Discovering Vietnam in 7 Days

Day 1: City Exploration

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

8:00AM

Breakfast at Pho 24

Start your day with a traditional Vietnamese breakfast of Pho at Pho 24, a popular local spot.
Pho 24 is located in District 1, easily accessible by taxi or walking from most hotels in the city center.
$5, 1 hour

10:00AM

War Remnants Museum

Visit the War Remnants Museum to learn about Vietnam's history. Allow yourself some time to absorb the powerful exhibits.
From Pho 24, take a short taxi ride to the museum in District 3.
$2, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Nha Hang Ngon

Enjoy a delicious Vietnamese meal at Nha Hang Ngon, known for its variety of local dishes in a charming setting.
Nha Hang Ngon is a short walk from the museum in District 1.
$10, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Ben Thanh Market

Explore Ben Thanh Market for souvenirs and local goods. Bargain with vendors for a fun shopping experience.
A quick walk from Nha Hang Ngon in District 1.
$ varies, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Secret Garden

End your day with dinner at Secret Garden, a rooftop restaurant offering great city views and authentic Vietnamese cuisine.
Located in a hidden alley in District 1, Secret Garden is a unique dining experience.
$15, 2 hours
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Day 2: Historical Charm

Hoi An, Vietnam

8:00AM

Morning Stroll in Ancient Town

Start your day with a leisurely walk around Hoi An's Ancient Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site filled with historic architecture.
Take a domestic flight from Ho Chi Minh City to Da Nang, then a short taxi ride to Hoi An.
$50, 2 hours

10:00AM

Japanese Covered Bridge

Visit the iconic Japanese Covered Bridge, a symbol of Hoi An, and learn about its unique history.
Walk from your hotel in Ancient Town to the bridge, it's a short distance.
Free, 1 hour

12:00PM

Lunch at Morning Glory

Savor a delightful lunch at Morning Glory, a renowned restaurant offering authentic Vietnamese cuisine.
Located in the heart of Ancient Town, just a short walk from the Japanese Covered Bridge.
$12, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Tailoring Experience

Embark on a tailor-made clothing experience in Hoi An, known for its skilled tailors and quick turnaround.
Many tailor shops are located within Ancient Town, ask your hotel for recommendations.
$ varies, 3 hours

6:00PM

Riverside Dining

Enjoy dinner by the river at a local restaurant and soak in the charming evening atmosphere of Hoi An.
There are many riverside restaurants in Ancient Town, offering a serene dining experience.
$20, 2 hours
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Day 3: Imperial Wonders

Hue, Vietnam

8:00AM

Visit the Imperial City

Explore the ancient Imperial City of Hue, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its historical significance.
Take a domestic flight from Da Nang to Hue. The Imperial City is a short taxi ride from the airport.
$30, 3 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Ancient Hue Restaurant

Indulge in a royal dining experience at Ancient Hue Restaurant, offering traditional Hue dishes in a regal setting.
Located near the Imperial City, a perfect spot for lunch after exploring the historical site.
$15, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Thien Mu Pagoda

Visit the iconic Thien Mu Pagoda, a historic Buddhist temple with stunning architecture and tranquil surroundings.
A short taxi or bike ride from Ancient Hue Restaurant to the pagoda.
Free, 1 hour

4:00PM

Boat Ride on Perfume River

Take a scenic boat ride on the Perfume River, passing by picturesque landscapes and local villages.
Boat tours can be arranged from near Thien Mu Pagoda, offering a relaxing way to enjoy the river.
$10, 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Lac Thien Restaurant

Enjoy dinner at Lac Thien Restaurant, a popular spot for authentic Vietnamese cuisine and local specialties.
Located in the city center, Lac Thien is a short taxi ride from the Perfume River.
$10, 2 hours
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Day 4: Natural Wonders

Ha Long Bay, Vietnam

8:00AM

Cruise on Ha Long Bay

Embark on a breathtaking cruise on Ha Long Bay, admiring the limestone karsts and emerald waters of this UNESCO site.
Take a domestic flight from Hue to Hanoi, then a shuttle bus or private transfer to Ha Long Bay.
$100, 4 hours

