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12-Day North-to-South Vietnam: Hanoi → Halong → Ninh Binh → Hue → Hoi An → Ho Chi Minh + Mekong

Viewed by 118 travelers

Day 1: Arrive Hanoi

Hanoi, Vietnam on September 10, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Pho Gia Truyen

Classic Hanoi pho to start your trip; long-established shop in the Old Quarter known for authentic broth — great for jet-lag recovery.
USD3, 0h30m

10:00am

Check-in & rest

Drop bags and rest at your hotel in the Old Quarter to acclimate and prepare for a short walking tour.
USD0, 1h30m

11:30am

Walk the Old Quarter

Wander the bustling streets of shops, street food stalls and colonial architecture — the heart of Hanoi's street life.
USD0, 1h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at Bun Cha Huong Lien

Famous bun cha spot (also known for a presidential visit) — savory grilled pork with herbs and rice noodles.
USD4, 1h

3:00pm

Hoa Lo Prison Museum

Short visit to learn modern Vietnamese history and the site’s colonial and wartime stories; good 1–1.5 hour stop.
USD2, 1h

6:30pm

Water Puppet Theater (evening show)

Traditional Vietnamese water puppet performance — lively, cultural and family-friendly. Shows run multiple times daily (approx. 3–9pm); book the evening slot.
USD10, 0h45m

7:30pm

Dinner at Cha Ca La Vong

Try cha ca (turmeric fish with dill), a classic Hanoi specialty served at this historic restaurant.
USD12, 1h

Day 2: Hanoi Highlights

Hanoi, Vietnam on September 11, 2025

8:00am

Coffee at Cafe Dinh

Classic egg coffee or strong Vietnamese drip in a small street-side café — a Hanoi morning ritual.
USD2, 0h30m

9:00am

Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum & Complex

Visit the Mausoleum (opens roughly 8:00–11:00 and 14:00–16:00; closed Mon & Fri mornings sometimes) and the surrounding Presidential Palace grounds to learn about Vietnam’s modern founding leader.
USD0, 1h30m

11:30am

Lunch at KOTO

Charity-run restaurant offering tasty Vietnamese dishes and supporting youth training programs — good food with a purpose.
USD8, 1h

2:00pm

Temple of Literature

Visit Vietnam’s first national university (open about 8:00–17:00) and its serene gardens and courtyards — a calm cultural contrast to the Old Quarter.
USD2, 1h

4:00pm

Cyclo ride through Old Quarter

Short cyclo (rickshaw) circuit to see streets at golden hour and get a different perspective of the city.
USD6, 0h45m

7:00pm

Dinner at Bun Bo Nam Bo

Popular local dish of southern-style beef noodles served in a relaxed Old Quarter eatery.
USD4, 1h

Day 3: To Halong Bay

Halong Bay, Vietnam on September 12, 2025

7:30am

Depart Hanoi to Halong Bay (private shuttle)

Road transfer ~3.5–4 hours depending on traffic; plan a mid-day cruise boarding. Leaves early to maximize cruising time.
USD15, 4h

12:30pm

Board Halong Bay cruise

Check-in for the cruise — lunch normally served on board as the boat starts the karst island sailing (cruise times vary; confirm with operator).
USD140, 0h30m

1:30pm

Cruise activities: cave visit & kayaking

Afternoon island stops for a cave visit and optional kayak or bamboo boat rides — most cruises include excursions and guide commentary.
USD0, 3h

6:30pm

Sunset & dinner on deck

Relax on deck watching sunset over limestone karsts, then enjoy a multi-course Vietnamese dinner included with most cruises.
USD0, 2h

9:00pm

Overnight on cruise

Cabins available — optional evening squid-fishing or bar on board; unwind for a unique overnight on the water.
USD0, overnight

Day 4: Halong → Ninh Binh

Halong Bay → Ninh Binh, Vietnam on September 13, 2025

7:00am

Morning tai chi & sunrise views

Short deck session for sunrise and light exercise; many cruises offer a tai chi session before breakfast.
USD0, 0h30m

8:00am

Brunch & disembark

Brunch on board before disembarkation — most cruises return to the port by mid-morning.
USD0, 1h

