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India to Vietnam: 9-Day Vietnam Highlights with Vegetarian Indian Meals (Hanoi → Halong → Hue → Hoi An → Da Nang → Ho Chi Minh & Mekong)

Viewed by 178 travelers

Day 1: Arrival & Stroll

Hanoi, Vietnam on October 1, 2025

6:00am

Pre-flight Indian-style breakfast (India)

Eat a light Indian breakfast at the airport: poha/upma or a paratha with yogurt and tea to fuel the flight.
USD5, 1h0m.

2:00pm

Arrive Noi Bai Airport & Transfer to hotel

Immigrate and transfer ~45–60 minutes to central Hanoi; check in and freshen up before an easy afternoon walk.
USD15, 1h30m.

4:00pm

Hoan Kiem Lake & Ngoc Son Temple walk

Gentle first introduction to Hanoi with lakeside atmosphere and Ngoc Son Temple (open ~8:00am–5:00pm) — great for photos and people-watching.
USD1, 1h0m.

6:30pm

Dinner — Vegetarian Indian meal

Dine at a recommended vegetarian-friendly Indian restaurant or ask the hotel to arrange vegetarian Indian dishes such as paneer tikka masala, dal tadka, vegetable biryani and rotis; many Indian restaurants in Hanoi open until 10:00–11:00pm.
USD8, 1h0m.

8:00pm

Optional: Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre

Attend a 45–50 minute traditional water-puppet show to experience Vietnamese folklore; performances usually run between 6:00pm and 9:30pm (check ticket time).
USD7, 1h0m.

Day 2: Halong Cruise

Halong Bay (overnight), Vietnam on October 2, 2025

7:00am

Hotel breakfast in Hanoi — Indian option

Request an Indian vegetarian breakfast from the hotel (idli/dosa or paratha with chutney and tea) — most hotels serve 6:30am–9:30am but ask in advance for Indian items.
USD8, 0h45m.

8:00am

Drive to Halong Bay (coach transfer)

3.5–4 hour scenic transfer east to Halong; relax en route and confirm your dietary needs with the cruise operator in advance.
USD20, 4h0m.

12:30pm

Board Halong Bay Overnight Cruise (request veg Indian meal)

Embark and enjoy lunch as the junk sails among limestone karsts; notify the cruise beforehand that you want vegetarian Indian options (many cruises can prepare dal, vegetable curry, rice, roti). Cruise check-in normally 12:00–13:30.
USD160, 24h0m.

3:00pm

Kayaking or Tender-boat to Cave/Beach

Afternoon excursions to a cave or small beach — great chance to paddle and explore grottoes; typical activity windows mid-afternoon.
USD0, 1h0m.

7:30pm

Dinner on board — Indian vegetarian menu

Enjoy a multi-course vegetarian Indian dinner on the cruise (dal, mixed vegetable curry, paneer, roti and dessert) after confirming dietary needs with the operator.
USD0, 1h0m.

Day 3: Return & Fly South

Halong → Hanoi → Hue, Vietnam on October 3, 2025

7:00am

Morning tai chi on the sundeck & breakfast

Optional sundeck tai chi followed by breakfast — request vegetarian Indian items (fresh fruit, toast, or Indian-style breakfast) before disembark (cruises typically return by 9:00–10:00am).
USD0, 2h0m.

10:30am

Transfer to Hanoi (return coach)

Coach back to Hanoi airport area; plan for 3.5–4 hours depending on traffic, and reconfirm your afternoon flight to Hue.
USD20, 4h0m.

3:30pm

Flight Hanoi to Hue

Short domestic flight (~1h15m) to Hue — book early afternoon to maximize cruise time and check-in at least 1 hour before departure.
USD60, 1h15m.

5:00pm

Hotel check-in & brief rest

Transfer to your Hue hotel near the Perfume River, check in and refresh for the evening.
USD10, 1h0m.

6:30pm

Dinner — Vegetarian Indian meal in Hue

Find a local Indian or vegetarian restaurant (or request hotel kitchen) for Indian-friendly dishes such as vegetable biryani, chana masala, paneer curry and chapati — many restaurants open 6:00pm–9:00pm.
USD8, 1h0m.

Day 4: Hue Imperial

Hue, Vietnam on October 4, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel — Indian veg

Order an Indian vegetarian breakfast (paratha, chutney, yogurt, or masala chai) the night before to ensure availability; standard hotel hours ~7:00–9:30am.
USD6, 0h45m.

