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22-Day Vietnam Itinerary: Saigon, Ninh Binh, Hanoi, Hoi An

Tuesday, August 22, 2023: Arrival in Saigon

Welcome to Saigon! Start your trip by exploring the bustling streets of Ho Chi Minh City. In the morning, visit the iconic Ben Thanh Market to experience the vibrant atmosphere and sample local street food. In the afternoon, take a tour of the historic Reunification Palace and learn about Vietnam's fascinating history. In the evening, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant and try the famous Saigonese cuisine.

  • Ben Thanh Market: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 2 hours
  • Reunification Palace: Estimated cost - VND 40,000 ($1.75), Time spent - 2 hours
  • Local restaurant for dinner: Estimated cost - VND 200,000 ($8.75), Time spent - 2 hours
Wednesday, August 23, 2023: Exploring Saigon

Start your day with a visit to the historic Cu Chi Tunnels, a network of underground tunnels used during the Vietnam War. In the afternoon, immerse yourself in the rich history and culture of Saigon by visiting the War Remnants Museum and the Notre-Dame Cathedral. In the evening, take a relaxing stroll along the Saigon River and enjoy the beautiful sunset.

  • Cu Chi Tunnels: Estimated cost - VND 110,000 ($4.80), Time spent - 4 hours
  • War Remnants Museum: Estimated cost - VND 40,000 ($1.75), Time spent - 2 hours
  • Notre-Dame Cathedral: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 1 hour
Thursday, August 24, 2023: Ninh Binh Excursion

Leave Saigon and travel north to Ninh Binh, known as the "Halong Bay on land". In the morning, explore the stunning Trang An Grottoes by boat and marvel at the limestone karst formations. In the afternoon, visit the ancient capital of Hoa Lu and discover its historical significance. In the evening, relax and enjoy the tranquility of your Ninh Binh accommodation.

  • Trang An Grottoes: Estimated cost - VND 200,000 ($8.75), Time spent - 3 hours
  • Hoa Lu Ancient Capital: Estimated cost - VND 20,000 ($0.87), Time spent - 2 hours
Friday, August 25, 2023: Back to Hanoi

Travel back to Hanoi, the bustling capital of Vietnam. In the morning, take a guided tour of the historic Old Quarter and discover its vibrant streets and traditional architecture. In the afternoon, visit the Temple of Literature, Vietnam's first national university. In the evening, treat yourself to a delicious bowl of pho, a traditional Vietnamese noodle soup.

  • Old Quarter: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 3 hours
  • Temple of Literature: Estimated cost - VND 30,000 ($1.30), Time spent - 2 hours
  • Local restaurant for pho: Estimated cost - VND 50,000 ($2.20), Time spent - 1 hour
Saturday, August 26, 2023: Halong Bay Cruise

Embark on a breathtaking cruise through the stunning natural wonder of Halong Bay. Spend the day cruising through the emerald waters, exploring hidden caves, and kayaking around the limestone karsts. In the evening, enjoy a delicious seafood dinner on board and take in the mesmerizing sunset over the bay.

  • Halong Bay Cruise: Estimated cost - VND 2,000,000 ($87.50), Time spent - Full day
Sunday, August 27, 2023: Hanoi Cultural Immersion

Experience the cultural side of Hanoi by visiting the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology in the morning. Learn about the diverse ethnic groups of Vietnam through the museum's exhibits and displays. In the afternoon, take a cyclo ride around the enchanting Hoan Kiem Lake and explore the charming French Quarter. In the evening, indulge in a traditional water puppet show, a unique Vietnamese art form.

  • Vietnam Museum of Ethnology: Estimated cost - VND 40,000 ($1.75), Time spent - 3 hours
  • Cyclo ride: Estimated cost - VND 150,000 ($6.55), Time spent - 2 hours
  • Water puppet show: Estimated cost - VND 100,000 ($4.35), Time spent - 1 hour
Monday, August 28, 2023: Travel to Hoi An

Leave Hanoi and fly to the charming ancient town of Hoi An. In the morning, explore the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Old Town, filled with beautifully preserved historic buildings. In the afternoon, visit the Japanese Covered Bridge and the Assembly Hall of the Fujian Chinese Congregation. In the evening, enjoy a lantern-lit dinner by the Thu Bon River.

  • Old Town: Estimated cost - VND 120,000 ($5.25), Time spent - 3 hours
  • Japanese Covered Bridge: Estimated cost - VND 20,000 ($0.87), Time spent - 1 hour
  • Assembly Hall of the Fujian Chinese Congregation: Estimated cost - VND 20,000 ($0.87), Time spent - 1 hour
Tuesday, August 29, 2023: Hoi An Countryside Tour

Embark on a cycling tour through the picturesque countryside surrounding Hoi An. In the morning, visit local organic farms and learn about traditional farming practices. In the afternoon, take a boat ride along the Thu Bon River and discover the fishing villages and water coconut forests. In the evening, relax and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of Hoi An.

  • Countryside cycling tour: Estimated cost - VND 300,000 ($13.10), Time spent - 4 hours
  • Boat ride on Thu Bon River: Estimated cost - VND 150,000 ($6.55), Time spent - 2 hours
Wednesday, August 30, 2023: Hoi An Beach Day

Spend a day relaxing and enjoying the beautiful beaches of Hoi An. In the morning, head to An Bang Beach and unwind on its golden shores. In the afternoon, explore the nearby Cua Dai Beach and try your hand at water sports such as surfing or paddleboarding. In the evening, savor a beachfront seafood dinner.

  • An Bang Beach: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - Half day
  • Cua Dai Beach: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - Half day
Thursday, August 31, 2023: Return to Saigon

Fly back to Saigon and spend the day exploring any attractions you may have missed during your previous visit. In the evening, indulge in a rooftop dinner with panoramic views of the city skyline.

  • Optional attractions in Saigon
  • Rooftop dinner: Estimated cost - VND 500,000 ($21.80), Time spent - 2 hours
Friday, September 1, 2023: Mekong Delta Day Trip

Embark on a day trip to the Mekong Delta, a region known for its picturesque rice paddies and floating markets. Explore the various islands and villages along the Mekong River, and experience the local way of life. In the evening, return to Saigon and enjoy a farewell dinner.

  • Mekong Delta day trip: Estimated cost - VND 1,000,000 ($43.75), Time spent - Full day
  • Farewell dinner: Estimated cost - VND 300,000 ($13.10), Time spent - 2 hours
Saturday, September 2, 2023: Departure

It's time to say goodbye to Vietnam. Check out of your hotel and head to the airport for your flight back home.

Hidden Gems and Local Favorites

While visiting Saigon, make sure to explore the vibrant street food scene at the hidden gem of Nguyen Thuong Hien Street, where you can try delicious local delicacies at affordable prices. In Ninh Binh, don't miss the off-the-beaten-path Phat Diem Cathedral, a unique blend of Vietnamese and European architectural styles. In Hanoi, venture outside the city to visit the tranquil Perfume Pagoda, a scenic temple complex nestled in the Huong Tich mountains. And in Hoi An, escape the crowds by taking a boat ride to the lesser-known Cham Island, where you can snorkel, swim, and relax on pristine beaches.

Click here to check hotel and flight prices for your Vietnam adventure.

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