7–11 July 2026: 9-Day Vietnam Itinerary — 4 Nights City & 5 Nights 5-Star Beach

Ho Chi Minh City (or Hanoi, depending on flight) · Friday, July 3, 2026

Arrival in Vietnam — City check-in and relaxation

Morning:

After landing and a smooth transfer, ease into Vietnam with a gentle stroll through Nguyen Hue Walking Street or Hoan Kiem Lake depending on your city, soaking up local life and colonial or lakeside architecture. Pause for a late-morning coffee at a shaded cafe-try a traditional Vietnamese egg coffee at Cafe Giang (Hanoi) or a strong ghi da at The Workshop Coffee (Ho Chi Minh City)-then return to your hotel for an early check-in and a restorative spa foot bath to recover from the flight.

Afternoon:

Spend the afternoon wandering a lively neighbourhood market-browse fresh produce and street snacks at Ben Thanh Market (Ho Chi Minh City) or the colourful stalls of Dong Xuan Market (Hanoi), sampling banh mi or fresh spring rolls from a trusted vendor. Follow this with a relaxed riverfront or rooftop early-evening drink at Bui Vien Street's skybar (HCMC) or the peaceful terrace of The Sofitel Legend Metropole (Hanoi) to watch the city shift into evening before returning to the hotel to freshen up for dinner.

Evening:

As night falls, savour a relaxed dinner at Secret Garden Rooftop Restaurant (HCMC) or the intimate courtyard of Home Vietnamese Restaurant (Hanoi) for authentic flavours in a welcoming setting. After dinner, take a gentle stroll to enjoy live music and people-watching at Acoustic Bar (HCMC) or sip a nightcap beneath lanterns at Ta Hien Night Street (Hanoi) before returning to the hotel for a good night's rest.

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Ho Chi Minh City (or Hanoi) · Saturday, July 4, 2026

City highlights — guided sightseeing and cultural sites

Morning:

Start with a guided walking tour through the atmospheric lanes around Chinatown (Cho Lon) in Ho Chi Minh City - visit the ornate Thien Hau Pagoda, watch herbal medicine shops at work and sample warm steamed buns from a family-run stall. Alternatively in Hanoi, explore the leafy Truc Bach neighbourhood with a local guide, pause for a lakeside coffee at Café Dinh and wander the nearby Quan Thanh Temple to soak up morning ritual and history before returning to the hotel for a brief rest and light lunch.

Afternoon:

After a leisurely lunch, join a guided tour through the city's imperial and colonial landmarks-visit The Independence Palace (Reunification Palace) in Ho Chi Minh City to step into Vietnam's modern history or The Imperial Citadel of Thang Long in Hanoi for UNESCO-listed relics. Follow this with a scenic late-afternoon boat ride on the Saigon River (HCMC) or a gentle cyclo trip around Hanoi's Old Quarter West Lake stretch, finishing with refreshments at the elegant Rooftop Bar at Hotel Continental (HCMC) or the lakeside Tay Ho Cafe to watch sunset light the skyline before returning to the hotel to freshen up.

Evening:

Conclude your day with a culinary walk through Nguyen Van Binh Book Street (HCMC) or the lantern-lit alleys of Hang Ma Street (Hanoi), sampling street desserts like chè and bánh rán from acclaimed vendors. Follow this with cocktails at the elegant EON51 Observatory Bar (HCMC) or a twilight cruise to see Long Bien Bridge illuminated (Hanoi), then return to your hotel for a relaxed nightcap and notes for tomorrow's beach transfer.

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Ho Chi Minh City (or Hanoi) · Sunday, July 5, 2026

More city exploration — museums, markets and dining

Morning:

Begin with a deep dive into local culture at The War Remnants Museum (HCMC) or the evocative Vietnam Museum of Ethnology (Hanoi), where thoughtful exhibits bring history and regional diversity to life. Follow with a visit to Café Apartment (HCMC) or the leafy Maison de Tet (Hanoi) for a long coffee and people-watching, then browse artisanal goods at Saigon's Xuan Market (or Bat Trang Pottery Village near Hanoi) to pick up unique souvenirs before returning to the hotel for a light lunch and a short rest.

