Ultimate Vietnam Honeymoon on a Shoestring Budget

Day 1: Arrival in Hanoi

Hanoi, Vietnam on November 29, 2024

8:00AM

Breakfast at Pho Bat Dan

Start your day with a steaming bowl of Hanoi's famous Pho at Pho Bat Dan, known for its authentic taste and affordability.
Walk to the restaurant, it's a 15-minute stroll from the Old Quarter.
VND50000, 1 hour

9:30AM

Explore Hoan Kiem Lake

Stroll around the picturesque Hoan Kiem Lake and soak in the morning atmosphere of this iconic Hanoi landmark.
10-minute walk from the restaurant to the lake.
FREE, 1 hour

11:00AM

Visit the Old Quarter

Wander through the bustling streets of the Old Quarter, where you can admire colonial architecture and shop for inexpensive souvenirs.
Just walk right into the Old Quarter from the lake.
FREE, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Bun Cha Ta

Savor the famous Bun Cha, a traditional Hanoi dish of grilled pork and noodles, at Bun Cha Ta, popular among locals.
15-minute walk from the Old Quarter.
VND70000, 1 hour

2:30PM

Tour the Temple of Literature

Visit Vietnam's first university, the Temple of Literature, which offers a serene garden setting and a glimpse into the country's educational heritage.
Take a taxi, approximately 10 minutes.
VND30000, 1 hour

4:00PM

Ngoc Son Temple

Explore Ngoc Son Temple on Hoan Kiem Lake, an important cultural and historical site with beautiful architecture.
Walk back to the lake, it’s about a 10-minute walk.
VND30000, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at Cha Ca Than Long

Try Cha Ca, a unique Vietnamese fish dish, at this local favorite restaurant.
15-minute walk from the temple.
VND100000, 1 hour

8:00PM

Enjoy Night Market

Experience the lively atmosphere of Hanoi's night market, perfect for local street food and handicrafts.
Walk to the night market, which is in the Old Quarter.
FREE (if just browsing), 2 hours
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Day 2: Halong Bay Cruise

Halong Bay, Vietnam on November 30, 2024

7:00AM

Breakfast at the Hotel

Enjoy a simple breakfast at your accommodation before departing for Halong Bay.
Provided by the hotel.
FREE, 1 hour

8:00AM

Travel to Halong Bay

Take a local bus to Halong Bay, which is a budget-friendly option for transportation.
Bus departs from Hanoi, about a 3.5-hour ride.
VND250000, 4 hours

12:00PM

Lunch on the Boat

Once aboard the boat, delight in a lunch of fresh seafood while cruising through the stunning limestone karsts of Halong Bay.
Included in the cruise package.
VND500000 (cruise package), 2 hours

2:00PM

Explore Sung Sot Cave

Visit Sung Sot Cave, one of the largest caves in Halong Bay, known for its spectacular stalactites and stalagmites.
Boat transfers provided.
Included in cruise package, 2 hours

4:00PM

Swimming & Kayaking

If time permits, go for a swim or kayak in the emerald waters of Halong Bay to truly experience its beauty.
Access via boat.
Included in cruise package, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner on the Boat

Enjoy a delicious dinner aboard the boat, taking in the breathtaking sunset over the bay.
Included in the cruise package.
VND500000, 1.5 hours

8:00PM

Relax on Deck

Spend a relaxing evening on the deck of the boat, stargazing and enjoying the serene surroundings of Halong Bay.
On the boat.
FREE, As long as desired
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Day 3: Ninh Binh Adventure

Ninh Binh, Vietnam on December 1, 2024

7:00AM

Breakfast on the Cruise

Enjoy another delightful breakfast while taking in the last views of Halong Bay.
Provided on the cruise.
FREE, 1 hour

8:00AM

Return to Hanoi

Travel back to Hanoi where you will catch a bus to Ninh Binh.
Bus back to Hanoi, approx 3.5 hours.
VND250000, 4 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Ninh Binh

Grab a quick bite at a local eatery, trying the regional dish 'Cơm Cháy'.
Eat at a small restaurant near the bus stop, a 10-minute walk.
VND50000, 1 hour

2:00PM

Tour Tam Coc

Take a traditional boat ride through the stunning limestone caves and rice paddies of Tam Coc, often referred to as 'Halong Bay on land'.
Boat rentals are available at Tam Coc.
VND200000, 2 hours

4:30PM

Visit Bich Dong Pagoda

Explore the peaceful Bich Dong Pagoda, nested among limestone cliffs, which offers picturesque photo opportunities.
15-minute walk or shuttle from Tam Coc docks.
VND20000, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at Thuy Anh Restaurant

Enjoy a hearty dinner at Thuy Anh Restaurant, known for its local specialties and warm atmosphere.
15-minute taxi from Bich Dong.
VND80000, 1.5 hours

8:00PM

Night stroll in Ninh Binh

Wrap up your day with a leisurely evening walk along the peaceful river paths.
Take a stroll from your accommodation nearby.
FREE, As long as desired
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Day 4: Historic Hue

