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11-Day Epic Vietnam Adventure: Culture, Cuisine, and Nature

Viewed by 61 travelers

Day 1: Arrival in Hanoi

Hanoi, Vietnam on December 7, 2024

11:00AM

Check-in at hotel

Arrive in Hanoi, check into your hotel, and refresh yourself for an exciting adventure ahead.
Taxi or pre-arranged hotel transfer from the airport.
USD100, 1 hour

12:30PM

Lunch at Bun Cha Ta

Savor authentic Vietnamese Bun Cha at this local favorite to kick off your culinary journey.
A 10-minute walk from the hotel.
USD15, 1 hour

2:00PM

Explore Hoan Kiem Lake

Stroll around the picturesque Hoan Kiem Lake and visit Ngoc Son Temple located on an island within the lake.
Walk for about 15 minutes from lunch.
USD3, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Visit the Old Quarter

Wander the vibrant streets of Hanoi's Old Quarter, soaking in the lively atmosphere and unique architecture.
15-minute walk from the lake.
Free, 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Cha Ca Thang Long

Indulge in Cha Ca, a famous Hanoi dish of fried fish with herbs, at this iconic restaurant.
15-minute walk from the Old Quarter.
USD20, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Hanoi

Day 2: Hanoi City Tour

Hanoi, Vietnam on December 8, 2024

8:00AM

Breakfast at Phở Gia Truyền

Enjoy a bowl of traditional Pho, famed for its aromatic broth and fresh ingredients.
15-minute walk from the hotel.
USD10, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum

Explore the significant monument where the body of Vietnam's revolutionary leader lies.
Taxi from hotel.
Free, 1 hour

11:00AM

Explore the Temple of Literature

Step back in time at Vietnam’s first university, filled with stunning gardens and historical architecture.
Walking distance from the mausoleum.
USD5, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Koto Restaurant

Try Vietnamese fusion dishes at this restaurant that trains disadvantaged youth in hospitality.
Taxi from the temple.
USD15, 1 hour

2:30PM

Visit the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology

Learn about the diverse cultures of Vietnam's ethnic groups in this extensive museum.
Taxi from lunch.
USD3, 2 hours

5:00PM

Watch a Water Puppet Show

Experience the unique Vietnamese art form of water puppetry at the Thang Long Puppet Theatre.
Taxi from museum.
USD10, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at Restaurant 1915

Dine on an array of authentic Vietnamese dishes paired with local wine in a cozy setting.
Taxi from the theatre.
USD25, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Hanoi

Day 3: Halong Bay Cruise

Halong Bay, Vietnam on December 9, 2024

7:00AM

Breakfast at hotel

Fuel up with a hearty breakfast at your hotel before setting out for Halong Bay.
Included in hotel stay.
Included, 1 hour

8:30AM

Transfer to Halong Bay

Depart for Halong Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage site famous for its emerald waters and limestone islands.
Private car from Hanoi.
USD100, 4 hours

12:30PM

Lunch on board

Enjoy a delicious seafood lunch while cruising through the stunning bay.
Onboard the cruise boat.
USD30, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Kayaking in Halong Bay

Explore the islands and caves up close by kayaking through the tranquil waters of Halong Bay.
Onboard the cruise boat.
Included in cruise package, 2 hours

5:00PM

Sunset on deck

Relax on the deck of the cruise ship and soak in the breathtaking views as the sun sets over the bay.
Onboard the cruise boat.
Free, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner on board

Enjoy a sumptuous dinner featuring freshly prepared Vietnamese dishes.
Onboard the cruise boat.
Included in cruise package, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Halong Bay

Day 4: Halong Bay to Ninh Binh

Ninh Binh, Vietnam on December 10, 2024

7:00AM

Breakfast on board

Wake up to a beautiful sunrise and enjoy breakfast on the cruise boat.
Onboard the cruise boat.
Included in cruise package, 1 hour

8:30AM

Explore Sung Sot Cave

Take a guided tour of Sung Sot Cave, one of the most impressive caves in Halong Bay.
Onboard the cruise boat.
Free, 2 hours

