13-Day Vietnam Adventure: From Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi

Day 1: Explore Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam on July 10, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at L'Usine

Enjoy a modern Vietnamese breakfast with excellent coffee in a chic setting to start your day in Ho Chi Minh City.
VND150000, 1h

9:30am

War Remnants Museum

Explore powerful exhibits on Vietnam's history, focusing on the war's impact and aftermath. Open 7:30am-6:00pm daily.
VND40000, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Pho Hoa

Taste authentic Pho, Vietnam’s famous noodle soup, at this popular and highly recommended local eatery.
VND60000, 1h

1:30pm

Reunification Palace

Visit the historic site symbolizing the end of the Vietnam War with preserved rooms and vintage vehicles. Open 7:30am-4:00pm.
VND40000, 1h30m

3:30pm

Ben Thanh Market

Shop for souvenirs, local handicrafts, and street food snacks in this vibrant central market.
Free to enter, 1h30m

6:30pm

Dinner at Secret Garden

Relax with elegant Vietnamese cuisine in a charming rooftop garden setting, perfect for your first dinner in the city.
VND300000, 2h
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Day 2: Mekong Delta Day Trip

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam on July 11, 2025

6:30am

Mekong Delta Tour Departure

Join a full-day guided tour to explore the Mekong Delta’s waterways, floating markets, and rural villages.
USD40, 10h

7:00am

Breakfast en route

Enjoy a simple Vietnamese breakfast included with your tour before heading deeper into the delta.
Included, 30m

5:30pm

Return to Ho Chi Minh City

Relax after a full day exploring nature and culture of the Mekong Delta.
Included, 30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Cuc Gach Quan

Experience traditional southern Vietnamese dishes in a cozy setting with beautiful decor.
VND250000, 1h30m
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Day 3: Fly to Hue

Hue, Vietnam on July 12, 2025

8:00am

Flight to Hue

Catch a morning flight from Tan Son Nhat Airport to Phu Bai Airport, Hue. Flight duration approx 1h20m.
USD50, 1h20m

10:00am

Check-in and light breakfast

Settle into your hotel and enjoy a light Vietnamese coffee and pastry nearby.
VND100000, 1h

11:30am

Imperial City (The Citadel)

Explore this historic UNESCO World Heritage site featuring palaces and temples of the Nguyen dynasty. Open 8:00am-5:30pm.
VND150000, 2h

2:00pm

Lunch at Hanh Restaurant

Enjoy Hue’s famous royal cuisine with delicate and aromatic dishes at this well-reviewed restaurant.
VND120000, 1h

3:30pm

Thien Mu Pagoda

Visit the iconic seven-story pagoda overlooking the Perfume River. Open 8:00am-6:00pm.
Free, 1h

5:00pm

Relax at Perfume River

Take a peaceful walk along the riverbank or consider a short boat ride at sunset.
Boat ride approx VND100000, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Les Jardins de La Carambole

Dine in a charming French colonial villa offering fusion cuisine blending Vietnamese and French influences.
VND350000, 2h
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Day 4: Travel to Hoi An

Hoi An, Vietnam on July 13, 2025

8:00am

Drive to Hoi An

Enjoy a scenic 3-hour drive from Hue to Hoi An, passing beautiful coastal and rural landscapes.
VND800000 for private car, 3h

12:00pm

Check-in and Lunch

Check into your hotel and have lunch at Morning Glory, known for authentic Hoi An specialties.
VND150000, 1h

2:00pm

Hoi An Ancient Town

Explore this UNESCO World Heritage site on foot, with its historic architecture, lantern-lit streets, and riverside charm. Open all day.
Entry ticket VND120000, 3h

6:00pm

Dinner at Cargo Club

Savor a mix of Western and Vietnamese cuisine in a lively atmosphere with views over the river.
VND250000, 2h
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Day 5: Hoi An Culture & Beach

Hoi An, Vietnam on July 14, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Bakery Cafe

