8-Day Shoestring Budget Itinerary for Vietnam

1. Day 1: Hanoi Old Quarter
   30 minutes (13.6 km) from Noi Bai International Airport

   Explore the picturesque streets, indulge in street food, and visit the famous Hoan Kiem Lake.

2. Day 2: Ha Long Bay
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   3.5 hours (170 km) from Hanoi Old Quarter

   Cruise through the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ha Long Bay and soak in the mesmerizing seascape.

3. Day 3: Hue Imperial City
   10 hours (690 km) from Ha Long Bay

   Visit the 19th-century Imperial City and explore the historic landmarks that capture Vietnam's ancient culture.

4. Day 4: Hoi An Ancient Town
   3 hours (130 km) from Hue Imperial City

   Discover the well-preserved streets of Hoi An Ancient Town and appreciate the fusion of cultures from the past.

5. Day 5: Nha Trang Beach
   11.5 hours (720 km) from Hoi An Ancient Town

   Relax and soak in the sun at the Nha Trang Beach.

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

   Stroll around the bustling city of Ho Chi Minh City and visit iconic landmarks like the Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon.

7. Day 7: Cu Chi Tunnels
   1.5 hours (75 km) from Ho Chi Minh City

   Explore the underground network of tunnels used in the Vietnam War at the Cu Chi Tunnels.

8. Day 8: Mekong Delta River
   2 hours (108 km) from Cu Chi Tunnels

   Sail along the picturesque Mekong Delta River and end your trip with a visit to the Cai Be Floating Market.

Time and Cost Estimates

• Hanoi Old Quarter (1 day, 150,000 VND)
• Ha Long Bay (1 day, 500,000 VND)
• Hue Imperial City (1 day, 150,000 VND)
• Hoi An Ancient Town (1 day, 120,000 VND)
• Nha Trang Beach (1 day, 120,000 VND)
• Ho Chi Minh City (1 day, 200,000 VND)
• Cu Chi Tunnels (1 day, 110,000 VND)
• Mekong Delta River (1 day, 300,000 VND)

Total Estimated Costs: 1,750,000 VND ($75 USD)

Useful Tips

If you have shorter time, consider skipping Ha Long Bay and Nha Trang Beach. If you have more time, consider adding a visit to the rice terraces in Sapa north of Hanoi or the sand dunes in Mui Ne south of Ho Chi Minh City.