12-Day Budget Adventure in Vietnam from Kolkata: Ho Chi Minh to Hanoi via Da Nang and Sapa

Day 1: Arrival and Explore

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam on July 2, 2025

9:00am

Flight Departure from Kolkata to Ho Chi Minh City

Depart Kolkata early morning via a connecting flight to Tan Son Nhat International Airport in Ho Chi Minh City.
INR15000, 5h0m

3:00pm

Check-in at The Hideout Hostel

Stay at The Hideout Hostel, a popular budget-friendly option with great social vibes and central location.
VND150000, Check-in

5:00pm

Ben Thanh Market Visit

Explore Ben Thanh Market, open until 7:00pm, for local souvenirs and street food experience.
Free entry, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Pho Hoa Pasteur

Enjoy authentic Vietnamese pho at Pho Hoa Pasteur, open until 10:00pm, known for its flavorful broth and fresh herbs.
VND70000, 1h
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Day 2: Cultural and Historical

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam on July 3, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at The Hidden Gem Saigon

Start the day with Vietnamese coffee and banh mi at this popular spot, open from 7:00am.
VND50000, 1h

9:30am

War Remnants Museum

Visit the War Remnants Museum from 7:30am to 6:00pm to understand Vietnam's history.
VND40000, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Bánh Mì Huỳnh Hoa

Taste the famous bánh mì sandwiches at this iconic eatery in Ho Chi Minh City, open until 8:00pm.
VND40000, 1h

2:00pm

Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica and Central Post Office Walk

Take a free walking tour visiting these French colonial landmarks open during daylight hours.
Free, 1h30m

5:00pm

Dinner at Pizza 4P’s

Enjoy a fusion dinner with locally made cheeses at this popular pizza spot, open until 11:00pm.
VND150000, 1h30m
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Day 3: Cu Chi Tunnels Day

Near Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam on July 4, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Hostel

Grab a quick hostel breakfast before the day trip.
Included, 30m

8:00am

Cu Chi Tunnels Tour

Tour the Cu Chi Tunnels to learn about their significance in the Vietnam War; open from 7:00am to 5:00pm. Round trip from city center takes about 4 hours.
VND90000, 6h

3:30pm

Relax at Hostel

Return and relax at the hostel or explore nearby cafes.
Free, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at The Lunch Lady

Try a rotating Vietnamese street food menu at this famous street stall, open from evening to late night.
VND60000, 1h
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Day 4: Travel to Da Nang

Da Nang, Vietnam on July 5, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Hostel

Eat breakfast and prepare for morning flight.
Included, 30m

9:00am

Flight Ho Chi Minh to Da Nang

Take a direct flight of about 1h20m from Ho Chi Minh City to Da Nang.
VND800000, 1h20m

11:00am

Check-in at Funtastic Danang Hostel

Stay in this vibrant hostel with great social atmosphere located near the beach.
VND150000, Check-in

12:30pm

Lunch at Bún Chả Cá Bà Hoa

Savor traditional Da Nang fish cake noodle soup, open from morning until afternoon.
VND50000, 1h

2:00pm

Visit Marble Mountains

Explore Marble Mountains caves and pagodas, open 7:00am to 5:30pm, offering scenic views.
VND40000, 2h

6:00pm

Dinner at Madam Lan

Enjoy elegant traditional Vietnamese dining near the Han River, open until 10:00pm.
VND120000, 1h30m
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Day 5: Beach and Culture

Da Nang, Vietnam on July 6, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Vision Coffee

Have a latte and fresh baked goods at this cozy cafe open from 7:00am.
VND60000, 1h

9:30am

Relax at My Khe Beach

Spend a relaxing morning swimming and sunbathing at the famous My Khe Beach, accessible all day.
Free, 3h

1:00pm

Lunch at Be Anh Restaurant

Try fresh seafood specialties with beachfront views, open daily until evening.
VND120000, 1h

3:00pm

Visit Cham Museum

Discover Cham culture and artifacts from 8:00am to 5:00pm, admission is affordable.
VND40000, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Street Food Stalls near Han Market

Sample local street food varieties open till late night nearby the central market.
VND50000, 1h
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Day 6: Travel to Sapa

Sapa, Vietnam on July 7, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Hostel

Quick breakfast before departure.
Included, 30m

8:00am

Flight Da Nang to Hanoi

Fly to Hanoi (~1h20m flight), the gateway to Sapa.
VND1000000, 1h20m

11:00am

Bus from Hanoi to Sapa

Take a comfortable sleeper bus from Hanoi to Sapa taking approximately 6-7 hours, departing around noon.
VND300000, 6h30m

