Vietnam Shoestring Budget 7-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Explore Hanoi

Hanoi, Vietnam

8:00AM

Breakfast at Pho 10

Start your day with a bowl of delicious pho at Pho 10, a local favorite in Hanoi.
Walk from your accommodation to Pho 10 in the Old Quarter.
50,000 VND, 1 hour

10:00AM

Visit Hoan Kiem Lake

Take a leisurely stroll around the scenic Hoan Kiem Lake and visit Ngoc Son Temple located on a small island in the lake.
Walk from Pho 10 to Hoan Kiem Lake.
Free, 1-2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Bun Cha Ta

Try the famous Vietnamese dish bun cha at Bun Cha Ta for lunch.
Walk from Hoan Kiem Lake to Bun Cha Ta.
70,000 VND, 1 hour
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Day 2: Explore Hanoi Continued

Hanoi, Vietnam

8:00AM

Breakfast Banh Mi 25

Enjoy a classic Vietnamese banh mi sandwich at Banh Mi 25 to start your day.
Walk from your accommodation to Banh Mi 25.
30,000 VND, 1 hour

10:00AM

Visit the Temple of Literature

Explore Vietnam's first national university, the Temple of Literature, and learn about its history and architecture.
Take a taxi from Banh Mi 25 to the Temple of Literature.
30,000 VND, 1-2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Quan An Ngon

Indulge in a variety of Vietnamese dishes at Quan An Ngon, known for its street food style dining experience.
Walk from the Temple of Literature to Quan An Ngon.
100,000 VND, 1-2 hours
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Day 3: Ha Long Bay Day Trip

Ha Long Bay, Vietnam

6:00AM

Morning Departure to Ha Long Bay

Catch an early morning bus from Hanoi to Ha Long Bay to embark on a day cruise around the stunning limestone karsts.
Take a 3-hour bus ride from Hanoi to Ha Long Bay.
200,000 VND, 4 hours

11:00AM

Cruise around Ha Long Bay

Enjoy the breathtaking views of Ha Long Bay, explore caves, and indulge in a seafood lunch on the boat.
Join the day cruise upon arrival in Ha Long Bay.
500,000 VND, 4-6 hours
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Day 4: Explore Hoi An

Hoi An, Vietnam

9:00AM

Arrive in Hoi An

Take an overnight bus from Hanoi to Hoi An and arrive in the charming ancient town of Hoi An.
Take a 14-hour overnight bus from Hanoi to Hoi An.
300,000 VND, 14 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Morning Glory

Savor authentic Vietnamese dishes at Morning Glory, a popular restaurant in Hoi An known for its traditional recipes.
Walk from your accommodation to Morning Glory.
150,000 VND, 1-2 hours

3:00PM

Explore Ancient Town

Wander through the well-preserved ancient town of Hoi An, visit the Japanese Covered Bridge, and shop for souvenirs.
Walk from Morning Glory to the Ancient Town.
Entrance fee: 120,000 VND, 2-3 hours
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Day 5: Explore Hoi An Continued

Hoi An, Vietnam

8:00AM

Bike to Tra Que Vegetable Village

Rent a bike and pedal your way to Tra Que Vegetable Village to learn about traditional Vietnamese farming practices.
Rent a bike from Hoi An and cycle to Tra Que Vegetable Village.
50,000 VND (bike rental), 2-3 hours

12:00PM

Cooking Class at Red Bridge Restaurant

Join a cooking class at Red Bridge Restaurant and Market to prepare and enjoy Vietnamese dishes using fresh ingredients.
Bike from Tra Que Vegetable Village to Red Bridge Restaurant.
800,000 VND, 3 hours
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Day 6: Ho Chi Minh City Exploration

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

9:00AM

Arrive in Ho Chi Minh City

Take an overnight train from Hoi An to Ho Chi Minh City and arrive in the bustling metropolis known for its history and culture.
Take a 17-hour overnight train from Hoi An to Ho Chi Minh City.
400,000 VND, 17 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Pho 2000

Try a bowl of pho at Pho 2000, a restaurant famously visited by former US President Bill Clinton.
Walk from your accommodation to Pho 2000.
80,000 VND, 1 hour

3:00PM

Visit War Remnants Museum

Explore the War Remnants Museum to gain insights into the Vietnam War and its aftermath from a Vietnamese perspective.
Take a taxi from Pho 2000 to the War Remnants Museum.
Entrance fee: 40,000 VND, 1-2 hours
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Day 7: Ho Chi Minh City Exploration Continued

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

9:00AM

Visit Ben Thanh Market

Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of Ben Thanh Market, where you can shop for local handicrafts, souvenirs, and street food.
Walk from your accommodation to Ben Thanh Market.
Free, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Pho Le

Indulge in a hearty bowl of pho at Pho Le, a popular spot for locals and tourists alike.
Walk from Ben Thanh Market to Pho Le.
70,000 VND, 1 hour

3:00PM

Explore Nguyen Hue Walking Street

Take a leisurely walk along Nguyen Hue Walking Street, a pedestrian promenade lined with shops, cafes, and street performers.
Walk from Pho Le to Nguyen Hue Walking Street.
Free, 1-2 hours
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