Vietnam Adventure: Hanoi & Ho Chi Minh City 7-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Historical Hanoi

Hanoi, Vietnam

8:00AM

Visit Hoan Kiem Lake

Start your day with a peaceful walk around Hoan Kiem Lake, a symbol of Hanoi's beauty and a popular spot for locals to exercise.
Hoan Kiem Lake is centrally located in the Old Quarter, easily accessible by walking or a short taxi ride from most hotels.
Free, 1 hour

10:00AM

Explore the Temple of Literature

Immerse yourself in Vietnam's history at the Temple of Literature, the country's first national university and a well-preserved example of traditional Vietnamese architecture.
From Hoan Kiem Lake, take a taxi or public bus to the Temple of Literature. It's a short ride away.
VND 30,000, 1-2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Cha Ca Thang Long

Indulge in a local specialty, Cha Ca (grilled fish with turmeric and dill), at the famous Cha Ca Thang Long restaurant.
The restaurant is within walking distance from the Temple of Literature.
VND 150,000, 1 hour

2:00PM

Visit Hoa Lo Prison

Gain insight into Vietnam's history at Hoa Lo Prison, also known as the 'Hanoi Hilton', a former French colonial prison used during the Vietnam War.
Take a taxi or walk to Hoa Lo Prison from the restaurant.
VND 30,000, 1-2 hours

4:00PM

Shopping at Dong Xuan Market

Experience the vibrant atmosphere of Dong Xuan Market, one of Hanoi's largest indoor markets selling everything from clothes to local street food.
Dong Xuan Market is a short walk or taxi ride from Hoa Lo Prison.
Variable, 1-2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Bun Cha Huong Lien

Savor authentic Bun Cha (grilled pork with noodles) at Bun Cha Huong Lien, famously visited by former US President Barack Obama.
The restaurant is a short taxi ride from Dong Xuan Market.
VND 100,000, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability

Day 2: Cultural Hanoi

Hanoi, Vietnam

8:00AM

Visit the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology

Explore the diverse cultures of Vietnam at the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology, displaying artifacts and exhibits representing the country's ethnic groups.
Take a taxi or public bus to the museum from your accommodation.
VND 40,000, 2-3 hours

11:00AM

Explore the Old Quarter

Wander through the bustling streets of Hanoi's Old Quarter, filled with narrow alleyways, ancient temples, and traditional shops.
The Old Quarter is within walking distance from the museum. Enjoy exploring on foot.
Free, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Quan An Ngon

Enjoy a variety of Vietnamese dishes in a charming courtyard setting at Quan An Ngon, known for its delicious street food selections.
Quan An Ngon is a short walk from the Old Quarter.
VND 200,000, 1 hour

3:00PM

Visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum

Pay respects to Vietnam's revolutionary leader at the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, where Ho Chi Minh's embalmed body is preserved.
Take a taxi or public transportation to the mausoleum from the restaurant.
Free, 1-2 hours

5:00PM

Relax at West Lake

Unwind by the serene West Lake, the largest freshwater lake in Hanoi, and enjoy a scenic sunset over the water.
West Lake is a short taxi ride from the mausoleum.
Free, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at Quan An Ngon Xua

Experience traditional Vietnamese cuisine at Quan An Ngon Xua, offering a wide range of authentic dishes in a cozy ambiance.
Quan An Ngon Xua is near West Lake, easily accessible by taxi.
VND 250,000, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability

Day 3: Hanoi Street Food

Hanoi, Vietnam

8:00AM

Cooking Class at Hidden Gem Restaurant

Embark on a culinary adventure with a hands-on cooking class at a hidden gem restaurant, learning to prepare traditional Vietnamese dishes.
Arrange transportation with the cooking class provider for pick-up from your accommodation.
VND 800,000, 3 hours

12:00PM

Lunch with Your Own Creations

Enjoy the fruits of your labor by indulging in the delicious dishes you prepared during the cooking class.
Lunch will be provided at the cooking class venue.
Included in cooking class cost, 1 hour

2:00PM

Street Food Tour in the Old Quarter

Embark on a guided street food tour in the bustling Old Quarter, sampling a variety of local delicacies and learning about Hanoi's culinary culture.
Join the street food tour group at a designated meeting point in the Old Quarter.
VND 500,000, 2-3 hours

5:00PM

Shopping at Night Market

Explore the vibrant Night Market in the Old Quarter, offering a wide array of souvenirs, clothing, and street food stalls.
The Night Market is within walking distance from the street food tour ending point.
Variable, 1-2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Quan Su Noodle House

Satisfy your cravings with a warm bowl of traditional Vietnamese noodles at Quan Su Noodle House, a popular spot among locals.
Quan Su Noodle House is a short walk from the Night Market.
VND 50,000, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability

Day 4: Cultural Exploration in Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

