Vietnam Cultural Immersion & Volunteering Itinerary

Day 1: Exploring Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

8:00AM

Visit Ben Thanh Market

Start your day by immersing yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of Ben Thanh Market, where you can shop for local handicrafts and sample delicious street food.
Ben Thanh Market is located in District 1, easily accessible by taxi or walking from most hotels in the city centre.
250,000 VND, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Pho Hoa

Enjoy a traditional bowl of pho at Pho Hoa, a popular local eatery known for its delicious beef noodle soup.
Pho Hoa is a short walk from Ben Thanh Market, making it a convenient lunch spot.
100,000 VND, 1 hour

3:00PM

Volunteer at a Local Orphanage

Spend the afternoon giving back to the community by volunteering at a local orphanage, engaging with the children and helping out with daily activities.
Take a taxi from Pho Hoa to the orphanage, which is usually located on the outskirts of the city. Plan for a 30-minute journey.
Free, 3 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Nha Hang Ngon

End your day with a delicious dinner at Nha Hang Ngon, a restaurant offering a variety of Vietnamese dishes in a charming setting.
Nha Hang Ngon is a short taxi ride from the orphanage, providing a relaxing dining experience.
300,000 VND, 2 hours
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Day 2: Cultural Exploration in Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

9:00AM

Visit War Remnants Museum

Immerse yourself in Vietnam's history by exploring the War Remnants Museum, which showcases the country's struggle for independence.
The museum is a short taxi ride from the city centre or accessible by public bus.
40,000 VND, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Secret Garden Restaurant

Enjoy a peaceful lunch at Secret Garden Restaurant, known for its rooftop garden and authentic Vietnamese cuisine.
Secret Garden Restaurant is located near the museum, offering a tranquil dining experience.
200,000 VND, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Explore Notre Dame Cathedral

Visit the iconic Notre Dame Cathedral, a symbol of Ho Chi Minh City's French colonial past, and admire its stunning architecture.
Notre Dame Cathedral is within walking distance from the restaurant, allowing you to enjoy a leisurely stroll.
Free, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at The Deck Saigon

Indulge in a gourmet dinner at The Deck Saigon, overlooking the Saigon River and offering a blend of Western and Vietnamese cuisine.
The Deck Saigon is a short taxi ride from Notre Dame Cathedral, providing a picturesque dining setting.
500,000 VND, 2 hours
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Day 3: Exploring Hoi An Ancient Town

Hoi An, Vietnam

9:00AM

Walk through Hoi An Ancient Town

Discover the charm of Hoi An Ancient Town as you stroll through its narrow streets lined with old yellow buildings, lanterns, and bustling markets.
Hoi An Ancient Town is a pedestrian-friendly area, perfect for leisurely walks from most accommodations in the town.
120,000 VND (Entrance fee), 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Morning Glory Restaurant

Taste authentic Vietnamese dishes at Morning Glory Restaurant, a popular spot known for its traditional recipes and cosy atmosphere.
Morning Glory Restaurant is located in the heart of Hoi An Ancient Town, offering a convenient dining experience.
150,000 VND, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Take a Lantern Making Class

Engage in a traditional art form by participating in a lantern making class, where you can create your own colourful lantern to take home as a souvenir.
Join a lantern making class at one of the local workshops in Hoi An Ancient Town, easily accessible by foot.
250,000 VND, 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Cargo Club

Enjoy a fusion dinner at Cargo Club, a riverside restaurant offering a mix of Western and Asian cuisine, perfect for a relaxing evening by the water.
Cargo Club is a short walk from the lantern making class venue, providing a scenic setting for dinner.
350,000 VND, 2 hours
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Day 4: Cultural Activities in Hoi An

Hoi An, Vietnam

9:00AM

Bike Tour to Tra Que Vegetable Village

Embark on a bike tour to Tra Que Vegetable Village, where you can learn about traditional farming methods and participate in planting activities.
Join a guided bike tour from Hoi An to Tra Que Village, enjoying the scenic countryside along the way.
300,000 VND, 3 hours

1:00PM

Cooking Class at Red Bridge Restaurant

Attend a cooking class at Red Bridge Restaurant, where you can shop for ingredients at a local market and prepare a delicious Vietnamese meal.
Red Bridge Restaurant offers a complimentary shuttle service from Hoi An town to the cooking class venue, ensuring a hassle-free journey.
700,000 VND, 3 hours

5:00PM

Relax at An Bang Beach

Unwind and enjoy the sunset at An Bang Beach, a peaceful stretch of sand near Hoi An, perfect for a leisurely evening by the sea.
Take a taxi or bike from Red Bridge Restaurant to An Bang Beach, a short journey for a tranquil beach experience.
50,000 VND (Transportation), 2 hours

