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A Scenic 10-Day Vietnam Itinerary from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City Without Domestic Flights

Viewed by 60 travelers

Day 1: Arrival and Leisure

Hanoi, Vietnam on November 20, 2025

9:00am

Arrive and Settle at Hotel

Arrive early morning in Hanoi and check-in at your hotel to freshen up and rest after the flight from Bangalore.
Included in package, 1h

10:30am

Breakfast at Pho Bat Dan

Enjoy some authentic and popular Hanoi Pho at Pho Bat Dan, a local favorite known for its flavorful beef broth.
VND60000, 45m

11:30am

Visit Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple

Relax and walk around Hoan Kiem Lake, visiting Ngoc Son Temple for a cultural touch and great photo opportunities.
VND30000, 1h

1:00pm

Lunch at Bun Cha Huong Lien

Taste the famous Bun Cha Hanoi, a delicious grilled pork and noodle dish served with herbs and broth, famously enjoyed by President Obama here.
VND80000, 1h

2:30pm

Explore Old Quarter

Spend the afternoon walking the historic Old Quarter’s bustling streets, shopping for souvenirs, and savoring street snacks.
Free, 2h

5:00pm

Water Puppet Theater Show

Enjoy a traditional water puppet show at Thang Long Water Puppet Theater, showcasing Vietnamese culture and legends.
VND100000, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Quan An Ngon

Dine at Quan An Ngon which offers a wide variety of authentic Vietnamese dishes in a charming garden setting.
VND150000, 1h30m
Find Hotels in Hanoi

Day 2: Hanoi Cultural Tour

Hanoi, Vietnam on November 21, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Café Giảng

Try Hanoi’s famous egg coffee at Café Giảng, a creamy and innovative local beverage.
VND40000, 45m

8:30am

Visit Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum

Tour the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum complex to see the preserved body of the Vietnamese leader and learn about Vietnam's history.
Free, 1h

10:00am

One Pillar Pagoda and Temple of Literature

Visit the iconic One Pillar Pagoda and then explore the serene Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first university.
VND30000, 1h30m

12:00pm

Lunch at Cha Ca La Vong

Enjoy the local specialty Cha Ca, a turmeric-marinated grilled fish dish served with dill and noodles.
VND150000, 1h

2:00pm

Visit Vietnam Museum of Ethnology

Explore the diverse cultures and traditions of Vietnam’s 54 ethnic groups at this well-curated museum, open until 5pm.
VND40000, 2h

5:00pm

Coffee Break at The Note Coffee

Relax with a coffee at this quirky cafe plastered with colorful notes left by visitors.
VND40000, 45m

7:00pm

Dinner at Home Hanoi Restaurant

Enjoy refined traditional Vietnamese dishes in a warm setting perfect to unwind after a day of touring.
VND200000, 1h30m
Find Hotels in Hanoi

Day 3: Transfer to Halong Bay

Halong Bay, Vietnam on November 22, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Have an early breakfast at your hotel in Hanoi to prepare for the trip to Halong Bay.
Included in stay, 45m

8:00am

Road Transfer to Halong Bay

Travel by road approximately 3.5-4 hours to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Halong Bay.
VND350000 (private car), 4h

12:30pm

Lunch on Arrival - Majestic Cruise

Enjoy a seafood lunch served aboard a scenic cruise as you start exploring Halong Bay’s stunning limestone karsts.
Included in cruise package, 1h

1:30pm

Begin Halong Bay Cruise

Embark on a half-day cruise which includes kayaking, visiting caves, and relaxing on the deck surrounded by breathtaking landscapes.
USD100 per person, 4h

6:00pm

Check-in Overnight Cruise or Hotel

Stay overnight on the cruise or in a nearby hotel for an authentic experience.
Varies, Rest of evening

7:30pm

Special Dinner on Board / Hotel

Savor a fresh seafood dinner with sunset views on the cruise or at your hotel’s fine dining restaurant.
Included / Varies, 2h
Find Hotels in Halong Bay

Day 4: Halong Bay to Hanoi

Halong Bay - Hanoi, Vietnam on November 23, 2025

7:00am

Morning Tai Chi and Breakfast on Cruise

Start the day with Tai Chi on the deck followed by a delicious breakfast enjoying the bay views.
Included, 1h

8:00am

Visit Floating Villages

Explore fishing villages, interacting with locals and learning about their unique lifestyle.
Included, 2h

10:00am

Return to Harbor and Transfer Back to Hanoi

Disembark and travel back to Hanoi by road, approximately 4 hours for onward travel preparation.
Included, 4h

3:00pm

Rest at Hotel

Relax at the hotel and freshen up after the road trip back.
Included, 2h

5:30pm

Evening Walk and Coffee

Stroll around Truc Bach Lake and enjoy coffee at a lakeside café.
VND40000, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Ma May

Enjoy authentic northern Vietnamese cuisine at Ma May, known for its friendly atmosphere and excellent dishes.
VND150000, 1h30m
Find Hotels in Halong Bay - Hanoi

Day 5: Train to Hue

Hanoi - Hue, Vietnam on November 24, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before heading to the train station.
Included, 45m

9:00am

Visit Hoa Lo Prison Museum

Explore this historic site to learn about Vietnam’s struggle during the war era.
VND30000, 1h

11:00am

Lunch at KOTO Restaurant

Have a meal at KOTO, a social enterprise restaurant offering delicious Vietnamese dishes and supporting disadvantaged youth.
VND150000, 1h

1:00pm

Check out and Travel to Hanoi Train Station

Prepare for overnight train journey to Hue which takes approximately 13-14 hours.
Taxi VND100000, 1h

6:30pm

Overnight Train to Hue

Board the comfortable overnight train to Hue, enjoy dinner on board or prior to departure.
VND800000 (soft sleeper), 13h
Find Hotels in Hanoi - Hue

Day 6: Explore Hue

Hue, Vietnam on November 25, 2025

7:30am

Arrive at Hue Train Station and Hotel Check-in

Arrive in Hue early morning and check into your hotel to refresh.
Included, 1h

8:30am

Breakfast at Les Jardins de La Carambole

Savour a French-Vietnamese fusion breakfast in this cozy garden restaurant.
VND120000, 1h

9:30am

Visit Imperial City

Explore the UNESCO-listed Hue Imperial City, a walled fortress and palace renowned for its historical importance.
VND150000, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Hanh Restaurant

Taste Central Vietnam specialties including Bun Bo Hue, a spicy beef noodle soup.
VND100000, 1h

1:30pm

Thien Mu Pagoda Visit

Visit the iconic riverside pagoda, one of Hue’s most famous landmarks offering peaceful surroundings.
Free, 1h

3:00pm

Perfume River Boat Ride

Enjoy a boat ride on the Perfume River with views of Hue's countryside and monuments.
VND120000, 1h

5:00pm

Relax and Freshen Up

Return to hotel and rest after a day of touring.
Included, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Ancient Hue Restaurant

Dine on authentic Imperial cuisine in a traditional atmosphere – an elegant way to end the day.
VND180000, 1h30m
Find Hotels in Hue

Day 7: Hue to Hoi An

Hue - Hoi An, Vietnam on November 26, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Have breakfast and check out for onward journey.
Included, 45m

8:00am

Train Journey to Da Nang

Take the scenic 2.5-hour train ride from Hue to Da Nang which offers beautiful coastal views.
VND200000, 2h30m

11:00am

Bus Transfer to Hoi An

From Da Nang station, take a short 45-minute bus to the charming ancient town of Hoi An.
VND50000, 45m

12:00pm

Lunch at Morning Glory Restaurant

Taste authentic Hoi An dishes like Cao Lau noodles and White Rose dumplings in a lovely setting.
VND150000, 1h

1:30pm

Check-in and Rest

Check into your hotel in Hoi An and relax.
Included, 1h

2:30pm

Explore Ancient Town

Wander through UNESCO-listed Hoi An Ancient Town with its lantern-lit streets and heritage buildings.
Entry ticket VND120000, 2h

5:00pm

Visit Japanese Covered Bridge

See this 16th-century architectural icon and learn about its history and significance.
Included in ticket, 30m

6:00pm

Coffee at Reaching Out Tea House

Enjoy a calming tea experience while supporting a charitable initiative.
VND50000, 45m

7:00pm

Dinner at Mango Mango

Celebrate the town’s lively atmosphere with dinner at Mango Mango, serving creative Vietnamese fusion dishes.
VND200000, 1h30m
Find Hotels in Hue - Hoi An

Day 8: Hoi An to Ho Chi Minh City

Hoi An - Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam on November 27, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a relaxed breakfast before starting the journey south.
Included, 45m

9:00am

Morning Free for Shopping

Shop local tailor shops, souvenirs, or visit the local market for last-minute gifts.
Variable, 2h

11:30am

Lunch at Bale Well

Try Hoi An street food specialties in a casual spot loved by locals.
VND80000, 1h

1:00pm

Bus Transfer to Da Nang and Overnight Sleeper Bus

Take a bus to Da Nang, then board an overnight sleeper bus to Ho Chi Minh City (approx 18-20 hours).
VND400000, 20h
Find Hotels in Hoi An - Ho Chi Minh City

Day 9: Ho Chi Minh City and Anniversary Dinner

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam on November 28, 2025

5:00am

Arrival in Ho Chi Minh City and Hotel Check-in

Arrive early morning and rest at your hotel before the day of exploration and celebration.
Included, 2h

7:00am

Breakfast at L’usine Cafe

Enjoy an upscale fusion breakfast with great coffee to start your day in style.
VND120000, 1h

8:30am

Visit War Remnants Museum

Gain a reflective understanding of Vietnam’s recent history at this important museum, open 7:30am-6pm.
VND40000, 1h30m

10:30am

Explore Notre Dame Cathedral and Central Post Office

Visit these iconic colonial landmarks for striking architecture and great photos.
Free, 1h

12:00pm

Lunch at Secret Garden

Dine with a rooftop view and authentic southern Vietnamese cuisine in a traditional ambiance.
VND200000, 1h

2:00pm

Shopping and Coffee at Ben Thanh Market

Shop souvenirs and enjoy a coffee while soaking in the local hustle and bustle.
Variable, 2h

5:00pm

Relax and Refresh at Hotel

Prepare for your special anniversary celebration dinner by resting and dressing up.
Included, 2h

7:00pm

Special Anniversary Dinner at The Deck Saigon

Celebrate your anniversary with an elegant riverside dinner at The Deck, renowned for its romantic setting, exquisite international cuisine, and fine wines.
Approx VND1500000 per couple, 2h

9:30pm

Evening Walk or Drinks on the Saigon River

Complete the celebration with a peaceful walk along the river or a drink at a nearby lounge bar.
Variable, 1h

12:00am

Return to Hotel and Rest

Retire to your hotel to rest after a memorable day.
Included, Rest

7:00pm

Departure from Ho Chi Minh City Airport

Catch your flight departing at 7pm, marking the end of an enriching Vietnam journey.
Ticket cost not included, 3h prior check-in recommended
Find Hotels in Ho Chi Minh City
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