10-Day Ultimate Vietnam Adventure: Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City

Day 1: Explore Hanoi

Hanoi, Vietnam on July 4, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Pho Gia Truyen

Start your day with a traditional bowl of Pho at Pho Gia Truyen, a local favorite known for its rich broth and fresh herbs.
VND60000, 1h

9:30am

Visit Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple

Enjoy a peaceful walk around Hoan Kiem Lake and visit Ngoc Son Temple located on a small island in the lake, a cultural and historical heart of Hanoi.
VND30000, 1h

11:00am

Explore the Old Quarter

Wander through the bustling streets of the Old Quarter, famous for its narrow streets, vibrant markets, and unique street food.
Free, 2h

1:00pm

Lunch at Bun Cha Huong Lien

Try Bun Cha, a Hanoi specialty with grilled pork and noodles, at the famous Bun Cha Huong Lien, known internationally after President Obama's visit.
VND70000, 1h

3:00pm

Visit the Temple of Literature

Discover Vietnam's first university and admire traditional Vietnamese architecture and beautiful gardens at the Temple of Literature.
VND30000, 1.5h

5:00pm

Water Puppet Theater Show

Experience traditional Vietnamese water puppetry, a unique and entertaining art form reflecting rural life and folklore.
VND100000, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner at Cha Ca La Vong

Savor the iconic Hanoi dish Cha Ca, grilled fish with turmeric and dill, at Cha Ca La Vong, a restaurant famous for this specialty.
VND150000, 1h
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Day 2: Halong Bay Cruise

Halong Bay, Vietnam on July 5, 2025

7:00am

Depart Hanoi for Halong Bay

Travel by shuttle for approximately 3.5 hours from Hanoi to Halong Bay for a scenic cruise departure.
VND450000 (shuttle), 3.5h

11:00am

Board Halong Bay Cruise

Begin your overnight cruise through the stunning limestone karsts and emerald waters of Halong Bay, including lunch onboard.
USD150, 5h

4:00pm

Kayaking and Cave Exploration

Enjoy kayaking around the limestone formations or explore some of the famous caves like Sung Sot Cave during the cruise.
Included in cruise, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner on Board

Delight in freshly prepared seafood dinner while enjoying the serene evening atmosphere on the bay.
Included in cruise, 1.5h
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Day 3: Return from Halong and Hanoi Leisure

Hanoi, Vietnam on July 6, 2025

6:30am

Morning Tai Chi on Deck

Join an early morning Tai Chi session on the deck for a refreshing start amid breathtaking views.
Included in cruise, 30m

7:30am

Breakfast on Board

Enjoy breakfast while cruising back to the harbor.
Included in cruise, 1h

9:00am

Disembark and return to Hanoi

Disembark and shuttle back to Hanoi city center.
Included in cruise/shuttle fee, 3.5h

1:00pm

Lunch at Xoi Yen

Try the sticky rice (Xoi) varieties at Xoi Yen, a beloved spot for simple and hearty Vietnamese food.
VND40000, 45m

3:00pm

Visit Vietnam Museum of Ethnology

Explore exhibits that display Vietnam's 54 ethnic groups with fascinating artifacts and cultural presentations.
VND40000, 2h

6:00pm

Walking Street Food Tour

Embark on a guided evening food tour through Hanoi's lively Old Quarter, sampling various local street foods.
USD25, 3h
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Day 4: Fly to Hue

Hue, Vietnam on July 7, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Cafe Dinh

Enjoy strong Vietnamese coffee and light local breakfast in a charming cafe.
VND50000, 1h

10:00am

Flight to Hue

Take a morning flight from Hanoi to Hue (about 1h 15min).
USD70, 1.25h

12:30pm

Lunch at Hanh Restaurant

Sample authentic Hue dishes like Bun Bo Hue, known for its spicy broth and rich flavors.
VND80000, 1h

2:00pm

Visit Imperial Citadel

Explore the historic Imperial Citadel, a UNESCO World Heritage site featuring palaces, temples, and fortifications.
VND150000, 2h

5:00pm

Perfume River Sunset Boat Ride

Relax on a scenic boat ride along the Perfume River while enjoying the sunset views.
VND300000, 1.5h

7:30pm

Dinner at Les Jardins de La Carambole

Experience French-Vietnamese fusion cuisine in a beautiful colonial garden setting.
VND300000, 1.5h
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Day 5: Hue to Hoi An

Hoi An, Vietnam on July 8, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Banh Beo Ba Duyen

Taste traditional Hue banh beo, small steamed rice cakes with savory toppings, for a local breakfast experience.
VND40000, 45m

9:00am

Drive to Hoi An via Hai Van Pass

Enjoy a scenic 3-hour drive over the famous Hai Van Pass with spectacular views of the coastline.
VND400000 (private car), 3h

12:30pm

Lunch at Bale Well

Discover Hoi An’s street food at Bale Well, a beloved spot for traditional white rose dumplings and fresh spring rolls.
VND70000, 1h

