7-Night Vietnam Highlights: Hanoi, Halong Bay, Hoi An & Ho Chi Minh with Mekong Delta

Day 1: Arrive Hanoi

Hanoi, Vietnam on September 8, 2025

9:00am

Breakfast at Pho Bat Dan

Classic northern pho in the Old Quarter — a quick, authentic start; the shop opens early (around 06:00).
VND60000, 45m

10:30am

Hoan Kiem Lake & Ngoc Son Temple

Stroll the lake and cross to Ngoc Son Temple (open 08:00–17:00) to acclimatise and see local life.
VND50000, 1h

12:30pm

Lunch at Cha Ca La Vong

Speciality turmeric fish served tableside — a must-try Hanoi dish; popular at lunchtime so expect a short wait.
VND200000, 1h

14:00pm

Old Quarter walking tour

Explore narrow streets and traditional shops (most open 09:00–21:00); great for photography and shopping.
VND0, 2h30m

17:30pm

Water Puppet Theatre

Classic Vietnamese puppet show at Thang Long Theatre (typical performances 17:30 and 19:00).
VND150000, 45m

19:30pm

Dinner at Bun Cha Huong Lien

Famous bun cha spot serving grilled pork with noodles and herbs — open into the evening.
VND120000, 1h
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Day 2: Hanoi to Halong

Hanoi → Halong Bay, Vietnam on September 9, 2025

7:30am

Coffee & egg coffee at Cafe Giang

Try the famous Hanoi egg coffee; Cafe Giang opens early and provides a memorable local treat.
VND80000, 30m

8:30am

Temple of Literature

Visit Vietnam's first university and tranquil courtyards (open 08:00–17:00) for photography and history.
VND30000, 1h

10:00am

Hoa Lo Prison Museum

A concise, reflective museum on Vietnamese history and colonial era (open 08:00–17:00).
VND30000, 1h

12:00pm

Lunch at KOTO Hanoi

Social-enterprise restaurant serving Vietnamese favourites; good food supporting training programmes for youth.
VND150000, 1h

13:30pm

Transfer to Halong Bay

Private shuttle or car transfer to Halong Bay (approx 3–3.5 hours); leave early to arrive for cruise check-in (most cruises start midday–15:00).
VND800000, 3h30m

16:00pm

Board Halong Bay overnight cruise

Check-in, cabin briefing and short cruise through limestone karsts; many operators include kayaking and cave visits the next morning — cruises typically accept check-in 14:00–16:00.
VND2000000, Overnight

19:30pm

Dinner on board (cruise)

Seafood banquet included on most overnight cruises; relaxed evening with sunset views.
VND0, 1h
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Day 3: Halong → Fly to Hoi An

Halong Bay → Hanoi → Da Nang → Hoi An, Vietnam on September 10, 2025

6:30am

Tai Chi on deck & breakfast

Optional early-morning Tai Chi then buffet breakfast as the cruise continues among the islets.
VND0, 1h

8:30am

Cave visit or Titov Island

Visit Sung Sot (Surprise) Cave or Titov Island for short hikes and views; attractions operate daily during cruise itineraries.
VND0, 1h30m

11:30am

Return to harbour and transfer to Hanoi

Disembark mid/late morning and return by car to Hanoi (approx 3–3.5h); allow time to reach the airport.
VND0, 3h30m

17:30pm

Flight Hanoi → Da Nang

Frequent domestic flights (~1h15m); book an evening flight to reach Da Nang without rushing — check-in recommended 90 minutes pre-flight.
VND800000, 1h15m

19:30pm

Transfer Da Nang → Hoi An

Short 30–45 minute drive to Hoi An; settle into your hotel and stroll the lantern-lit streets.
VND200000, 45m

20:30pm

Dinner at Morning Glory or Miss Ly

Hoi An riverside Vietnamese specialities — restaurants usually open 17:30–22:00 and are famous for local Cao Lau and other dishes.
VND150000, 1h
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Day 4: Hoi An charm

Hoi An, Vietnam on September 11, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Banh Mi Phuong

Famed banh mi vendor open from early morning; great on-the-go breakfast before exploring.
VND40000, 30m

9:00am

Hoi An Ancient Town

Walk the UNESCO streets, visit the Japanese Covered Bridge and old merchant houses; heritage ticket required for some sites (typically valid all day).
VND120000, 2h

11:30am

Cycle to Tra Que vegetable village

Short ride to the organic farming village for a hands-on tour and herb garden; village activities generally run morning to late afternoon.
VND150000, 2h

13:30pm

Lunch at local Tra Que restaurant / cooking demo

Simple, fresh village dishes often paired with a short cooking demo — a great way to learn central Vietnamese flavours.
VND200000, 1h30m

15:30pm

Relax at An Bang Beach

Sandy beach 10 minutes from town for swimming and a relaxed afternoon (beach open all day).
VND0, 2h

19:00pm

Dinner & lantern-lit riverside walk

Return to town for dinner at a riverside restaurant and enjoy Hoi An's famous evening lanterns; many eateries open 17:30–22:00.
VND180000, 1h30m
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Day 5: My Son & Tailors

Hoi An, Vietnam on September 12, 2025

7:00am

Early pickup for My Son Sanctuary

Half-day guided tour to the Cham ruins at My Son (site open 06:00–17:30) — avoid midday heat and return early afternoon.
VND150000, 4h

12:30pm

Lunch in Hoi An Old Town

Try local specialties like Cao Lau or white rose dumplings at a recommended Old Town restaurant; most serve from mid-morning.
VND120000, 1h

14:00pm

Tailor visit & lantern-making workshop

Visit a trusted tailor to discuss garments (many will fit same or next day) and try a short lantern-making or pottery class (workshops run 09:00–18:00).
VND300000, 2h

17:30pm

Free time / sunset by Thu Bon River

Relax by the river or pack for the next day's travel; enjoy sunset views and street food.
VND0, 1h

20:00pm

Evening flight option: Hoi An → Ho Chi Minh

If you prefer to fly tonight, transfer to Da Nang for an evening flight to Ho Chi Minh — otherwise depart early next morning; check flight times and allow 90 minutes for check-in.
VND800000, 1h15m
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Day 6: Fly to Saigon

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam on September 13, 2025

8:00am

Transfer to Da Nang & flight to Ho Chi Minh

If not travelled previous evening, transfer 45 minutes to Da Nang airport and fly to Ho Chi Minh City; flights take ~1h20m and run frequently.
VND800000, 3h

11:30am

Brunch at Pho Hoa Pasteur

Well-known pho in District 3, open from early morning to late evening — classic Saigon breakfast/brunch spot.
VND70000, 45m

13:00pm

Reunification Palace

Historic presidential palace (open 08:00–16:00) offering insight into Vietnam's 20th-century history.
VND40000, 1h

14:30pm

War Remnants Museum

Powerful exhibits on the Vietnam War; open 07:30–18:00 and best visited with 1–2 hours to reflect.
VND40000, 1h30m

17:30pm

Ben Thanh Market

Browse stalls for souvenirs and street food; market operates daily, busiest late afternoon and evening.
VND0, 1h

19:30pm

Dinner at Quan An Ngon or Bui Vien street food

Either a curated venue of Vietnamese dishes or lively Bui Vien for street snacks and nightlife; both are open late.
VND150000, 1h30m
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Day 7: Mekong Delta day

Mekong Delta → Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam on September 14, 2025

7:00am

Full-day Mekong Delta (My Tho or Can Tho)

Early departure for a boat trip on the river, visits to orchards, sampan rides and local workshops; typical tours run 07:00–18:00 and include transfers, a boat and lunch.
VND800000, 11h

19:30pm

Return dinner in Saigon

After returning from the Delta, choose a relaxed dinner at Cuc Gach Quan or a riverside restaurant to sample refined home-style Vietnamese cooking (open evenings).
VND250000, 1h30m

21:30pm

Nightcap or rooftop bar

If energy allows, visit a rooftop bar (e.g. Chill Skybar) for city views; bars typically open until late.
VND200000, 1h
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Day 8: Depart Saigon

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam on September 15, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast & last-minute shopping

Casual breakfast at a local cafe and quick souvenir run; many cafes open from 07:00 but check your hotel checkout time.
VND120000, 1h

9:00am

Hotel checkout and transfer to airport

Allow 2–3 hours for international departures or 90 minutes for domestic — arrange private transfer or taxi in advance.
VND200000, 30m

11:00am

Flight home / onward

Depart from Tan Son Nhat Airport. If time allows, use airport lounges or last-minute duty-free shopping.
VND0, —
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Itinerary created by AI-assisted, human-reviewed