Ease into your first day with a relaxed stroll through Ben Thanh Market, sampling fresh tropical fruit, sticky rice, and strong Vietnamese coffee at one of the bustling stalls; it's a great spot to grab a light breakfast and pick up a few souvenirs. Then wander toward the nearby colonial heart, pausing at Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon grounds and the historic Saigon Central Post Office to admire their architecture and get oriented before the afternoon's deeper market and street-food explorations.
Wander the lively alleys around Bui Vien Street for an energetic introduction to Saigon's street life, stopping at a sidewalk stall for a bowl of pho or a plate of freshly grilled skewers. As daylight fades, head to Nguyen Hue Walking Street to watch locals and families mingle, then sample bánh mì and local coffee at a popular café near Takashimaya Saigon before an early-evening motorbike food tour to discover tucked-away stalls and rooftop views.
As night falls, join a guided food-walking route through Cholon (Saigon's Chinatown) to sample delicate dim sum, savory hu tieu, and sugarcane juice from family-run stalls; the neighborhood's lantern-lit alleys feel lively and authentic without retracing earlier stops. Finish with a rooftop cocktail or mocktail at Saigon Saigon Rooftop Bar for sweeping views of the city skyline and a gentle introduction to Saigon's nightlife before returning to your hotel.
Start with a reflective visit to the War Remnants Museum to explore moving exhibits on Vietnam's modern history, then stroll through the tree-lined lawns to the nearby Reunification Palace for its preserved 1970s interiors and command rooms. After soaking up history, pause for a late-morning coffee and local pastry at The Workshop - a favorite for specialty brews - before heading toward the colonial district to admire the façade of Saigon Opera House from the outside and catch the city waking up.
After a morning of history, slow the pace with a leisurely cyclo ride through Pham Ngu Lao and the surrounding backpacker quarter, dropping into the leafy Turtle Lake (Viet Nam National University area) to watch students and locals unwind over iced coffee. Continue to Binh Tay Market in Cholon to explore vibrant Chinese-Vietnamese stalls, sample crispy bánh tét and fresh hu tieu at a stall, then finish the afternoon with a soothing herbal drink at a traditional apothecary near Thien Hau Temple as you transition toward an evening in the city.
As dusk settles, wander to the leafy riverside promenade by Saigon Riverwalk and board a short evening cruise to watch the city lights shimmer while sipping sugarcane juice or a cold local beer; many launches include commentary on the skyline and bridges. After the cruise, dine at Quan An Ngon to sample an array of regional dishes in a lively garden setting-try shared plates of bun rieu and grilled lemongrass pork-then finish with a late-night artisanal dessert at The RICHY Tea & Dessert for a relaxed, local end to the day.
Rise early and drive out to the river town of Ben Tre, where you'll board a local sampan to glide through fragrant palm-lined canals, stopping at a family-run coconut workshop to taste fresh coconut sweets and hear about traditional crafting. Continue to a floating village near My Tho for a guided walk along narrow boardwalks, sample pandan pancakes and honey tea at a riverside home, and meet artisans making rice paper before a short bike ride through village lanes to observe everyday delta life.
After a riverside home lunch, explore the sleepy canals by wooden boat to reach Cai Rang Floating Market's quieter outskirts, where sellers tie fresh produce to poles and offer coconut candy from boat-side stalls; it's a wonderful spot for candid photos and tasting honey tea poured from a boat. Then pedal a short distance to Tra Vinh village to visit a local family-run orchard to sample seasonal fruits and learn how traditional braised fish is prepared before returning along scenic backwaters as the light softens.
As twilight falls, settle into a riverside homestay near Vinh Long for a family-style dinner of freshly caught fish cooked in clay pot and fragrant lemongrass, followed by a leisurely walk along the palm-lined quay to watch sampans glide past. Finish the night with a short, atmospheric boat ride to Can Tho's quieter riverfront to sip local lotus tea and sample warm chè from a street stall while the river market lights twinkle in the distance.
After an early flight and hotel drop-off, begin with a calming walk around Hoan Kiem Lake, watching morning tai chi and stopping at a lakeside stall for a hot cup of local coffee and a bánh cuốn snack. Then dive into the bustling lanes of the Old Quarter, weaving through artisan shops and centuries-old tube houses to hunt for lacquerware and silk, before pausing at Morning Glory Restaurant for a late-morning tasting of northern specialties like bun thang or a light plate of cha ca.
After checking into your hotel, wander the winding lanes of the Old Quarter to hunt for handcrafted goods and stop at Bun Cha Huong Lien for a late lunch of smoky grilled pork with vermicelli and herbs. Continue with a visit to the nearby Hoa Lo Prison Memorial to gain historical perspective, then stroll toward Dong Xuan Market to sample street snacks like freshly made nem chua and to watch the lively trade of textiles and souvenirs as the sun softens over the Red River.
