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10-Day North-to-South Vietnam Highlights: Hanoi → Halong → Ninh Binh → Hue → Hoi An → Ho Chi Minh City

Viewed by 142 travelers

Day 1: Arrival & Old Quarter

Hanoi, Vietnam on October 27, 2025

9:00am

Arrive & hotel check-in

Land in Hanoi, transfer to your Old Quarter hotel and settle in; a central base makes walking the historic streets easy.
VND0, 1h30m.

10:00am

Breakfast — Cafe Giang (egg coffee)

Try the famous egg coffee at Cafe Giang in the Old Quarter — creamy and iconic, a short sit-down to start your day.
VND50,000, 45m.

11:00am

Hoan Kiem Lake & Ngoc Son Temple

Stroll the lake and cross to Ngoc Son Temple; pleasant walk and photo spots in the city's heart (Ngoc Son open ~8:00am–5:00pm).
VND30,000, 1h.

12:30pm

Lunch — Bun Cha (Old Quarter)

Eat bun cha, Hanoi's smoky grilled pork with noodles — a local lunchtime classic and great first meal in the city.
VND120,000, 1h.

2:00pm

Old Quarter walking & shopping

Wander the maze of streets for handicrafts, silk, and street food; ideal to get oriented with the city's rhythm.
VND0, 2h.

7:00pm

Thang Long Water Puppet Show

See a traditional water puppet performance (usually shows at 7:00pm and 8:30pm) — a cultural must; confirm show times in advance.
VND150,000, 50m.

8:30pm

Dinner — Cha Ca (specialty fish)

Try Cha Ca, turmeric-marinated fish served at a table-cooked style — unique to Hanoi and delicious for dinner.
VND180,000, 1h15m.
Find Hotels in Hanoi

Day 2: Hanoi Culture

Hanoi, Vietnam on October 28, 2025

8:00am

Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum

Visit Ho Chi Minh's mausoleum (typically open 8:00am–11:00am; closed on Mondays & Fridays) and the nearby Presidential Palace grounds.
VND0, 1h.

9:30am

Presidential Palace & Ho Chi Minh House (outside)

Walk the gardens and view the exterior of Ho Chi Minh’s stilt house for historical context and photo opportunities.
VND0, 30m.

10:30am

Temple of Literature

Explore Vietnam's first university and serene courtyards (open ~8:00am–5:00pm), a lovely cultural stop.
VND30,000, 1h.

12:00pm

Lunch — Pho Bat Dan

Eat classic Hanoi pho at an authentic local spot; fast, flavorful, and beloved by locals.
VND60,000, 1h.

2:00pm

Vietnam Museum of Ethnology

A well-curated look at Vietnam's ethnic groups with indoor and outdoor exhibits (usually open 8:30am–5:30pm; closed Monday).
VND40,000, 1h30m.

5:00pm

Evening street food stroll

Hit back alleys near your hotel for bánh mì, chè and other snacks — easy way to sample many small dishes.
VND100,000, 1h30m.

7:30pm

Dinner — Quan An Ngon

Enjoy a variety of Vietnamese dishes in a relaxed setting — great for tasting several regional specialties in one meal.
VND150,000, 1h15m.
Find Hotels in Hanoi

Day 3: Halong Bay Cruise

Halong Bay, Vietnam on October 29, 2025

7:00am

Depart Hanoi for Halong Bay

Early coach or private transfer to Halong Bay (approx. 3.5–4h drive) to catch midday cruise boarding; depart early to maximize time on the water.
VND350,000, 4h.

12:30pm

Board Halong Bay cruise (mid-range)

Board the overnight cruise around midday; typical cruises include lunch, an afternoon of island views, cave visits, and an overnight on board.
VND2,500,000, 4h.

3:00pm

Kayaking & cave visit

Explore hidden lagoons and visit a show cave or floating village — activities and times depend on your operator (usually 2–3pm).
VND0, 1h30m.

7:00pm

Dinner on board

Enjoy a seafood dinner included on most cruises, often with local specialties and nightly relaxation on deck.
Included, 1h30m.

