Begin your Vietnamese adventure in the capital city of Hanoi. In the morning, visit the historic Hoan Kiem Lake and take a leisurely walk around its picturesque surroundings. Afterward, explore the bustling Old Quarter, known for its narrow streets filled with shops, markets, and vibrant street food stalls. As the evening falls, immerse yourself in the vibrant nightlife of the city, with popular spots like Bia Hoi Corner offering a taste of local beer culture.
Hoan Kiem Lake: Free, 1-2 hours
Old Quarter: Free, 2-3 hours
Bia Hoi Corner: Varies, 2-3 hours
Restaurants
Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Pho Thin, known for their mouthwatering bowls of traditional Vietnamese pho. Average cost for a meal is about 50,000 VND per person.
For a satisfying lunch, head to Quan An Ngon, a popular restaurant offering a wide variety of Vietnamese dishes in a lively atmosphere. Average cost for a meal is about 150,000 VND per person.
Indulge in a flavorful dinner at Green Tangerine, a charming French-Vietnamese fusion restaurant tucked away in a colonial house. Average cost for a meal is about 400,000 VND per person.
Saturday, October 14: Halong Bay Excursion
Embark on a full-day excursion to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Halong Bay. Take a scenic cruise through the stunning limestone karsts, explore hidden caves, and enjoy a delicious seafood lunch on board. Indulge in swimming or kayaking in the turquoise waters, and capture breathtaking photos of this natural wonder. Return to Hanoi in the evening and relax at your hotel.
Halong Bay Excursion: $100-150, 10-12 hours
Restaurants
For breakfast, head to The Gourmet Corner which offers a wide range of options including traditional Vietnamese pho, delicious pastries, and fresh fruit. Average cost for a meal is about 80,000 VND per person.
For lunch, try Green Tangerine located in the heart of Hanoi's Old Quarter. This restaurant serves innovative Vietnamese cuisine with a French twist. Average cost for a meal is about 200,000 VND per person.
For dinner, experience the flavors of Vietnam at Bun Cha Huong Lien, known as the restaurant where former President Barack Obama and Anthony Bourdain dined together. Specializing in grilled pork and noodle dishes, this spot is both affordable and delicious. Average cost for a meal is about 100,000 VND per person.
Sunday, October 15: Hue Cultural Exploration
Fly to the city of Hue and immerse yourself in its rich history and culture. In the morning, visit the Imperial Citadel, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and explore its ancient palaces, temples, and gardens. Afterward, take a boat ride along the Perfume River to visit the serene Thien Mu Pagoda. In the evening, indulge in Hue's famous cuisine, known for its royal heritage.
Imperial Citadel: $5, 2-3 hours
Thien Mu Pagoda: Free, 1-2 hours
Hue Cuisine: Varies, 2-3 hours
Restaurants
Café on Thu Wheels: Enjoy a delicious Vietnamese breakfast at this quaint café located near the Imperial Citadel. Indulge in traditional dishes such as banh mi and pho, while enjoying the cozy atmosphere. Average cost for a meal is about 70,000 VND (3 USD) per person.
Com Nieu: For lunch, head to Com Nieu, a bustling restaurant known for its crispy rice. Try their signature dish, Com Nieu, where the server dramatically breaks open a clay pot filled with fragrant rice. Average cost for a meal is about 150,000 VND (6.5 USD) per person.
Mandarin Restaurant: Treat yourself to an exquisite dinner at Mandarin Restaurant, known for its imperial-style cuisine. Experience dishes inspired by the royal heritage of Hue, such as banh cuon and bun bo Hue. Average cost for a meal is about 300,000 VND (13 USD) per person.
Monday, October 16: Hoi An Ancient Town
Travel to the charming town of Hoi An, known for its well-preserved ancient architecture. Spend the morning exploring the UNESCO-listed Old Town, strolling through its narrow streets lined with vibrant yellow buildings. In the afternoon, visit the Japanese Covered Bridge, browse the local markets, and try your hand at lantern making. As the sun sets, enjoy a boat ride along the Thu Bon River, adorned with colorful floating lanterns.
