Embark on a thrilling 7-day adventure in Vietnam, immersing yourself in its bustling cities, world-famous attractions, and delectable cuisine. With a focus on food, city experiences, and famous spots, this itinerary will take you through the vibrant streets of Vietnam without breaking the bank. To find the best deals on flights and accommodation, check out Kayak.
Thursday, November 23: Arrival in Hanoi
Welcome to Hanoi! Start your morning by exploring the Old Quarter, a labyrinthine area full of historic buildings and narrow streets. In the afternoon, visit the Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple for a peaceful retreat. As the evening sets in, enjoy a street food tour in the bustling streets of Hanoi.
Old Quarter: Free, 3-4 hours
Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple: Free, 1-2 hours
Street Food Tour: $10-15 per person, 2-3 hours
Restaurants
Start your morning with a visit to Pho Gia Truyen. This popular breakfast spot in Hanoi serves delicious bowls of traditional Vietnamese pho. Average cost for a meal is about 50,000 VND per person.
For lunch, head to Bun Cha Huong Lien, known for its authentic bun cha, a traditional Vietnamese dish consisting of grilled pork and noodles. Average cost for a meal is about 80,000 VND per person.
Indulge in dinner at Quan An Ngon, a famous restaurant offering a wide range of Vietnamese dishes in a lively setting. Average cost for a meal is about 150,000 VND per person.
Friday, November 24: Hue Exploration
Take an early morning flight to Hue, the former imperial capital of Vietnam. Start your day with a visit to the Imperial City, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, followed by a leisurely boat ride along the Perfume River. In the evening, enjoy a delightful dinner cruise while admiring the city's illuminated landmarks.
Imperial City: $5 per person, 2-3 hours
Perfume River Boat Ride: $10-15 per person, 2-3 hours
Dinner Cruise: $20-30 per person, 2-3 hours
Restaurants
A local favorite for breakfast in Hue is Quan Cam, serving delicious and affordable traditional Vietnamese dishes. A meal here costs around 50,000 VND per person.
For a satisfying lunch, head to Lac Thien Restaurant where you can indulge in Hue's famous bun bo hue (spicy beef noodle soup) for about 70,000 VND per person.
In the evening, treat yourself to a memorable dinner experience at Ancient Hue Restaurant, offering a wide range of authentic Hue cuisine. The average cost for a meal here is approximately 200,000 VND per person.
Saturday, November 25: Hoi An Charm
Travel to Hoi An, a charming ancient town known for its well-preserved architecture. Spend the morning exploring the UNESCO-listed Old Town, visiting historic houses, assembly halls, and the iconic Japanese Covered Bridge. Indulge in a delectable local lunch and spend the afternoon exploring traditional markets or getting tailor-made clothes at reasonable prices.
Hoi An Old Town: $5 per person, 2-3 hours
Japanese Covered Bridge: Free, 30 minutes
Local Lunch: $5-10 per person
Restaurants
For breakfast, head to Morning Glory Restaurant which offers a wide range of Vietnamese and international dishes. Average cost for a meal is about 100,000 VND per person.
For lunch, try Madam Khanh - The Banh Mi Queen where you can enjoy delicious and affordable banh mi sandwiches. Average cost for a meal is about 20,000 VND per person.
For dinner, visit Vy's Market Restaurant and Cooking School for a unique dining experience with a variety of street food options. Average cost for a meal is about 300,000 VND per person.
Sunday, November 26: Bustling Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City)
Fly to Ho Chi Minh City in the morning and start your day at the War Remnants Museum, offering a glimpse into Vietnam's tumultuous history. Afterward, explore the famous Ben Thanh Market for some bargain shopping. In the evening, explore the lively nightlife and savor delicious street food in Nguyen Hue Walking Street.
War Remnants Museum: $2 per person, 2-3 hours
Ben Thanh Market: Free, 1-2 hours
Nguyen Hue Walking Street: Free, evening
Restaurants
For breakfast, head to Ben Thanh Market and try the famous Banh Mi 37, known for their mouthwatering banh mi sandwiches. Average cost for a meal is about 30,000 VND per person.
For lunch, visit Nha Hang Ngon, a popular spot for Vietnamese cuisine. Enjoy a variety of traditional dishes such as pho, fresh spring rolls, and grilled meats. Average cost for a meal is about 100,000 VND per person.
For dinner, indulge in the authentic flavors of Vietnamese cuisine at Quan An Ngon. This outdoor restaurant offers a range of dishes from different regions of Vietnam. Average cost for a meal is about 200,000 VND per person.
Monday, November 27: Mekong Delta Experience
Embark on an exciting day trip to the Mekong Delta, known as Vietnam's "rice bowl." Explore traditional villages, cruise along the canals, and witness local handicraft production. Indulge in a delicious lunch featuring regional specialties. Return to Ho Chi Minh City in the evening and enjoy a relaxing dinner at a local eatery.
Mekong Delta Tour: $15-25 per person, full-day
Lunch: $5-10 per person
Dinner in Ho Chi Minh City: $5-10 per person
Restaurants
Start your day with a hearty breakfast at Pho Xin Chao, located just a few minutes away from your hotel. This popular local eatery offers delicious bowls of pho and other Vietnamese breakfast staples. The average cost for a meal is about 40,000 VND per person.
For lunch, head to The Lunch Lady on Nguyen Thi Minh Khai Street. This humble street food stall is famous for its rotating menu of flavorful noodle soups and grilled meats. The average cost for a meal is about 60,000 VND per person.
Indulge in a memorable dinner experience at The Temple Club, a charming restaurant housed in a restored colonial building. Enjoy a fusion of Vietnamese and international dishes in a sophisticated setting. The average cost for a meal is about 300,000 VND per person.
Tuesday, November 28: Nha Trang Coastal Vibes
Fly to Nha Trang, a coastal city known for its stunning beaches and vibrant nightlife. Spend the morning relaxing on the beach or exploring local temples. In the afternoon, take a boat tour to the nearby islands, snorkel in the clear waters, and enjoy a seafood feast by the sea. Wrap up the day by experiencing Nha Trang's nightlife.
Nha Trang Beach: Free, morning
Boat Tour to Islands: $20-30 per person, afternoon
Seafood Dinner: $15-20 per person
Restaurants
For breakfast, head to Le Petit Bistro, a cozy café known for its delicious pastries and freshly brewed coffee. Average cost for a meal is about 80,000 VND per person.
For lunch, try Lanterns Vietnamese Restaurant, where you can savor authentic Vietnamese dishes in a charming atmosphere. Average cost for a meal is about 150,000 VND per person.
For dinner, visit Skylight Garden Restaurant, an open-air rooftop restaurant offering panoramic views of the city. Enjoy a fusion of Vietnamese and international cuisine. Average cost for a meal is about 300,000 VND per person.
Wednesday, November 29: Farewell in Ho Chi Minh City
Return to Ho Chi Minh City and spend your final day exploring the city at your own pace. Visit the Notre Dame Cathedral, Central Post Office, and the beautiful Reunification Palace. Take a leisurely walk along Nguyen Van Binh Book Street or indulge in some last-minute souvenir shopping. Bid farewell to Vietnam and enjoy a memorable dinner in one of the city's charming restaurants.
Notre Dame Cathedral: Free, 30 minutes
Central Post Office: Free, 30 minutes
Reunification Palace: $2 per person, 1-2 hours
Dinner in Ho Chi Minh City: $10-15 per person
Restaurants
Start your day with a delicious breakfast at The Morning Cafe, known for its freshly brewed coffee and delectable pastries. You can expect to spend around $6 per person for a satisfying meal.
For lunch, head to Com Tam Cali, a popular local eatery specializing in com tam (broken rice) dishes. Enjoy a flavorful meal with a variety of toppings for about $4 per person.
Indulge in a delightful dinner at Cuc Gach Quan, a charming restaurant offering tasty Vietnamese cuisine made from organic ingredients. A meal here costs around $10 per person.
Hidden Gems and Local Favorites
When exploring Vietnam's cities, don't miss out on these hidden gems and local favorites. In Hanoi, visit the Temple of Literature, Vietnam's first national university. In Hue, try the local specialty "bun bo Hue" (spicy beef noodle soup) at a street-side eatery. In Hoi An, take a bicycle ride to the countryside and experience the peaceful rural life. In Ho Chi Minh City, explore the vibrant street art scene in the quirky neighborhood of District 2.