8:30pm

Optional evening activities (squid fishing or night chill)

Try squid fishing or relax on deck under the stars; quiet nights are typical in the bay.
VND0, 1h.
Find Hotels in Halong Bay

Day 4: Ninh Binh Arrival

Ninh Binh, Vietnam on October 30, 2025

8:30am

Morning cruise activity & disembark

Sunrise view and a short morning excursion before returning to port and disembarking around 9:00–10:00am depending on cruise schedule.
Included, 1h.

11:00am

Transfer to Ninh Binh

Drive from Halong (or return to Hanoi then transfer) to Ninh Binh area; travel time ~3–4 hours depending on routing—arrive mid-afternoon.
VND600,000, 3h30m.

3:30pm

Tam Coc boat ride

Rowed boat through limestone karsts and rice paddies (typically open 8:00am–5:00pm); a peaceful 1–2 hour ride through caves and scenery.
VND200,000, 1h30m.

5:30pm

Mua Cave viewpoint (if time & daylight)

Climb the 500-ish steps for panoramic views over Tam Coc and the river valley (open until ~5:30–6:00pm); go earlier in day for cooler temps.
VND100,000, 1h.

7:00pm

Dinner — local Ninh Binh specialties

Try goat or river fish dishes at a local restaurant — local flavors are hearty and filling after a day of travel.
VND120,000, 1h.
Find Hotels in Ninh Binh

Day 5: To Hue (Imperial City)

Hue, Vietnam on October 31, 2025

7:00am

Transfer back to Hanoi / flight to Hue (recommended)

Drive to Hanoi (approx. 2h) then fly to Hue (flight ~1h20). Morning transfer ensures comfortable mid-day arrival in Hue — alternative: overnight train from Hanoi to Hue.
VND900,000, 4h.

1:30pm

Arrive Hue & check-in

Settle into your Hue hotel and have a light lunch before afternoon sightseeing.
VND0, 1h.

3:00pm

Imperial Citadel (Dai Noi)

Explore the Forbidden Purple City and imperial architecture (usually open ~8:00am–5:30pm) for a deep dive into Nguyen dynasty history.
VND150,000, 1h30m.

5:00pm

Thien Mu Pagoda

Visit the iconic riverside pagoda; spacious grounds and scenic Perfume River views make for a calm late-afternoon stop (open ~6:00am–6:00pm).
VND0, 45m.

7:00pm

Dinner — Bun Bo Hue

Taste Hue's signature spicy beef noodle soup, Bun Bo Hue, for a hearty regional dinner.
VND80,000, 1h.
Find Hotels in Hue

Day 6: Coastal Drive to Hoi An

Hoi An, Vietnam on November 1, 2025

8:00am

Royal tombs of Hue (Khai Dinh & Minh Mang)

Visit two notable tombs with distinct architecture and elaborate decoration; both typically open ~8:00am–5:30pm and are a short drive from the city.
VND200,000, 2h.

11:00am

Drive over Hai Van Pass to Hoi An

Scenic coastal drive via the Hai Van Pass with optional photo stops (drive ~3–4 hours including stops); arrive Hoi An mid-afternoon.
VND400,000, 3h30m.

3:30pm

Check-in & relax at hotel or An Bang beach

Drop bags and either rest or take a short beach walk at An Bang (near Hoi An) to refresh after the drive.
VND0, 1h.

5:30pm

Hoi An Ancient Town evening walk & lanterns

Wander the atmospheric lantern-lit streets and visit the Japanese Covered Bridge; note the Ancient Town entrance ticket system (typically in the evening).
VND120,000, 1h30m.

7:30pm

Dinner — Morning Glory Restaurant

Dine on Hoi An specialties like cao lầu and white rose dumplings at a well-known local spot.
VND200,000, 1h15m.
Find Hotels in Hoi An

Day 7: My Son & Cooking

Hoi An, Vietnam on November 2, 2025

7:00am

My Son Sanctuary half-day tour

Explore the Cham ruins of My Son with a morning tour (site open ~6:30am–5:30pm); early start avoids heat and crowds.
VND150,000, 3h.

12:30pm

Lunch back in Hoi An — street food

Sample local dishes near the market such as cao lầu or bánh mì to recharge after the morning trip.
VND60,000, 45m.

2:00pm

Afternoon cooking class

Join a hands-on cooking class (2–4pm typical) including market visit and meal; great way to learn local techniques and recipes.
VND800,000, 3h30m.

6:30pm

Free time — riverside cafés

Relax along the Thu Bon river, watch lanterns and enjoy coffee or a drink before dinner.
VND80,000, 1h.

7:30pm

Dinner — Cao Lầu specialty spot

Eat cao lầu at a local restaurant — a noodle dish unique to Hoi An with chewy noodles and flavorful broth.
VND60,000, 1h.
Find Hotels in Hoi An

Day 8: Fly to Ho Chi Minh

Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), Vietnam on November 3, 2025

8:00am

Transfer to Da Nang airport

Short transfer from Hoi An to Da Nang airport (approx. 45–60 minutes) for your flight to Ho Chi Minh City.
VND200,000, 1h.

10:00am

Flight Da Nang → Ho Chi Minh City

Morning flight takes about 1h15m; land and transfer to central HCMC (Tan Son Nhat airport → city ~30–45 mins).
VND700,000, 2h.

12:30pm

Lunch — Pho 2000 or local pho

Try southern-style pho or other Saigon favorites near Ben Thanh — quick and satisfying midday meal.
VND70,000, 1h.

2:00pm

War Remnants Museum

A powerful museum presenting Vietnam War-era history (open ~7:30am–5:30pm); allow time for exhibits and reflection.
VND40,000, 1h30m.

4:00pm

Reunification Palace

Tour the historic palace where 1975 events unfolded; open approx. 7:30am–4:00pm, so check last entry time on arrival day.
VND40,000, 1h.

6:00pm

Ben Thanh Market

Browse stalls for souvenirs and street snacks; lively in the early evening and a good spot for bargaining practice.
VND0, 1h.

8:00pm

Dinner — Cục Gạch Quán (traditional Vietnamese)

Dine at a popular spot serving classic Vietnamese dishes in a cozy, rustic setting — reservation recommended for dinner.
VND200,000, 1h30m.
Find Hotels in Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)

Day 9: Mekong Delta Day

Mekong Delta & Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam on November 4, 2025

7:00am

Full-day Mekong Delta tour

Depart HCMC early for a typical Mekong trip: boat rides along canals, local fruit orchards, coconut workshops and village visits; most tours run 7:00am–6:00pm.
VND800,000, 11h.

12:30pm

Lunch — local riverside restaurant

Enjoy fresh river fish and delta specialties during the tour — often provided as part of the full-day package.
Included, 1h.

6:30pm

Return to HCMC & freshen up

Arrive back in Ho Chi Minh City; relax at your hotel or head out for evening exploring.
VND0, 1h.

8:00pm

Dinner & nightlife — Bui Vien street

Sample street-food options and vibrant nightlife on Bui Vien for a casual last-night-out experience in Saigon.
VND150,000, 2h.
Find Hotels in Mekong Delta & Ho Chi Minh City

Day 10: Cu Chi & Departure

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam on November 5, 2025

7:30am

Cu Chi Tunnels (half-day)

Visit the Cu Chi Tunnel network to see wartime tunnels and demonstrations; site typically open 7:00am–5:00pm — morning is cooler and less crowded.
VND150,000, 3h.

12:30pm

Lunch near Cu Chi / return to city

Simple local meal near the site or back in HCMC; keep lunch light if you have an international flight later.
VND100,000, 1h.

3:00pm

Afternoon shopping or last-minute sightseeing

Use remaining time for shopping at Saigon Centre or a quick coffee at a rooftop bar for city views before heading to the airport.
VND0, 2h.

6:00pm

Transfer to Tan Son Nhat Airport — depart Vietnam

Allow 1–1.5 hours transfer time to the airport plus recommended international check-in times; safe departure planning ends the trip smoothly.
VND300,000, 1h30m.
Find Hotels in Ho Chi Minh City
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