9-Day Vietnam Adventure: City Experiences & Nature on a Shoestring Budget

Day 1: Explore Hanoi

Hanoi, Vietnam

8:00AM

Breakfast at Pho Gia Truyen

Start your day with traditional Pho at this well-loved eatery, known for its rich broth and freshly made rice noodles.
Located in the Old Quarter, walk or take a short taxi ride.
VND 50,000, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum

Explore the monumental resting place of Vietnam's revolutionary leader, with beautiful gardens surrounding the site.
A short walk from the breakfast spot.
Free, 1.5 hours

11:30AM

Explore the Old Quarter

Wander through the bustling streets filled with local shops, street vendors, and unique architecture.
Walking distance from the mausoleum.
Free, 2 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at Bun Cha Huong Lien

Enjoy a delicious bowl of Bun Cha, grilled pork with vermicelli, famous for being visited by Anthony Bourdain.
10-minute walk from the Old Quarter.
VND 60,000, 1 hour

2:30PM

Visit the Temple of Literature

Explore Vietnam’s first university, showcasing stunning architecture and a serene atmosphere.
15-minute walk or a short taxi ride.
VND 30,000, 1 hour

4:00PM

Watch a Water Puppet Show

Enjoy this traditional Vietnamese art form while learning about local folklore.
Located at Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre, accessible by taxi.
VND 100,000, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at Cha Ca Thang Long

Savor Cha Ca - grilled fish with turmeric and dill, a renowned dish of Hanoi.
A 10-minute walk from the theatre.
VND 80,000, 1.5 hours
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Day 2: Cultural Day in Hanoi

Hanoi, Vietnam

8:00AM

Breakfast at The Hanoi Social Club

Enjoy a healthy hearty breakfast in a cozy café with a bohemian vibe.
A short 10-minute walk from your hotel.
VND 70,000, 1 hour

9:30AM

Explore the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology

Delve into Vietnam’s diverse cultures through interactive exhibits.
Take bus 14 from your hotel.
VND 40,000, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Xoi Yen

Try Xoi, sticky rice with various toppings, an authentic Vietnamese dish.
Taxi back to the Old Quarter.
VND 50,000, 1 hour

1:30PM

Cyclo Tour of Hanoi

Take a traditional cyclo ride through the city streets to explore hidden gems.
Easily arranged in the Old Quarter.
VND 200,000, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Visit the Hanoi Opera House

Admire the beautiful architecture of this iconic landmark.
Short walk from your Cyclo drop-off.
Free, 45 minutes

4:00PM

Take a Cooking Class

Learn to cook traditional Vietnamese dishes at a local home.
Book a class that provides transport to their location.
VND 600,000, 3 hours

7:30PM

Dinner at Banh Mi 25

Indulge in a tasty and affordable Banh Mi, a famous Vietnamese sandwich.
Short walk from your cooking class location.
VND 40,000, 1 hour
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Day 3: Journey to Sapa

Sapa, Vietnam

5:00AM

Early Breakfast at Hotel

Have a quick breakfast at your hotel before the long ride.
Hotel dining area.
Included, 30 minutes

6:00AM

Travel to Sapa

Embark on a scenic 5-6 hour bus ride to Sapa while enjoying breathtaking landscapes.
Book a bus from Hanoi.
VND 250,000, 6 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at a Local Eatery

Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant serving delicious regional food.
Ask your driver for suggestions.
VND 80,000, 1 hour

1:00PM

Check-in at Hotel

Check into your accommodation and relax for a bit.
Pre-booked hotel, map provided.
Included, 1 hour

2:00PM

Trek to Cat Cat Village

Experience the stunning views and local culture as you trek to the nearby village.
Self-guided trek using a map.
Free, 3 hours

5:00PM

Return to Sapa Town

Head back and rest before dinner, enjoying the surroundings.
Follow the same trekking route back.
Free, 1.5 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Hill Station Signature Restaurant

Savor French and Vietnamese fusion cuisine combined with local flavors.
10-minute walk from your hotel.
VND 150,000, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 4: Explore Sapa and Surroundings

Sapa, Vietnam

8:00AM

Breakfast at Your Hotel

Fuel up for a day of exploring with a simple Vietnamese breakfast.
In-house dining.
Included, 1 hour

9:00AM

Visit Fansipan Mountain

Take the cable car to the top of Fansipan, the tallest mountain in Indochina, for spectacular views.
Book tickets at the base of the mountain.
VND 700,000, 3 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Lao Chai Restaurant

Enjoy tasty local dishes while taking in the mountain scenery.
Close to the Fansipan base.
VND 100,000, 1 hour

2:00PM

Visit Muong Hoa Valley

Explore the breathtaking terraced rice fields and ancient stone carvings.
Join a local tour or hire a guide.
VND 100,000, 3 hours

5:00PM

Return to Sapa Town

Head back and relax after a day filled with adventure.
Same as the morning transport.
Free, 1.5 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at The Brown Eye

Experience a warm atmosphere while enjoying affordable Vietnamese dishes.
10-minute walk from your hotel.
VND 80,000, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 5: Cruise Ha Long Bay

Ha Long Bay, Vietnam

7:30AM

Breakfast at Your Hotel

A light breakfast at your hotel before the journey.
In-house dining.
Included, 30 minutes

8:00AM

Transfer to Ha Long Bay

Take a bus to Ha Long Bay - approximately a 3.5-hour drive through stunning countryside.
Pre-booked bus.
VND 200,000, 3.5 hours

