Budget-Friendly 7-Day Vietnam Itinerary

Day 1: Explore Ho Chi Minh

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

8:00AM

Breakfast at Pho Hoa

Start your Vietnamese adventure with a delicious bowl of traditional Pho at Pho Hoa, a well-known eatery.
Walking distance from your accommodation in District 1.
VND 50,000, 1 hour

9:30AM

War Remnants Museum

Visit the War Remnants Museum to gain insight into Vietnam's history during the Vietnam War.
10-minute walk from Pho Hoa.
VND 40,000, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Banh Mi 36

Grab a budget-friendly banh mi sandwich at Banh Mi 36, a local favorite known for its fresh ingredients.
5-minute walk from the museum.
VND 25,000, 1 hour

1:30PM

Ben Thanh Market

Explore the bustling Ben Thanh Market for souvenirs, local snacks, and cultural experiences.
15-minute walk from Banh Mi 36.
Free, 2 hours

4:00PM

Reunification Palace

Visit the Reunification Palace and learn about its historical significance.
20-minute walk from Ben Thanh Market.
VND 40,000, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Quan An Ngon

Enjoy a variety of authentic Vietnamese dishes at Quan An Ngon, ideal for budget travelers.
25-minute walk or quick Grab ride from the palace.
VND 100,000, 1.5 hours

8:00PM

Evening Bui Vien Street

Experience the vibrant nightlife at Bui Vien Street, filled with shops and street performances.
20-minute walk or Grab from restaurant.
Free, 2 hours
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Day 2: Temples & Markets

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

8:00AM

Breakfast at New Saigon Café

Indulge in a hearty breakfast of Vietnamese coffee and sticky rice at New Saigon Café.
5-minute walk from hotel.
VND 35,000, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Jade Emperor Pagoda

Explore the intricate designs and serene atmosphere of the Jade Emperor Pagoda.
Take a local bus from the café (15 min).
Free, 1 hour

11:00AM

Tao Dan Park

Take a leisurely walk through Tao Dan Park, known for its scenic beauty and relaxed vibe.
20-minute walk from the pagoda.
Free, 1 hour

12:30PM

Lunch at Com tam Ba Ghien

Savor the famous broken rice (com tam) dish, a local specialty, at Com tam Ba Ghien.
15-minute walk from the park.
VND 40,000, 1 hour

2:00PM

Take a Cooking Class

Join a budget-friendly cooking class to master the art of Vietnamese cuisine.
Class location provided upon booking; expect a short walk or Grab ride.
VND 500,000, 3 hours

5:30PM

Dinner at Pho 2000

Relish in another Pho experience at Pho 2000, famously visited by President Bill Clinton.
Grab ride from the class (10 minutes).
VND 75,000, 1 hour

7:30PM

Evening Stroll along Nguyen Hue Walking Street

End your day with a scenic walk through Nguyen Hue Walking Street while enjoying lively performances.
20-minute walk from the restaurant.
Free, 2 hours
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Day 3: Mekong Delta Adventure

Mekong Delta, Vietnam

7:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy breakfast provided by your hotel, energizing you for a day of exploration.
Onsite at your accommodation.
Included, 1 hour

8:00AM

Bus to Mekong Delta

Catch a budget bus to the Mekong Delta, preparing for a day of scenic beauty and cultural immersion.
Book bus tickets at a local travel agency (2 hours ride).
VND 150,000, 2 hours

10:30AM

Boat Tour in Mekong Delta

Experience the famous waterways and local floating markets on a budget-friendly boat tour.
Arranged by your bus tour or local operators.
VND 200,000, 2 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Local Restaurant

Enjoy a traditional Vietnamese meal at a riverside restaurant, while taking in the serene views.
Part of boat tour, usually included.
Included, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Visit Local Villages

Visit local villages to see how villagers produce rice paper and coconut candy.
Included in boat tour itinerary.
Free, 2 hours

4:30PM

Bus Back to Ho Chi Minh City

Catch your return bus back to Ho Chi Minh City after a fulfilling day.
Your guide will assist with organizing return transport.
VND 150,000, 2 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at Bun Cha 145

Try the grilled pork with noodles (Bun Cha) at a cozy restaurant favored by locals.
Grab ride from the bus station (20 min).
VND 70,000, 1 hour

8:00PM

Night Market Shopping

Explore the night market for unique souvenirs and delicious street food.
Short walk from the restaurant.
Free, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 4: Journey to Hoi An

Hoi An, Vietnam

7:00AM

Breakfast at Café Restaurant Hoa Sua

Enjoy fresh pastries and coffee at Café Restaurant Hoa Sua before heading out.
5-minute walk from your hotel.
VND 40,000, 1 hour

8:30AM

Bus to Hoi An

Take a sleeper bus for a comfortable journey to Hoi An.
Book tickets at local travel agency (12-hour ride).
VND 300,000, 12 hours

9:00PM

Arrive in Hoi An

Check in at your accommodation and freshen up before exploring
Local hotels near the bus drop-off point.
VND 200,000, 1 hour

10:30PM

Dinner at Cafe 43

Grab a late dinner at Cafe 43, known for its affordable and tasty Vietnamese dishes.
15-minute walk from your accommodation.
VND 50,000, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability

Day 5: Culture & Heritage in Hoi An

Hoi An, Vietnam

8:00AM

Breakfast at The Espresso Station

Indulge in freshly brewed coffee and pastries at The Espresso Station.
5-minute walk from accommodation.
VND 40,000, 1 hour

9:30AM

Explore Ancient Town

Discover Hoi An's UNESCO-listed Ancient Town, filled with beautiful architecture.
Walking distance from The Espresso Station.
VND 120,000 (entry fee for several sites)., 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Cargo Club

Delight in a mix of Vietnamese and Western dishes at Cargo Club, overlooking the river.
10-minute walk from Ancient Town.
VND 100,000, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Tailoring Experience

Experience local tailoring services where you can get custom clothes made at a low price.
Local tailors within walking distance of the restaurant.
VND 500,000, 2 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Morning Glory

Savor authentic Hoi An dishes at Morning Glory, reputed for its flavors.
Walking distance from the tailor.
VND 100,000, 1.5 hours

7:00PM

Night Lantern Tour

Enjoy a stunning evening walk beneath Hoi An's colorful lanterns beside the river.
Free walking, just head towards the river area.
Free, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 6: Vibrant Hanoi

Hanoi, Vietnam

7:00AM

Breakfast at Hoi An Street Café

Start your day with local breakfast items at Hoi An Street Café.
Walking distance from your hotel.
VND 40,000, 1 hour

8:30AM

Bus to Hanoi

Take a daytime sleeper bus to Hanoi, allowing you to rest during the journey.
Bus tickets can be purchased at your hotel.
VND 350,000, 16 hours

11:30PM

Arrive in Hanoi

Check in to your accommodation and get acclimated to the capital vibe.
Hotels in the Old Quarter area.
VND 200,000, 1 hour

1:00AM

Dinner at Cha Ca La Vong

Try the local fish dish, Cha Ca, in an iconic restaurant that has been serving since 1870.
Grab or walk depending on your accommodation location.
VND 80,000, 1 hour
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Day 7: Scenic Ninh Binh

Ninh Binh, Vietnam

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy breakfast offered by your hotel to fuel your day trip.
Onsite at your accommodation.
Included, 1 hour

9:00AM

Travel to Ninh Binh

Catch the local bus or a shared taxi to the scenic area of Ninh Binh.
South bus station in Hanoi (2 hours ride).
VND 120,000, 2 hours

11:00AM

Tam Coc Boat Ride

Experience breathtaking views with a traditional boat ride through the Tam Coc caves.
Located near the entrance of Tam Coc.
VND 150,000, 2 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at Ninh Binh Local Eatery

Enjoy authentic local cuisine at a nearby eatery after your boat ride.
Walking distance from boat dock.
VND 50,000, 1 hour

2:30PM

Bich Dong Pagoda

Visit the beautiful Bich Dong Pagoda, set against a stunning backdrop of nature.
Take a short bicycle ride or walk from lunch.
Free, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Return to Hanoi

Make your way back to Hanoi either by bus or taxi.
Shared taxi or bus station.
VND 120,000, 2 hours

8:00PM

Dinner at Bun Bo Nam Bo

Finish your Vietnam trip with delicious beef noodle salad at Bun Bo Nam Bo in Hanoi.
Located in the Old Quarter, easy access from hotel.
VND 60,000, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability