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Vietnam 9‑Day December Itinerary for 2 People

Viewed by 133 travelers

Day 1: Arrival & Exploration in Hanoi

Morning: Arrive at Noi Bảo International Airport and transfer to your boutique hotel in the Old Quarter. Enjoy a light breakfast at Cafe Giảng and soak up the bustling street atmosphere.

Afternoon: Explore the historic Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and the nearby One‑Pillar Pagoda. A leisurely walk around Hoan Kiem Lake offers great photo opportunities.

Evening: Dine on traditional Vietnamese dishes at Bún Chả Hương Lê followed by a water‑puppet show at Thăng Long Water Puppet Theatre.

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Day 2: Ha Long Bay Overnight Cruise

Morning: Transfer to the port of Tuan Dau and board a luxury cruise ship. Set sail through the iconic limestone karsts of Ha Long Bay while sipping coffee on deck.

Afternoon: Kayak into hidden caves at Surprise Cave (Hang Động Ngạc) and enjoy a fresh seafood lunch onboard.

Evening: Enjoy a sunset dinner on the deck followed by an onboard cooking class teaching you to make fresh spring rolls.

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Day 3: Return to Hanoi & Fly to Hue

Morning: Wake up to the sunrise over the bay; brunch on deck before disembarking at Tuan Dau.

Afternoon: Transfer back to Hanoi, catch a short domestic flight to Hue. Check into a riverside boutique hotel.

Evening: Explore the lively Night Market along the Perfume River and try local specialties like bánh bèo at Hanh’s Kitchen.

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Day 4: Imperial City and Perfume River

Morning: Tour the UNESCO‑listed Imperial City (Complex of Hue Monuments), including the Forbidden Purple City and the Thai Hòa Palace.

Afternoon: Take a serene boat ride on the Perfume River, visiting the royal tombs of Emperor Khai Dinh and Emperor Minh Mạng.

Evening: Dinner at Hanh Restaurant featuring royal cuisine, followed by a leisurely stroll along the riverfront.

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Day 5: Travel to Hoi An via Da Nang

Morning: Drive through the scenic Hai Van Pass to Da Nang. Stop at the marble Marble Mountains for panoramic views.

Afternoon: Visit the iconic Dragon Bridge and relax on My Khe Beach for a quick swim.

Evening: Arrive in Hoi An, check into a riverside guesthouse. Evening stroll through the lantern‑lit streets of the Ancient Town.

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Day 6: Hoi An Cultural Immersion

Morning: Join a cooking class at Green Bamboo Cooking Class to learn the art of Vietnamese spring rolls and pho.

Afternoon: Cycle to the nearby Thanh Cao Mỹ rice fields and visit the ancient Japanese Covered Bridge.

Evening: Enjoy a riverside dinner at Night Market with lanterns lighting the water, tasting local delicacies such as cao lầu.

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Day 7: Day Trip to My Son Sanctuary

Morning: Travel to My Son, a UNESCO world heritage site of ancient Cham ruins.

Afternoon: Guided tour of the temple towers and learn about Cham culture; return to Hoi An with a stop at a local coffee plantation.

Evening: Free time to relax, enjoy a spa treatment at Alhambra Spa or explore the boutique shops.

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Day 8: Fly to Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) & City Exploration

Morning: Flight to Ho Chi Minh City; check‑in at a downtown boutique hotel.

Afternoon: Visit the vibrant Ben Thanh Market and the historic Notre‑Dame Cathedral and Central Post Office.

Evening: Dinner at Nhà Hàng Ngon followed by a rooftop cocktail at Saigon Skydeck.

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Day 9: Mekong Delta Day Trip and Departure

Morning: Journey to the Mekong Delta for a boat tour through the waterways of My Tho. Visit a coconut candy factory and a traditional fruit orchard.

Afternoon: Lunch on a floating restaurant featuring local fish and rice noodles. Return to Ho Chi Minh City for last‑minute shopping.

Evening: Transfer to Tan Son Nhat International Airport for your departure.

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Time and Cost Estimates

  • Hanoi city tour – 4 hours – $30
  • Ha Long Bay cruise – 2 days/1 night – $350
  • Flight Hanoi → Hue – 1 hour – $120
  • Imperial City & Tombs – 5 hours – $25
  • Da Nang Marble Mountains – 3 hours – $20
  • Hoi An cooking class – 3 hours – $45
  • My Son Sanctuary – 6 hours – $30
  • Ho Chi Minh City sights – 5 hours – $20
  • Mekong Delta tour – 8 hours – $70
  • Accommodation (8 nights) – – $1,200
  • Meals (average) – – $500
  • Transportation (incl. flights, transfers) – – $400
  • Overall Total (approx.) – – $2,690

Tips

If you have more time, consider adding an extra day in Hoi An for a bicycle tour of the countryside or a day in Nha Trang for beach relaxation. To shorten the itinerary, you could skip the Mekong Delta day and spend that extra time exploring Ho Chi Minh City’s museums and nightlife instead.

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