Begin your Vietnam trip in the capital city of Hanoi. Start your morning with a visit to the historic Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple. In the afternoon, explore the bustling Old Quarter with its narrow streets and vibrant markets. Don't miss trying some local street food like Pho or Banh Mi. As the evening approaches, catch a traditional water puppet show at the Thang Long Water Puppet Theater.
Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple: Cost estimate: Free, Time spent: 2-3 hours
Old Quarter: Cost estimate: Free, Time spent: 3-4 hours
Thang Long Water Puppet Theater: Cost estimate: $5-10, Time spent: 1 hour
Restaurants
Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Pho Thin restaurant, known for its flavorful pho dishes. Average cost for a meal is about 70,000 VND per person.
For a satisfying lunch, head to Bun Cha Huong Lien and try their famous bun cha, a grilled pork noodle dish. Average cost for a meal is about 50,000 VND per person.
In the evening, treat yourself to a mouthwatering dinner at Quan An Ngon, a local favorite known for its wide variety of Vietnamese dishes. Average cost for a meal is about 150,000 VND per person.
Thursday, February 8, 2024: Halong Bay
Embark on a memorable cruise to Halong Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its stunning limestone karsts and emerald waters. Spend the morning exploring the bay, kayaking, and visiting beautiful caves. Enjoy a delicious seafood lunch on board. In the afternoon, relax on the sundeck and take in the breathtaking scenery. As the day ends, witness a mesmerizing sunset over the bay.
Halong Bay Cruise: Cost estimate: $100-200 per person, Time spent: Full day
Restaurants
A popular breakfast spot in Halong Bay is The Morning Bistro. This cozy cafe offers a variety of delicious breakfast options such as fluffy omelettes, fresh pastries, and aromatic Vietnamese coffee. Average cost for a meal is about $8 per person.
For a satisfying lunch, head to The Saltwater Grill. Located by the shore, this waterfront restaurant serves a delectable selection of seafood dishes including grilled fish, prawns, and squid. Don't miss their signature seafood chowder. Average cost for a meal is about $15 per person.
Indulge in a memorable dinner experience at The Bayview Restaurant. Nestled on a hilltop, the restaurant offers breathtaking panoramic views of Halong Bay. Enjoy a fusion of Vietnamese and international cuisine, and don't forget to try their specialty: grilled lobster. Average cost for a meal is about $25 per person.
Friday, February 9, 2024: Hue
Travel to the historic city of Hue, renowned for its imperial architecture and rich cultural heritage. Begin your day with a visit to the Imperial City, a complex of palaces, shrines, and gardens. In the afternoon, explore the serene Thien Mu Pagoda and take a scenic boat ride along the Perfume River. End your day with a traditional Vietnamese dinner and enjoy Hue's famous royal cuisine.
Imperial City: Cost estimate: $5-10, Time spent: 2-3 hours
Thien Mu Pagoda: Cost estimate: Free, Time spent: 1-2 hours
Perfume River Boat Ride: Cost estimate: $10-15, Time spent: 1-2 hours
Restaurants
A popular breakfast spot in Hue is Nook Cafe, offering a cozy atmosphere and a variety of breakfast options. Average cost for a meal is about 50,000 VND per person.
For lunch, head to Mandarin Restaurant, known for its authentic Vietnamese cuisine and friendly service. Average cost for a meal is about 150,000 VND per person.
Indulge in a delicious dinner at Ancient Hue, serving traditional Hue specialties in a charming setting. Average cost for a meal is about 200,000 VND per person.
Saturday, February 10, 2024: Hoi An
Visit the enchanting town of Hoi An, known for its well-preserved ancient architecture and lantern-lit streets. Explore the charming Old Town in the morning, visiting the Japanese Covered Bridge and the Assembly Hall of the Fujian Chinese Congregation. In the afternoon, take a bicycle ride to the nearby countryside and experience rural life. Indulge in a cooking class to learn the secrets of Vietnamese cuisine before wandering around the night market.