Afternoon:

After a light lunch and rest, wander the creative corridors of Saigon Opera House (HCMC) or the serene grounds of Tran Quoc Pagoda (Hanoi) for photos and quiet reflection, then head to the vibrant Saigon Centre / Vincom (HCMC) or Hang Gai Silk Street (Hanoi) to browse contemporary Vietnamese design and silk boutiques. Finish with a street-food walking tour through Vinh Khanh Street (HCMC) or the atmospheric Ta Hien-Luong Ngoc Quyen stretch (Hanoi), tasting grilled skewers, fresh seafood and local sweets while your guide points out hidden stalls and local favourites before returning to the hotel to freshen up for dinner.

Evening:

As twilight falls, take a food-focused walking tour through Le Thanh Ton Street (Japanese Quarter) in Ho Chi Minh City to sample inventive fusion izakaya bites and craft cocktails, or wander the atmospheric Phung Hung Night Market in Hanoi for grilled river fish and sticky rice treats from family stalls. Finish with a relaxed late-evening performance at AO Show Theatre (Ho Chi Minh City) or a traditional water puppet show at Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre (Hanoi) and a nightcap at the nearby hotel bar to reflect on the day's discoveries before tomorrow's beach transfer.

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Ho Chi Minh City (or Hanoi) · Monday, July 6, 2026

Final city day — optional day trips or leisure

Morning:

Ease into your final city morning with a guided food-and-history walk through Cau Kho Market (HCMC) or the charming Trang Tien Market (Hanoi), sampling local breakfast staples like bánh cuốn or xôi and chatting with vendors. Afterward, visit the peaceful galleries of Factory Contemporary Arts Centre (HCMC) or the intimate Hoa Lo Prison Museum (Hanoi) for a reflective cultural contrast before returning to the hotel to pack and prepare for your afternoon transfer to the beach.

Afternoon:

Take a relaxed guided cyclo or private car excursion to the leafy outskirts-visit Jade Emperor Pagoda (HCMC) for atmospheric incense and carved statuary or Bat Trang Ceramic Village (near Hanoi) to try your hand at pottery with a short workshop; finish with a riverside lunch at Nha Hang Ngon (HCMC) or a tranquil cafe on Duong Thanh (Hanoi). After lunch, enjoy a scenic late-afternoon cruise on the Saigon River (HCMC) or a calm pedal-boat on West Lake (Hanoi) to watch golden light spill over the skyline before returning to the hotel to collect luggage and prepare for your beach transfer.

Evening:

Wind down your final city evening with a memorable dinner at Quan An Ngon (HCMC) or the atmospheric Duong Thanh Night Café (Hanoi), where regional specialties are served in a convivial setting. Afterward, take a leisurely twilight cruise on the Saigon Waterbus (HCMC) or a riverside walk by Long Bien Market (Hanoi) to watch local life unfold, finishing with cocktails or a dessert tasting at the stylish The Reverie Lounge (HCMC) or the intimate Maison de L'Amant (Hanoi) before returning to the hotel to pack for your beach transfer.

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Vietnam beach destination (e.g., Phu Quoc, Nha Trang or Da Nang/Hoi An) · Tuesday, July 7, 2026

Transfer to the beach — check in to a 5-star resort

Morning:

After an early private transfer to the airport, arrive and take a short scenic drive to your resort, pausing for a light seaside brunch at Sailing Club Nha Trang (if Nha Trang) or K+ Bistro & Cafe (if Da Nang) to taste fresh seafood and tropical fruit. Once at the resort, enjoy a personalised check-in followed by a restorative welcome ritual - think a chilled coconut on the beach and a 30-minute complimentary foot massage at the hotel's Wellness Pavilion before exploring the private stretch of sand and pool cabanas.

Afternoon:

Unwind after check-in with a leisurely beachfront lunch at The Shells Restaurant (Resort signature seafood menu) followed by a guided snorkel introduction at Coral Garden or a gentle paddle in a shared clear kayak from the resort's water sports centre. Later, take a short guided walk to the resort's hidden viewpoint-often called Sunset Cliff or Lighthouse Lookout at many properties-for panoramic sea views, a chilled tropical mocktail and a resort-led photography tip session before returning to freshen up for an evening dinner.

