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12-Day Adventure and Nature Itinerary in Vietnam

Viewed by 105 travelers

Day 1: Exploring Hanoi

Hanoi, Vietnam

8:00AM

Breakfast at Pho Gia Truyen

Start your adventure with a delightful bowl of Hanoi's famous pho at Pho Gia Truyen, known for its rich broth and tender beef.
Walk to the Old Quarter after breakfast.
VND 100,000, 1 hour

9:30AM

Old Quarter Walking Tour

Immerse yourself in the vibrant streets of the Old Quarter, exploring local shops and street vendors selling crafts and delicacies.
Explore on foot.
Free, 2.5 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Bun Cha Huong Lien

Relish a traditional bun cha, featuring grilled pork and rice noodles, made famous by Anthony Bourdain’s visit.
Short taxi ride or 15-minute walk.
VND 150,000, 1 hour

1:30PM

Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple

Stroll around the serene Hoan Kiem Lake and visit the beautiful Ngoc Son Temple.
15-minute walk.
VND 30,000, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Vietnam Museum of Ethnology

Discover Vietnam’s diverse cultures and history at this engaging museum.
20-minute taxi ride.
VND 40,000, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Cha Ca La Vong

Enjoy the unique dish of cha ca, a grilled fish marinated in turmeric and dill.
Taxi back to Old Quarter.
VND 200,000, 1.5 hours

8:00PM

Water Puppet Show

End your day with an enchanting Water Puppet Show, a traditional Vietnamese art form.
Walk to the Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre.
VND 100,000, 1 hour
Find Hotels in Hanoi

Day 2: More of Hanoi

Hanoi, Vietnam

8:00AM

Breakfast at The Hanoi Social Club

Dine on fresh pastries and a delicious Vietnamese coffee at this gem of a café.
Walk to nearby café.
VND 120,000, 1 hour

9:30AM

Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum

Pay your respects to Ho Chi Minh at his mausoleum, a significant symbol of Vietnam.
15-minute walk.
Free, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

One Pillar Pagoda

Visit this iconic temple, known for its unique architecture and significance in Vietnamese Buddhism.
Short walk from the mausoleum.
Free, 30 minutes

12:00PM

Lunch at Vong Lai Restaurant

Try a plate of fresh spring rolls in this relaxing local spot.
Short taxi ride.
VND 150,000, 1 hour

1:30PM

Temple of Literature

Explore Vietnam’s first national university, an enchanting complex dedicated to education and Confucianism.
15-minute taxi ride.
VND 30,000, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Cyclo Tour

Experience Hanoi from a unique perspective with a 1-hour cyclo ride through the bustling streets.
Book a local cyclo driver.
VND 200,000, 1 hour

6:30PM

Dinner at Quan An Ngon

Sample a variety of Vietnamese dishes in a beautiful setting with outdoor seating.
Walk or taxi from cyclo drop-off.
VND 250,000, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Hanoi

Day 3: Cruising Halong Bay

Halong Bay, Vietnam

7:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a hearty breakfast at your hotel before departing for Halong Bay.
Hotel dining area.
Included, 1 hour

8:30AM

Transfer to Halong Bay

Depart from Hanoi and enjoy the spectacular views during the drive to Halong Bay.
Private car or bus.
VND 300,000, 3.5 hours

12:00PM

Board Cruise Ship

Step aboard a traditional junk boat and enjoy a welcome drink while taking in the stunning limestone scenery.
Cruise check-in area.
VND 2,500,000, 0.5 hours

12:30PM

Lunch on Board

Savor a multi-course seafood lunch while cruising through the picturesque waters of Halong Bay.
Onboard dining area.
Included, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Explore Sung Sot Cave

Venture into the impressive Sung Sot Cave, filled with fascinating stalactites and stalagmites.
Kayak to the cave.
Included, 2 hours

4:30PM

Kayaking in Halong Bay

Paddle through the tranquil waters and explore hidden lagoons and islands.
Kayaks available on board.
Included, 1.5 hours

6:30PM

Dinner on Board

Relish a delightful dinner featuring local specialties as you watch the sunset over the bay.
Onboard dining area.
Included, 1.5 hours

8:00PM

Evening Activities

Participate in evening activities like squid fishing or just relax on deck under the stars.
Onboard deck.
Free, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Halong Bay

Day 4: Halong Bay Adventures

Halong Bay, Vietnam

6:30AM

Tai Chi on Deck

Start your day with a refreshing Tai Chi session on the deck, surrounded by breathtaking scenery.
Onboard deck.
Free, 1 hour

7:30AM

Breakfast on Board

Enjoy a light breakfast while admiring the gorgeous views of Halong Bay.
Onboard dining area.
Included, 1 hour

8:30AM

Visit Ti Top Island

Take a short boat ride to visit Ti Top Island, where you can hike to the viewpoint or relax on the beach.
Off boat at Ti Top Island.
VND 100,000, 2.5 hours

