Relaxation in Vietnam: 7-Day Itinerary

Wednesday, January 24: Hanoi

Begin your trip in Hanoi, the capital city of Vietnam. In the morning, take a peaceful stroll around Hoan Kiem Lake, a scenic oasis in the heart of the city. Visit the Temple of Literature, a tranquil place of learning and historical significance. Enjoy a delicious bowl of pho for lunch, a classic Vietnamese noodle soup. In the afternoon, explore the charming Old Quarter, known for its narrow streets, vibrant markets, and traditional architecture. End the day with a relaxing water puppet show, a unique Vietnamese cultural performance.

• Hoan Kiem Lake: Free, 1-2 hours
• Temple of Literature: VND 30,000 ($1.30), 1-2 hours
• Old Quarter: Free, 2-3 hours
• Water Puppet Show: VND 100,000 ($4.30), 1 hour

Restaurants

• Start your morning with a delicious breakfast at Banh Mi 25, located in the heart of Hanoi. This popular eatery offers a variety of mouthwatering Vietnamese-style sandwiches. The average cost for a meal is about 50,000 VND per person.
• For a satisfying lunch, head to Bun Cha Ta restaurant. This local favorite serves traditional Hanoi-style grilled pork with vermicelli noodles and fresh herbs. The average cost for a meal is about 80,000 VND per person.
• In the evening, indulge in a delectable dinner at Quan An Ngon. This charming restaurant offers a wide range of authentic Vietnamese dishes, from pho to spring rolls, in a lively outdoor setting. The average cost for a meal is about 150,000 VND per person.

Thursday, January 25: Halong Bay

Embark on a cruise to stunning Halong Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Spend the morning soaking in the breathtaking scenery of limestone karsts and emerald waters. Enjoy a delicious seafood lunch on board. In the afternoon, explore the magical caves and grottoes of the bay, or try your hand at kayaking. Witness a mesmerizing sunset over the bay before returning to your cruise ship for a tranquil evening.

• Halong Bay Cruise: VND 1,500,000 ($65), 6-8 hours
• Kayaking: VND 200,000 ($8.60), 1-2 hours

Restaurants

• For breakfast, head to Cafe Nha Lan, a cozy spot serving a variety of Vietnamese breakfast options such as banh mi and pho. Average cost for a meal is about 50,000 VND per person.
• For lunch, try the iconic Quang Noodle at Quang Noodle House. This local favorite offers a delicious bowl of Quang Noodle with toppings like shrimp, pork, and herbs. Average cost for a meal is about 70,000 VND per person.
• For dinner, indulge in fresh seafood at Hai San Quan. Located by the coast, this restaurant offers a wide selection of seafood dishes such as grilled squid and steamed clams. Average cost for a meal is about 200,000 VND per person.

Friday, January 26: Hoi An

Travel to the enchanting town of Hoi An, known for its well-preserved ancient architecture. Start the day with a relaxing bicycle ride through the peaceful countryside, passing rice fields and local villages. Explore the UNESCO-listed Old Town in the afternoon, with its narrow lanes, colorful lanterns, and beautiful riverside setting. Indulge in a rejuvenating spa treatment in the evening to complete your day of relaxation.

• Bicycle Rental: VND 50,000 ($2.15), 2-3 hours
• Hoi An Old Town: VND 120,000 ($5.20), 2-3 hours
• Spa Treatment: VND 500,000 ($21.50), 1-2 hours

Saturday, January 27: Nha Trang

Head to Nha Trang, a coastal city known for its pristine sandy beaches and clear turquoise waters. Spend the morning sunbathing and swimming at one of the beautiful beaches. In the afternoon, take a boat trip to the nearby islands, where you can snorkel, scuba dive, or simply relax on the white sandy shores. Enjoy a seafood dinner by the beach as you watch the sunset over the ocean.

• Nha Trang Beach: Free, 4-6 hours
• Island Boat Trip: VND 500,000 ($21.50), 4-5 hours

Sunday, January 28: Dalat

Escape to the cool mountain town of Dalat, famous for its fresh air, beautiful lakes, and flower gardens. Start the day with a peaceful stroll around the picturesque Xuan Huong Lake. Visit the stunning Linh Phuoc Pagoda, adorned with intricate mosaic artwork. Explore the colorful Dalat Flower Park in the afternoon, where you can admire a wide variety of flowers and plants. End the day with a serene boat ride on Tuyen Lam Lake.

• Xuan Huong Lake: Free, 1-2 hours
• Linh Phuoc Pagoda: VND 20,000 ($0.85), 1-2 hours
• Dalat Flower Park: VND 40,000 ($1.70), 1-2 hours
• Tuyen Lam Lake Boat Ride: VND 100,000 ($4.30), 1-2 hours

Monday, January 29: Ho Chi Minh City

Travel to Ho Chi Minh City, the vibrant metropolis formerly known as Saigon. Start the day by visiting the peaceful Jade Emperor Pagoda, known for its intricate architecture and serene atmosphere. Explore the historic Reunification Palace and gain insights into Vietnam's past. In the afternoon, visit the War Remnants Museum to learn about the Vietnam War. End the day with a leisurely walk along Nguyen Hue Walking Street, a bustling pedestrian area filled with shops and cafes.

• Jade Emperor Pagoda: Free, 1-2 hours
• Reunification Palace: VND 40,000 ($1.70), 1-2 hours
• War Remnants Museum: VND 40,000 ($1.70), 2-3 hours
• Nguyen Hue Walking Street: Free, 2-3 hours

Tuesday, January 30: Mekong Delta

Embark on a day trip to the enchanting Mekong Delta, known as the "rice bowl" of Vietnam. Cruise along the scenic river and visit local villages, where you can learn about traditional handicrafts and taste delicious tropical fruits. Explore the bustling floating markets and try your hand at rowing a traditional sampan boat. Immerse yourself in the peaceful rural landscapes and enjoy a traditional Vietnamese lunch by the river. Return to Ho Chi Minh City in the evening.

• Mekong Delta Day Trip: VND 1,000,000 ($43), 8-10 hours

Hidden Gems and Local Favorites

For a truly relaxing experience, consider visiting the serene rice terraces of Sapa, where you can enjoy breathtaking mountain views and interact with local ethnic tribes. Another off-the-beaten-path destination is Phu Quoc Island, known for its stunning beaches and tranquil atmosphere. Take a leisurely bike ride around the island and savor fresh seafood at local eateries. Locals also love the peaceful town of Hue, famous for its Imperial Citadel and delicious royal cuisine.

Check out KAYAK for the best hotel and flight prices for your Vietnam trip.