Welcome to Vietnam! Start your journey in Hanoi, the bustling capital city known for its rich history and vibrant culture. In the morning, take a leisurely walk around Hoan Kiem Lake, a peaceful oasis in the heart of the city. In the afternoon, visit the Temple of Literature, Vietnam's first national university, and delve into the country's scholarly past. As the evening falls, explore the vibrant Old Quarter, filled with narrow streets, colonial buildings, and delicious street food stalls.
Hoan Kiem Lake: Free, 1-2 hours
Temple of Literature: VND 30,000 (approximately $1.50), 1-2 hours
Old Quarter: Free, 2-3 hours
Restaurants
A charming café located near Hoan Kiem Lake, serving a variety of traditional Vietnamese breakfast dishes such as pho and banh mi. Average cost for a meal is about $5 per person.
A popular local eatery in the Old Quarter, known for its delicious Vietnamese noodles and soups. Average cost for a meal is about $3 per person.
A cozy restaurant specializing in Hanoi's famous dish, Cha Ca. Enjoy grilled fish with turmeric and dill, served with noodles and fresh herbs. Average cost for a meal is about $8 per person.
Tuesday, November 14: Halong Bay and Ninh Binh
Embark on an unforgettable day trip to Halong Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its stunning limestone karsts and emerald waters. In the morning, cruise through the bay on a traditional junk boat, marveling at the magnificent scenery. After lunch, head to Ninh Binh, known as the "inland Halong Bay." Explore the picturesque Trang An Grottoes, where you can take a boat excursion through caves and lush landscapes.
Halong Bay Day Trip: VND 1,500,000 (approximately $65), full day
Trang An Grottoes: VND 200,000 (approximately $9), 2-3 hours
Restaurants
For breakfast, head to Banh Mi 25, a popular spot known for its delicious Vietnamese baguette sandwiches. Average cost for a meal is about $3 per person.
For lunch, try Quan An Ngon, a renowned restaurant offering a wide range of Vietnamese dishes in a beautiful setting. Average cost for a meal is about $10 per person.
For dinner, indulge in the authentic flavors of Vietnamese cuisine at Cau Go Restaurant, which offers stunning views of Halong Bay. Average cost for a meal is about $20 per person.
Wednesday, November 15: Hoi An
Travel to the charming ancient town of Hoi An. Spend the morning wandering through the UNESCO-listed Old Town, admiring the well-preserved architecture, intricately designed temples, and lantern-lit streets. In the afternoon, explore the Thu Bon River by taking a boat tour or cycling along its banks. As the evening approaches, make sure to witness the magical sight of Hoi An's lanterns illuminating the town.
Hoi An Old Town: VND 120,000 (approximately $5), 2-3 hours
Boat Tour or Bike Rental: VND 200,000 (approximately $9), 2-3 hours
Restaurants
Enjoy a delicious and traditional Vietnamese breakfast at Pho Hoi An. Indulge in their steaming bowls of pho, a popular noodle soup dish, for an average cost of about $5 per person.
Treat yourself to a delightful lunch at Ms. Ly Cafeteria, known for their mouthwatering Hoi An specialties like Cao Lau and White Rose. An average meal here will cost you around $8 per person.
For a memorable dinner experience, dine at Ancient Faifo Restaurant. Immerse yourself in the historical atmosphere as you savor their delectable Vietnamese dishes like Banh Xeo and Banh Mi. The average cost for a meal at Ancient Faifo is about $15 per person.
Thursday, November 16: Dalat
Leave the coastal region and head to the charming highland city of Dalat. Start your day with a visit to the stunning Dalat Flower Gardens, showcasing a wide array of colorful blooms. In the afternoon, explore the unique architecture of the Crazy House, a whimsical building resembling a fairytale castle. As the evening sets in, enjoy the cool weather and stunning sunset views from the picturesque Tuyen Lam Lake.
A popular breakfast spot in Dalat is Café Mai Vàng, known for its delicious Vietnamese coffee and freshly baked pastries. Average cost for a meal is about 80,000 VND per person.
For lunch, try Com Nieu Dalat, a local restaurant serving traditional Vietnamese dishes including rice cooked in a clay pot and grilled meats. Average cost for a meal is about 120,000 VND per person.
For a memorable dinner experience, visit Trung Cang Restaurant, located on the banks of Tuyen Lam Lake. Enjoy flavorful Vietnamese dishes while admiring the stunning lake views. Average cost for a meal is about 200,000 VND per person.
Friday, November 17: Da Nang
Make your way to Da Nang, a vibrant coastal city known for its beautiful sandy beaches. Start your day by exploring the impressive Marble Mountains, a cluster of five limestone hills filled with caves and temples. In the afternoon, relax on the pristine white sands of My Khe Beach, often referred to as China Beach. As the evening approaches, visit the dazzling Dragon Bridge, which breathes fire and water on weekend evenings.
A popular breakfast spot in Da Nang is Bread of Life Bakery which offers freshly baked pastries and delicious sandwiches. Average cost for a meal is about 100,000 VND per person.
For lunch, try Waterfront Restaurant located on the beachfront, where you can enjoy a variety of seafood dishes while taking in the stunning ocean views. Average cost for a meal is about 300,000 VND per person.
For dinner, The Rachel Restaurant & Bar is a great choice, serving a mix of Vietnamese and international cuisine in a cozy setting. Average cost for a meal is about 350,000 VND per person.
Saturday, November 18: Ho Chi Minh City
Travel to the bustling metropolis of Ho Chi Minh City, formerly known as Saigon. Start your day by visiting the historic Reunification Palace, an iconic symbol of Vietnam's recent history. In the afternoon, explore the vibrant Ben Thanh Market, a shopper's paradise offering a wide range of goods and local delicacies. As the evening sets in, take a leisurely stroll along Nguyen Hue Walking Street and immerse yourself in the city's lively atmosphere.
For breakfast, head to Pho 2000, a famous spot frequented by former US President Bill Clinton. They serve delicious bowls of pho with prices ranging from $5-$8 per person.
For lunch, check out The Lunch Lady, a local street food stall known for their flavorful noodle soups. A meal here costs around $3-$5 per person.
For dinner, dine at Hoa Tuc Restaurant, renowned for their contemporary Vietnamese cuisine. Expect to spend around $15-$25 per person for a memorable dining experience.
Sunday, November 19: Hidden Gems and Local Favorites
Before bidding farewell to Vietnam, take some time to explore hidden gems and local favorites. Visit the War Remnants Museum in Ho Chi Minh City to gain a deeper understanding of the Vietnam War. If you have an interest in history and culture, consider visiting the Cu Chi Tunnels, an immense network of underground passages used during the war. For food enthusiasts, a visit to the bustling Ben Thanh Street Food Market is a must, where you can indulge in a variety of authentic Vietnamese dishes.
Hidden Gems and Local Favorites
While exploring Vietnam, don't miss the chance to venture off the beaten path. Head to the off-grid town of Tam Coc and embark on a tranquil boat ride through limestone caves and rice paddies. For nature lovers, a visit to Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park offers breathtaking cave systems and stunning landscapes. Lastly, indulge in the laid-back lifestyle of the Mekong Delta, exploring floating markets and enjoying fresh tropical fruits.