7-Day Shoestring Budget Itinerary for Vietnam

Day 1: Exploring Hanoi

Hanoi, Vietnam

8:00AM

Breakfast at Pho 10

Start your day with a traditional Vietnamese breakfast of Pho at Pho 10, a popular spot among locals and tourists alike.
Pho 10 is located in the Old Quarter of Hanoi, easily accessible by walking from most accommodations.
£3, 1 hour

10:00AM

Hoan Kiem Lake

Take a leisurely walk around Hoan Kiem Lake, a peaceful oasis in the heart of the bustling city, and visit Ngoc Son Temple located on a small island in the lake.
Hoan Kiem Lake is a short walk from Pho 10.
Free, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Bun Cha Ta

Try the famous Bun Cha at Bun Cha Ta for lunch, a grilled pork and noodle dish that is a must-try in Hanoi.
Bun Cha Ta is located near Hoan Kiem Lake.
£4, 1 hour

3:00PM

Temple of Literature

Visit the Temple of Literature, Vietnam's first national university and a symbol of Hanoi's rich history.
Take a short taxi ride from Bun Cha Ta to the Temple of Literature.
£2, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Quan An Ngon

Enjoy dinner at Quan An Ngon, a popular restaurant serving a variety of Vietnamese dishes in a charming courtyard setting.
Quan An Ngon is a short taxi ride from the Temple of Literature.
£5, 1.5 hours
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Day 2: More of Hanoi

Hanoi, Vietnam

9:00AM

Hoa Lo Prison

Explore the historic Hoa Lo Prison, also known as the 'Hanoi Hilton', which was used during the Vietnam War.
Hoa Lo Prison is a short walk or taxi ride from most accommodations.
£2, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Bún Bò Nam Bộ

Have lunch at Bún Bò Nam Bộ, a local favourite known for its delicious beef noodle salad.
Bún Bò Nam Bộ is located near Hoa Lo Prison.
£3, 1 hour

2:00PM

Explore the Old Quarter

Spend the afternoon wandering through the bustling streets of the Old Quarter, known for its narrow lanes and traditional architecture.
The Old Quarter is easily accessible from Bún Bò Nam Bộ by foot.
Free, 2 hours

6:00PM

Street Food Adventure

Embark on a street food adventure in the Old Quarter, trying local delicacies like Banh Mi, Pho, and Banh Xeo.
Join a guided street food tour starting from the Old Quarter.
£10, 2 hours
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Day 3: Halong Bay Cruise

Hanoi, Vietnam

7:00AM

Transfer to Halong Bay

Take a morning bus or transfer to Halong Bay for a memorable overnight cruise among the limestone karsts and emerald waters.
Join a group tour or take a bus to Halong Bay from Hanoi, which takes approximately 4 hours.
£50, 2 days
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Day 4: Discovering Hoi An

Hoi An, Vietnam

9:00AM

Arrive in Hoi An

Arrive in the charming town of Hoi An, known for its well-preserved Ancient Town and lantern-lit streets.
Take a short flight from Hanoi to Da Nang and then a bus or taxi to Hoi An, approximately 1-2 hours.
£30, 2 days
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Day 5: Exploring Hoi An

Hoi An, Vietnam

8:00AM

Morning Bike Tour

Start your day with a leisurely bike tour around Hoi An's countryside, visiting local villages and rice paddies.
Join a guided bike tour starting from Hoi An's Ancient Town.
£15, 3 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Morning Glory

Enjoy a delicious Vietnamese meal at Morning Glory, a renowned restaurant in Hoi An known for its authentic dishes.
Morning Glory is located in Hoi An's Ancient Town.
£5, 1 hour

2:00PM

Explore Ancient Town

Spend the afternoon exploring Hoi An's Ancient Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site filled with historic buildings, temples, and shops.
Walk around Hoi An's Ancient Town on foot.
£3, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Bale Well

Indulge in a seafood feast at Bale Well, a popular spot for grilled dishes and fresh seafood in Hoi An.
Bale Well is located near the Thu Bon River in Hoi An.
£8, 1.5 hours
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Day 6: Vibrant Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

9:00AM

Arrive in Ho Chi Minh City

Arrive in the bustling city of Ho Chi Minh City, formerly known as Saigon, and start exploring its vibrant streets and historic landmarks.
Take a short flight from Da Nang to Ho Chi Minh City, approximately 1.5 hours.
£40, 3 days
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Day 7: Ho Chi Minh City Exploration

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

8:00AM

Breakfast at Pho Hoa

Kick start your day with a bowl of steaming hot Pho at Pho Hoa, a popular spot for locals and tourists alike.
Pho Hoa is located in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City, easily accessible by foot.
£3, 1 hour

10:00AM

War Remnants Museum

Visit the War Remnants Museum to learn about Vietnam's history during the Vietnam War and see various war artifacts and exhibitions.
The War Remnants Museum is a short walk from Pho Hoa.
£2, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Bánh Xèo 46A

Try the crispy Bánh Xèo pancakes at Bánh Xèo 46A for lunch, a local favourite in Ho Chi Minh City.
Bánh Xèo 46A is located near the War Remnants Museum.
£4, 1 hour

3:00PM

Ben Thanh Market

Explore the bustling Ben Thanh Market, a popular shopping destination for souvenirs, clothing, and local street food.
Ben Thanh Market is located in the city centre and can be reached by foot or taxi.
Free, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Quan Ut Ut

Enjoy a hearty dinner at Quan Ut Ut, a BBQ restaurant known for its delicious ribs and craft beers.
Quan Ut Ut is a short taxi ride from Ben Thanh Market.
£7, 2 hours
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