Vietnam Adventure: 7 Days from South to North with Ninh Binh

Day 1: Exploring Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

8:00AM

Visit Ben Thanh Market

Begin your day at Ben Thanh Market, immersing yourself in local culture while sampling street food and shopping for souvenirs.
Centrally located and accessible by walking or taxi.
Free entrance, shopping costs vary, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Pho 2000

Savor an iconic Vietnamese bowl of pho at Pho 2000, famed for its flavorful broth and fresh ingredients.
Only a short walk from Ben Thanh Market.
100,000 VND, 1 hour

3:00PM

Explore War Remnants Museum

Visit the War Remnants Museum to gain insight into Vietnam's tumultuous history through powerful exhibits and photographs.
A quick taxi ride from Pho 2000.
40,000 VND, 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Nha Hang Ngon

Relish diverse Vietnamese dishes at Nha Hang Ngon, a favorite amongst locals and visitors alike, in a charming garden setting.
Conveniently situated in the city center.
300,000 VND, 2 hours
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Day 2: Unveiling Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

9:00AM

Visit Cu Chi Tunnels

Discover the Cu Chi Tunnels, an intricate underground network used during the Vietnam War, where you can learn about resilience and history.
Join a guided tour or take a bus from the city center.
150,000 VND, Half day

1:00PM

Lunch at Secret Garden

Taste authentic Vietnamese flavors at Secret Garden, a rooftop restaurant offering a peaceful ambiance amidst the city's hustle and bustle.
A short taxi ride from the tunnels.
250,000 VND, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Explore Reunification Palace

Wander through the Reunification Palace, an architectural gem and iconic landmark symbolizing Vietnam's reunification.
A 10-minute taxi ride from Secret Garden.
40,000 VND, 1.5 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Cuc Gach Quan

Experience a delicious farm-to-table dining experience at Cuc Gach Quan, known for fresh ingredients and a cozy atmosphere.
Located about 15 minutes by taxi from the Reunification Palace.
350,000 VND, 2 hours
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Day 3: Travel to Da Nang

Da Nang, Vietnam

8:00AM

Fly to Da Nang

Take a short morning flight from Ho Chi Minh City to Da Nang, enjoying scenic views from above.
Book an internal flight that takes approximately 1 hour.
Varies depending on the airline, 1 hour flight + transfer time

10:00AM

Relax at My Khe Beach

Unwind on My Khe Beach, widely regarded as one of the most beautiful beaches in Vietnam, featuring soft white sand and shimmering waters.
Take a taxi from Da Nang Airport to the beach.
Free entrance, 2 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Waterfront Restaurant

Savor a fresh seafood lunch with a view at Waterfront Restaurant, which offers both local and international dishes.
Located near the Han River, a short taxi ride from the beach.
300,000 VND, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Visit Marble Mountains

Explore the Marble Mountains, an impressive cluster of limestone hills with caves, temples, and breathtaking views.
A short taxi ride from the restaurant.
40,000 VND, 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at La Maison 1888

Indulge in a fine dining experience at La Maison 1888, featuring French-inspired cuisine in a stunning setting.
Located at the InterContinental Danang Sun Peninsula Resort; reservations recommended.
Varies depending on the chosen menu, 2 hours
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Day 4: Discovering Hoi An

Hoi An, Vietnam

9:00AM

Explore Hoi An Ancient Town

Discover the charm of Hoi An's Ancient Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site filled with well-preserved architecture and vibrant streets.
A 30-minute taxi ride from Da Nang.
120,000 VND for entrance to some attractions, 3 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Morning Glory

Enjoy a delightful lunch at Morning Glory, serving delicious local dishes and specialties of Hoi An.
Centrally located in Ancient Town for easy access.
200,000 VND, 1 hour

2:00PM

Visit Japanese Covered Bridge

Marvel at the iconic Japanese Covered Bridge, a historic symbol of Hoi An that boasts intricate design and cultural significance.
Walking distance from Morning Glory.
Included in the admission to Ancient Town attractions, 30 minutes

3:00PM

Tailoring Experience

Experience Hoi An’s renowned tailoring scene by having a custom outfit made by skilled local tailors.
Many tailors are located throughout the Ancient Town.
Varies based on fabric and design choices, 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at The Fisherman

Dine at The Fisherman, enjoying fresh seafood with a scenic riverside view and vibrant atmosphere.
Located along the river, a short walk from the Ancient Town.
250,000 VND, 2 hours
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Day 5: Hanoi Arrival

Hanoi, Vietnam

9:00AM

Fly to Hanoi

Take a short domestic flight from Da Nang to Hanoi, experiencing the stunning landscapes beneath.
Flight duration is about 1.5 hours.
Varies depending on the airline, 1 hour flight + transfer time

11:00AM

Visit Hoan Kiem Lake

Relax at Hoan Kiem Lake, a serene oasis in the city where you can take a leisurely walk and visit the iconic Ngoc Son Temple.
Walking distance from the hotels in the Old Quarter.
Free entrance; 30,000 VND for the temple, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Bun Cha Huong Lien

Enjoy a delicious bowl of Bun Cha, a Hanoi specialty, at the restaurant where Obama famously dined with Anthony Bourdain.
A short taxi ride from Hoan Kiem Lake.
120,000 VND, 1 hour

3:00PM

Explore Old Quarter

Wander through the vibrant streets of Hanoi's Old Quarter, known for its buzzing atmosphere, shops, and cafes.
Best explored on foot.
Free, 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Quan An Ngon

Savor a variety of Vietnamese dishes at Quan An Ngon, known for its bustling ambiance and diverse menu.
Centrally located in the Old Quarter for easy access.
250,000 VND, 2 hours
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Day 6: Day Trip to Ninh Binh

Ninh Binh, Vietnam

7:00AM

Travel to Ninh Binh

Depart early in the morning for a scenic drive to Ninh Binh, known for its stunning karst landscapes and tranquil rivers.
Join a guided tour or take a private car, approximately 2.5 hours from Hanoi.
Varies depending on the tour, 2.5 hours transfer

10:00AM

Visit Tam Coc

Enjoy a peaceful boat ride through the picturesque Tam Coc, often referred to as 'Halong Bay on land' due to its limestone caves and rice paddies.
Boat rides are available upon arrival.
150,000 VND, 2 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at a Local Restaurant

Savor traditional Vietnamese dishes at a local eatery, sampling the regional specialty known as goat meat.
Local restaurants can be found near Tam Coc.
200,000 VND, 1 hour

2:00PM

Explore Bich Dong Pagoda

Visit the beautiful Bich Dong Pagoda, a stunning three-tiered temple set against the backdrop of lush mountains.
A short ride from Tam Coc.
20,000 VND, 1 hour

4:00PM

Return to Hanoi

Conclude your day in Ninh Binh and travel back to Hanoi, reflecting on the breathtaking scenery encountered throughout the day.
Transport arranged through your tour or driver.
Varies, 2.5 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Sen Restaurant

Wrap up your adventure with a lavish buffet dinner at Sen Restaurant, featuring a diverse array of Vietnamese and international cuisines.
Easy to reach from the city center.
400,000 VND, 2 hours
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Day 7: Leisure and Departure

Hanoi, Vietnam

9:00AM

Morning Tai Chi at Hoan Kiem Lake

Join a morning Tai Chi session at Hoan Kiem Lake, experiencing this traditional practice amidst the serene landscape.
Meet at the lakeside early in the morning.
Free, 1 hour

11:00AM

Brunch at Dome Hanoi

Enjoy a leisurely brunch at Dome Hanoi, where you can unwind and reflect on your travels over delicious coffee and cakes.
Easily accessible in the Old Quarter.
250,000 VND, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Last-minute Shopping

Take some time for last-minute shopping for souvenirs and handicrafts in the bustling streets of Hanoi.
Best explored by foot around the Old Quarter.
Varies based on purchases, 2 hours

4:00PM

Prepare for Departure

Head back to your accommodation to collect your belongings and check out, preparing for your onward journey.
Arrange transportation based on your departure plans.
Varies, 1 hour
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