Start your trip in Vietnam by exploring the vibrant capital city of Hanoi. In the morning, visit the Temple of Literature, a beautiful temple complex and the country's first national university. Take a leisurely stroll around Hoan Kiem Lake in the afternoon, where you can enjoy the scenic surroundings and even spot the famous giant tortoise. In the evening, head to the Old Quarter for a taste of authentic Vietnamese cuisine and explore the bustling night markets.
Temple of Literature: Approximately 50,000 VND per person, 1-2 hours
Hoan Kiem Lake: Free, 1-2 hours
Old Quarter: Cost varies, 2-3 hours
Restaurants
For breakfast, try Pho Gia Truyen, a popular spot known for its delicious bowls of pho. Average cost for a meal is about 50,000 VND per person.
For lunch, visit Bun Cha Huong Lien, the famous restaurant where former US President Obama enjoyed his meal. They serve mouthwatering grilled pork with noodles. Average cost for a meal is about 70,000 VND per person.
For dinner, head to Quan An Ngon, a charming restaurant offering a wide range of Vietnamese dishes in a beautiful courtyard setting. Average cost for a meal is about 150,000 VND per person.
Sunday, December 17: Halong Bay Cruise
Embark on a breathtaking cruise through the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Halong Bay. Spend the morning exploring the stunning limestone karsts and emerald waters. Enjoy a seafood lunch onboard and take part in activities like kayaking or swimming. In the evening, indulge in a delicious dinner while taking in the mesmerizing sunset over the bay.
Halong Bay Cruise: Prices vary, full day
Restaurants
Start your day off with a delicious Vietnamese breakfast at Quan An Ngon. This bustling restaurant offers a wide selection of traditional dishes such as banh mi and pho. Average cost for a meal is about 70,000 VND per person.
For lunch, head to Morning Glory in Hoi An. This local favorite serves up authentic Vietnamese cuisine with a modern twist. Don't miss their signature dish, Cao Lau. Average cost for a meal is about 120,000 VND per person.
Indulge in a memorable dinner at Cuc Gach Quan in Ho Chi Minh City. Known for its rustic charm, this restaurant offers a diverse menu of Vietnamese dishes made with fresh, local ingredients. Average cost for a meal is about 300,000 VND per person.
Monday, December 18: Ancient Town of Hoi An
Travel to the charming town of Hoi An, known for its well-preserved Ancient Town. Spend the morning exploring the narrow streets lined with traditional houses, shops, and temples. Visit the Japanese Covered Bridge and enjoy the unique architecture. In the afternoon, take a boat trip along the Thu Bon River and witness beautiful sunset views. In the evening, immerse yourself in the magical atmosphere of lantern-lit streets.
Hoi An Ancient Town: Entrance ticket - 120,000 VND per person, 3-4 hours
Japanese Covered Bridge: Included in Ancient Town ticket, 30 minutes
Boat trip on Thu Bon River: Approximately 150,000 VND per person, 1-2 hours
Restaurants
A delightful breakfast spot in Hoi An is The Espresso Station, serving freshly brewed coffee and a variety of breakfast options. With an average cost of around $5 per person, you can enjoy a delicious and energizing morning meal.
For a satisfying lunch, head to Bale Well Restaurant, where you can enjoy a traditional Vietnamese dish called "banh xeo". This crispy pancake filled with shrimp, bean sprouts, and herbs is a local specialty. The cost for a tasty lunch here is about $7 per person.
To end the day with a memorable dinner, try the Secret Garden Restaurant. Situated in a lush garden, this hidden gem offers a cozy and romantic ambience. Indulge in their flavorful Vietnamese dishes, such as the famous beef noodle soup "pho". The average cost for a delightful dinner experience at the Secret Garden Restaurant is around $10 per person.
Tuesday, December 19: Mekong Delta Adventure
Embark on an exciting adventure to the Mekong Delta. Explore the lush green landscapes, floating markets, and traditional villages. Take a boat trip along the waterways, visit local fruit orchards, and try your hand at making coconut candy. Immerse yourself in the local culture and enjoy a traditional Vietnamese lunch. In the evening, return to Ho Chi Minh City.
Mekong Delta Tour: Prices vary, full day
Restaurants
A great breakfast option is The Secret Garden, located in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City. They offer a variety of traditional Vietnamese breakfast dishes, such as pho and banh mi. The average cost for a meal is about $5 per person.
