Vietnam 7-Day Itinerary for March 2024

1. Day 1: Ho Chi Minh City
   10 mins (3.2km) from Tan Son Nhat International Airport

   Morning: Explore the War Remnants Museum, which showcases turbulent Vietnam War history. Afternoon: Visit the iconic Notre Dame Cathedral and Central Post Office. Evening: Dine at Nha Hang Ngon, a restaurant featuring delicious local cuisine.

2. Day 2: Mekong Delta
   3 hrs 30 mins (143km) from Ho Chi Minh City

   Morning: Take a boat tour of the floating markets in Can Tho. Afternoon: Visit the rice paddies in Ben Tre, and savor fresh coconut candy. Evening: Relax with a traditional foot massage at a local spa.

3. Day 3: Hoi An
   1 hr 20 mins (29km) from Da Nang International Airport

   Morning: Stroll through the ancient town, an UNESCO World Heritage Site. Afternoon: Visit the Japanese Covered Bridge and Hoi An Museum. Evening: Enjoy a candlelit dinner overlooking the Thu Bon River.

4. Day 4: Hue
   2 hrs 30 mins (105km) from Hoi An

   Morning: Explore the Imperial City, which was the seat of power of the Nguyen Dynasty. Afternoon: Visit the Thien Mu Pagoda and the Tomb of Khai Dinh. Evening: Dine at the DMZ Bar & Cafe, which has a fascinating history.

5. Day 5: Halong Bay
   1 hr 20 mins (55.6km) from Cat Bi International Airport

   Morning: Take a scenic cruise around the limestone karsts in Halong Bay. Afternoon: Visit the beautiful Dau Go Cave and the floating villages. Evening: Relax with a sunset cocktail on the deck of the boat.

6. Day 6: Hanoi
   3 hrs 20 mins (170km) from Halong Bay

   Morning: Explore the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and the One Pillar Pagoda. Afternoon: Visit the Temple of Literature and the Old Quarter. Evening: Watch a traditional water puppet show at Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre.

7. Day 7: Ninh Binh
   2 hrs (94.5km) from Hanoi

   Morning: Take a bicycle tour of the countryside, including Tam Coc and Bich Dong. Afternoon: Visit the ancient capital of Hoa Lu and the Bai Dinh Pagoda. Evening: Enjoy a farewell dinner at the Emeralda Resort Ninh Binh.

Recommendations

You may also consider visiting the Cu Chi Tunnels in Ho Chi Minh City, the Perfume Pagoda near Hanoi, or taking a cooking class in Hoi An. To maximize your fun, try out the local street food, take a motorbike tour, or go on a nighttime foodie adventure tour. Don't forget to pack sunscreen and insect repellent!

Time and Cost Estimates

• War Remnants Museum (2 hours, VND 40,000)
• Notre Dame Cathedral and Central Post Office (1 hour, free)
• Nha Hang Ngon (1.5 hours, VND 300,000)
• Mekong Delta boat tour (4 hours, VND 250,000)
• Ben Tre rice paddies (1 hour, VND 50,000)
• Traditional foot massage (1 hour, VND 150,000)
• Hoi An ancient town (2 hours, VND 120,000)
• Japanese Covered Bridge and Hoi An Museum (1 hour, VND 80,000)
• Candlelit dinner overlooking the Thu Bon River (2 hours, VND 500,000)
• Imperial City (2 hours, VND 150,000)
• Thien Mu Pagoda and Tomb of Khai Dinh (1 hour, VND 30,000)
• DMZ Bar & Cafe (2 hours, VND 300,000)
• Scenic Halong Bay cruise (4 hours, VND 800,000)
• Dau Go Cave and floating villages (2 hours, VND 120,000)
• Sunset cocktail on the boat (1 hour, VND 100,000)
• Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and One Pillar Pagoda (1 hour, free)
• Temple of Literature and Old Quarter (2 hours, VND 100,000)
• Water puppet show (1 hour, VND 100,000)
• Bicycle tour of Tam Coc and Bich Dong (3 hours, VND 100,000)
• Hoa Lu and Bai Dinh Pagoda (2 hours, VND 50,000)
• Farewell dinner at the Emeralda Resort Ninh Binh (2 hours, VND 500,000)
• Total Estimated Costs: VND 3,200,000