Begin your trip in the bustling capital city of Hanoi. In the morning, visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, where the preserved body of the revered Vietnamese leader lies. Explore the historic Old Quarter in the afternoon, with its narrow streets filled with shops, temples, and street food vendors. Finish off the day with a relaxing stroll around Hoan Kiem Lake at sunset.
Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum: Cost - Free, Time Spent - 1-2 hours
Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Pho 10, known for their flavorful and authentic Vietnamese pho. The average cost for a meal is about 50,000 VND per person.
For lunch, visit Banh Mi 25 for their famous banh mi sandwiches filled with fresh ingredients and savory flavors. The average cost for a meal is about 40,000 VND per person.
Indulge in a delightful dinner at Quan An Ngon, offering a wide selection of traditional Vietnamese dishes in a lively setting. The average cost for a meal is about 150,000 VND per person.
Monday, November 20: Halong Bay
Embark on a mesmerizing cruise through the stunning limestone karsts of Halong Bay. Spend the morning exploring the towering islands, hidden caves, and floating villages. Enjoy a delicious seafood lunch onboard while taking in the breathtaking scenery. In the afternoon, go kayaking or swimming in the emerald waters of the bay. Witness the sunset over the bay before returning to Hanoi in the evening.
Halong Bay Cruise: Cost - $100-$200 per person, Time Spent - Full day
Restaurants
A popular breakfast spot near Halong Bay is The Morning Brew Cafe, where you can enjoy freshly brewed coffee and a variety of breakfast options. The average cost for a meal is about $5 per person.
For lunch, head to Cua Van Floating Restaurant, a unique dining experience located on one of the floating villages in Halong Bay. Indulge in a delicious seafood feast while enjoying panoramic views of the bay. The average cost for a meal is about $15 per person.
For a memorable dinner, dine at the Poem Restaurant, known for its spectacular views of Halong Bay. Savor authentic Vietnamese cuisine while watching the sunset over the bay. The average cost for a meal is about $20 per person.
Tuesday, November 21: Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)
Fly from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) in the morning. Start your day by visiting the historic Cu Chi Tunnels, an intricate network of underground tunnels used during the Vietnam War. In the afternoon, explore the bustling streets of Ho Chi Minh City, with its French colonial architecture and vibrant markets. End your day with a visit to the famous Ben Thanh Market for some shopping and street food.
Cu Chi Tunnels: Cost - $10-$20 per person, Time Spent - 2-3 hours
Ho Chi Minh City Exploration: Cost - Free, Time Spent - 4-5 hours
Ben Thanh Market: Cost - Free, Time Spent - 1-2 hours
Restaurants
For breakfast, head to Pho 2000, a popular restaurant known for its delicious pho noodle soup. Average cost for a meal is about 70,000 VND per person.
For lunch, try Quan Oc, a local seafood restaurant specializing in shellfish dishes. They have a variety of options to choose from, and the average cost for a meal is about 150,000 VND per person.
In the evening, dine at Cục Gạch Quán, a traditional Vietnamese restaurant located in a beautifully restored French villa. They offer a range of authentic dishes, and the average cost for a meal is about 300,000 VND per person.
Wednesday, November 22: Mekong Delta
Take a day trip to the enchanting Mekong Delta. Explore the lush waterways by boat, visiting floating markets, fruit orchards, and traditional villages. Sample fresh tropical fruits and local delicacies along the way. Immerse yourself in the peaceful and picturesque surroundings of the delta before returning to Ho Chi Minh City in the evening.
Mekong Delta Day Trip: Cost - $30-$50 per person, Time Spent - Full day
Restaurants
Start your day with a delicious Vietnamese breakfast at Pho 24. This popular restaurant offers a variety of pho noodle soup options and traditional Vietnamese dishes. Average cost for a meal is about 50,000 VND (2.17 USD) per person.
For a satisfying lunch, head to Ganesh Indian Restaurant. Enjoy flavorful Indian cuisine with options like biryani, masala dosa, and butter chicken. Average cost for a meal is about 120,000 VND (5.20 USD) per person.
Indulge in a delightful dinner at Sorae Sushi Sake & Lounge. Feast on a wide selection of sushi rolls, sashimi, and Japanese dishes while enjoying panoramic views of the city. Average cost for a meal is about 500,000 VND (21.70 USD) per person.
Thursday, November 23: Hoi An
Fly from Ho Chi Minh City to the charming town of Hoi An. Spend the morning wandering through the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Ancient Town, admiring its well-preserved architecture and atmospheric lantern-lit streets. Enjoy a traditional Vietnamese lunch in one of the riverside restaurants. In the afternoon, take a relaxing boat ride along the Thu Bon River and visit the nearby Tra Que Vegetable Village.
Hoi An Ancient Town: Cost - $5-$10 per person, Time Spent - 2-3 hours
Boat Ride on Thu Bon River: Cost - $10-$15 per person, Time Spent - 1-2 hours
Tra Que Vegetable Village: Cost - $5-$10 per person, Time Spent - 1-2 hours
Restaurants
A popular breakfast spot in Hoi An is Morning Glory, known for its extensive menu of Vietnamese dishes. Average cost for a meal is about 150,000 VND per person.
For lunch, try Central Market Restaurant, located right in the heart of Hoi An's bustling market. They serve delicious local street food. Average cost for a meal is about 100,000 VND per person.
In the evening, Lantern Town Restaurant is a fantastic choice for dinner, serving authentic Vietnamese cuisine in a beautiful lantern-lit setting. Average cost for a meal is about 300,000 VND per person.
Friday, November 24: Da Nang
Take a short trip from Hoi An to the coastal city of Da Nang. Start your day by exploring the Marble Mountains, a cluster of five limestone hills with pagodas and caves. Enjoy panoramic views of the city from the top. In the afternoon, relax on the beautiful My Khe Beach or visit the impressive Dragon Bridge. Don't miss the nightly show of the spectacular Dragon Bridge spitting fire and water.
Marble Mountains: Cost - $1-$2 per person, Time Spent - 2-3 hours
My Khe Beach: Cost - Free, Time Spent - 2-3 hours
Dragon Bridge: Cost - Free, Time Spent - 1-2 hours
Restaurants
For breakfast, try Pho 85, a local favorite known for their delicious and authentic Vietnamese pho. A bowl of pho here costs around 50,000 VND per person.
For lunch, head to Banh Xeo Ba Duong, where you can enjoy crispy and flavorful banh xeo (Vietnamese savory pancake) filled with shrimp and pork. A serving of banh xeo here costs about 70,000 VND per person.
For dinner, indulge in fresh seafood at Be Man Seafood Restaurant. With a wide range of options, you can enjoy dishes like grilled squid or steamed fish at an average cost of around 200,000 VND per person.
Saturday, November 25: Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)
Fly back to Ho Chi Minh City from Da Nang. Spend your last day exploring the city's vibrant street food scene. Join a food tour to sample delicious Vietnamese dishes like pho, banh mi, and fresh spring rolls. Visit the War Remnants Museum in the afternoon to learn about the Vietnam War's impact on the country. End your trip with a rooftop cocktail at a trendy bar overlooking the city skyline.
Street Food Tour: Cost - $20-$40 per person, Time Spent - 2-3 hours
War Remnants Museum: Cost - $1-$2 per person, Time Spent - 2-3 hours
Rooftop Bar: Cost - $10-$20 per person, Time Spent - 1-2 hours
Restaurants
A popular breakfast spot in Ho Chi Minh City is ABC Bakery, known for its delicious pastries and bread. Average cost for a meal is about 50,000 VND per person.
For lunch, head to Pho 2000, a well-known restaurant that serves excellent pho noodles. Average cost for a meal is about 70,000 VND per person.
Indulge in a sumptuous seafood dinner at The Deck Saigon, located along the Saigon River. Average cost for a meal is about 350,000 VND per person.
Hidden Gems and Local Favorites
For those seeking off the beaten path attractions, head to the charming town of Sapa in the northern mountains. Explore the vibrant hill tribe markets, hike through terraced rice fields, and immerse yourself in the rich tribal culture. Another local favorite is the picturesque town of Ninh Binh, where you can take a boat ride through the breathtaking landscapes of Tam Coc or visit the ancient temples of Bai Dinh Pagoda.