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8-Day South-to-North Vietnam: Ho Chi Minh, Mekong, Central Vietnam, Hanoi & Halong Bay (From Mumbai)

Viewed by 87 travelers

Day 1: Arrive Saigon

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam on October 10, 2025

9:00am

Arrival & Hotel Drop-off

Arrive at Tan Son Nhat Airport (SGN); transfer to central District 1 for check-in and a short rest so you can start exploring without luggage weight.
USD0, 1h0m

10:30am

Breakfast — The Workshop Coffee

Specialty coffee and brunch in a stylish space; great for a light Vietnamese coffee and banh mi or eggs to set you up for the morning. Typically open 7:30am–9:00pm.
USD5, 45m

11:30am

Ben Thanh Market & Walk

Iconic market for souvenirs, fresh fruit and street-food sampling; good introduction to Saigon life. Most stalls open 6:00am–7:00pm.
USD0, 1h0m

1:00pm

Lunch — Pho 2000

Classic Vietnamese pho spot near the market, popular with visitors and locals; open roughly 6:00am–10:00pm, ideal for a filling yet affordable lunch.
USD4, 1h0m

2:30pm

War Remnants Museum

Powerful exhibits about Vietnam's recent history; allow time to reflect and read exhibits. Typical opening hours approx 7:30am–5:30pm (check for special closures).
USD2, 1h30m

4:30pm

Saigon Notre-Dame & Central Post Office

Short photo stops outside the cathedral and the beautifully preserved post office — both quick to visit and close to each other in District 1.
USD0, 45m

7:30pm

Dinner — Cuc Gach Quan

Well-regarded Vietnamese restaurant offering traditional flavours in a cosy, heritage setting; open roughly 11:00am–10:00pm and ideal for your first dinner.
USD15, 1h30m

Day 2: Mekong Day

Cai Be / Ben Tre (Mekong Delta), Vietnam on October 11, 2025

6:30am

Early Pickup for Mekong Delta Tour

Most full‑day Mekong tours depart early from HCMC (approx 6:30–7:30am) and include river boat rides, fruit orchards and village visits; plan for a long but scenic day.
USD45, 10h0m

8:30am

Boat Ride & Local Markets

Cruise narrow canals on a motorboat or sampan to see riverside life and floating vendors — typical stops between 8:30am–12:00pm.
USD0, 2h0m

12:30pm

Lunch — Included with Tour

Most organised Mekong itineraries include a local lunch (rice, fish, tropical fruit) at a riverside restaurant or family home.
USD0, 1h0m

3:30pm

Return to Ho Chi Minh City

Return transfer to Saigon usually arrives late afternoon (approx 4:30–6:00pm) depending on traffic.
USD0, 2h0m

8:00pm

Dinner — Bui Vien Street Food Crawl

Head to the backpacker area for a lively street-food experience: skewers, seafood and local beers; many stalls open late into the evening (5:00pm–midnight).
USD10, 1h30m

Day 3: Cu Chi & Fly

Ho Chi Minh City → Da Nang → Hoi An, Vietnam on October 12, 2025

7:00am

Morning Visit — Cu Chi Tunnels

Drive ~1.5–2 hours from HCMC to Cu Chi for an outdoor, historical tour of the tunnels. Site open approximately 7:00am–5:00pm; wear comfortable shoes.
USD30, 4h0m

12:30pm

Return & Quick Lunch — Local Pho or Bun

Back in Saigon, grab a quick lunch near the airport or the transfer point before your domestic flight; airport cafés typically open from 5:00am–10:00pm.
USD6, 1h0m

3:00pm

Fly Ho Chi Minh to Da Nang

Domestic flight is ~1h20m; book Vietjet, Vietnam Airlines or Bamboo Airways. Aim for an afternoon flight to arrive in Da Nang early evening.
USD60, 1h20m

5:00pm

Transfer to Hoi An

Private transfer from Da Nang Airport to Hoi An old town ~30–45 minutes (taxi or pre-booked car). Check-in and relax before dinner.
USD20, 45m

7:30pm

Dinner — Morning Glory (Hoi An)

Popular Hoi An restaurant serving regional specialties like cao lau and white rose dumplings; open roughly 7:00am–10:00pm.
USD12, 1h30m

Day 4: Hoi An Heritage

Hoi An, Vietnam on October 13, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast — Banh Mi Phuong

Famous banh mi shop with quick, flavourful sandwiches — open early (approx 6:00am–8:30pm) and perfect before an Old Town walk.
USD2, 30m

9:00am

Hoi An Ancient Town Walking Tour

Wander the lantern-lit lanes, visit the Japanese Covered Bridge and old merchant houses. The Old Town is pedestrian-friendly and attractions are typically open 8:00am–9:00pm.
USD5, 2h0m

12:30pm

Lunch — Cargo Club or Mango Mango

Well-rated riverside choices for a relaxed lunch and international or Vietnamese dishes; many open from 9:00am–10:00pm.
USD10, 1h0m

2:00pm

Tailor Visit or Bicycle to An Bang Beach

Get fitted at a reputable tailor (allow time if you plan custom garments) or cycle 10–15 minutes to An Bang Beach for a swim and relaxation (beach accessible 24/7; restaurants 9:00am–10:00pm).
USD15, 2h30m

5:30pm

Sunset River Boat & Lanterns

Short boat trip on the Thu Bon River to watch lanterns and the sunset; many operators run evening cruises 5:00pm–7:30pm.
USD8, 1h0m

