7-Day Shoestring Foodie Adventure in Vietnam with Halong Bay

Day 1: Discover Historic Hanoi

Hanoi, Vietnam

8:00AM

Breakfast at Pho Gia Truyen

Kick off your culinary adventure with a steaming bowl of traditional Pho at this beloved eatery.
Located in the Old Quarter, just a short walk from most hostels.
VND60000, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum

Pay your respects to the iconic leader at his monumental mausoleum.
A 15-minute walk from the restaurant.
Free to enter, 1 hour

11:00AM

Explore the One Pillar Pagoda

Admire the unique architecture of this historic temple, one of Vietnam's most iconic landmarks.
A short walk from Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum.
Free to enter, 30 minutes

12:00PM

Lunch at Bun Cha Huong Lien

Indulge in Bun Cha, Hanoi's famous dish of grilled pork and rice noodles, at this local favorite.
10-minute walk from the pagoda.
VND70000, 1 hour

1:30PM

Visit the Temple of Literature

Discover Vietnam's first national university, a fascinating blend of history and culture.
A short taxi ride from the restaurant.
VND30000, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Relax at Hoan Kiem Lake

Enjoy a peaceful stroll around the picturesque lake and absorb the local ambiance.
A 20-minute walk from the Temple of Literature.
Free to enter, 1 hour

4:30PM

Coffee at The Note Coffee

Sip a delicious brew in this charming café decorated with colorful sticky notes from visitors.
A short walk from the lakeside.
VND70000, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at Cha Ca Thang Long

Experience the unique Cha Ca fish dish, a flavorful grilled fish specialty of Hanoi.
A short taxi ride from the café.
VND120000, 1.5 hours

8:00PM

Watch a Water Puppet Show

End your first day with a cultural experience, enjoying a lively water puppet performance.
Located very close to the dinner venue.
VND120000, 1 hour
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Day 2: Cultural Insights of Hanoi

Hanoi, Vietnam

8:00AM

Breakfast at Cafe Văn

Start your day with a traditional Vietnamese sandwich or a variety of breakfast noodles.
Located in the Old Quarter, a short walk away.
VND50000, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology

Learn about the diverse cultures that make up Vietnam through numerous exhibits.
A short taxi ride from your breakfast spot.
VND40000, 2 hours

11:30AM

Explore West Lake

Stroll around the largest lake in Hanoi, taking in the picturesque views.
A short taxi ride from the museum.
Free to enter, 1 hour

1:00PM

Lunch at A Taste of Vietnam

Delight in a selection of traditional Vietnamese dishes that give you a real taste of local cuisine.
Located nearby the West Lake; you can walk or take a taxi.
VND90000, 1 hour

2:30PM

City Cycling Tour

Discover hidden gems of the city while cycling down its charming streets.
Rented from nearby shops, typically organized through your hotel.
VND150000, 3 hours

5:30PM

Dinner at Green Tangerine

Enjoy a fine dining experience with a twist on traditional Vietnamese dishes in a lovely courtyard setting.
Located in the Old Quarter; a short bike ride back.
VND200000, 1.5 hours
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Day 3: Journey to Halong Bay

Halong Bay, Vietnam

7:00AM

Morning Bus to Halong Bay

Travel from Hanoi to Halong Bay, a scenic journey along the coast.
Departure from your accommodation to the bus station.
VND300000, 2-3 hours

10:00AM

Check into Budget Hotel in Halong Bay

Settle in at an affordable hotel with views overlooking the stunning bay.
Easily accessible via a short taxi ride from the bus drop-off.
VND400000, 1 hour

11:30AM

Lunch at Local Seafood Restaurant

Savor fresh, delicious seafood sourced directly from Halong Bay’s waters.
10-minute walk from the hotel.
VND120000, 1 hour

1:30PM

Cruise on Halong Bay

Enjoy a leisurely cruise amongst the majestic limestone karsts and emerald waters.
Board from the local harbor, a short distance from the restaurant.
VND500000, 4 hours

6:00PM

Dinner on the Cruise

Savor a delectable dinner featuring local dishes while cruising the picturesque bay.
Served onboard.
Included in cruise cost, 2 hours
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Day 4: Continued Exploration of Halong Bay

Halong Bay, Vietnam

7:00AM

Breakfast on the Cruise

Enjoy a fresh breakfast while marveling at the morning views of the bay.
Served on board.
Included in cruise cost, 1 hour

8:30AM

Kayaking Adventure

Explore secret lagoons and caves aboard your kayak, taking in the beauty of Halong Bay.
Organized by the cruise service.
Included in cruise cost, 2 hours

