10-Day Vietnam Trip Itinerary from Bangalore (Nov 2 - Nov 12)

Day 1: Arrival in Hanoi & Initial Exploration

Morning: Fly from Bangalore to Hanoi. Check into your hotel and freshen up.

Afternoon: Visit Hoan Kiem Lake and the Ngoc Son Temple for a peaceful introduction to the city.

Evening: Enjoy a traditional Vietnamese dinner and watch a Water Puppet Show in the Old Quarter.

Day 2: Hanoi Cultural Sites

Morning: Explore the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum Complex including the Presidential Palace and One Pillar Pagoda.

Afternoon: Visit the Temple of Literature to appreciate Vietnam’s historical education heritage.

Evening: Wander through the Old Quarter Night Market for local shopping and street food.

Day 3: Hanoi to Ha Long Bay – Cruise Begins

Morning: Depart early and drive to Ha Long Bay (approx. 3.5 hours).

Afternoon: Board a overnight cruise and explore limestone islands, caves, and emerald waters.

Evening: Dinner on the cruise, enjoying the sunset and onboard activities.

Day 4: Ha Long Bay to Hanoi

Morning: Continue cruising among islands, visit Surprise Cave, and kayak around the bay.

Afternoon: Return to port and drive back to Hanoi.

Evening: Relax or enjoy a casual stroll around West Lake.

Day 5: Hanoi to Hue – Imperial City

Morning: Fly from Hanoi to Hue, the ancient imperial capital.

Afternoon: Visit the Imperial Citadel and Thien Mu Pagoda.

Evening: Dine riverside with local specialties like Bun Bo Hue.

Day 6: Explore Hue and Travel to Hoi An

Morning: Take a boat cruise on the Perfume River visiting royal tombs.

Afternoon: Drive to Hoi An (about 3 hours) via the scenic Hai Van Pass.

Evening: Explore the lantern-lit ancient town of Hoi An and sample street food.

Day 7: Hoi An – Ancient Town & Beaches

Morning: Discover Hoi An Ancient Town including the Japanese Covered Bridge and old houses.

Afternoon: Relax at An Bang Beach or take a bicycle ride through nearby villages.

Evening: Enjoy a riverside dinner watching the lantern festival ambiance.

Day 8: Hoi An Cooking Class & Free Time

Morning: Participate in a Vietnamese cooking class and market visit.

Afternoon: Free time for shopping or spa treatments in town.

Evening: Stroll along the Thu Bon River and enjoy live music at a café.

Day 9: Hoi An to Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)

Morning: Fly from Da Nang (near Hoi An) to Ho Chi Minh City.

Afternoon: Visit War Remnants Museum and Notre Dame Cathedral.

Evening: Explore the vibrant Ben Thanh Market and have dinner nearby.

Day 10: Cu Chi Tunnels & Departure

Morning: Take a half-day tour of the Cu Chi Tunnels to learn about Vietnam War history.

Afternoon: Return to Ho Chi Minh City and relax or do last-minute shopping.

Evening: Depart for Bangalore or overnight in Ho Chi Minh City depending on flight schedule.

Time and Cost Estimates

• Bangalore to Hanoi Flight: Approx. 6.5 hours, Cost: $350 per person
• Hanoi City Tour & Attractions: 2 days, Cost: $50 per person
• Ha Long Bay Cruise (1 night): 2 days, Cost: $150 per person
• Hanoi to Hue Flight: 1.5 hours, Cost: $60 per person
• Hue Imperial Sites & Cruise: 1 day, Cost: $40 per person
• Drive Hue to Hoi An: 3 hours, Cost: $30 (shared car)
• Hoi An Ancient Town & Beach: 2 days, Cost: $40 per person
• Hoi An Cooking Class: 4 hours, Cost: $35 per person
• Hoi An to Ho Chi Minh City Flight: 2 hours, Cost: $70 per person
• Ho Chi Minh City Tours & Cu Chi Tunnels: 1 day, Cost: $50 per person

Total Estimated Cost: $1470 per person

Tips

If you prefer a more relaxed trip, consider extending your stay in Hoi An or Ha Long Bay by a couple of days to unwind at the beach or enjoy an extra night on the cruise. Conversely, to shorten the trip, you can skip Hue and spend more time in either Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City, focusing on urban exploration and city life.