In the morning, visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, where the former Vietnamese leader's embalmed body is displayed. Next, explore the Presidential Palace and One Pillar Pagoda. For lunch, try pho, Vietnam's most famous dish, at Pho Thin. In the afternoon, stroll through the Temple of Literature, Vietnam's first university, and Hoan Kiem Lake. In the evening, catch a water puppet show at Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre.
Take a cruise to explore Halong Bay's 1,600 islands and islets. In the morning, visit Thien Cung Cave, a beautiful grotto with stalactites and stalagmites. For lunch, enjoy fresh seafood on board the boat. In the afternoon, kayak through Luon Cave and swim in Titop Island's emerald waters. In the evening, relax on the deck and watch the sunset over the bay.
In the morning, visit the Imperial City, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Vietnam's former capital. Walk through the citadel and admire the intricate architecture of the Nguyen Dynasty's palaces, temples, and gates. For lunch, try bun bo Hue, a spicy beef noodle soup. In the afternoon, take a boat trip along the Perfume River to visit Thien Mu Pagoda and the tombs of Emperor Minh Mang and Emperor Khai Dinh. In the evening, explore the night market in Dong Ba.
In the morning, take a walking tour of Hoi An's old town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its well-preserved architecture and lanterns. Visit the Japanese Covered Bridge, Hoi An Ancient House, and Fujian Assembly Hall. For lunch, try cao lau, a regional noodle dish with pork and greens. In the afternoon, take a bike ride to the beaches of Cua Dai and An Bang. In the evening, join a cooking class to learn how to make Vietnamese dishes.
In the morning, visit the War Remnants Museum and learn about Vietnam's history during the Indochina and Vietnam Wars. Next, visit the Reunification Palace, where the North Vietnamese army ended the war by crashing through the palace gates in 1975. For lunch, try banh mi, a Vietnamese sandwich with pate, vegetables, and meat. In the afternoon, shop for souvenirs at Ben Thanh Market and explore the French colonial architecture of Notre Dame Cathedral and Central Post Office. In the evening, enjoy a rooftop cocktail at one of the city's trendy bars.
If you have extra time, consider visiting the Cu Chi Tunnels, an extensive network of underground tunnels used by the Viet Cong during the war, or the Mekong Delta, a fertile region known for its floating markets and fruit orchards. For a side trip, take a day trip to Ninh Binh to see the karst formations and visit the ancient capital of Hoa Lu. To maximize your fun, rent a motorbike and explore the countryside or go on a food tour to taste the diverse street food of Vietnam. Lastly, don't forget to try Vietnamese coffee, a strong and sweet beverage that is a staple of local culture.