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15-Day Vietnam Itinerary (Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh) — Mid-January Budget Plan (₹1.2L)

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Day 1: Arrive Hanoi

Hanoi, Vietnam on January 12, 2026

8:00am

Arrival & Hotel Check-in

Arrive at Noi Bai Airport, take a taxi or airport shuttle to central Hanoi (40–60 minutes). Drop bags and rest a bit before exploring.
INR800, 1h0m.

9:30am

Breakfast at Pho Bat Dan

Classic Hanoi pho spot in the Old Quarter; open early (6:00am–10:30am) and perfect to start experiencing street-food culture.
INR300, 0h45m.

10:30am

Walk Hanoi Old Quarter + Hoan Kiem Lake

Stroll narrow lanes, shop local handicrafts, see Ngoc Son Temple on Hoan Kiem Lake — open daily (~7:00am–8:00pm). Great introduction to Hanoi life.
INR0, 2h0m.

1:00pm

Lunch at Bun Cha Huong Lien (Obama’s choice)

Try bun cha (grilled pork with noodles); restaurant open ~9:00am–9:00pm. Popular and affordable.
INR500, 1h0m.

2:30pm

Temple of Literature & Vietnam Museum of Ethnology

Temple of Literature (8:00am–5:00pm) gives Vietnam’s historical vibe; museum (9:00am–5:00pm) offers cultural context — both good to do in afternoon.
INR400, 3h0m.

6:30pm

Dinner at Quan An Ngon

Well-curated Vietnamese dishes in a comfortable setting; open ~9:00am–10:00pm — good for a relaxed first night.
INR800, 1h30m.

8:30pm

Watch a Water Puppet Show

Hanoi’s famous art form at Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre (shows 5:00pm–9:30pm); book tickets in advance if possible.
INR700, 0h50m.

Day 2: Hanoi Sightseeing

Hanoi, Vietnam on January 13, 2026

8:00am

Breakfast at Cafe Dinh (egg coffee)

Try the famous Vietnamese egg coffee and light breakfast; cafe open ~7:30am–8:00pm, a Hanoi speciality experience.
INR300, 0h45m.

9:30am

Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum + One Pillar Pagoda

Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum is open 8:00am–11:00am (closed Mondays, Fridays and holidays), so visit early; respectful clothing required; One Pillar Pagoda nearby is open daily.
INR0, 1h30m.

11:30am

Lunch at KOTO Restaurant

Charity-run restaurant serving great Vietnamese food and supporting youth training; open 11:00am–10:00pm.
INR700, 1h0m.

1:30pm

Cyclo Tour Around the Old Quarter

Short cyclo ride (rickshaw) gives a relaxed view of narrow lanes and markets — negotiate price and go 30–60 minutes.
INR400, 0h45m.

3:00pm

Shopping + Street Snacks

Try street snacks like banh mi, egg coffee, Vietnamese pancakes while browsing Hang Gai and Hang Bac streets.
INR300, 1h30m.

7:00pm

Dinner at Cha Ca La Vong

Speciality fish dish served in a traditional style; restaurant open evening hours — reserve if you can.
INR900, 1h0m.

Day 3: Ninh Binh Day

Tam Coc / Ninh Binh, Vietnam on January 14, 2026

7:00am

Travel to Ninh Binh (train or private car)

Early departure (2–2.5 hours by road or 2 hours by train) to maximise daylight for Tam Coc and Bich Dong; many tours depart 7:00–8:00am.
INR1200, 2h30m.

9:30am

Boat ride in Tam Coc

Scenic sampan boat through rice paddies and karst caves (open 7:00am–5:00pm). A must-see for postcard landscapes.
INR800, 1h30m.

11:30am

Lunch at local riverside restaurant

Fresh local dishes like goat meat or river fish; most eateries open late morning to early evening.
INR600, 1h0m.

1:00pm

Visit Bich Dong Pagoda & Mua Cave viewpoint

Short hike to pagoda and climb ~500 steps to Mua Cave viewpoint for sweeping valley views (open 7:00am–5:30pm).
INR200, 2h0m.

4:00pm

Return to Hanoi

Drive or train back to Hanoi to prepare for Halong transfer next day; expected arrival evening.
INR1200, 2h30m.

