14-Day Vietnam Adventure: City Experiences, Nature, and Culinary Delights on a Shoestring Budget

Day 1: Explore Hanoi

Hanoi, Vietnam

9:00AM

Old Quarter Walking Tour

Immerse yourself in the vibrant life of Hanoi with a guided walking tour through the Old Quarter, where you'll witness the city's rich street culture.
Start at Hoan Kiem Lake and wind through the bustling streets.
USD20, 3 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Bun Cha Huong Lien

Savour the iconic bun cha (grilled pork) at the famous spot where President Obama dined.
Walk 15 minutes from the Old Quarter.
USD5, 1 hour

2:00PM

Visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum

Experience a piece of history at the revered site where Ho Chi Minh's body is preserved.
Take a taxi for a short ride (10 minutes).
USD0, 1 hour

5:00PM

Dinner at Cha Ca Thang Long

Delight in cha ca, a Hanoi specialty of grilled fish, in a bustling, no-frills setting.
Take a taxi back to the Old Quarter.
USD7, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 2: Cultural Immersion

Hanoi, Vietnam

8:00AM

Breakfast at Pho Bat Dan

Start your day with a hearty bowl of pho at this local favourite.
Walk to nearby Bat Dan street.
USD2, 1 hour

9:30AM

Vietnam Museum of Ethnology

Discover Vietnam's diverse cultures and ethnic groups through fascinating exhibits.
Take bus number 14 from the Old Quarter.
USD3, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Koto

Support a good cause by enjoying a delicious meal at this restaurant run by disadvantaged youths.
Take a taxi back towards the city centre.
USD8, 1 hour

1:30PM

Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre

Experience a traditional Vietnamese art form with a captivating water puppet show.
Walk 15 minutes from lunch.
USD7, 1 hour

6:00PM

Street Food Dinner Tour

Embark on a guided street food tour to taste the local dishes in the evening bustling atmosphere.
Meet your guide in the Old Quarter.
USD25, 3 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 3: Halong Bay Adventure

Halong Bay, Vietnam

7:00AM

Depart for Halong Bay

Get an early start to take a bus to the stunning Halong Bay, known for its emerald waters and limestone islands.
Book a bus ticket from Hanoi to Halong Bay.
USD10, 4 hours

11:30AM

Board a Cruise

Board a budget cruise to explore Halong Bay while enjoying a welcome drink and fresh seafood.
Board at the cruise port.
USD30, 6 hours

5:00PM

Explore Sung Sot Cave

Visit the impressive Sung Sot Cave, known for its sparkling stalactites and unique rock formations.
Short hike from the cruise boat.
USD2, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner Onboard

Enjoy a sumptuous dinner on board while taking in the stunning views of the bay at twilight.
Dining area on the cruise.
Included in cruise, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 4: Rooted in Nature

Ninh Binh, Vietnam

8:00AM

Breakfast on Cruise

Wake up to a beautiful sunrise and enjoy a light breakfast as your cruise continues.
Dining area on the cruise.
Included in cruise, 1 hour

10:00AM

Return to Halong Port

Transfer back to Halong port before heading to Ninh Binh, famous for its breathtaking karst landscapes.
Travel via the same bus.
USD10, 2.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at a Local Eatery

Tuck into some delicious tam co (stir-fried rice) at a local restaurant.
Find a local spot near Ninh Binh train station.
USD5, 1 hour

2:30PM

Visit Tam Coc

Take a boat trip through the breathtaking Tam Coc caves, referred to as 'Halong Bay on land'.
15-minute bike ride from lunch.
USD10, 2 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Ninh Binh Local Restaurant

Experience local delicacies in a rustic setting with grilled goat meat as a highlight.
Ride back to Ninh Binh town.
USD6, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 5: Caving and Nature Exploration

Phong Nha, Vietnam

7:30AM

Breakfast at Your Hotel

Enjoy a simple breakfast of banh mi and coffee before heading out.
Local café in Phong Nha.
USD3, 1 hour

