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12-Day Ultimate Vietnam Adventure: Nature, Culture, and Culinary Delights

Viewed by 56 travelers

Day 1: Arrival in Hanoi

Hanoi, Vietnam on December 13, 2024

10:00AM

Arrive at Noi Bai International Airport

Welcome to Vietnam! After landing, freshen up and get ready for your adventure.
Taxi to hotel in the Old Quarter.
VND 350,000, 1 hour

12:00PM

Lunch at Cha Ca Thang Long

Enjoy a local specialty, Cha Ca, a grilled fish dish, while soaking in the vibrant atmosphere of the restaurant.
Walk from hotel.
VND 150,000, 1 hour

2:00PM

Explore Hoan Kiem Lake

Take a leisurely stroll around Hoan Kiem Lake, a beautiful heart of Hanoi, and visit Ngoc Son Temple.
Walk around the lake.
VND 30,000, 2 hours

4:00PM

Visit the Old Quarter

Wander through the narrow streets of the Old Quarter, filled with shops, cafes, and local artisan crafts.
Walk around the Old Quarter.
Free, 2 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at Old Street Food

Dig into a variety of traditional Vietnamese street foods, including Pho and Banh Mi.
Short walk from the Old Quarter.
VND 100,000, 1.5 hours

8:00PM

Water Puppet Show

Experience Vietnam’s unique water puppet theater, a blend of art and traditional stories.
Short taxi ride to Thang Long Water Puppet Theater.
VND 100,000, 1 hour
Find Hotels in Hanoi

Day 2: Cultural Exploration

Hanoi, Vietnam on December 14, 2024

7:30AM

Breakfast at Café Giang

Start the day with a traditional egg coffee and some Vietnamese pastries.
Taxi to the cafe.
VND 50,000, 1 hour

9:00AM

Visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum

Pay respects to Vietnam’s revered leader by visiting his mausoleum and the surrounding complex.
Walk to the mausoleum.
Free, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Explore the Museum of Ethnology

Learn about Vietnam's diverse cultures and ethnic minorities in this fascinating museum.
Taxi to the museum.
VND 40,000, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Quan An Ngon

Enjoy a variety of Vietnamese dishes in a garden setting, perfect for food lovers.
Taxi to restaurant.
VND 200,000, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Stroll through the French Quarter

Admire the colonial architecture and visit the beautiful St. Joseph's Cathedral.
Walk around the French Quarter.
Free, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at La Badiane

Indulge in French-Vietnamese fusion dishes in an elegant setting.
Taxi to the restaurant.
VND 350,000, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Hanoi

Day 3: Adventure to Halong Bay

Halong Bay, Vietnam on December 15, 2024

7:30AM

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a complimentary breakfast before departing to Halong Bay.
Walk to the dining area.
Included, 1 hour

8:30AM

Travel to Halong Bay

Take a shuttle bus to one of the most stunning natural wonders of the world.
Shuttle arranged by the cruise company.
Included, 4 hours

12:30PM

Board the Cruise Ship

Check-in on the cruise and enjoy a lunch buffet featuring fresh seafood.
While on board.
Included, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Explore Halong Bay

Cruise through limestone karsts and islands, taking in the breathtaking scenery.
While on board.
Included, 3 hours

5:00PM

Kayaking Activity

Get close to nature and paddle through the beautiful emerald waters.
Kayak provided; instruction by crew.
Included, 2 hours

7:30PM

Dinner on the Cruise

Enjoy a gourmet dinner while watching the sunset over the bay.
Onboard the cruise ship.
Included, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Halong Bay

Day 4: Halong Bay Adventures

Halong Bay, Vietnam on December 16, 2024

6:30AM

Tai Chi Session

Start the day with a refreshing Tai Chi session on the deck, overlooking the calm waters.
Onboard the cruise ship.
Included, 1 hour

8:00AM

Breakfast on the Cruise

Enjoy a hearty breakfast before embarking on more activities.
Onboard the cruise.
Included, 1 hour

9:00AM

Visit Amazing Cave

Explore the stunning stalactites and stalagmites in this famous cave.
Transfer via boat.
Included, 1.5 hours

12:00PM

Return to Cruise for Lunch

Enjoy another delightful lunch onboard with views of the bay.
While on board.
Included, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Relax and Swim

Take some time to swim or relax on the deck of the cruise ship.
While on board.
Free, 2.5 hours