Japanese Covered Bridge: Cost estimate: $3-5, Time spent: 1-2 hours
Assembly Hall of the Fujian Chinese Congregation: Cost estimate: $3-5, Time spent: 1-2 hours
Bicycle Ride and Countryside Visit: Cost estimate: $10-15, Time spent: 2-3 hours
Cooking Class: Cost estimate: $20-30, Time spent: 2 hours
Restaurants
A popular choice for breakfast in Hoi An is Café 43, located in the heart of the Old Town. Enjoy freshly brewed coffee and delicious pastries while admiring the picturesque view of the ancient streets. The average cost for a breakfast meal here is about 70,000 VND per person.
For lunch, try Mango Rooms, a vibrant restaurant that offers a fusion of Asian and international flavors. Indulge in their signature dishes like the mango salad or the lemongrass chicken. The average cost for a lunch meal here is about 150,000 VND per person.
For dinner, head to Morning Glory Restaurant, known for its authentic Vietnamese cuisine. Savor traditional dishes like banh mi and pho, prepared with the freshest ingredients. The average cost for a dinner meal here is about 200,000 VND per person.
Sunday, February 11, 2024: Ho Chi Minh City
Head to the vibrant southern city of Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Saigon). Start your morning with a visit to the historic Reunification Palace, followed by the War Remnants Museum to learn about the Vietnam War. In the afternoon, explore the bustling Ben Thanh Market and try some Vietnamese street food. As the evening sets in, take a leisurely stroll along Nguyen Hue Walking Street and enjoy the city lights.
Reunification Palace: Cost estimate: $2-5, Time spent: 2-3 hours
War Remnants Museum: Cost estimate: $2-5, Time spent: 1-2 hours
Ben Thanh Market: Cost estimate: Free, Time spent: 2-3 hours
For breakfast, head to Pho Le for a traditional Vietnamese meal. They serve steaming bowls of pho with a variety of toppings. Average cost for a meal is about 40,000 VND per person.
For lunch, try Quan Com Tam 125 for a taste of local cuisine. They offer a range of com tam dishes, including grilled pork chops and broken rice. Average cost for a meal is about 60,000 VND per person.
For dinner, visit Cục Gạch Quán for a unique dining experience in a restored colonial house. They specialize in traditional Vietnamese dishes with a modern twist. Average cost for a meal is about 200,000 VND per person.
Monday, February 12, 2024: Mekong Delta
Discover the lush beauty of the Mekong Delta region. Start your day with a boat trip through the vibrant floating markets, where locals trade goods from their boats. Explore the picturesque canals and visit local fruit orchards and handicraft villages. Enjoy a traditional Vietnamese lunch in a riverside restaurant. In the afternoon, take a relaxing bicycle ride along the peaceful rural paths before returning to Ho Chi Minh City.
Mekong Delta Boat Trip: Cost estimate: $20-30, Time spent: Full day
Bicycle Ride in Mekong Delta: Cost estimate: $5-10, Time spent: 2-3 hours
Restaurants
A cozy breakfast spot near the Mekong Delta is Café Du Monde. With its charming ambience and delicious breakfast menu, this local favorite offers a variety of fresh pastries, aromatic coffee, and savory breakfast dishes. On average, a meal here costs around 100,000 VND per person.
For a memorable lunch experience, head to The Riverside Restaurant. Situated by the river, this restaurant serves authentic Vietnamese cuisine with stunning views of the Mekong Delta. Indulge in their flavorful seafood dishes and traditional Vietnamese specialties. The average cost for a meal here is approximately 200,000 VND per person.
End your day at The Floating Market Restaurant, known for its delectable dinner options. This restaurant offers a unique dining experience on a floating platform, allowing guests to savor delicious Vietnamese dishes while enjoying the riverside atmosphere. The average cost for a meal at The Floating Market Restaurant is about 300,000 VND per person.
Tuesday, February 13, 2024: Departure
It's time to bid farewell to Vietnam. Depending on your flight schedule, you may have some free time in Ho Chi Minh City to do some last-minute shopping or explore a few more attractions. Ensure you check out of your hotel and head to the airport accordingly.
Hidden Gems and Local Favorites
For off the beaten path attractions and places loved by locals, consider visiting the Cao Dai Temple in Tay Ninh, where you can witness unique religious ceremonies. Another hidden gem is the Cu Chi Tunnels, an underground network used during the Vietnam War. You can explore a portion of the tunnels and learn about their historical significance. These lesser-known destinations offer unique insights into Vietnamese culture and history.
For hotel and flight bookings, check out Kayak for the best prices and options.