Exploring Vietnam on a Shoestring Budget

Day 1: Historical Hanoi

Hanoi, Vietnam

8:00AM

Breakfast at Pho 10

Start your day with a steaming bowl of traditional pho at Pho 10, a local favorite in the Old Quarter.
Walk or take a short taxi ride to Pho 10 in the Old Quarter.
$3, 1 hour

10:00AM

Explore Hoan Kiem Lake

Take a leisurely stroll around Hoan Kiem Lake and visit Ngoc Son Temple, soaking in the peaceful atmosphere.
Hoan Kiem Lake is a short walk from the Old Quarter.
Free, 1-2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Bun Cha Huong Lien

Indulge in delicious bun cha at Bun Cha Huong Lien, famously visited by former President Obama.
Take a taxi to Bun Cha Huong Lien in the Dong Da district.
$5, 1 hour

3:00PM

Visit the Temple of Literature

Immerse yourself in Vietnam's history at the Temple of Literature, Vietnam's first national university.
Take a taxi or public transportation to the Temple of Literature.
$2, 1-2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Quan Com Pho

Enjoy a budget-friendly dinner of com pho at Quan Com Pho, known for its authentic Vietnamese dishes.
Walk or take a short taxi ride to Quan Com Pho.
$4, 1 hour
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Day 2: Ha Long Bay Adventure

Ha Long Bay, Vietnam

8:00AM

Breakfast at Banh Mi 25

Start your day with a tasty banh mi from Banh Mi 25 before heading to Ha Long Bay for a cruise.
Take a bus or book a tour that includes transportation to Ha Long Bay.
$2, 1 hour

10:00AM

Ha Long Bay Cruise

Embark on a budget-friendly cruise to explore the stunning limestone islands and emerald waters of Ha Long Bay.
Join a group tour or book a budget cruise in advance.
$30, Full day

7:00PM

Dinner on the Bay

Enjoy a simple dinner on the cruise while watching the sunset over Ha Long Bay.
Meals are usually included in budget cruise packages.
Included, 2 hours
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Day 3: Cultural Hue

Hue, Vietnam

8:00AM

Breakfast at Banh Beo Ba Cua

Savor delicious banh beo at Banh Beo Ba Cua, a local spot famous for its Vietnamese steamed rice cakes.
Walk or take a short taxi ride to Banh Beo Ba Cua.
$3, 1 hour

10:00AM

Visit the Imperial City

Explore the UNESCO-listed Imperial City, a historical complex full of ancient temples, gates, and palaces.
The Imperial City is a short walk or taxi ride from the city center.
$6, 2-3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Lac Thien Restaurant

Try traditional Hue cuisine at Lac Thien Restaurant, known for its affordable and authentic dishes.
Walk to Lac Thien Restaurant in the city center.
$5, 1 hour

3:00PM

Thien Mu Pagoda

Visit the Thien Mu Pagoda, an iconic seven-story pagoda overlooking the Perfume River with serene gardens.
Take a taxi or boat along the Perfume River to Thien Mu Pagoda.
$2, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at Hanh Restaurant

Enjoy a relaxed dinner at Hanh Restaurant, offering a mix of Vietnamese and Western dishes at budget-friendly prices.
Walk to Hanh Restaurant in the city center.
$6, 1 hour
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Day 4: Charming Hoi An

Hoi An, Vietnam

8:00AM

Breakfast at Cargo Club

Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Cargo Club, a popular spot overlooking the Thu Bon River.
Walk to Cargo Club in the Ancient Town of Hoi An.
$4, 1 hour

10:00AM

Explore Ancient Town

Wander through the well-preserved Ancient Town of Hoi An, known for its charming architecture and lantern-lit streets.
Walk or rent a bicycle to explore the Ancient Town.
$5, 2-3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Morning Glory Restaurant

Indulge in Vietnamese street food at Morning Glory Restaurant, offering a wide range of local dishes at affordable prices.
Walk to Morning Glory Restaurant in the Ancient Town.
$7, 1 hour

