11-Day Romantic Vietnam Adventure in October: From Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City

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Day 1: Arrival & Relax

Hanoi, Vietnam on October 1, 2025

2:00pm

Check-in at La Siesta Hotel Trendy

Settle in at this charming and centrally located hotel known for excellent service and comfortable rooms.
USD60, 1h0m

4:00pm

Explore Old Quarter

Stroll through Hanoi's bustling Old Quarter for vibrant street life, colonial architecture, and unique shops.
Free, 2h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Duong's Restaurant

Enjoy authentic Vietnamese dishes with a romantic ambiance featuring local specialties.
USD25, 1h30m
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Day 2: Hanoi Sightseeing

Hanoi, Vietnam on October 2, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Pho Bat Dan

Start your day with a famous bowl of Hanoi-style pho, open from early morning to late morning.
USD3, 0h45m

9:00am

Visit Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple

Enjoy the peaceful lake atmosphere and visit the temple on the island, a spiritual site close to the city center.
USD1, 1h30m

11:00am

Visit Temple of Literature

Explore Vietnam’s first university and beautiful traditional architecture, open 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM.
USD1, 1h30m

12:30pm

Lunch at Bun Cha Huong Lien

Taste the famous grilled pork with rice noodle dish enjoyed by locals and former President Obama.
USD5, 1h0m

2:00pm

Visit Vietnam Museum of Ethnology

Learn about the diverse cultures of Vietnam’s 54 ethnic groups, open 8:30 AM - 5:30 PM.
USD3, 2h0m

5:00pm

Water Puppet Show at Thang Long Theatre

Watch this unique traditional Vietnamese show starting at 5:30 PM and 7:30 PM.
USD6, 1h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Cha Ca Thang Long

Try Hanoi’s famous grilled fish dish in a cozy setting, open till 10:00 PM.
USD20, 1h30m
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Day 3: Halong Bay Cruise

Halong Bay, Vietnam on October 3, 2025

7:00am

Transfer to Halong Bay

Travel approximately 2.5 hours from Hanoi to Halong Bay to embark on a cruise.
USD0, 2h30m

10:00am

Start Overnight Cruise on Halong Bay

Board a luxury junk boat to explore stunning limestone karsts and emerald waters; includes lunch on board.
USD150 per person, 12h0m

7:00pm

Dinner on Board

Enjoy a delicious seafood dinner along with sunset views on the deck.
Included, 1h30m
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Day 4: Return & Fly to Hue

Hue, Vietnam on October 4, 2025

8:00am

Morning Tai Chi & Breakfast on Cruise

Start the day with a relaxing Tai Chi session followed by breakfast on board while admiring the bay.
Included, 2h0m

10:00am

Return to Hanoi and Transfer to Airport

Head back by bus to Hanoi and then take an afternoon flight to Hue.
USD100, 4h0m

3:30pm

Check-in at Pilgrimage Village Boutique Resort

Relax in a peaceful resort setting near the Perfume River, perfect for couples.
USD80, 1h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Ancient Hue Restaurant

Enjoy royal-style Hue cuisine in an atmospheric setting, open till 9:30 PM.
USD35, 1h30m
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Day 5: Historic Hue

Hue, Vietnam on October 5, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at the Resort

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast including traditional Vietnamese and western options.
Included, 1h0m

9:00am

Tour the Imperial City

Explore the UNESCO World Heritage site with palaces, temples, and historic gates, open 7:30 AM - 5:30 PM.
USD10, 3h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Hanh Restaurant

Taste authentic Hue specialties such as Banh Khoai and Nem Lui in a local favorite spot.
USD10, 1h0m

2:00pm

Visit Thien Mu Pagoda & Perfume River Cruise

Visit the historic pagoda followed by a scenic boat ride on the Perfume River, cruises operate till late afternoon.
USD8, 2h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Mandarin Cafe

Enjoy traditional Vietnamese dishes in a cozy atmosphere with riverside views.
USD20, 1h30m
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Day 6: Travel to Hoi An

Hoi An, Vietnam on October 6, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Resort

Eat a hearty breakfast before checking out.
Included, 1h0m

9:00am

Drive to Hoi An via Hai Van Pass

Enjoy a scenic 3-hour drive from Hue to Hoi An passing the stunning Hai Van Pass.
USD25, 3h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Morning Glory Restaurant

Relax with delicious, traditional Hoi An dishes in a vibrant setting downtown.
USD20, 1h0m

