8-Day Adventure Itinerary in Vietnam: Unveiling Culture and Nature

Day 1: Explore Hanoi

Hanoi, Vietnam

8:30AM

Breakfast at Pho Gia Truyen

Start your adventure with a steaming bowl of authentic Pho at this famous eatery, beloved by locals.
Take a taxi to get to the restaurant.
VND 60,000, 1 hour

10:00AM

Hoan Kiem Lake

Stroll around the picturesque Hoan Kiem Lake and visit the Ngoc Son Temple, a serene slice of tranquility in the bustling city.
Walk 10 minutes to the lake.
VND 30,000, 2 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Cha Ca Thang Long

Savor the local delicacy, Cha Ca, grilled fish with herbs and local spices, for a true taste of Hanoi.
15-minute walk from the lake.
VND 150,000, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Explore the Old Quarter

Wander through the bustling streets of Hanoi’s Old Quarter, absorbing the vibrant culture and local crafts.
Walking tour around the area.
Free, 2.5 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Banh Mi 25

Try the renowned Banh Mi sandwich, a delicious fusion of French and Vietnamese flavors.
Walk 10 minutes from the Old Quarter.
VND 50,000, 1 hour

7:00PM

Water Puppet Show

Enjoy a traditional Vietnamese water puppet show, a captivating performance of art and culture.
15-minute walk to the theater.
VND 100,000, 1 hour
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Day 2: Historical Hanoi

Hanoi, Vietnam

8:00AM

Breakfast at KOTO

Enjoy a hearty breakfast at this NGO restaurant that trains disadvantaged youth, offering delicious Vietnamese dishes.
Taxi to the restaurant.
VND 80,000, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum

Pay respects to Vietnam's founding father at his mausoleum, surrounded by beautifully kept gardens.
Short taxi ride.
Free, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

One Pillar Pagoda

Head over to this unique pagoda built on a single stone pillar, iconic for its beauty and significance.
5-minute walk from the mausoleum.
Free, 30 minutes

12:00PM

Lunch at Bun Cha Huong Lien

Relish Bun Cha, a delectable dish of grilled pork and rice noodles, made famous by a presidential visit.
15-minute taxi ride.
VND 100,000, 1 hour

1:30PM

Temple of Literature

Visit Vietnam’s first university, a complex of ancient buildings dedicated to Confucius and education.
20-minute walk from the restaurant.
VND 30,000, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Explore the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology

Learn about Vietnam's diverse cultures through engaging exhibits and outdoor traditional houses.
30-minute taxi ride.
VND 40,000, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at The Hanoi Social Club

Experience a trendy vibe with comfort food that includes vegetarian options and a range of global dishes.
30-minute taxi ride back to central Hanoi.
VND 150,000, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 3: Journey to Halong Bay

Halong Bay, Vietnam

7:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Fuel up with a hearty breakfast at your hotel before the morning transfer.
In-house restaurant.
Included in hotel stay, 1 hour

8:30AM

Transfer to Halong Bay

Enjoy a scenic drive (approx. 4 hours) with stunning rural landscapes leading to your adventure.
Private shuttle or bus transfer.
VND 200,000, 4 hours

12:30PM

Lunch onboard cruise

Savor Vietnamese cuisine as you cruise through the emerald waters and limestone islands of Halong Bay.
Onboard the cruise ship.
Included in cruise package, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Cruising Halong Bay

Explore the iconic karsts and enjoy swimming or kayaking in this UNESCO World Heritage site.
Onboard the cruise ship.
Included in cruise package, 4 hours

6:00PM

Dinner on board

Delight in exquisite seafood with local flavors while surrounded by breathtaking views.
Onboard the cruise ship.
Included in cruise package, 1.5 hours

8:00PM

Night on the Boat

Relax under the stars, enjoying the tranquil sounds of the bay and a peaceful night on board.
Onboard the cruise ship.
Included in cruise package, Night
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Day 4: Ninh Binh Adventure

Ninh Binh, Vietnam

6:30AM

Morning Tai Chi

Start the day with a refreshing Tai Chi session on the deck of the cruise, soaking in the tranquil surroundings of the bay.
Onboard the cruise ship.
Included in cruise package, 1 hour

8:00AM

Breakfast on board

Enjoy breakfast while appreciating the stunning views as you cruise back toward the harbor.
Onboard the cruise ship.
Included in cruise package, 1 hour

9:30AM

Return Transfer to Hanoi

Head back to Hanoi via shared shuttle/bus transfer in preparation for the next leg of your adventure.
Transfer service.
VND 200,000, 4 hours

2:00PM

Lunch at Ninh Binh

Stop for a local lunch featuring goat meat, a specialty in Ninh Binh as you explore the region.
Local restaurant.
VND 120,000, 1.5 hours

3:30PM

Tam Coc Boat Ride

Hop on a traditional wooden boat to navigate the scenic waterways of Tam Coc, often called 'Halong Bay on Land'.
Short ride to Tam Coc.
VND 150,000, 2 hours

