Vietnam in July 2023

1. Day 1: Ho Chi Minh City
   20 minutes (6.5 miles) from Tan Son Nhat International Airport

   Start your day at The Independence Palace, followed by a visit to the War Remnants Museum and Ben Thanh Market. In the evening, head to Bui Vien Walking Street for a lively nightlife experience.

2. Day 2: Da Nang
   2 hours flight from Ho Chi Minh City

   Spend the morning exploring the Marble Mountains or My Khe Beach. In the afternoon, visit the Museum of Cham Sculpture and Dragon Bridge. End your day at Han Market for a taste of local cuisine.

3. Day 3: Hoi An
   30 minutes (18.5 miles) from Da Nang

   Take a half-day walking tour around the UNESCO World Heritage site of Hoi An ancient town. In the afternoon, relax at An Bang Beach or experience a lantern-making class. End your day with a sunset boat ride on the Thu Bon River.

4. Day 4: Hue
   2 hours (80 miles) from Hoi An

   Visit the ancient Imperial City, Thien Mu Pagoda, and the tombs of Nguyen Emperors. In the evening, walk along the Perfume River and visit Dong Ba Market for local street food.

5. Day 5: Hanoi
   1 hour 45 minutes flight from Hue

   Start your day with a visit to the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, the Temple of Literature, and the Hoa Lo Prison Museum. In the evening, watch a water puppet show and enjoy traditional Vietnamese cuisine in the Old Quarter.

6. Day 6: Halong Bay
   3 hours 30 minutes (103 miles) from Hanoi

   Take a day trip to the stunning UNESCO World Heritage Site of Halong Bay for a cruise and kayak tour. Enjoy a seafood lunch on board and return to Hanoi in the evening.

7. Day 7: Sapa
   5 hours 30 minutes (200 miles) from Hanoi

   Take the scenic train ride to Sapa, a beautiful hill station near the Chinese border. Explore the town and meet the local ethnic minorities in their traditional costumes. In the evening, enjoy a hot pot dinner and relax in a homestay.

Recommendations

Don't miss the Cu Chi Tunnels in Ho Chi Minh City and the Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park in Hue. Take a side trip to the picturesque Ba Vi National Park near Hanoi. To maximize your fun, try a street food tour or a motorbike ride around the city.

Time and Costs Estimates

• The Independence Palace (2 hours, 40,000 VND)
• War Remnants Museum (2 hours, 40,000 VND)
• Ben Thanh Market (2 hours, free admission)
• Museum of Cham Sculpture (1 hour, 60,000 VND)
• Dragon Bridge (30 minutes, free admission)
• Hoi An walking tour (3 hours, 120,000 VND)
• An Bang Beach (3 hours, free admission)
• Hue Imperial City (2 hours, 150,000 VND)
• Thien Mu Pagoda (1 hour, 50,000 VND)
• Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum (1 hour, free admission)
• Temple of Literature (1 hour, 30,000 VND)
• Halong Bay day trip (10 hours, 800,000 VND)
• Sapa homestay (1 night, 600,000 VND)
• Total Estimated Costs: 1,980,000 VND