Vietnam: 7-Day City Experiences Itinerary

1. Day 1: Ho Chi Minh City
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   Explore the beautiful architecture of Saigon Notre Dame Cathedral and learn about Vietnamese history at the War Remnants Museum. Wrap up the day with a food tour to taste local delicacies.

2. Day 2: Hanoi
   2 hours flight from Ho Chi Minh City

   Stroll around the Old Quarter and visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum. Next, take a cooking class to learn how to make PhoVietnamese Noodles and spend the evening tasting local craft beers at Bia Hoi Junction.

3. Day 3: Hue
   1-hour flight from Hanoi

   Explore the ancient emperor's mausoleums and the Forbidden City. Next, go to Thien Mu Pagoda, a 400-year-old pagoda and immerse in Vietnamese spirituality.

4. Day 4: Hoi An
   2 hour-drive from Hue

   Explore the Ancient Town’s lantern-lined streets, Japanese Covered Bridge, and its rich heritage. Take a cooking class, attend a pottery-making class and wrap up the day with a bicycle tour along the countryside.

5. Day 5: Da Nang
   30-minute drive from Hoi An

   Visit the largest pagoda in Danang, Linh Ung Pagoda. Next, wander around the Museum of Cham Sculpture overlooking the pristine beaches of Danang. Finish the day watching the Sun Wheel Năm Thiên Đế La dancing fire-flying dragons and a panoramic view of the city.

6. Day 6: Halong Bay
   3.5 hour-drive from Hanoi

   Explore one of Vietnam's UNESCO World Heritage sites, Halong Bay. Enjoy a relaxing boat ride, go island hopping and cave exploring in one of the most beautiful places in the world.

7. Day 7: Nha Trang
   1-hour flight from Halong Bay

   Explore the Po Nagar Cham Towers, the Long Son Pagoda, and Nha Trang Cathedral. Relax and wrap up the day at the famous Bai Dai Beach.

Time and Cost Estimates

• Saigon Notre Dame Cathedral (1 hour, free)
• War Remnants Museum (2-3 hours, $1-2)
• Food Tour (3-4 hours, $25-30)
• Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum (1-2 hours, free)
• Cooking class (2-3 hours, $25-30)
• Bia Hoi Junction (2-3 hours, $10-15)
• Emperor's Mausoleums (2-3 hours, $5-10)
• Forbidden City (1-2 hours, $5-10)
• Thien Mu Pagoda (1-2 hours, free)
• Ancient Town (4-5 hours, $30-40)
• Pottery class (1 hour, $15-20)
• Bicycle Tour (3-4 hours, $20-25)
• Linh Ung Pagoda (1 hour, free)
• Museum of Cham Sculpture (1-2 hours, $2-3)
• Sun Wheel Năm Thiên Đế La (2-3 hours, $20-30)
• Halong Bay Tour (6-7 hours, $50-70)
• Po Nagar Cham Towers (1 hour, $2-3)
• Long Son Pagoda (1-2 hours, free)
• Nha Trang Cathedral (1 hour, free)
• Bai Dai Beach (2-3 hours, free)
Total Estimated Costs: $240-320

Useful Tips

If you have more time, consider exploring Sapa for its rice paddies and hill tribe culture or Phu Quoc for its pristine beaches and snorkelling opportunities. If you have less time, consider cutting down your stay in Halong Bay or Nha Trang. Make sure to check the opening hours of the sites before heading out to avoid disappointment.