7-Day Itinerary: Hoi Chi Minh - Hanoi - Halong Bay
Friday, December 1: Arrival in Hoi Chi Minh City
Begin your journey in Hoi Chi Minh City, the vibrant and bustling metropolis of Vietnam. In the morning, visit the historic Reunification Palace, a symbol of the city's rich history. Afternoon is the perfect time to explore the vibrant Ben Thanh Market, where you can shop for souvenirs and sample delicious street food. In the evening, take a stroll along Nguyen Hue Walking Street and enjoy the lively atmosphere.
Reunification Palace: Cost estimate: VND 40,000, Time spent: 1-2 hours
Ben Thanh Market: Cost estimate: VND 20,000-50,000, Time spent: 1-2 hours
Nguyen Hue Walking Street: Free, Time spent: Evening
Restaurants
Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Pho 2000, a local favorite known for its authentic Vietnamese pho. Enjoy a steaming bowl of pho for around 50,000 VND per person.
For lunch, head to Quan Bui Restaurant, a charming eatery with a cozy atmosphere. Indulge in their flavorful Vietnamese dishes, such as banh xeo or grilled pork with rice noodles, for an average cost of 150,000 VND per person.
For dinner, dine at The Refinery, a stylish restaurant located in an old French colonial building. Delight in their fusion of Vietnamese and Western cuisine, while enjoying the elegant ambiance. Expect to spend around 400,000 VND per person for dinner.
Saturday, December 2: Explore Hoi Chi Minh City
Start your day by visiting the moving War Remnants Museum, which provides a deep insight into the Vietnam War. In the afternoon, explore the Cu Chi Tunnels, an underground network used during the war. In the evening, take a relaxing river cruise along the Saigon River and enjoy the city lights.
War Remnants Museum: Cost estimate: VND 40,000, Time spent: 1-2 hours
Cu Chi Tunnels: Cost estimate: VND 110,000, Time spent: Half-day
Saigon River Cruise: Cost estimate: VND 250,000-400,000, Time spent: Evening
Restaurants
A delicious breakfast can be enjoyed at Café Apartments, where you can indulge in a wide variety of options including Vietnamese favorites and international cuisine. Average cost for a meal is about $10 per person.
For a satisfying lunch, head to Quan Bui Restaurant, known for its authentic Vietnamese dishes. Don't miss out on their famous pho and spring rolls. Average cost for a meal is about $8 per person.
In the evening, treat yourself to a memorable dinner at Cuc Gach Quan, a charming restaurant housed in a renovated traditional Vietnamese villa. The menu features a blend of traditional Vietnamese recipes with a modern twist. Average cost for a meal is about $15 per person.
Sunday, December 3: Travel to Hanoi
Fly from Hoi Chi Minh City to Hanoi in the morning. In the afternoon, explore the iconic Hoan Kiem Lake and visit the Ngoc Son Temple located on an island in the lake. As the evening sets in, head to the bustling Old Quarter and experience the vibrant nightlife.
Hoan Kiem Lake: Free, Time spent: 1-2 hours
Ngoc Son Temple: Cost estimate: VND 20,000, Time spent: 1-2 hours
Old Quarter: Free, Time spent: Evening
Restaurants
Breakfast: Start your day with a delicious meal at The Note Coffee, known for its unique decor and colorful sticky notes. Average cost for a meal is about 70.000 VND per person.
Lunch: For a taste of authentic Vietnamese cuisine, visit Nha Hang Ngon. This restaurant offers a wide variety of local dishes in a vibrant and lively setting. Average cost for a meal is about 150.000 VND per person.
Dinner: Indulge in a fine dining experience at La Verticale. This French-Vietnamese fusion restaurant offers a creative menu using seasonal ingredients. Average cost for a meal is about 600.000 VND per person.
Monday, December 4: Discover Hanoi's Attractions
Start your day at the historic Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, where you can pay tribute to Vietnam's revolutionary leader. Afterward, visit the Temple of Literature, Vietnam's first national university. In the evening, catch a traditional Water Puppet Show, a unique form of Vietnamese entertainment.
Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum: Free, Time spent: 1-2 hours
Temple of Literature: Cost estimate: VND 30,000, Time spent: 1-2 hours
Water Puppet Show: Cost estimate: VND 100,000-200,000, Time spent: Evening
Tuesday, December 5: Journey to Halong Bay
Embark on a scenic drive to Halong Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its stunning limestone karsts. Board a traditional junk boat and cruise through the emerald waters. Explore the enchanting caves and enjoy activities like kayaking or swimming. Spend the night on the boat, surrounded by the breathtaking scenery.
Halong Bay Cruise: Cost estimate: VND 1,500,000-2,500,000, Time spent: Overnight
Wednesday, December 6: Halong Bay Exploration
Continue your exploration of Halong Bay with more cruising and taking in the magnificent views. Visit floating fishing villages, go beach hopping, and indulge in fresh seafood. Take the opportunity to go squid fishing in the evening or simply relax on the deck and enjoy the serenity of the bay.
Halong Bay Cruise: Cost estimate: VND 1,500,000-2,500,000, Time spent: Overnight
Thursday, December 7: Return to Hanoi
Arrive back in Hanoi in the morning. Spend your last day exploring the city at your leisure. Visit the Vietnamese Women's Museum to learn about the role of women in Vietnamese society, stroll around the picturesque West Lake, and savor some local delicacies before your departure.
While visiting Hanoi, make sure to explore the hidden gem of Bat Trang Ceramic Village, known for its traditional pottery. Take a day trip to Tam Coc in Ninh Binh Province, often called the "Halong Bay on land" for its stunning landscapes and caves. Locals also recommend trying the famous egg coffee at a local cafe in Hanoi's Old Quarter.