Discovering Vietnam in 7 Days

Day 1: Exploring Hanoi

Hanoi, Vietnam

8:00 AM

Visit Hoan Kiem Lake

Begin your day with a peaceful stroll around the scenic Hoan Kiem Lake, a historical landmark in the heart of Hanoi.
Hoan Kiem Lake is centrally located and can be reached by walking from most hotels in the Old Quarter.
Free, 1 hour

10:00 AM

Explore the Old Quarter

Immerse yourself in the bustling streets of the Old Quarter, filled with narrow lanes, traditional shops, and street food stalls.
The Old Quarter is easily navigated on foot or by cyclo (traditional cycle rickshaw).
Free, 2 hours

1:00 PM

Lunch at Bun Cha Huong Lien

Indulge in a local favorite, Bun Cha, at Bun Cha Huong Lien where President Obama once dined during his visit to Hanoi.
Bun Cha Huong Lien is located in the Old Quarter.
$5, 1 hour

3:00 PM

Visit the Temple of Literature

Step back in time at the Temple of Literature, Vietnam's first national university and a Confucian temple.
The Temple of Literature is a short taxi or Grab ride from the Old Quarter.
$2, 1.5 hours

6:00 PM

Dinner at Quan An Ngon

Enjoy a diverse range of Vietnamese dishes in a charming courtyard setting at Quan An Ngon.
Quan An Ngon is located near the Temple of Literature.
$10, 2 hours
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Day 2: Continuing Hanoi Exploration

Hanoi, Vietnam

9:00 AM

Visit Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum

Pay your respects to Vietnam's revolutionary leader at the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum.
The mausoleum is a short walk from the Old Quarter.
Free, 1 hour

11:00 AM

Explore the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology

Learn about the diverse ethnic groups of Vietnam through exhibits and outdoor displays at the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology.
A taxi or Grab ride from the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum will take you to the museum.
$3, 2 hours

1:30 PM

Lunch at KOTO Van Mieu Training Restaurant

Support a good cause while enjoying a delicious meal at KOTO Van Mieu, a restaurant that trains underprivileged youth in hospitality.
KOTO Van Mieu is near the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology.
$8, 1 hour

3:00 PM

Shopping at Dong Xuan Market

Browse through stalls selling everything from clothes to souvenirs at the lively Dong Xuan Market.
Dong Xuan Market is a short walk or taxi ride from the Old Quarter.
$, 1.5 hours

7:00 PM

Dinner at Cha Ca La Vong

Savor the famous Hanoi dish, Cha Ca (grilled fish with turmeric and dill), at the historic Cha Ca La Vong restaurant.
Cha Ca La Vong is located in the Old Quarter.
$15, 1.5 hours
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Day 3: Cruising Ha Long Bay

Ha Long Bay, Vietnam

8:00 AM

Embark on a Ha Long Bay Cruise

Board a traditional junk boat for a memorable cruise through the stunning limestone karsts and emerald waters of Ha Long Bay.
Ha Long Bay is about a 3-hour drive from Hanoi. Most cruise operators offer pick-up services from Hanoi hotels.
$100, Full day
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Day 4: Historical Hue

Hue, Vietnam

9:00 AM

Visit the Imperial City

Explore the UNESCO-listed Imperial City, a walled fortress and palace once home to the Nguyen emperors.
The Imperial City is centrally located and can be reached by taxi or cyclo.
$5, 2 hours

12:00 PM

Lunch at Ancient Hue Restaurant

Enjoy authentic Hue cuisine at Ancient Hue Restaurant, known for its royal dishes and traditional ambiance.
Ancient Hue Restaurant is near the Imperial City.
$12, 1 hour

2:00 PM

Explore Thien Mu Pagoda

Visit the iconic Thien Mu Pagoda, an elegant seven-story pagoda overlooking the Perfume River.
Thien Mu Pagoda is a short drive or boat ride from the Imperial City.
$2, 1 hour
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Day 5: Charming Hoi An

Hoi An, Vietnam

9:00 AM

Walk through Ancient Town

Stroll along the lantern-lit streets of Hoi An's Ancient Town, a well-preserved trading port with historic architecture.
Hoi An is about a 2-hour drive from Hue. You can take a bus, train, or taxi to get there.
Free, 2 hours

12:00 PM

Lunch at Morning Glory Restaurant

Taste authentic Vietnamese dishes at Morning Glory Restaurant, known for its traditional recipes and cozy atmosphere.
Morning Glory Restaurant is located in Hoi An's Ancient Town.
$10, 1 hour

2:00 PM

Visit Japanese Covered Bridge

Admire the iconic Japanese Covered Bridge, a symbol of Hoi An, blending Japanese, Chinese, and Vietnamese architectural elements.
The Japanese Covered Bridge is a short walk from Morning Glory Restaurant.
$3, 1 hour
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Day 6: Vibrant Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), Vietnam

9:00 AM

Explore the War Remnants Museum

Gain insights into Vietnam's history at the War Remnants Museum, showcasing wartime photography and artifacts.
The War Remnants Museum is centrally located in Ho Chi Minh City and can be easily reached by taxi or Grab.
$2, 2 hours

12:00 PM

Lunch at Pho 2000

Taste Vietnam's famous noodle soup, Pho, at Pho 2000 where former U.S. President Bill Clinton once dined.
Pho 2000 is located near the War Remnants Museum.
$7, 1 hour

2:00 PM

Visit Ben Thanh Market

Experience the bustling atmosphere of Ben Thanh Market, a vibrant hub for local goods, souvenirs, and street food.
Ben Thanh Market is centrally located and can be reached on foot or by taxi.
$, 1.5 hours
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Day 7: Final Day in Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), Vietnam

9:00 AM

Explore Notre Dame Cathedral

Admire the neo-Romanesque architecture of Notre Dame Cathedral, a historic landmark in Ho Chi Minh City.
Notre Dame Cathedral is within walking distance from Ben Thanh Market.
Free, 1 hour

11:00 AM

Walk around Saigon Central Post Office

Visit the grand Saigon Central Post Office, designed by Gustave Eiffel, and marvel at its colonial architecture.
The Central Post Office is near Notre Dame Cathedral in the city center.
$2, 1 hour

1:00 PM

Lunch at Nha Hang Ngon

Enjoy a variety of Vietnamese street food and local delicacies at Nha Hang Ngon, a popular food destination in Saigon.
Nha Hang Ngon is conveniently located in the city center.
$10, 1 hour

3:00 PM

Visit Independence Palace

Explore the historic Independence Palace, a symbol of Vietnam's struggle for independence, with well-preserved rooms and gardens.
Independence Palace is a short walk from Nha Hang Ngon.
$5, 1.5 hours

6:00 PM

Dinner at Secret Garden Restaurant

Dine amidst lush greenery at Secret Garden Restaurant, known for its rooftop garden and traditional Vietnamese dishes.
Secret Garden Restaurant is located in the city center.
$15, 2 hours
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