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7-Day Shoestring Budget Itinerary for Vietnam in September 2023

  1. Day 1: Ho Chi Minh City
    15 minutes (2.5 km) from Tan Son Nhat International Airport

    Visit the War Remnants Museum in the morning to learn about Vietnam's history, then head to Ben Thanh Market for some shopping and street food in the afternoon. End the day with a stroll in the Bui Vien Walking Street.

  2. Day 2: Hoi An
    1 hour 10 minutes (30.5 km) from Da Nang International Airport

    Take a walking tour of the UNESCO World Heritage Site in the morning and explore the Japanese Bridge, Old Houses and Assembly Halls. Rent a bike in the afternoon and ride to the nearby An Bang beach for a relaxing time in the sun. End the day with a lantern-lit boat ride along the Thu Bon River.

  3. Day 3: Ha Long Bay
    3 hours 30 minutes (170 km) from Hanoi

    Take an early morning bus to Ha Long Bay and take a 5-hour boat tour of the beautiful limestone cliffs and caves. Enjoy kayaking and swimming in the crystal-clear water, then have dinner and drinks onboard while watching the sunset. Spend the night on the boat.

  4. Day 4: Sapa
    4 hours 30 minutes (320 km) from Hanoi

    Take a morning train to Sapa and explore the colourful local markets and hill tribe villages in the afternoon. Enjoy a homestay with local families and learn about their traditional customs and way of life.

  5. Day 5: Hue
    14 hours (780 km) from Sapa

    Take an overnight bus from Sapa to Hue, known for its imperial citadel and tombs of the Nguyen emperors. Visit the Hue Forbidden City in the morning and take a dragon boat tour of Perfume River in the afternoon. End the day with a dinner of traditional Hue cuisine.

  6. Day 6: Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park
    3 hours (200 km) from Hue

    Take a morning bus to Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park and explore the stunning caves and karst mountains. Take a boat tour of the underground river in the afternoon, then relax in the natural hot springs in the evening.

  7. Day 7: Hanoi
    4 hours (250 km) from Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park

    Spend the day exploring the ancient streets of Hanoi's Old Quarter, then visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and Temple of Literature in the afternoon. End the day with a night-time food tour of the city's street food scene.

Recommendations

Other attractions to consider include the Cu Chi Tunnels and Mekong Delta in Ho Chi Minh City, the Marble Mountains and Lady Buddha statue in Da Nang, and the Ba Be Lake and Ban Gioc Waterfall near Cao Bang. Consider taking a motorbike tour to experience the Vietnamese countryside and local way of life. Lastly, don't forget to try out some Vietnamese coffee, pho and bahn mi for a truly authentic experience.

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