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7-Day Shoestring Budget Itinerary for Vietnam in October 2023

  1. Day 1: Ho Chi Minh City
    10 minutes (3.5 km) from Tan Son Nhat International Airport

    Visit the War Remnants Museum in the morning to learn about the Vietnam War, then head to the bustling Ben Thanh Market in the afternoon to try local street food. In the evening, take a stroll around Nguyen Hue Walking Street and enjoy the city lights.

  2. Day 2: Mekong Delta
    2 hours (121 km) from Ho Chi Minh City

    Take a day trip to the Mekong Delta and explore the floating markets, villages, and orchards by boat. Try some fresh fruits and coconut candies, and learn about the local way of life. Return to Ho Chi Minh City in the evening.

  3. Day 3: Da Lat
    1 hour 30 minutes (306 km) by flight from Ho Chi Minh City

    Visit the flower city of Da Lat and explore its French colonial architecture and natural attractions. Start with a visit to the Crazy House in the morning, then head to the Dalat Flower Park in the afternoon. End the day with a sunset view at the Langbiang Mountain.

  4. Day 4: Hoi An
    2 hours (40 km) from Da Nang International Airport

    Take a morning flight to Da Nang and head straight to the charming ancient town of Hoi An. Spend the afternoon walking around the Old Town, visiting its pagodas, temples, and assembly halls. In the evening, enjoy some local specialties like Cao Lau and Banh Mi on the street.

  5. Day 5: My Son Sanctuary
    1 hour (50 km) from Hoi An

    Take a day trip to the UNESCO World Heritage site of My Son Sanctuary, a complex of Cham temples and towers dating back to the 4th century. Learn about the history and culture of the Cham civilization, and enjoy the scenic views. Return to Hoi An in the evening.

  6. Day 6: Hue
    3 hours (130 km) from Hoi An

    Take a morning bus to the imperial city of Hue and explore its citadel, tombs, and pagodas. Visit the Thien Mu Pagoda, the Tomb of Khai Dinh, and the Imperial City. In the evening, take a stroll along the Perfume River and try some Hue-style cuisine.

  7. Day 7: Ha Long Bay
    3 hours 30 minutes (170 km) from Noi Bai International Airport

    Take a morning flight to Hanoi and head straight to the breathtaking Ha Long Bay. Spend the day cruising around the limestone islets, taking photos, and kayaking. Enjoy a seafood lunch on board and watch the sunset over the bay. Return to Hanoi in the evening.

Recommendations

Other local attractions to consider are the Cu Chi Tunnels in Ho Chi Minh City, the Marble Mountains in Da Nang, and the Thien Duong Cave in Phong Nha. Side trips like a motorbike tour in the countryside, a cooking class, or a bike ride in the rice paddies can also be fun. To maximize your fun, try to immerse yourself in the local culture by learning some basic Vietnamese, trying different street foods, and bargaining at the markets. Lastly, don't forget to bring comfortable shoes, sunscreen, and a hat for the hot and humid weather.

Click here to find hotels and flights for your Vietnam adventure!

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