8:00PM

Dinner at Morning Glory Restaurant

Head back to Hoi An town for dinner at Morning Glory Restaurant, savouring more of their authentic Vietnamese dishes in a charming setting.
Return to Hoi An town from An Bang Beach by taxi or bike, enjoying a delightful dining experience at the restaurant.
200,000 VND, 2 hours
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Day 5: Historical Exploration in Hue

Hue, Vietnam

9:00AM

Visit Imperial City

Explore the ancient Imperial City of Hue, a UNESCO World Heritage Site showcasing the history of Vietnam's Nguyen emperors and their imperial palace complex.
Imperial City is located in the heart of Hue, easily accessible by taxi or cyclo from most accommodations in the city.
150,000 VND (Entrance fee), 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Ancient Hue Restaurant

Delight in a royal dining experience at Ancient Hue Restaurant, offering traditional Hue cuisine in a historic setting reminiscent of the Nguyen dynasty.
Ancient Hue Restaurant is located near the Imperial City, providing a convenient lunch option after exploring the site.
250,000 VND, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Boat Trip along Perfume River

Embark on a scenic boat trip along Perfume River, passing by pagodas, tombs, and lush landscapes, offering a tranquil view of Hue's beauty.
Book a boat tour along Perfume River from one of the local operators near the riverbanks, ensuring a relaxing journey on the water.
200,000 VND, 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Madame Thu Restaurant

Indulge in a gastronomic experience at Madame Thu Restaurant, known for its fusion of traditional Vietnamese flavours with a modern twist.
Madame Thu Restaurant is a short walk from the Perfume River, offering a delightful dining atmosphere for the evening.
300,000 VND, 2 hours
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Day 6: Exploring Hanoi's Cultural Gems

Hanoi, Vietnam

9:00AM

Visit Hoan Kiem Lake

Start your day with a visit to the iconic Hoan Kiem Lake, a scenic spot in the heart of Hanoi surrounded by historical landmarks and greenery.
Hoan Kiem Lake is centrally located in Hanoi, ideal for a leisurely walk or a cyclo ride to explore the area.
Free, 1.5 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Cha Ca Thang Long

Try the famous Cha Ca (grilled fish) at Cha Ca Thang Long, a traditional dish that reflects Hanoi's culinary heritage.
Cha Ca Thang Long is a short walk from Hoan Kiem Lake, providing a convenient lunch option in the Old Quarter.
200,000 VND, 1 hour

2:00PM

Explore Temple of Literature

Visit the Temple of Literature, Vietnam's first national university and a symbol of Confucianism, showcasing traditional architecture and peaceful gardens.
The Temple of Literature is a short taxi ride from the Old Quarter, offering a glimpse into Vietnam's scholarly past.
30,000 VND, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Quan An Ngon

Experience a culinary journey at Quan An Ngon, a restaurant featuring a variety of Vietnamese street food in a lively outdoor setting.
Quan An Ngon is located in the Old Quarter, perfect for exploring more of Hanoi's culinary delights in a bustling atmosphere.
250,000 VND, 2 hours
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Day 7: Final Day in Hanoi

Hanoi, Vietnam

9:00AM

Visit Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum

Pay respects to Vietnam's revolutionary leader at Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, where you can view the embalmed body of Ho Chi Minh in a solemn atmosphere.
Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum is a significant landmark in Hanoi, attracting visitors from around the world for its historical importance.
25,000 VND, 1.5 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Bun Cha Huong Lien

Taste the famous Bun Cha at Bun Cha Huong Lien, a dish famously shared by former US President Barack Obama and Anthony Bourdain during their visit to Vietnam.
Bun Cha Huong Lien is a short distance from the mausoleum, offering a savoury lunch experience in a local eatery.
120,000 VND, 1 hour

3:00PM

Shop for Souvenirs at Dong Xuan Market

Browse through the bustling stalls of Dong Xuan Market, one of Hanoi's largest indoor markets, to pick up traditional Vietnamese souvenirs and gifts.
Dong Xuan Market is located in the Old Quarter, easily accessible by taxi or cyclo for a shopping adventure.
Depends on purchases, 2 hours

6:00PM

Farewell Dinner at Sen Restaurant

Celebrate the end of your cultural journey with a farewell dinner at Sen Restaurant, known for its elegant setting and refined Vietnamese cuisine.
Sen Restaurant is a short taxi ride from Dong Xuan Market, providing a sophisticated dining experience for your last evening in Hanoi.
400,000 VND, 2 hours
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