As dusk settles, drift into the atmospheric Ta Hien Beer Street to soak up lively local energy over cold bia hơi and crispy quẩy; it's a great way to meet fellow travelers and try simple bar snacks. Then wander to the lantern-lit courtyard of Hanoi Night Market (Hang Dao-Dong Xuan stretch) to browse craft stalls and taste street-side favorites like grilled corn and quẩy chiên, finishing with a mellow bowl of chè at a tucked-away stall near St. Joseph's Cathedral to round out your first evening in the capital.
Begin with a peaceful circuit around Hoan Kiem Lake, joining locals for tai chi at dawn and stopping at a lakeside kiosk for a strong Vietnamese coffee and a warm bánh cuốn. From there, walk to the nearby leafy complex of the Temple of Literature to wander its tranquil courtyards, see the ancient stelae of scholars and try your hand at writing a wish on a lacquered plaque before heading into the Old Quarter for mid-morning street snacks like a steaming bowl of pho at a well-loved neighborhood stall.
Wander deeper into the Old Quarter's lively trade streets, stopping for a late lunch at Bun Cha Huong Lien to savor smoky grilled pork served with fresh herbs and vermicelli, then stroll toward the nearby craft alleys to browse lacquerware and silk workshops where artisans demonstrate traditional techniques. Continue with a relaxed cyclo ride past the colonial quarter to Dong Xuan Market to sample street snacks-try a warm cup of chè or a crispy bánh rán-then pause at a riverside café near the Red River to watch local life and plan your evening in the lantern-lit Old Quarter.
As night falls, head to Ta Hien Beer Street to join locals over cold bia hơi and share plates of crispy quẩy and bar snacks, then drift toward the nearby Hanoi Night Market (Hang Dao-Dong Xuan stretch) where lanterns, handcrafted souvenirs, and sizzling skewers line the lanes. Finish with a relaxed dessert crawl at Chè Bà Thìn for authentic sweet soups and a late-night bowl of bun rieu at a popular roadside stall, soaking up the warm glow and lively chatter of the Old Quarter after dark.
Depart Hanoi early for a scenic transfer to the coast and board a mid-morning cruise that threads through emerald waters and dramatic karsts around Ti Top Island, where you'll stretch your legs with a short climb for sweeping bay views. After the viewpoint, return to the boat for guided sea-cave exploration and a calm kayaking stretch around the quieter inlets near Bai Tu Long or Lan Ha Bay-paddling close to limestone cliffs and floating fishing villages for intimate photo moments and a chance to spot local life on the water.
After a leisurely seafood lunch on board, glide toward the quieter coves near Dark & Bright Cave (Hang Toi & Hang Sáng) for an afternoon of guided kayaking through narrow channels and emerald grottoes, then disembark at Cat Ba Island's small village pier to wander shaded trails and spot orchids and hardy limestone flora. Finish the afternoon with a visit to a floating fish farm where you'll meet local fishers, taste freshly shucked shellfish, and watch fishermen bring in their nets as the light softens before returning to the cruise for golden-hour views of the bay.
As twilight deepens, relax on deck with a sunset cocktail while drifting toward a sheltered cove near Vung Vieng Fishing Village, watching local boats light their lanterns and the karsts turn indigo; it's a tranquil moment to ask the crew about nightly fishing traditions. After anchoring, join a short shore walk to Cannon Fort viewpoint on Cat Ba for panoramic night-sky and bay reflections, then return to the boat for a communal dinner of grilled scallops and coconut dessert, followed by star-gazing on the sundeck or a peaceful night-time squid-fishing experience with the local crew.
Arrive in Hoi An and settle into your hotel before exploring the tranquil riverside fringes of Cam Nam by bicycle, stopping at a riverside café for a Vietnamese iced coffee and fresh bánh mì. Continue with a guided basket-boat ride through the nearby coconut water channels to see traditional fishing techniques, then visit the artisan quarter around Kim Bồng Village to watch blacksmiths and woodcarvers at work and try a short lantern-making workshop to craft your own souvenir for tonight's lantern-lit stroll.
After checking into your hotel, wander the atmospheric lanes of Hoi An Ancient Town, pausing at a tailor shop to discuss a quick custom fitting and watch skilled artisans measure fabrics for a perfect souvenir. Continue with a peaceful boat ride on the Thu Bồn River to see riverside homes and fishing boats up close, then visit Japanese Covered Bridge and the adjacent historic houses to catch late-afternoon light on their carved wooden facades before freshening up for evening lanterns.
As lanterns begin to glow, wander to the riverside stretch near Hoi An Ancient Town and join a guided evening food crawl to sample cao lầu and white rose dumplings at well-loved family stalls, then pause to sip a lime soda at a riverside café while watching traditional boats drift by. After dinner, take a short walk to Assembly Hall of the Fujian Chinese (Phuc Kien) to admire its ornate lamps and carved wood under soft light, then launch a paper lantern on the Thu Bồn River for a quiet, memorable ritual that connects tonight to the town's timeless evenings.