1:00PM

Lunch on the Boat

Enjoy a delicious seafood lunch on the boat as you cruise along the stunning scenery of Ha Long Bay.
Lunch will be served on the cruise, offering fresh seafood and local flavors.
$20, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Kayaking Adventure

Experience a kayaking adventure around the karsts and caves of Ha Long Bay, immersing yourself in the natural beauty.
The cruise will provide kayaks for your exploration, guided by experienced staff.
$30, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner on the Deck

Savor a delightful dinner on the deck of the boat, watching the sunset over the bay for a magical evening.
The cruise will offer dinner with breathtaking views of Ha Long Bay as the backdrop.
$30, 2 hours
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Day 5: Cultural Capital

Hanoi, Vietnam

8:00AM

Explore Hoan Kiem Lake

Begin your day with a peaceful walk around Hoan Kiem Lake, a central landmark in Hanoi with cultural significance.
Take a shuttle bus or private transfer from Ha Long Bay to Hanoi, then walk to Hoan Kiem Lake in the Old Quarter.
$20, 1 hour

10:00AM

Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum

Visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, where you can pay respects to the founding father of Vietnam and learn about his legacy.
A short walk from Hoan Kiem Lake, the mausoleum is a must-visit historical site in Hanoi.
Free, 1 hour

12:00PM

Lunch at Bun Cha Huong Lien

Try the famous Vietnamese dish bun cha at Bun Cha Huong Lien, known for its connection to former US President Obama.
Located in the Old Quarter, a short distance from the mausoleum, this restaurant offers a unique dining experience.
$10, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Temple of Literature

Explore the Temple of Literature, Vietnam's first national university and a symbol of Hanoi's rich heritage.
A short taxi ride from the Old Quarter, the temple is a peaceful sanctuary amidst the bustling city.
$5, 2 hours

5:00PM

Water Puppet Show

Experience a traditional water puppet show, a unique art form originating in North Vietnam, showcasing local culture.
There are theaters in the Old Quarter offering daily water puppet performances, a must-see in Hanoi.
$15, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at Cha Ca La Vong

Enjoy a flavorful dinner at Cha Ca La Vong, a historic restaurant serving the iconic dish of grilled fish with turmeric and dill.
Located in the Old Quarter, Cha Ca La Vong is a culinary institution with a rich heritage.
$20, 2 hours
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Day 6: Mountain Retreat

Sapa, Vietnam

8:00AM

Scenic Train Ride

Embark on a scenic train ride from Hanoi to Sapa, passing through picturesque landscapes and terraced rice fields.
Take an overnight train from Hanoi to Sapa, enjoying the views along the way.
$30, 8 hours

4:00PM

Check-in at Hotel

Check-in at your hotel in Sapa and unwind after the train journey, taking in the fresh mountain air.
Most hotels offer shuttle services from the Sapa train station, ensuring a smooth arrival.
$50, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at Little Sapa Restaurant

Enjoy dinner at Little Sapa Restaurant, offering a cozy ambiance and delicious local dishes with mountain views.
Located in the town center, Little Sapa is a perfect spot to savor authentic Sapa cuisine.
$15, 2 hours
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Day 7: Countryside Charm

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

8:00AM

Morning Trek to Cat Cat Village

Embark on a morning trek to Cat Cat Village, a Hmong ethnic minority village near Sapa, to learn about local culture.
Join a guided trekking tour from Sapa town to Cat Cat Village, offering insights into rural life.
$20, 3 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Indigo Restaurant

Enjoy a leisurely lunch at Indigo Restaurant, a charming eatery in Sapa serving a mix of Vietnamese and international cuisine.
Located in Sapa town, Indigo Restaurant offers a relaxing dining experience after the trek.
$12, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Exploration of Love Waterfall

Visit Love Waterfall, a picturesque natural attraction surrounded by lush greenery and cascading waters.
Take a short trek or shuttle to Love Waterfall, immersing yourself in the beauty of Sapa's landscapes.
$5, 2 hours

5:00PM

Return to Hanoi

Bid farewell to Sapa and take the overnight train back to Hanoi, reminiscing about the mountain retreat.
Catch the overnight train from Sapa to Hanoi, enjoying the journey back to the capital.
$30, 8 hours
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