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12-Day North to South Vietnam Adventure: Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City

Viewed by 61 travelers

Day 1: Explore Hanoi

Hanoi, Vietnam on August 31, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Pho Gia Truyen Bat Dan

Start your day with authentic Hanoi street-style Pho, a famous Vietnamese noodle soup, perfect for a nutritious and flavorful breakfast.
VND60000, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple

Enjoy a peaceful morning walk around this central lake and visit the serene Ngoc Son Temple located on a small island in the lake.
VND0, 1h0m

11:00am

Explore Old Quarter

Discover narrow streets filled with shops and street vendors selling traditional crafts, souvenirs, and local treats.
VND0, 1h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at Bun Cha Huong Lien

Savor Bun Cha, a famous Hanoi dish with grilled pork and noodles, endorsed by many visitors and locals alike.
VND80000, 1h0m

2:30pm

Visit Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum Complex

See the preserved body of Ho Chi Minh and explore the surrounding gardens and the One Pillar Pagoda, an iconic historical site.
VND0, 1h30m

5:00pm

Evening Water Puppet Show

Experience traditional Vietnamese culture through a water puppet show at the Thang Long Theatre, open till 6:30pm.
VND100000, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Cha Ca Thang Long

Try Cha Ca, a Hanoi specialty made with turmeric fish, dill, and noodles, in an authentic setting.
VND120000, 1h0m
Find Hotels in Hanoi

Day 2: Halong Bay Cruise

Halong Bay, Vietnam on September 1, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy breakfast at your Hanoi hotel from 6:30am onwards before departure.
Included in hotel, 1h0m

8:00am

Transfer to Halong Bay

Travel by shuttle bus or private car to Halong Bay, approximately a 3.5 to 4-hour journey.
VND400000 for shuttle, 4h0m

12:30pm

Lunch on Halong Bay Cruise

Board a traditional junk boat for a scenic cruise and enjoy a fresh seafood lunch while admiring the stunning limestone karsts.
USD70 approx., 1h0m

2:00pm

Cruise and kayak

Explore caves and limestone formations, with options for swimming and kayaking in the calm bay waters during the afternoon.
Included in cruise, 3h0m

6:00pm

Dinner on board

Indulge in a delicious Vietnamese dinner with fresh seafood and other delicacies as the sun sets over the bay.
Included in cruise, 1h30m

Evening

Overnight on boat

Stay overnight on the junk boat to experience the peaceful ambiance of Halong Bay after dark.
Included in cruise, Overnight
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Day 3: Return to Hanoi

Hanoi, Vietnam on September 2, 2025

7:00am

Sunrise and breakfast on boat

Wake up early for a beautiful sunrise and breakfast served on board.
Included in cruise, 1h0m

8:30am

Visit Sung Sot Cave

Explore one of Halong Bay's most famous and largest caves during the cruise before heading back.
Included in cruise, 1h0m

10:00am

Return to Hanoi

Cruise back to harbor and transfer to Hanoi city, arriving by mid-afternoon.
Included in cruise and transport, 4h0m

2:00pm

Lunch at KOTO Restaurant

Dine at KOTO, a socially responsible restaurant serving traditional Vietnamese cuisine with a modern twist.
VND150000, 1h0m

4:00pm

Free time or visit Vietnam Museum of Ethnology

Spend afternoon exploring this museum which showcases the diverse cultures of Vietnam’s ethnic groups, open 8:30am-5:30pm.
VND40000, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Bun Thang Ba Duc

Try Bun Thang, a traditional Hanoi noodle soup known for its complex flavors.
VND70000, 1h0m
Find Hotels in Hanoi

Day 4: Fly to Hue

Hue, Vietnam on September 3, 2025

6:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy breakfast before your flight.
Included in hotel, 1h0m

8:00am

Flight to Hue

Take a morning flight from Hanoi to Hue (around 1h20m flight time).
VND1500000 approx., 1h20m

10:00am

Visit Imperial City

Explore the historic Citadel and Forbidden Purple City of the Nguyen dynasty, open 8:00am-5:30pm.
VND150000, 3h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Hanh Restaurant

Enjoy Hue specialties such as Bun Bo Hue, a spicy beef noodle soup.
VND100000, 1h0m

2:30pm

Visit Thien Mu Pagoda

A scenic riverside Buddhist temple offering beautiful views and cultural insight.
VND0, 1h30m

5:00pm

Relax by Perfume River

Enjoy a leisurely stroll or boat ride by the Perfume River to unwind in the evening.
Boat ride approx VND150000, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Ancient Garden Restaurant

Dine on elegant Hue dishes in a beautiful garden setting.
VND200000, 1h0m
Find Hotels in Hue

Day 5: Travel to Hoi An

Hoi An, Vietnam on September 4, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Have breakfast before checking out.
Included in hotel, 1h0m

8:00am

Drive to Hoi An via Hai Van Pass

Enjoy a scenic 3-hour drive along the coast and through the Hai Van Pass, offering stunning views.
VND500000 for transfer, 3h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Morning Glory Restaurant

Taste classic Hoi An dishes such as Cao Lau and White Rose dumplings in the old town.
VND150000, 1h0m

1:30pm

Explore Hoi An Ancient Town

Visit Japanese Covered Bridge, historic houses, and vibrant markets in this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Entrance fee VND120000, 3h0m

5:00pm

Coffee break at Reaching Out Tea House

Enjoy a tranquil tea break in a socially conscious café supporting local artisans.
VND50000, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Bale Well

Experience a local favorite offering delicious grilled skewers and rice paper rolls.
VND100000, 1h0m
Find Hotels in Hoi An

Day 6: Hoi An & Beach

Hoi An, Vietnam on September 5, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at La Familia

Enjoy excellent coffee and a variety of breakfast options near the river.
VND80000, 1h0m