Start your day with fresh pastries and strong Vietnamese coffee at this popular local spot.
VND80000, 1h

9:00am

Bike to An Bang Beach

Enjoy a peaceful bike ride to An Bang Beach, a relaxing escape with clear waters and beachside cafes.
Free, bike rental approx VND60000, 3h

12:30pm

Lunch at Soul Kitchen

Dine on fresh seafood and healthy dishes right on the beach, famous for its chill vibe and good food.
VND200000, 1h30m

2:30pm

Hoi An Tailor Visit

Visit one of Hoi An’s renowned tailor shops to get custom clothing made from premium fabrics.
Prices vary by item, consultation free, 2h

6:00pm

Dinner at Mango Mango

Taste modern Vietnamese dishes with a creative twist in this lively restaurant near the river.
VND300000, 2h
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Day 6: Fly to Hanoi

Hanoi, Vietnam on July 15, 2025

7:00am

Flight to Hanoi

Morning flight from Da Nang Airport to Noi Bai Airport, Hanoi. Flight duration approx 1h20m.
USD60, 1h20m

9:30am

Hotel check-in and breakfast

Relax at your hotel and enjoy a hearty Vietnamese breakfast nearby in the Old Quarter.
VND100000, 1h

11:00am

Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple

Walk around this iconic lake in the heart of Hanoi and visit the beautiful temple in the center. Open all day.
VND30000, 1h30m

12:30pm

Lunch at Bun Cha Huong Lien

Try Bun Cha, a famous Hanoi dish of grilled pork with noodles, renowned from Obama’s visit. Open 10:00am-2:00pm.
VND60000, 1h

2:00pm

Temple of Literature

Visit Vietnam’s first university and a beautiful example of traditional architecture. Open 8:00am-5:00pm.
VND30000, 1h30m

4:00pm

Old Quarter Walking Tour

Explore the bustling streets of the Old Quarter including shops, street food vendors, and colonial architecture.
Free, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Cha Ca La Vong

Feast on Hanoi’s famous grilled fish dish in a restaurant established since 1871. Open 10:00am-10:00pm.
VND250000, 1h30m
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Day 7: Halong Bay Cruise

Halong Bay, Vietnam on July 16, 2025

8:00am

Depart for Halong Bay

Travel by shuttle to Halong Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage site famed for its limestone islands. Journey time approx 3.5 hrs.
VND600000, 3h30m

12:00pm

Board Halong Bay Cruise

Begin a 2-day, 1-night cruise exploring the bay’s stunning scenery, caves, and floating villages.
USD120 per person, full-board included, 2d
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Day 8: Halong Bay & Return to Hanoi

Halong Bay to Hanoi, Vietnam on July 17, 2025

7:00am

Morning Tai Chi & Breakfast on Cruise

Start with a relaxing tai chi session on deck followed by breakfast while cruising through peaceful waters.
Included in cruise price, 2h

9:00am

Visit Sung Sot Cave

Explore one of Halong Bay’s most famous and impressive caves, full of interesting rock formations.
Included in cruise price, 1h

11:00am

Cruise back to Halong port

Enjoy the scenic ride back to port for your transfer to Hanoi afterward.
Included in cruise price, 1h30m

1:00pm

Shuttle back to Hanoi

Return trip to Hanoi’s Old Quarter with an expected arrival around 4:30pm.
Included in cruise price, 3h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Home Vietnamese Restaurant

Relax with well-reviewed traditional Vietnamese home-style dishes in a warm atmosphere.
VND200000, 1h30m
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Day 9: Hanoi Museums & Culture

Hanoi, Vietnam on July 18, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at KOTO Restaurant

Enjoy breakfast at the social enterprise restaurant training disadvantaged youth, with great food and purpose.
VND120000, 1h

9:30am

Hoa Lo Prison Museum

Explore the history of the infamous prison and learn about Vietnam’s struggle during wartime. Open 8:00am-5:00pm.
VND30000, 1h