10:30AM

Return to dock and transfer to Ninh Binh

Return to Halong dock and take a private car to Ninh Binh, known for its stunning landscapes.
Private car from Halong Bay.
USD100, 4 hours

2:30PM

Lunch at a local restaurant

Enjoy a local specialty, goat meat, at a rustic eatery in Ninh Binh.
Arrive in Ninh Binh.
USD15, 1 hour

4:00PM

Boat ride in Tam Coc

Experience the beautiful limestone caves and rice paddies on a serene boat ride through Tam Coc.
Drive to Tam Coc.
USD10, 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Thuy Anh Restaurant

Dine on a mix of traditional Vietnamese dishes in a scenic rural setting.
Drive back to Ninh Binh town.
USD20, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Ninh Binh

Day 5: Ninh Binh to Hue

Hue, Vietnam on December 11, 2024

7:00AM

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy your breakfast at the hotel before traveling to the historic city of Hue.
Included in hotel stay.
Included, 1 hour

8:30AM

Transfer to Hue

Depart for Hue, home to the Imperial City and a rich history.
Private car from Ninh Binh.
USD100, 3 hours

11:30AM

Visit the Imperial City

Explore this UNESCO World Heritage site and learn about Vietnam's royal history.
Walking from parking area.
USD10, 2.5 hours

2:00PM

Lunch at Bun Bo Hue

Savor a bowl of the iconic Bun Bo Hue, known for its flavorful broth and tender beef.
Near the Imperial City.
USD10, 1 hour

3:30PM

Visit Thien Mu Pagoda

Experience the serene atmosphere of this historic pagoda situated on the banks of the Perfume River.
Taxi from lunch.
USD5, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Ancient Hue Restaurant

Enjoy dinner featuring royal cuisine, inspired by the flavors of the last Vietnamese emperors.
Taxi from the pagoda.
USD30, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Hue

Day 6: Hue to Hoi An

Hoi An, Vietnam on December 12, 2024

7:30AM

Breakfast at hotel

Have breakfast at your hotel before heading to Hoi An, known for its well-preserved ancient town.
Included in hotel stay.
Included, 1 hour

9:00AM

Transfer to Hoi An

Travel from Hue to Hoi An enjoying scenic coastal views along the way.
Private car from Hue.
USD100, 2.5 hours

11:30AM

Explore Hoi An Ancient Town

Stroll through the charming streets of this UNESCO site, filled with lanterns and historical architecture.
Walking from arrival point.
Free, 3 hours

3:00PM

Lunch at Morning Glory Restaurant

Taste local specialties like Cao Lau noodles at this celebrated eatery.
Walking in Ancient Town.
USD15, 1.5 hours

4:30PM

Cooking Class

Join a cooking class to learn how to prepare traditional Vietnamese dishes, including fresh spring rolls.
At the cooking school.
USD40, 3 hours

8:00PM

Dinner at Lantern Town

Enjoy dinner in a picturesque setting overlooking the lantern-filled river.
Walking from cooking school.
USD25, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Hoi An

Day 7: Hoi An to Da Nang

Da Nang, Vietnam on December 13, 2024

8:00AM

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before departing for Da Nang.
Included in hotel stay.
Included, 1 hour

9:00AM

Transfer to Da Nang

Take a short drive to Da Nang, known for its beaches and the Marble Mountains.
Private car from Hoi An.
USD50, 1 hour

10:30AM

Visit Marble Mountains

Explore the stunning landscape of Marble Mountains, filled with caves and Buddhist sanctuaries.
Climbing and walking through the area.
USD5, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Quan Com Hue Ngon

Taste regional dishes at a local spot, enjoying authentic flavors.
Short drive from the mountains.
USD12, 1 hour

2:30PM

Relax at My Khe Beach

Unwind on the beautiful sandy shores of My Khe Beach, perfect for sunbathing or swimming.
Drive to the beach.
Free, 3 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Nabe Restaurant

Enjoy delicious hotpot at this popular local restaurant.
Driving back from the beach.
USD20, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Da Nang

Day 8: Da Nang to Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam on December 14, 2024