9:30am

An Bang Beach

Relax at this beautiful beach, perfect for swimming and sunbathing, open all day.
Free, 3h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at The DeckHouse An Bang

Dine beachside with fresh seafood and cocktails.
VND200000, 1h0m

3:00pm

Hoi An Cooking Class

Join a 3-hour cooking class to learn Vietnamese recipes and market visits, book in advance.
USD40 approx., 3h0m

7:00pm

Dinner (Self-prepared from class)

Enjoy the meal you cooked during the class.
Included in class fee, 1h0m
Find Hotels in Hoi An

Day 7: Fly to Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam on September 6, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Have breakfast before morning check-out.
Included in hotel, 1h0m

9:00am

Flight to Ho Chi Minh City

Book a mid-morning flight from Da Nang to Ho Chi Minh City (around 1h50m).
VND1500000 approx., 1h50m

11:30am

Lunch at Pho Hoa

Try one of the top-rated pho restaurants in the city, serving delicious beef noodle soup.
VND70000, 1h0m

1:00pm

Visit War Remnants Museum

Explore exhibits about the Vietnam War and its impact, open 7:30am to 6:00pm daily.
VND40000, 2h0m

3:30pm

Explore Ben Thanh Market

Browse through local handicrafts, souvenirs, and street food stalls.
Free entry, 1h30m

6:00pm

Dinner at Quan An Ngon

Sample a variety of authentic Vietnamese dishes in a lively atmosphere.
VND150000, 1h0m
Find Hotels in Ho Chi Minh City

Day 8: Mekong Delta Tour

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam on September 7, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Early breakfast before departure for Mekong Delta tour.
Included in hotel, 1h0m

8:00am

Full-day Mekong Delta Tour

Take a guided boat tour visiting Cai Be or Ben Tre with fruit orchards, rice paddies, and traditional villages, includes lunch. Tours run from about 8am to 5pm.
USD50 approx., 9h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Pizza 4P’s

Enjoy a break from Vietnamese food with high-quality fusion pizzas and local ingredients.
VND200000, 1h0m
Find Hotels in Ho Chi Minh City

Day 9: City Sights & Cu Chi

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam on September 8, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at L’usine

Start with a healthy breakfast and great coffee in this trendy café/gallery.
VND90000, 1h0m

9:00am

Cu Chi Tunnels Tour

Visit the historic underground tunnel system used during the Vietnam War, about 1.5 hours outside the city. Tours generally run 4-5 hours including drive time.
VND350000, 5h0m

3:30pm

Visit Notre Dame Cathedral & Central Post Office

Explore iconic French colonial architecture in the city center, open until early evening.
Free, 1h0m

5:00pm

Coffee at The Workshop

Relax with excellent specialty coffee at this hip coffee house.
VND80000, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Cuc Gach Quan

Taste home-style Vietnamese dishes in a uniquely decorated setting, popular with locals and tourists.
VND200000, 1h0m
Find Hotels in Ho Chi Minh City

Day 10: Explore District 1

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam on September 9, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at The Old Compass Coffee

Enjoy specialty coffee and breakfast in a relaxed atmosphere.
VND70000, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit Jade Emperor Pagoda

Explore this beautiful Taoist pagoda known for its intricate statues, open 7:00am to 5:00pm.
VND10000, 1h0m

11:00am

Shopping at Saigon Square

Browse local fashion, accessories, and souvenirs in this lively indoor market.
Free entry, 1h30m

12:30pm

Lunch at Secret Garden

Dine on traditional Vietnamese dishes in a rooftop garden setting with city views.
VND150000, 1h0m

2:00pm

Visit Fine Arts Museum

Explore exhibits of Vietnamese art in a beautifully restored colonial building, open 9:00am to 5:00pm.
VND40000, 1h30m

4:00pm

Relax at Tao Dan Park

Unwind in this peaceful park with ponds and shaded walking paths.
Free, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Ngon Villa Saigon

Enjoy upscale dining featuring a broad variety of Vietnamese regional cuisine.
VND250000, 1h0m
Find Hotels in Ho Chi Minh City

Day 11: Day trip to Vung Tau or Can Gio

Near Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam on September 10, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Early breakfast before day trip.
Included in hotel, 1h0m

8:00am

Day trip to Vung Tau Beach or Can Gio Mangroves

Choose between relaxing on Vung Tau’s beaches (2 hours from HCMC) or exploring the Can Gio Biosphere Reserve's mangrove forests and wildlife. Tours typically last 8-10 hours including travel.
USD50 approx., 10h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at The Deck Saigon

Enjoy riverside dining with seafood and international cuisine to end your day.
VND300000, 1h0m
Find Hotels in Near Ho Chi Minh City

Day 12: Last Day in Ho Chi Minh

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam on September 11, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at L’usine

Relax with your favorite breakfast and coffee before the final day.
VND90000, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit Saigon Opera House and Dong Khoi Street

Explore the elegant colonial buildings, boutiques, and cafés on this vibrant street.
Free, 2h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Propaganda Restaurant

Enjoy modern Vietnamese cuisine in a colorful setting popular with visitors.
VND150000, 1h0m

2:00pm

Relax and souvenir shopping

Use remaining time to shop for souvenirs or relax at hotel before your flight.
Varies, 3h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Pho 2000

Enjoy your last Vietnamese meal with famous pho in a casual atmosphere near the airport.
VND70000, 1h0m
Find Hotels in Ho Chi Minh City

Day 13: Departure Day

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam on September 12, 2025

Morning

Airport Transfer and Departure

Pack and have hotel arrange transfer to Tan Son Nhat International Airport for your flight home.
Varies, N/A
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Plan Your Vietnam Hanoi from 31st August and return from Ho Chi Minh on 12 September Trip

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