Evening:

Begin your evening with sundowners at The Cliff Infinity Bar (resort rooftop) where a signature lychee martini and panoramic sea views set a relaxed tone; linger for a short guided stargazing talk led by the resort's concierge. For dinner, reserve a beachfront private table at Lantana Grill (sea-to-table tasting menu) featuring live seafood preparation and a curated Vietnamese wine pairing, then finish with a moonlit stroll to Coral Lantern Cove for gentle waves and the soft glow of locally made lanterns before returning to the resort for a nightcap.

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Beach resort · Wednesday, July 8, 2026

Beach relaxation and resort amenities

Morning:

Wake leisurely with a sunrise yoga session on the sand led by the resort's instructor at Dawn Pavilion, then sip a cooling fruit-infused water while strolling to The Oceanfront Breakfast Terrace for a tropical buffet featuring fresh papaya, pho, and made-to-order egg crepes. After breakfast, join a guided eco-walk to Mango Grove Nature Trail on the resort grounds to spot local birdlife and learn about the resort's conservation programme, finishing with a complimentary 30-minute foot reflexology at The Banyan Wellness Hut to prepare for a day of leisure.

Afternoon:

After a leisurely morning, enjoy a languid beachfront lunch at The Tides Beachclub, sampling a tropical ceviche and a signature coconut cooler before joining a guided introductory SUP (stand-up paddle) session at Coral Bay Launch Point to glide over shallow reefs and spot colourful fish. Later, retreat to The Quiet Cabanas for an indulgent 60-minute aromatherapy massage, then take a short stroll to Seafarer's Lookout to watch the afternoon light play across the water while the resort photographer offers quick tips for sunset shots.

Evening:

As dusk falls, savour a seafood-focused tapas dinner at Mariner's Deck where the chef grills daily catch at the open flame and pairs dishes with chilled Vietnamese sparkling wine; linger over a citrus-passion fruit sorbet for palate-cleansing. After dinner, join the resort's lantern-lit beach walk to Moonlit Tide Pavilion for a brief guided bioluminescence talk and, if the tide is right, gentle night-snorkelling with LED-guided floats, finishing with cocktails at Driftwood Rooftop Bar beneath the stars.

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Beach resort / nearby islands · Thursday, July 9, 2026

Water activities and island excursions

Morning:

Rise early for a half-day speedboat excursion to Hon Noi Island, where you'll snorkel vibrant reefs at Turtle Garden and enjoy a guided reef ecology briefing from the resort's marine biologist. Afterward, relax with a beachside Vietnamese-style seafood brunch under palms at Sandy Cove Cafe before returning to the resort for a short rest and freshen-up ahead of afternoon island-hopping.

Afternoon:

After your Hon Noi snorkel morning, board a private long-tail for a curated island circuit to Blue Lagoon Cove, where a guided reef swim reveals parrotfish and anemone gardens, then stretch out on the sheltered sandbank of Shellspur Islet for a light seaside picnic of fresh lobster rolls and tropical fruit. Later, join the resort's marine team for a hands-on sea-kayak glide to Hidden Archway, a photogenic limestone grotto perfect for cooling swims and a short cliff-jump demo by the guides before returning to the resort to freshen up for sunset activities.

Evening:

Return from your island circuit for a sunset sailing aboard The Serene Catamaran, sipping a signature passionfruit spritz while gliding past Coral Point and listening to the crew share local navigational lore. After docking, enjoy a beachfront feast at Lantern Bay Grill-think grilled tiger prawns and tamarind-glazed snapper-followed by live acoustic music beneath the palms at Seafarer's Terrace and a nightcap at the resort's intimate Cove Candlebar.

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Beach resort · Friday, July 10, 2026

Spa day, fine dining and sunset views

Morning:

Begin with a soothing holistic ritual at the resort's signature Azure Spa Sanctuary, where a 90-minute traditional Vietnamese herbal steam and lemongrass body wrap prepares you for deep relaxation. After your treatment, stroll to Palm Court Brunch Terrace for a light coastal-inspired breakfast of chilled mango chia, steamed bao with crab pate and freshly pressed coconut water while watching the calm morning surf.

Afternoon:

Spend a leisurely afternoon indulging in a signature coastal treatment at The Pearl Hydrotherapy Suite, followed by a tranquil reflexology session at Coconut Grove Reflexology Hut to melt away any lingering tension. After your treatments, join a private tea-pairing and light canapé tasting on the shaded terrace of Orchid Tea Lounge, then take a slow stroll to Mirador Point to photograph the golden-hour light before returning to the resort to freshen up for dinner.

