Start your trip in Ho Chi Minh City, the vibrant and bustling metropolis of Vietnam. In the morning, visit the War Remnants Museum to learn about the country's history. Afterward, head to the Bitexco Financial Tower for panoramic views of the city. In the afternoon, explore the lively Ben Thanh Market for shopping and local street food. In the evening, take a relaxing stroll along Nguyen Hue Walking Street, where you can enjoy street performances and illuminated city landmarks.
War Remnants Museum: Estimated cost - 40,000 VND per person, Time spent - 2 hours
Bitexco Financial Tower: Estimated cost - 200,000 VND per person, Time spent - 1 hour
Ben Thanh Market: Estimated cost - Varies based on purchases, Time spent - 2 hours
Nguyen Hue Walking Street: Free, Time spent - Flexible
Restaurants
Breakfast: Secret Garden - This charming restaurant offers a delicious Vietnamese breakfast spread with options like pho, banh mi, and fresh fruit. Average cost for a meal is about 80,000 VND per person.
Lunch: Propaganda Bistro - Located in the heart of the city, this unique bistro serves contemporary Vietnamese cuisine in a vibrant setting. Try their delicious spring rolls and noodle dishes. Average cost for a meal is about 150,000 VND per person.
Dinner: The Refinery - Situated in a restored French colonial villa, this upscale restaurant offers a mix of Vietnamese and Western dishes. Don't miss their flavorful curries and grilled seafood. Average cost for a meal is about 300,000 VND per person.
Sunday, December 17: Mekong Delta
Embark on an exciting day trip to the Mekong Delta. Morning: Take a boat tour along the river, visiting the floating markets and experiencing the local lifestyle. Afternoon: Visit the lush fruit orchards and enjoy a traditional Vietnamese lunch. Evening: Return to Ho Chi Minh City and spend the evening at leisure.
Mekong Delta Day Trip: Estimated cost - 800,000 VND per person, Time spent - 8-10 hours
Restaurants
For breakfast, head to ABC Cafe where you can enjoy a variety of freshly baked pastries and delicious Vietnamese coffee. Average cost for a meal is about $5 per person.
For lunch, try XYZ Restaurant that serves authentic Vietnamese dishes such as pho and banh mi. Average cost for a meal is about $8 per person.
For dinner, visit DEF Seafood Restaurant where you can indulge in a wide selection of fresh seafood dishes cooked to perfection. Average cost for a meal is about $15 per person.
Monday, December 18: Hoi An
Fly to Hoi An, a charming ancient town. Morning: Explore the UNESCO World Heritage site and visit historical landmarks such as the Japanese Covered Bridge and Tan Ky House. Afternoon: Take a leisurely bike ride to the nearby An Bang Beach for relaxation. Evening: Stroll along the lantern-lit streets of Hoi An's Old Town and savor vegetarian delicacies at one of the many local restaurants.
Flight to Hoi An: Estimated cost - 1,500,000 VND per person, Time spent - 2 hours
Japanese Covered Bridge: Estimated cost - 120,000 VND per person, Time spent - 1 hour
Tan Ky House: Estimated cost - 80,000 VND per person, Time spent - 1 hour
An Bang Beach: Free, Time spent - Flexible
Hoi An Old Town: Free, Time spent - Flexible
Restaurants
Enjoy a delicious breakfast at Morning Glory Restaurant, known for its authentic Vietnamese dishes. Average cost for a meal is about 150,000 VND per person.
For lunch, visit Cargo Club Restaurant where you can indulge in a variety of international and Asian cuisines. Average cost for a meal is about 200,000 VND per person.
Treat yourself to a memorable dinner at Mango Rooms, offering a fusion of Vietnamese and international flavors. Average cost for a meal is about 350,000 VND per person.
Tuesday, December 19: Hoi An Countryside
Explore the scenic countryside surrounding Hoi An. Morning: Join a biking tour and ride through the picturesque rural landscapes, visiting local villages and rice fields. Afternoon: Take a cooking class and learn to prepare delicious vegetarian Vietnamese dishes. Evening: Enjoy a relaxing boat ride along the Thu Bon River and witness the beautiful sunset.
Hoi An Countryside Biking Tour: Estimated cost - 400,000 VND per person, Time spent - 4-5 hours
Cooking Class: Estimated cost - 500,000 VND per person, Time spent - 3 hours
Boat Ride on Thu Bon River: Estimated cost - 100,000 VND per person, Time spent - 1 hour
Restaurants
A popular breakfast spot in Hoi An countryside is Banh Mi Phuong, serving freshly baked baguettes filled with various fillings like pork, chicken, and vegetables. Average cost for a meal is about 2 USD per person.
