7-Day Shoestring Foodie Adventure in Vietnam with Halong Bay

Day 1: Explore Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

8:00AM

Breakfast at Jolly Cafe

Start your adventure with a bowl of delicious Pho, a traditional Vietnamese noodle soup, at Jolly Cafe.
Located in District 1, an easy walk from most central hotels.
VND50000, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit the War Remnants Museum

Explore the significant history of the Vietnam War through powerful exhibits and poignant photography.
A short walk from the cafe, about 10 minutes.
VND40000, 1.5 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Banh Mi Huynh Hoa

Savor the famous Vietnamese sandwich, Banh Mi, at one of the city's best stands.
Located about 15 minutes by foot from the museum.
VND50000, 1 hour

1:30PM

Stroll through Ben Thanh Market

Dive into the vibrant local culture while shopping for handmade crafts and trying local snacks.
A 15-minute walk from the cafe.
Free to enter, 2 hours

4:00PM

Check in and Coffee at The Workshop

Relax at this trendy cafe known for its coffee selection and industrial vibe while planning your next moves.
A 10-minute distance from the market; you can take a short taxi ride.
VND70000, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Quan An Ngon

Indulge in an array of traditional Vietnamese dishes in a beautiful garden-like setting.
Located 10 minutes by taxi from the cafe.
VND150000, 1.5 hours

8:00PM

Night Market Visit

End your day by wandering through the bustling night market enjoying street food and souvenirs.
A 15-minute walk from the restaurant.
Free to enter, 2 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 2: City Culture Immersion

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

8:00AM

Breakfast at Cafe Văn

Taste a delightful bowl of Hu Tieu, a famous noodle dish, at this local cafe.
Located near your accommodation in District 1.
VND60000, 1 hour

9:30AM

Explore Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica

Visit this iconic landmark built during the French colonial period.
A short 10-minute walk from the cafe.
Free to enter, 1 hour

11:00AM

Visit the Saigon Central Post Office

Admire the stunning architecture of this historical post office, also located nearby.
Right next to the cathedral; just a quick stroll.
Free to enter, 30 minutes

12:00PM

Lunch at Pho 2000

Experience authentic Pho in a restaurant that has welcomed many celebrities.
A 15-minute walk from the post office.
VND100000, 1 hour

1:30PM

Visit Reunification Palace

Step into a piece of history with a tour of this landmark that marks the end of the Vietnam War.
A 10-minute taxi ride from the lunch spot.
VND40000, 1.5 hours

3:30PM

Relax at Tao Dan Park

Unwind amid the lush green scenery and local life around you.
About a 15-minute walk from the palace.
Free to enter, 1 hour

5:00PM

Cooking Class – Vietnam Cookery Centre

Learn to cook traditional Vietnamese dishes and enjoy your creations.
A 10-minute taxi ride from the park.
VND120000, 3 hours

8:00PM

Dinner at Com Nieu Sai Gon

Try the unique clay pot rice, a treat that you won’t forget!
A 20-minute taxi ride from the cooking class.
VND100000, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 3: Journey to Halong Bay

Halong Bay, Vietnam

7:00AM

Morning Bus to Halong Bay

Travel from Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi and then take a bus to Halong Bay.
Departure from your hotel to the bus station.
VND300000, 5-6 hours

1:00PM

Check into Budget Hotel in Halong Bay

Settle in at an affordable hotel with views of the bay.
Easily accessible via a short taxi or walk.
VND400000, 1 hour

2:30PM

Lunch at Local Seafood Restaurant

Savor fresh seafood sourced from the waters of Halong Bay.
Located close to the hotel, about a 10-minute walk.
VND120000, 1 hour

4:00PM

Cruise on Halong Bay

Enjoy a relaxing cruise among the breathtaking limestone karsts.
Board from the local harbor, a short walk from the restaurant.
VND500000, 4 hours

8:00PM

Dinner on the Cruise

Indulge in a delicious dinner comprised of local dishes while enjoying the evening view.
Onboard the cruise.
Included in cruise cost, 2 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 4: Exploration of Halong Bay

Halong Bay, Vietnam

7:00AM

Breakfast on the Cruise

Enjoy a fresh breakfast while soaking in the sunrise amid the karsts.
Onboard the cruise.
Included in cruise cost, 1 hour

8:30AM

Kayaking Adventure

Explore hidden lagoons and caves by kayaking through the calm waters.
Organized by the cruise service.
Included in cruise cost, 2 hours

11:00AM

Visit Sung Sot Cave

Discover the stunning beauty of one of the largest caves in Halong Bay.
A short boat ride from your kayak point.
VND50000, 1 hour

