Vietnam Itinerary for August 2023

1. Day 1: Ho Chi Minh City
   25 minutes (7.5 miles) from Tan Son Nhat International Airport

   Visit the Independence Palace in the morning, followed by a stroll through the Ben Thanh Market. Afternoon sightseeing includes the Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon, and the Central Post Office. In the evening, head to the Bitexco Financial Tower for a panoramic view of the city.

2. Day 2: Hoi An
   1 hour 20 minutes (17 miles) from Da Nang International Airport

   Take a morning walk through Hoi An’s ancient town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit museums and temples or take a bike ride in the countryside. In the afternoon, explore the Thu Bon River on a traditional boat and witness floating lanterns. End the day at An Bang Beach, a popular surfing spot.

3. Day 3: Hue
   2 hours 40 minutes (80 miles) from Hoi An

   Begin the day at the Imperial City, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit the Thien Mu Pagoda and the Tomb of Tu Duc in the afternoon. Finish the day at the Dong Ba Market to shop for souvenirs.

4. Day 4: Hanoi
   2 hours (22 miles) from Noi Bai International Airport

   Start at the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and the Presidential Palace in the morning. In the afternoon, visit the Temple of Literature and the Hoa Lo Prison Museum. In the evening, take a stroll around Hoan Kiem Lake and the Old Quarter.

5. Day 5: Ha Long Bay
   3 hours 30 minutes (105 miles) from Hanoi

   Take a day trip to Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Take a cruise on the emerald waters, visit the caves, and stop at floating villages. Return to Hanoi in the evening.

6. Day 6: Nha Trang
   2 hours (22 miles) from Cam Ranh International Airport

   Spend the morning at the Po Nagar Cham Towers. Then visit the National Oceanographic Museum in the afternoon. End the day at the Vinpearl Amusement Park for thrilling rides and water activities.

7. Day 7: Phu Quoc Island
   1 hour 15 minutes (31 miles) from Phu Quoc International Airport

   Visit the Sao Beach in the morning and head to Ham Ninh Fishing Village for a seafood lunch. Go snorkeling or scuba diving in the afternoon and watch the sunset at Dinh Cau Rock. End the day with a night market visit.

Recommendations

Don't miss the Cu Chi Tunnels in Ho Chi Minh City and the Perfume Pagoda in Hanoi. Take a side trip to the Mekong Delta for a glimpse of rural life and local culture. For a unique experience, try a Vietnamese cooking class or learn traditional handicrafts. For maximum fun, take a hot air balloon ride over Hoi An or go on a motorcycle tour of the countryside. Always be mindful of the weather and stay hydrated during your travels.

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