8:30am

Imperial City (Hue Citadel)

Explore the Imperial City and Forbidden Purple City ruins — a key site for Nguyen dynasty history; typically open 8:00am–5:00pm.
USD6, 2h0m.

11:30am

Boat on the Perfume River & Thien Mu Pagoda

Take a short scenic cruise to Thien Mu Pagoda, an iconic riverside temple with panoramic views; river boats run mainly in the morning to early afternoon.
USD10, 1h30m.

1:30pm

Lunch — Indian vegetarian or fusion

Choose a spot offering Indian vegetarian dishes or a vegetarian Vietnamese meal adapted to Indian tastes (vegetable rice, tofu, stir-fried vegetables); many lunch venues open 10:00am–3:00pm.
USD6, 1h0m.

3:00pm

Visit Khai Dinh Tomb or Minh Mang Tomb

Visit one of the ornate royal tombs — Khai Dinh for mosaic detail (7:00am–5:00pm) or Minh Mang for gardens and architecture, both open during daylight hours.
USD5, 2h0m.

7:00pm

Dinner — Royal-style vegetarian Indian set

For a memorable evening, request a multi-course vegetarian Indian or vegetarian-Hue tasting menu at a recommended restaurant or via a hotel-arranged chef; confirm opening times and reservation (commonly 6:00pm–10:00pm).
USD18, 1h30m.

Day 5: Coastal Drive to Hoi An

Hue → Da Nang → Hoi An, Vietnam on October 5, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast & check-out — Indian veg

Enjoy a final Hue breakfast with Indian vegetarian options (dosa/paratha or vegetable upma) and check out for the scenic coastal drive toward Hoi An.
USD6, 0h45m.

8:30am

Drive via Hai Van Pass & stop at Marble Mountains

Scenic 3–4 hour drive with spectacular views on Hai Van Pass; Marble Mountains near Da Nang typically open 7:00am–5:00pm for exploring caves and pagodas.
USD0, 3h30m.

12:30pm

Lunch — Vegetarian Indian or South-Indian seafood-free meal

Stop in Da Nang for a vegetarian Indian lunch (dosas, vegetable biryani, chana masala) at a local Indian-friendly spot — many open 10:00am–9:00pm.
USD10, 1h0m.

3:00pm

Check-in Hoi An hotel & rest

Arrive in Hoi An and check into your hotel near the river; freshen up before an evening stroll in the Old Town.
USD10, 1h0m.

5:30pm

Hoi An Ancient Town walk & lanterns

Explore the UNESCO-listed Old Town at dusk when lanterns brighten the streets; the Old Town is freely accessible and especially atmospheric after 5:30pm.
USD2, 1h30m.

7:30pm

Dinner — Ganesh or local Indian vegetarian restaurant (Hoi An)

Eat at Ganesh Indian Restaurant (popular in Hoi An) or another vegetarian-friendly Indian eatery for paneer dishes, vegetable korma, dal and roti — typically open until 10:00pm (confirm hours).
USD12, 1h0m.

Day 6: Hoi An Culture

Hoi An, Vietnam on October 6, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel — Indian veg

Request South-Indian style breakfast or parathas with chutney and chai from your hotel to start the day; hotels generally serve from 7:00–9:30am.
USD6, 0h45m.

8:30am

Cooking class & market visit (vegetarian Indian-friendly)

Take a morning cooking class that can accommodate vegetarian preferences — many schools will adapt recipes for vegetarians and include a market tour; classes commonly start 8:30–9:00am and last 3–4 hours.
USD40, 4h0m.

1:30pm

Lunch — Enjoy what you cooked or Indian veg meal

Most cooking classes include a lunch of what you prepared; alternatively, have a vegetarian Indian thali or vegetable biryani at a nearby Indian-friendly restaurant.
USD0, 1h0m.

3:00pm

Tailor visit & explore riverside cafés (veg snacks)

Visit tailors for custom garments and then relax at a riverside café — choose snacks like samosas or vegetarian bánh mì alternatives and enjoy the river views.
USD20, 2h0m.

6:30pm

Dinner — Mango Mango or nearby Indian vegetarian spot

If you prefer Indian food, return to Ganesh or another local Indian vegetarian restaurant for vegetable curries and rotis; Mango Mango also offers vegetarian-friendly Vietnamese dishes with river views (open ~10:00am–10:00pm).
USD15, 1h15m.

