Start your day in Hanoi's Old Quarter, where you can wander the narrow streets and explore its many shops and markets. Don't miss the Dong Xuan Market, a four-story indoor market offering everything from souvenirs to street food. For lunch, head to Bún Chả Hương Liên, where President Obama famously had lunch with Chef Anthony Bourdain. In the afternoon, visit the Temple of Literature, Vietnam's first national university that was built in 1070.
Spend a day exploring the stunning natural beauty of Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Take a boat tour to see the limestone karsts and unique rock formations, and visit the floating villages to experience the local way of life. Visit the Thien Cung cave, a majestic cave decorated with stalactites and stalagmites that has been likened to a natural palace.
Explore Ho Chi Minh City, also known as Saigon, starting with the Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon, a Catholic cathedral built in the late 19th century. Next, visit the War Remnants Museum to learn about the Vietnam War from a Vietnamese perspective. For lunch, try the famous Bánh Mì Hòa Mã, which serves up delicious Vietnamese sandwiches. In the afternoon, visit the Bến Thành Market, one of the oldest markets in Vietnam that has been in operation since the 17th century.
Take a tour of the Mekong Delta, a region known for its intricate network of waterways and floating markets. Visit some of the local villages to see how people live and work on the delta, and take a boat ride to experience the unique landscape. Don't miss the Cai Rang Floating Market, one of the largest floating markets in the Mekong Delta.
Transportation between each destination can be done by private car, taxi or hired driver. The estimated cost for a car rental with driver is around 2,800,000₫ to 3,100,000₫. Domestic flights are also available with round-trip tickets starting from 1,500,000₫ to 3,000,000₫ depending on the airline and booking date. It's important to note that traffic in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City can be chaotic and it's recommended to book a private driver instead of driving yourself.
If you have more time, consider visiting other popular destinations such as Hoi An, Nha Trang, or Sapa. For foodies, take a street food tour in Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City to try out the delicious local cuisine. If you have less time, consider skipping the Mekong Delta or Ha Long Bay and spending more time in Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City to really immerse yourself in the culture.
The main airport in Vietnam is Noi Bai International Airport (HAN) in Hanoi, located approximately 35km from the city centre. The second international airport is Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN) in Ho Chi Minh City, located approximately 7km from the city centre. Both airports offer numerous domestic and international flights around the world.