Make this trip your own
Create your own free, personalized itinerary in seconds — then sign up to save and edit it.
Create my version
Viewed by 53 travelers

Exploring Vibrant Cities in Vietnam

Tuesday, October 3: Ho Chi Minh City

Start your trip in Ho Chi Minh City by visiting the iconic Notre-Dame Cathedral in the morning. Marvel at its stunning French Gothic architecture and explore the nearby Central Post Office, a beautiful colonial building. In the afternoon, immerse yourself in the history of the Vietnam War at the War Remnants Museum. As the evening sets in, head to Ben Thanh Market, a bustling night market offering local street food, souvenirs, and clothing.

  • Notre-Dame Cathedral: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 1 hour
  • Central Post Office: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 1 hour
  • War Remnants Museum: Estimated cost - $2, Time spent - 2 hours
  • Ben Thanh Market: Estimated cost - Varies, Time spent - 2 hours
Wednesday, October 4: Hoi An

Travel to Hoi An, a charming ancient town with well-preserved architecture. Start your day by exploring the Ancient Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Take a leisurely stroll along the colorful streets, adorned with lanterns, and visit ancient houses and temples. In the afternoon, learn about traditional Vietnamese culture by participating in a lantern-making workshop. As the evening sets in, take a boat ride along the Thu Bon River, witnessing the magical sight of lanterns floating on the water.

  • Ancient Town: Estimated cost - $5, Time spent - 3 hours
  • Lantern-making Workshop: Estimated cost - $10, Time spent - 2 hours
  • Boat Ride on Thu Bon River: Estimated cost - $5, Time spent - 1 hour
Thursday, October 5: Da Nang

Travel to Da Nang and start your day by visiting the iconic Marble Mountains. Explore the caves, pagodas, and enjoy panoramic views of the city from the mountain peak. In the afternoon, relax at My Khe Beach, known for its white sand and clear blue waters. As the evening sets in, take a walk over the Dragon Bridge, an impressive fire-breathing bridge, and admire the city skyline.

  • Marble Mountains: Estimated cost - $2, Time spent - 3 hours
  • My Khe Beach: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 2 hours
  • Dragon Bridge: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 1 hour
Friday, October 6: Hue

Travel to Hue, the former imperial capital of Vietnam. Begin your day by exploring the Imperial City, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Discover the intricate architecture of palaces, shrines, and gardens. In the afternoon, embark on a boat ride along the Perfume River to visit the Thien Mu Pagoda, an iconic symbol of Hue. As the evening sets in, enjoy traditional Hue cuisine at one of the local restaurants.

  • Imperial City: Estimated cost - $6, Time spent - 3 hours
  • Boat Ride on Perfume River: Estimated cost - $10, Time spent - 2 hours
  • Thien Mu Pagoda: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 1 hour
Saturday, October 7: Hanoi

Travel to Hanoi, the bustling capital of Vietnam. Start your day with a visit to the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, where you can pay respects to the country's founding father. Explore the tranquil Temple of Literature, Vietnam's first national university. In the afternoon, wander through the narrow streets of the Old Quarter, known for its vibrant markets and traditional architecture. As the evening sets in, watch a water puppet show, a unique Vietnamese art form.

  • Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 1 hour
  • Temple of Literature: Estimated cost - $2, Time spent - 2 hours
  • Old Quarter: Estimated cost - Varies, Time spent - 3 hours
  • Water Puppet Show: Estimated cost - $5, Time spent - 1 hour
Sunday, October 8: Halong Bay

Embark on a memorable day trip to Halong Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its emerald waters and limestone islands. Cruise through the bay, admiring the breathtaking scenery and visiting caves and grottoes. Enjoy a seafood lunch onboard. In the late afternoon, return to Hanoi and explore the vibrant Night Market.

  • Halong Bay Cruise: Estimated cost - $50, Time spent - 8 hours
  • Night Market: Estimated cost - Varies, Time spent - 2 hours
Monday, October 9: Nha Trang

Travel to Nha Trang, a coastal city known for its beautiful beaches and vibrant nightlife. Start your day by visiting the iconic Long Son Pagoda, known for its giant white Buddha statue. In the afternoon, relax at Nha Trang Beach and enjoy water sports activities. As the evening sets in, explore the lively Tran Phu Street, filled with restaurants, bars, and nightclubs.

  • Long Son Pagoda: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 2 hours
  • Nha Trang Beach: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 3 hours
  • Tran Phu Street: Estimated cost - Varies, Time spent - 3 hours

Hidden Gems and Local Favorites

For a unique local experience, visit the Imperial Tombs of Hue, where you can explore the beautifully designed tombs and learn about the history of the Nguyen Dynasty. In Ho Chi Minh City, venture off the beaten path and visit the vibrant street art scene in the Pham Ngu Lao area. Don't miss the chance to taste the local delicacy "Bun Cha" in Hanoi, a dish of grilled pork served with rice noodles and herbs. Lastly, immerse yourself in the rich coffee culture of Vietnam by exploring the local coffee shops and trying the traditional Vietnamese coffee.

For hotel and flight bookings, check here for the best prices.

0
Like this trip? Make your own version.
A free, personalized itinerary in seconds — sign up to save and edit it.
Create my version