Start your trip by exploring the capital city of Vietnam, Hanoi. In the morning, visit the iconic Hoan Kiem Lake and take a leisurely walk around its peaceful surroundings. In the afternoon, head to the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology to learn about the diverse cultures of the country. In the evening, enjoy a traditional water puppet show at Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre.
Hoan Kiem Lake: Free, 2 hours
Vietnam Museum of Ethnology: $2, 3 hours
Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre: $5, 1 hour
Friday, December 8: Halong Bay
Embark on an unforgettable cruise to Halong Bay. Spend the morning exploring the stunning limestone karsts and emerald waters. Enjoy a seafood lunch on board and take part in activities such as kayaking or visiting hidden caves. Witness a breathtaking sunset over the bay before returning to your cruise ship for the night.
Halong Bay Cruise: $100, full day
Restaurants
For breakfast, head to Morning Glory Cafe which offers a range of flavorful Vietnamese dishes along with international breakfast options. A meal here would cost around 90,000 VND per person.
For lunch, try the Cua Vang Restaurant located near the bay. They serve delicious seafood dishes including fresh crabs and prawns. Expect to spend around 200,000 VND per person for a satisfying meal.
For dinner, check out Quan An Ngon, a popular local restaurant serving a wide variety of authentic Vietnamese dishes. The average cost for a meal here is about 300,000 VND per person.
Saturday, December 9: Hoi An
Fly to Hoi An, a charming ancient town. Start your day by visiting the Japanese Covered Bridge, an iconic landmark. Explore the Ancient Town with its well-preserved architecture and narrow streets. In the afternoon, take a boat ride along the Thu Bon River and visit the nearby Cam Kim Island. End the day by immersing yourself in the colorful lantern-lit streets of Hoi An.
Japanese Covered Bridge: $5, 1 hour
Ancient Town: Free, 3 hours
Boat Ride & Cam Kim Island: $10, 2 hours
Restaurants
Enjoy a delicious breakfast at Rosie's Cafe, a cozy spot in the heart of Hoi An. Indulge in their famous Vietnamese-style pancakes and fresh fruit smoothies. Average cost for a meal is about 70,000 VND per person.
For lunch, head to Miss Ly Cafe, known for its authentic Vietnamese cuisine. Try their signature cao lầu noodles and fresh spring rolls. Average cost for a meal is about 120,000 VND per person.
For dinner, treat your family to an exquisite meal at Brother's Cafe. Located in a restored French villa, this restaurant offers a fusion of Vietnamese and international flavors. Don't miss their mouthwatering seafood dishes. Average cost for a meal is about 300,000 VND per person.
Sunday, December 10: Hue
Take a day trip to Hue, the former imperial capital. Start your morning with a visit to the Imperial City, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore the palaces, temples, and gardens within the walled enclosure. In the afternoon, cruise along the Perfume River and visit the Thien Mu Pagoda. Enjoy a traditional Hue-style dinner before heading back to Hoi An.
Imperial City: $10, 3 hours
Perfume River Cruise & Thien Mu Pagoda: $20, 2 hours
Traditional Dinner: $15, 1 hour
Restaurants
The Mandarin Cafe: Start your day with a delicious breakfast at The Mandarin Cafe, known for its authentic Vietnamese dishes. Try their famous banh mi sandwiches or indulge in a traditional bowl of pho. Average cost for a meal is about 80,000 VND per person.
Cay Me: For lunch, head to Cay Me and experience a delightful mix of Vietnamese and Western cuisine. Enjoy their fresh spring rolls, grilled meats, and flavorful salads. Average cost for a meal is about 150,000 VND per person.
Les Jardins De La Carambole: Treat yourself to a memorable dinner at Les Jardins De La Carambole, a charming restaurant set in a beautiful colonial villa. Savour their French-Vietnamese fusion dishes, such as their signature caramelized fish. Average cost for a meal is about 400,000 VND per person.
Monday, December 11: Ho Chi Minh City
Fly to Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), the bustling metropolis of Vietnam. Start your day by visiting the War Remnants Museum, which provides a poignant insight into the country's recent history. In the afternoon, explore the Notre Dame Cathedral, Central Post Office, and the lively Ben Thanh Market. End the day with a leisurely stroll along Nguyen Hue Walking Street.
War Remnants Museum: $2, 2 hours
Notre Dame Cathedral & Central Post Office: Free, 1 hour
Ben Thanh Market: Free, 2 hours
Nguyen Hue Walking Street: Free, 1 hour
Restaurants
Start your day with a hearty Vietnamese breakfast at Pho 2000. This famous restaurant offers delicious bowls of pho and other traditional Vietnamese dishes. Average cost for a meal is about 50,000 VND per person.
For lunch, head to Nha Hang Ngon, a popular spot with a wide range of Vietnamese dishes from different regions of the country. The restaurant has a vibrant atmosphere and reasonable prices, with an average cost for a meal around 100,000 VND per person.
Indulge in a flavorful dinner at Apron Up, a modern Vietnamese restaurant known for its innovative twists on traditional dishes. With an inviting ambiance and delectable options on the menu, you can enjoy a satisfying meal for around 300,000 VND per person.
Tuesday, December 12: Mekong Delta
Embark on a day trip to the Mekong Delta. Cruise along the mighty Mekong River and explore the lush green islands. Visit local villages, learn about their traditional crafts, and enjoy a home-cooked lunch with a local family. Take a sampan boat ride through the narrow canals before returning to Ho Chi Minh City.
Mekong Delta Day Trip: $30, full day
Wednesday, December 13: Phu Quoc Island
Fly to Phu Quoc Island for a relaxing beach getaway. Spend the day unwinding on the pristine white-sand beaches, swimming in the crystal-clear waters, or exploring the island's natural beauty. Enjoy fresh seafood for lunch and indulge in a relaxing spa treatment in the afternoon. End your trip with a memorable sunset by the sea.
Beach Relaxation: Free, full day
Seafood Lunch: $20, 1 hour
Spa Treatment: $50, 2 hours
Hidden Gems and Local Favorites
For a unique experience, visit the Cu Chi Tunnels near Ho Chi Minh City, where you can explore the underground network used during the Vietnam War. Another hidden gem is the Bai Dinh Pagoda near Ninh Binh, known for its stunning architecture and tranquil surroundings. Families with children will also enjoy a visit to the Vinpearl Land amusement park in Nha Trang, offering various rides and entertainment options.