9:00AM

Explore Phong Nha Cave

Embark on a boat ride to the stunning Phong Nha Cave, renowned for its impressive rock formations.
Join a local tour group.
USD10, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Phong Nha Botanic Garden Cafe

Enjoy a refreshing meal in nature, choosing from local Vietnamese dishes.
Short walk from the cave area.
USD4, 1 hour

1:30PM

Visit Paradise Cave

Discover the incredible stalactites and stalagmites of Paradise Cave, one of the largest in the world.
Take a local shuttle or taxi.
USD10, 2.5 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at a Local Eatery

Taste the famous nem chua (fermented pork) paired with rice at a nearby restaurant.
Visit a local eatery nearby.
USD6, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 6: More of Phong Nha

Phong Nha, Vietnam

8:00AM

Breakfast at a Local Café

Start your day with fresh fruit and coffee.
Nearby cafe.
USD2, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Dark Cave

Adventure into Dark Cave, where you can swim, zip-line, and explore in the beautiful surroundings.
Join a local tour for transportation.
USD12, 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at the Dorm Room Café

Grab a bite at a budget-friendly café popular among backpackers.
Double check the direction with locals.
USD5, 1 hour

2:30PM

Free Time

Explore the countryside on foot or bike, soaking up the serene nature.
Bike rentals are available.
USD2, 3 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at a Local BBQ

Enjoy Vietnamese BBQ with locals and share travel stories.
Choose a local BBQ joint.
USD8, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 7: Historic Hue

Hue, Vietnam

7:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a hearty breakfast before departing from Phong Nha.
Check out of hotel and grab breakfast.
Included in Accommodation, 1 hour

8:30AM

Travel to Hue

Take a bus to the historic city of Hue, once the imperial capital.
Book bus ticket in advance.
USD10, 4 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Hanh Restaurant

Sample delicious traditional dishes like bun bo Hue at this famous restaurant.
Conveniently located near the city centre.
USD6, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Visit the Imperial City

Explore the majestic grounds of the Imperial City, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Short taxi ride from lunch.
USD10, 2.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Local Street Vendor

Enjoy cheap but delicious street food; try banh xeo (crispy pancake).
Stroll back to the city for food stalls.
USD3, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability

Day 8: Cultural Hoi An

Hoi An, Vietnam

8:00AM

Breakfast at a Local Café

Sip Vietnamese coffee and have a light breakfast in Hue's charming streets.
Visit a nearby café.
USD3, 1 hour

9:30AM

Travel to Hoi An

Take a bus to Hoi An, famous for its preserved ancient town.
Coordinate with local bus station.
USD5, 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Morning Glory

Indulge in traditional Hoi An dishes, featuring fresh ingredients from local markets.
Located in the old town.
USD6, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Explore Hoi An Ancient Town

Wander through lantern-lit streets and historic buildings, a UNESCO Heritage Site.
Walk in the ancient town area.
USD0, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at the Riverside

Experience a scenic riverside dinner, trying local specialties like Cao Lau.
Dine along the riverside.
USD7, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 9: More Hoi An Adventures

Hoi An, Vietnam

8:00AM

Breakfast at your Accommodation

Enjoy a nourishing breakfast to prepare for a day filled with adventures.
On-site at the hotel.
Included in Accommodation, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Tra Que Herb Village

Experience the rural life of Vietnam in this herb-growing village and enjoy a cooking class.
Quick bike ride or arrange a shuttle.
USD10, 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Market Stall

Try local fruits and banh mi from market vendors.
Explore the town markets.
USD3, 1 hour

2:30PM

Spend the Afternoon at An Bang Beach

Relax on the beach and soak in the sun for a few hours.
Bike to An Bang Beach.
USD0, 4 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Nu Eatery

Dive into a fantastic meal packed with flavours of Hoi An.
Return to the old town.
USD10, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 10: Da Nang Delights

Da Nang, Vietnam

8:00AM

Breakfast at Your Hoi An Accommodation

Enjoy breakfast before a short trip to Da Nang.
On-site at the hotel.
Included in Accommodation, 1 hour

9:30AM

Travel to Da Nang

Catch a bus to Da Nang, known for its beaches and the Marble Mountains.
Take the local bus station.
USD5, 1 hour

11:00AM

Visit Marble Mountains

Climb through stunning caves and pagodas set in the Marble Mountains.
Taxi or bike from the bus station.
USD3, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch by the Beach

Enjoy fresh seafood at a casual beachfront eatery.
Walk down to the beach area.
USD7, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Relax on My Khe Beach

Take some time to sunbathe and swim at one of Da Nang's popular beaches.
Stroll to the nearby beach.
USD0, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at a Local Restaurant

Experience the delicious banh xeo (Vietnamese pancakes) at a casual spot.
Visit a local restaurant for dinner.
USD8, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 11: Beach Day in Nha Trang

Nha Trang, Vietnam

7:00AM

Breakfast at Your Hotel

Check out and enjoy breakfast before your trip to Nha Trang.
Local café near your accommodation.
Included in Accommodation, 1 hour

8:30AM

Travel to Nha Trang

Take a bus from Da Nang to the beach city of Nha Trang.
Check the bus station for trip details.
USD10, 6 hours

3:00PM

Check into Accommodation

Settle into your hotel and freshen up after your long journey.
Walk to your nearby accommodation.
USD15, 1 hour

4:00PM

Visit Nha Trang Beach

Unwind and enjoy the sun at the popular Nha Trang beach.
Short walk from your hotel.
USD0, 2 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at Seafood Restaurant

Savour fresh seafood dishes at the beachside restaurant.
Choose a local seafood joint along the beach.
USD10, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 12: Nha Trang Adventures

Nha Trang, Vietnam

8:00AM

Breakfast at Your Hotel

Enjoy breakfast with a stunning view of the sea.
At your hotel.
Included in Accommodation, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Vinpearl Land

Take the cable car to Vinpearl Land for a fun day at this amusement park and water park.
Take a taxi to the cable car station.
USD30, 6 hours

4:00PM

Return to Nha Trang

Take the cable car back to land after a day of fun.
Cable car back to the station.
Included in Vinpearl Ticket, 1 hour

5:30PM

Relax by the Beach

Soak up the sun with an evening stroll along the beach.
Walk back to the beach area.
USD0, 1.5 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Local Restaurant

Try nem nuong (grilled pork sausage) at a local joint.
Choose any restaurant nearby.
USD8, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 13: Vibrant Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

7:30AM

Breakfast at Your Hotel

Get ready for your journey to Ho Chi Minh City.
At your hotel.
Included in Accommodation, 1 hour

9:00AM

Travel to Ho Chi Minh City

Catch a flight or bus to Ho Chi Minh City, the largest city in Vietnam.
Bus information can be checked through your hotel.
USD20, 1 hour flight or 12 hours by bus

11:30AM

Lunch at Ben Thanh Market

Explore the vibrant market and try local dishes like pho and banh mi.
Walk from your bus/flight arrival point.
USD5, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Visit War Remnants Museum

Learn about Vietnam's war history through powerful exhibits.
Take a taxi from lunch.
USD2, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Pho 2000

Taste the delicious pho at this famous restaurant where Bill Clinton dined.
Short taxi ride from the museum.
USD7, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 14: Final Day in Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy your last breakfast with a Vietnamese twist.
On-site at the hotel.
Included in Accommodation, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Cu Chi Tunnels

Take a guided tour of the Cu Chi Tunnels, an extensive underground network used during the war.
Book a tour agency for transport.
USD15, 4 hours

2:00PM

Lunch at Local Pho Spot

Savour a bowl of pho before your last explorations.
Find a local pho spot nearby.
USD5, 1 hour

4:30PM

Free Time for Last Minute Shopping

Visit local shops for souvenirs and last-minute purchases.
Around Ben Thanh market area.
Variable, 2.5 hours

7:00PM

Farewell Dinner at Cuc Gach Quan

Enjoy a final Vietnamese feast featuring a range of local specialities.
Head to the restaurant for a relaxed farewell.
USD15, 2 hours
View Hotel Availability