6:30pm

Check-in at Sapa O'Chau Hostel

Hostel well known for its community atmosphere and great mountain views.
VND120000, Check-in

7:30pm

Dinner at Local Market Food Stalls

Enjoy local ethnic foods available in the evening market.
VND50000, 1h
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Day 7: Sapa Trekking

Sapa, Vietnam on July 8, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Hostel

Hearty breakfast at the hostel to prepare for trekking.
Included, 30m

8:30am

Guided Trekking Tour to Cat Cat Village

Begin a 4-hour guided trek to the traditional Hmong ethnic village, showcasing spectacular terraced rice fields.
VND250000, 4h

1:00pm

Lunch in Cat Cat Village

Enjoy simple local cuisine at a village home, included in the tour.
Included, 1h

3:00pm

Return and Relax

Return to Sapa town, relax at the hostel or wander the local markets.
Free, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Good Morning Vietnam Restaurant

Taste traditional northern Vietnamese dishes in a welcoming atmosphere, open until 9:00pm.
VND90000, 1h
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Day 8: Explore More Sapa

Sapa, Vietnam on July 9, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Hostel

Breakfast to energize for exploring nearby sights.
Included, 30m

9:00am

Visit Fansipan Mountain by Cable Car

Take the cable car to Fansipan – the highest peak in Indochina. Open 7:30am to 5:00pm.
VND700000, 4h

1:30pm

Lunch at Highland Restaurant

Sample mountain region specialties with a cozy ambiance.
VND100000, 1h

3:00pm

Relax at Ham Rong Mountain Park

Explore gardens and viewpoints close to town, open 7:30am to 5:30pm.
VND70000, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Red Dao House

Enjoy authentic cuisine from local ethnic groups in a friendly setting.
VND90000, 1h
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Day 9: Travel to Hanoi

Hanoi, Vietnam on July 10, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Hostel

Eat breakfast and check out.
Included, 30m

8:00am

Bus from Sapa to Hanoi

Return to Hanoi via sleeper bus, approximately 6-7 hours.
VND300000, 6h30m

3:00pm

Check-in at Old Quarter View Hanoi Hostel

Hostel located in the heart of Hanoi’s Old Quarter, great for budget travelers.
VND160000, Check-in

5:00pm

Stroll Hoan Kiem Lake

Relax with an evening walk around the scenic Hoan Kiem Lake, popular with locals and tourists.
Free, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Bun Cha Huong Lien

Taste the famously loved Bun Cha, open until late night.
VND60000, 1h
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Day 10: Hanoi Historical Sights

Hanoi, Vietnam on July 11, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Kafeville

Try traditional Vietnamese breakfast sets at this well-reviewed cafe, open from 7:00am.
VND60000, 1h

9:00am

Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum Complex

Visit early as it closes by 11:00am on non-holiday days, explore Mausoleum, Presidential Palace, and One Pillar Pagoda.
Free, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Cha Ca La Vong

Try Hanoi’s famous grilled fish specialty at this traditional restaurant, open until 3:00pm.
VND120000, 1h

2:00pm

Temple of Literature

Explore Vietnam’s first university and beautiful gardens, open 8:00am to 5:00pm.
VND30000, 1h30m

4:00pm

Water Puppet Theater Show

Enjoy a classic Vietnamese art form performance; shows usually start at 5:00pm and 6:30pm.
VND100000, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner at Hanoi Social Club

Relax with international and local dishes in a bohemian setting, open until 10:00pm.
VND120000, 1h30m
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Day 11: Day Trip from Hanoi

Hanoi, Vietnam on July 12, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Hostel

Quick breakfast before day trip.
Included, 30m

8:00am

Day Trip to Ninh Binh (Tam Coc)

Take a guided tour or bus to Tam Coc for riverboat rides and limestone karst landscapes, open from early morning till evening.
VND500000, 9h

6:00pm

Return to Hanoi

Arrive back in Hanoi and relax at the hostel.
Included in tour, 30m

7:30pm

Dinner at Highway4

Have an evening meal of northern Vietnamese flavors with modern touches, open late.
VND150000, 1h30m
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Day 12: Departure

Hanoi, Vietnam on July 13, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Hostel

Final Vietnamese breakfast at the hostel.
Included, 30m

9:00am

Visit Old Quarter for Last Minute Shopping

Free time to purchase souvenirs and enjoy the vibrant street life before heading to airport.
Free, 2h

12:30pm

Transfer to Noi Bai International Airport

Head to airport for afternoon flight back to Kolkata.
VND300000, 1h

3:00pm

Flight Hanoi to Kolkata

Depart Hanoi and connect through transit to reach Kolkata.
INR16000, 5h
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