11:00AM

Back on Boat and Lunch

Return to the boat and enjoy a delicious lunch while cruising towards the harbor.
Onboard dining area.
Included, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Return to Halong City

Head back to the harbor, taking in the last views of the stunning bay.
Onboard boat.
Included, 1 hour

2:00PM

Transport to Ninh Binh

Travel to Ninh Binh via private car, enjoying the lush countryside scenery along the way.
Private vehicle.
VND 500,000, 2.5 hours

4:30PM

Check-in at Hotel

Arrive at your hotel in Ninh Binh and unwind after a thrilling morning.
Hotel check-in.
Included, 0.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Trang An Restaurant

Indulge in local specialties like goat meat and rice in a rustic setting.
Short walk from the hotel.
VND 200,000, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Halong Bay

Day 5: Exploring Ninh Binh

Ninh Binh, Vietnam

7:30AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a traditional Vietnamese breakfast at your accommodation.
Hotel dining area.
Included, 1 hour

9:00AM

Visit Trang An Landscape Complex

Experience a scenic boat ride through stunning limestone karsts and caves in this UNESCO World Heritage site.
Transported via hotel shuttle.
VND 200,000, 3 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Ba Diu Restaurant

Savor fresh river fish dishes and local cuisine.
Short drive from Trang An.
VND 150,000, 1 hour

2:00PM

Visit Bich Dong Pagoda

Wander around the beautiful three-tiered pagoda set against a scenic backdrop.
Simple taxi ride.
VND 30,000, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Explore Tam Coc

Enjoy another stunning boat ride through rice fields, caves, and limestone formations.
Short taxi ride.
VND 200,000, 2 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at Canyon Bar

Indulge in a fusion of Vietnamese and international dishes alongside a serene river view.
Transport arranged by hotel.
VND 250,000, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Ninh Binh

Day 6: Journey to Phong Nha

Phong Nha, Vietnam

7:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Fuel up with a hearty breakfast before your journey to Phong Nha.
Dining area of the hotel.
Included, 1 hour

8:30AM

Travel to Phong Nha

Depart from Ninh Binh and make your way to Phong Nha, famous for its stunning caves.
Private car transport.
VND 700,000, 4 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Phong Nha Eco Resort

Enjoy a delightful meal featuring local specialties amidst the serene environment.
On-site dining area.
VND 200,000, 1 hour

2:00PM

Explore Phong Nha Cave

Take your first breathtaking boat ride into Phong Nha Cave, filled with incredible formations.
Boat departure point.
VND 200,000, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Cave Trekking

Destination: the Dark Cave, where you can swim and zip line for an exhilarating experience.
Take a shuttle bus to the Dark Cave.
VND 550,000, 3 hours

7:30PM

Dinner at the Hotel

Relax and enjoy dinner at your hotel, featuring a mix of Vietnamese and Western dishes.
On-site dining area.
VND 200,000, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Phong Nha

Day 7: Adventures in Phong Nha

Phong Nha, Vietnam

7:30AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Savor a delicious breakfast before another day of exploration in Phong Nha.
Hotel dining area.
Included, 1 hour

9:00AM

Visit Paradise Cave

Discover the stunning Paradise Cave, known for its stalagmites and stalactites extravaganza.
Taxi to the cave entrance.
VND 250,000, 2 hours

11:30AM

Return to the Hotel

Travel back to your hotel for a short rest.
Return by taxi.
VND 50,000, 1 hour

12:30PM

Lunch at the Hotel

Enjoy a leisurely lunch with an array of tasty dishes.
On-site dining area.
Included, 1 hour

2:00PM

Biking in Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park

Explore the lush landscape and discover hidden trails and caves on a guided biking tour.
Bike rental available at the hotel.
VND 150,000, 3 hours

5:30PM

Return to Hotel

Head back to the hotel to refresh after an exciting day.
Return by bike.
Included, 30 minutes

7:00PM

Dinner at Local Restaurant

Savor a meal at a local eatery, featuring traditional Vietnamese dishes.
Short walk from the hotel.
VND 180,000, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Phong Nha

Day 8: A Day in Hue

Hue, Vietnam

7:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy breakfast before heading to your next destination, Hue.
Dining area of the hotel.
Included, 1 hour

8:30AM

Transfer to Hue

Drive to Hue, the former imperial capital of Vietnam, known for its rich history.
Private car transport.
VND 600,000, 4 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Hanh Restaurant

Taste the royal cuisine of Vietnam with a traditional lunch in Hue.
Short walk from hotel.
VND 200,000, 1 hour

2:00PM

Visit the Imperial City

Explore the historical Imperial City, a UNESCO World Heritage site, filled with stunning architecture.
Short taxi ride.
VND 150,000, 2.5 hours

4:30PM

Thien Mu Pagoda

Take a boat trip to Thien Mu Pagoda, an iconic symbol of Hue with beautiful gardens.
Boat across the Perfume River.
VND 100,000, 1.5 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at Ancient Hue Restaurant