Day 7: Fly to HCMC

Hoi An → Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam on October 7, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast & transfer to Da Nang Airport — Indian veg

Have an early Indian-style vegetarian breakfast and transfer to Da Nang Airport (25–30 minutes). Book a morning flight to Ho Chi Minh City (~1h15m) and reconfirm vegetarian meal requests with the airline/hotel if needed.
USD60, 2h30m.

11:00am

Arrive Ho Chi Minh City & hotel check-in

Transfer from Tan Son Nhat Airport to District 1 and check in; inform the hotel you prefer vegetarian Indian options for dinner.
USD15, 1h0m.

1:00pm

Lunch — Vegetarian Indian or Indian-style vegetarian pho

Try a vegetarian Indian restaurant or a local eatery offering vegetarian pho and rice dishes; many places near Ben Thanh Market serve vegetarian lunches from early morning to evening.
USD5, 0h45m.

2:30pm

War Remnants Museum & Notre-Dame Cathedral

Visit the War Remnants Museum (open ~7:30am–5:30pm) and the French-era Notre-Dame Cathedral during the afternoon cooler hours.
USD2, 2h0m.

5:30pm

Ben Thanh Market shopping

Browse stalls for handicrafts and vegetarian snacks until market closing (roughly 6:00–7:00pm depending on stall); vendors may also offer Indian-style sweets and snacks.
USD5, 1h0m.

7:30pm

Dinner — Vegetarian Indian restaurant in HCMC

Dine at a popular Indian vegetarian or Indian-friendly restaurant in District 1 offering paneer dishes, vegetable biryani, chana masala and roti; many open evenings until 10:00pm or later.
USD12, 1h15m.

Day 8: Cu Chi & City

Ho Chi Minh City & Cu Chi, Vietnam on October 8, 2025

6:30am

Early breakfast & pick-up for Cu Chi — Indian veg

Have an early vegetarian Indian breakfast and join your tour pick-up (~7:00am); mention vegetarian lunch requirements to the tour operator when booking.
USD5, 0h30m.

8:00am

Cu Chi Tunnels tour

Explore the Cu Chi Tunnels with a guided tour that lasts about 2–3 hours — site open ~7:30am–5:00pm; confirm your vegetarian meal needs for the return or included lunch.
USD25, 3h0m.

12:30pm

Return to HCMC & lunch

Lunch back in the city at an Indian vegetarian-friendly restaurant or enjoy Vietnamese vegetarian dishes adapted to Indian tastes (tofu, vegetable rice, noodle dishes).
USD6, 1h0m.

2:00pm

Reunification Palace & Central Post Office

Visit the historic Reunification Palace (open 8:00am–4:00pm) and admire the French-colonial Central Post Office nearby.
USD3, 1h30m.

5:30pm

Coffee or chai at a rooftop café

Relax with chai or iced coffee and enjoy skyline views; ask for a vegetarian snack or Indian sweet if available.
USD4, 0h45m.

7:30pm

Dinner — Vegetarian Indian fine dining

Choose a refined Indian or vegetarian Vietnamese restaurant for a special vegetarian meal — request a tasting of paneer, mixed vegetable curry, dal and pulao; reserve ahead.
USD20, 1h30m.

Day 9: Mekong & Return

Ho Chi Minh City → Mekong Delta → Fly to India on October 9, 2025

6:30am

Breakfast & depart for Mekong Delta day trip — veg Indian

Have an early vegetarian Indian breakfast and join a Mekong Delta tour departing around 7:00am; inform the operator that you need vegetarian lunch options (many tours can provide vegetarian meals if requested).
USD40, 11h0m.

7:30am

Boat cruise & local village visits

Cruise canals, visit fruit orchards and small villages — typical tour hours ~7:00am–6:00pm; request vegetarian snacks and lunch in advance.
USD0, 6h0m.

1:00pm

Lunch in the delta (vegetarian option)

Enjoy a riverside vegetarian meal—many operators will prepare vegetable stir-fries, rice, tropical fruits and meat-free local specialties when notified ahead of time.
USD0, 1h0m.

6:30pm

Return to Ho Chi Minh City & freshen up

Arrive back to your hotel and get ready for your international flight — allow at least 2 hours for international check-in at Tan Son Nhat Airport.
USD15, 1h0m.

9:30pm

Depart Ho Chi Minh City for India

Evening flight back to India; ensure your airline knows you require vegetarian Indian meal service or plan to carry a light Indian snack for the flight.
USD200, varies.
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