11:00am

Vietnam Museum of Ethnology

Discover the diverse cultures of Vietnam’s ethnic groups through indoor and outdoor exhibits. Open 8:30am-5:30pm.
VND40000, 2h

1:30pm

Lunch at Quan An Ngon

Taste a variety of traditional Vietnamese dishes from street vendors expertly prepared in one location.
VND150000, 1h

3:00pm

Water Puppet Show

Watch a traditional Vietnamese water puppet theater performance near Hoan Kiem Lake. Shows at 3:30pm and 5:00pm.
VND100000, 1h

5:00pm

Coffee at Cafe Dinh

Experience Hanoi's traditional egg coffee in this famous cafe, a unique local specialty.
VND70000, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Cau Go Vietnamese Cuisine

Enjoy dinner with panoramic views of Hoan Kiem Lake and refined Vietnamese flavors.
VND300000, 2h
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Day 10: Day trip to Ninh Binh

Ninh Binh Province, Vietnam on July 19, 2025

7:00am

Depart for Ninh Binh

Travel 2 hours south by car to Ninh Binh, famous for stunning karst landscapes and river cruises.
VND500000, 2h

9:30am

Tam Coc Boat Ride

Take a relaxing 2-hour sampan boat ride along the Ngo Dong River, passing limestone caves and rice paddies.
VND150000, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at local restaurant

Taste local specialties featuring goat meat and mountain herbs in a quaint setting.
VND150000, 1h

1:30pm

Visit Bich Dong Pagoda

Climb steps to explore this scenic mountainside pagoda complex with beautiful views.
VND20000, 1h

3:00pm

Return to Hanoi

Travel back to Hanoi to rest after a day of natural beauty and exploration.
VND500000, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Bun Thang Ba Duc

Sample Bun Thang, a Hanoi specialty noodle soup that is both delicate and satisfying.
VND70000, 1h
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Day 11: Free day in Hanoi

Hanoi, Vietnam on July 20, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at The Note Coffee

Start your day with coffee and pancakes at this quirky and highly rated cafe.
VND80000, 1h

9:30am

Explore Hanoi on your own

Options include visiting art galleries, shopping at local markets, or relaxing at parks.
Varies, 4h

2:00pm

Lunch at Banh Mi 25

Enjoy Hanoi’s top-rated banh mi sandwiches, perfect for a quick and delicious meal.
VND50000, 30m

3:00pm

Visit Lotte Observation Deck

Head to the top of Lotte Center for panoramic views over Hanoi’s skyline. Open 9:00am-11:00pm.
VND200000, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Duong's Restaurant

Treat yourself to refined local cuisine with modern presentation in an elegant atmosphere.
VND300000, 2h
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Day 12: Day trip to Bat Trang

Bat Trang, Vietnam on July 21, 2025

8:30am

Depart for Bat Trang Pottery Village

Short 30-minute drive from Hanoi to this traditional ceramic village famous for handcrafted pottery.
VND100000, 30m

9:00am

Pottery Workshop

Try your hand at making pottery with local artisans and shop for beautiful souvenirs.
VND200000, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at local home-style eatery

Enjoy simple rice dishes and fresh herbs in a friendly village restaurant.
VND100000, 1h

1:30pm

Return to Hanoi

Head back to Hanoi for a relaxing afternoon or last-minute shopping.
VND100000, 30m

4:00pm

Visit Hanoi Railway Street

See trains passing just inches from homes and cafes in this unique neighborhood, great for photos.
Free, 1h

7:00pm

Farewell dinner at Quan An Ngon

Celebrate your Vietnam journey with a meal featuring a huge selection of classic dishes in a lively setting.
VND300000, 2h
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Day 13: Departure

Hanoi, Vietnam on July 22, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel or local cafe

Enjoy a relaxed breakfast before your departure.
Included or VND80000, 1h

10:00am

Check out and transfer to airport

Arrange transport to Noi Bai International Airport for your flight out of Hanoi.
VND300000, 1h
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