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7-Day Cultural and Scenic Tour of Vietnam from North to South

Viewed by 59 travelers

Day 1: Explore Hanoi

Hanoi, Vietnam on August 4, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Pho Bat Dan

Enjoy an authentic bowl of Pho, Vietnam's famous noodle soup, at this popular local eatery open from 6am to 11am.
VND80000, 0h30m

9:00am

Visit Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple

Stroll around the picturesque Hoan Kiem Lake and visit Ngoc Son Temple, known for its tranquil beauty and cultural significance. Open to the public all day.
VND30000, 1h

10:30am

Explore the Old Quarter

Experience the vibrant streets, shop for souvenirs, and admire French colonial architecture in Hanoi's historic Old Quarter.
Free, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at Cha Ca La Vong

Taste the famous Hanoi dish Cha Ca (grilled fish with turmeric and dill) at this well-known restaurant open from 11am to 2pm.
VND150000, 1h

2:00pm

Visit the Temple of Literature

Discover Vietnam’s first university and admire its beautiful architecture and peaceful gardens. Open daily from 8am to 5pm.
VND30000, 1h

3:30pm

Tour the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology

Learn about the diverse Vietnamese ethnic groups through engaging exhibits. Open 8am to 5:30pm.
VND40000, 1h30m

6:00pm

Dinner at Bun Cha Huong Lien

Try Bun Cha, a Hanoi specialty of grilled pork served with noodles and herbs. This small, popular restaurant is open until 9pm.
VND100000, 1h
Find Hotels in Hanoi

Day 2: Halong Bay Cruise

Halong Bay, Vietnam on August 5, 2025

7:00am

Depart Hanoi to Halong Bay

Travel approximately 3.5 hours by car to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Halong Bay.
VND600000, 3h30m

11:00am

Board Halong Bay Cruise

Begin a scenic cruise exploring limestone islands and emerald waters. Most cruises include lunch on board and last until late afternoon.
USD100, 5h

4:00pm

Return to Hanoi

Travel back to Hanoi for an evening at leisure or rest.
Included, 3h30m

8:00pm

Dinner at Home Restaurant

Enjoy traditional Vietnamese dishes with a cozy atmosphere in Hanoi's Old Quarter. Open from 6pm to 10pm.
VND120000, 1h
Find Hotels in Halong Bay

Day 3: Ninh Binh Nature

Ninh Binh, Vietnam on August 6, 2025

7:00am

Drive to Ninh Binh

Travel about 2 hours from Hanoi to Ninh Binh, often called 'Halong Bay on Land' for its stunning karst landscape.
VND400000, 2h

9:00am

Boat ride in Tam Coc

Take a peaceful sampan boat ride through rice paddies and caves. Open daily from 7am to 5pm.
VND150000, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at local restaurant in Tam Coc

Enjoy fresh river fish and local specialties in a scenic setting.
VND120000, 1h

1:30pm

Visit Bich Dong Pagoda

Explore this beautiful cave pagoda built into limestone mountains. Open 7am to 5pm.
VND20000, 1h

3:00pm

Visit Hoa Lu Ancient Capital

Discover the ruins of Vietnam’s 10th-century capital, showcasing traditional architecture. Open 7am to 5pm.
VND100000, 1h30m

5:00pm

Drive back to Hanoi

Return trip of about 2 hours.
VND400000, 2h

7:30pm

Dinner at Quan An Ngon

Experience a wide range of traditional Vietnamese street foods served in a charming colonial villa. Open 10am to 10pm.
VND150000, 1h
Find Hotels in Ninh Binh

Day 4: Imperial Hue

Hue, Vietnam on August 7, 2025

7:00am

Flight from Hanoi to Hue

Catch a morning flight (about 1 hour 15 minutes) to Hue, the former imperial capital.
USD70, 1h15m

9:00am

Explore the Imperial City (Citadel)

Tour the UNESCO-listed complex of palaces and temples from the Nguyen dynasty. Open 7:30am to 5:30pm.
VND150000, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Hanh Restaurant

Sample Hue’s signature dishes including Bun Bo Hue (spicy beef noodle soup). Open 10am to 9pm.
VND120000, 1h

