Kolkata to Vietnam – 8‑Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Hanoi

Morning: Fly from Kolkata to Hanoi, arriving by mid‑morning. Transfer to your hotel and freshen up.

Afternoon: Stroll through the Hanoi Old Quarter, sampling street food and admiring the colonial architecture.

Evening: Relax by Hoan Kiem Lake and enjoy a traditional water‑puppet show.

Day 2: Hanoi Exploration

Morning: Visit the historic Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first university, and learn about its scholarly legacy.

Afternoon: Explore the bustling Dong Xuan Market for souvenirs and local snacks.

Evening: Dine on a rooftop terrace overlooking the illuminated Hanoi skyline.

Day 3: Ha Long Bay Cruise

Morning: Depart early for Ha Long Bay and board a comfortable cruise ship.

Afternoon: Sail among the limestone karsts, kayak to hidden caves, and enjoy a fresh seafood lunch on deck.

Evening: Watch the sunset from the deck, followed by a cooking demonstration and night squid fishing.

Day 4: Hue Heritage Tour

Morning: Fly to Hue and check into a boutique hotel near the Perfume River.

Afternoon: Tour the Imperial City, exploring the Hue Citadel and its ancient palaces.

Evening: Enjoy a riverside dinner with views of the illuminated Thien Mu Pagoda.

Day 5: Hoi An Ancient Town

Morning: Transfer to Hoi An and wander the lantern‑lit streets of the Ancient Town.

Afternoon: Visit the iconic Japanese Covered Bridge and browse local tailor shops for custom clothing.

Evening: Dine on riverside cuisine while the town glows with hundreds of colorful lanterns.

Day 6: Da Nang & Marble Mountains

Morning: Head to Da Nang, climb the Marble Mountains for panoramic sea views and cave temples.

Afternoon: Relax on My Khe Beach or visit the modern Dragon Bridge and Museum of Cham Sculpture.

Evening: Sample fresh seafood at a beachfront restaurant and watch the dragon bridge breathe fire.

Day 7: Ho Chi Minh City Highlights

Morning: Fly to Ho Chi Minh City, start with a visit to the War Remnants Museum for a poignant history lesson.

Afternoon: Tour the historic Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica and the bustling Ben Thanh Market.

Evening: Experience the city’s nightlife in the rooftop bars of District 1.

Day 8: Mekong Delta & Departure

Morning: Take a day trip to the Mekong Delta, cruising through narrow canals and visiting floating markets.

Afternoon: Enjoy a homestyle lunch on a river island and explore local orchards.

Evening: Return to Ho Chi Minh City for your flight back to Kolkata, carrying memories of Vietnam’s diversity.

Time and Cost Estimates

• Hanoi Old Quarter – 3 hrs – $15
• Hoan Kiem Lake – 2 hrs – $5
• Temple of Literature – 2 hrs – $10
• Ha Long Bay Cruise – Full day – $80
• Hue Imperial City – 3 hrs – $12
• Thien Mu Pagoda – 1 hr – $5
• Hoi An Ancient Town – 3 hrs – $12
• Japanese Covered Bridge – 1 hr – $4
• Marble Mountains – 2 hrs – $6
• My Khe Beach – 2 hrs – $0
• War Remnants Museum – 2 hrs – $8
• Cu Chi Tunnels (optional side trip) – 4 hrs – $20
• Mekong Delta Boat Tour – 4 hrs – $30
• Domestic Flights (Hanoi‑Hue, Hue‑Da Nang, Da Nang‑HCM) – 3 hrs total – $120
• Transfers & Private Vehicles – 8 hrs total – $50

Total Estimated Cost: $357

Tips

If you have extra time, consider adding a day in Da Nang to explore the ancient ruins of My Son or extending your stay in Hoi An for a cooking class. To shorten the trip, you can skip the Cu Chi Tunnels and replace the Mekong Delta excursion with a quick city tour in Ho Chi Minh City, saving a full day while still experiencing Vietnam’s highlights.