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7-Day North-to-South Vietnam Highlights: Hanoi → Halong → Hue → Hoi An → Nha Trang → Ho Chi Minh City

Viewed by 102 travelers

Day 1: Historic Hanoi

Hanoi, Vietnam on September 25, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast — Pho Bát Đàn

Classic Hanoi pho at a local institution; great way to start with a warm bowl and watch morning street life. Popular 6:00–10:00am.
VND60000, 0h30m

8:15am

Hoàn Kiếm Lake & Ngọc Sơn Temple

Stroll the lake and visit Ngọc Sơn Temple for a calm introduction to Hanoi; the lakeside is open 24/7 while the temple is typically open 8:00–17:00.
VND0, 0h30m

9:00am

Old Quarter walking tour (self-guided)

Walk narrow streets, see colonial architecture and busy markets — great for photo ops and street food sampling. Streets are always accessible.
VND0, 2h0m

11:30am

Lunch — Bún Chả Hương Liên

Famous bún chả (grilled pork with noodles); open late morning through evening and perfect for a hearty midday meal.
VND120000, 1h0m

1:00pm

Temple of Literature (Văn Miếu)

Vietnam's first university with serene courtyards and history; open ~8:00–17:00, a must-see for culture and photos.
VND30000, 1h0m

3:00pm

Hoa Lo Prison (Maison Centrale)

A sobering museum about Vietnam's colonial and wartime history; typically open 8:00–17:00.
VND30000, 1h0m

6:30pm

Dinner — Quán Ăn Ngon

A reliable spot to sample multiple Vietnamese dishes in a comfortable setting; open for dinner service into the evening.
VND200000, 1h30m

8:00pm

Water Puppet Theatre (Thăng Long)

Traditional Vietnamese water puppet show — shows commonly at 8:00pm and 9:00pm; book ahead in high season.
VND120000, 1h0m
Find Hotels in Hanoi

Day 2: Halong Day Cruise

Halong Bay (from Hanoi), Vietnam on September 26, 2025

6:30am

Depart Hanoi to Hạ Long (shuttle/drive)

Early transfer to Halong Bay (approx. 3.5–4.5 hours depending on traffic) to arrive for cruise check-in; coaches typically depart 6:00–7:00am.
VND300000, 4h30m

11:00am

Day Cruise Check‑in & Boarding

Board a day cruise to see limestone karsts, caves and floating fishing villages; most day cruises run ~11:30–16:30 and include lunch onboard.
VND1200000, 5h0m

12:00pm

Lunch on Board (seafood & Vietnamese set)

Fresh seafood and local specialties served while cruising between iconic karsts; typically included with the cruise price.
VND0, 1h0m

4:30pm

Return to Hanoi

Disembark and transfer back to Hanoi by coach; expect late-evening arrival around 8:00–9:00pm depending on traffic.
VND300000, 4h0m

8:30pm

Dinner — Chả Cá Lã Vọng

Order the signature grilled fish served with turmeric and dill; the restaurant is open through the evening and is a Hanoi specialty.
VND200000, 1h0m
Find Hotels in Halong Bay (from Hanoi)

Day 3: Hue Imperial City

Hue, Vietnam on September 27, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast — Bánh Mì 25 or local cafe

Grab a Vietnamese sandwich or coffee before heading to the airport; bakeries and cafes generally open early.
VND50000, 0h30m

9:00am

Transfer to Noi Bai Airport and Fly to Hue

Domestic flight to Phu Bai (Hue) ~1h10m; multiple morning flights available — book early for best fares and timings.
VND1200000, 1h30m

12:00pm

Hotel check-in / short rest

Arrive Hue, transfer to your hotel and refresh before afternoon sightseeing.
VND0, 1h0m

1:30pm

Lunch — Bún Bò Huế at local eatery

Taste Hue's famous spicy beef noodle soup (bún bò Huế); many eateries open midday.
VND80000, 1h0m

3:00pm

Imperial City (Đại Nội / Hue Citadel)

Explore palaces, gates, and royal grounds; site is typically open ~8:00–17:30 and gives insight into the Nguyễn dynasty.
VND200000, 2h0m

5:30pm

Perfume River sunset boat

Short river cruise at sunset to see riverside temples and royal tombs; operations vary with sunset times, book an afternoon slot.
VND150000, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner — Ancient Hue Restaurant

Specializes in royal-style Hue dishes presented with traditional flair; a good place to try local specialties.
VND200000, 1h30m
Find Hotels in Hue

Day 4: Hai Van Pass to Hoi An

Hue → Da Nang → Hoi An, Vietnam on September 28, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast — local cafe (com hen or bánh bèo)

Enjoy Hue specialties in a local spot before checkout; many small restaurants open early for breakfast.
VND60000, 0h30m

8:30am

Drive via Hải Vân Pass to Da Nang (scenic transfer)

Scenic coastal drive over Hai Van Pass with ocean views and photo stops; allow ~2–3 hours including stops.
VND400000, 2h30m

11:30am

Marble Mountains (Ngũ Hành Sơn)