5:00PM

Dinner and Evening Activities

Dine on board then enjoy board games or a movie night under the stars.
Onboard the cruise ship.
Included, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Halong Bay

Day 5: Journey to Hue

Hue, Vietnam on December 17, 2024

7:00AM

Breakfast on the Cruise

Enjoy a final breakfast while soaking in the stunning views.
Onboard the cruise.
Included, 1 hour

8:00AM

Disembark and Return to Hanoi

Return to Hanoi via shuttle bus overall to the local station.
Shuttle arranged by the cruise company.
Included, 4 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Pho 24

Savor a bowl of authentic Pho before catching your train.
Short walk to the Pho restaurant.
VND 70,000, 1 hour

1:30PM

Train to Hue

Embark on a scenic train journey to the historic city of Hue.
Board train at Hanoi Station.
VND 400,000, 12 hours

9:30PM

Check-in at Hotel in Hue

Arrive in the ancient capital and check into your hotel.
Taxi from the station.
VND 150,000, 30 minutes

10:00PM

Dinner at Hoa Vien Brauhaus

Indulge in a German-Vietnamese fusion dish before resting after a long travel day.
Short walk from your hotel.
VND 200,000, 1 hour
Find Hotels in Hue

Day 6: Historical Hue

Hue, Vietnam on December 18, 2024

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy breakfast in your hotel before heading out to explore the city.
Restaurant in the hotel.
Included, 1 hour

9:00AM

Visit the Imperial City

Explore the ancient palace and its historical relics, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Short taxi ride to the Imperial City.
VND 150,000, 2.5 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Hanh Restaurant

Taste the famed Bun Bo Hue, a delicious beef noodle soup unique to the region.
Walk from the Imperial City.
VND 80,000, 1 hour

1:30PM

Visit the Thien Mu Pagoda

Admire the beautiful pagoda along the Perfume River, a symbol of Hue.
Take a boat ride to the pagoda.
VND 50,000, 2 hours

4:00PM

Traditional Vietnamese Tea Tasting

Experience a traditional tea ceremony with local flavors and pastries.
Back to hotel for the event.
VND 60,000, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Ancient Hue Restaurant

Enjoy a royal-inspired meal in a beautifully restored traditional setting.
Taxi to the restaurant.
VND 300,000, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Hue

Day 7: Cultural Hoi An

Hoi An, Vietnam on December 19, 2024

7:30AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Fuel up with a hearty breakfast before your journey to Hoi An.
In-house dining.
Included, 1 hour

8:30AM

Travel to Hoi An by Taxi

Enjoy a scenic ride through the countryside to the beautiful town of Hoi An.
Taxi to Hoi An.
VND 600,000, 3 hours

11:30AM

Arrival at Hoi An and Check-in

Settle into your hotel and prep for your culinary adventure.
Walk to your hotel.
VND 150,000, 1 hour

1:00PM

Lunch at Morning Glory

Try local delicacies such as Cao Lau and White Rose dumplings.
Walk to the restaurant.
VND 120,000, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Explore Hoi An Ancient Town

Wander the lantern-lit streets and visit ancient buildings reflecting the town’s rich history.
Walk around Ancient Town.
VND 120,000 (entrance fee), 3 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Mango Mango

Enjoy innovative cuisine with a focus on seasonal ingredients and traditional flavors.
Walk to the restaurant.
VND 250,000, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Hoi An

Day 8: Relaxation in Hoi An

Hoi An, Vietnam on December 20, 2024

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Start the day with a relaxed breakfast at your hotel.
In-house dining.
Included, 1 hour

9:00AM

Morning Cooking Class

Learn how to prepare traditional Vietnamese dishes guided by a local chef.
Cooking school nearby.
VND 700,000, 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at your Cooking Class

Enjoy the delicious meal you've prepared in class.
On location.
Included, 1 hour

2:30PM

Relax at An Bang Beach

Spend a lazy afternoon on the beautiful sandy beach soaking up the sun.
Taxi to An Bang Beach.
VND 100,000, 30 minutes

5:00PM

Return to Hoi An

Head back to your hotel to refresh before dinner.
Taxi back to Hoi An.
VND 100,000, 30 minutes

7:00PM

Dinner at The Temple Restaurant

Savor contemporarily inspired dishes paired with the best local wines.
Short walk from your hotel.
VND 280,000, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Hoi An

