After arriving and dropping bags at your hotel, ease into Hanoi with a relaxed walk through Trang Tien Plaza for a coffee and people-watching, then stroll across to Hanoi Opera House to admire its French-colonial façade and snap photos. Continue to the nearby Ly Thai To Park to watch locals practicing tai chi and take in your first glimpses of Hanoi street life before a light lunch at a riverside café along the Red River embankment.
Head into the atmospheric Old Quarter for a guided walking loop through its maze of streets-sample a bowl of bun cha at a beloved local stall, watch artisans crafting lacquerware, and pop into the bustling Dong Xuan Market to browse spices, silk and souvenirs. As daylight fades, cross to the tranquil Hoan Kiem Lake area to visit Ngoc Son Temple, enjoy a Vietnamese iced coffee at a lakeside café, and linger for the evening puppet performances or street music that bring Hanoi's rhythms alive.
As twilight deepens, wander the atmospheric streets of the Ta Hien Beer Street area to sample a cold bia hoi alongside locals and watch the lively scooter ballet, then stroll toward the atmospheric St. Joseph's Cathedral to admire its illuminated neo-Gothic silhouette. Finish with a riverside dinner and live acoustic set at Long Biên Bridge Viewpoint Café, where you can sip a cocktail while spotting the illuminated old quarter skyline and reflecting on your first impressions of Hanoi.
Start your morning with fragrant street-food hunting at Pho Bat Dan, slurping a steaming bowl of pho where locals queue, then wander to the nearby Vietnam National Museum of History for a concise primer on the country's past displayed in compelling artifacts. From there, join a hands-on workshop at Quynh's Lantern Studio to learn traditional lantern-making, a tactile way to connect with Hanoi's crafts before a mid-morning coffee at the leafy courtyard of Cafe Dinh.
Wander deeper into the Old Quarter with a guided food-and-history crawl that stops at Cha Ca Thang Long to try the aromatic grilled fish dish, then browse handcrafted curios at Hang Gai Silk Street and the intimate galleries nearby. As light softens, join a short cyclo ride through the French Quarter to the leafy grounds of Hoa Lo Prison Memorial for a thoughtful look at modern Vietnam before finishing with sunset cocktails on the rooftop of The Hanoi Social Club to watch the city move below.
As night falls, follow the glow of lanterns to Train Street for an atmospheric walk (time your visit between scheduled train passages) and enjoy street-side snacks from vendors selling bánh rán and sugarcane juice. Afterward, settle in for a contemporary Vietnamese performance at Hanoi's Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre or sip cocktails on the rooftop of Tadioto while listening to live jazz, reflecting on the day's cultural discoveries before an easy walk back through the quiet lanes of the Old Quarter.
Rise early and travel south from Hanoi to Tam Coc for a peaceful sampan ride through limestone karsts and rice paddies, drifting beneath low-hanging cliffs and passing quiet riverside villages; stop to visit the riverside family-run Ngoa Long House for tea and a glimpse of rural life. After the boat, cycle along country lanes to Bich Dong Pagoda, climb the stone steps to its cliffside shrines for sweeping valley views, and enjoy a riverside lunch of fresh river prawns at a local homestay.
After lunch, head to Trang An Landscape Complex for a tranquil boat tour that threads through grottoes and beneath soaring karst cliffs, pausing to disembark and explore the cave mouths and temple niches along the water. Later, cycle or take a short transfer to Thung Nham Bird Garden to stroll its shaded bamboo paths, watch migratory flocks return at dusk, and finish the afternoon with tea on the riverside terrace of Ninh Binh Hidden Charm Hotel & Spa, soaking in wide rice-field views as the sky softens.
As twilight falls, wander the peaceful grounds of Phat Diem Cathedral to admire its unique stone-carved façade and the way lanterns soften the cathedral's silhouette, then head to Tam Coc Riverside Village for a riverside dinner of grilled river fish and seasonal vegetables at a family-run homestay where you can chat with hosts about local life. Finish the night with a short stroll to Sunset Hill Viewpoint to watch the karst peaks turn purple and listen for nocturnal frogs, a quiet moment that threads today's calm river journeys into the growing intimacy of rural northern Vietnam.
Depart Hanoi mid-morning and drive east toward Tuan Chau Marina, stopping en route for a short stretch at the scenic Hai Phong coastal lookout to breathe in sea air and spot fishing boats. Arrive at the pier for boarding, enjoy a welcome set of Vietnamese hors d'oeuvres on the sundeck, then cruise past towering karsts to explore the emerald waters around Soi Sim Island where you can swim or hike a short trail to a viewpoint before settling into your cabin and watching limestone silhouettes glide past with a late-morning cup of Vietnamese tea.
After a leisurely lunch on deck, take a guided kayak trip through the quieter lagoons around Luon Cave where turquoise water threads between towering karsts and you can paddle into hidden caves and mangrove pockets; an onboard naturalist will point out limestone formations and local marine life. Later, visit Floating Fishing Village Cua Van to meet fishermen, learn about aquaculture from a local family, and return to the boat for sunset cocktails on the sundeck before a seafood dinner served in the dining salon.
As night falls, settle into a lantern-lit deck for a dégustation of regional specialties including grilled squid and steamed clams at Sundeck Dining Area, then drift into conversation with fellow guests while the boat slips between illuminated karst silhouettes. After dinner, join the crew-led night squid-fishing on the aft deck or head to the cozy Sky Lounge for live acoustic music and a nightcap, finishing with a quiet walk along the upper deck to watch bioluminescent ripples beneath the boat before retiring to your cabin.
Greet the day with a sunrise tai chi session on the sundeck before joining a dawn tender to explore the quiet coves around Vung Vieng Fishing Hamlet, where local boats drift among limestone islets and you can photograph fishing nets being hauled in. After a fresh seafood breakfast onboard, take a guided walk through the grotto trails of Sung Sot Cave to admire dramatic stalactites, then return to port to transfer back to Hanoi for your afternoon flight south to Phu Bai Airport (Hue).
After landing in Hue and checking into your hotel, take a late-afternoon stroll along the serene banks of the Perfume River, pausing at Tay Thien Quang Garden for a cup of local tea and a moment of quiet reflection. Then explore the atmospheric lanes around Dong Ba Market, tasting banh khoai and picking up lacquer souvenirs before finishing the afternoon with a short cyclo ride to Trang Tien Bridge to watch the soft light fall across the river and glimpse the citadel skyline in the distance.
After checking into your Hue hotel, head to Le Roi Soleil Garden Restaurant for a relaxed riverside dinner featuring central Vietnamese specialties like bún bò Huế and caramelized clay-pot fish, accompanied by a view of lantern-lit boats on the river. Later, wander to Huyen Tran Princess Temple to enjoy its tranquil night-time atmosphere and join a short, guided evening walk through the nearby Phong Nha Alley (a lively lane of cafés and dessert stalls) to sample chè and watch locals gather-finish with a nightcap at the intimate rooftop bar of Ancient House Hue Boutique Hotel where you can gaze across the softly illuminated Perfume River and plan tomorrow's citadel explorations.
Begin with an early stroll through Jade Emperor Pagoda to watch morning prayers and incense smoke drift, then head to the ornate gates of the Imperial Citadel for a guided walk through the Meridian Gate, royal courtyards and restored palaces where a local historian will bring Nguyen-era stories to life. Finish the morning with a cyclo ride along the An Cuu Village lanes to visit a family-run incense workshop and sample homemade bánh bèo at a riverside stall before returning to your hotel for a brief rest.
Cycle across the Perfume River to the tranquil gardens of Tuyet Thien An Garden, then join a short boat trip to the riverside artisan village of Thanh Toan to visit its iconic tiled bridge and watch locals weaving mats and making conical hats. Finish the afternoon with a guided tasting at Dong Ba Market's lesser-known tea stall followed by a peaceful sunset drink at the riverside terrace of Ancient Hue Riverside Café, where you can watch sampans drift past and feel the day's imperial explorations settle into gentle river life.
As lanterns rise along the Perfume River, head to Nhat Le Riverside Wharf for a sunset dragon-boat cruise that threads past quiet temples and houseboats while a local guide recounts Nguyen-era legends. After docking, stroll the atmospheric lanes to Ben Nghe Night Market to sample grilled scallions pancakes and sweet chè from family stalls, then finish with cocktails and a live đàn tranh performance at the intimate rooftop bar of La Residence Hue - MGallery overlooking the softly lit river and citadel silhouette.
Leave Hue after an early breakfast and enjoy the dramatic coastal drive over the Hai Van Pass, stopping at the Lang Co Bay viewpoint to stretch your legs and photograph the turquoise inlet before descending toward Da Nang. Break the journey with a short walk among the sculpted stones of Non Nuoc Marble Village to watch local artisans carving limestone and then arrive in Hoi An for a riverside lunch at Mango Mango before checking into your hotel and wandering the lantern-lit lanes of the old town to orient yourself for the afternoon.
After checking in, wander the charming riverside quarter to visit Tan Ky Ancient House for a glimpse of merchant-era interiors, then stop at Reaching Out Tea House to sip calming local blends while watching boat traffic glide by. Later, join a hands-on workshop at Violet Lantern Studio to craft your own silk lantern, followed by a sunset riverside paseo to the atmospheric Japanese Covered Bridge area where street-food stalls offer mi quang and fresh bánh mì to enjoy as lanterns begin to glow.
As lanterns deepen the evening, wander to An Hội Riverside for a riverside seat at a family-run café where you can taste a refreshing ca phe sua da and watch fishermen light their nets; follow that with a cooking-class-style street-food crawl led by a local guide that stops at Ms. Vy's Home Kitchen to learn to fold bánh xèo before sampling it hot. Finish with a peaceful boat ride from Thu Bon Night Wharf under floating lanterns while a local storyteller shares old merchant tales, a gentle close that threads today's coastal drive into Hoi An's intimate evening rhythm.
Begin with a relaxed breakfast at Cargo Club Bakery & Café before joining a guided walking tour through the quieter lanes to discover artisan workshops; stop at Phung Hung Assembly Hall to admire its ornate woodcarvings and papel-de-arroz murals, then visit the nearby Central Market to watch vendors prepare fresh herbs and local coffee beans. Mid-morning, take a short bicycle ride across the Thu Bon's rice-plain paths to the riverside village of Cam Thanh for a basket-boat (thung chai) ride through the water coconut palms and a hands-on glimpse of traditional basket-net fishing practiced by local families.
Spend a leisurely afternoon strolling to Fujian Assembly Hall to admire its lacquered altars and ornate statuary, then follow with a visit to Pham Hong Tailor to discuss custom fittings and fabric choices while watching master tailors cut and pin your pieces. Later, pause for coffee and cake at The Espresso Station on the riverbank, then take a short boat across to Cam Pho Market to sample fresh cao lau toppings and pick up local spices before returning to the old town as lanterns begin to glow.
As lanterns deepen, take a riverside stroll toward Hoi An Night Market to browse handicrafts and sample local sweets like nước mắm caramen from stall vendors, then stop for a fresh seafood dinner at Mango Bay Restaurant where farm-to-table flavors spotlight central Vietnam's coastal produce. After dinner, join a small-group traditional music session at Lune Performing Center (small venue) for an intimate taste of Vietnamese folk melodies, then cap the night with a slow cyclo ride through the lantern-lit lanes to watch floating lanterns drift from Thu Bon Night Wharf, linking today's tailoring and café discoveries to Hoi An's nocturnal charm.
Set out before the heat with a guided trek through the jungle-encircled ruins of My Son Sanctuary, where a local Cham guide will bring ancient stone temples to life and point out intricate bas-reliefs and hidden shrines; pause at the quiet My Son Visitor Centre for context and a short multimedia presentation. After exploring the temples, head to the nearby riverside village of Duy Phu for a rustic lunch at a family homestay, sample tangy sour fish and rice wine, then climb a shaded riverside trail to a limestone viewpoint for a final panorama of the valley before returning to Hoi An for an afternoon on the coast.
After the morning temples, unwind on the golden sands of An Bang Beach-rent a sunbed and sample fresh spring rolls and chilled sugarcane juice from the beachside shacks, then try a short stand-up paddleboard session to glide along the calm shoreline. Later, stroll to The DeckHouse An Bang for a late-afternoon seafood platter and a cold nước mía, then wander the nearby lanes to discover Cua Dai Fishing Village where local boats return with the day's catch and you can join a quick hands-on net-mending demo with village fishermen as the sun softens.
As the sun cools, head to Hoi An Wharf for a golden-hour boat cruise upstream, watching stilt fishermen and passing small riverside temples while vendors sell grilled corn and sweet coconut pancakes from sampans. Disembark near An Hoi Islet to wander its quiet lanes, grab a riverside seat at Riverside Social & Grill for central-Vietnamese seafood skewers, then finish the night with a lantern-making demo and tea tasting at Lifestart Foundation Café, where proceeds support local youth and the glow of floating lanterns ties your My Son morning to Hoi An's gentle evening rhythm.
After an early flight into Da Nang, begin with a coffee and light breakfast at Cong Caphe Da Nang before heading to the peaceful seaside promenade for a stroll past the modern Dragon Bridge and the sculptural Love Bridge for skyline photos. Then drive up to the lesser-known slopes of the Marble Mountains to visit the fragrant Linh Ung Pagoda (Da Nang branch), explore hidden grotto shrines and panoramic viewpoints, and descend to watch skilled stone carvers at work in the nearby Marble Village (Non Nuoc Stone Carving Village) where you can pick a handmade keepsake.
Wander the vibrant coastal neighborhoods to discover Han Market, where you can sample Mi Quang at a bustling stall and browse local coffee blends, then stroll to the colorful Con Market lane for fresh tropical fruit and handcrafted ceramics. Later, visit the modern riverside Sun Wheel & Asia Park area for panoramic city views from the Ferris wheel, finish with sunset cocktails at Sky36 Rooftop Bar overlooking the Han River and Dragon Bridge, and savor a seafood dinner at the acclaimed Be Man Restaurant to taste central-Vietnam flavors as you transition toward your next coastal stop.
As night falls, head to Bac My An Beach for a relaxed seaside stroll and dinner at a beachfront grill where you can taste grilled king prawns and local clams while listening to live acoustic music. Afterwards, wander through the lively Han River Night Market to sample sweet chè and shop for handcrafted lanterns, then finish with a rooftop cocktail and panoramic views at The Top Bar Da Nang, watching the city lights and the Dragon Bridge's evening show as you prepare to continue south toward Quy Nhon or Nha Trang tomorrow.
