7‑Day Girls’ Historical Adventure in Vietnam (Nov 26 – Dec 3, 2025)

Day 1: Arrival in Hanoi & Old Quarter Exploration

Morning: Arrive at Nội Bài Airport and settle into a budget‑friendly hostel in the Old Quarter. Stroll through bustling streets, sampling fresh fruit and bánh mì while adjusting to the time zone.

Afternoon: Visit the serene Hoàn Kiếm Lake and the iconic Ngọc Sơn Temple, then wander to the historic Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first university.

Evening: Enjoy a relaxed dinner of pho on a lively street corner, followed by a night‑time walk around the lake to see the illuminated Tháp Rùa (Turtle Tower).

Day 2: Ha Long Bay Day Cruise

Morning: Take an early shuttle to Ha Long Bay and board a budget‑friendly day cruise that departs from Tuan Chau harbor.

Afternoon: Cruise among the limestone karsts, explore Surprise Cave, and enjoy a simple seafood lunch on deck while the boat glides through emerald waters.

Evening: Return to Hanoi, freshen up, and head to a rooftop bar for a casual drink with views of the city’s night lights.

Morning: Catch a comfortable overnight train or a low‑cost flight to Hue, the former imperial capital, and check into a guesthouse near the Perfume River.

Afternoon: Explore the expansive Hue Imperial City (Đại Nội), wandering the Forbidden Purple City, Thai Hòa Palace, and the tranquil Thái Học Công Viên garden.

Evening: Dine on local specialties such as bánh bèo and beef noodle soup at a riverside eatery, then enjoy a leisurely walk along the Perfume River.

Day 4: My Son Sanctuary & Transfer to Hoi An via Da Nang

Morning: Join a shared minibus to the UNESCO‑listed My Son Sanctuary, exploring the ancient Cham temple ruins amidst jungle scenery.

Afternoon: Continue to Da Nang, stop briefly at the striking Marble Mountains, then arrive in Hoi An and settle into a cozy boutique hostel within the ancient town.

Evening: Wander the lantern‑lit streets of Hoi An Ancient Town, browsing boutique shops and tasting street‑food delicacies.

Day 5: Hoi An – Ancient Town, Japanese Bridge & Cooking Class

Morning: Take a guided walking tour of Hoi An Ancient Town, visiting the iconic Japanese Covered Bridge and the historic Assembly Hall of the Fujian Merchants.

Afternoon: Participate in a hands‑on cooking class where you’ll learn to make classic dishes like cao lầu and spring rolls, followed by a communal lunch.

Evening: Relax on Cẩm Lệ Beach or enjoy a sunset river cruise, then savor fresh seafood at a beachfront restaurant.

Day 6: Ho Chi Minh City – French Colonial Highlights & War History

Morning: Fly to Ho Chi Minh City and settle into a central budget hotel. Begin with a visit to the Notre Dame Cathedral and the adjacent Central Post Office, marveling at French colonial architecture.

Afternoon: Dive into Vietnam’s recent history at the War Remnants Museum and explore the historic Reunification Palace, learning about the 1975 fall of Saigon.

Evening: Stroll through the vibrant Ben Thanh Market, sample local snacks, and end the night with a rooftop cocktail overlooking the city skyline.

Day 7: Mekong Delta Day Trip & Departure

Morning: Board a budget day tour to the Mekong Delta, cruising the river to the tranquil village of Cái Bè, where you’ll see coconut‑palm‑lined canals and traditional houses.

Afternoon: Enjoy a homestyle lunch of fish sauerkraut and fresh fruit, then explore local workshops producing coconut candy and rice paper.

Evening: Return to Ho Chi Minh City, collect luggage, and head to Tan Son Nhat International Airport for your evening departure home.

Time and Cost Estimates

• Hoàn Kiếm Lake & Ngọc Sơn Temple – 2 hours – $0 (free)
• Temple of Literature – 1.5 hours – $2
• Ha Long Bay Day Cruise – 6 hours – $30
• Hue Imperial City (Đại Nội) – 3 hours – $6
• My Son Sanctuary – 2 hours – $7
• Marble Mountains (Da Nang stop) – 1 hour – $2
• Hoi An Ancient Town (walking tour) – 2 hours – $0
• Japanese Covered Bridge – 30 minutes – $0
• Hoi An Cooking Class – 3 hours – $20
• Notre Dame Cathedral & Central Post Office – 1 hour – $0
• War Remnants Museum – 2 hours – $2
• Reunification Palace – 1 hour – $2
• Mekong Delta (Cái Bè) Tour – 5 hours – $25
• Internal transport (flights/bus/train) – 7 hours total – $100
• Accommodation (7 nights, budget guesthouses) – 7 nights – $105
• Meals (average $10/day) – 7 days – $70
• Local transport & tips – 7 days – $30
• Total Estimated Cost per Person: $418

Tips

If you’d like to extend the trip, consider adding a full day in Hanoi to visit the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology or a night market, and another night in the Mekong Delta for a homestay experience. To shorten the itinerary, you can combine Days 4 and 5 by skipping the Marble Mountains stop and spending more time in Hoi An, or replace the Ha Long Bay cruise with a shorter half‑day tour to save both time and money.