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A Week in Vietnam: December 22-28, 2023

Friday, December 22: Arrival in Hanoi

Welcome to Vietnam! Start your adventure in the capital city of Hanoi. In the morning, explore the historic Old Quarter, where you can wander through narrow streets filled with shops, markets, and traditional architecture. In the afternoon, visit the Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple, a peaceful oasis in the heart of the city. As the evening sets in, indulge in some delicious street food at the bustling night market.

  • Old Quarter: Free, 3-4 hours
  • Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple: Free, 1-2 hours
  • Night Market: Budget around $10 for food, 2-3 hours
Restaurants
  • Enjoy a traditional Vietnamese breakfast at Pho 10 Ly Quoc Su, known for their flavorful pho noodle soup. The average cost for a meal here is about 50,000 VND per person.
  • For lunch, head to Quan An Ngon, a popular restaurant with a wide selection of Vietnamese dishes. Try their famous banh xeo, a savory pancake filled with shrimp, pork, and bean sprouts. The average cost for a meal here is about 120,000 VND per person.
  • For dinner, dine at Madame Hien, a charming restaurant serving traditional Vietnamese cuisine with a modern twist. Don't miss their signature caramelized pork belly. The average cost for a meal here is about 250,000 VND per person.
Saturday, December 23: Halong Bay Cruise

Embark on a breathtaking cruise through the stunning limestone karsts of Halong Bay. Spend the morning exploring caves and floating villages, kayaking, or simply relaxing on the sundeck. Enjoy a delicious seafood lunch on board before cruising back to the harbor. In the evening, you can relax or explore the vibrant nightlife in Halong City.

  • Halong Bay Cruise: Budget around $100-150 per person, full day
  • Halong City Nightlife: Budget varies, evening
Sunday, December 24: Hoi An Ancient Town

Fly to the charming city of Hoi An, known for its well-preserved Ancient Town. Spend the morning wandering through the narrow streets lined with colorful lanterns, historic buildings, and boutique shops. In the afternoon, take a boat ride along the Thu Bon River and visit the nearby Tra Que Vegetable Village. As the evening approaches, immerse yourself in the magical atmosphere of Hoi An's lantern-lit streets.

  • Hoi An Ancient Town: Entrance fee: $6, 3-4 hours
  • Boat Ride and Tra Que Vegetable Village: Budget around $30, half day
  • Enjoying the Lantern-Lit Streets: Free, evening
Monday, December 25: Ho Chi Minh City

Head south to Ho Chi Minh City, formerly known as Saigon. Start your day by visiting the historic Reunification Palace and the nearby War Remnants Museum to learn about Vietnam's history. In the afternoon, explore the vibrant Ben Thanh Market, where you can shop for local handicrafts, street food, and souvenirs. For the evening, treat yourself to a delicious dinner at one of the city's rooftop restaurants with stunning skyline views.

  • Reunification Palace: Entrance fee: $2, 2-3 hours
  • War Remnants Museum: Entrance fee: $1, 1-2 hours
  • Ben Thanh Market: Free to explore, budget for shopping and food, 2-3 hours
  • Rooftop Dinner: Budget varies, evening
Tuesday, December 26: Mekong Delta

Take a day trip to the scenic Mekong Delta, known as the "rice bowl" of Vietnam. Cruise through the maze of waterways, visit local villages, and witness the vibrant floating markets. Immerse yourself in the delta's peaceful countryside and enjoy a traditional Vietnamese lunch along the river. Return to Ho Chi Minh City in the evening and relax or explore more of the city at your leisure.

  • Mekong Delta Day Trip: Budget around $30-50 per person, full day
  • Relaxing or Exploring Ho Chi Minh City: Free, evening
Wednesday, December 27: Hue Imperial City

Fly to the imperial city of Hue, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Spend the morning exploring the magnificent Hue Imperial City, which served as the capital of Vietnam during the Nguyen Dynasty. Discover the ancient temples, palaces, and the iconic Perfume River. In the afternoon, visit the Thien Mu Pagoda and take a boat ride to the serene Thuy Bieu Village, where you can enjoy a traditional herbal foot bath and cycling through the countryside. In the evening, savor the flavors of Hue cuisine.

  • Hue Imperial City: Entrance fee: $6, 3-4 hours
  • Thien Mu Pagoda and Thuy Bieu Village: Budget around $10-15, half day
  • Hue Cuisine Experience: Budget varies, evening
Thursday, December 28: Departure from Vietnam

Conclude your Vietnam adventure with unforgettable memories. Depending on your flight time, you can take a leisurely morning walk along the Perfume River or enjoy a last-minute shopping spree for souvenirs. Bid farewell to Vietnam as you head to the airport for your departure.

  • Perfume River Walk or Shopping: Free, 1-2 hours

Hidden Gems and Local Favorites

For an off-the-beaten-path experience, venture to the mountainous region of Sapa in northern Vietnam. Explore the terraced rice fields, visit local ethnic minority villages, and hike to stunning viewpoints. Another hidden gem is Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, home to some of the world's largest caves. Embark on an underground adventure and marvel at the natural wonders hidden beneath the surface.

Check here for hotel and flight prices.

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