After breakfast, board your coastal transfer or short flight and arrive refreshed for a shoreline introduction: walk the palm-fringed stretch of Bai Xep (Quy Nhon) to watch local fisherfolk sort the morning catch and stop at a beachfront café for freshly brewed Vietnamese coffee and bánh mì herring. Alternatively in Nha Trang, stroll the lively Tran Phu Promenade, rent a bicycle to reach the quieter Hon Chong rock formations for cliff-top views, then cool off with a mid-morning swim or a guided snorkel session from Nha Trang Bay to glimpse colorful reef life before lunch.
Settle into your hotel then head for a relaxed seaside exploration: in Quy Nhon, stroll the coastal path to Eo Gio for dramatic cliff-top views and watch local fishermen mend nets before descending to the sheltered cove of Ky Co for a late-afternoon swim and snorkel among clear shallows; in Nha Trang, visit the quieter Hon Tam Island for a beachfront cabana, try a glass-bottom-boat ride to spot coral gardens, then sample barbecued seafood at the island's beachside grill. Finish the afternoon with a sunset drink at Seaside Rooftop Bar (Quy Nhon) or Sailing Club Nha Trang's quieter terrace, letting the day's coastal travel ease into an evening of fresh seafood and ocean breezes.
As twilight falls in Quy Nhon, wander to Bai Truong Long Beach for a beachfront dinner at a seafood shack serving flame-grilled mackerel and calamari, then join a local fisherman for a short night-boat trip to watch lights bobbing on the water and learn about traditional basket-net techniques. In Nha Trang, choose a sunset table at Nha Trang Night Wharf for fresh seafood skewers and a view of lantern-lit boats, then stroll to Alexandre Yersin Park to hear street musicians and sample dessert from a seaside vendor before returning to your hotel.
Start your day with a sunrise boat from Quy Nhon Harbor to the sheltered snorkeling coves of Ky Co Beach, where you can swim over shallow coral gardens and enjoy a guided reef briefing before trying a short beginner-friendly freedive; afterward, relax on powdery sand and sample fresh fruit and iced cà phê at the beachside bamboo shack. Alternatively from Nha Trang, catch an early speedboat to Monkey Island (Hon Tai) for a coastal hike to panoramic viewpoints, then join a guided snorkel around Hon Mieu Marine Park to spot clownfish and parrotfish before returning for a seaside brunch at Sailing Club's beachfront terrace.
After a relaxed beach brunch, head to Ghenh Rang - Phu Yen (near Quy Nhon) to wander its sculpted coastal garden and cliff-side viewpoints before descending to the sheltered Bai Xep Cove for a late-afternoon swim and snorkel among tide pools; local guides here offer short reef walks that reveal hidden intertidal life. Alternatively from Nha Trang, take a short boat to Hon Tre's quieter northern beaches, rent a sea kayak to explore hidden coves, then finish at Bai Duong Beach Club for a chilled seafood platter and a sunset cocktail while watching fishing boats slide home, a gentle continuation from your morning reef time.
As the sun softens, head to Bai Sau (Queen's Beach) in Quy Nhon for a beachfront barbecue where local vendors grill freshly caught squid and pomfret while you sip a cold sugarcane cocktail; linger to watch artisanal fishermen haul in lantern-lit nets and learn their cast-net technique. Alternatively in Nha Trang, board a short boat to Hon Mun Marine Reserve for a twilight snorkel with bioluminescent plankton followed by a seaside dinner at Lanterns Beachside Grill, where live guitarists play as you sample chili-lime prawns and swap reef-spotting stories under a starry sky.
After arriving in Saigon, drop your bags and head for a brisk morning orientation: wander through the bustling stalls of Binh Tay Market to sample fresh bánh mì and tropical fruit, then stroll to the nearby Cholon Chinese Quarter to visit the ornate Thien Hau Temple and watch incense rituals. Finish with a short walk to Cong Vien Tao Dan for a coffee under banyan trees and to observe early-morning tai chi practitioners-an energizing introduction that bridges your central coast travels with Saigon's urban rhythm.
After checking into your hotel and freshening up, dive into Saigon's layered history with a visit to the striking Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon and the nearby Central Post Office, where French-colonial architecture meets bustling city life. Continue with a guided walk through the leafy Dong Khoi avenue to browse chic boutiques and stop for a late-afternoon Vietnamese coffee at the art-filled The Workshop Coffee before taking in panoramic city views from the rooftop bar at Saigon Saigon Hotel as the skyline softens into evening.
After freshening up, step into Saigon's lively evening scene with a food-focused stroll through Bui Vien Street, sampling street-side cơm tấm and fresh sugarcane juice before ducking into the nearby hidden cocktail bar Rabbit Hole for inventive drinks and live DJ sets. Finish the night with a late-evening visit to Bitexco Financial Tower's Saigon Skydeck for sweeping nighttime views of the glittering cityscape, then wander the lantern-lit riverside promenade by Nguyen Hue Walking Street to soak in Saigon's nocturnal energy and plan tomorrow's explorations.