5:30PM

Visit Bich Dong Pagoda

Climb up to this ancient pagoda set against beautiful limestone formations, offering stunning views.
Drive to Bich Dong.
VND 30,000, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at Gia Truyền Restaurant

Enjoy a rustic dinner with regional specialties before winding down from a packed day.
Drive back to town.
VND 100,000, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 5: Travel to Hue

Hue, Vietnam

7:30AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Savor a light breakfast at your hotel before departing for the next destination.
In-house restaurant.
Included in hotel stay, 1 hour

8:30AM

Transfer to Hue

Set out early on a scenic drive to Hue, the former imperial capital, which takes approximately 4 hours.
Shared transfer.
VND 200,000, 4 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Hanh Restaurant

Indulge in traditional Hue cuisine, including the famous bun bo Hue — a spicy beef noodle soup.
Walk from your hotel.
VND 90,000, 1 hour

2:00PM

Visit the Imperial City

Explore the UNESCO World Heritage site, the Imperial City, rich with history and stunning architecture.
Short drive or walk.
VND 200,000, 2.5 hours

5:00PM

Visit Thien Mu Pagoda

A short drive to this serene pagoda, which is an icon of Hue overlooking the Perfume River.
Taxi ride.
Free, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at La Parilla

Enjoy a fusion of Western and Vietnamese cuisine, a perfect way to end your day in Hue.
Short taxi ride.
VND 150,000, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 6: Cultural Hoi An

Hoi An, Vietnam

7:30AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Refuel with breakfast at your hotel before leaving for Hoi An.
In-house restaurant.
Included in hotel stay, 1 hour

8:30AM

Transfer to Hoi An

Enjoy the picturesque drive (roughly 3 hours) along the coast to the charming town of Hoi An.
Shared transfer.
VND 200,000, 3 hours

11:30AM

Lunch at Morning Glory

Delight in Hoi An’s famous street food dishes, including cao lau and banh xeo.
Walk to the restaurant.
VND 130,000, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Explore Ancient Town

Discover the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Ancient Town of Hoi An, home to winding streets and historic architecture.
Walking tour around the area.
VND 120,000, 3.5 hours

5:00PM

Visit Japanese Covered Bridge

Visit this iconic structure that symbolizes the town's historical connection to Japan.
Located in Ancient Town.
Free, 30 minutes

6:00PM

Dinner at Secret Garden

Dine in a beautiful garden setting with a menu featuring traditional Hoi An recipes.
Short walk from the bridge.
VND 200,000, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 7: Relax in Da Nang

Da Nang, Vietnam

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel, then prepare for your day trip to Da Nang.
In-house restaurant.
Included in hotel stay, 1 hour

9:30AM

Transfer to Da Nang

Travel the short distance to Da Nang (about 30 minutes) for a day of exploration.
Private taxi transfer.
VND 150,000, 30 minutes

10:00AM

Visit Marble Mountains

Explore the stunning Marble Mountains, a series of five hills with caves and temples to discover.
Short drive from the city center.
VND 40,000, 2.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Da Nang Chicken Rice

Indulge in the local dish of 'Com Ga' (chicken rice) at a popular eatery.
Taxi ride to the restaurant.
VND 80,000, 1 hour

2:30PM

Relax at My Khe Beach

Spend the afternoon unwinding on the breathtaking My Khe Beach, known for its soft white sand and gentle waves.
15-minute taxi ride.
Free, 3 hours

5:30PM

Dinner at La Salt

Enjoy an exquisite meal at this beachfront restaurant, specializing in fresh seafood.
Short taxi ride from the beach.
VND 250,000, 2 hours
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Day 8: Vibrant Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

6:30AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy an early breakfast at your hotel before heading to the airport for your flight.
In-house restaurant.
Included in hotel stay, 1 hour

8:00AM

Flight to Ho Chi Minh City

Take a short domestic flight to experience the bustling energy of Ho Chi Minh City.
Airport transfer service.
VND 1,000,000, 1.5 hours (including transfer and flight time)

10:00AM

Check into Hotel

Get settled at your booked hotel in the vibrant streets of district one.
Taxi ride from the airport.
VND 100,000, 30 minutes

11:00AM

Lunch at Pho 2000

Dive into a bowl of Pho at a popular restaurant that has served locals and tourists alike.
Short walk from the hotel.
VND 70,000, 1 hour

1:00PM

Visit War Remnants Museum

Gain insight into Vietnam's history through impactful exhibits at the War Remnants Museum.
Taxi ride in district one.
VND 40,000, 2 hours

3:00PM

Explore Ben Thanh Market

Shop and experience the local culture at this famed market, famous for its street food and handicrafts.
Walk to the market.
Free, 2 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Cuc Gach Quan

End your trip with a delightful meal at this cozy restaurant famous for its authentic Vietnamese flavors.
Short walk from the market.
VND 200,000, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability