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9-Day Ultimate Vietnam Adventure Starting in Ho Chi Minh City

Viewed by 57 travelers

Day 1: Arriving in Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

9:00 AM

Arrival at Tan Son Nhat International Airport

After landing, take a short taxi ride to your hotel and get ready to explore.
Taxi ride from airport
USD 20, 1 hour

10:30 AM

Check-in at the Hotel

Settle in and refresh before your adventures begin.
Hotel check-in
USD 70, 30 minutes

11:00 AM

Breakfast at Pho Hoa

Savor one of the finest bowls of pho in Ho Chi Minh City.
Short walk to Pho Hoa
USD 6, 1 hour

1:00 PM

Explore Ben Thanh Market

Dive into this bustling market to grab souvenirs and enjoy the vibrant local culture.
15 min walk from Pho Hoa
Free, 1.5 hours

3:00 PM

Visit the War Remnants Museum

Explore this powerful museum showcasing Vietnam's war history.
Short taxi ride to the museum
USD 2, 2 hours

6:00 PM

Dinner at Secret Garden

Enjoy dinner in a serene setting, serving up traditional Vietnamese flavors.
Taxi to Secret Garden
USD 15, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Ho Chi Minh City

Day 2: Cultural Exploration

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

7:30 AM

Breakfast at the Hotel

Start your morning with a delicious breakfast at your hotel.
Hotel restaurant
Included, 1 hour

9:00 AM

Visit the Jade Emperor Pagoda

Explore this iconic temple with intricate decorations and rich history.
Taxi to pagoda
Free, 1 hour

10:30 AM

Explore Saigon Central Post Office

Witness the beautiful colonial architecture of this historic site.
Walk from the pagoda
Free, 30 minutes

12:00 PM

Lunch at Humm Vegetarian Restaurant

Delight in delicious vegetarian dishes featuring fresh Vietnamese ingredients.
Short taxi ride
USD 8, 1 hour

1:30 PM

Visit Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon

Adore the stunning architecture and charming ambiance around the cathedral.
Walk from the restaurant
Free, 1 hour

2:30 PM

Visit Vietnam History Museum

Gain insights into Vietnam's history with exhibits spanning centuries.
Taxi to the museum
USD 3, 2 hours

5:00 PM

Dinner at The Chopsticks Restaurant

Savor authentic Vietnamese cuisine with a delightful blend of flavors.
Taxi to restaurant
USD 20, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Ho Chi Minh City

Day 3: Exploring Cu Chi Tunnels

Cu Chi, Vietnam

7:00 AM

Breakfast at the Hotel

Fuel up for a day of exploration at the breakfast buffet.
Hotel restaurant
Included, 1 hour

8:30 AM

Travel to Cu Chi Tunnels

Join a guided tour for a deep dive into Vietnam's wartime history.
Book tour in advance
USD 30 (transport included), 2 hours

11:00 AM

Explore the Cu Chi Tunnels

Walk through the elaborate tunnel system and learn about guerrilla warfare tactics.
Guided tour
Included, 2 hours

1:00 PM

Lunch at a Local Restaurant

Have a simple yet delicious meal after a fascinating tour.
Local eatery near Cu Chi
USD 10, 1 hour

2:30 PM

Return to Ho Chi Minh City

Head back while reflecting on the intriguing history.
Tour transport
Included, 2 hours

5:00 PM

Dinner at Pho 24

Enjoy a comforting bowl of pho at this well-known chain.
Short taxi ride
USD 10, 1 hour
Find Hotels in Cu Chi

Day 4: Mekong Delta Experience

Mekong Delta, Vietnam

7:00 AM

Breakfast at the Hotel

Enjoy a nutritious breakfast before departing for the Delta.
Hotel restaurant
Included, 1 hour

8:00 AM

Travel to Mekong Delta

Join a guided tour and experience the vibrant culture of the Delta region.
Book tour in advance
USD 50 (includes lunch), 2 hours

10:00 AM

Boat Ride on the Mekong River

Drift down the river, surrounded by lush greenery and rural life.
Provided by tour
Included, 2 hours

12:30 PM

Lunch at a Local Home

Enjoy a farmer's meal, tasting home-cooked traditional dishes.
Cooked by local families
Included, 1.5 hours

2:00 PM

Visit Local Artisan Workshops

Learn about craft-making, including coconut candy and rice paper.
After lunch, part of tour
Free, 2 hours

4:30 PM

Return to Ho Chi Minh City

Reflect on your day filled with cultural enrichment.
Tour transport
Included, 2 hours

6:30 PM

Dinner at The Chopsticks Restaurant

Wrap up your day with a delightful Vietnamese dinner.
Taxi from tour drop-off
USD 20, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Mekong Delta

Day 5: Travel to Hanoi

Hanoi, Vietnam

7:30 AM

Breakfast at the Hotel

Enjoy your last breakfast in Ho Chi Minh City before heading to Hanoi.
Hotel restaurant
Included, 1 hour

9:00 AM

Fly to Hanoi

Catch a morning flight to Vietnam's capital city.
Book flight ahead of time, taxi to airport
USD 100, 1 hour (flight time 1 hour 20 mins)

