Make this trip your own
Create your own free, personalized itinerary in seconds — then sign up to save and edit it.
Create my version

9‑Day Vietnam Adventure (Dec 5 – Dec 13)

Day 1: Arrival in Hanoi & Old Quarter Exploration

Morning: Arrive at Nội Bài Airport and transfer to your hotel in the heart of Hanoi. Settle in and enjoy a quick coffee while watching the bustling streets.

Afternoon: Stroll around Hoan Kiem Lake, visiting the iconic Turtle Tower and taking in the tranquil scenery. Continue wandering the Old Quarter, where colonial architecture meets lively market stalls.

Evening: Dine on traditional pho at a street-side eatery, then catch a captivating water‑puppet show near the lake.

Find Hotels

Day 2: Hanoi Cultural Highlights

Morning: Explore the historic Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first university, and admire its serene gardens.

Afternoon: Visit the solemn Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum complex and the nearby Presidential Palace, learning about the nation’s modern history.

Evening: Enjoy a leisurely walk around the illuminated lake before savoring dinner at a rooftop restaurant overlooking the city.

Find Hotels

Day 3: Ha Long Bay Cruise (Overnight)

Morning: Depart Hanoi by shuttle and board a comfortable cruise ship for a scenic journey to Ha Long Bay.

Afternoon: Cruise among towering limestone islands, explore hidden caves, and enjoy a seafood lunch on deck.

Evening: Participate in a cooking class on board, then relax with a sunset view of the bay before retiring to your cabin.

Find Hotels

Day 4: Ha Long Bay to Hue

Morning: Kayak through tranquil lagoons and visit a floating fishing village for a glimpse of local life.

Afternoon: Return to the harbor, transfer back to Hanoi, and catch a short flight to Hue. Check into your hotel and unwind.

Evening: Walk along the Perfume River, sampling local street food and enjoying the serene night atmosphere.

Find Hotels

Day 5: Imperial Hue Exploration

Morning: Tour the expansive Imperial City, wandering through palaces, courtyards, and the Forbidden Purple City.

Afternoon: Visit the picturesque Thien Mu Pagoda perched on a hill overlooking the river, and explore the royal tomb of Emperor Khai Dinh.

Evening: Savor royal‑inspired cuisine at a riverside restaurant, followed by a leisurely stroll through the historic citadel walls.

Find Hotels

Day 6: Da Nang Transfer & Hoi An Arrival

Morning: Drive along the scenic Hai Van Pass to Da Nang, stopping at the stunning Marble Mountains for panoramic views.

Afternoon: Continue to the lantern‑lit streets of Hoi An Ancient Town, checking into a boutique hotel within the UNESCO‑protected area.

Evening: Experience Hoi An’s magical night market, releasing paper lanterns on the river for good luck.

Find Hotels

Day 7: Hoi An Countryside & My Son Sanctuary

Morning: Cycle through rice paddies to the iconic Japanese Covered Bridge, learning its history and legends.

Afternoon: Take a guided tour of the ancient Hindu ruins at My Son Sanctuary, marveling at the intricate stone carvings.

Evening: Return to Hoi An for a cooking class, preparing regional specialties before enjoying your creations.

Find Hotels

Day 8: Ho Chi Minh City Arrival & Exploration

Morning: Fly to Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) and settle into a downtown hotel.

Afternoon: Visit the thought‑provoking War Remnants Museum and explore the bustling Ben Thanh Market for souvenirs.

Evening: Dine on modern Vietnamese cuisine in District 1 and enjoy the vibrant nightlife along Bùi Viện Street.

Find Hotels

Day 9: Cu Chi Tunnels & Mekong Delta Day Trip

Morning: Journey to the extensive network of Cu Chi Tunnels, learning about guerrilla warfare tactics.

Afternoon: Travel to the Mekong Delta for a boat ride through winding canals, visiting fruit orchards and a local village.

Evening: Return to Ho Chi Minh City for a farewell dinner, reflecting on the highlights of your Vietnam adventure.

Find Hotels

Time and Cost Estimates

  • Hoan Kiem Lake – 1.5 hours – $5
  • Old Quarter – 2 hours – $0
  • Temple of Literature – 1 hour – $3
  • Ha Long Bay Cruise (overnight) – 2 days – $150
  • Imperial City (Hue) – 2 hours – $6
  • Thien Mu Pagoda – 1 hour – $2
  • Hoi An Ancient Town – 3 hours – $0
  • Japanese Covered Bridge – 0.5 hour – $0
  • My Son Sanctuary – 3 hours – $8
  • Marble Mountains – 2 hours – $5
  • War Remnants Museum – 1.5 hours – $2
  • Ben Thanh Market – 2 hours – $0
  • Cu Chi Tunnels – 3 hours – $12
  • Mekong Delta Boat Tour – 4 hours – $25
  • Total Estimated Cost: $218

Tips

If you have extra days, consider adding a side trip to the scenic town of Đà Lạt or extending your stay in the Mekong Delta for a deeper rural experience. To shorten the itinerary, you could skip the overnight Ha Long Bay cruise and replace it with a day‑trip, or combine Hue and Hoi An in a single day using faster transport.

0
Like this trip? Make your own version.
A free, personalized itinerary in seconds — sign up to save and edit it.
Create my version