Evening:

As twilight deepens, enjoy an aperitif at Sapphire Sunset Lounge, where a mixologist crafts a tropical gin tonic using local herbs while you watch the sky turn bronze; follow this with a chef's tasting menu at Celestine Table, a fine-dining pavilion serving contemporary Vietnamese-French fusion with bespoke wine pairings. Finish the night with a private after-dinner digestif on The Lantern Terrace, listening to soft live jazz and taking in uninterrupted night-sea views before a short stroll back to your villa.

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Beach resort · Saturday, July 11, 2026

Final beach day and departure preparations

Morning:

Begin your final morning with a relaxed seaside breakfast at The Boardwalk Café, savouring fresh tropical fruit, steamed buns and a local iced cà phê while you watch staff prepare the morning's beach activities. Afterwards, enjoy a gentle guided paddle along the resort's quieter east cove from Lagoon Launch Point, returning for a complimentary 30-minute restorative foot massage at Shoreline Healing Hut to leave you refreshed and ready to pack with plenty of time for your transfer.

Afternoon:

After checking out of your villa, enjoy a leisurely seaside lunch at Azure Bistro sampling a final plate of lemongrass grilled prawns and green mango salad while seated on the beachfront terrace. Then take a relaxed guided coastal walk to Tidepool Lookout to collect last-minute photos and spot shore crabs before returning to the resort for luggage collection and a private transfer to the airport.

Evening:

For a relaxed final evening, enjoy sundowners at Seabreeze Skybar, where a bartender will craft a farewell cocktail using local passionfruit and lemongrass while you watch the horizon melt into colour. Follow with a casual seafood tapas dinner at Driftline Terrace-try the charcoal-grilled calamari and tamarind mussels-then take a short moonlit walk to Pearl Jetty for one last listen to the waves before returning to the resort to collect luggage and meet your private transfer.

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Estimated Costs (per person)