3:00PM

An Bang Beach

Relax at An Bang Beach, a serene coastal spot just a short ride from Hoi An's town center.
Rent a bicycle or take a quick taxi ride to An Bang Beach.
$3, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Bale Well

End your day with a satisfying dinner at Bale Well, a local favorite known for its Vietnamese barbecue specialties.
Walk to Bale Well in the Ancient Town.
$8, 1 hour
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Day 5: Sun and Sea in Nha Trang

Nha Trang, Vietnam

8:00AM

Breakfast at The Coffee House

Fuel up for the day with breakfast at The Coffee House, a cozy cafe serving delicious coffee and pastries.
Walk to The Coffee House in Nha Trang city center.
$5, 1 hour

10:00AM

Beach Time at Nha Trang Beach

Spend the morning soaking up the sun at Nha Trang Beach, a popular coastal destination with golden sands and clear waters.
Walk to Nha Trang Beach from the city center.
Free, 2-3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Lanterns Vietnamese Restaurant

Enjoy a tasty Vietnamese meal at Lanterns Restaurant, offering a variety of dishes at affordable prices.
Walk to Lanterns Vietnamese Restaurant in Nha Trang.
$6, 1 hour

3:00PM

Visit Po Nagar Cham Towers

Explore the ancient Po Nagar Cham Towers, a historic site with panoramic views of the city and the sea.
Take a taxi or public transportation to the Cham Towers.
$3, 1-2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Lanterns Restaurant

Return to Lanterns Restaurant for dinner and savor more Vietnamese flavors as you relax after a day at the beach.
Walk to Lanterns Restaurant in Nha Trang.
$8, 1 hour
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Day 6: Vibrant Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

8:00AM

Breakfast at Pho Le

Start your day with a delicious bowl of pho at Pho Le, a well-known spot for traditional Vietnamese noodle soup.
Walk to Pho Le in Ho Chi Minh City.
$4, 1 hour

10:00AM

Ben Thanh Market

Explore the bustling Ben Thanh Market, a vibrant shopping destination for local goods, souvenirs, and street food.
Walk to Ben Thanh Market from Pho Le.
Free, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Pho 2000

Enjoy lunch at Pho 2000, a popular eatery known for its delicious pho and affordable prices.
Walk to Pho 2000 near Ben Thanh Market.
$5, 1 hour

3:00PM

War Remnants Museum

Visit the War Remnants Museum to learn about Vietnam's history, particularly the Vietnam War, from a local perspective.
Take a short taxi ride to the War Remnants Museum.
$2, 1-2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Quan An Ngon

Indulge in a variety of Vietnamese street food specialties at Quan An Ngon, a bustling eatery in the city center.
Walk to Quan An Ngon for dinner.
$7, 1 hour
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Day 7: Mesmerizing Mekong Delta

Mekong Delta, Vietnam

8:00AM

Breakfast at Cai Rang Floating Market

Experience a unique breakfast at the Cai Rang Floating Market, sampling fresh fruits, noodles, and snacks sold on boats.
Join a Mekong Delta tour that includes a visit to the Cai Rang Floating Market.
$10 (including tour), 2 hours

11:00AM

Explore Local Villages

Discover the rural charm of the Mekong Delta by visiting local villages, orchards, and traditional workshops.
Continue your guided tour to explore the surrounding villages.
Included in tour, 3 hours

2:00PM

Lunch at Riverside Eatery

Enjoy a riverside lunch at a local eatery, savoring fresh seafood and regional delicacies.
The tour usually includes lunch at a local spot by the river.
Included in tour, 1 hour

4:00PM

Boat Ride on Mekong River

Take a boat ride on the Mekong River, admiring the lush landscapes and traditional life along the waterway.
Join a boat tour as part of your Mekong Delta experience.
Included in tour, 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Local Home-Stay

End your day with a traditional dinner at a local home-stay, immersing yourself in the hospitality and culture of the Mekong Delta.
Your tour will include a communal dinner at the home-stay.
Included in tour, 2 hours
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