8:00pm

Dinner at a local bun thang place

Light dinner in Old Quarter; many places are open late — keep it simple and soak in the ambience.
INR300, 1h0m.

Day 4: Halong Bay Cruise

Halong Bay, Vietnam on January 15, 2026

7:30am

Transfer to Halong Bay

Coach transfer from Hanoi to Halong Bay (3.5–4 hours). Book a 2-day/1-night cruise with pick-up around 7:30–8:30am.
INR2500, 4h0m.

12:30pm

Board Halong Bay Cruise & Lunch

Board cruise and enjoy lunch while cruising among limestone karsts. Cruises usually run activities, kayaking and cave visits; most cruises sail early afternoon and include lunch.
INR7000, 3h0m.

4:00pm

Kayaking / Tai Chi on Deck

Afternoon activities: kayak, swim (weather permitting) or join onboard Tai Chi at sunset; cruise staff will list times (usually afternoon).
INR0, 1h30m.

7:30pm

Dinner on Cruise

Multi-course Vietnamese/seafood dinner included on most cruises; relax under the stars.
INR0, 1h30m.

9:00pm

Optional night squid-fishing / relax

Some cruises offer night-squid fishing or evening chill — check cruise itinerary; cabins provided for overnight.
INR0, 2h0m.

Day 5: Return & Fly to Hue

Hanoi → Hue, Vietnam on January 16, 2026

6:30am

Morning cruise activities & breakfast

Morning view, light breakfast and optional short excursions like Titov Island (times depend on cruise, usually 6:30–8:30am).
INR0, 1h30m.

9:30am

Disembark & Return to Hanoi

Coach transfer back to Hanoi port; expect arrival mid-afternoon (3.5–4 hours).
INR0, 4h0m.

4:30pm

Fly Hanoi to Hue (early evening flight)

Catch a short domestic flight (1–1.5 hours) from Noi Bai to Phu Bai (Hue). Flights often depart late afternoon to evening; book in advance for best fares.
INR3000, 2h30m.

7:30pm

Check-in & Dinner near Perfume River

Settle into Hue hotel and enjoy a riverside dinner; many restaurants open until ~10:00pm offering Bun Bo Hue (famous beef noodle soup).
INR700, 1h0m.

Day 6: Hue Historic Sites

Hue, Vietnam on January 17, 2026

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel or Banh Khoai stand

Try Hue specialties like banh khoai or bun bo; many local spots open from 7:00am.
INR300, 0h45m.

9:30am

Imperial City (The Citadel)

Visit the UNESCO Imperial City and Forbidden Purple City (open 8:00am–5:30pm). Allow 2–3 hours to explore palaces and gates.
INR500, 2h30m.

12:30pm

Lunch at Hanh Restaurant

Popular local spot for Hue dishes; open midday and known for local flavours.
INR600, 1h0m.

2:00pm

Thien Mu Pagoda & Perfume River boat

Short drive/boat ride to Thien Mu Pagoda (open 7:00am–5:00pm) and enjoy the river views; boat trips typically run 2–3pm.
INR400, 2h0m.

6:30pm

Dinner at Les Jardins de la Carambole (or local riverside eatery)

Optional fine dining or casual riverside meal; Hue offers many options and relaxed evenings.
INR1200, 1h30m.

Day 7: To Hoi An (via Hai Van Pass)

Hue → Hoi An, Vietnam on January 18, 2026

7:30am

Breakfast & check-out

Early departure; have a hearty breakfast before scenic drive over Hai Van Pass to Da Nang then Hoi An.
INR300, 0h45m.

9:00am

Drive Hai Van Pass & stop at Lang Co Beach

Spectacular coastal pass (stop for photos at the pass and Lang Co beach) and continue towards Marble Mountains near Da Nang (open 7:30am–5:00pm).
INR1500, 3h0m.

12:30pm

Lunch at a Marble Mountains café

Light lunch stop near Da Nang before continuing to Hoi An; many local restaurants serve central-Vietnam specialities.
INR500, 1h0m.

3:00pm

Arrive Hoi An & check-in

Settle into a riverside hotel in Hoi An Ancient Town; afternoon free to wander the lantern-lit streets.
INR0, 1h0m.

6:30pm

Dinner at Morning Glory Restaurant

Well-known Hoi An restaurant serving regional classics (open 10:00am–10:30pm) and conveniently located in the Old Town.
INR900, 1h30m.

