Relaxing 7-Day Itinerary in Vietnam - December 2023

1. Day 1: Hanoi
   30 minutes (13 miles) from Noi Bai International Airport

   In the morning, take a stroll around Hoan Kiem Lake and visit the Ngoc Son Temple. In the afternoon, visit the Temple of Literature, a peaceful complex of courtyards, gardens and pavilions. In the evening, attend a traditional water puppet show at Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre.

2. Day 2: Ha Long Bay
   3 hours 30 minutes (103 miles) from Hanoi

   Take a peaceful cruise around the stunning limestone formations of Ha Long Bay. Enjoy a seafood lunch on board and explore the Thien Cung Cave. In the evening, relax on the sundeck of your cruise ship and enjoy the beautiful sunset.

3. Day 3: Hoi An
   3 hours 30 minutes flight from Ha Long Bay

   Stroll around the picturesque Old Town and admire the charming mix of Chinese, Japanese and European architecture. Visit the Assembly Hall of the Fujian Chinese Congregation and the Japanese Covered Bridge. In the evening, enjoy a delicious meal at one of Hoi An's many restaurants.

4. Day 4: Hoi An
   In and around Hoi An

   Visit the Tra Que Vegetable Village and learn how to cook traditional Vietnamese dishes with fresh ingredients. Alternatively, take a half-day trip to nearby My Son Sanctuary, a complex of ancient Hindu temples. In the evening, relax on An Bang Beach and enjoy a beautiful sunset.

5. Day 5: Nha Trang
   1 hour flight from Hoi An

   Visit the Po Nagar Cham Towers, which were built between the 7th and 12th centuries. Enjoy the white sand beach of Nha Trang and explore the colourful underwater world on a snorkelling trip. In the evening, take a walk around the bustling night market and enjoy some street food.

6. Day 6: Ho Chi Minh City
   1 hour flight from Nha Trang

   Visit the War Remnants Museum and the Reunification Palace, which both offer a glimpse into Vietnam's tumultuous past. Explore the vibrant streets of District 1 and visit the iconic Notre Dame Cathedral and the Central Post Office. In the evening, enjoy a rooftop dinner with a view of the city.

7. Day 7: Mekong Delta
   2 hours 30 minutes (74 miles) from Ho Chi Minh City

   Take a boat trip along the Mekong Delta and visit the floating markets of Cai Be or Cai Rang. Visit a local rice paper factory and learn how to make coconut candy. In the evening, take a cooking class and learn how to make traditional Vietnamese dishes.

Recommendations

Consider taking a day trip to the Cu Chi Tunnels, which were used by the Viet Cong during the Vietnam War. For a more relaxing experience, consider visiting Phu Quoc Island or the town of Da Lat. To maximize your fun, try to sample as much Vietnamese food as possible and immerse yourself in the local culture.

Time and Costs Estimates

• Ngoc Son Temple (1 hour, free)
• Temple of Literature (2 hours, VND 30,000)
• Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre (1 hour, VND 100,000)
• Ha Long Bay Cruise (6 hours, VND 1,200,000)
• Assembly Hall of the Fujian Chinese Congregation (1 hour, VND 80,000)
• Japanese Covered Bridge (30 minutes, VND 20,000)
• Cooking class in Hoi An (3 hours, VND 500,000)
• Po Nagar Cham Towers (1 hour, VND 22,000)
• Nha Trang snorkelling trip (4 hours, VND 500,000)
• War Remnants Museum (2 hours, VND 40,000)
• Reunification Palace (2 hours, VND 40,000)
• Notre Dame Cathedral (30 minutes, free)
• Central Post Office (30 minutes, free)
• Mekong Delta boat trip (5 hours, VND 500,000)
• Cooking class in Mekong Delta (3 hours, VND 500,000)
• Total Estimated Costs: VND 4,052,000

Check hotel and flight prices here.