Start your trip by exploring the bustling streets of Ho Chi Minh City. In the morning, visit the historic Reunification Palace, a symbol of the city's rich history. In the afternoon, wander through the vibrant Ben Thanh Market, where you can find local handicrafts and taste delicious street food. As the evening approaches, head to Bui Vien Street in the backpacker district for a lively nightlife experience.
Ben Thanh Market: Cost estimate - Depends on purchases, Time spent - 2-3 hours
Bui Vien Street: Cost estimate - Depends on activities, Time spent - Until late night
Restaurants
A great breakfast option in Ho Chi Minh City is Banh Mi Huynh Hoa, famous for their delicious and filling banh mi sandwiches. You can enjoy a meal here for about 2-3 USD per person.
For lunch, try Nha Hang Ngon, a popular restaurant known for its wide variety of Vietnamese dishes. Enjoy a tasty meal here for around 5-7 USD per person.
In the evening, head to Quan An Ngon for dinner, where you can savor authentic Vietnamese cuisine in a beautiful courtyard setting. The average cost for a meal here is about 7-10 USD per person.
Saturday September 16: Hoi An
Take a flight from Ho Chi Minh City to the charming ancient town of Hoi An. In the morning, explore the UNESCO World Heritage site, Hoi An Ancient Town, with its well-preserved architecture and narrow streets. In the afternoon, visit the Japanese Covered Bridge and the Assembly Hall of the Fujian Chinese Congregation. As the evening sets in, take a lantern-lit boat ride along the Thu Bon River to experience the magical atmosphere of Hoi An at night.
Hoi An Ancient Town: Cost estimate - 120,000 VND, Time spent - 3-4 hours
Japanese Covered Bridge: Cost estimate - 20,000 VND, Time spent - 1 hour
Assembly Hall of the Fujian Chinese Congregation: Cost estimate - 20,000 VND, Time spent - 1 hour
Thu Bon River Lantern Boat Ride: Cost estimate - 150,000 VND, Time spent - 1 hour
Sunday September 17: Hue
Travel from Hoi An to the imperial city of Hue. In the morning, explore the majestic Imperial City, home to the Nguyen Dynasty emperors. In the afternoon, take a boat trip along the Perfume River and visit the Thien Mu Pagoda, an iconic Buddhist temple. As the evening approaches, enjoy a traditional Hue-style dinner, featuring local delicacies such as banh khoai and bun bo Hue.
Perfume River Boat Trip: Cost estimate - 200,000 VND, Time spent - 2 hours
Thien Mu Pagoda: Cost estimate - 40,000 VND, Time spent - 1 hour
Hue-style Dinner: Cost estimate - Depends on restaurant, Time spent - 1-2 hours
Monday September 18: Ha Long Bay
Fly from Hue to Hanoi and then take a cruise to the stunning natural wonder, Ha Long Bay. In the morning, explore the limestone karsts and emerald waters on a cruise. In the afternoon, visit the floating fishing village of Cua Van and go kayaking around the bay. As the evening sets in, enjoy a seafood dinner on the cruise while watching the sunset over the bay.
Ha Long Bay Cruise: Cost estimate - 800,000 VND, Time spent - Full day
Cua Van Floating Village: Cost estimate - 100,000 VND, Time spent - 2-3 hours
Seafood Dinner on Cruise: Cost estimate - Included in cruise price, Time spent - 1-2 hours
Tuesday September 19: Ninh Binh
From Ha Long Bay, travel to the scenic region of Ninh Binh. In the morning, explore the ancient capital of Hoa Lu and visit the temples dedicated to the Dinh and Le dynasties. In the afternoon, take a boat ride through Trang An Grottoes, admiring the limestone karsts and lush landscapes. As the evening approaches, enjoy a traditional Vietnamese meal while overlooking the picturesque Tam Coc rice fields.
Hoa Lu: Cost estimate - 20,000 VND, Time spent - 2-3 hours
Trang An Grottoes Boat Ride: Cost estimate - 200,000 VND, Time spent - 2-3 hours
Tam Coc Rice Fields: Cost estimate - 30,000 VND, Time spent - 1-2 hours
Traditional Vietnamese Dinner: Cost estimate - Depends on restaurant, Time spent - 1-2 hours
Wednesday September 20: Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park
Travel from Ninh Binh to Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, known for its stunning caves and biodiversity. In the morning, explore the famous Paradise Cave, a magnificent underground world of stalactites and stalagmites. In the afternoon, take a boat trip along the Son River and visit the Phong Nha Cave, with its impressive rock formations. As the evening sets in, relax and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of the national park.
Travel from Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park to Hanoi, the capital city of Vietnam. In the morning, visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and learn about the country's revolutionary history. In the afternoon, explore the vibrant Old Quarter, known for its narrow streets filled with shops and street food vendors. As the evening approaches, watch a traditional water puppet show, a unique Vietnamese art form.
Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum: Cost estimate - Free, Time spent - 1-2 hours
Old Quarter: Cost estimate - Depends on purchases, Time spent - 2-3 hours
Water Puppet Show: Cost estimate - 100,000 VND, Time spent - 1 hour
Restaurants
The Hanoi Deli is a cozy breakfast spot in the Old Quarter, offering a variety of Vietnamese and international breakfast options. Average cost for a meal is about 80,000 VND per person.
For lunch, head to Pho Thin for the best bowl of pho in Hanoi. This small and busy restaurant is known for its flavorful broth and tender beef. Average cost for a meal is about 70,000 VND per person.
Dine at Quan An Ngon for dinner, a popular restaurant in Hanoi that showcases a wide range of Vietnamese dishes. The vibrant atmosphere and delicious food make it a top choice for both locals and tourists. Average cost for a meal is about 150,000 VND per person.
Hidden Gems and Local Favorites
For those looking for off the beaten path attractions, don't miss the stunning Ban Gioc Waterfall in Cao Bang, the terraced rice fields of Sapa, and the peaceful town of Hoi An. Locals love exploring the caves in Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park and indulging in the vibrant street food culture of Hanoi. Don't forget to try the famous pho and banh mi during your visit!