For lunch, check out Nha Hang Ngon, a popular restaurant known for its authentic Vietnamese cuisine. They serve a wide range of dishes, from spring rolls to grilled meats. The average cost for a meal is about $8 per person.
In the evening, head to Quan Ut Ut for a delicious BBQ dinner experience. This restaurant offers a variety of meats and sides, cooked to perfection on their charcoal grill. The average cost for a meal is about $15 per person.
Wednesday, December 20: Cu Chi Tunnels and War Remnants Museum
Discover the historical significance of the Cu Chi Tunnels, a vast underground network used by Vietnamese soldiers during the Vietnam War. Explore the tunnels and learn about the harsh conditions the soldiers faced. In the afternoon, visit the War Remnants Museum in Ho Chi Minh City, which showcases the impact of the war through photographs and exhibits. Gain a deeper understanding of Vietnam's history.
Cu Chi Tunnels: Approximately 110,000 VND per person, 3-4 hours
War Remnants Museum: 40,000 VND per person, 1-2 hours
Restaurants
For breakfast, you can try Nhu Lan Bakery, which offers a variety of freshly baked pastries and Vietnamese-style sandwiches. Average cost for a meal is about 50,000 VND per person.
For lunch, head to Hum Vegetarian Restaurant, known for its delicious and healthy vegetarian dishes. Average cost for a meal is about 100,000 VND per person.
For dinner, Vinh Khanh Street Food Market is a great choice with its lively atmosphere and wide selection of local street food. Average cost for a meal is about 70,000 VND per person.
Thursday, December 21: Relax in Nha Trang
Spend a day unwinding in the beautiful coastal city of Nha Trang. Start your morning by relaxing on one of the pristine beaches, soaking up the sun and enjoying the crystal-clear waters. In the afternoon, take a boat trip to the nearby islands for snorkeling or diving. Experience the vibrant marine life and colorful coral reefs. Indulge in fresh seafood for dinner and witness a stunning sunset.
Nha Trang Beaches: Free, full day
Boat trip to islands: Prices vary, half day
Restaurants
Enjoy a delicious breakfast at Sunrise Restaurant, located right on the beachfront. Indulge in a variety of options including fresh fruit, pastries, eggs, and Vietnamese specialties. Average cost for a meal is about 150,000 VND per person.
For lunch, head to Lanterns Vietnamese Restaurant for an authentic taste of local cuisine. Try their famous Vietnamese pho or choose from a wide selection of rice dishes and stir-fries. Average cost for a meal is about 200,000 VND per person.
In the evening, treat yourself to a memorable dining experience at Sand Hill Grill. This beachfront restaurant offers a mix of international and Vietnamese dishes, grilled seafood, and refreshing cocktails. Average cost for a meal is about 350,000 VND per person.
Friday, December 22: Saigon Zoo and Botanical Gardens
Explore the Saigon Zoo and Botanical Gardens, the largest zoo in Vietnam, in the morning. Discover a variety of animal species and enjoy a leisurely stroll through the lush gardens. In the afternoon, visit the Bitexco Financial Tower for panoramic views of Ho Chi Minh City from the Skydeck. End the day by exploring the bustling Ben Thanh Market, where you can shop for souvenirs and try local street food.
Saigon Zoo and Botanical Gardens: Approximately 50,000 VND per person, 2-3 hours
A popular breakfast spot near the Saigon Zoo and Botanical Gardens is Pho Hoa, known for their delicious and authentic Vietnamese pho. Average cost for a meal is about 80,000 VND per person.
For lunch, head to Bành Mì Huỳnh Hoa, a famous sandwich shop in Ho Chi Minh City. They offer a variety of tasty banh mi sandwiches at an average cost of 30,000 VND per person.
In the evening, enjoy a dinner at Cục Gạch Quán, a charming restaurant serving traditional Vietnamese dishes in a restored colonial house. The average cost for a meal is about 250,000 VND per person.
Hidden Gems and Local Favorites
For a family-friendly off the beaten path experience, consider visiting the Fairy Stream in Mui Ne. This natural wonder offers a unique landscape of red and white sand dunes, alongside a gentle stream ideal for kids to play in. Another local favorite is Vinpearl Land in Nha Trang, an amusement park with thrilling rides, an aquarium, and a water park. It's a perfect destination for a day of family fun.