12:30PM

Lunch on Board

Enjoy a fresh seafood lunch while cruising the bay.
Onboard the cruise.
Included in cruise cost, 2 hours

2:30PM

Return to Hanoi

Make your way back to Hanoi by bus after an unforgettable time in Halong Bay.
Taxi to the bus area; 2.5 hour journey.
VND300000, 3 hours

5:30PM

Check in at Hanoi Budget Hostel

Find a cozy place in the heart of Hanoi's Old Quarter.
A 10-minute walk from the bus drop-off.
VND200000, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at Bun Cha Huong Lien

Try the iconic Bun Cha, grilled pork with rice noodles, at a restaurant popular among locals.
A 15-minute walk from your hostel.
VND70000, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability

Day 5: Charming Hoi An

Hoi An, Vietnam

8:00AM

Travel to Hoi An

Take a morning bus from Hanoi to the charming town of Hoi An.
Departure from the Old Quarter.
VND200000, 5 hours

1:00PM

Check-in at Local Homestay

Settle into your cozy homestay that provides a welcoming atmosphere.
Located a short distance from Hoi An ancient town.
VND400000, 1 hour

2:30PM

Lunch at Cao Lau Hoian

Try the famous Hoi An dish, Cao Lau, noodle soup with pork and greens.
A 15-minute walk from your homestay.
VND70000, 1 hour

4:00PM

Explore Ancient Town

Wander through the UNESCO World Heritage Site with its historic streets and colorful buildings.
Stroll from the restaurant to the town center.
Free to enter, 2 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at Street Food Market

Enjoy a variety of local foods from vendors in the culinary market.
Located in the ancient town area.
VND150000, 1.5 hours

8:00PM

Lantern Night Walk

Experience the magical ambiance of Hoi An with its glowing lanterns illuminating the streets.
Easily walkable within the ancient town.
Free to enter, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 6: Culinary Bliss of Hoi An

Hoi An, Vietnam

8:00AM

Breakfast at Cargo Club

Enjoy a delectable fusion breakfast with local and international flavors.
A short walk near your homestay.
VND80000, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Tra Que Vegetable Village

Engage in an eco-friendly tour learning about local farming techniques.
Take a 10-minute bicycle ride from Hoi An center.
VND50000, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at the local family kitchen

Participate in a cooking class and share a meal you've prepared together.
Part of the eco-tour.
VND150000, 2 hours

2:30PM

Visit Hoi An Museum

Learn about the history and culture of Hoi An in this informative museum.
A bike ride back to town.
VND40000, 1 hour

4:00PM

Try a local coffee at Reaching Out Tea House

Experience a functional disability café while sipping aromatic Vietnamese coffee.
A 15-minute taxi ride.
VND60000, 1 hour

5:30PM

Relax at the Hoi An Riverside

Unwind by the river and enjoy the stunning sunset scenery.
20-minute walk from the tea house.
Free to enter, 1.5 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Bao So Cafe

Savor traditional Vietnamese dishes crafted with local ingredients.
A short taxi ride from the riverside.
VND120000, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 7: Historical Hanoi

Hanoi, Vietnam

8:00AM

Morning Flight to Hanoi

Fly back to Hanoi after an unforgettable journey through Vietnam.
Transfer to the airport via taxi.
VND150000, 1.5 hours (including flight time)

10:00AM

Check-in at Budget Hostel

Choose between several budget-friendly hostels located in the Old Quarter.
Easy access via taxi from the airport.
VND200000, 1 hour

11:30AM

Brunch at Bun Cha Huong Lien

Try the famous grilled pork and rice noodles, a local favorite.
Within the Old Quarter area, a short distance away.
VND70000, 1 hour

1:00PM

Visit Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum

Pay respect to Vietnam’s founding father at his final resting place.
Around a 15-minute taxi ride.
Free to enter, 1 hour

2:30PM

Explore the Old Quarter

Immerse yourself in the lively ambiance, with its shops and street food vendors.
A 10-minute walk from the mausoleum.
Free to enter, 2 hours

5:00PM

Coffee at The Note Coffee

Savor coffee in this unique café decorated with colorful sticky notes.
Located right in the Old Quarter.
VND70000, 1 hour

6:30PM

Dinner at Cha Ca Thang Long

Experience the traditional dish of Cha Ca fish, a delectable must-try.
10-minute taxi ride from the cafe.
VND120000, 1.5 hours

8:00PM

Watch Water Puppet Show

End your trip with a cultural water puppet performance; a unique Vietnamese art form.
A short walk from the dinner location.
VND120000, 1 hour
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