8:00pm

Dinner — Street Food in Old Town

Sample Cao Lau, Mi Quang or local seafood from recommended street vendors and small restaurants clustered around the Old Town; most eateries open until late.
USD8, 1h0m

Day 5: Da Nang to Hue

Hoi An → Da Nang → Hue, Vietnam on October 14, 2025

8:00am

Drive to Da Nang — Marble Mountains

Short transfer (30–45 minutes) to Marble Mountains; explore caves, pagodas and panoramic viewpoints. Typical opening hours 7:00am–5:30pm.
USD3, 1h30m

10:30am

My Khe Beach Stop

Quick beach walk at Da Nang’s famous sand strip; great for photos and a coffee break. Beach access is open all day.
USD0, 45m

12:00pm

Lunch — Seafood in Da Nang

Enjoy fresh seafood near the coast; many restaurants open from 10:00am–10:00pm with local grilled fish and shellfish.
USD12, 1h0m

1:30pm

Drive Over Hai Van Pass to Hue

Scenic coastal drive over the Hai Van Pass (if weather permits). Transfer takes about 2–3 hours including stops for viewpoints.
USD0, 2h30m

4:30pm

Check-in & Short Rest in Hue

Arrive in Hue, check into a riverside hotel and rest before dinner; evening pace is relaxed in the imperial city.
USD0, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner — Royal Hue Cuisine

Dine on central Vietnam specialties such as bun bo Hue and royal-style dishes at a recommended restaurant open 6:00pm–10:00pm.
USD12, 1h30m

Day 6: Hue to Hanoi

Hue → Hanoi, Vietnam on October 15, 2025

8:00am

Imperial City (Citadel)

Explore the UNESCO-linked Imperial Citadel and Forbidden Purple City; typically open 8:00am–5:00pm — allow 2 hours for main sights.
USD3, 2h0m

10:30am

Perfume River & Thien Mu Pagoda

Short boat or drive visit to Thien Mu Pagoda and scenic riverbanks. The pagoda is usually open 7:00am–5:30pm and is a calm highlight of Hue.
USD1, 1h0m

12:30pm

Lunch — Bun Bo Hue

Have Hue's spicy beef noodle soup at a popular local spot; many local eateries open from 7:00am–3:00pm.
USD4, 1h0m

3:00pm

Fly Hue/Da Nang to Hanoi

Short domestic flight (~1h15m) to Hanoi; book an afternoon flight to have time to enjoy Hanoi’s evening atmosphere upon arrival.
USD60, 1h15m

6:00pm

Hanoi Old Quarter Walk

Stroll around Hoan Kiem Lake and the Old Quarter; many shops and cafés are lively into the evening. Ngoc Son Temple open approx 8:00am–6:00pm for quick visits.
USD0, 1h0m

8:00pm

Dinner — KOTO or Local Bun Cha

Try bun cha at a well-known spot or choose a social enterprise restaurant like KOTO for a comfortable meal; most open until at least 9:00pm.
USD10, 1h0m

Day 7: Hanoi & Halong

Hanoi → Ha Long Bay, Vietnam on October 16, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast — Local Coffee & Banh Cuon

Start with a Vietnamese coffee and street breakfast in the Old Quarter; many vendors open early (6:00am+).
USD3, 30m

8:30am

Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum / Temple of Literature

Quick visit to Temple of Literature (open 8:00am–5:00pm) and, if time/day allows, view Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum (visiting hours limited — usually early morning and closed on Mondays/Fridays). Check local openings before you go.
USD0, 1h30m

11:30am

Depart Hanoi for Halong Bay

Coaches/shuttle services to Halong depart around midday for 2–3 hour drive; many cruises start boarding early afternoon (12:30pm–2:00pm).
USD0, 2h30m

2:30pm

Board 2D/1N Halong Bay Cruise

Board a reputable overnight cruise — activities include visiting caves, kayaking and sunset on deck. Typical cruise check-in 12:30pm–2:30pm; duration ~24h.
USD150, 24h0m

7:30pm

Dinner & Evening on Board

Enjoy fresh seafood dinner on the boat and optional evening activities like squid fishing or an on‑board cooking demo. Cruise programmes vary but dinner usually served 7:00pm–8:30pm.
USD0, 2h0m

Day 8: Return & Fly Home

Ha Long Bay → Hanoi → Mumbai (via Hanoi), Vietnam → India on October 17, 2025

7:00am

Morning Cruise Activities

Morning visit to limestone caves or an island, plus optional kayaking or swimming. Cruises typically end with brunch and check-out around 10:30am–11:30am.
USD0, 3h0m

11:30am

Return to Tuan Chau/Ha Long Port & Transfer to Hanoi

Coach returns to Hanoi (approx 2.5–3 hours); expect arrival mid to late afternoon depending on traffic.
USD0, 3h0m

4:30pm

Quick Afternoon Coffee & Last-minute Shopping

If time permits, have a coffee in the Old Quarter and pick up last souvenirs from Hanoi shops open until 6:00pm–9:00pm.
USD5, 1h0m

7:30pm

Fly Hanoi to Mumbai (recommended evening flight)

International flight options may include direct seasonal services or one-stop via Bangkok; flight duration depends on routing (approx 6–10+ hours with connections). Book evening or night flights to arrive Mumbai next morning or late-night, depending on schedule.
USD300, 7h0m

7:30am

Arrival Mumbai (next day estimate)

Arrive back in Mumbai (times depend on chosen flight). Allow for immigration, baggage and onward transport home.
USD0, 1h0m
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