Start your journey in the capital city of Vietnam, Hanoi. In the morning, visit the historic Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and explore the beautiful Hoan Kiem Lake. Enjoy a traditional Vietnamese lunch in the Old Quarter and spend the afternoon wandering through the narrow streets, filled with shops and unique architecture. In the evening, watch a water puppet show, a traditional art form in Vietnam.
Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum: Entrance is free, allow 1-2 hours
Hoan Kiem Lake: Entrance is free, allow 1-2 hours
Old Quarter: No entrance fee, spend around 3-4 hours
Water Puppet Show: Prices start at $5, duration is approximately 1 hour
Restaurants
Start your day with a hearty breakfast at Pho Thin, known for their delicious and authentic Vietnamese beef noodle soup. Average cost for a meal is about 50,000 VND per person.
For lunch, head to Quan An Ngon, where you can enjoy a wide variety of Vietnamese dishes in a charming courtyard setting. Average cost for a meal is about 150,000 VND per person.
Indulge in a memorable dinner at Cha Ca La Vong, a restaurant famous for its specialty dish of grilled fish. Average cost for a meal is about 200,000 VND per person.
Friday, September 22: Halong Bay
Embark on a scenic cruise to Halong Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Spend the morning exploring the stunning limestone karsts and emerald waters. Enjoy a delicious seafood lunch on board and take part in various activities such as kayaking, swimming, and visiting hidden caves. Witness a breathtaking sunset over the bay before settling in for the night on the cruise ship.
Halong Bay Cruise: Prices start at $100 per person, duration is approximately 6-8 hours
Restaurants
Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Pho 24, known for its flavorful pho noodles. Average cost for a meal is about 60,000 VND per person.
For lunch, head to The Gourmet Corner, a rooftop restaurant with stunning views of the city. Indulge in their mouthwatering Vietnamese dishes. Average cost for a meal is about 200,000 VND per person.
In the evening, dine at Quan An Ngon for a truly authentic Vietnamese dinner experience. This restaurant offers a wide range of local specialties. Average cost for a meal is about 300,000 VND per person.
Saturday, September 23: Hoi An
Fly from Hanoi to Hoi An, a charming ancient town known for its well-preserved architecture. Start your day by exploring the UNESCO-listed Old Town, filled with colorful lanterns and historical buildings. Visit the Japanese Covered Bridge, wander through the local markets, and indulge in delicious local cuisine. In the evening, take a boat ride along the Thu Bon River and release a lantern for good luck.
Old Town: Entrance ticket costs $6, spend around 3-4 hours
Japanese Covered Bridge: Entrance is free, visit duration is approximately 30 minutes
Boat Ride on Thu Bon River: Prices start at $5 per person, duration is approximately 1 hour
Restaurants
Cocobox Cafe - A cozy cafe offering a variety of breakfast options such as avocado toast and smoothie bowls. Average cost for a meal is about 100,000 VND per person.
Banh Mi Phuong - Famous for its delicious banh mi sandwiches, this street food stall is a must-visit for lunch. Average cost for a meal is about 30,000 VND per person.
Mango Rooms - A trendy restaurant serving fusion cuisine with a Vietnamese twist. Indulge in dishes like grilled lemongrass shrimp and coconut curry. Average cost for a meal is about 300,000 VND per person.
Sunday, September 24: Hue
Travel from Hoi An to Hue, the former imperial capital of Vietnam. In the morning, visit the Imperial City, a vast complex of palaces, temples, and tombs. Explore the Thien Mu Pagoda, a famous religious site, and enjoy a boat trip along the Perfume River. In the afternoon, discover the beautiful mausoleums of the Nguyen Emperors. Learn about the rich history and culture of this historic city.
Thien Mu Pagoda: Entrance is free, visit duration is approximately 1 hour
Perfume River Boat Trip: Prices start at $10 per person, duration is approximately 2 hours
Monday, September 25: Ho Chi Minh City
Fly from Hue to Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Saigon), the buzzing metropolis of Vietnam. Start your day by visiting the historic Reunification Palace and the War Remnants Museum to learn about the Vietnam War. Explore the vibrant Ben Thanh Market and try some delicious street food. In the evening, take a stroll along Nguyen Hue Walking Street and enjoy the city's lively atmosphere.
War Remnants Museum: Entrance ticket costs $1, allow 2-3 hours
Ben Thanh Market: No entrance fee, spend around 2-3 hours
Nguyen Hue Walking Street: Entrance is free, spend as much time as you wish
Restaurants
A popular breakfast spot in Ho Chi Minh City is Pho Le, known for its delicious and authentic pho. Enjoy a steaming bowl of noodles and broth topped with your choice of meat and fresh herbs. The average cost for a meal at Pho Le is about 50,000 VND ($2.20) per person.
For lunch, head to Quan An Ngon, a bustling eatery offering a wide range of Vietnamese dishes. Choose from various options such as banh xeo (Vietnamese sizzling pancake) and com tam (broken rice) served with grilled meats. The average cost for a meal at Quan An Ngon is about 100,000 VND ($4.40) per person.
Indulge in a memorable dinner experience at The Refinery, an elegant restaurant set in a renovated French colonial villa. The menu features a fusion of Vietnamese and Western flavors, with dishes like sea bass in banana leaf and grilled pork with lemongrass. The average cost for a meal at The Refinery is about 500,000 VND ($22) per person.
Tuesday, September 26: Mekong Delta
Embark on a day trip to the Mekong Delta, known as the "rice bowl" of Vietnam. Explore the floating markets, where locals sell their produce from boats. Take a boat ride along the canals, visit local villages, and sample fresh tropical fruits. Learn about the traditional way of life in this fertile region. In the afternoon, enjoy a traditional Vietnamese lunch in a riverside restaurant.
Mekong Delta Day Trip: Prices start at $25 per person, duration is approximately 8-10 hours
Wednesday, September 27: Saigon to Mui Ne
Travel from Ho Chi Minh City to Mui Ne, a coastal resort town known for its beautiful beaches and sand dunes. Spend the day relaxing on the beach, swimming in the turquoise waters, or trying various water sports activities. In the afternoon, visit the iconic Red Sand Dunes and catch a stunning sunset over the vast desert-like landscape.
Mui Ne Beach: No entrance fee, spend as much time as you wish
Red Sand Dunes: Entrance is free, visit duration is approximately 1-2 hours
Hidden Gems and Local Favorites
For off the beaten path attractions, head to the scenic town of Sapa in the northern highlands for breathtaking rice terraces and trekking adventures. Explore the Cu Chi Tunnels near Ho Chi Minh City to learn about the underground network used during the Vietnam War. Don't miss the charming town of Dalat, known for its cool climate, flower gardens, and picturesque landscapes.