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10-Day Vietnam Itinerary: Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh — Halong, Ninh Binh, Hue, Hoi An & Mekong

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Day 1: Hanoi Arrival

Hanoi, Vietnam on November 12, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast - Pho Thin or local street pho

Start with a classic Hanoi pho to taste the city’s signature breakfast; street stalls typically open from 6:30am–10:30am and are lively in the Old Quarter.
VND70000, 0h45m

9:30am

Walk Hoan Kiem Lake & Ngoc Son Temple

Stroll the lake and visit Ngoc Son Temple (open 8:00am–5:00pm) for a calm introduction to Hanoi’s historic centre and photo opportunities at the red bridge.
VND30000, 1h15m

11:00am

Explore Old Quarter by walking tour

Wander the narrow streets, see craft shops and markets; guided half-day walking tours available and helpful to understand local trades.
VND150000, 1h30m

12:30pm

Lunch - Bun Cha Huong Lien (Obama’s bun cha)

Try bun cha — grilled pork with noodles and dipping sauce — at a famous Old Quarter spot open roughly 10:00am–10:00pm for an iconic Hanoi lunch.
VND120000, 1h

2:00pm

Hoa Lo Prison Museum

Visit the museum (open 8:00am–5:00pm) for historical context on Vietnam’s colonial and war eras; exhibits are compact but informative.
VND30000, 1h

4:00pm

Coffee at a rooftop cafe near Old Quarter

Enjoy Vietnamese coffee and watch the Old Quarter bustle from above; most cafes open until late evening.
VND80000, 0h45m

7:00pm

Water Puppet Show at Thang Long Theatre

Traditional Vietnamese water puppetry (shows commonly at 7:00pm and 8:30pm; check schedule), a cultural must-see lasting ~50 minutes.
VND150000, 1h

8:45pm

Dinner - Cha Ca Thang Long

Taste the signature Hanoi dish of turmeric fish with dill, typically served at restaurants open dinner hours; aromatic and local.
VND200000, 1h15m

Day 2: Halong Bay Cruise

Halong Bay, Vietnam on November 13, 2025

7:30am

Depart Hanoi for Halong Bay (shuttle/private car)

Road transfer takes about 3.5–4 hours; most cruise operators set pickup around 7:30am–8:00am for noon boarding.
VND400000, 4h0m

12:30pm

Board Halong Bay overnight cruise

Boarding and lunch on board before cruising; typical cruises include island visits, kayaking and meals. Check boarding time with operator (usually 12:00–13:30).
VND1800000, 0h45m

2:00pm

Explore Sung Sot (Surprise) Cave or Titov Beach

Visit notable caves/beaches on the cruise itinerary; Sung Sot Cave usually open to visitors and is included on many routes (open 8:00am–5:00pm).
VND0, 1h30m

4:00pm

Kayaking or bamboo boat

Short kayak or rowing-boat excursions to hidden lagoons and limestone karsts; equipment and timing provided by cruise operator.
VND0, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner on board & evening activities

Seafood dinner served on the cruise and optional night squid fishing or sunset drinks on deck; dining times usually 7:00pm–8:30pm.
VND0, 1h30m

9:30pm

Overnight on the cruise

Relax in your cabin with bay views or enjoy the peaceful night on the water; cabins available with private bathrooms.
VND0, 10h0m

Day 3: Halong to Ninh Binh

Halong Bay → Ninh Binh, Vietnam on November 14, 2025

7:30am

Morning tai chi & breakfast on cruise

Enjoy a short guided tai chi session on deck (many cruises offer) followed by breakfast; activities usually start 6:30am–8:00am.
VND0, 1h

9:00am

Disembark and return transfer to Hanoi

Disembark mid-morning and travel back to Hanoi (approx 3.5–4 hours); confirm transfer ETA with cruise company.
VND0, 4h0m

3:30pm

Drive from Hanoi to Ninh Binh (private car or train)

Direct transfer takes about 2–2.5 hours; recommended to arrive in Tam Coc/Bich Dong area by late afternoon for sunset rice-field views.
VND600000, 2h30m

6:15pm

Dinner - Local com chay / riverside restaurant in Tam Coc

Simple family-run restaurants serve local specialties and fresh river fish; many open until 9:00pm.
VND120000, 1h

7:30pm

Evening stroll in Tam Coc or relax at hotel

Walk along the river or enjoy a quiet evening at your guesthouse; Tam Coc is calm after sunset.
VND0, 1h

