Epic Journey Through Vietnam: A City Experience Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival & Dive In

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam on February 15, 2025

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Pho 24

Start your day with a classic bowl of pho at this popular chain known for its flavorful broth.
Located in District 1, easily accessible by foot.
VND 80,000, 1 hour

9:30 AM

War Remnants Museum

Explore the powerful historical exhibits that tell the story of the Vietnam War through photographs and artifacts.
Taxi ride from Pho 24, about 15 minutes.
VND 40,000, 2 hours

12:00 PM

Lunch at Com Nieu Sai Gon

Savor traditional Vietnamese clay pot rice, a local favorite served with a variety of meats and vegetables.
Short taxi ride from the museum, roughly 10 minutes.
VND 150,000, 1.5 hours

1:30 PM

Bến Thành Market

Immerse yourself in the bustling market atmosphere, ideal for shopping and trying street food.
Walk from the restaurant, just 10 minutes away.
Free entry, 2 hours

3:30 PM

Saigon Notre-Dame Basilica

Visit this stunning French-colonial cathedral, an architectural gem nestled in the heart of the city.
Short walk from the market, around 5 minutes.
Free entry, 1 hour

5:00 PM

Take a sunset cruise on the Saigon River

Enjoy breathtaking views of the city skyline as the sun sets, with an opportunity for a drink.
Taxi to the cruise dock, approximately 15 minutes.
VND 300,000, 1.5 hours

7:00 PM

Dinner at Cuc Gach Quan

Experience exquisite Vietnamese cuisine in a charming setting with a focus on freshness and local ingredients.
Short taxi ride from the cruise, about 15 minutes.
VND 350,000, 2 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 2: Cultural Exploration

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam on February 16, 2025

8:00 AM

Breakfast at The Lunch Lady

Taste a delightful bowl of noodle soup that has been featured in various travel shows highlighting street food.
Short taxi ride from the hotel, around 10 minutes.
VND 70,000, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Visit the Jade Emperor Pagoda

Explore this beautiful, ornate temple that's one of the most sacred in Ho Chi Minh City.
Taxi ride, about 15 minutes.
Free entry, 1 hour

11:00 AM

Street Art Tour

Join a guided tour to discover the vibrant street art scene around the city, expressing its contemporary culture.
Walk to meet your guide, 5 minutes.
VND 200,000, 2 hours

1:00 PM

Lunch at The Refinery

Enjoy a fusion of Vietnamese and Western cuisine in a chic environment with a lovely courtyard.
Taxi ride from the art tour, about 15 minutes.
VND 250,000, 1.5 hours

2:30 PM

Visit Reunification Palace

Step back in time at this historic landmark where the fall of Saigon took place in 1975.
Short taxi ride, around 10 minutes.
VND 60,000, 1.5 hours

4:00 PM

Relax at Tao Dan Park

Take a leisurely stroll and relish the greenery and art installations at this peaceful park.
Walk from the palace, about 15 minutes.
Free entry, 1 hour

5:30 PM

Japanese Dinner at Sumo BBQ

Delight in a unique dining experience of grilling meat right at your table, a fun cultural experience.
Taxi ride from the park, roughly 15 minutes.
VND 400,000, 2 hours

8:00 PM

Enjoy nightlife at Bui Vien Street

Experience the vibrant nightlife filled with bars, street vendors, and live music.
Short walk from the restaurant, about 5 minutes.
Free to explore, Until you choose to leave
View Hotel Availability

Day 3: Coastal Retreat

Da Nang, Vietnam on February 17, 2025

6:00 AM

Breakfast at hotel

Fuel up with a selection of continental and Vietnamese breakfast options before heading out.
In-house hotel dining.
Included with stay, 1 hour

7:30 AM

Travel to Da Nang

Catch a morning flight to Da Nang, known for its stunning beaches and vibrant atmosphere.
Flight, approximately 1.5-hour duration.
USD 50, 3 hours including transfers

10:30 AM

Check-in at hotel

Arrive at your beachside hotel and drop off your luggage.
Airport to hotel taxi, about 15 minutes.
USD 10, 30 minutes

12:00 PM

Lunch at Waterfront Danang Restaurant & Bar

Dine with a stunning view of the Han River while enjoying fresh seafood dishes.
Short walk from hotel, around 5 minutes.
VND 300,000, 1.5 hours

1:30 PM

Visit Marble Mountains

Hike through the captivating limestone hills and explore the hidden caves filled with spiritual significance.
Taxi from restaurant, approximately 20 minutes.
VND 100,000, 2 hours

4:00 PM

Relax at My Khe Beach

Enjoy the sun, sand, and surf at this beautiful beach often called one of the most stunning in the world.
Short taxi drive, around 10 minutes.
Free entry, 2 hours

6:30 PM

Dinner at La Maison 1995

Treat yourself to a delightful dinner featuring both local favorites and international cuisine in a cozy atmosphere.
Taxi from the beach, about 15 minutes.
VND 350,000, 2 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 4: Charming Town Visit

Hoi An, Vietnam on February 18, 2025

7:00 AM

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy an inclusive breakfast with local dishes like banh xeo (Vietnamese pancakes).
At the hotel.
Included with stay, 1 hour

8:30 AM

Travel to Hoi An

Take a short ride to the charming town of Hoi An known for its lantern-lit streets.
Taxi or shuttle, about 45 minutes.
VND 150,000, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Explore Ancient Town

Wander through the UNESCO World Heritage Site, enjoying its blend of cultures and historical architecture.
Self-guided, all accessible on foot.
USD 5 for entry fee to all sites, 3 hours

12:30 PM

Lunch at Morning Glory

Dine on authentic Vietnamese dishes in a classic setting, known for its cooking classes as well.
Nearby, about 5 minutes walk.
VND 250,000, 1.5 hours

