Begin your Vietnam adventure in the bustling city of Ho Chi Minh. In the morning, visit the War Remnants Museum to gain insight into Vietnam's history. In the afternoon, explore the vibrant Ben Thanh Market and indulge in local street food. As the evening rolls in, head to the Bitexco Financial Tower for panoramic views of the city.
War Remnants Museum: Cost Estimate - 100,000 VND ($4.35), Time Spent - 2 hours
Ben Thanh Market: Cost Estimate - Depends on shopping, Time Spent - 2-3 hours
Start your day with a delicious breakfast at The Workshop, known for its freshly brewed coffee and artisanal pastries. Average cost for a meal is about $10 per person.
Savor a traditional Vietnamese lunch at Quan Bui, serving authentic dishes like pho and banh mi. Average cost for a meal is about $8 per person.
For dinner, experience the vibrant atmosphere of Cục Gạch Quán, a charming restaurant serving delectable Vietnamese cuisine in a rustic setting. Average cost for a meal is about $15 per person.
Friday, September 29: Hoi An
Take a morning flight to the charming ancient town of Hoi An. Start your day exploring the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Hoi An Ancient Town, with its well-preserved architecture and colorful lanterns. Afternoon activities may include a visit to the Japanese Covered Bridge and a boat ride along the Thu Bon River. In the evening, enjoy a traditional Vietnamese meal by the river.
Hoi An Ancient Town: Cost Estimate - 120,000 VND ($5.20), Time Spent - 2-3 hours
Japanese Covered Bridge: Cost Estimate - 20,000 VND ($0.87), Time Spent - 1 hour
Boat Ride on Thu Bon River: Cost Estimate - 150,000 VND ($6.52), Time Spent - 1-2 hours
Restaurants
For breakfast, head to Morning Glory Restaurant, a popular spot known for its delicious Vietnamese breakfast options. Average cost for a meal is about 100,000 VND per person.
For lunch, try the White Rose Dumpling Restaurant, which specializes in the famous Hoi An delicacy called "White Rose". Average cost for a meal is about 150,000 VND per person.
For dinner, indulge in the flavors of Hoi An at Mango Rooms, a vibrant restaurant offering a fusion of Vietnamese and international cuisine. Average cost for a meal is about 300,000 VND per person.
Saturday, September 30: Hue
Embark on a scenic drive to the imperial city of Hue. Start your morning by exploring the Imperial Citadel, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In the afternoon, visit the Thien Mu Pagoda and take a leisurely boat ride along the Perfume River. As the evening approaches, savor local Hue cuisine at one of the city's charming restaurants.
Thien Mu Pagoda: Cost Estimate - Free, Time Spent - 1 hour
Boat Ride on Perfume River: Cost Estimate - 250,000 VND ($10.87), Time Spent - 1-2 hours
Restaurants
Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Gia Hoi Quan. This local eatery offers traditional Vietnamese dishes such as pho and banh mi. Average cost for a meal is about 60,000 VND per person.
For lunch, head to Ancient Hue Restaurant. This restaurant serves a wide range of Hue specialties, including bun bo Hue and banh khoai. Average cost for a meal is about 100,000 VND per person.
End your day with a memorable dinner at Lac Thien Restaurant. Enjoy their famous Hue-style hotpot and other local delicacies. Average cost for a meal is about 150,000 VND per person.
Sunday, October 1: Hanoi
Take a morning flight to Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam. Discover Hanoi's rich history by visiting the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and One Pillar Pagoda in the morning. In the afternoon, explore the vibrant Old Quarter and take a cyclo ride around the picturesque Hoan Kiem Lake. Wrap up your day with a traditional water puppet show.
Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum: Cost Estimate - Free, Time Spent - 1-2 hours
One Pillar Pagoda: Cost Estimate - 50,000 VND ($2.17), Time Spent - 1 hour
Old Quarter: Cost Estimate - Depends on shopping and dining, Time Spent - 2-3 hours
Water Puppet Show: Cost Estimate - 100,000-200,000 VND ($4.35-$8.70), Time Spent - 1 hour
Restaurants
Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Pho Gia Truyen, a popular local spot known for their traditional Vietnamese pho. Average cost for a meal is about 50,000 VND per person.