2:00pm

Check-in at Anantara Hoi An Resort

Settle into this romantic riverside resort known for its luxury and location.
USD110, 1h0m

3:30pm

Walking Tour of Ancient Town

Explore lantern-lit streets, historic buildings, and the famous Japanese Covered Bridge, open till late.
USD5, 2h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Mango Mango

Indulge in creative Vietnamese fusion dishes with a river view atmosphere.
USD30, 1h30m
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Day 7: Relax & Explore Hoi An

Hoi An, Vietnam on October 7, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a fresh breakfast with local and Western options by the river.
Included, 1h0m

9:00am

Half-Day Cooking Class

Learn to cook authentic Vietnamese dishes and visit local markets, classes run morning or afternoon.
USD50, 4h0m

1:30pm

Lunch - Enjoy your cooking class meal

Savor the dishes prepared during your cooking class, a personalized dining experience.
Included, 1h0m

3:00pm

Relax at An Bang Beach

Spend a peaceful afternoon relaxing on the sandy beach just 10 mins from town.
Free, 3h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at The Cargo Club

End the day with French-Vietnamese cuisine in a stylish setting near the river.
USD25, 1h30m
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Day 8: Fly to Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam on October 8, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast and Check-out

Enjoy your last breakfast in Hoi An before heading to Da Nang airport.
Included, 1h0m

10:00am

Flight to Ho Chi Minh City

Short flight (~1.5 hours) landing in Vietnam's southern metropolis.
USD40, 1h30m

12:00pm

Check-in at Hotel des Arts Saigon

Experience luxury accommodation in the city center with a rooftop pool.
USD120, 1h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at Pho Hoa

Try a bowl of the city’s best pho at this long-standing local favorite.
USD6, 1h0m

3:00pm

Visit War Remnants Museum

Gain historical insight into Vietnam’s war history; open 7:30 AM - 6:00 PM.
USD2, 2h0m

5:30pm

Explore Ben Thanh Market

Shop and explore stalls selling souvenirs, local food, and crafts; open till 7:00 PM.
Free, 1h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Quán Ăn Ngon

Enjoy a variety of delicious Vietnamese dishes with a lively atmosphere.
USD25, 1h30m
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Day 9: Ho Chi Minh City Tour

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam on October 9, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at L’Usine

Stylish cafe offering great coffee and breakfast dishes in a historic building.
USD10, 1h0m

9:00am

Visit Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica & Central Post Office

Admire French colonial architecture in the city center, both sites are free to visit.
Free, 1h30m

10:30am

Reunification Palace

Explore this historic landmark symbolizing the end of the Vietnam War, open 7:30 AM - 4:00 PM.
USD2, 1h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Secret Garden Rooftop

Dine on Vietnamese cuisine in a tranquil rooftop garden in District 1.
USD20, 1h0m

2:00pm

Explore Saigon Skydeck at Bitexco Tower

Enjoy panoramic views of the city from this iconic skyscraper, open 9:30 AM - 9:30 PM.
USD10, 1h30m

4:00pm

Coffee Break at Highlands Coffee

Relax with a signature Vietnamese iced coffee before evening activities.
USD5, 0h45m

6:30pm

Dinner at Cuc Gach Quan

Taste traditional southern Vietnamese fare in a rustic, charming setting.
USD30, 1h30m
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Day 10: Mekong Delta Excursion

Mekong Delta, Vietnam on October 10, 2025

6:30am

Early Breakfast at Hotel

Fuel up early for a full-day Mekong Delta tour.
Included, 0h30m

7:00am

Depart for Mekong Delta Tour

Explore river markets, local workshops, and countryside landscapes in Cai Be or My Tho region.
USD70, 8h0m

3:00pm

Return to Ho Chi Minh City

Relax and reflect on your day as you return to the city.
Included, 2h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at The Deck Saigon

Romantic riverside dining with an upscale menu featuring seafood and fusion dishes.
USD50, 1h30m
Book a Hotel

Day 11: Departure Day

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam on October 11, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy your final breakfast in Vietnam with beautiful city views.
Included, 1h0m

10:00am

Relax or last-minute shopping

Spend your last hours at leisure or visit a nearby market for souvenirs.
Free, 2h0m

12:30pm

Check-out and transfer to Tan Son Nhat Airport

Head to the airport for your departure flight home.
USD15, 1h0m
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Itinerary created by AI-assisted, human-reviewed