7-Day City Experiences Itinerary for Vietnam in July 2023

1. Day 1: Ho Chi Minh City
   30 minutes (5.5 miles) from Tan Son Nhat International Airport

   Start your trip by exploring the bustling city of Ho Chi Minh. Visit the War Remnants Museum to learn about Vietnam's history, especially the Vietnam War, and then take a stroll through the colorful Ben Thanh Market, where you can find local souvenirs and street food.

2. Day 2: Hoi An
   1 hour (17.3 miles) from Da Nang International Airport

   Discover the charm of Hoi An, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Admire the historic architecture, such as the Japanese Covered Bridge, and shop for tailor-made clothing. In the evening, take a boat ride along the Thu Bon River to see the colorful lanterns illuminating the riverbank.

3. Day 3: Hue
   2 hours (81.8 miles) from Hoi An Ancient Town

   Explore the ancient capital of Vietnam, Hue, known for its imperial city and royal tombs. Visit the Citadel and Forbidden City, where you can see the grandeur of the Nguyen Dynasty, followed by a boat ride on the Perfume River to visit the Thien Mu Pagoda.

4. Day 4: Hanoi
   1 hour 45 minutes (466 miles) from Phu Bai International Airport

   Travel to the northern region of Vietnam to visit the capital city, Hanoi. Stroll around the Old Quarter and try some of the famous street food, such as pho or banh mi. Visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and the Temple of Literature, Vietnam's first university.

5. Day 5: Halong Bay
   3 hours 45 minutes (105.6 miles) from Hanoi Old Quarter

   Take a day trip to the stunning Halong Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Cruise around the limestone karsts and stop at caves and beaches to swim and kayak. Enjoy a fresh seafood lunch on the boat while taking in the breathtaking scenery.

6. Day 6: Ninh Binh
   2 hours (60.7 miles) from Hanoi Old Quarter

   Visit the "Halong Bay on land," Ninh Binh, known for its beautiful karst landscape and rice paddies. Take a boat ride through the Tam Coc caves and bike around the countryside to see the Bich Dong Pagoda and the Hoa Lu ancient capital.

7. Day 7: Ho Chi Minh City
   2 hours (68.3 miles) from Tan Son Nhat International Airport

   Return to Ho Chi Minh City for some last-minute shopping or sightseeing. Visit the Independence Palace, the former presidential palace of South Vietnam, and the Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon, a French colonial church. Have a farewell dinner at one of the city's rooftop bars for a stunning view of the city skyline.

Time and Costs Estimates

• War Remnants Museum (2 hours, VND 40,000)
• Ben Thanh Market (2 hours, cost varies depending on purchases)
• Japanese Covered Bridge (1 hour, VND 120,000)
• Tailor-made clothing (4 hours, cost varies depending on purchases)
• Citadel and Forbidden City (2 hours, VND 150,000)
• Boat ride on Perfume River (2 hours, VND 150,000)
• Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum (1 hour, free)
• Temple of Literature (1 hour, VND 30,000)
• Halong Bay day trip (8 hours, VND 1,500,000)
• Tam Coc boat ride (2 hours, VND 150,000)
• Biking around Ninh Binh (4 hours, VND 100,000)
• Independence Palace (2 hours, VND 40,000)
• Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon (1 hour, free)
• Farewell dinner at rooftop bar (2 hours, cost varies depending on restaurant)
Total Estimated Costs: VND 2,330,000