Make this trip your own
Create your own free, personalized itinerary in seconds — then sign up to save and edit it.
Create my version

A 6-Day Adventure in Vietnam

Wednesday, December 6: Ho Chi Minh City

Start your trip in the bustling city of Ho Chi Minh City, formerly known as Saigon. In the morning, explore the historic landmarks such as the War Remnants Museum and the Reunification Palace, which played a significant role in Vietnam's history. For lunch, head to Ben Thanh Market to sample authentic Vietnamese street food. In the afternoon, visit the beautiful Notre-Dame Cathedral and the Central Post Office. As the evening approaches, enjoy the vibrant nightlife at Bui Vien Street, famous for its bars and clubs.

  • War Remnants Museum: Approx. $2 entrance fee, 2-3 hours
  • Reunification Palace: Approx. $2 entrance fee, 1-2 hours
  • Ben Thanh Market: Varies based on purchases, 1-2 hours
  • Notre-Dame Cathedral: Free admission, 30 minutes
  • Central Post Office: Free admission, 30 minutes
  • Bui Vien Street: Varies based on activities, evening
Thursday, December 7: Hoi An

Take a flight to the charming town of Hoi An, known for its well-preserved ancient architecture. Start your morning by exploring the ancient town's narrow streets, lined with old merchant houses, temples, and pagodas. In the afternoon, visit the Japanese Covered Bridge, an iconic symbol of Hoi An. Don't miss the opportunity to try your hand at lantern-making in one of the many lantern workshops. As the evening sets in, enjoy a sunset boat ride along the Thu Bon River while admiring the lantern-lit streets.

  • Ancient Town: Approx. $6 entrance fee, 3-4 hours
  • Japanese Covered Bridge: Approx. $1 entrance fee, 30 minutes
  • Lantern-making Workshop: Varies based on activity, 1-2 hours
  • Sunset Boat Ride: Approx. $5 per person, 1-2 hours
Friday, December 8: Hue

Travel to the imperial city of Hue, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Begin your morning by exploring the Imperial City Complex, which includes the Forbidden Purple City and the Royal Tombs. Afterward, take a dragon boat ride along the Perfume River to visit the iconic Thien Mu Pagoda. In the evening, you can indulge in Hue's renowned cuisine, known for its delicate flavors, by trying local specialties such as Bun Bo Hue or Banh Beo.

  • Imperial City Complex: Approx. $6 entrance fee, 3-4 hours
  • Dragon Boat Ride: Approx. $5 per person, 2-3 hours
  • Thien Mu Pagoda: Free admission, 1 hour
  • Hue Cuisine: Varies based on restaurant choice, evening
Saturday, December 9: Halong Bay

Fly to Hanoi and take a scenic drive to the stunning Halong Bay. Spend the morning cruising through the emerald waters, surrounded by thousands of limestone karsts and islets. Explore hidden caves and take part in activities like kayaking or swimming. Enjoy a delicious seafood lunch on the boat. In the afternoon, continue cruising before returning to Hanoi in the evening.

  • Halong Bay Cruise: Approx. $50-100 per person, 4-6 hours
  • Kayaking/Swimming: Included in cruise package, 1-2 hours
Sunday, December 10: Hanoi

Discover the vibrant capital city of Vietnam, Hanoi. Start your morning by visiting the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and the nearby One Pillar Pagoda. Take a stroll around the peaceful Hoan Kiem Lake and explore the charming Old Quarter, known for its narrow streets and traditional architecture. In the afternoon, visit the Temple of Literature, Vietnam's first national university, and the fascinating Hoa Lo Prison, also known as the "Hanoi Hilton." In the evening, savor a bowl of authentic pho at one of Hanoi's street food stalls.

  • Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum: Free admission, 1-2 hours
  • One Pillar Pagoda: Free admission, 30 minutes
  • Hoan Kiem Lake: Free admission, 1-2 hours
  • Old Quarter: Varies based on activities, 2-3 hours
  • Temple of Literature: Approx. $1 entrance fee, 1-2 hours
  • Hoa Lo Prison: Approx. $1 entrance fee, 1-2 hours
  • Pho: Varies based on restaurant choice, evening
Monday, December 11: Mekong Delta

Embark on a day trip to the Mekong Delta, known as the "rice bowl" of Vietnam. Experience the unique lifestyle of the locals as you cruise along the picturesque canals. Visit traditional villages, sample tropical fruits, and enjoy a traditional Vietnamese lunch. Explore the bustling floating markets and witness the vibrant river life. Return to Ho Chi Minh City in the evening.

  • Mekong Delta Tour: Approx. $20-30 per person, 8-10 hours

Hidden Gems and Local Favorites

When visiting Vietnam, make sure to explore the hidden gem of Ninh Binh. Known as "Halong Bay on Land," Ninh Binh offers stunning landscapes with limestone karsts, caves, and ancient temples. Biking through the rural countryside or taking a boat ride along the Trang An Grottoes are must-do activities. Locals also love the vibrant city of Da Nang, home to beautiful beaches, the iconic Dragon Bridge, and the stunning Marble Mountains. Don't miss the opportunity to try the local delicacy, banh xeo, a Vietnamese pancake filled with shrimp and bean sprouts.

For hotel and flight bookings, check out KAYAK to find the best prices.

0
Like this trip? Make your own version.
A free, personalized itinerary in seconds — sign up to save and edit it.
Create my version