8:00pm

Evening stroll in Hoi An Ancient Town

Ancient Town is charming at night with lanterns (open 24/7; monuments ticketed until ~9:00pm). A romantic walk for couples.
INR0, 1h0m.

Day 8: Hoi An Experiences

Hoi An, Vietnam on January 19, 2026

8:00am

Breakfast at a riverside cafe

Relaxed breakfast by the river; several cafes open from 7:00am serving Vietnamese coffee and banh mi.
INR300, 0h45m.

9:30am

Half-day cooking class or bicycle to the rice fields

Join a morning cookery class (starts 9:00–10:00am) or bike out to nearby villages and beaches; classes last ~3–4 hours and include market visit.
INR1800, 4h0m.

2:00pm

Lunch at Bale Well

Sample local Hoi An specialties such as cao lau and white rose dumplings; open midday and popular with travellers.
INR600, 1h0m.

3:30pm

Tailor visit & shopping

Hoi An is famous for fast, affordable tailoring — many shops open 9:00am–7:00pm; bring fabric ideas and allow time for fittings (same-day options available for simple items).
INR1000, 2h0m.

7:00pm

Dinner at Morning Glory (if not used) or Streetside Lantern Dinner

Enjoy riverside or lantern-lit street dining; many eateries open late giving a romantic atmosphere.
INR900, 1h30m.

Day 9: My Son Sanctuary

My Son / Hoi An, Vietnam on January 20, 2026

7:30am

Breakfast & depart for My Son

Early start for My Son Sanctuary (approx 1–1.5 hours from Hoi An). Site open 7:00am–5:00pm; avoid midday heat.
INR300, 0h45m.

9:00am

Explore My Son Sanctuary

Visit the Cham ruins complex (UNESCO) with guided tour recommended to understand history; allow 2–3 hours.
INR600, 2h30m.

12:00pm

Lunch back in Hoi An

Return to Hoi An for a relaxed lunch and some beach time (Cua Dai/An Bang beaches open all day).
INR600, 1h0m.

2:30pm

Afternoon at An Bang Beach

Relax on An Bang beach, swim, or try a beachside café; many beachside restaurants open until evening.
INR200, 2h30m.

7:00pm

Dinner at Cargo Club or local seafood restaurant

Enjoy good seafood and desserts; Hoi An offers many romantic dinner options open in the evenings.
INR1000, 1h30m.

Day 10: Fly to Nha Trang

Hoi An (Da Nang) → Nha Trang, Vietnam on January 21, 2026

7:30am

Breakfast & travel to Da Nang airport

Transfer to Da Nang (30–45 minutes) and fly to Cam Ranh (Nha Trang) — flight ~1 hour; book morning flight to maximise beach time.
INR2500, 2h30m.

11:00am

Arrive Nha Trang & check-in

Settle in a beachside hotel; Nha Trang beaches are lively and the city is compact for walking.
INR0, 1h0m.

12:30pm

Lunch at Lanterns Vietnamese Restaurant

Well-liked for fresh seafood and Vietnamese dishes, open midday to late evening.
INR700, 1h0m.

2:00pm

Island hopping / Snorkelling tour

Afternoon boat tour to nearby islands (Mun/ Mot islands), usually 3–4 hours (operators run tours 8:00am–4:00pm and 12:00pm–4:00pm).
INR1800, 4h0m.

7:30pm

Dinner at Sailing Club Nha Trang

Popular beachfront spot for international and local dishes; open into late evening.
INR1200, 1h30m.

Day 11: Nha Trang Relax

Nha Trang, Vietnam on January 22, 2026

8:00am

Breakfast at bakery or hotel

Relaxed start and plan for a day of beaches or Vinpearl Island (open 8:30am–6:00pm) if you want amusement parks and cable car experience.
INR400, 0h45m.

10:00am

Vinpearl / Cable Car or Mud Baths

Choose Vinpearl amusement island by cable car (great views) or try Thap Ba mud baths for a local spa experience (open 8:00am–5:00pm).
INR2000, 4h0m.

2:00pm

Lunch at Local Seafood Market

Lunch at a seafood market restaurant where you pick fresh catches — fun and fresh.
INR800, 1h0m.