Place / ActivityCost
Nguyen Hue Walking StreetFree
Hoan Kiem LakeFree
Cafe Giang (egg coffee)₫60,000
The Workshop Coffee (ghi da)₫60,000
Spa foot bath (hotel/resort)₫250,000
Ben Thanh Market (HCMC) - street food/snacks₫80,000
Dong Xuan Market (Hanoi) - street food/snacks₫80,000
Bui Vien Street skybar drink (HCMC)₫200,000
The Sofitel Legend Metropole terrace drink (Hanoi)₫350,000
Secret Garden Rooftop Restaurant (HCMC) - dinner per person₫500,000
Home Vietnamese Restaurant (Hanoi) - dinner per person₫450,000
Acoustic Bar (HCMC) - drinks/live music₫200,000
Ta Hien Night Street (Hanoi) - drinks/snacks₫150,000
Chinatown (Cho Lon) walking (HCMC)Free
Thien Hau Pagoda (Cho Lon)Free
Truc Bach neighbourhood walk (Hanoi)Free
Café Dinh (Hanoi) - coffee₫60,000
Quan Thanh Temple (Hanoi)Free
Independence Palace (Reunification Palace) entry (HCMC)₫40,000
Imperial Citadel of Thang Long (entry - Hanoi)₫40,000
Saigon River boat ride (HCMC) - tourist cruise₫200,000
Cyclo around Hanoi Old Quarter/West Lake₫150,000
Rooftop Bar at Hotel Continental (HCMC) - drink₫250,000
Tay Ho Cafe (Hanoi) - drink₫80,000
Nguyen Van Binh Book Street (HCMC) - snacks₫80,000
Hang Ma Street (Hanoi) - street desserts₫60,000
EON51 Observatory Bar (HCMC) - drink/entry₫350,000
Long Bien Bridge twilight cruise (Hanoi) - ticket₫200,000
War Remnants Museum (HCMC) entry₫40,000
Vietnam Museum of Ethnology (Hanoi) entry₫40,000
Café Apartment (HCMC) - coffee/snack₫120,000
Maison de Tet (Hanoi) - coffee/snack₫120,000
Xuan Market (Saigon) - shopping/snacks₫150,000
Bat Trang Pottery Village (half-day visit/workshop)₫200,000
Saigon Opera House visit (photo/opera ticket optional)₫300,000
Tran Quoc Pagoda (Hanoi)Free
Saigon Centre / Vincom - shopping/snack₫200,000
Hang Gai Silk Street (Hanoi) - shopping₫300,000
Vinh Khanh Street food walking tour (HCMC)₫350,000
Ta Hien - Luong Ngoc Quyen food stretch (Hanoi) - street food₫200,000
Le Thanh Ton food walk (HCMC) - izakaya bites₫350,000
Phung Hung Night Market (Hanoi) - street food₫150,000
AO Show Theatre (HCMC) ticket₫700,000
Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre (Hanoi) ticket₫150,000
Cau Kho Market (HCMC) - breakfast street food₫80,000
Trang Tien Market (Hanoi) - breakfast/snacks₫80,000
Factory Contemporary Arts Centre (HCMC) entry/donation₫40,000
Hoa Lo Prison Museum (Hanoi) entry₫30,000
Jade Emperor Pagoda (HCMC)Free
Bat Trang Ceramic workshop (Hanoi) - pottery class₫250,000
Nha Hang Ngon (HCMC) - riverside lunch per person₫250,000
Duong Thanh cafe (Hanoi) - cafe lunch₫150,000
Saigon River scenic cruise (afternoon) (HCMC)₫200,000
West Lake pedal-boat (Hanoi)₫100,000
Quan An Ngon (HCMC) dinner per person₫300,000
Duong Thanh Night Café (Hanoi) dinner₫250,000
Saigon Waterbus (evening) ticket₫35,000
Private transfer to beach (per person) - domestic flight + car₫1,800,000
Sailing Club Nha Trang (brunch) - per person₫400,000
K+ Bistro & Cafe (Da Nang) - brunch₫200,000
Resort welcome coconut & 30-min foot massage (complimentary) Free
The Shells Restaurant (resort) beachfront lunch₫450,000
Guided snorkel introduction (resort) - per person₫600,000
Shared clear kayak session (resort)₫200,000
Sunset Cliff viewpoint mocktail (resort)₫150,000
Cliff Infinity Bar sundowner (resort) - drink₫250,000
Lantana Grill beachfront private table dinner (per person)₫800,000
Dawn Pavilion sunrise yoga (resort)₫200,000
Oceanfront Breakfast Terrace buffet (resort)₫350,000
Eco-walk Mango Grove (resort guided)Free
Banyan Wellness Hut 30-min foot reflexology (complimentary)Free
Tides Beachclub lunch (resort)₫450,000
SUP introductory session (resort)₫400,000
60-minute aromatherapy massage (resort)₫1,200,000
Seafarer's Lookout photographer tips (resort)Free
Half-day Hon Noi speedboat snorkel excursion (with marine biologist)₫1,200,000
Sandy Cove Cafe beachside brunch (island)₫300,000
Private long-tail island circuit (afternoon) per person₫800,000
Shellspur Islet picnic (included in island tour)Free
Sea-kayak to Hidden Archway (guided)₫300,000
Sunset Serene Catamaran sail (per person)₫900,000
Lantern Bay Grill beachfront feast (per person)₫650,000
Azure Spa Sanctuary 90-minute ritual₫1,800,000
Palm Court Brunch Terrace (brunch)₫350,000
Pearl Hydrotherapy Suite treatment (resort)₫1,200,000
Coconut Grove reflexology session₫400,000
Orchid Tea Lounge private tea-pairing & canapés₫600,000
Mirador Point photography session (resort)Free
Sapphire Sunset Lounge aperitif (drink)₫300,000
Celestine Table chef's tasting menu with wine pairing (per person)₫2,500,000
Lantern Terrace after-dinner digestif₫200,000
Boardwalk Café seaside breakfast₫250,000
Lagoon Launch Point guided paddle (east cove)₫200,000
Shoreline Healing Hut 30-min restorative foot massage (complimentary)Free
Azure Bistro seaside lunch₫400,000
Tidepool Lookout guided coastal walkFree
Seabreeze Skybar farewell cocktail (drink)₫250,000
Driftline Terrace seafood tapas dinner₫350,000
Pearl Jetty moonlit stroll (activity)Free
Estimated Total (per person)₫28,325,000
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