Hoi An Old Town: $6 (entrance ticket), 3-4 hours
Japanese Covered Bridge: Free, 1-2 hours
Boat Ride on Thu Bon River: $5-10, 1-2 hours
Restaurants
Enjoy a traditional Vietnamese breakfast at Morning Glory Restaurant, known for its authentic flavors and fresh ingredients. Average cost for a meal is about 100,000 VND per person.
Savor a delicious lunch at Cargo Club, a popular waterfront restaurant serving a variety of international and local dishes. Average cost for a meal is about 200,000 VND per person.
Indulge in a memorable dinner at Mango Mango, offering a fusion of Vietnamese and Western cuisine with stunning river views. Average cost for a meal is about 400,000 VND per person.
Tuesday, October 17: Ho Chi Minh City Highlights
Fly to vibrant Ho Chi Minh City, formerly known as Saigon. Start your day by visiting the historic Reunification Palace and learning about Vietnam's modern history. In the afternoon, explore the bustling Ben Thanh Market, where you can shop for souvenirs and taste local street food. As the evening approaches, take a walk along Nguyen Hue Street, admiring the city's illuminated landmarks.
Reunification Palace: $2.50, 1-2 hours
Ben Thanh Market: Free, 2-3 hours
Nguyen Hue Street: Free, 1-2 hours
Restaurants
The Workshop Coffee: Enjoy a delicious breakfast at The Workshop Coffee, known for its specialty coffee and hearty brunch options. Average cost for a meal is about $10 per person.
L'Usine: For lunch, head over to L'Usine, a trendy cafe that offers a mix of Vietnamese and international cuisine. Try their signature banh mi sandwiches or fresh salads. Average cost for a meal is about $15 per person.
Nha Hang Ngon: Indulge in a flavorful dinner at Nha Hang Ngon, a popular restaurant that serves authentic Vietnamese dishes in a charming setting. Don't miss the spring rolls and pho! Average cost for a meal is about $20 per person.
Wednesday, October 18: Mekong Delta Discovery
Embark on a day trip to the Mekong Delta, known as the "Rice Bowl" of Vietnam. Cruise along the intricate waterways, visit local villages, and experience the vibrant floating markets. Explore the lush fruit orchards and sample tropical fruits along the way. Immerse yourself in the local culture and witness the traditional way of life in this enchanting region.
Mekong Delta Day Trip: $20-30, 8-10 hours
Restaurants
For breakfast, head to The Deck Saigon, a charming riverside restaurant offering a delightful combination of Vietnamese and Western breakfast options. The average cost of a meal here is about $10 per person.
For lunch, try Nha Hang Ngon, a popular eatery known for its wide range of authentic Vietnamese dishes. From pho and banh mi to fresh spring rolls, you'll find a variety of flavorful options here. The average cost for a meal is about $8 per person.
For dinner, visit Temple Club, a historic restaurant housed in a beautifully restored colonial building. Indulge in a fusion of Vietnamese and international cuisine while enjoying live music and a vibrant atmosphere. The average cost for a meal here is about $15 per person.
Thursday, October 19: Departure
After a week of exploring the vibrant cities and cultural gems of Vietnam, it's time to bid farewell to this beautiful country. Take your last moments to indulge in some local delicacies and reflect on the incredible experiences you've had during your trip. Depart from Ho Chi Minh City with unforgettable memories.
Hidden Gems and Local Favorites
For off the beaten path attractions and places loved by locals, consider exploring the buzzing streets of Da Nang, known for its beautiful beaches and vibrant nightlife. Visit the Marble Mountains, a cluster of five limestone hills offering breathtaking views and hidden caves. Don't miss the Dragon Bridge, an iconic symbol of Da Nang, famous for its dazzling display of lights and fire on weekends.