Start at Ben Thanh Market for an energetic early-morning browse of fresh produce and local breakfast stalls-sample a fragrant bowl of hu tieu at a family-run counter and watch vendors lay out herbs and spices. Then head to the evocative Museum of Vietnamese History for contextual exhibits that bridge colonial and modern eras, finishing with a guided walk through the nearby Pham Ngu Lao backpacker streets to observe Saigon's layered street life and grab a strong cà phê sữa đá before the afternoon's deeper historical visits.
After a market morning, immerse yourself in Saigon's complex history with a guided visit to the poignant exhibits at the War Remnants Museum followed by a reflective walk through the nearby Reunification Palace grounds to stand where history turned and explore its preserved war rooms. Then pivot to contemporary city life with a coffee and people-watching session at the art-filled The Workshop Coffee on Ngo Duc Ke Street, and finish the afternoon browsing design-forward stalls and street-food carts at the lively Ben Thanh Night Market (early stalls) as vendors set up-bridging yesterday's coastal calm to Saigon's urgent urban pulse.
As dusk falls, sink into the vibrant flavors of Saigon with a guided street-food tour through Le Van Tam Park's nearby lanes, tasting bánh xèo and grilled lemongrass skewers at family-run stalls while your guide explains local eating customs. After dinner, catch a contemporary performance or indie film at Saigon Opera House (Ho Chi Minh Municipal Theatre) or enjoy craft cocktails with live jazz at the sophisticated Acoustic Bar Saigon, then finish with a slow riverside walk along Nguyen Tat Thanh to watch cargo barges drift past under city lights, linking today's history-rich afternoon to Saigon's modern nocturnal pulse.
Rise early and drive south to Cai Be Floating Market to watch wooden boats brim with fruit and local traders calling out their wares, then board a small motorboat to thread narrow canals past stilted houses and orchards where you'll stop at a family-run fruit orchard for tropical-tasting samples and a short bicycle ride through village lanes. Continue with a hands-on visit to a coconut candy workshop to learn traditional techniques, sip honey tea with a local family, and take a guided walk across a charming village bridge to meet craftsmen weaving palm-leaf mats before returning to your boat for a riverside lunch.
After a riverside lunch, glide along narrow canals to the shaded orchards of Vinh Long's An Binh Islet, where you'll disembark for a guided walk through coconut groves and sample local honey and seasonal fruit at a family homestead. Then board a small motorized sampan to explore peaceful waterways toward Can Tho's quieter riverine hamlets, visiting a riverside noodle workshop to watch passionate cooks craft hu tieu by hand and finishing the afternoon with tea and traditional folk songs at a riverside community house before returning to your main boat.
As dusk settles, drift back to the riverbank village of Vinh Long Riverside Promenade for a relaxed walk among market stalls selling fresh coconut sweets and steamed cassava cakes, then join a local family at Tan Phong Night Homestay for a hands-on lesson in preparing traditional mekong-style caramelized fish while lanterns are lit along the canal. Finish the evening with a short sampan ride through the aromatic Can Tho Backwater Alleyways, listening to live folk tunes from a riverside household and sipping warm ginger tea as fireflies begin to blink-an intimate close that threads today's floating-market bustle into quiet village night rhythms.
Depart Saigon before the heat for a guided exploration of the Cu Chi Tunnels Ben Dinh network, learning stealth tactics from a former tunnel guide and crawling a short, safe section to feel the claustrophobic ingenuity firsthand; pause at the Booby-Trap Display Area to see recreated traps and join a hands-on bamboo leaf wrapping demo to taste a simple field snack. On the return, stop at the riverside Binh Quoi Tourist Village for a leisurely late-morning Vietnamese lunch in a thatched pavilion, watching sampans glide by-a calm riverside counterpoint that eases you back into Saigon's urban rhythm ahead of a relaxed afternoon.
Ease back into Saigon with a relaxed riverside lunch at Cục Gạch Quán, savoring home-style southern dishes in a restored townhouse before a slow wander through the leafy galleries of Saigon Outcast where you can browse local street-art, pop into a craft beer stall, or catch an impromptu live set. Finish the afternoon with a restorative foot massage and herbal steam at Saigon Heritage Spa and a sunset drink on the terrace of The Deck Saigon overlooking the Saigon River, letting the city's evening tempo gently return after your morning in the tunnels.
As night falls, enjoy a relaxed riverside dinner cruise on the Saigon River aboard Imperial Saigon for set-menu southern specialties and soft live music while the city lights glide by; disembark to stroll the nearby Binh Khanh Riverside Promenade where locals sip cà phê and street-food stalls sell bánh tráng nướng. Finish with a late-night cocktail at the speakeasy-style The Alley Cocktail Bar, sampling Saigon twists on classic drinks while a rooftop view frames the illuminated skyline - a gentle, convivial close that threads your Cu Chi morning and lazy afternoon into Saigon's evening rhythm.