Day 4: Ninh Binh & Fly to Hue

Ninh Binh → Hue, Vietnam on November 15, 2025

7:30am

Boat ride in Trang An or Tam Coc

Morning sampan boat trips through caves and karst scenery (Trang An/Tam Coc open ~7:00am–5:00pm); serene and photogenic — allow 1.5–2 hours.
VND200000, 1h45m

10:30am

Climb to Mua Cave viewpoint

Short hike and steep stairs to panoramic viewpoint over rice fields and karst formations; open daylight hours and takes ~45–60 minutes round trip.
VND100000, 1h

12:00pm

Lunch - Local goat meat or com chay specialties

Taste regional specialties such as goat dishes or local rice snacks; many restaurants open midday.
VND150000, 1h

1:30pm

Transfer to Hanoi airport for flight to Hue

Drive back to Hanoi airport (allow 2–2.5 hours travel) and catch an afternoon flight to Hue (flight ~1h15); plan buffer time for check-in.
VND600000, 4h30m

6:30pm

Arrive Hue & check in

Settle at your Hue hotel and refresh; evening is relaxed with riverside dining options open until 9:00pm–10:00pm.
VND0, 0h45m

8:00pm

Dinner - Bun Bo Hue at a local restaurant

Enjoy the spicy, aromatic beef noodle soup that Hue is famous for; many small eateries open for dinner from 6:00pm onwards.
VND90000, 1h

Day 5: Hue Heritage

Hue, Vietnam on November 16, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast - local coffee & banh mi or Hue specialties

Fuel up with a light breakfast; cafes open from early morning serving Vietnamese coffee and sandwiches.
VND60000, 0h30m

9:00am

Imperial Citadel (The Complex of Hue Monuments)

Explore the UNESCO-listed Imperial Citadel and Forbidden Purple City (open 8:00am–5:30pm) to learn about Nguyen dynasty history.
VND150000, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch - Nem Lui or royal-style dishes

Try local grilled lemongrass skewers (nem lui) or small royal-inspired tasting menus at restaurants open for lunch.
VND120000, 1h

2:00pm

Thien Mu Pagoda & Perfume River boat

Visit iconic riverside Thien Mu Pagoda (open 7:00am–5:00pm) and consider a short boat trip on the Perfume River for atmospheric views.
VND80000, 1h30m

4:30pm

Royal tombs (Tu Duc or Khai Dinh)

Visit one or two of the ornate royal tombs just outside Hue (open 7:30am–5:30pm) for peaceful architecture and gardens.
VND100000, 1h30m

7:30pm

Dinner - Ancient-style or riverside restaurant

Dine on local Hue specialties in a riverside setting; many restaurants operate until 9:30pm.
VND150000, 1h15m

Day 6: Scenic Drive to Hoi An

Hue → Hoi An (via Hai Van Pass), Vietnam on November 17, 2025

8:00am

Drive the Hai Van Pass to Da Nang

Scenic 3–4 hour drive over the Hai Van Pass with panoramic coastal views; stops at the top for photos and at Lang Co Bay.
VND800000, 3h30m

11:30am

Lunch - Mi Quang or seafood in Da Nang

Try regional Mi Quang noodles or fresh seafood; many restaurants near the Marble Mountains and beaches are open for lunch.
VND120000, 1h

1:00pm

Marble Mountains quick visit

Explore caves, pagodas and viewpoints at Marble Mountains (open 7:00am–5:00pm) for 1–1.5 hours en route to Hoi An.
VND40000, 1h15m

3:00pm

Arrive Hoi An & check in

Settle into your Hoi An hotel and take a short rest; Hoi An’s Ancient Town is compact and best explored on foot or by bicycle.
VND0, 0h45m

5:00pm

Explore Hoi An Ancient Town at sunset

Wander UNESCO-listed streets, Japanese Covered Bridge and lantern-lit alleys (Ancient Town evening is atmospheric; many shops close by 9:00pm).
VND120000, 1h30m

7:30pm

Dinner - Morning Glory or Morning Glory Restaurant

Dine on classic central Vietnamese dishes in a well-known Hoi An restaurant; a popular choice with good service open for dinner.
VND200000, 1h15m

Day 7: Hoi An Culture

Hoi An, Vietnam on November 18, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast - Cao Lau or local market snacks

Try Cao Lau noodles, a Hoi An specialty available at market stalls and family restaurants from morning hours.
VND80000, 0h45m

8:30am

Half-day cooking class with market tour

Most cooking classes run 8:30am–1:30pm and include market visits and hands-on cooking of regional dishes — a fun, immersive experience.
VND800000, 5h0m