Start the morning with a gentle cycle to Tra Que Vegetable Village to join a short farming workshop-learn about seasonal herbs, plant a seedling, and taste a crisp herb platter paired with freshly brewed local tea. Then head to Cam Kim Island for a guided craft tour visiting boat builders and Thanh Ha Pottery Village, where you can try your hand at shaping clay on a wheel before returning to town with time for a riverside Vietnamese iced coffee at a cafe along the Thu Bồn River.
Stroll through the lively craft lanes to visit Tra Que's market stalls and stop at Reaching Out Tea House for a calming cup while watching local artisans dye silk and weave baskets; then join a hands-on session at Hai Café's lantern workshop to finish a small lantern you can carry to tonight's river ritual. Afterward, take a short bike ride to Cam Thanh's basket-boat docks for a tranquil river cruise through coconut palms and a chance to meet a fishing family who will demonstrate traditional net-casting and offer freshly made rice crackers before you return to freshen up for the evening.
As dusk deepens, join a hands-on street-food tour that stops at Ms. Vy's Cao Lầu Stall to learn the story behind the dish and taste the chewy noodles, then sample delicate White Rose Dumplings at Madam Khanh while a guide explains family recipes. Finish with a peaceful lantern-launch on the Thu Bồn River from the riverside near An Hoi Islet, sipping a local lemongrass tea and listening to traditional folk songs as paper lanterns drift downstream for a quietly memorable end to your Hoi An evening.
| Place / Activity | Cost |
|---|---|
| Ben Thanh Market (food & shopping) | $6 |
| Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon (grounds) | Free |
| Saigon Central Post Office | Free |
| Bui Vien Street (street food: pho or grilled skewers) | $4 |
| Nguyen Hue Walking Street | Free |
| Takashimaya Saigon (cafe / coffee) | $3 |
| Motorbike food tour (guided, evening) | $30 |
| Cholon (guided food-walking in Chinatown) | $25 |
| Saigon Saigon Rooftop Bar (drink) | $8 |
| War Remnants Museum | $2 |
| Reunification Palace (Independence Palace) | $3 |
| The Workshop (coffee) | $3 |
| Saigon Opera House (exterior visit) | Free |
| Cyclo ride (Pham Ngu Lao area) | $6 |
| Turtle Lake (coffee/snack) | $2 |
| Binh Tay Market (Cholon) - food & shopping | $4 |
| Thien Hau Temple (visit) | Free |
| Saigon Riverwalk (evening promenade) | Free |
| Evening Saigon river cruise (short) | $12 |
| Quan An Ngon (dinner - shared plates) | $10 |
| The RICHY Tea & Dessert (dessert) | $3 |
| Ben Tre Sampan & coconut workshop (Mekong day trip activity) | $18 |
| Floating village visit (My Tho) | $10 |
| Village bike ride (short) | $6 |
| Riverside home lunch (Mekong homestay style) | $8 |
| Cai Rang floating market outskirts (boat access) | $10 |
| Tra Vinh orchard visit / tasting | $6 |
| Riverside homestay dinner (Vinh Long) | $10 |
| Short boat ride to Can Tho riverfront (evening snack) | $3 |
| Hoan Kiem Lake (tai chi / stroll) | Free |
| Old Quarter wandering / shopping | $5 |
| Morning Glory Restaurant (late-morning tasting) | $6 |
| Bun Cha Huong Lien (lunch) | $4 |
| Hoa Lo Prison Memorial | $2 |
| Dong Xuan Market (snacks & shopping) | $4 |
| Ta Hien Beer Street (bia hơi & snacks) | $4 |
| Hanoi Night Market (Hang Dao-Dong Xuan stretch) | Free |
| Chè stall near St. Joseph's Cathedral (dessert) | $2 |
| Temple of Literature | $1 |
| Ta Hien Beer Street (repeat entry for Day 5) | $4 |
| Day trip Halong Bay / Lan Ha Bay (cruise with kayaking) | $90 |
| Ti Top Island viewpoint (included in cruise) | Free |
| Cat Ba Cannon Fort viewpoint (short walk) | $1 |
| Hoi An Cam Nam bicycle ride (rental & coffee) | $5 |
| Basket-boat ride (Cam Nam) | $6 |
| Kim Bồng Village craft visit (lantern workshop short) | $8 |
| Tailor quick fitting (Hoi An) | $10 |
| Thu Bồn River boat ride (short) | $5 |
| Japanese Covered Bridge (visit) | Free |
| Tra Que Vegetable Village farming workshop | $8 |
| Thanh Ha Pottery Village (trial) | $4 |
| Reaching Out Tea House (tea) | $3 |
| Hai Café lantern workshop | $6 |
| Cam Thanh basket-boat river cruise (net-casting demo) | $7 |
| Ms. Vy's Cao Lầu Stall (tasting / street-food tour stop) | $3 |
| Madam Khanh White Rose Dumplings (tasting) | $4 |
| Lantern launch on Thu Bồn River (paper lantern) | $2 |
| Estimated Total (per person) | $429 |