Marble caves, pagodas and panoramic views overlooking Da Nang — site usually open 7:00–17:30.
VND40000, 1h0m

12:30pm

Lunch — Mì Quảng Ba Mua in Da Nang

Try Central Vietnam’s mì quảng, a regional noodle specialty; many restaurants are open through midday.
VND80000, 1h0m

2:30pm

Arrive Hoi An & hotel check-in

Settle into your hotel in Hoi An Old Town and prepare for an afternoon stroll.
VND0, 0h30m

3:00pm

Hoi An Ancient Town walking & ticketed sites

Explore lantern-lit lanes, assembly halls and riverside shops; the Old Town entrance ticket (multi-site) is normally required (~08:00–21:00 open for walking).
VND120000, 2h0m

6:30pm

Dinner — Morning Glory

Well-known restaurant serving Hoi An specialties in a lively setting; open through dinner hours.
VND200000, 1h30m

8:00pm

Lantern boat on Thu Bồn River

Evening short boat ride to release a paper lantern — tranquil and very photogenic; boats operate 6:00–22:00 in high season.
VND50000, 0h45m
Find Hotels in Hue → Da Nang → Hoi An

Day 5: Hoi An & My Son

Hoi An, Vietnam on September 29, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast — Cargo Club or local cafe

Pastries, eggs and coffee in a popular cafe — a relaxed start before the My Son excursion.
VND120000, 1h0m

8:30am

Half-day My Son Sanctuary tour

UNESCO Cham temple complex with mountainside ruins; site typically open 7:00–17:30. Tours run mornings to avoid heat.
VND450000, 4h0m

1:00pm

Lunch — Bánh Mì Phượng (Hoi An)

Famous bánh mì shop beloved by locals and visitors alike; open all day and quick service.
VND60000, 0h45m

3:00pm

An Bang Beach or tailor appointment

Relax on An Bang or pick up tailor fittings from shops you visited earlier in the trip; beach open 24/7, tailors typically open 8:00–20:00.
VND0, 2h0m

6:30pm

Dinner — Mango Mango

Riverside restaurant mixing Vietnamese flavors with international techniques and great sunset views.
VND250000, 1h30m

8:00pm

Hoi An Night Market & street snacks

Browse lanterns, souvenirs and street stalls along the river; the market is usually lively after 18:00.
VND0, 1h0m
Find Hotels in Hoi An

Day 6: Nha Trang Beach & Islands

Nha Trang, Vietnam on September 30, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast — hotel or local café

Light breakfast before transfer to Da Nang airport for flight to Nha Trang; many hotels serve breakfast from 6:30–9:30.
VND0, 0h30m

9:00am

Fly Da Nang → Cam Ranh (Nha Trang)

Short domestic flight ~1h10m; allow transfer time to/from airports. Morning flights are frequent.
VND800000, 1h30m

11:30am

Hotel check-in & quick lunch (seafood street)

Check into your Nha Trang hotel then head to beachfront seafood stalls for fresh dishes — open midday onward.
VND200000, 1h0m

2:30pm

Po Nagar Cham Towers

Historic Cham temple complex with hilltop views; typically open 7:00–18:00 and good for a short cultural stop.
VND40000, 1h0m

4:00pm

Boat trip for snorkeling / island hop

Afternoon island/snorkel tours visit Hon Mun and nearby islets — many operate in the afternoon and return by early evening.
VND500000, 3h0m

7:30pm

Dinner — Sailing Club Nha Trang

Popular beachfront venue serving international and Vietnamese dishes with sunset views — open late into the evening.
VND350000, 1h30m
Find Hotels in Nha Trang

Day 7: Saigon Sights & Cu Chi

Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), Vietnam on October 1, 2025

6:30am

Breakfast — local bánh mì shop

Quick, tasty breakfast before your flight; many bánh mì vendors open from early morning.
VND50000, 0h30m

8:00am

Fly Cam Ranh → Tan Son Nhat (Ho Chi Minh City)

Short flight ~1h10m; aim for an early flight to maximize your Saigon day.
VND700000, 1h30m

10:00am

Hotel drop & quick city orientation

Drop bags and freshen up; central hotels usually allow luggage hold if early check-in isn't available.
VND0, 0h45m

12:30pm

Half‑day Cu Chi Tunnels tour (Afternoon option)

Explore the underground tunnel network used during the Vietnam War; many tours depart mid-day and run ~4 hours, sites open ~8:00–16:00.
VND400000, 4h0m

5:30pm

War Remnants Museum

Powerful museum documenting the Vietnam War — open roughly 7:30–18:00; best visited late afternoon when less crowded.
VND40000, 1h30m

7:30pm

Dinner — Nhà Hàng Ngon or local Vietnamese restaurant

Popular place to sample regional specialties in a charming, colonial setting; open for dinner nightly.
VND250000, 1h30m

9:30pm

Evening — Bùi Viện nightlife or riverside stroll

Experience Saigon’s energetic nightlife on Bùi Viện or a quieter riverside walk along Nguyễn Huệ; areas are lively late into the night.
VND0, 1h30m
Find Hotels in Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)
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