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8-Day Comprehensive Vietnam Travel Itinerary from North to South with Departure from Ho Chi Minh City

Viewed by 161 travelers

Day 1: Arrival and Hanoi Exploration

Hanoi, Vietnam on August 6, 2025

9:00am

Breakfast at Pho Gia Truyen

Start your day with traditional Hanoi pho at this famous spot, known for its authentic noodles and flavorful broth.
VND60000, 1h0m

10:30am

Visit Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple

Stroll around Hoan Kiem Lake and visit the iconic Ngoc Son Temple, a scenic and spiritual spot in central Hanoi.
VND30000, 1h30m

12:30pm

Lunch at Bun Cha Huong Lien

Enjoy the famous Hanoi dish, Bun Cha, where grilled pork and noodles come together in a flavorful combo loved by locals and tourists.
VND70000, 1h0m

2:00pm

Explore the Old Quarter by cyclo

Take a guided cyclo tour through the iconic Old Quarter to experience local life and colonial architecture.
VND150000, 1h30m

4:00pm

Visit Temple of Literature

Explore Vietnam's first university and enjoy the beautiful peaceful gardens and traditional buildings.
VND30000, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Cha Ca La Vong

Savor the unique Hanoi specialty Cha Ca, grilled fish served with dill, turmeric, and noodles.
VND150000, 1h30m
Find Hotels in Hanoi

Day 2: Hanoi City and Cultural Day

Hanoi, Vietnam on August 7, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Cafe Giang

Try the famous Vietnamese egg coffee for a unique flavor to start your day.
VND50000, 0h45m

9:00am

Visit Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and Presidential Palace

Pay your respects at the mausoleum of Ho Chi Minh and explore the nearby Presidential Palace and house on stilts.
Free, 2h0m

11:30am

Explore Museum of Ethnology

Learn about Vietnam’s diverse ethnic groups through interactive exhibits and traditional artifacts.
VND40000, 1h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at Quan An Ngon

Taste a variety of Vietnamese street food dishes in a comfortable garden setting.
VND120000, 1h0m

3:00pm

Water Puppet Show at Thang Long Theatre

Watch a traditional Vietnamese water puppet performance depicting local folklore and history. Show times typically at 3:30pm and 5:00pm.
VND100000, 0h50m

6:30pm

Dinner at Madame Hien

Enjoy a refined dining experience with classic Vietnamese dishes made with fresh ingredients.
VND200000, 1h30m
Find Hotels in Hanoi

Day 3: Halong Bay Cruise

Halong Bay, Vietnam on August 8, 2025

7:00am

Depart Hanoi for Halong Bay

Take an early morning transfer by road (approx 3.5-4 hours) to the UNESCO World Heritage site Halong Bay.
VND200000, 4h0m

12:00pm

Board Halong Bay Cruise

Check into your boat cruise; enjoy a welcome lunch on board as the boat begins cruising among limestone karsts.
USD100 - 150 per person (all inclusive), 4h0m

4:00pm

Kayaking and Cave Visit

Explore beautiful caves such as Sung Sot Cave, and paddle through lagoons or around limestone islands for an immersive experience.
Included in cruise, 2h0m

7:00pm

Dinner on Board

Enjoy freshly prepared seafood and Vietnamese cuisine served on board under the stars.
Included in cruise, 1h30m

Overnight

Onboard Accommodation

Sleep on the cruise ship amidst the tranquil bay after an exciting day.
Included in cruise, Overnight
Find Hotels in Halong Bay

Day 4: Halong Bay to Hoi An

Hoi An, Vietnam on August 9, 2025

6:30am

Breakfast on Cruise

Enjoy breakfast on the cruise while taking in the early morning atmosphere of Halong Bay.
Included in cruise, 1h0m

8:00am

Cruise back to Halong Port and transfer to airport

Disembark at Halong Port and transfer to Hanoi airport to catch a direct flight to Da Nang.
Included in cruise transfer, 4h0m (including flight)

12:30pm

Flight to Da Nang and transfer to Hoi An

Arrive in Da Nang and take a 45-minute car transfer to the charming town of Hoi An.
Flight approx. USD70-100, Transfer VND400000, 1h0m

2:00pm

Lunch at Cargo Club Hoi An

Relish Western and Vietnamese fusion dishes in a stylish riverside restaurant.
VND150000, 1h0m

