Relaxing 5-Day Itinerary for Vietnam in December 2023

1. Day 1: Ho Chi Minh City
   15 minutes (3.2 miles) from Tan Son Nhat International Airport

   In the morning, unwind with a cup of traditional Vietnamese coffee in a sidewalk café while people-watching. Check out the iconic Central Post Office and the beautifully designed Saigon Notre-Dame Basilica. In the afternoon, take a stroll around the Ben Thanh Market, where you can shop for souvenirs, handicrafts, and sample local delicacies. In the evening, visit the Saigon Opera House, where you can enjoy a cultural show.

2. Day 2: Mekong Delta
   2.5 hours (115 miles) from Ho Chi Minh City

   Take a boat ride on the Mekong Delta, Vietnam's "rice bowl," and witness the bustling floating markets where locals trade produce. Stop by a local artisan's workshop to learn about traditional handicrafts. In the afternoon, take a bike ride through the picturesque countryside to soak in the serene beauty of the Delta. Visit local families and experience their hospitality and unique lifestyle.

3. Day 3: Hoi An
   45 minutes (19.4 miles) from Da Nang International Airport

   Explore the charming ancient town of Hoi An, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In the morning, visit historical sites such as the Japanese Covered Bridge and the ancient Chinese Assembly Halls. Later in the day, stroll around the quaint streets filled with colourful lanterns and visit local tailors to have a traditional ao dai made to order. In the evening, take a boat ride along the river and watch the lanterns light up the town.

4. Day 4: Nha Trang
   15 minutes (3.2 miles) from Cam Ranh International Airport

   Relax and soak up the sun on one of Vietnam's most beautiful beaches. In the morning, take a dip in the crystal clear waters and enjoy water sports such as jet-skiing and parasailing. After a seafood lunch, visit the Po Nagar Cham Towers, a complex of temples built between the 7th and 12th centuries. In the evening, take a stroll along the beach promenade and end the day with a seafood dinner.

5. Day 5: Halong Bay
   3 hours (103 miles) from Hanoi

   Explore the scenic Halong Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Vietnam's most popular destinations. In the morning, take a boat ride and marvel at the thousands of limestone islands towering above the emerald waters. Visit hidden caves and grottoes, and stop at a floating village to learn about the locals' way of life. In the afternoon, enjoy a fresh seafood lunch on board and take a swim in the bay.

Recommendations

Consider taking a day trip to the Cu Chi Tunnels near Ho Chi Minh City, where you can learn about Vietnam's war history and guerrilla tactics. For a different beach experience, visit the charming An Bang Beach in Hoi An, where you can relax in a peaceful and less-crowded spot. To maximise your relaxation, book a spa treatment at one of the luxurious resorts in Nha Trang.

Time and Costs Estimates

• Central Post Office, Ho Chi Minh City (1 hour, free)
• Saigon Notre-Dame Basilica, Ho Chi Minh City (1 hour, free)
• Ben Thanh Market, Ho Chi Minh City (2 hours, VND 300,000)
• Mekong Delta boat ride (4 hours, VND 1,500,000)
• Bike ride in Mekong Delta (2 hours, VND 200,000)
• Hoi An Ancient Town, Hoi An (4 hours, VND 120,000)
• Po Nagar Cham Towers, Nha Trang (1 hour, VND 22,000)
• Halong Bay boat ride (4 hours, VND 900,000)
• Spa treatment in Nha Trang (2 hours, VND 2,000,000)
• Total Estimated Costs: VND 5,092,000 (~£160)

For hotel and flight bookings, check out https://booking.tp.st/VhZsadPo.