11:30 AM

Check-in at the Hotel

Settle into your new accommodation in Hanoi's vibrant atmosphere.
Hotel check-in
USD 50, 1 hour

12:30 PM

Lunch at Bun Cha Huong Lien

Savor the famous bun cha, grilled pork served with noodles, in this local favorite.
Taxi to Bun Cha Huong Lien
USD 10, 1 hour

2:30 PM

Explore Hoan Kiem Lake

Enjoy a leisurely stroll around this picturesque lake, a favorite gathering spot for locals.
Walking distance from lunch
Free, 1.5 hours

4:00 PM

Visit the Ngọc Sơn Temple

Discover the beautiful temple that sits on an island in Hoan Kiem Lake.
Short walk from the lake
USD 1, 1 hour

6:00 PM

Dinner at Nhà Hàng Ngon

Relish delicate Vietnamese dishes in a charming setting, perfect for ending your day.
Taxi to Nhà Hàng Ngon
USD 15, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Hanoi

Day 6: Cultural Immersion

Hanoi, Vietnam

7:30 AM

Breakfast at the Hotel

Prepare for a day of exploration with a hearty breakfast.
Hotel restaurant
Included, 1 hour

9:00 AM

Visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum

Pay your respects to the revolutionary leader and explore the surrounding gardens.
Taxi to mausoleum
Free, 2 hours

11:30 AM

Explore the Temple of Literature

Admire this historical temple dedicated to Confucius and Vietnam's first university.
Short taxi ride
USD 1, 1 hour

1:00 PM

Lunch at Cha Ca Thang Long

Try the iconic dish cha ca—a grilled fish dish seasoned with turmeric.
Short taxi ride to restaurant
USD 10, 1 hour

3:00 PM

Enjoy a Water Puppet Show

Experience this traditional Vietnamese art form that tells folk tales through puppetry.
Short taxi ride to theater
USD 5, 1 hour

5:00 PM

Dinner at Bánh Mì 25

Indulge in one of the best bánh mì sandwiches in Hanoi.
Short walk from the theater
USD 3, 1 hour
Find Hotels in Hanoi

Day 7: Cruising in Ha Long Bay

Ha Long Bay, Vietnam

7:00 AM

Breakfast at the Hotel

Enjoy a buffet breakfast before your journey to Ha Long Bay.
Hotel restaurant
Included, 1 hour

8:00 AM

Travel to Ha Long Bay

Join a guided bus or van tour to this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Book tour in advance
USD 30, 4 hours

12:00 PM

Lunch on the Cruise

Enjoy a buffet of fresh seafood as you cruise through stunning karsts.
On board cruise ship
Included, 1.5 hours

1:30 PM

Kayaking in Ha Long Bay

Explore hidden lagoons and scenic paths in this breathtaking bay.
Provided by cruise
Included, 2 hours

4:00 PM

Visit Sung Sot Cave

Wander through this impressive cave complex and marvel at its natural beauty.
Short boat ride from kayak area
USD 2, 1 hour

6:00 PM

Dinner on the Cruise

Dine under the stars while anchored in the bay with a delectable meal.
On board cruise ship
Included, 1.5 hours

8:00 PM

Night Activities

Join games and social activities with other travelers on board.
On board cruise ship
Free, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Ha Long Bay

Day 8: Discovering Ninh Binh

Ninh Binh, Vietnam

7:00 AM

Breakfast on the Cruise

Enjoy breakfast as you cruise back to the mainland.
On board cruise ship
Included, 1 hour

9:00 AM

Travel to Ninh Binh

Take a bus from Ha Long Bay to Ninh Binh to explore its stunning landscapes.
Book tour in advance
USD 25, 3 hours

12:00 PM

Lunch at Local Restaurant

Try regional specialties such as goat meat and noodle soup.
Short walk to local restaurant
USD 8, 1 hour

1:30 PM

Visit Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex

Explore this beautiful UNESCO site by boat amidst incredible natural beauty.
Short drive to Trang An
USD 10, 2 hours

4:00 PM

See the Bich Dong Pagoda

Wander through this picturesque pagoda nestled against a backdrop of hills.
Short drive from Trang An
USD 1, 1.5 hours

6:00 PM

Dinner at a Ninh Binh Local Eatery

Wrap up your day with a delicious meal to savor local flavors.
Taxi or walk to eatery
USD 12, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Ninh Binh

Day 9: Departure

Hanoi, Vietnam

7:00 AM

Breakfast at the Hotel

Reflect on your incredible journey while enjoying breakfast.
Hotel restaurant
Included, 1 hour

9:00 AM

Last-minute Shopping

Grab souvenirs and cherish your final moments in Hanoi.
Explore local shops or markets
USD 10, 2 hours

11:00 AM

Check-out from the Hotel

Get ready for departure as you check out of your hotel.
Taxi to airport
USD 20, 1 hour

1:00 PM

Departure from Noi Bai International Airport

Bid farewell to Vietnam, taking rich experiences and fond memories back home.
Check-in at airport
Varies, n/a
Find Hotels in Hanoi
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