Vietnam Shoestring Budget Itinerary for October 2023

1. Day 1: Ho Chi Minh City
   15 minutes (5km) from Tan Son Nhat International Airport

   Morning: Visit the War Remnants Museum to learn about the Vietnam War. Afternoon: Head to the Jade Emperor Pagoda to see intricate architecture and learn about Taoism. Evening: Experience local street food at Ben Thanh Night Market.

2. Day 2: Hoi An
   90 minutes (30km) from Da Nang International Airport

   Morning: Explore the ancient town of Hoi An, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Afternoon: Visit the Japanese Covered Bridge and Quan Cong Temple. Evening: Attend a traditional Vietnamese music show at Hoi An Culture and Art Centre.

3. Day 3: Hue
   3 hours (130km) from Hoi An

   Morning: Take a boat tour of the Perfume River to see the Thien Mu Pagoda. Afternoon: Visit the Hue Imperial City to learn about the Nguyen Dynasty. Evening: Enjoy a sunset at the Tomb of Tu Duc.

4. Day 4: Hanoi
   3.5 hours (660km) from Hue

   Morning: Visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum to see the preserved body of the Vietnamese leader. Afternoon: Explore the Temple of Literature, the first university in Vietnam. Evening: Attend a Water Puppet Theatre performance.

5. Day 5: Halong Bay
   3 hours (165km) from Hanoi

   Morning: Take a scenic cruise through the islands and caves of Halong Bay. Afternoon: Visit the Sung Sot Cave to see beautiful rock formations. Evening: Relax and enjoy the sunset on the deck of the cruise ship.

Recommendations

Consider visiting the Mekong Delta for a unique floating market experience. Take a day trip to the Ba Vi National Park, just outside of Hanoi, for hiking and beautiful views. To maximize your fun, try taking a cooking class or a scooter tour around the city. Don't forget to try the local street food!

Time and Costs Estimates

• War Remnants Museum (2 hours, 40,000 VND)
• Jade Emperor Pagoda (1 hour, free)
• Ben Thanh Night Market (2 hours, 200,000 VND)
• Japanese Covered Bridge (1 hour, 20,000 VND)
• Quan Cong Temple (1 hour, 30,000 VND)
• Traditional Vietnamese music show (2 hours, 120,000 VND)
• Boat tour of Perfume River (2 hours, 150,000 VND)
• Hue Imperial City (2 hours, 150,000 VND)
• Tomb of Tu Duc (1 hour, 100,000 VND)
• Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum (1 hour, free)
• Temple of Literature (1 hour, 30,000 VND)
• Water Puppet Theatre (1 hour, 100,000 VND)
• Scenic cruise through Halong Bay (4 hours, 300,000 VND)
• Sung Sot Cave (1 hour, 50,000 VND)
• Total Estimated Costs: 1,240,000 VND (~54 GBP)