2:00 PM

Cooking Class Experience

Learn to cook Vietnamese dishes with a local chef, exploring traditional methods and ingredients.
At the cooking school, close by.
VND 750,000, 3 hours

5:00 PM

Lantern Making Workshop

Create your own lantern to take home as a memorable souvenir from this enchanting town.
Nearby workshop, about 10 minutes walk.
VND 300,000, 1.5 hours

7:00 PM

Dinner at Cargo Club

Enjoy a mix of Vietnamese and Western cuisine with a rooftop view of the old town's lanterns.
Walk from the workshop, just 5 minutes.
VND 350,000, 2 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 5: Historical Insights

Hanoi, Vietnam on February 19, 2025

7:30 AM

Breakfast at hotel

Start your day with a wide range of international and local breakfast staples available.
At your hotel in Hoi An.
Included with stay, 1 hour

8:30 AM

Travel to Hanoi

Catch a morning flight to Hanoi, Vietnam's historical and cultural heart.
Taxi to the airport, approximately 45 minutes followed by a 1 hour flight.
USD 50, 2.5 hours including transfers

10:30 AM

Check-in at hotel

Settle into your hotel in Hanoi and get ready to explore the rich culture.
Taxi from airport, about 30 minutes.
USD 10, 30 minutes

12:00 PM

Lunch at Bun Cha Huong Lien

Indulge in a local favorite dish of bun cha, grilled pork with rice noodles, known for its rich flavors.
Taxi from hotel, around 15 minutes.
VND 150,000, 1.5 hours

1:30 PM

Vietnam Museum of Ethnology

Dive into the diverse ethnic cultures of Vietnam through engaging exhibits and artifacts.
Taxi ride from the restaurant, about 15 minutes.
VND 40,000, 1.5 hours

3:30 PM

Visit Hoan Kiem Lake

Take a peaceful stroll around the historic lake, experiencing its serene atmosphere and local legends.
Taxi from museum, approximately 15 minutes.
Free entry, 1 hour

5:00 PM

Water Puppet Show

Enjoy a traditional Vietnamese water puppet show, a unique cultural performance held in a scenic theater.
Nearby the lake, 5 minutes walk.
VND 100,000, 1 hour

6:30 PM

Dinner at Cha Ca Thang Long

Feast on cha ca, a signature Hanoi dish of grilled fish with fresh herbs, garlic, and noodles.
Short walk from the puppet theater, about 10 minutes.
VND 250,000, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 6: Natural Wonders

Halong Bay, Vietnam on February 20, 2025

6:00 AM

Breakfast at hotel

Nourish yourself with a hearty breakfast spread before embarking on a day of exploration.
At your hotel.
Included with stay, 1 hour

7:30 AM

Travel to Halong Bay

Embark on a scenic bus ride to Halong Bay, famed for its emerald waters and thousands of limestone islands.
Hotel taxi or shuttle service, about 3.5 hours.
USD 35, 4 hours including stops

11:30 AM

Board the cruise

Set sail on a traditional junk boat for a unique experience among the stunning karst formations.
Check-in at the cruise terminal, 15 minutes from bus drop-off.
USD 70, 30 minutes

12:00 PM

Lunch on the cruise

Relish a freshly prepared seafood lunch on board while enjoying the picturesque views.
Onboard the cruise boat.
Included with cruise package, 2 hours

2:00 PM

Explore Sung Sot Cave

Venture into one of the largest and most impressive caves in the bay.
Continue cruise toward the cave, about 30 minutes.
Included with cruise package, 1 hour

3:30 PM

Kayaking in Halong Bay

Paddle through the tranquil waters surrounded by towering cliffs and lush greenery.
Kayaking equipment provided on the cruise.
Included with cruise package, 1.5 hours

5:00 PM

Relax on the deck

Unwind with a book or enjoy the scenic views from the comfort of the deck.
Onboard the cruise boat.
Free, 1.5 hours

6:30 PM

Dinner on the cruise

Savor a delectable multi-course dinner featuring local ingredients while the sun sets over the bay.
Onboard the cruise boat.
Included with cruise package, 2 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 7: Historical Fields

Ninh Binh, Vietnam on February 21, 2025

7:00 AM

Breakfast on the cruise

Enjoy a delightful breakfast as the sun rises over the mesmerizing landscape.
Onboard the cruise boat.
Included with cruise package, 1 hour

8:00 AM

Travel to Ninh Binh

Ride back to the mainland and head to Ninh Binh, known for its dramatic landscapes.
Cruise back to harbor followed by a taxi, approximately 2.5 hours.
USD 40, 3 hours including transfers

11:30 AM

Visit Tam Coc

Float down the river through stunning limestone karsts and rice paddies, often called 'Ha Long Bay on land.'
Boat ride at Tam Coc, 15-minute walk from the parking area.
VND 150,000, 2 hours

1:30 PM

Lunch at a local eatery

Try the local specialty of goat meat served with rice at a family-run restaurant.
Short walk from Tam Coc, around 10 minutes.
VND 200,000, 1.5 hours

3:00 PM

Explore Bich Dong Pagoda

Visit this beautiful pagoda set in the hills, offering stunning views of the surrounding countryside.
Taxi or bike ride, about 20 minutes.
Free entry, 1 hour

4:30 PM

Return to Hanoi

Travel back to Hanoi from Ninh Binh, preparing for the next adventure.
Taxi back to Hanoi, approximately 2 hours.
USD 35, 2 hours

7:00 PM

Dinner at Home Hanoi Restaurant

Indulge in an inviting setting with a menu that represents the best of Vietnamese cuisine.
Taxi ride from your hotel in Hanoi, around 15 minutes.
VND 300,000, 2 hours
View Hotel Availability