Embark on an exciting 7-day journey through Vietnam with your friends, exploring the fascinating cities of Hanoi, Phong Nha, Hoi An, Nha Trang, and Ho Chi Minh. Get ready for an adventure-filled trip packed with leisure and unforgettable experiences. Check here for hotel and flight prices.
Day 1: Hanoi
Morning: Start your day by visiting the iconic Hoan Kiem Lake, located in the heart of Hanoi. Take a leisurely walk around the lake, admiring the beautiful scenery and Ngoc Son Temple. Afternoon: Explore the historic Old Quarter, known for its bustling streets filled with vendors and traditional architecture. In the evening, immerse yourself in Vietnamese culture with a water puppet show.
Hoan Kiem Lake: Approximately $0.50, 2 hours
Old Quarter: Free, 3-4 hours
Water Puppet Show: Around $5, 1 hour
Restaurants
The Breakfast Club: Start your day at The Breakfast Club, a cozy cafe offering a wide range of breakfast options including freshly baked pastries, omelettes, and Vietnamese coffee. Average cost for a meal is about 150,000 VND per person.
Nha Trang Seafood Market: For lunch, head to Nha Trang Seafood Market, a bustling marketplace where you can choose from a variety of fresh seafood to be cooked on the spot. Enjoy delicious grilled prawns, steamed clams, and fish dishes. Average cost for a meal is about 300,000 VND per person.
Story Beach Club: For dinner, dine at Story Beach Club, a beachfront restaurant known for its sophisticated ambiance and panoramic ocean views. Indulge in a range of international and Vietnamese dishes, including fresh seafood and grilled meats. Average cost for a meal is about 500,000 VND per person.
Restaurants
Café du Monde: Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Café du Monde, known for their freshly brewed coffee and mouthwatering pastries. Average cost for a meal is about 35,000 VND per person.
Phong Nha Ecolodge Restaurant: Enjoy a leisurely lunch at Phong Nha Ecolodge Restaurant, offering a menu of local and international dishes made with organic ingredients. Average cost for a meal is about 200,000 VND per person.
The Villas Restaurant: Indulge in a memorable dining experience at The Villas Restaurant, serving a fusion of Vietnamese and Western cuisines in an elegant setting overlooking the river. Average cost for a meal is about 500,000 VND per person.
Restaurants
For breakfast, check out Morning Glory Restaurant. They serve traditional Vietnamese dishes like Banh Mi and Pho. The average cost for a meal is about 100,000 VND per person.
Grab lunch at The Lunch Lady, a popular spot known for their delicious noodle soups and daily specials. The average cost for a meal is about 70,000 VND per person.
For dinner, head to Lanterns Restaurant and Bar. They offer a variety of dishes including fresh seafood and Vietnamese classics. The average cost for a meal is about 200,000 VND per person.
Restaurants
For breakfast, head to Pho Gia Truyen, a popular local spot known for its delicious and authentic pho. A bowl of pho here costs around 40,000 VND per person.
For lunch, try Bun Cha Huong Lien, famous for being the restaurant where President Obama and Anthony Bourdain dined together. Their signature dish, bun cha, is a must-try and costs about 60,000 VND per person.
For dinner, indulge in a seafood feast at Quan An Ngon. This restaurant offers a wide variety of fresh seafood dishes, and the average cost for a meal is around 200,000 VND per person.
Day 2: Phong Nha
Morning: Depart for Phong Nha and visit the mesmerizing Phong Nha Cave, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Marvel at the stunning limestone formations and take a boat ride through the cave. Afternoon: Explore the Paradise Cave, one of the largest and most beautiful caves in the world. End the day with a relaxing swim in the Chay River.
Phong Nha Cave: Entrance fee around $15, 4-5 hours
Paradise Cave: Entrance fee around $10, 2-3 hours
Chay River: Free, 1-2 hours
Day 3: Hoi An
Morning: Head to Hoi An, a charming ancient town with well-preserved architecture. Explore the historic streets, ancient houses, and iconic Japanese Covered Bridge. Afternoon: Take a bike ride to the nearby countryside and enjoy the scenic beauty and rice fields. In the evening, experience the magical lantern-lit streets of Hoi An.
Japanese Covered Bridge: Entrance fee around $5, 1 hour
Bike Rental: Approximately $2-5, 2-3 hours
Lantern-Lit Streets: Free, evening
Day 4: Nha Trang
Morning: Fly to Nha Trang, a coastal city known for its beautiful beaches. Spend the morning relaxing on the pristine sandy shores and taking a dip in the crystal-clear waters. Afternoon: Visit Vinpearl Land, an amusement park located on an island. Enjoy thrilling rides, water slides, and stunning views from the cable car. In the evening, explore the bustling nightlife of Nha Trang.
Nha Trang Beach: Free, morning
Vinpearl Land: Entrance fee around $20, 4-5 hours
Nightlife: Costs vary, evening
Day 5: Ho Chi Minh City
Morning: Fly to Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Saigon), the vibrant metropolis of Vietnam. Explore the historic landmarks such as the Reunification Palace and the War Remnants Museum. Afternoon: Visit the bustling Ben Thanh Market for shopping and indulge in delicious street food. In the evening, enjoy a panoramic view of the city from the Saigon Skydeck.
Reunification Palace: Entrance fee around $2, 2-3 hours
War Remnants Museum: Entrance fee around $1, 2-3 hours
Ben Thanh Market: Free entry, costs vary for shopping, 2-3 hours
Saigon Skydeck: Entrance fee around $10, 1-2 hours
Day 6: Ho Chi Minh City
Morning: Explore the Cu Chi Tunnels, an immense network of tunnels used during the Vietnam War. Learn about the history and experience crawling through the underground passages. Afternoon: Visit the Notre Dame Cathedral and the Central Post Office, iconic landmarks in the city. In the evening, stroll along the famous Nguyen Hue Walking Street.
Cu Chi Tunnels: Entrance fee around $10, 4-5 hours
Notre Dame Cathedral: Free, 1 hour
Central Post Office: Free, 1 hour
Nguyen Hue Walking Street: Free, evening
Day 7: Ho Chi Minh City
Morning: Take a boat trip to the Mekong Delta, known as the "rice bowl" of Vietnam. Explore the floating markets and lush landscapes of this vibrant region. Afternoon: Experience the local life by visiting villages, tasting fresh tropical fruits, and cruising along the canals. In the evening, enjoy a farewell dinner at a traditional Vietnamese restaurant.
Mekong Delta Boat Trip: Approximately $20, 8-10 hours
Village Visits: Free, 2-3 hours
Fresh Fruit Tasting: Free, 1 hour
Farewell Dinner: Costs vary based on the restaurant
Hidden Gems and Local Favorites
When in Hanoi, don't miss out on exploring the hidden gem of Train Street, where trains pass through a narrow residential street. In Phong Nha, venture off the beaten path and discover the lesser-known but equally stunning Tu Lan Cave System. In Hoi An, escape the crowds and visit Tra Que Vegetable Village, where you can learn about traditional farming and enjoy fresh organic produce. In Nha Trang, explore the picturesque Hon Ba Nature Reserve and unwind amid nature's beauty. In Ho Chi Minh City, discover the local favorite coffee shops tucked away in narrow alleys, offering a unique and authentic experience.