Cultural Immersion, Foodie, Nature - 5-Day Shoestring Budget Itinerary in Vietnam

Day 1: Exploring Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

8:00AM

Breakfast at Pho 2000

Start your day with a bowl of traditional Vietnamese pho at Pho 2000, known for its delicious and authentic flavors.
Pho 2000 is a short walk from most hotels in the city center.
$5, 1 hour

10:00AM

Visit Ben Thanh Market

Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of Ben Thanh Market, where you can shop for souvenirs, try local street food, and interact with friendly vendors.
Take a 10-minute taxi ride from Pho 2000 to Ben Thanh Market.
Free entrance, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Quan Com Pho

Enjoy a budget-friendly lunch at Quan Com Pho, a popular spot for traditional Vietnamese rice dishes.
Quan Com Pho is a 15-minute walk from Ben Thanh Market.
$7, 1 hour

3:00PM

Explore War Remnants Museum

Gain insights into Vietnam's history at the War Remnants Museum, showcasing artifacts and stories from the Vietnam War.
Take a short taxi ride from Quan Com Pho to the museum.
$2, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Bun Cha 145

Savor a delicious dinner of Bun Cha, a traditional Vietnamese dish, at Bun Cha 145, known for its authentic flavors.
Bun Cha 145 is a 20-minute walk from the War Remnants Museum.
$8, 1.5 hours
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Day 2: Day Trip to Cu Chi Tunnels

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

7:00AM

Breakfast at Banh Mi Huynh Hoa

Start your day with a delicious Banh Mi sandwich at Banh Mi Huynh Hoa before heading to Cu Chi Tunnels.
Banh Mi Huynh Hoa is a 10-minute walk from most hotels in the city center.
$3, 1 hour

8:30AM

Explore Cu Chi Tunnels

Embark on a guided tour of the Cu Chi Tunnels, a fascinating underground network used during the Vietnam War.
Join a tour group departing from the city center to Cu Chi Tunnels, approximately 1.5 hours away.
$10 (including tour), 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Co Chu Saigon

Enjoy a traditional Vietnamese meal at Co Chu Saigon, known for its fresh ingredients and authentic flavors.
Co Chu Saigon is a short walk from the Cu Chi Tunnels entrance.
$6, 1 hour

3:00PM

Return to Ho Chi Minh City

Travel back to the city center and spend the evening exploring local markets or relaxing at a rooftop bar.
Take a bus or taxi back to Ho Chi Minh City, approximately 1.5 hours.
$5, 2 hours
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Day 3: Discovering Hoi An Ancient Town

Hoi An, Vietnam

9:00AM

Breakfast at Morning Glory Restaurant

Indulge in a delightful breakfast at Morning Glory Restaurant, known for its extensive menu of Vietnamese dishes.
Morning Glory Restaurant is located in the heart of Hoi An Ancient Town.
$6, 1 hour

10:30AM

Explore Hoi An Ancient Town

Stroll through the charming streets of Hoi An Ancient Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site filled with historic architecture and colorful lanterns.
Begin your exploration from Morning Glory Restaurant.
Free entrance, 3 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at Bale Well

Treat yourself to a delicious lunch at Bale Well, a local favorite known for its fresh spring rolls and grilled meats.
Bale Well is a short walk from Hoi An Ancient Town.
$5, 1 hour

3:00PM

Boat Ride on Thu Bon River

Embark on a relaxing boat ride along Thu Bon River, offering scenic views of Hoi An's waterfront and surrounding landscapes.
Book a boat tour near Hoi An Ancient Town.
$8, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at White Rose Restaurant

Enjoy a culinary delight at White Rose Restaurant, famous for its signature White Rose dumplings, a specialty of Hoi An.
White Rose Restaurant is a short walk from Thu Bon River.
$10, 1.5 hours
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Day 4: Nature Exploration in Hoi An

Hoi An, Vietnam

8:00AM

Breakfast at Cargo Club

Start your day with a scrumptious breakfast at Cargo Club, a riverside cafe offering a variety of Western and Vietnamese dishes.
Cargo Club is located by the Thu Bon River in Hoi An.
$8, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Tra Que Vegetable Village

Explore Tra Que Vegetable Village, where you can participate in farming activities, learn about traditional Vietnamese agriculture, and enjoy the fresh countryside air.
Take a short bicycle ride or taxi to Tra Que Vegetable Village from Hoi An Ancient Town.
$5, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Morning Glory Restaurant

Return to Morning Glory Restaurant for a satisfying lunch featuring local specialties and fresh ingredients.
Travel back to Hoi An Ancient Town for lunch.
$7, 1 hour

2:00PM

Relax at An Bang Beach

Spend the afternoon unwinding at An Bang Beach, a tranquil stretch of sand perfect for sunbathing and swimming.
Take a short taxi ride from Hoi An to An Bang Beach.
$3, 3 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Ms. Vy's Market Restaurant & Cooking School

Experience a unique dining experience at Ms. Vy's Market Restaurant & Cooking School, where you can taste a variety of Vietnamese street food dishes.
Ms. Vy's Market Restaurant & Cooking School is located in Hoi An Ancient Town.
$12, 2 hours
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Day 5: Exploring Hanoi's Culture

Hanoi, Vietnam

9:00AM

Breakfast at Pho Thin

Start your day with a steaming bowl of Pho at Pho Thin, a popular spot for locals and tourists alike.
Pho Thin is located in the Old Quarter of Hanoi.
$4, 1 hour

10:30AM

Visit Hoan Kiem Lake

Take a leisurely stroll around Hoan Kiem Lake, a peaceful oasis in the heart of Hanoi, and visit Ngoc Son Temple located on a small island within the lake.
Hoan Kiem Lake is within walking distance from Pho Thin.
Free entrance, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Bun Bo Nam Bo

Enjoy a bowl of Bun Bo Nam Bo, a flavorful beef noodle dish, at a local eatery known for its delicious and affordable meals.
Bun Bo Nam Bo restaurant is a short walk from Hoan Kiem Lake.
$6, 1 hour

3:00PM

Explore Temple of Literature

Step back in time at the Temple of Literature, Vietnam's first national university, and admire its well-preserved architecture and tranquil gardens.
Take a taxi or public transportation to the Temple of Literature.
$3, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Quan An Ngon

End your day with a delectable dinner at Quan An Ngon, a food paradise offering a wide selection of Vietnamese dishes from different regions.
Quan An Ngon is a short taxi ride from the Temple of Literature.
$9, 1.5 hours
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