3:30pm

Explore Hoi An Ancient Town

Wander through the UNESCO-listed streets, visiting historic buildings, Chinese assembly halls, and enjoy boutique shopping.
Entry ticket VND120000 for Historic Town, 3h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Morning Glory Restaurant

Sample authentic Hoi An specialties like Cao Lau noodles in this well-known restaurant.
VND200000, 1h30m
Find Hotels in Hoi An

Day 5: Hoi An and Beach

Hoi An, Vietnam on August 10, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at The Espresso Station

Enjoy fresh coffee and light breakfast options in a cozy cafe.
VND100000, 0h45m

9:00am

Visit An Bang Beach

Relax and swim at this pristine beach just a short bike ride from Hoi An’s center.
Free, 3h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at The DeckHouse Beach Restaurant

Dine on fresh seafood with a sea view for a laid-back midday meal.
VND200000, 1h0m

2:00pm

Cycling Tour to Tra Que Vegetable Village

Discover local farming techniques and stroll through the lush gardens of this traditional organic village.
VND150000 for bike rental and brief guided tour, 3h0m

6:30pm

Hoi An Night Market Visit

Explore vibrant night bazaar with street food, souvenirs, and lantern-lit streets.
Free entry; food approx. VND50000-100000, 1h30m

8:30pm

Dinner at Ms. Vy’s Market Restaurant

Sample diverse authentic local dishes in a lively atmosphere near the market.
VND150000, 1h0m
Find Hotels in Hoi An

Day 6: Hoi An to Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam on August 11, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a light breakfast before checkout and travel.
Included in hotel, 1h0m

9:00am

Transfer to Da Nang Airport

Drive to Da Nang Airport for flight to Ho Chi Minh City.
VND400000, 1h0m

11:00am

Flight Da Nang to Ho Chi Minh City

1 hour flight to the bustling southern metropolis.
Approx USD70-100, 1h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Phở Hòa Pasteur

Try Southern style Pho at this iconic Ho Chi Minh City restaurant.
VND70000, 1h0m

2:00pm

Visit War Remnants Museum

A poignant museum showcasing artifacts and history of the Vietnam War.
VND40000, 1h30m

4:00pm

Explore Ben Thanh Market

Shop for souvenirs, local handicrafts, and street food items in this lively market.
Free entry, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Cuc Gach Quan

Savor traditional southern Vietnamese dishes in an atmospheric setting with homely decor.
VND250000, 1h30m
Find Hotels in Ho Chi Minh City

Day 7: Ho Chi Minh City Highlights

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam on August 12, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at L’usine Cafe

Stylish cafe serving great coffee and breakfast options in a trendy retro space.
VND150000, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit Notre-Dame Cathedral and Central Post Office

Admire French colonial architecture in the city’s iconic landmarks.
Free, 1h0m

10:45am

Explore Reunification Palace

Tour the historic presidential palace where the Vietnam War ended.
VND40000, 1h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at The Lunch Lady

Sample classic Vietnamese soups prepared daily featuring different regional recipes.
VND70000, 1h0m

2:00pm

Half-day Cu Chi Tunnels Tour

Explore the extensive underground tunnels used during the Vietnam War, about 1.5 hours from the city. Tour lasts approx 4 hours.
VND350000, 4h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Secret Garden Rooftop

Relax with a rooftop dinner featuring authentic Vietnamese cuisine overlooking the city skyline.
VND250000, 1h30m
Find Hotels in Ho Chi Minh City

Day 8: Leisure and Departure Prep

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam on August 13, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at The Vintage Emporium

Enjoy breakfast and coffee in a charming vintage-themed cafe.
VND150000, 1h0m

9:30am

Saigon Opera House and Dong Khoi Street Walk

Morning stroll to appreciate elegant colonial architecture and upscale shopping avenues.
Free, 2h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Pho 2000

Casual dining spot favored by Bill Clinton, offering tasty pho varieties.
VND70000, 1h0m

2:00pm

Relax or spa treatment

Unwind with a traditional Vietnamese massage or spa treatment at a reputable spa such as Temple Leaf Spa.
VND600000, 2h0m

5:00pm

Early Dinner at Nha Hang Ngon

Final meal in Vietnam sampling various regional dishes in a vibrant courtyard setting.
VND180000, 1h0m

6:00pm

Transfer to Tan Son Nhat Airport

Head to the airport for your 7:00pm flight departure.
VND300000, 1h0m
Find Hotels in Ho Chi Minh City
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