If you choose Phu Quoc, rise to a relaxed island morning with a snorkel trip to Hon Thom's clear shallows followed by a coconut-breakfast at a beach shack on Khem Beach, then cycle through pepper farms to visit a family-run green pepper plantation and sample freshly dried peppercorns. Alternatively in Vung Tau, stroll the coastal path to Back Beach (Bai Sau) for a sunrise swim, stop at Small Son Temple perched on a headland for panoramic sea views, and enjoy fresh seafood at the morning market by Vung Tau Fishing Port before returning to your hotel to plan a lazy afternoon by the water.
In Phu Quoc, spend a leisurely afternoon exploring Duong Dong Night Market's quieter daylight stalls and then cycle to the sheltered coves of Rach Vem for snorkeling among patch reefs and hidden sea urchin gardens, finishing with a sunset cocktail at Sunset Sanato Beach Club where live acoustic sets warm the evening. If you choose Vung Tau, head to the windswept headland of Small Mountain (Nui Nho) for a scenic cliff-top walk and visit the tranquil White Palace Gardens before cooling off with a late-afternoon swim at Back Beach (Bai Truoc) and dining on freshly grilled seafood at the beachfront Lan Rung Pavilion, letting the coastal calm link back to your Mekong and Saigon river experiences.
In Phu Quoc, settle into a sunset seafood feast at Rory's Beach Bar with toes-in-the-sand dining and live acoustic music, then take a moonlit stroll to Ganh Dau Headland to watch fishermen light their lanterns and scan the horizon for distant night-fishing boats. If you choose Vung Tau, enjoy a leisurely dinner of grilled shellfish at Lam Son Square's seaside stalls, followed by an after-dark visit to Jesus Christ Statue viewpoint for sweeping night views of the lit coastline and a relaxed walk along the illuminated Vung Tau Waterfront Promenade to round out a restorative coastal escape.
Spend a relaxed final morning picking up last-minute gifts at Saigon Square for stylish textiles and bargains, then wander the artisanal stalls of Nguyen Thai Binh Street Market to grab wallet-friendly snacks like pandan cake and packaged coffee beans for home. If time allows, enjoy a final Vietnamese brunch of cơm tấm at Com Tam Ba Ghien and a strong cà phê sữa đá at the atmospheric courtyard of The Workshop Coffee before a smooth transfer to the airport.
Spend a relaxed afternoon exploring the boutique lanes of Saigon Centre / Takashimaya for duty-paid souvenirs and designer Vietnamese coffee blends, then pop into Maison Marou to pick artisan chocolate bars as edible gifts. If time permits, stroll through the leafy courtyards of Café Terrace Nhà Sàn for a final iced cà phê and a light bánh mì snack before a smooth hotel transfer to the airport, tying together your southern-city discoveries with one last taste of Saigon.
Before your airport transfer, enjoy a relaxed final Saigon evening at Saigon Riverside Cruise Terminal with a short one-hour dinner cruise that serves southern specialties and lets you watch the city's nighttime river traffic glide by. If you prefer to stay on land, head to Nguyen Hue Flower Street for a last stroll among illuminated displays, pick up premium cà phê from Hacienda Coffee Saigon as a final gift, then savor a farewell bánh mì at the beloved late-night counter Banh Mi Huynh Hoa before heading to the airport.
| Place / Activity | Cost |
|---|---|
| Trang Tien Plaza (coffee, window shopping) | Free |
| Hanoi Opera House (exterior/photos) | Free |
| Ly Thai To Park | Free |
| Red River embankment riverside café (light lunch) | $6 |
| Old Quarter guided walking loop (shared group) | $10 |
| Bun cha (local stall) | $3 |
| Lacquerware artisan visit (browsing) | Free |
| Dong Xuan Market (browsing) | Free |
| Hoan Kiem Lake (Ngoc Son Temple entry) | $1 |
| Evening puppet performance / street music (Hoan Kiem area) | $5 |
| Ta Hien Beer Street (bia hoi) | $1 |
| St. Joseph's Cathedral (exterior) | Free |
| Long Biên Bridge Viewpoint Café (riverside dinner & drink) | $12 |
| Pho Bat Dan (pho breakfast) | $2 |
| Vietnam National Museum of History | $2 |
| Quynh's Lantern Studio workshop (lantern-making) | $20 |
| Cafe Dinh (coffee) | $2 |
| Guided food-and-history crawl (Old Quarter, per person) | $25 |
| Cha Ca Thang Long (try cha ca) | $6 |
| Hang Gai Silk Street (browsing/shopping) | $5 |
| Cyclo ride through French Quarter (short) | $6 |
| Hoa Lo Prison Memorial | $2 |
| The Hanoi Social Club (rooftop cocktails) | $8 |
| Train Street (walk during train times) | Free |
| Street snacks (bánh rán, sugarcane juice) | $3 |
| Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre | $6 |
| Tadioto (rooftop jazz/cocktails) | $10 |
| Tam Coc sampan boat (per person, rowed by local) | $8 |
| Ngoa Long House (tea/visit) | $2 |
| Bich Dong Pagoda (entry) | Free |
| Riverside lunch at homestay (river prawns) | $8 |
| Trang An boat tour (Trang An Landscape Complex) | $12 |
| Thung Nham Bird Garden (entry) | $5 |
| Ninh Binh Hidden Charm Hotel & Spa (tea/view) | Free |
| Phat Diem Cathedral (visit) | Free |
| Tam Coc Riverside Village dinner (homestay meal) | $7 |
| Sunset Hill Viewpoint (Tam Coc) | Free |
| Transfer Hanoi to Tuan Chau Marina (shared bus to Halong) | $12 |
| Halong Bay overnight cruise (mid-range per person, twin-share) | $120 |
| Soi Sim Island (swim/hike while cruising) | Free |
| Kayak trip around Luon Cave (included in many cruises) | Free |
| Floating Fishing Village Cua Van visit (on cruise) | Free |
| Onboard sunset cocktails (per drink) | $6 |
| Sundeck dining (seafood dinner on cruise - included) | Included |
| Night squid-fishing (on cruise) | Free |
| Sunrise tai chi (on cruise) | Free |
| Vung Vieng Fishing Hamlet tender visit | Free |
| Sung Sot Cave (Surprise Cave) entry (Halong) | $3 |
| Transfer Halong to Hanoi + flight to Hue (per person transport) | $40 |
| Perfume River stroll (Tay Thien Quang Garden tea) | $3 |
| Dong Ba Market (food/shopping) | $5 |
| Trang Tien Bridge (visit) | Free |
| Le Roi Soleil Garden Restaurant (riverside dinner) | $12 |
| Huyen Tran Princess Temple (visit) | Free |
| Ancient House Hue Boutique Hotel rooftop bar (drink) | $6 |
| Jade Emperor Pagoda (Hue) (visit) | Free |
| Imperial Citadel (entry + guided tour) | $6 |
| Cyclo ride (An Cuu Village short ride) | $5 |
| Incense workshop visit (An Cuu Village) | $3 |
| Bánh bèo tasting (riverside stall) | $1 |
| Tuyet Thien An Garden (visit) | Free |
| Boat trip to Thanh Toan (tiled bridge village) | $6 |
| Dong Ba Market tea tasting (guided) | $2 |
| Ancient Hue Riverside Café (sunset drink) | $4 |
| Nhat Le Riverside Wharf dragon-boat cruise (per person) | $10 |
| Ben Nghe Night Market (snacks) | $4 |
| La Residence Hue - MGallery rooftop cocktails (per drink) | $8 |
| Drive Hai Van Pass (scenic transfer) | $20 |
| Lang Co Bay viewpoint stop | Free |
| Non Nuoc Marble Village (visit/watch carvers) | Free |
| Mango Mango (riverside lunch) | $10 |
| Tan Ky Ancient House (entry) | $1 |
| Reaching Out Tea House (tea) | $3 |
| Violet Lantern Studio workshop | $18 |
| Japanese Covered Bridge (visit) | $1 |
| An Hoi Riverside café (drink) | $2 |
| Ms. Vy's Home Kitchen (cooking-class-style street-food crawl) | $25 |
| Thu Bon Night Wharf boat ride (floating lanterns) | $6 |
| Cargo Club Bakery & Café (breakfast) | $5 |
| Phung Hung Assembly Hall (visit) | $1 |
| Central Market (visit) | Free |
| Cam Thanh basket-boat (thung chai) ride | $10 |
| Fujian Assembly Hall (visit) | $1 |
| Pham Hong Tailor (custom fitting - deposit estimate) | $30 |
| The Espresso Station (coffee & cake) | $4 |
| Hoi An Night Market (shopping/snacks) | $5 |
| Mango Bay Restaurant (seafood dinner) | $15 |
| Lune Performing Center (small venue ticket) | $12 |
| My Son Sanctuary guided trek + entry | $20 |
| My Son Visitor Centre (multimedia) | Included |
| An Bang Beach (sunbed & snacks) | $6 |
| Stand-up paddleboard rental (short session) | $10 |
| The DeckHouse An Bang (seafood platter) | $18 |
| Cua Dai Fishing Village net-mending demo | $5 |
| Hoi An Wharf golden-hour boat cruise | $8 |
| Riverside Social & Grill (seafood skewers) | $10 |
| Lifestart Foundation Café (lantern demo & tea) | $4 |
| Flight to Da Nang (short domestic flight) | $40 |
| Cong Caphe Da Nang (coffee) | $2 |
| Dragon Bridge & Love Bridge (visit) | Free |
