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Hanoi, Phu Quoc, Hoi An, Ho Chi Minh City: 7-Day Shoestring Budget Itinerary

Monday, August 28: Arrival in Hanoi

Start your trip in the bustling city of Hanoi. In the morning, explore the historic Old Quarter with its narrow streets and vibrant markets. Visit the Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple. In the afternoon, discover the fascinating history at the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and explore the Temple of Literature. As the evening sets in, savor the local street food at the famous Hanoi Night Market.

  • Old Quarter: Free, 3-4 hours
  • Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple: Free, 1-2 hours
  • Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum: Free, 1-2 hours
  • Temple of Literature: VND 30,000 (approx. $1.30), 1-2 hours
  • Hanoi Night Market: Budget accordingly, 2-3 hours
Tuesday, August 29: Phu Quoc Island

Take a flight from Hanoi to Phu Quoc Island. In the morning, relax on the beautiful beaches of Long Beach or Sao Beach. In the afternoon, explore the Phu Quoc National Park and visit the Phu Quoc Pearl Farm. As the evening sets in, enjoy a seafood dinner at one of the local night markets.

  • Long Beach or Sao Beach: Free, 4-6 hours
  • Phu Quoc National Park: VND 40,000 (approx. $1.70), 2-3 hours
  • Phu Quoc Pearl Farm: Free, 1-2 hours
  • Local Night Market: Budget accordingly, 2-3 hours
Wednesday, August 30: Hoi An

Fly from Phu Quoc to Hoi An. In the morning, explore the charming Ancient Town of Hoi An with its well-preserved architecture and lantern-filled streets. Visit the Japanese Covered Bridge and the Assembly Hall of the Fujian Chinese Congregation. In the afternoon, take a boat ride along the Thu Bon River and visit the traditional craft villages. As the evening sets in, experience the magical atmosphere of the Hoi An Lantern Festival.

  • Ancient Town of Hoi An: VND 120,000 (approx. $5.20), 3-4 hours
  • Japanese Covered Bridge: VND 20,000 (approx. $0.90), 1-2 hours
  • Assembly Hall of the Fujian Chinese Congregation: VND 20,000 (approx. $0.90), 1-2 hours
  • Boat ride along the Thu Bon River: VND 150,000 (approx. $6.50), 2-3 hours
  • Hoi An Lantern Festival: Free, 2-3 hours
Thursday, August 31: Hoi An

Continue exploring Hoi An. In the morning, take a bicycle ride to the Tra Que Vegetable Village and participate in a farming experience. In the afternoon, learn to make traditional lanterns at a lantern-making workshop. As the evening sets in, enjoy a delicious Vietnamese meal at a riverside restaurant.

  • Tra Que Vegetable Village: VND 20,000 (approx. $0.90) for bike rental, 2-3 hours
  • Lantern-making workshop: VND 50,000 (approx. $2.20), 1-2 hours
  • Riverside Restaurant: Budget accordingly, 1-2 hours
Friday, September 1: Ho Chi Minh City

Fly from Hoi An to Ho Chi Minh City. In the morning, visit the historic Cu Chi Tunnels and learn about Vietnam's war history. In the afternoon, explore the vibrant Ben Thanh Market and the beautiful Notre Dame Cathedral. As the evening sets in, take a stroll along Nguyen Hue Walking Street and enjoy the city's nightlife.

  • Cu Chi Tunnels: VND 110,000 (approx. $4.80), 3-4 hours
  • Ben Thanh Market: Free, 2-3 hours
  • Notre Dame Cathedral: Free, 1-2 hours
  • Nguyen Hue Walking Street: Free, 2-3 hours
Saturday, September 2: Ho Chi Minh City

Continue exploring Ho Chi Minh City. In the morning, visit the War Remnants Museum and gain insights into the Vietnam War. In the afternoon, explore the bustling Chinatown and visit the Thien Hau Temple. As the evening sets in, enjoy a rooftop dinner with panoramic city views.

  • War Remnants Museum: VND 40,000 (approx. $1.70), 2-3 hours
  • Chinatown: Free, 2-3 hours
  • Thien Hau Temple: Free, 1-2 hours
  • Rooftop Dinner: Budget accordingly, 2-3 hours
Sunday, September 3: Departure

On your last day, spend the morning exploring local markets and picking up souvenirs. In the afternoon, bid farewell to Vietnam as you depart for your home country.

Hidden Gems and Local Favorites

For off the beaten path attractions, consider visiting the Bat Trang Pottery Village near Hanoi, where you can witness the traditional pottery-making process. In Hoi An, take a boat cruise along the Cua Dai River to the Cham Islands, offering pristine beaches and snorkeling opportunities. Locals love exploring the vibrant street art scene in Ho Chi Minh City's alleyways, especially in districts like District 4 and 5.

For hotel and flight prices, check out Kayak.

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