In the morning, head to Hanoi's Old Quarter, a bustling maze of narrow streets filled with charming colonial buildings, traditional shops, and local markets. Then, visit the Temple of Literature, a peaceful complex dating back to the 11th century. In the afternoon, take a leisurely stroll around Hoan Kiem Lake, and enjoy the scenic views. In the evening, savor a traditional Vietnamese dinner at a local street food market.
Old Quarter: Cost - Free, Time Spent - 3 hours
Temple of Literature: Cost - $2, Time Spent - 1 hour
Hoan Kiem Lake: Cost - Free, Time Spent - 2 hours
Local Street Food Market: Cost - $10, Time Spent - 2 hours
Day 2: Thursday, November 16
Restaurants
Breakfast: Pho Gia Truyen - A popular local spot known for its delicious and authentic pho. A bowl of pho costs around 50,000 VND per person.
Lunch: Bun Cha Huong Lien - This famous restaurant is known for its bun cha, a traditional Vietnamese dish of grilled pork served with rice noodles and fresh herbs. A meal at Bun Cha Huong Lien costs around 70,000 VND per person.
Dinner: Ta Hien Beer Street - Located in the heart of the Old Quarter, this vibrant street is lined with small eateries and street food stalls serving a variety of local dishes. The average cost for a dinner here is around 100,000 VND per person.
Majestic Experience in Halong Bay
Embark on a full-day cruise adventure in Halong Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its emerald waters and limestone islands. Enjoy activities like kayaking, swimming, and exploring ancient caves. Indulge in a delicious seafood lunch aboard the boat while marveling at the breathtaking landscapes. Return to Hanoi in the evening and unwind at a cozy local cafe.
Halong Bay Cruise: Cost - $100, Time Spent - 8 hours
Local Cafe: Cost - $5, Time Spent - 2 hours
Day 3: Friday, November 17
Restaurants
A cozy local cafe in Hanoi that offers a variety of breakfast options including traditional Vietnamese dishes. Average cost for a meal is about $8 per person.
Enjoy a delicious seafood lunch at a restaurant by the waters of Halong Bay. Average cost for a meal is about $15 per person.
Indulge in a fine dining experience at a restaurant in Hanoi that specializes in local and international cuisine. Average cost for a meal is about $25 per person.
Discover the Ancient City of Hoi An
Take a morning flight to Hoi An, a charming coastal town. Explore the well-preserved Ancient Town, a UNESCO site, filled with colorful merchant houses and temples. Visit the Japanese Covered Bridge, wander through vibrant markets, and enjoy delicious regional cuisine. In the afternoon, relax at An Bang Beach and witness a mesmerizing sunset.
Ancient Town: Cost - $6, Time Spent - 4 hours
Japanese Covered Bridge: Cost - $3, Time Spent - 1 hour
An Bang Beach: Cost - Free, Time Spent - 3 hours
Day 4: Saturday, November 18
Restaurants
A popular breakfast spot is Morning Glory Restaurant, serving traditional Vietnamese dishes with a modern twist. Average cost for a meal is about 150,000 VND per person.
For lunch, visit The Cargo Club, a cozy café and bakery offering a variety of sandwiches, salads, and pastries. Average cost for a meal is about 200,000 VND per person.
In the evening, indulge in a fine dining experience at Mango Mango Restaurant, known for its fusion of Vietnamese and international flavors. Average cost for a meal is about 500,000 VND per person.
Immerse in Nature at Ba Na Hills
Take a day trip to Ba Na Hills, a mountain resort offering beautiful views over Da Nang city. Ride the famous Golden Bridge, explore the French Village, and visit the Linh Ung Pagoda. Enjoy thrilling rides at the Fantasy Park amusement center. In the evening, return to Hoi An and savor a delicious seafood dinner by the riverside.
Ba Na Hills: Cost - $40, Time Spent - 6 hours
Fantasy Park: Cost - $20, Time Spent - 2 hours
Seafood Dinner: Cost - $20, Time Spent - 2 hours
Day 5: Sunday, November 19
Restaurants
Start your day with a delicious breakfast at The Espresso Station. This cozy café offers a selection of freshly brewed coffee and mouthwatering pastries. Average cost for a meal is about $5 per person.
For a satisfying lunch, head to Banh Mi Phuong. This famous street food spot is known for its tasty banh mi sandwiches filled with a variety of fillings. Average cost for a meal is about $3 per person.
Indulge in a delightful seafood dinner at Cargo Club. Located by the riverside, this restaurant offers a wide range of fresh seafood dishes, with average cost for a meal about $15 per person.