2:00pm

Hoi An Ancient Town Exploration

Stroll through the ancient town’s lantern-lit streets, visiting landmarks like the Japanese Covered Bridge and historic houses.
VND120000 (entrance ticket), 3h

6:00pm

Dinner at Morning Glory

Enjoy delicious local cuisine in a vibrant atmosphere at one of Hoi An’s top restaurants known for high-quality traditional dishes.
VND250000, 1.5h
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Day 6: Hoi An Cultural Day

Hoi An, Vietnam on July 9, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at The DeckHouse Cafe

Relax with coffee and breakfast overlooking the Thu Bon River before an active day.
VND80000, 1h

9:30am

Cycling Tour to Countryside

Take a guided bicycle tour through rice paddies, local villages, and workshops for pottery and lantern making.
USD30, 4h

1:30pm

Lunch at Ms. Vy’s Market Restaurant

Experience a cooking class lunch where you prepare and enjoy traditional Hoi An recipes.
USD35, 2h

4:00pm

Free Time for Shopping and Spa

Relax with a spa treatment or explore local tailor shops and artisan boutiques in the ancient town.
Varies, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Cargo Club

Dine on a rooftop terrace featuring a blend of Western and Vietnamese dishes, perfect for a relaxed evening.
VND300000, 1.5h
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Day 7: Fly to Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam on July 10, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Banh Mi Phuong

Grab a world-famous banh mi sandwich for a quick and delicious breakfast before departure.
VND40000, 30m

10:00am

Flight from Da Nang to Ho Chi Minh City

Fly from nearby Da Nang Airport to Ho Chi Minh City, flight duration about 1.5 hours.
USD50, 1.5h

12:30pm

Lunch at Pho Hoa

Enjoy an iconic bowl of Pho at one of Saigon's most famous and long-standing restaurants.
VND70000, 1h

2:00pm

Visit War Remnants Museum

Learn about Vietnam's history during the war era through powerful exhibits and photography.
VND40000, 2h

4:30pm

Visit Notre-Dame Cathedral and Central Post Office

Admire the beautiful French colonial architecture at two iconic Saigon landmarks.
Free, 1h

6:00pm

Dinner at Cuc Gach Quan

Enjoy authentic Southern Vietnamese dishes in a rustic and charming setting.
VND200000, 1.5h
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Day 8: Cu Chi Tunnels & City Tour

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam on July 11, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at L’Usine

Start the day with French-style cafe fare in a trendy spot in downtown Ho Chi Minh.
VND100000, 1h

8:30am

Cu Chi Tunnels Tour

Join a half-day tour to the Cu Chi Tunnels, a historic WWII-era tunnel system used by Viet Cong soldiers.
USD20, 5h

2:00pm

Lunch at Pho 2000

Enjoy more Pho near Ben Thanh Market, famous as a spot visited by Bill Clinton.
VND70000, 1h

3:30pm

Explore Ben Thanh Market

Shop for souvenirs, handicrafts, and street food in one of Ho Chi Minh’s busiest markets.
Free to enter, 2h

6:30pm

Dinner at The Deck Saigon

Enjoy riverside dining with international and Vietnamese fusion dishes in a relaxing atmosphere.
VND400000, 2h
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Day 9: Mekong Delta Daytrip

Mekong Delta, Vietnam on July 12, 2025

7:00am

Early Breakfast at Hotel

Have a light breakfast at your hotel to prepare for the full-day trip.
Included in hotel, 30m

7:30am

Depart for Mekong Delta

Travel by coach to Mekong Delta, exploring local villages, fruit orchards, and floating markets.
USD45, 1.5h

9:00am

Boat Ride & Village Visit

Cruise along the Mekong River waterways visiting coconut candy workshops and honey farms.
Included in tour, 4h

1:00pm

Lunch in Local Riverside Restaurant

Enjoy fresh Mekong Delta specialties with tropical fruits amid scenic surroundings.
Included in tour, 1h

3:00pm

Return to Ho Chi Minh City

Travel back to the city for an evening at leisure.
Included in tour, 1.5h

7:30pm

Dinner at Secret Garden Rooftop

Have a final Vietnamese dinner with a stunning city rooftop view, featuring traditional dishes in a tranquil garden ambiance.
VND300000, 1.5h
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Day 10: Departure Day

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam on July 13, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at The Vintage Emporium

Enjoy a stylish breakfast with great coffee to start your final day in Vietnam.
VND120000, 1h

9:30am

Visit Jade Emperor Pagoda

Explore one of the most beautiful and atmospheric Buddhist temples in Ho Chi Minh City.
Free, 1h

11:00am

Shopping and Leisure

Spend your remaining hours shopping for last-minute souvenirs or relaxing at a local cafe.
Varies, 2h

1:00pm

Lunch at Propaganda Bistro

Enjoy modern Vietnamese classics in a contemporary setting before heading to the airport.
VND200000, 1h

3:30pm

Transfer to Tan Son Nhat Airport

Depart for your international flight home with wonderful memories of Vietnam.
VND350000 (taxi), 1h
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