4:00pm

Relax on Tran Phu Beach

Evening walk along Tran Phu promenade, enjoy coffee or sunset cocktails; promenade open all day.
INR200, 1h30m.

7:30pm

Dinner at Louisiane Brewhouse

Casual beachfront brewpub with good seafood and western choices; open into late evening.
INR1000, 1h30m.

Day 12: Fly to Ho Chi Minh

Nha Trang → Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam on January 23, 2026

8:00am

Breakfast & check-out

Morning at leisure before a short domestic flight to Tan Son Nhat (HCMC).
INR400, 0h45m.

11:00am

Fly to Ho Chi Minh City

Flight ~1 hour; arrive midday and check into district 1 hotel for easy access to main sights.
INR2500, 2h30m.

2:00pm

Lunch at Pho Hoa Pasteur

Famous pho spot near the city centre (open 6:00am–10:00pm), try the local favourite.
INR500, 1h0m.

3:30pm

War Remnants Museum & Notre-Dame Cathedral

Visit the War Remnants Museum (7:30am–6:00pm) and the colonial Notre-Dame Basilica; powerful insight into the country’s history.
INR400, 2h0m.

7:30pm

Dinner at Ngon Restaurant or Ben Thanh Market food stalls

Try a variety of regional dishes at Ngon (open 9:00am–11:00pm) or sample street foods at Ben Thanh market (open nightly).
INR700, 1h30m.

Day 13: Cu Chi & Transfer to Mekong

Ho Chi Minh → Cu Chi → Can Tho (Mekong Delta), Vietnam on January 24, 2026

6:30am

Early departure to Cu Chi Tunnels

Guided half-day tour to Cu Chi (open 7:30am–5:00pm) to explore wartime tunnel system; depart early to avoid crowds.
INR1000, 4h0m.

12:30pm

Lunch back in HCMC

Quick lunch in the city (pho, com tam) before heading to the Mekong Delta — keep it light for travel.
INR400, 1h0m.

2:00pm

Drive to Can Tho (Mekong Delta)

Coach or private car to Can Tho (approx 3–4 hours). Overnight in Can Tho to catch the early floating market.
INR1200, 4h0m.

7:30pm

Dinner at Can Tho riverside restaurant

Enjoy Mekong specialties; many riverfront restaurants stay open late and are relaxed.
INR700, 1h0m.

Day 14: Mekong Floating Market

Can Tho → HCMC, Vietnam on January 25, 2026

5:00am

Visit Cai Rang Floating Market

Early morning boat trip to Cai Rang floating market (boats 4:30am–9:00am) — the best time is dawn for peak activity and photo opportunities.
INR1200, 2h30m.

8:00am

Breakfast on the river (boat-side vendors)

Try fresh fruits, local coffee and noodle soups sold from boats — a unique Mekong experience.
INR300, 0h45m.

10:00am

Return to Can Tho & depart for HCMC

Drive back to Ho Chi Minh City (3–4 hours) arriving afternoon — relax for an evening in the city.
INR1200, 4h0m.

6:30pm

Dinner at The Deck Saigon (Riverside) or local eatery

Finish the Mekong leg with a riverside dinner back in HCMC; The Deck is elegant, while local eateries offer affordable options.
INR1200, 1h30m.

Day 15: HCMC & Depart

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam on January 26, 2026

8:00am

Breakfast & last-minute shopping

Have breakfast at the hotel or at a local cafe and pick up souvenirs at Ben Thanh Market (open 6:00am–7:00pm).
INR400, 1h0m.

9:30am

Visit Jade Emperor Pagoda or Chinatown (Cholon)

Short morning trip to Thien Hau or Jade Emperor Pagoda (open 7:00am–5:00pm) or explore Cholon markets.
INR200, 1h30m.

12:00pm

Lunch at Hum Vegetarian or local cafe

Enjoy a relaxed final meal — plan for 2–3 hours before international flight check-in (recommended 3 hours pre-departure).
INR700, 1h0m.

2:30pm

Transfer to Tan Son Nhat Airport

Head to the airport for international flight home; allow time for traffic and immigration (arrive 3 hours before flight).
INR800, 1h30m.

5:30pm

Depart Ho Chi Minh City

Fly home with memories of a north-to-south Vietnam trip; if your flight is later, spend final hours relaxing at airport lounges or duty-free.
INR0, 0h0m.
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