and bay leaves. The rich, slightly sour and salty flavor of Adobo is easy to eat and suits many people’s taste. This dish is often served with hot white rice.
Lechon – Crispy Roasted Pork Skin
Lechon is a whole roasted suckling pig, most famous in Cebu. The pig is marinated with special spices and roasted over hot coals, giving it a crispy, golden skin, while the meat inside is soft, sweet and fragrant. Lechon is often served during festivals, but you can easily find it at Lechon restaurants in Cebu.
Sinigang – Sour Soup
El Nido Tour A Lagoons & Islands
Sinigang is a traditional sour soup of the Philippines, with a sour taste created from tamarind, guava or lime. This dish is usually cooked with meat (pork, beef, seafood) and vegetables such as taro, tomatoes, and long beans. The mild sour taste of Sinigang stimulates the taste buds and is a great cooling dish.
Sisig – Stir-fried Pork
Panglao Island Hopping and Dolphin Watching Tour in Bohol
Sisig is a popular street food, made from thinly sliced pork (usually pig cheeks and pig ears), mixed with onions, chili peppers and grilled on a hot iron plate. This dish is fatty, crispy, spicy and aromatic, often served with eggs and lime. Sisig is the perfect choice to enjoy with cold beer.
Fresh Seafood
Whale Shark Watching in Puerto Princesa
With more than 7,000 islands, seafood in the Philippines is extremely diverse and fresh. At coastal tourist destinations such as Coron or Moalboal, you can enjoy shrimp, crab, fish, squid prepared simply such as grilled, steamed, or stir-fried to preserve the natural sweetness.
Frequently Asked Questions About 7 Days 6 Nights Self-Guided Philippines Travel
When is the best time to travel to the Philippines?
The ideal time is from November to May, this is the dry season with sunny weather, little rain and storms, very suitable for island activities. You should avoid going during the rainy season (June-October) to ensure safety and a complete trip.
What means of transport should you use?
To travel between islands, you should use a plane. Domestic airlines such as Cebu Pacific and Philippine Airlines have many cheap flights. In cities, you can use Grab, taxis or typical public transport such as Jeepney and tricycle to save costs.
Do you need a visa?
Vietnamese citizens are exempt from visas when entering the Philippines with a stay of no more than 21 days. However, you need a return ticket or onward ticket to another country and a passport valid for at least 6 months.
What souvenirs should you buy?
You can buy unique handicrafts such as woven bags, shell jewelry, pearls or local specialties such as dried mango, chocolate.
How is the security in the Philippines?
Security in famous tourist areas such as Coron, Cebu or Boracay is quite good. However, you still need to be careful with your personal belongings in public places and avoid going alone at night in deserted areas.
Some best day tours, trips, activities and transfer services, tickets in, from and to El Nido you can refer to
- El Nido Tour A Lagoons & Islands
- El Nido Tour C Hidden Beaches & Shrine
- El Nido Tour B Caves & Islands
- El Nido Tour A + C
- El Nido Tour D Lagoons & Beaches
- Tour A El Nido, Palawan
- Tour El Nido Land
- One-Way Fast Ferry Ticket Between Coron and El Nido
- El Nido Nacpan and Duli Beach
- Puerto Princesa to El Nido Van Transfer (Shared or Private)
- El Nido Tours in a Luxury Speedboat
- Shared Van Transfer between El Nido and Port Barton
- Tour El Nido C + A
- El Nido Tour D Lagoons & Beaches
- El Nido Tour A,B,C,D w/ Envi&Lagoon Fees (No Hidden Charges)
- Tour A of El Nido, Palawan
Read more Philippines guide here.