1:30pm

Visit Thien Mu Pagoda

Visit the oldest pagoda in Hue, offering beautiful views over the Perfume River. Open 7am to 6pm.
VND20000, 1h

3:00pm

Cruise on the Perfume River

Enjoy a relaxing boat ride along the river passing tombs and pagodas. Cruises available from 8am to 5pm.
VND120000, 1h30m

6:00pm

Dinner at Les Jardins de La Carambole

Dine on French-Vietnamese fusion cuisine in a colonial-style villa. Open 6pm to 10pm.
USD25, 1h
Find Hotels in Hue

Day 5: Historic Hoi An

Hoi An, Vietnam on August 8, 2025

7:00am

Drive from Hue to Hoi An

Travel approximately 3 hours along the scenic Hai Van Pass to the charming ancient town of Hoi An.
VND500000, 3h

10:30am

Visit Hoi An Ancient Town

Explore well-preserved streets, old houses, and vibrant markets. Entry tickets available from 8am to 9pm for multiple sites.
VND120000, 3h

1:30pm

Lunch at Morning Glory Restaurant

Enjoy traditional Hoi An specialties like Cao Lau noodles in a central location open 10am to 10pm.
VND150000, 1h

3:00pm

Visit Japanese Covered Bridge and Chinese Pagoda

See Hoi An’s iconic bridge and cultural landmarks within walking distance.
Included in Ancient Town ticket, 1h

4:30pm

Tailor visit or lantern making workshop

Experience one of Hoi An’s famous tailoring shops or join a lantern-making class (book ahead).
VND300000, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Cargo Club Restaurant

Enjoy riverside dining with international and Vietnamese dishes. Open until 10pm.
VND180000, 1h
Find Hotels in Hoi An

Day 6: Da Nang Beaches

Da Nang, Vietnam on August 9, 2025

8:00am

Drive to Da Nang

Short 30-minute drive to Da Nang, known for its beautiful beaches and modern skyline.
VND150000, 0h30m

9:00am

Relax at My Khe Beach

Spend the morning enjoying sun and sea at one of Vietnam’s most famous beaches. Public access is free.
Free, 3h

12:30pm

Lunch at Madame Lan

Taste central Vietnamese cuisine with a garden setting. Open 11am to 10pm.
VND150000, 1h

2:00pm

Visit Marble Mountains

Explore caves, pagodas, and viewpoints on this cluster of limestone hills. Open 7am to 6pm.
VND40000, 2h

4:30pm

Visit Dragon Bridge and Han River

Walk along the riverfront and see the famous Dragon Bridge, which breathes fire on weekends at 9pm.
Free, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Waterfront Danang Restaurant & Bar

Enjoy fresh seafood and international dishes with river views. Open 11am to 11pm.
VND200000, 1h
Find Hotels in Da Nang

Day 7: Ho Chi Minh City Highlights

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam on August 10, 2025

7:00am

Flight from Da Nang to Ho Chi Minh City

Morning flight of about 1 hour 30 minutes to the bustling southern metropolis.
USD60, 1h30m

9:30am

Visit War Remnants Museum

Gain insight into Vietnam’s history and war impact through powerful exhibits. Open daily 7:30am to 6pm.
VND40000, 1h30m

11:30am

Explore Notre Dame Cathedral and Central Post Office

Admire French colonial architecture in the city center, both landmarks close to each other and open daily.
Free, 1h

12:30pm

Lunch at Pho Hoa

Savor a delicious bowl of Saigon-style Pho at this famous restaurant open from 6am to 9pm.
VND70000, 1h

2:00pm

Visit Ben Thanh Market

Shop for souvenirs, local crafts, and street food at one of the city’s busiest markets. Open 6am to 6pm.
Free, 1h30m

4:00pm

Relax at Tao Dan Park

Take a peaceful walk in this green oasis in the heart of the city.
Free, 0h45m

6:30pm

Dinner at Cuc Gach Quan

Complete your Vietnam trip with traditional Southern dishes in an atmospheric setting. Open 5pm to 10pm.
VND180000, 1h
Find Hotels in Ho Chi Minh City
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