2:30pm

Tailor visit or cycle to Tra Que Vegetable Village

Have garments measured at a reputable tailor (fast 24–48h service) or cycle 15 minutes to Tra Que for a farming village tour (village open 8:00am–5:00pm).
VND200000, 1h30m

5:30pm

Beach time at An Bang Beach

Relax on An Bang Beach (open all day) for sunset and swimming; beachside cafes and seafood shacks operate into evening.
VND0, 1h15m

7:30pm

Evening - Lantern boat on Thu Bon River

Take a short lantern or boat ride on the river at dusk for picture-perfect lantern reflections; operators run trips around 6:00pm–9:00pm.
VND150000, 0h45m

8:30pm

Dinner - Cargo Club or local riverside restaurant

Enjoy an international or Vietnamese dinner in the Ancient Town; many options stay open until about 10:00pm.
VND250000, 1h15m

Day 8: Fly to Ho Chi Minh

Hoi An → Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam on November 19, 2025

8:30am

Leisurely breakfast & final Ancient Town stroll

Have a relaxed breakfast, pick up any last tailor or souvenir items, and enjoy a final morning in Hoi An before transfer to Da Nang airport.
VND80000, 1h

10:00am

Transfer to Da Nang airport and flight to Ho Chi Minh City

Drive 30–45 minutes to Da Nang and catch a midday flight to Ho Chi Minh City (flight ~1h20); plan check-in 1.5 hours before departure.
VND1200000, 3h30m

2:00pm

Arrive Saigon & check in

Settle into your District 1 hotel and freshen up; afternoon is good for markets and a first impression of Saigon’s energy.
VND0, 0h45m

3:30pm

Ben Thanh Market and walking tour of District 1

Browse Ben Thanh Market (open roughly 6:00am–7:00pm) and walk past the Notre-Dame Cathedral area and Central Post Office.
VND0, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner - Pho Hoa or Com Nieu Saigon

Sample a renowned Saigon pho or enjoy clay-pot style com at Com Nieu; restaurants typically open through dinner hours.
VND150000, 1h15m

9:00pm

Evening - Bui Vien backpacker street

Experience lively nightlife on Bui Vien Street with bars and street food stalls open late into the night.
VND0, 1h30m

Day 9: Cu Chi & City

Ho Chi Minh City & Cu Chi, Vietnam on November 20, 2025

7:00am

Half-day Cu Chi Tunnels tour

Depart early for a 4–5 hour guided tour of the Cu Chi Tunnel network (open 7:00am–5:00pm) to learn about guerrilla life and wartime history.
VND300000, 5h0m

12:30pm

Lunch - Local Vietnamese restaurant back in Saigon

Return to the city for lunch; try local favourites or a riverfront cafe in District 1.
VND120000, 1h

2:00pm

War Remnants Museum

Visit the War Remnants Museum (open 7:30am–6:00pm) for a solemn, informative look at modern Vietnamese history; allow 1–2 hours.
VND40000, 1h30m

4:00pm

Jade Emperor Pagoda or Notre-Dame area

See the ornate Jade Emperor Pagoda (open 8:00am–5:00pm) or walk around the colonial Saigon architecture near the cathedral.
VND0, 0h45m

7:30pm

Dinner - Ngon Restaurant or The Deck (District 2)

Dine at a popular spot for varied Vietnamese dishes or a riverside upscale restaurant; both are open for dinner into the evening.
VND350000, 1h30m

Day 10: Mekong & Depart

Ho Chi Minh City & Mekong Delta, Vietnam on November 21, 2025

7:00am

Full-day Mekong Delta day trip (My Tho/Ben Tre)

Early departure for a Mekong cruise, sampan rides, fruit orchards and coconut candy workshops; most tours run 7:00am–6:00pm and include lunch.
VND500000, 11h0m

6:30pm

Return to Saigon & freshen up

Arrive back in Ho Chi Minh City, return to your hotel to rest and prepare for departure the next day; traffic can be busy so allow time.
VND0, 0h45m

8:00pm

Farewell dinner - Local favourite or airport meal if flying late

Enjoy a final Vietnamese meal: try cao lau-style or seafood; if you have a late flight eat at Tan Son Nhat airport where several options operate 24/7.
VND250000, 1h15m

10:30pm

Transfer to airport (if late-night flight) or prepare for next-day departure

Arrange airport transfer according to your flight time — typical private transfer to Tan Son Nhat runs 30–60 minutes depending on District and traffic.
VND300000, 0h30m
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