For lunch, try Nu Eatery, a cozy restaurant offering a mix of Vietnamese and international dishes, including vegetarian options. Average cost for a meal is about 5 USD per person.
In the evening, indulge in a seafood feast at Hoi An Hai San, known for its wide selection of fresh seafood dishes, such as grilled prawns and steamed fish. Average cost for a meal is about 10 USD per person.
Wednesday, December 20: Hue
Travel to Hue, the former imperial capital of Vietnam. Morning: Visit the Imperial City, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and explore its majestic palaces and temples. Afternoon: Take a boat tour along the Perfume River to visit the Thien Mu Pagoda and the iconic Tomb of Khai Dinh. Evening: Enjoy a vegetarian royal cuisine experience, reminiscent of the Nguyen Dynasty.
Travel to Hue: Estimated cost - 400,000 VND per person, Time spent - 3-4 hours
Imperial City: Estimated cost - 150,000 VND per person, Time spent - 2 hours
Boat Tour on Perfume River: Estimated cost - 300,000 VND per person, Time spent - 3 hours
Thien Mu Pagoda: Free, Time spent - 1 hour
Tomb of Khai Dinh: Estimated cost - 150,000 VND per person, Time spent - 1 hour
Vegetarian Royal Cuisine: Estimated cost - 300,000 VND per person, Time spent - 2 hours
Restaurants
A popular breakfast spot in Hue is La Residence Café & Bar, offering a variety of Vietnamese and international breakfast dishes. The average cost for a meal is about 150,000 VND per person.
For lunch, try Madame Thu Restaurant, known for its delicious Vietnamese cuisine. The average cost for a meal is about 200,000 VND per person.
For dinner, indulge in a fine dining experience at Ancient Hue Restaurant, serving traditional Vietnamese dishes with a modern twist. The average cost for a meal is about 350,000 VND per person.
Thursday, December 21: Halong Bay
Fly to Hanoi and journey to the stunning Halong Bay. Morning: Embark on a cruise and explore the breathtaking limestone karsts and emerald waters. Afternoon: Enjoy a delicious vegetarian lunch on the boat and engage in activities like kayaking or swimming. Evening: Watch the sunset over the bay before returning to Hanoi.
Flight to Hanoi: Estimated cost - 1,500,000 VND per person, Time spent - 2 hours
Halong Bay Cruise: Estimated cost - 2,000,000 VND per person, Time spent - 6-8 hours
Restaurants
Start your day with a hearty breakfast at Pho 24, a popular Vietnamese restaurant in Hanoi. They serve traditional pho noodles and delectable Vietnamese coffee. Average cost for a meal is about $5 per person.
For lunch, head to Sen Restaurant located near Halong Bay. They offer a variety of fresh seafood dishes and Vietnamese specialties. Average cost for a meal is about $15 per person.
Indulge in a memorable dinner experience at Green Tangerine, a charming French-Vietnamese fusion restaurant in Hanoi. Enjoy exquisite dishes prepared with local ingredients. Average cost for a meal is about $30 per person.
Friday, December 22: Hanoi
Discover the enchanting capital city of Hanoi. Morning: Visit the historic Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple. Explore the lively Old Quarter and indulge in vegetarian street food. Afternoon: Explore the Temple of Literature and learn about Vietnam's ancient educational system. Evening: Experience the traditional water puppet show, a unique art form in Vietnam.
Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple: Free, Time spent - 1-2 hours
Old Quarter: Estimated cost - Varies based on purchases, Time spent - Flexible
Temple of Literature: Estimated cost - 30,000 VND per person, Time spent - 1 hour
Water Puppet Show: Estimated cost - 100,000 VND per person, Time spent - 1 hour
Restaurants
Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Banh Mi 25, known for their tasty Vietnamese baguette sandwiches. Average cost for a meal is about 50,000 VND per person.
For lunch, head to Bun Cha Huong Lien, where you can savor authentic Hanoi style grilled pork with vermicelli noodles. Average cost for a meal is about 100,000 VND per person.
Indulge in a sumptuous dinner at Quan An Ngon, offering a wide range of Vietnamese dishes in a traditional setting. Average cost for a meal is about 200,000 VND per person.
Hidden Gems and Local Favorites
In Hoi An, don't miss the opportunity to explore the Tra Que Vegetable Village, where you can learn about organic farming methods and even try your hand at planting and harvesting vegetables. Another hidden gem is the Bai Tu Long Bay, a less crowded alternative to Halong Bay, offering stunning scenery and tranquil cruising experiences. Locals also love visiting the vibrant Lantern Market in Hoi An, where you can find beautiful handmade lanterns and experience the local craftsmanship.