11:30AM

Board the Cruise

Set sail on a budget-friendly cruise, exploring the enchanting scenery of the limestone karsts.
Cruise company meeting point.
VND 1,200,000, 4 hours

3:30PM

Kayaking in Ha Long Bay

Paddle through small caves and lagoons, an adventure not to be missed!
Kayaks provided on the cruise.
Included in cruise cost, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Return to the Boat

Relax on the deck and enjoy the sunset views over Ha Long Bay.
Return to the docking area at sunset.
Free, 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner on Cruise

Enjoy a buffet dinner featuring fresh seafood and local specialties.
On board the cruise.
Included in cruise cost, 1.5 hours
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Day 6: Explore Ninh Binh

Ninh Binh, Vietnam

7:00AM

Breakfast on Cruise

Start your day with breakfast served onboard before disembarking.
On the cruise.
Included, 1 hour

8:00AM

Transfer to Ninh Binh

Head to Ninh Binh via a mini bus, enjoy another scenic drive.
Book a transfer with your cruise tour.
VND 200,000, 2 hours

10:00AM

Visit Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex

Kayak through this UNESCO World Heritage site and take in the beauty of its limestone caves and temples.
Entrance and kayak rentals available on site.
VND 200,000, 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Chay Khuấy Restaurant

Enjoy vegetarian Vietnamese dishes made from fresh local ingredients.
Short taxi ride from Trang An.
VND 70,000, 1 hour

2:30PM

Visit Tam Coc

Sail through stunning rice paddies in a traditional sampan boat.
Short taxi ride from lunch location.
VND 100,000, 2 hours

5:00PM

Explore Bich Dong Pagoda

Visit this picturesque pagoda nestled in the hills as the sun begins to set.
Self-guided walk from Tam Coc.
VND 25,000, 1 hour

6:30PM

Dinner at Hoa Vien Restaurant

Savor local delicacies with stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
Short taxi ride from Bich Dong.
VND 120,000, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 7: Cultural Experience in Hoi An

Hoi An, Vietnam

8:00AM

Breakfast at The Morning Glory

Start your day with traditional Vietnamese breakfast in a vibrant atmosphere.
Local café in Hoi An.
VND 60,000, 1 hour

9:30AM

Explore Hoi An Ancient Town

Stroll through this UNESCO World Heritage Site filled with wonderfully preserved architecture.
Walking distance from the restaurant.
VND 120,000, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Cao Lau Hội An

Savor the unique flavors of Cao Lau, a must-try local noodle dish.
Local noodle shop nearby.
VND 50,000, 1 hour

1:30PM

Participate in a Lantern-Making Workshop

Join a traditional lantern-making class and learn the art of creating beautiful Hoi An lanterns.
Classes are found throughout the Ancient Town.
VND 150,000, 2 hours

4:00PM

Relax at An Bang Beach

Unwind at the stunning coastline and soak in the sun or go for a swim.
Short taxi ride from Ancient Town.
Free, 3 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Mango Mango

Enjoy fusion cuisine with fresh local ingredients in a vivid setting by the riverside.
Back to the Ancient Town.
VND 150,000, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 8: Experience Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

8:00AM

Breakfast at The Vintage Cafe

Enjoy a delicious western-style breakfast at this trendy café.
Located in the heart of District 1.
VND 80,000, 1 hour

9:30AM

Cao Dai Temple Tour

Take a day trip to the Cao Dai Temple, witnessing the unique blend of religions.
Join a small-group tour for hassle-free transport.
VND 600,000, 5 hours

3:00PM

Return to Ho Chi Minh City

Enjoy the crypto setting as you return to the urban environment.
Same tour group transport.
Included in the tour cost., 1 hour

4:00PM

Explore Ben Thanh Market

Wander through the market, picking up souvenirs and trying local snacks.
Close to your hotel, accessible by walking.
Free (unless you buy), 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Pho Hoa

Indulge in some of the best Pho in the city in a local favorite.
Short taxi ride from the market.
VND 50,000, 1 hour

8:00PM

Nightlife at Bui Vien Street

Experience the vibrant nightlife with plenty of bars and street vendors.
Short taxi ride from dinner location.
Free (unless you buy), 2 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 9: Discover the Mekong Delta

Mekong Delta, Vietnam

7:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Fuel up for the day with breakfast at your hotel.
In-house dining.
Included, 1 hour

8:00AM

Travel to Mekong Delta

Enjoy a scenic bus ride to the Delta region, known for its lush landscapes.
Pre-booked bus.
VND 150,000, 2 hours

10:00AM

Boat Tour of the Delta

Hop on a boat and explore traditional villages and floating markets.
Boat tour arranged upon arrival.
VND 200,000, 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Local Homestay

Enjoy a traditional meal with a local family, experiencing authentic rural Vietnamese cuisine.
Arranged through your tour guide.
VND 100,000, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Explore Local Markets

Wander through vibrant local markets, interacting with locals and trying unique local goods.
Walking tour from lunch location.
Free (unless you buy), 1 hour

4:00PM

Return to Ho Chi Minh City

Head back to the city, taking in the countryside views.
Arranged through your tour guide.
Included in tour cost., 2 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at The Lunch Lady

Savor local street food crafted by a famous local chef in a cozy setting.
40-minute taxi from the city center.
VND 60,000, 1.5 hours
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