Dive into a royal feast featuring delicious traditional dishes in a stunning setting.
Book a taxi or on foot.
VND 300,000, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Hue

Day 9: Cultural Journey in Hoi An

Hoi An, Vietnam

7:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Refuel with breakfast at your hotel before traveling to Hoi An.
Dining area of the hotel.
Included, 1 hour

8:30AM

Travel to Hoi An

Enjoy a scenic drive along the coast towards Hoi An.
Private vehicle.
VND 500,000, 3 hours

11:30AM

Lunch at Morning Glory

Savor Hoi An’s famous cao lau noodles in a charming setting.
Short walk from the hotel.
VND 200,000, 1 hour

1:00PM

Visit Hoi An Ancient Town

Stroll through the lantern-lit streets of Hoi An, visiting its historic temples and shops.
Explore on foot.
Free, 3 hours

4:00PM

Cooking Class

Join a cooking class to learn to make traditional Vietnamese dishes.
Local cooking school.
VND 500,000, 2.5 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at the Red Lantern

Enjoy a beautifully crafted dinner featuring local specialties in a cozy ambiance.
Short walk from the cooking class.
VND 250,000, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Hoi An

Day 10: Beach Day in Hoi An

Hoi An, Vietnam

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Start your day with a hearty breakfast at the hotel.
Dining area of the hotel.
Included, 1 hour

9:30AM

Relax at An Bang Beach

Spend a leisurely morning at An Bang Beach, enjoying the sun and sea.
20-minute taxi ride.
Free, 3 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Salt Pub

Grab a delicious seafood lunch at this beachfront spot.
Short walk from beach.
VND 150,000, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Afternoon Cycling Tour

Cycle through the rice paddies and quaint villages surrounding Hoi An.
Bike rental available locally.
VND 100,000, 3 hours

5:30PM

Return to Hotel

Head back to your hotel to freshen up.
Return bike.
Included, 30 minutes

7:00PM

Dinner at Renaissance Restaurant

Indulge in contemporary European and Vietnamese dishes.
Taxi or short walk.
VND 300,000, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Hoi An

Day 11: Exploring Da Lat

Da Lat, Vietnam

7:00AM

Breakfast at the Hotel

Start your day with a light breakfast at your hotel before traveling to Da Lat.
Dining area of the hotel.
Included, 1 hour

8:30AM

Travel to Da Lat

Take a domestic flight or bus to Da Lat, a refreshing mountainous town known for its flower gardens.
Airport or bus station.
VND 1,000,000, 1 hour flight / 7 hours by bus

8:00PM

Check-in at Hotel

Arrive and settle into your hotel in Da Lat.
Hotel check-in.
Included, 1 hour

12:30PM

Lunch at An Cafe

Indulge in local delicacies in a beautifully decorated café.
15-minute taxi.
VND 220,000, 2 hours

2:30PM

Visit Datanla Waterfall

Enjoy the breathtaking views and a fun alpine coaster ride down to the waterfall.
Short taxi ride.
VND 150,000, 2 hours

5:00PM

Explore the Flower Gardens

Wander through the dreamy flower gardens filled with vibrant blooms.
Taxi or walk.
VND 50,000, 1.5 hours

7:30PM

Dinner at Le Rabelais Restaurant

Enjoy exquisite French-inspired cuisine in a romantic setting.
Short taxi ride.
VND 300,000, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Da Lat

Day 12: End in Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

7:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Fuel up at your hotel before departing for Ho Chi Minh City.
Dining area of the hotel.
Included, 1 hour

8:30AM

Travel to Ho Chi Minh City

Board a domestic flight to Ho Chi Minh City, the bustling economic hub of Vietnam.
Airport transfer.
VND 1,000,000, 1 hour flight

10:30AM

Visit War Remnants Museum

Gain insight into the history of Vietnam through the exhibits at the War Remnants Museum.
Short taxi ride.
VND 40,000, 2 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Cuc Gach Quan

Delight in a farm-to-table dining experience emphasizing fresh, organic ingredients.
Short taxi ride.
VND 250,000, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Explore Ben Thanh Market

Shop for local handicrafts and souvenirs in the bustling Ben Thanh Market.
15-minute walk.
Free, 2 hours

4:00PM

Saigon Notre-Dame Basilica and Central Post Office

Visit these historic landmarks, showcasing beautiful French colonial architecture.
Short taxi ride.
Free, 1 hour

7:00PM

Farewell Dinner at The Chopsticks

Conclude your adventure with a gourmet Vietnamese dinner in an elegant setting.
Short taxi ride.
VND 350,000, 2 hours

9:00PM

End of the Journey

Reflect on your incredible 12-day journey through Vietnam as you plan your next adventure.
Return to hotel or airport.
Varies, Variable
Find Hotels in Ho Chi Minh City
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