10:30am

Transfer to Ninh Binh

Private transfer ~3–3.5 hours to Ninh Binh (often via Hanoi) — scenic rural landscapes en route.
USD40, 3h30m

3:00pm

Boat ride in Tam Coc

Rowed boat trip through rice paddies and limestone caverns (site open roughly 8:00–17:00); peaceful way to see Ninh Binh’s karst scenery.
USD7, 1h30m

6:30pm

Dinner at a local riverside restaurant

Try local specialties like goat or freshwater fish while enjoying river views; relaxed dinner in Tam Coc area.
USD8, 1h

Day 5: Ninh Binh → Hue

Ninh Binh → Hue, Vietnam on September 14, 2025

8:00am

Bich Dong Pagoda & Mua Cave climb

Short visit to the limestone pagoda and (optional) climb at Mua viewpoint for panoramic river valley views; sites are typically open from morning to late afternoon.
USD3, 2h

11:00am

Transfer to Hanoi airport

Drive back to Hanoi (approx 2–2.5 hours) to catch an afternoon flight to Hue — allow time for traffic and check-in.
USD30, 2h30m

4:00pm

Fly Hanoi to Hue

Direct flights ~1h15; evening arrival into Hue and transfer to hotel. Book in advance (VietJet, Vietnam Airlines or Bamboo).
USD60, 1h15m

7:30pm

Dinner at Hanh Restaurant (Bun Bo Hue)

Try the spicy, aromatic local bun bo Hue broth — a city classic and great introduction to Hue cuisine.
USD4, 1h

9:00pm

Evening stroll along Perfume River

Short walk along the river to see lit bridges and pagodas; peaceful evening vibe in central Hue.
USD0, 0h45m

Day 6: Imperial Hue

Hue, Vietnam on September 15, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Simple local breakfast or hotel buffet to fuel a full day exploring historic Hue.
USD0, 0h30m

9:00am

Imperial Citadel (The Complex of Hue Monuments)

Visit the Royal Citadel, Forbidden Purple City and ornate tombs (site hours ~8:00–17:30); essential for Vietnam imperial history.
USD6, 2h30m

12:30pm

Lunch at Les Jardins de La Carambole

Small restaurant offering Vietnamese and French-influenced dishes in a colonial setting, good for a relaxed midday meal.
USD10, 1h

2:30pm

Thien Mu Pagoda & tombs of Tu Duc/Khải Định

Visit riverside Thien Mu Pagoda (open 8:00–17:00) and one or two imperial tombs with beautiful architecture and gardens.
USD4, 2h30m

6:30pm

Royal cuisine tasting or local dinner

Book an evening to sample a royal-style set menu (several restaurants offer King’s dishes) or enjoy local specialties around the city.
USD15, 1h30m

Day 7: To Hoi An

Hoi An (via Da Nang), Vietnam on September 16, 2025

8:00am

Drive to Hoi An via Hai Van Pass

Private car or motorbike transfer along the scenic Hai Van Pass with a stop at Lang Co Beach and panoramic viewpoints — travel time ~3 hours.
USD40, 3h

12:30pm

Lunch in Da Nang (Mi Quang)

Sample Mi Quang, the regional noodle specialty, at a popular local spot before continuing to Hoi An.
USD3, 1h

3:00pm

Check into Hoi An & relax

Settle into your hotel in Hoi An’s ancient town or riverside area and plan evening exploration.
USD0, 1h

5:00pm

Stroll Hoi An Ancient Town

Wander the UNESCO-listed lantern-lit streets (ticketed monuments open ~8:00–21:00) and enjoy the photogenic riverside scene.
USD6, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Morning Glory

Well-known Hoi An restaurant serving regional favorites; excellent introduction to local specialties.
USD10, 1h30m

Day 8: My Son Day Trip

Hoi An, Vietnam on September 17, 2025

7:30am

Depart for My Son Sanctuary

Guided day trip to the Cham ruins at My Son (site open ~7:30–17:00) — an important archaeological and spiritual site about 1–1.5 hours from Hoi An.
USD7, 4h

12:30pm

Return to Hoi An for lunch

Lunch at a riverside cafe or local favorite — try cao lầu or white rose dumplings, Hoi An specialties.
USD6, 1h

3:00pm

Lantern-making class

Hands-on workshop to craft a Hoi An lantern — a fun cultural souvenir and typically 1.5–2 hours long.
USD20, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Mango Mango

Popular riverside restaurant offering contemporary Vietnamese dishes and views of the lit-up old town.
USD12, 1h30m

Day 9: Beach & Fly South

Hoi An → Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam on September 18, 2025

8:00am

Morning at An Bang Beach

Relax, swim or walk on An Bang Beach (open daylight hours) — a calm start before travel day.
USD0, 2h

11:00am

Transfer to Da Nang airport

Drive ~45–60 minutes to Da Nang International Airport to catch an afternoon flight to Ho Chi Minh City.
USD10, 1h

1:30pm

Fly Da Nang to Ho Chi Minh City

Short flight ~1h15; arrive, transfer to downtown hotel and settle in.
USD40, 1h15m

4:30pm

Walk Dong Khoi & Notre-Dame Cathedral

Explore central Saigon’s colonial landmarks and shopping streets; Notre-Dame Open ~8:00–17:00.
USD0, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Cuc Gach Quan

Charming restaurant serving traditional Vietnamese dishes with home-style flavors — popular for dinner.
USD15, 1h30m

Day 10: Cu Chi & Saigon

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam on September 19, 2025

7:00am

Half-day Cu Chi Tunnels tour

Depart early for the tunnels (tours run from ~7:00–15:00); explore the extensive underground network used during the war with guided highlights.
USD25, 4h

1:30pm

War Remnants Museum

Powerful museum documenting the conflict from varied perspectives (open ~7:30–18:00) — recommended 1–2 hour visit.
USD2, 1h30m

4:00pm

Ben Thanh Market

Browse stalls for souvenirs, snacks and local crafts; lively and a good place to try street bites.
USD0, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Pho Hoa or Com Nieu Saigon

Classic pho at Pho Hoa or sizzling clay-pot rice at Com Nieu — choose depending on mood for casual or slightly fancier local cuisine.
USD6, 1h

Day 11: Mekong Delta

Mekong Delta (My Tho / Ben Tre), Vietnam on September 20, 2025

7:30am

Depart for Mekong Delta (My Tho / Ben Tre)

Transfer from Ho Chi Minh City ~1.5–2 hours to the delta; most day tours depart early to take advantage of cooler morning hours.
USD20, 2h

9:30am

Boat cruise & sampan rides

Explore small canals by motorboat and sampan, visit local orchards and coconut workshops — typical activities run through the afternoon.
USD20, 3h

12:30pm

Lunch with local specialties

Enjoy fresh river fish, tropical fruits and coconut-based sweets at a local riverside restaurant.
USD10, 1h

3:30pm

Village walk & homestay check-in

Walk village lanes, meet local families and check into an overnight homestay for a cultural night (book ahead).
USD25, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner with host family

Family-style dinner featuring local Mekong dishes — great for trying regional flavors and chatting with hosts.
USD8, 1h

Day 12: Return & Depart

Mekong Delta → Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam on September 21, 2025

8:00am

Morning market & boat ride

Short early-morning market visit and final boat ride through canals to see daily life before heading back to the city.
USD0, 1h30m

11:00am

Return transfer to Ho Chi Minh City

Drive back to HCMC (approx 1.5–2 hours); arrive midday and store luggage at hotel if needed.
USD20, 2h

2:00pm

Free time / last-minute shopping

Use the afternoon for museums, coffee or shopping — suggestions: Saigon Skydeck, Nguyen Hue walking street, or local markets.
USD0, 2h

6:30pm

Farewell dinner at The Deck Saigon

Upscale riverside spot offering contemporary Vietnamese and international cuisine — perfect for a final celebratory meal (open ~11:00–23:00).
USD25, 1h30m

8:30pm

Transfer to Tan Son Nhat Airport (if evening flight)

Allow 45–90 minutes for airport transfer depending on traffic; adjust timing for your flight schedule.
USD15, 1h
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