8:00AM

Visit the War Remnants Museum

Start your day by exploring the War Remnants Museum, showcasing the devastating effects of the Vietnam War through photographs and artifacts.
Take a taxi or public transportation to the museum from your accommodation.
VND 40,000, 2-3 hours

11:00AM

Explore the Notre Dame Cathedral

Admire the French colonial architecture of the Notre Dame Cathedral, a historic landmark in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City.
The cathedral is within walking distance from the museum.
Free, 1 hour

12:00PM

Lunch at Pho 2000

Taste a bowl of delicious Pho at Pho 2000, a renowned eatery where former US President Bill Clinton once dined.
Pho 2000 is a short walk from the Notre Dame Cathedral.
VND 100,000, 1 hour

2:00PM

Shop at Ben Thanh Market

Experience the bustling atmosphere of Ben Thanh Market, a popular shopping destination offering everything from souvenirs to local street food.
Ben Thanh Market is a short taxi ride from Pho 2000.
Variable, 1-2 hours

4:00PM

Visit the Independence Palace

Explore the historic Independence Palace, a symbol of Vietnam's struggle for independence and reunification.
Take a taxi or public transportation to the palace from Ben Thanh Market.
VND 40,000, 1-2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at The Deck Saigon

Indulge in a fine dining experience at The Deck Saigon, a riverside restaurant offering a blend of Vietnamese and Western cuisine.
The Deck Saigon is a short taxi ride from the Independence Palace.
VND 500,000, 2 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 5: Mekong Delta Day Trip

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

7:00AM

Depart for Mekong Delta

Embark on a full-day excursion to the Mekong Delta, known for its lush landscapes, floating markets, and traditional villages.
Join a guided tour group departing from a designated meeting point in Ho Chi Minh City.
VND 1,000,000 (inclusive of tour and meals), Full day

6:00PM

Return to Ho Chi Minh City

Arrive back in Ho Chi Minh City in the evening, filled with unforgettable memories of the Mekong Delta.
The tour bus will drop you off at the original meeting point in the city.
N/A, N/A
View Hotel Availability

Day 6: Cu Chi Tunnels Exploration

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

8:00AM

Visit Cu Chi Tunnels

Explore the intricate network of underground tunnels at Cu Chi, used by the Viet Cong soldiers during the Vietnam War.
Join a guided tour to Cu Chi Tunnels departing from Ho Chi Minh City.
VND 110,000 (entrance fee), 4 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Secret Garden Restaurant

Enjoy a delicious meal at Secret Garden Restaurant, known for its authentic Vietnamese dishes and peaceful garden setting.
The restaurant is near the Cu Chi Tunnels site.
VND 250,000, 1 hour

3:00PM

Return to Ho Chi Minh City

Head back to Ho Chi Minh City after your Cu Chi Tunnels exploration, with a deeper understanding of Vietnam's wartime history.
The tour bus will provide transportation back to the city.
N/A, 2 hours

5:00PM

Relax at Rooftop Bar

Unwind and enjoy panoramic views of the city skyline at a rooftop bar in Ho Chi Minh City, sipping on refreshing cocktails.
Choose a rooftop bar in the city center for a relaxing evening.
VND 200,000, 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Nha Hang Ngon

Dine at Nha Hang Ngon, a popular restaurant serving a wide range of Vietnamese dishes in a charming indoor courtyard.
Nha Hang Ngon is a short taxi ride from the rooftop bar.
VND 300,000, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability

Day 7: Culinary Delights in Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

8:00AM

Cooking Class at Grain Cooking Studio

Embark on a hands-on cooking class at Grain Cooking Studio, learning to prepare traditional Vietnamese dishes with fresh local ingredients.
Arrange transportation with the cooking class provider for pick-up from your accommodation.
VND 900,000, 4 hours

12:00PM

Lunch with Your Creations

Enjoy the delicious dishes you cooked during the class for a flavorful lunch experience.
Lunch will be provided at the cooking class venue.
Included in cooking class cost, 1 hour

2:00PM

Visit the Jade Emperor Pagoda

Explore the intricate architecture and tranquil atmosphere of the Jade Emperor Pagoda, a Taoist temple dedicated to the Jade Emperor.
Take a taxi or public transportation to the pagoda from the cooking class venue.
VND 15,000, 1-2 hours

4:00PM

Shopping at Saigon Centre

Indulge in some retail therapy at Saigon Centre, a modern shopping mall offering a wide range of international and local brands.
Saigon Centre is a short taxi ride from the pagoda.
Variable, 1-2 hours

7:00PM

Farewell Dinner at Xu Restaurant Lounge

End your culinary journey with a lavish dinner at Xu Restaurant Lounge, combining Vietnamese flavors with contemporary dining in a stylish setting.
Xu Restaurant Lounge is near Saigon Centre, offering a convenient location for your farewell meal.
VND 500,000, 2 hours
View Hotel Availability