| Marble Mountains (entry & grottoes) | $2 |
| Non Nuoc Stone Carving Village (visit/purchase) | $5 |
| Han Market (Mi Quang at stall) | $3 |
| Con Market (fruit/snacks) | $3 |
| Sun Wheel & Asia Park (Ferris wheel ticket) | $8 |
| Sky36 Rooftop Bar (cocktail) | $10 |
| Be Man Restaurant (seafood dinner) | $18 |
| Bac My An Beach (evening stroll) | Free |
| Han River Night Market (snacks/lanterns) | $5 |
| The Top Bar Da Nang (rooftop cocktail) | $10 |
| Transfer/flight to Quy Nhon or Nha Trang | $40 |
| Bai Xep (Quy Nhon) coffee & viewing | $2 |
| Tran Phu Promenade (Nha Trang) bike rental | $3 |
| Hon Chong (Nha Trang) visit | Free |
| Guided snorkel session (Nha Trang Bay) | $25 |
| Eo Gio (Quy Nhon) visit | Free |
| Ky Co sheltered cove transfer & snorkel (Quy Nhon) | $20 |
| Seaside Rooftop Bar / Sailing Club (sunset drink) | $8 |
| Bai Truong Long Beach beachfront dinner (Quy Nhon) | $10 |
| Nha Trang Night Wharf seafood dinner | $12 |
| Quy Nhon Harbor boat to Ky Co (snorkeling) | $20 |
| Monkey Island / Hon Tai (Nha Trang) boat + hike | $18 |
| Hon Mieu Marine Park guided snorkel | $20 |
| Ghenh Rang - Phu Yen visit (near Quy Nhon) | Free |
| Bai Xep Cove late-afternoon swim | Free |
| Hon Tre northern beaches / kayak | $15 |
| Bai Sau (Queen's Beach) beachfront barbecue | $8 |
| Hon Mun twilight snorkel (bioluminescence) | $30 |
| Train or flight to Ho Chi Minh City | $40 |
| Binh Tay Market (breakfast/snacks) | $3 |
| Thien Hau Temple (Cholon) | Free |
| Cong Vien Tao Dan (coffee) | $2 |
| Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon (visit) | Free |
| Central Post Office (visit) | Free |
| Dong Khoi avenue & The Workshop Coffee (coffee) | $4 |
| Saigon Saigon Hotel rooftop bar (view/drink) | $10 |
| Bui Vien Street (food crawl/snacks) | $6 |
| Rabbit Hole (cocktail bar) | $12 |
| Bitexco Financial Tower Saigon Skydeck | $10 |
| Nguyen Hue Walking Street (visit) | Free |
| Ben Thanh Market (breakfast/browse) | $3 |
| Museum of Vietnamese History (Ho Chi Minh City) | $2 |
| Pham Ngu Lao (people-watching/coffee) | $2 |
| War Remnants Museum | $2 |
| Reunification Palace | $3 |
| Ben Thanh Night Market (early stalls) | $4 |
| Le Van Tam Park street-food tour (guided) | $25 |
| Saigon Opera House (performance ticket) | $15 |
| Acoustic Bar Saigon (craft cocktails/live jazz) | $10 |
| Cai Be Floating Market day trip (from HCMC, group) | $45 |
| Fruit orchard visit & bicycle ride (Mekong) | Free |
| Coconut candy workshop (Mekong) | $3 |
| Vinh Long An Binh Islet walk & tasting | $5 |
| Riverside noodle workshop (Can Tho hamlet) | $3 |
| Tan Phong Night Homestay (activity/meal) | $12 |
| Can Tho Backwater Alleyways sampan ride | $6 |
| Cu Chi Tunnels Ben Dinh (entry + guided) | $8 |
| Binh Quoi Tourist Village (lunch) | $10 |
| Cục Gạch Quán (riverside lunch) | $12 |
| Saigon Outcast (visit/beer) | $5 |
| Saigon Heritage Spa (foot massage/herbal steam) | $12 |
| The Deck Saigon (sunset drink) | $8 |
| Imperial Saigon river dinner cruise (set-menu) | $30 |
| Binh Khanh Riverside Promenade (visit) | Free |
| The Alley Cocktail Bar (late-night cocktail) | $10 |
| Phu Quoc snorkel trip to Hon Thom (boat + guide) | $30 |
| Khem Beach coconut breakfast (Phu Quoc) | $6 |
| Green pepper plantation visit (Phu Quoc) | Free |
| Duong Dong Day market / Duong Dong Night Market (visit) | $5 |
| Rach Vem snorkeling (Phu Quoc) | $20 |
| Sunset Sanato Beach Club (entrance/drink) | $8 |
| Vung Tau Back Beach (Bai Sau) swim | Free |
| Small Son Temple (viewpoint) | Free |
| Lan Rung Pavilion (Vung Tau seafood dinner) | $12 |
| Jesus Christ Statue viewpoint (evening visit) | Free |
| Saigon Square (last-minute shopping) | $10 |
| Nguyen Thai Binh Street Market (snacks) | $3 |
| Com Tam Ba Ghien (brunch) | $3 |
| Saigon Centre / Takashimaya (duty-paid shopping) | $15 |
| Maison Marou (artisan chocolate purchase) | $8 |
| Café Terrace Nhà Sàn (final iced cà phê) | $3 |
| Saigon Riverside Cruise Terminal 1-hour dinner cruise | $25 |
| Nguyen Hue Flower Street (visit) | Free |
| Hacienda Coffee Saigon (premium coffee gift) | $6 |
| Banh Mi Huynh Hoa (farewell bánh mì) | $2 |
| Estimated Total (per person) | $1566 |