7:30AM

Breakfast at hotel

Indulge in a lavish breakfast before your flight to Ho Chi Minh City.
Included in hotel stay.
Included, 1 hour

9:00AM

Transfer to Da Nang Airport

Head to the airport for a domestic flight to Ho Chi Minh City.
Private car to airport.
USD40, 30 minutes

11:00AM

Flight to Ho Chi Minh City

Take a 1.5-hour flight down to the bustling city of Ho Chi Minh.
Flight process.
USD60, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at Pho Hoa

Relish a bowl of the city’s best Pho, made with rich broth at this renowned restaurant.
Drive from airport.
USD10, 1 hour

3:00PM

Visit War Remnants Museum

Delve into Vietnam's history at the War Remnants Museum, showcasing the impacts of the Vietnam War.
5-minute walk from lunch.
USD3, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Cuc Gach Quan

Enjoy a modern take on traditional Vietnamese cuisine in a charming restaurant.
Taxi from museum.
USD25, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Ho Chi Minh City

Day 9: Mekong Delta Exploration

Mekong Delta, Vietnam on December 15, 2024

6:30AM

Early breakfast at hotel

Start your day early with a hearty breakfast before venturing into the Mekong Delta.
Included in hotel stay.
Included, 1 hour

8:00AM

Transfer to Mekong Delta

Begin your full-day tour of the Mekong Delta, a natural paradise known for its lush waterways.
Private car to the delta.
USD100, 2 hours

10:30AM

Boat trip along Mekong River

Experience the beauty of the Delta by taking a boat ride through the fascinating canals.
Board the local boat.
USD20, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at a riverside restaurant

Savor local dishes with fresh ingredients straight from the Mekong at a scenic riverside eatery.
Boat docking area.
USD15, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Visit local villages

Engage with local residents and learn about their traditional lifestyles and farming methods.
Back on the boat.
Free, 3 hours

5:30PM

Return to Ho Chi Minh City

Head back to the city after a day of immersive experiences in the Delta.
Private car back.
USD100, 2 hours

8:00PM

Dinner at The Chopsticks

Enjoy a fusion of Vietnamese and international cuisine at this popular local spot.
Taxi from hotel.
USD25, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Mekong Delta

Day 10: Tay Ninh Day Trip

Tay Ninh, Vietnam on December 16, 2024

7:00AM

Breakfast at hotel

Start your day with a nutritious breakfast to prepare for a full-day tour.
Included in hotel stay.
Included, 1 hour

8:30AM

Transfer to Tay Ninh

Depart for Tay Ninh, renowned for its colorful Cao Dai Temple.
Private car to Tay Ninh.
USD100, 2 hours

10:30AM

Visit Cao Dai Temple

Explore this unique temple that combines elements of various religions including Buddhism, Taoism, and Confucianism.
Walking distance from the parking area.
USD3, 1.5 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at a local restaurant

Indulge in local specialties at a nearby eatery.
Walking distance from the temple.
USD10, 1 hour

2:00PM

Attend Cao Dai Ceremony

Witness the vibrant and colorful ceremony at the temple, a blend of various cultural practices.
Inside the temple.
Free, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Visit the Cu Chi Tunnels

Discover the fascinating history of the Cu Chi Tunnels, a vast network used during the Vietnam War.
Taxi from Tay Ninh.
USD5, 1.5 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at Pho 24

Wrap up your day with a delicious bowl of pho at this popular chain restaurant.
Taxi back to Ho Chi Minh City.
USD10, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Tay Ninh

Day 11: Departure from Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam on December 17, 2024

8:00AM

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast reflecting on your incredible journey before departure.
Included in hotel stay.
Included, 1 hour

10:00AM

Last-minute shopping/exploration

Spend your final hours exploring the local markets or nearby attractions for souvenirs.
Walking around local area.
Free, 2 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Ben Thanh Market

Experience street food at its best with a variety of dishes available at this famous market.
Walking distance from your hotel.
USD10, 1 hour

2:00PM

Transfer to Airport

Take a private transfer to the airport for your evening flight to India.
Private car transfer.
USD30, 30 minutes
Find Hotels in Ho Chi Minh City
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