Day 9: Da Nang and Beach Day

Da Nang, Vietnam on December 21, 2024

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy breakfast at your Hoi An hotel before heading to Da Nang.
In-house dining.
Included, 1 hour

9:30AM

Travel to Da Nang

Take a taxi to Da Nang to visit My Khe Beach.
Taxi to Da Nang.
VND 400,000, 1 hour

10:30AM

Relax at My Khe Beach

Spend the morning sunbathing and enjoying the beautiful beach.
Arrive at My Khe Beach.
Free, 3 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at Mermaid Restaurant

Enjoy fresh seafood right on the beach.
Not far from the beach.
VND 250,000, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Visit Marble Mountains

Explore the stunning landscapes and caves in this sacred area.
Taxi to Marble Mountains.
VND 100,000, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Sky36 Rooftop Bar

End your day with stunning views and refreshing cocktails over Da Nang.
Taxi to the bar.
VND 400,000, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Da Nang

Day 10: Ho Chi Minh City Arrival

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam on December 22, 2024

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Finish your breakfast and get ready to travel to Ho Chi Minh City.
In-house dining.
Included, 1 hour

9:30AM

Fly to Ho Chi Minh City

Catch your morning flight to Ho Chi Minh City, the country's bustling southern capital.
At Da Nang Airport.
VND 1,200,000, 1 hour

11:00AM

Arrive and Check-in to Hotel

Settle into your hotel amidst the hustle and bustle of the city.
Taxi from the airport.
VND 150,000, 30 minutes

12:30PM

Lunch at Pho Hoa

Savor a steaming bowl of Pho at one of the city's best-known noodle shops.
Walk from hotel.
VND 70,000, 1 hour

2:00PM

Visit War Remnants Museum

Discover poignant exhibits about Vietnam's history during the war.
Taxi to the museum.
VND 40,000, 2 hours

4:00PM

Explore Ben Thanh Market

Wander and shop for souvenirs, textiles, and local delicacies at this famous market.
Walk from the museum.
Free, 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Cuc Gach Quan

Dine on delicious traditional meals in a charming vintage setting.
Taxi to the restaurant.
VND 300,000, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Ho Chi Minh City

Day 11: Mekong Delta Adventure

Mekong Delta, Vietnam on December 23, 2024

7:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Fuel up before a day exploring the lush Mekong Delta.
In-house dining.
Included, 1 hour

8:00AM

Travel to Mekong Delta

Head to the Mekong Delta by organized tour bus.
Bus arranged by the tour company.
VND 500,000, 2.5 hours

10:30AM

Boat Tour of Mekong Delta

Explore the charming waterways aboard a traditional boat.
Board boat at Mekong Delta.
Included, 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at a Local Restaurant

Indulge in local specialties prepared with fresh ingredients from the Mekong.
On location.
VND 150,000, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Visit Local Villages

Immerse yourself in rural life as you visit local villages and observe traditional crafts.
Continue by boat.
Included, 2 hours

5:00PM

Return to Ho Chi Minh City

Travel back to the vibrant city from the Mekong Delta.
Return bus to Ho Chi Minh City.
Included, 2.5 hours

8:00PM

Dinner at The Chopsticks

Finish the day with authentic Vietnamese cuisine at this local favorite.
Taxi to the restaurant.
VND 200,000, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Mekong Delta

Day 12: Farewell Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam on December 24, 2024

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy your last breakfast in Vietnam at your hotel.
In-house dining.
Included, 1 hour

9:00AM

Visit the Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica

Explore the beautiful architecture of this iconic landmark.
Taxi to the cathedral.
Free, 1 hour

10:30AM

Explore Saigon Central Post Office

Admire the impressive design of the Central Post Office, a central hub of the city.
Short walk from the cathedral.
Free, 1 hour

12:00PM

Lunch at Banh Mi Huynh Hoa

Taste one of the best Banh Mi sandwiches in Ho Chi Minh City.
Short taxi ride.
VND 50,000, 1 hour

1:30PM

Last-minute Shopping at Ben Thanh Market

Pick up some last-minute souvenirs before your flight home.
Taxi to Ben Thanh Market.
Free, 2 hours

4:00PM

Depart from Tan Son Nhat International Airport

Say goodbye to Vietnam and take home wonderful memories.
Taxi to the airport.
VND 200,000, 30 minutes
Find Hotels in Ho Chi Minh City
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