6-Day Shoestring Budget Adventure in Vietnam

Day 1: Arriving in Hanoi

Hanoi, Vietnam

8:00AM

Breakfast at Pho Gia Truyen

Start your adventure with a delicious bowl of traditional Vietnamese Pho at Pho Gia Truyen, famous for its rich broth and fresh herbs.
Take a bus or taxi from your accommodation.
VND 50,000, 1 hour

9:30AM

Explore Hoan Kiem Lake

Stroll around the serene Hoan Kiem Lake, a perfect spot to enjoy the morning tranquility before diving into the city’s hustle.
Walk from Pho Gia Truyen to the lake.
Free, 1 hour

11:00AM

Visit Ngoc Son Temple

Discover the beautiful Ngoc Son Temple located on an island in the lake, rich in history and culture.
Located on an island, you can reach it via a short bridge.
VND 30,000, 1 hour

12:30PM

Lunch at Bun Cha Huong Liên

Savour a plate of Bun Cha, grilled pork with noodles, made famous by President Obama’s visit.
Catch a local bus or taxi to reach the restaurant.
VND 70,000, 1 hour

2:00PM

Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum

Visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum to pay respects to the iconic leader of Vietnam.
Take a local bus or taxi for convenience.
Free, 1.5 hours

3:30PM

Explore the Old Quarter

Wander through the vibrant Old Quarter, a district full of winding streets, shops, and vivid local life.
Walk from the Mausoleum to Old Quarter.
Free, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Cha Ca Thang Long

Enjoy the famous Cha Ca, grilled fish served with fresh herbs and rice noodles.
Walk or take a short local bus ride to the restaurant.
VND 80,000, 1 hour
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Day 2: Cruising Halong Bay

Halong Bay, Vietnam

7:00AM

Transport to Halong Bay

Take a bus from Hanoi to Halong Bay, enjoying scenic views during the journey.
Book a local bus in advance.
VND 200,000, 4 hours

11:00AM

Kayaking in Halong Bay

Spend the day kayaking through the stunning limestone karsts and emerald waters of Halong Bay.
Join a kayaking tour available at the pier.
VND 150,000, 3 hours

2:00PM

Lunch on a boat

Enjoy a locally sourced seafood lunch while taking in the breathtaking views.
Provided by the kayaking tour.
Included in tour price, 1 hour

3:00PM

Visit Sung Sot Cave

Explore the magnificent Sung Sot Cave, known for its impressive stalactites and stalagmites.
Return to your kayak for the short ride to the cave.
VND 40,000, 1 hour

5:00PM

Return to Hanoi

Head back to Hanoi as your Halong Bay adventure comes to an end, filled with unforgettable memories.
Take a bus back to Hanoi.
VND 200,000, 4 hours

9:00PM

Dinner at Bún Đậu Mắm Tôm

Indulge in a local favourite, Bun Dau, fried tofu with fermented shrimp paste.
Travel by taxi back to your accommodation.
VND 60,000, 1 hour
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Day 3: Cultural Day in Ninh Binh

Ninh Binh, Vietnam

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hostel

Have a simple breakfast at your hostel to save money and fuel your day.
Included in hostel stay.
Free, 1 hour

9:00AM

Travel to Ninh Binh

Catch a local bus to Ninh Binh, known for its stunning landscapes and rich culture.
Buy tickets at the bus station in Hanoi.
VND 100,000, 2 hours

11:00AM

Visit Tam Coc Caves

Take a boat ride through the magnificent Tam Coc Caves, surrounded by rice paddies.
Purchase tickets at the Tam Coc area.
VND 150,000, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Local Eatery

Try the local specialty, Com Chay (burnt rice), at a family-run eatery.
Walk to nearby eateries.
VND 50,000, 1 hour

2:30PM

Bike Ride to Bich Dong Pagoda

Rent a bicycle and ride to Bich Dong Pagoda, a stunning trio of pagodas set in lush surroundings.
Rental shops are available near Tam Coc.
VND 30,000, 2 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Local Restaurant

Delight in a traditional meal, perhaps some stir-fried noodles at a local place.
Ride your bike back to find a suitable restaurant.
VND 70,000, 1 hour

7:00PM

Return to Hanoi

Travel back to Hanoi and prepare for your next adventure.
Catch a local bus back.
VND 100,000, 2 hours
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Day 4: Historical Hue

Hue, Vietnam

7:00AM

Breakfast at Hostel

Enjoy a simple breakfast before your journey from Hanoi to Hue.
Provided at your hostel.
Free, 1 hour

8:00AM

Transfer to Hue

Take a sleeper bus from Hanoi to Hue to experience a night in comfortable travel.
Book a sleeper bus in advance.
VND 400,000, 12 hours

8:00PM

Dinner at Local Restaurant

Savour some local delicacies such as Bun Bo Hue (spicy beef noodle soup) at a popular local restaurant.
Walk to nearby eateries in Hue.
VND 70,000, 1 hour
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Day 5: Charming Hoi An

Hoi An, Vietnam

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hostel

Grab a light breakfast at your Hue hostel before heading to Hoi An.
Included at your hostel.
Free, 1 hour

9:00AM

Travel to Hoi An

Take a bus to Hoi An, a beautiful riverside town known for its ancient architecture.
Book a local bus that runs frequently.
VND 150,000, 3 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Morning Glory

Enjoy authentic Vietnamese dishes at the renowned Morning Glory restaurant.
Walk from the bus station to the restaurant.
VND 80,000, 1 hour

1:30PM

Wander the Ancient Town

Explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Hoi An Ancient Town, known for its colourful streets.
Walk around the ancient town.
Free to explore, small fee for temples., 3 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Banh Mi Phuong

Relish the world-famous Banh Mi sandwich, famous for its crusty baguette and delicious fillings.
Walk over to Banh Mi Phuong, just a few streets away.
VND 30,000, 1 hour

7:00PM

Evening by the River

End your day with a peaceful stroll along the river, enjoying the lantern-lit scenery.
Walk along the riverside promenade.
Free, 1 hour
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Day 6: Final Stop in Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hostel

Start your final day with a refreshing breakfast at your Hoi An hostel.
Included at the hostel.
Free, 1 hour

9:00AM

Travel to Ho Chi Minh City

Take a bus from Hoi An to Ho Chi Minh City, gearing up for your urban adventure.
Book tickets from the local bus station.
VND 300,000, 15 hours

1:00AM

Lunch at Local Pho Shop

Upon arrival, enjoy a warm bowl of Pho to refresh after the long journey.
Find a local Pho shop near the bus station.
VND 50,000, 1 hour

2:30PM

Reunification Palace

Discover the historic Reunification Palace, a significant site in Vietnam’s history.
Catch a local taxi to reach it.
VND 40,000, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Visit War Remnants Museum

Take a thoughtful tour through the War Remnants Museum, which presents the harsh realities of war.
Walk or take a short taxi to the museum.
VND 40,000, 2 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at Ben Thanh Street Food Market

Experience a culinary delight with a variety of Vietnamese street food at the bustling Ben Thanh Market.
Short taxi ride to Ben Thanh Market.
VND 100,000, 1.5 hours

8:00PM

Evening at Bui Vien Street

End your travels by soaking in the lively atmosphere of Bui Vien Street, famous for its nightlife.
Walking distance from Ben Thanh Market.
Free, 1 hour
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