Hue, Vietnam on December 2, 2024

7:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Fuel up with breakfast at your accommodation before your journey to Hue.
Provided by the hotel.
FREE, 1 hour

8:00AM

Travel to Hue

Board a bus to Hue, a historic city known for its imperial past.
Approx. 4 hours by bus.
VND300000, 4 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Bun Bo Hue

Taste the local specialty 'Bun Bo Hue', a beef noodle soup at a local eatery.
Nearby the bus station, about a 10-minute walk.
VND60000, 1 hour

2:00PM

Visit the Citadel

Explore the ancient Imperial City of Hue, which was the political center of Vietnam for over 140 years, filled with history and architecture.
10-minute taxi ride from lunch.
VND150000, 2 hours

4:30PM

Thien Mu Pagoda

Visit Thien Mu Pagoda, where you can enjoy views of the Perfume River and learn about its significance in Vietnamese Buddhism.
Taxi or boat charter from the Citadel, approx 20 minutes.
VND50000, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Tam Ba Ho

Savor local dishes at a budget-friendly restaurant famous for its wide variety of Vietnamese dishes.
15-minute drive from the pagoda.
VND70000, 1 hour

8:00PM

Relax at the Perfume River

End your day with a peaceful evening by the Perfume River, perfect for reflection and relaxation.
Walking distance from dinner.
FREE, As long as desired
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Day 5: Charming Hoi An

Hoi An, Vietnam on December 3, 2024

7:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy your last breakfast in Hue before heading to the charming town of Hoi An.
Provided by the hotel.
FREE, 1 hour

8:00AM

Travel to Hoi An

Catch a bus to Hoi An, which is known for its well-preserved Ancient Town and lantern-lit streets.
Approx. 3 hours by bus.
VND250000, 3 hours

11:30AM

Lunch at Morning Glory

Delight in a meal at Morning Glory, a popular spot for traditional Hoi An dishes.
Situated near the Ancient Town, about a 5-minute walk from your bus drop off.
VND100000, 1 hour

1:00PM

Explore Ancient Town

Immerse yourself in the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Ancient Town, where you can enjoy wandering past beautiful historic architecture and artisan shops.
Walking around the Ancient Town is easy and accessible.
VND120000 (entry fee for select historic homes), 2 hours

3:00PM

Visit Japanese Covered Bridge

Take photos at the iconic Japanese Covered Bridge, a historical symbol of Hoi An.
Just a short walk from the Ancient Town area.
FREE, 30 minutes

3:30PM

Cooking Class

Join a local cooking class to learn about traditional Vietnamese cuisine and enjoy tasting the meals you prepare afterwards!
Booking available online or at local tour shops.
VND300000, 3 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Old Town Restaurant

Savor a variety of local flavors with a dinner at Old Town Restaurant, perfectly located within the vibrant atmosphere of the Ancient Town.
A short walk from your cooking class location.
VND120000, 1.5 hours

9:00PM

Evening Stroll with Lanterns

Take an evening walk through the Ancient Town, magical under the glow of lanterns, capturing perfect honeymoon moments.
Within the Ancient Town, free to explore.
FREE, As long as desired
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Day 6: Ho Chi Minh City Discovery

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam on December 4, 2024

7:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Have your breakfast at your hotel in Hoi An before traveling to Ho Chi Minh City.
Provided by hotel.
FREE, 1 hour

8:00AM

Travel to Ho Chi Minh City

Catch an early bus to Ho Chi Minh City, also known as Saigon, the bustling heart of Vietnam.
Approx. 18 hours by overnight bus.
VND600000, 18 hours

2:00AM

Breakfast on Arrival

Grab a quick breakfast at a local street stall as you arrive in Ho Chi Minh City.
Street vendor near bus station, about 5-minute walk.
VND20000, 30 minutes

2:30AM

Check into Accommodation

Rest and freshen up at your budget accommodation in downtown Ho Chi Minh City.
Within walking distance from bus station.
VND300000, 1 hour

3:30AM

Explore Ben Thanh Market

Visit the famous Ben Thanh Market which offers a vibrant local shopping experience and a range of street food options.
Easy to walk from your accommodation.
FREE, 1.5 hours

5:00AM

Lunch at Pho Hoa

Have a bowl of hearty Pho at the renowned Pho Hoa, a local favorite in Ho Chi Minh City.
15-minute walk from the market.
VND60000, 1 hour

6:30AM

Visit the War Remnants Museum

Learn about Vietnam's historical context at the War Remnants Museum, which depicts the country's turbulent past.
15-minute taxi from lunch.
VND40000, 1.5 hours

8:00AM

Explore Notre-Dame Basilica and Saigon Central Post Office

Admire the architecture of Notre-Dame Basilica and the historic Central Post Office, capturing beautiful photos of Saigon's colonial legacy.
Both are within walking distance from the museum.
FREE, 2 hours

10:30AM

Dinner at Banh Mi Huynh Hoa

Try the famous Banh Mi sandwich at Banh Mi Huynh Hoa, widely considered to be the best in the city.
15-minute walk from the historical sites.
VND50000, 1 hour
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