7-Day Shoestring Budget Itinerary for Vietnam in March 2024

1. Day 1: Hanoi
   30 minutes (13.2 km) from Noi Bai International Airport

   In the morning, explore the Old Quarter, a maze of narrow streets lined with shops and street food vendors. In the afternoon, visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and One Pillar Pagoda. In the evening, catch a Water Puppet Show at Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre.

2. Day 2: Halong Bay
   3.5 hours (170 km) from Hanoi

   In the morning, take a scenic cruise on Halong Bay, known for its towering limestone pillars and emerald waters. In the afternoon, kayak through caves and lagoons, or relax on a sandy beach. Spend the evening on board the cruise ship under the stars.

3. Day 3: Hue
   13 hours (690 km) from Halong Bay

   In the morning, visit the Imperial City of Hue, a UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring palaces, temples, and gardens. In the afternoon, explore the Perfume River by boat and visit the Thien Mu Pagoda. In the evening, try some regional specialties like Bun Bo Hue or Banh Khoai.

4. Day 4: Hoi An
   3 hours (130 km) from Hue

   In the morning, wander through the charming streets of Hoi An's Ancient Town, filled with historic buildings, shops, and cafes. In the afternoon, take a cooking class to learn how to make traditional Vietnamese dishes. In the evening, release a lantern on the Thu Bon River and take a night market tour.

5. Day 5: Nha Trang
   11 hours (580 km) from Hoi An

   In the morning, relax on the white sand beaches of Nha Trang, known for its clear waters and coral reefs. In the afternoon, visit Po Nagar Cham Towers, a complex of ancient Hindu temples. In the evening, enjoy fresh seafood at a local restaurant.

6. Day 6: Ho Chi Minh City
   9 hours (450 km) from Nha Trang

   In the morning, visit the Cu Chi Tunnels, an underground network used during the Vietnam War. In the afternoon, explore the War Remnants Museum and Reunification Palace. In the evening, experience the vibrant nightlife of Ho Chi Minh City at the Bui Vien Walking Street.

7. Day 7: Mekong Delta
   2 hours (90 km) from Ho Chi Minh City

   In the morning, take a boat ride through the Mekong Delta to see floating markets and fruit orchards. In the afternoon, visit a local village and learn about the traditional crafts of the region. In the evening, enjoy a farewell dinner with a view of the delta.

Recommendations

Consider adding a day trip to the Cu Lao Cham Islands from Hoi An for snorkeling and diving. Another option is to take a motorbike trip through the Central Highlands from Hue to Dalat. For a unique experience, try a homestay with a local family in the Mekong Delta.

Time and Costs Estimates

• Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum (30 minutes, free)
• One Pillar Pagoda (1 hour, VND 50,000)
• Halong Bay cruise (6 hours, VND 1,000,000)
• Kayaking in Halong Bay (2 hours, VND 200,000)
• Imperial City of Hue (3 hours, VND 150,000)
• Thien Mu Pagoda (1 hour, VND 50,000)
• Cooking class in Hoi An (3 hours, VND 500,000)
• Night market tour in Hoi An (2 hours, VND 100,000)
• Po Nagar Cham Towers (1 hour, VND 22,000)
• Cu Chi Tunnels (3 hours, VND 110,000)
• War Remnants Museum (2 hours, VND 40,000)
• Reunification Palace (1 hour, VND 40,000)
• Mekong Delta boat ride (4 hours, VND 400,000)
• Traditional crafts in the Mekong Delta (2 hours, VND 100,000)
• Farewell dinner in the Mekong Delta (2 hours, VND 300,000)
• Total Estimated Costs: VND 3,112,000 (USD 135)

For more information on hotels and flights, check out https://booking.tp.st/VhZsadPo.