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Vietnam on a Shoestring Budget (December 2024)

  1. Day 1: Ho Chi Minh City
    30 minutes (5.6 km) from Tan Son Nhat International Airport

    In the morning, visit the Independence Palace, War Remnants Museum, and Notre-Dame Cathedral. In the afternoon, explore the Ben Thanh Market and try some delicious street food. In the evening, take a stroll around Nguyen Hue Walking Street and enjoy the city's vibrant nightlife.

  2. Day 2: Mekong Delta
    2 hours (113 km) from Ho Chi Minh City

    Take a boat trip to see the floating markets and fruit orchards in the Mekong Delta. Visit the Vinh Trang Pagoda and learn about the delta's traditional handicrafts. In the evening, return to Ho Chi Minh City for dinner and drinks.

  3. Day 3: Hoi An
    1 hour (30 km) from Da Nang International Airport

    Explore the ancient town of Hoi An in the morning, including the Japanese Covered Bridge, the Old House of Tan Ky, and the Assembly Hall of the Fujian Chinese Congregation. In the afternoon, relax at An Bang Beach or take a bike ride through the surrounding countryside. In the evening, explore the night market and try some local delicacies.

  4. Day 4: Hue
    2.5 hours (125 km) from Hoi An

    Visit the Imperial City and the Thien Mu Pagoda in the morning. In the afternoon, take a boat tour of the Perfume River and visit the tombs of the Nguyen Emperors. In the evening, enjoy some traditional Hue cuisine and listen to live music at a local bar.

  5. Day 5: Hanoi
    2 hours (35 km) from Noi Bai International Airport

    Explore the Old Quarter in the morning, including the Hoan Kiem Lake, Ngoc Son Temple, and the Bach Ma Temple. In the afternoon, visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, the One Pillar Pagoda, and the Temple of Literature. In the evening, watch a water puppet show and sample some street food.

  6. Day 6: Halong Bay
    3.5 hours (170 km) from Hanoi

    Take a boat tour of Halong Bay and admire the stunning limestone cliffs and caves. Enjoy a seafood lunch on board and go swimming or kayaking. In the evening, return to Hanoi for a farewell dinner and drinks.

  7. Day 7: Departure
    45 minutes (27 km) from Downtown Hanoi

    Depart for the airport and fly back home with unforgettable memories of Vietnam.

Recommendations

Other attractions and experiences worth considering include the Cu Chi Tunnels in Ho Chi Minh City, the Ba Na Hills near Da Nang, and the Sapa rice terraces in the north. You could also take a side trip to the Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park to see some of the world's largest caves. To maximize your fun, try to immerse yourself in the local culture by trying new foods, learning some basic Vietnamese phrases, and haggling at the markets. Finally, don't forget to stay hydrated, wear sunscreen, and keep an eye on your belongings in crowded areas.

For booking your hotels and flights, visit https://booking.tp.st/VhZsadPo.

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