Experience History in Ho Chi Minh City
Fly to Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) in the morning. Visit the historic Reunification Palace, the War Remnants Museum, and the bustling Ben Thanh Market. Enjoy a delightful lunch at a local rooftop restaurant offering panoramic views of the city. In the afternoon, take a relaxing walk in Tao Dan Park. In the evening, immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of the Bui Vien walking street.
Reunification Palace: Cost - $5, Time Spent - 2 hours
War Remnants Museum: Cost - $2, Time Spent - 2 hours
Ben Thanh Market: Cost - Free, Time Spent - 2 hours
Rooftop Restaurant: Cost - $15, Time Spent - 2 hours
Bui Vien Walking Street: Cost - Free, Time Spent - 2 hours
Day 6: Monday, November 20
Restaurants
Start your day with a delicious Vietnamese-style breakfast at Pho 2000. Enjoy a bowl of hot and fragrant pho noodles with your choice of meat and vegetables. The average cost for a meal is about 70,000 VND per person.
For lunch, head to Hum Vegetarian, a trendy restaurant offering a wide range of vegetarian dishes. Try their signature crispy spring rolls and fresh salads. The average cost for a meal is about 120,000 VND per person.
In the evening, treat yourself to a memorable dining experience at Noir. This unique restaurant offers a sensory dining experience in total darkness, allowing you to fully focus on the flavors of their delicious dishes. The average cost for a meal is about 500,000 VND per person.
Exploring the Mekong Delta
Embark on a day trip to the Mekong Delta, known as the "Rice Bowl" of Vietnam. Cruise along the Mekong River, visit local villages, and witness the floating markets. Experience the local lifestyle and taste tropical fruits. Enjoy a traditional Vietnamese lunch on an island. Return to Ho Chi Minh City in the evening and savor a sumptuous Vietnamese dinner.
Mekong Delta Day Trip: Cost - $30, Time Spent - 10 hours
Vietnamese Dinner: Cost - $20, Time Spent - 2 hours
Day 7: Tuesday, November 21
Restaurants
Breakfast: The Urban Brunch Café offers a variety of breakfast options including eggs, pancakes, and pastries. Average cost for a meal is about $10 per person.
Lunch: Binh Quoi 1 Tourist Village is a riverside restaurant serving traditional Vietnamese food. Average cost for a meal is about $15 per person.
Dinner: Quan An Ngon is a popular restaurant known for its extensive menu of Vietnamese dishes. Average cost for a meal is about $20 per person.
Relax and Depart
Spend the morning exploring Ho Chi Minh City at your own pace. Visit local markets, do some souvenir shopping, or relax in one of the city's parks. Enjoy a delicious lunch in a local restaurant before departing from Vietnam.
Explore Ho Chi Minh City: Cost - Free, Time Spent - 4 hours
Lunch at Local Restaurant: Cost - $10, Time Spent - 2 hours
Restaurants
Morning Glory Restaurant: Enjoy a traditional Vietnamese breakfast at Morning Glory Restaurant, known for its authentic flavors and cozy ambiance. Average cost for a meal is about 100,000 VND per person.
Propaganda Bistro: Head to Propaganda Bistro for a delightful lunch experience, offering a fusion of Vietnamese and international dishes with a creative twist. Average cost for a meal is about 200,000 VND per person.
Baba's Kitchen: Treat yourself to a delicious dinner at Baba's Kitchen, a popular Indian restaurant known for its flavorful curries, aromatic spices, and warm hospitality. Average cost for a meal is about 250,000 VND per person.
Hidden Gems and Local Favorites
For some off the beaten path experiences, venture outside the main cities to the charming rural areas. Explore the idyllic countryside of Sapa, known for its beautiful rice terraces and ethnic minority villages. Discover the turquoise waters and pristine beaches of Phu Quoc Island. Engage in eco-adventures in the lush landscapes of Cat Tien National Park, where you can go wildlife spotting and hike through dense forests.
For those traveling with kids, Vietnam offers various family-friendly attractions. Visit the Vinpearl Land amusement park in Nha Trang, where you'll find thrilling rides, water slides, an aquarium, and a variety of entertainment options. Explore the Fairy Stream in Mui Ne, a surreal landscape of reddish sand dunes and an enchanting stream where kids can have fun splashing around. Don't miss the Cuchi Tunnels near Ho Chi Minh City, an underground network from the Vietnam War, where kids can learn about history in an interactive way.