Budget-Friendly 7-Day Vietnam Itinerary

Day 1: Explore Hanoi

Hanoi, Vietnam

8:00AM

Visit Hoan Kiem Lake

Start your day with a leisurely stroll around Hoan Kiem Lake, a peaceful oasis in the heart of Hanoi.
Hoan Kiem Lake is centrally located and can be reached on foot from most hotels in the Old Quarter.
Free, 1-2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Bun Cha Huong Lien

Try the famous Vietnamese dish Bun Cha at Bun Cha Huong Lien, known for its delicious and affordable meals.
Take a short walk from Hoan Kiem Lake to the restaurant.
£3, 1 hour

2:00PM

Explore the Old Quarter

Immerse yourself in the bustling streets of the Old Quarter, filled with narrow lanes, traditional houses, and street food stalls.
Walk or take a cyclo (cycle rickshaw) ride to the Old Quarter.
Free, 2-3 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Quan An Ngon

Enjoy a budget-friendly dinner at Quan An Ngon, a popular restaurant offering a wide range of Vietnamese dishes.
Take a short taxi ride from the Old Quarter to Quan An Ngon.
£5, 1-2 hours
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Day 2: Ha Long Bay Adventure

Ha Long Bay, Vietnam

8:00AM

Cruise around Ha Long Bay

Embark on a budget-friendly day cruise to explore the stunning limestone karsts and emerald waters of Ha Long Bay.
Take a 3-hour bus ride from Hanoi to Ha Long Bay.
£25, Full day

1:00PM

Lunch on the Cruise

Enjoy a delicious seafood lunch on the cruise while taking in the breathtaking views of Ha Long Bay.
Included in the cruise package.
Included, 1 hour

4:00PM

Kayaking in the Bay

Experience the beauty of Ha Long Bay up close by kayaking around the limestone formations.
Arranged by the cruise operator.
£10, 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at a Local Eatery

Savour fresh seafood at a local eatery near the bay before heading back to your accommodation.
Recommended by the cruise staff.
£8, 1-2 hours
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Day 3: Relax in Ha Long Bay

Ha Long Bay, Vietnam

9:00AM

Beach Day at Titov Island

Spend a relaxing day at Titov Island, sunbathing on the sandy beach and swimming in the clear waters.
Take a short boat ride from your accommodation to Titov Island.
£5, Half day

1:00PM

Picnic Lunch on the Beach

Enjoy a picnic lunch on the beach with fresh fruits, sandwiches, and snacks.
Bring your own food or purchase from local vendors.
£3, 1 hour

3:00PM

Hike to the Viewpoint

Hike up to the viewpoint on Titov Island for panoramic views of Ha Long Bay and its iconic karst formations.
Follow the marked trail from the beach to the viewpoint.
Free, 1-2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at a Beachside Restaurant

Indulge in a seafood dinner at a beachside restaurant while watching the sunset over Ha Long Bay.
Choose a restaurant near your accommodation for convenience.
£10, 1-2 hours
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Day 4: Discover Hoi An

Hoi An, Vietnam

8:00AM

Explore Ancient Town

Wander through the charming streets of Hoi An's Ancient Town, lined with lanterns, historic buildings, and local shops.
Take a 1-hour flight from Hanoi to Da Nang, then a 30-minute taxi to Hoi An.
£50, Full day

1:00PM

Lunch at Morning Glory

Try authentic Vietnamese dishes at Morning Glory, a popular restaurant in Hoi An known for its traditional recipes.
Located in the heart of Ancient Town, easily accessible on foot.
£5, 1 hour

3:00PM

Visit Japanese Covered Bridge

Admire the iconic Japanese Covered Bridge, a symbol of Hoi An, and learn about its history and significance.
Walk to the bridge from Ancient Town, it's a short distance away.
£2, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at Bale Well

Experience a local dining tradition at Bale Well, where you can grill your own food at the table and enjoy fresh flavours.
Take a leisurely evening walk to Bale Well from Ancient Town.
£8, 1-2 hours
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Day 5: Hoi An Cultural Exploration

Hoi An, Vietnam

9:00AM

Bike Tour to Tra Que Village

Embark on a cycling tour to Tra Que Village, where you can learn about traditional Vietnamese farming practices and enjoy the peaceful countryside.
Rent a bicycle from Hoi An and follow the signs to Tra Que Village.
£3, Half day

1:00PM

Cooking Class at Red Bridge Restaurant

Join a budget-friendly cooking class at Red Bridge Restaurant to learn how to prepare authentic Vietnamese dishes.
Book a class in advance and take a short taxi ride to Red Bridge Restaurant.
£15, 3 hours

6:00PM

Night Market Exploration

Stroll through the vibrant night market in Hoi An, filled with handicrafts, souvenirs, and local street food stalls.
Walk to the night market in Ancient Town, it's a lively area in the evening.
Free, 1-2 hours

8:00PM

Dinner at Street Food Stall

Savour delicious Vietnamese street food at one of the stalls in the night market, offering a variety of tasty treats.
Choose a stall that catches your eye and enjoy the local flavours.
£3, 1 hour
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Day 6: Ho Chi Minh City Exploration

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

8:00AM

Visit Ben Thanh Market

Start your day at Ben Thanh Market, a bustling hub of activity where you can shop for souvenirs, clothing, and local delicacies.
Take a short walk or taxi ride from your accommodation to Ben Thanh Market.
Free, 1-2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Pho 2000

Taste Vietnam's famous noodle soup, pho, at Pho 2000, a restaurant known for its delicious and affordable bowls.
Located near Ben Thanh Market, a short walk from the market.
£4, 1 hour

2:00PM

Visit War Remnants Museum

Explore the sobering history of the Vietnam War at the War Remnants Museum, showcasing artifacts and exhibitions from the conflict.
Take a taxi or public bus to the museum, it's a short ride from Ben Thanh Market.
£2, 1-2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Propaganda Bistro

Enjoy a fusion of Vietnamese cuisine at Propaganda Bistro, a restaurant with a unique menu and vibrant atmosphere.
Take a taxi or walk to Propaganda Bistro for dinner.
£7, 1-2 hours
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Day 7: Mekong Delta Experience

Mekong Delta, Vietnam

8:00AM

Boat Tour on Mekong River

Embark on a budget-friendly boat tour along the Mekong River, exploring the floating markets and lush mangroves of the delta.
Take a 2-hour bus ride from Ho Chi Minh City to the Mekong Delta.
£10, Full day

1:00PM

Lunch at Local Riverside Restaurant

Enjoy a traditional Vietnamese lunch at a riverside restaurant, savouring fresh seafood and local delicacies.
Recommended by the boat tour guide.
£6, 1 hour

3:00PM

Visit Cai Be Floating Market

Experience the vibrant atmosphere of Cai Be Floating Market, where local vendors sell fresh produce from their boats.
Included in the boat tour itinerary.
Included, 1-2 hours

6:00PM

Return to Ho Chi Minh City

Head back to Ho Chi Minh City in the evening, reflecting on the peaceful beauty of the Mekong Delta.
Take a bus or private car back to the city.
£5, 2 hours
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