11:00AM

Visit Sung Sot Cave

Wander through one of Halong Bay's largest and most stunning caves.
Accessible by boat from your kayaking station.
VND50000, 1 hour

12:30PM

Lunch on Board

Feast on a delicious lunch of freshly prepared seafood while cruising the bay.
Served on board.
Included in cruise cost, 2 hours

2:30PM

Return to Hanoi

Travel back to Hanoi by bus after an unforgettable experience in Halong Bay.
Taxi from your boat to the bus drop-off point.
VND300000, 3 hours

5:30PM

Check in at Hanoi Budget Hostel

Find a cozy spot in the vibrant Old Quarter to rest for the evening.
A short walk from bus drop-off.
VND200000, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at Quan An Ngon

Indulge in an array of traditional Vietnamese dishes off their diverse menu.
Easily reachable by taxi from the hostel.
VND150000, 1.5 hours
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Day 5: Charming Hoi An

Hoi An, Vietnam

8:00AM

Travel to Hoi An

Catch a morning bus from Hanoi to the picturesque town of Hoi An.
Departure from your accommodation.
VND200000, 5 hours

1:00PM

Check-in at Local Homestay

Settle in at a cozy homestay that offers a warm friendly atmosphere.
Located a short distance from Hoi An's ancient town.
VND400000, 1 hour

2:30PM

Lunch at Cao Lau Hoian

Try the traditional Hoi An dish, Cao Lau, made with unique local noodles.
A 15-minute walk from your homestay.
VND70000, 1 hour

4:00PM

Explore Ancient Town

Wander through the beautiful UNESCO-listed ancient town, immersing in its unique charm.
Stroll from the restaurant to the town center.
Free to enter, 2 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at Street Food Market

Dive into a selection of local cuisine from various food stalls in the vibrant market.
Located in the ancient town area.
VND150000, 1.5 hours

8:00PM

Lantern Night Walk

Experience the enchanting atmosphere of Hoi An’s lanterns lighting up its streets at night.
Easily walkable within the ancient town.
Free to enter, 1.5 hours
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Day 6: Culinary Bliss of Hoi An

Hoi An, Vietnam

8:00AM

Breakfast at Cargo Club

Delight in a fusion breakfast featuring local and international flavors in this charming café.
A short walk near your homestay.
VND80000, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Tra Que Vegetable Village

Engage in an eco-cultural tour learning about local farming practices and herbs.
A 10-minute bicycle ride from Hoi An center.
VND50000, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Local Family Kitchen

Join a cooking class and relish the delicious meal you've helped prepare.
Part of the eco-cultural tour.
VND150000, 2 hours

2:30PM

Visit Hoi An Museum

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

4:00PM

Coffee at Reaching Out Tea House

Savor coffee in a functional disability café known for its warm atmosphere and great brews.
A 15-minute taxi ride.
VND60000, 1 hour

5:30PM

Relax at the Hoi An Riverside

Unwind by the river while soaking up the beautiful sunset scenery.
20-minute walk from the tea house.
Free to enter, 1.5 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Bao So Cafe

Enjoy traditional Vietnamese dishes made with fresh local ingredients in this cozy café.
A short taxi ride from the riverside.
VND120000, 1.5 hours
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Day 7: Final Taste of Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

8:00AM

Fly to Ho Chi Minh City

Catch a direct flight from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City, soaking in your last views of the north.
Transfer to the airport via taxi.
VND150000, 1.5 hours (including flight time)

10:00AM

Check-in at Budget Hostel

Choose from several budget-friendly hostels located in the heart of District 1.
Easily accessible via taxi from the airport.
VND200000, 1 hour

11:30AM

Brunch at Jolly Cafe

Taste a delicious bowl of Hu Tieu, a local noodle soup, to energize your day.
Located in District 1, a small walk from the hostel.
VND60000, 1 hour

1:00PM

Explore the War Remnants Museum

Delve into the poignant history of Vietnam War through compelling exhibitions.
A 15-minute walk from the cafe.
VND40000, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Visit the Saigon Central Post Office

Marvel at the stunning architecture of this colonial-era post office.
Only a short 10-minute walk from the museum.
Free to enter, 30 minutes

4:00PM

Relax at Ben Thanh Market

Wander through the market and shop for local handicrafts and souvenirs.
A 15-minute walk from the post office.
Free to enter, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Com Nieu Sai Gon

Try the unique clay pot rice dish and unwind after your food-filled journey.
Just outside the market area, reachable by foot.
VND100000, 1.5 hours
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