7-Day Itinerary: Ho Chi Minh, DaNang, Hoi An, Trang An, Tam Coc, Mua Caves, Halong Bay Cruise, Hanoi
Wednesday, December 6: Ho Chi Minh City
In the morning, explore the bustling Ben Thanh Market, where you can shop for local handicrafts and enjoy delicious street food. In the afternoon, visit the War Remnants Museum to learn about Vietnam's history. End the evening with a visit to the Bitexco Financial Tower, where you can enjoy panoramic views of the city from the observation deck.
Ben Thanh Market: Cost varies, 2-3 hours
War Remnants Museum: Cost varies, 2-3 hours
Bitexco Financial Tower: Cost varies, 1-2 hours
Restaurants
A popular breakfast spot in Ho Chi Minh City is Pho Le. They serve authentic Vietnamese pho noodles and the average cost for a meal is about 60,000 VND per person.
For lunch, try Nha Hang Ngon which offers a wide range of traditional Vietnamese dishes. The average cost for a meal is about 150,000 VND per person.
Don't miss the opportunity to dine at The Refinery for dinner, a charming French restaurant in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City. The average cost for a meal is about 400,000 VND per person.
Thursday, December 7: DaNang
Start your day with a visit to the Marble Mountains, a cluster of five limestone and marble hills offering stunning views and hidden caves. In the afternoon, explore the beautiful Han River and enjoy the Dragon Bridge show. Wrap up the day by visiting the Museum of Cham Sculpture to admire the ancient Cham artifacts.
Marble Mountains: Cost varies, 3-4 hours
Han River and Dragon Bridge: Free, 1-2 hours
Museum of Cham Sculpture: Cost varies, 1-2 hours
Restaurants
For breakfast, head to Bánh Mì Queen, a popular local spot known for its delicious Vietnamese sandwiches. Average cost for a meal is about 40,000 VND ($1.75) per person.
For lunch, try The Banh Xeo House, where you can indulge in savory Vietnamese pancakes filled with shrimp, pork, and bean sprouts. Average cost for a meal is about 100,000 VND ($4.35) per person.
For dinner, treat yourself to a feast at Hoi An Sense, a charming restaurant offering a variety of authentic Hoi An specialties. Average cost for a meal is about 500,000 VND ($21.70) per person.
Friday, December 8: Hoi An
Immerse yourself in the charming ancient town of Hoi An. Spend the morning exploring the UNESCO-listed Old Town, with its well-preserved architecture and colorful lanterns. In the afternoon, take a boat ride along the Thu Bon River and visit the nearby An Bang Beach. In the evening, join a cooking class to learn how to make traditional Vietnamese dishes.
Hoi An Old Town: Cost varies, 3-4 hours
Boat ride and An Bang Beach: Cost varies, 2-3 hours
Cooking class: Cost varies, 2-3 hours
Restaurants
Enjoy a delicious breakfast at Morning Glory Restaurant, known for its extensive menu of Vietnamese dishes and charming courtyard setting. Average cost for a meal is about 100,000 VND per person.
Indulge in a tasty lunch at Mango Mango Restaurant, offering a fusion of Vietnamese and Western cuisine with stunning views of the Thu Bon River. Average cost for a meal is about 200,000 VND per person.
For dinner, savor the enchanting atmosphere at Cargo Club Restaurant, known for its Asian-European fusion cuisine and rooftop terrace overlooking Hoi An's ancient town. Average cost for a meal is about 300,000 VND per person.
Saturday, December 9: Trang An and Tam Coc
Embark on a scenic boat tour through the limestone karst landscape of Trang An and Tam Coc. Marvel at the stunning natural beauty and explore the caves along the way. After the boat tour, visit the Bich Dong Pagoda, nestled in the mountains, for a peaceful experience. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure, taking in the serene surroundings.
Trang An and Tam Coc boat tour: Cost varies, 4-5 hours
Bich Dong Pagoda: Free, 1-2 hours
Restaurants
Breakfast at Trang An Village Restaurant: Start your day with a delicious Vietnamese breakfast at Trang An Village Restaurant. This cozy eatery offers a variety of traditional dishes such as pho, banh mi, and fresh fruit smoothies. The average cost for a meal is about $5 per person.
Lunch at Chookie's Cafe: For a relaxed and casual lunch, head to Chookie's Cafe. This charming cafe serves a mix of local and international cuisine, from tasty sandwiches and wraps to flavorful Vietnamese noodles. The average cost for a meal is about $8 per person.
Dinner at Ninh Binh Family Restaurant: Experience authentic Vietnamese flavors at Ninh Binh Family Restaurant. This family-owned restaurant offers a wide range of traditional dishes made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. From savory grilled meats to flavorful seafood, you'll find a delicious meal here. The average cost for a meal is about $12 per person.
Sunday, December 10: Mua Caves
Start your day with a hike to the Mua Caves, where you can enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding countryside and the Ngo Dong River. After exploring the caves, visit the nearby Van Long Nature Reserve for a boat tour, where you can spot various bird species and immerse yourself in nature. End the day with a relaxing evening in Ninh Binh.
Mua Caves: Cost varies, 3-4 hours
Van Long Nature Reserve: Cost varies, 2-3 hours
Restaurants
For breakfast, head to Ninh Binh Restaurant, known for its delicious traditional Vietnamese breakfast dishes. Average cost for a meal is about 50,000 VND per person.
If you're looking for a satisfying lunch, stop by Ba Nam Restaurant, which offers a variety of authentic Vietnamese dishes. Average cost for a meal is about 100,000 VND per person.
For dinner, Mua Cave Restaurant is a great choice, serving fresh seafood and other local favorites. Average cost for a meal is about 200,000 VND per person.
Monday, December 11: Halong Bay Cruise
Embark on a memorable cruise through the breathtaking Halong Bay. Marvel at the limestone karsts, explore hidden caves, and enjoy swimming or kayaking in the emerald waters. Indulge in a delicious seafood lunch on board and take in the stunning sunset over the bay. Spend the night on the cruise, surrounded by the beauty of Halong Bay.
Halong Bay Cruise: Cost varies, full day
Restaurants
Head to Sunrise Restaurant for breakfast, an elegant eatery offering a wide selection of Vietnamese and international dishes. Average cost for a meal is about $10 per person.
For lunch, try Green Mango Restaurant, known for its fresh and flavorful Vietnamese cuisine. Average cost for a meal is about $15 per person.
Enjoy a delightful dinner at Morning Glory Restaurant, serving traditional Vietnamese dishes with a modern twist. Average cost for a meal is about $20 per person.
Tuesday, December 12: Hanoi
In the morning, explore the historic Old Quarter of Hanoi, with its narrow streets and colonial architecture. Visit the Temple of Literature, Vietnam's first national university, and Hoan Kiem Lake, where you can see the iconic red Huc Bridge. In the afternoon, explore the vibrant street food scene and try local delicacies. End the day with a traditional water puppet show.
Old Quarter: Cost varies, 3-4 hours
Temple of Literature: Cost varies, 1-2 hours
Hoan Kiem Lake: Free, 1-2 hours
Street food exploration: Cost varies, 2-3 hours
Water puppet show: Cost varies, 1-2 hours
Restaurants
For breakfast, head to Pho Bat Dan, a popular local spot known for its delicious bowls of traditional Vietnamese pho. Average cost for a meal is about 50,000 VND per person.
For lunch, try Bun Cha Huong Lien, where you can savor the famous Hanoi dish, bun cha, grilled pork served with rice noodles and fresh herbs. Average cost for a meal is about 80,000 VND per person.
For dinner, enjoy a meal at Quan An Ngon, a bustling street food restaurant with a wide variety of Vietnamese dishes to choose from. Average cost for a meal is about 150,000 VND per person.
Hidden Gems and Local Favorites
For those looking to venture off the beaten path, consider visiting the Cu Chi Tunnels near Ho Chi Minh City, which offer a fascinating glimpse into the Vietnam War. In DaNang, explore the Son Tra Peninsula, home to the beautiful Linh Ung Pagoda and the iconic Lady Buddha statue. In Hanoi, visit the quirky Train Street, where trains pass through a narrow residential street, or relax at the tranquil West Lake.