For lunch, head to Bun Cha Huong Lien, where you can try the famous dish Bun Cha that was enjoyed by former US President Barack Obama during his visit to Vietnam. Average cost for a meal is about 70,000 VND per person.
In the evening, indulge in a mouthwatering dinner at Quan An Ngon, a charming restaurant offering a wide variety of Vietnamese dishes. Average cost for a meal is about 150,000 VND per person.
Monday, October 2: Ha Long Bay
Embark on a day trip to the breathtaking Ha Long Bay. Cruise through the limestone karsts and emerald waters, enjoying the stunning natural beauty. Explore the hidden caves and indulge in a seafood lunch on the boat. Return to Hanoi in the evening to relax and unwind.
Ha Long Bay Cruise: Cost Estimate - 1,200,000 VND ($52.17), Time Spent - Full day
Restaurants
A popular breakfast spot near Ha Long Bay is Café Giảng, known for its traditional Vietnamese coffee and egg coffee. Average cost for a breakfast meal is about 50,000 VND per person.
For lunch, head to Quán Lẩu Nấm for a flavorful hotpot lunch. They specialize in mushroom hotpot with a variety of fresh ingredients. Average cost for a lunch meal is about 100,000 VND per person.
For dinner, check out Nhà Hàng Dìn Ký for delicious seafood dishes. They offer a wide range of fresh seafood options, including grilled prawns and crab noodles. Average cost for a dinner meal is about 200,000 VND per person.
Tuesday, October 3: Da Nang
Fly to Da Nang, a coastal city known for its beautiful beaches. Spend your morning exploring the Marble Mountains and enjoying panoramic views of the city from the top. In the afternoon, relax on My Khe Beach or visit the unique Dragon Bridge. Wrap up your day with a seafood feast at one of the local restaurants.
Start your day with a nourishing breakfast at Café Indochine, where you can enjoy traditional Vietnamese dishes like banh mi and pho. Average cost for a meal is about 100,000 VND per person.
For lunch, head to Mì Quảng Ưu Đàm and indulge in a bowl of Mì Quảng, a local specialty made with turmeric-infused noodles, pork, shrimp, and fresh herbs. Average cost for a meal is about 70,000 VND per person.
In the evening, treat yourself to a memorable dinner at Madame Lan Restaurant, known for its exquisite Vietnamese cuisine. Try their famous crispy spring rolls and caramelized clay pot fish. Average cost for a meal is about 250,000 VND per person.
Wednesday, October 4: Mekong Delta
Embark on a day trip to the Mekong Delta, known as the "rice bowl" of Vietnam. Explore the floating markets, lush orchards, and traditional villages along the river. Enjoy a boat ride through the picturesque canals and savor the flavors of the local cuisine. Return to Ho Chi Minh City in the evening.
Mekong Delta Tour: Cost Estimate - 800,000 VND ($34.78), Time Spent - Full day
Restaurants
Start your day with a delicious Vietnamese breakfast at Pho 2000. This popular restaurant is known for its flavorful and authentic pho noodle soup. A meal here costs around 50,000 VND per person.
For a satisfying lunch, head to Tân Cảnh Restaurant, where you can enjoy a variety of traditional Vietnamese dishes such as bánh xèo (Vietnamese pancake) and cánh gà chiên nước mắm (fried chicken wings with fish sauce). The average cost for a meal here is approximately 100,000 VND per person.
End your day with a memorable dinner at Cục Gạch Quán, a charming restaurant located in a restored French colonial villa. Indulge in their specialty dishes like bún chả (grilled pork with rice vermicelli) and gỏi cuốn (fresh spring rolls). A meal at Cục Gạch Quán costs around 200,000 VND per person.
Hidden Gems and Local Favorites
While exploring Vietnam, don't miss out on some hidden gems and local favorites. In Hoi An, rent a bicycle and explore the countryside for an authentic experience. In Hue, visit the Thanh Toan Bridge, a beautiful covered bridge with historical significance. In Hanoi, try the delicious street food in the bustling alleys of the Old Quarter. Finally, in Da Nang, take a trip to the Ba Na Hills to enjoy breathtaking views and experience the Golden Bridge.